The Bishop in the West Wing

Blackie Ryan #13

by Andrew M. Greeley

Andrew M. Greeley's bestselling sleuth meets The West Wing . . .

Blackie Ryan gets a call from his friend, the newly-elected Democratic president Jack Patrick McGurn—whom the media has seen fit to call "Machine Gun McGurn"—but of course the call is interrupted by Blackie's boss, the autocratic Cardinal Cronin. Cronin, without consulting Blackie, sends him off to the White House to solve a poltergeist problem. Ghosts in the White House? Of course.

Blackie encounters a great deal more than ghosts; an evil spirit out to get the President, a right wing conspiracy, and four beautiful women, any one of whom could be contributing to the mischief in the West Wing.

How Blackie solves the problem of the ghosts and the conspiracy, and perhaps even finds a beautiful wife for the lonely, recently widowed President makes The Bishop in the West Wing the best Blackie Ryan novel yet.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Mystery Thriller

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Andrew Greeley was a Roman Catholic priest, sociologist, journalist, and author of 50 best-selling novels and more than 100 works of nonfiction. For decades, Greeley entertained readers with such popular characters as the mystery-solving priest Blackie Ryan and the fey, amateur sleuth Nuala Anne McGrail. His books typically center on Irish-American Roman Catholics living or working in Chicago.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/andrew...

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't. I found it immensely irritating that all the women (White House staff, for the most part) were way more concerned with landing themselves a cute husband than doing their jobs. They are all written to be silly and insipid. One was quoted as saying, "I love my job! I don't understand any of the things I type up, but it sure is fun!" Another referred to the National
Security Advisor as "that nice old lady downstairs" and had no clue who she was. All the African-American characters speak as though they wouldn't recognize a grammar book if it smacked them in the face. I think it was meant to sound colloquial, but it just made them sound stupid and uneducated. And no president would allow his teenage daughters to play Assistant Press Secretary, especially when they both speak like moronic valley girls. (everything is "extreme cool/neat/pretty".....incredibly annoying phrase). Finally, if I read the words "patently" or "arguably" again I may slit my wrists. I forced myself to finish the book, but I doubt that I'll read any more of Greeley's books.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible. If it weren't for the book's brevity (250 pgs) & my obsessive need for completion, I wouldn't have made it past Page 100. Bishop Ryan's (Father Greeley's) smugness is loathsome almost from the start, & his nonchalance in the face of assassination attempts & a ubiquitous poltergeist is comical, but not compelling. His old friend is President Jack McGurn, a Ted Kennedy-esque figure so brilliant, noble, & beneficent he just can't help but get elected President, despite the fact he's not even trying. The book itself is merely a treatise supporting every liberal agendum since Civil Rights. There are a couple of adolescent love angles, & the central ghost mystery is as poorly developed as if this were the winner of a 6th grade fiction contest. The "detective" has no idea who is responsible, until the solution makes itself known at the moment of climax. The 2 McGurn daughters are a bit amusing, but the author's silly attempts at reproducing their 'extreme cool' lingo quickly turned these 2 into teen caricatures. Enough time spent on this bunk--skip it.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blackie Ryan book 14

I have always loved Father Greeley's books.

Since his accident followed a few years by his passing,I've missed Bishop Blackie and the Ryan gang. So I decided to re-read some of his books.

I suggest that you read this one,as I read it,it seemed as if Father Greeley saw the future. So much of it speaks to what is happening today in Washington and around the world.

The world could do with some Bishop Blackies.

[Kim S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars were a bit gracious, but it wasn't quite bad enough for one star (although it was close). I agree with pretty much everything another reviewer on here, Amanda, wrote: vapid characters with cliche dialogue, insulting borderline racist and sexist character descriptions, multiple unrealistic scenarios, and those LUDICROUS repetitive words like "arguably," "patently," and "extreme" (when the word "extremely" is technically accurate - UGH). The last 30 pages were more interesting and full of action than the rest of the book.

As far as the actual underlying story: my mother bought this for me from a discount book store years ago, probably thinking it was a neat ghost story or supernatural thriller in the vein of Stephen King or something; but it ended up being a silly political commentary with about ten pages of "poltergeist activity" thrown in. The Republicans are the real poltergeists throughout, since everything that goes wrong is attributed to them. I can only hope that my newcomer status to this author/ this series means I'm missing out on some satire he typically employs that would explain the political nonsense in this book; otherwise, the Republican-bashing comes across as beyond silly, like a moody teenager complaining about how he hates everybody.

I wish I'd paid attention to the negative reviews on this book, and/ or I wish I'd made more progress on tamping down that guilt I feel about not finishing a book once I've started. "Arguably and patently," I need to work on that.

[Maynard · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a few years since reading Andrew Greely, and I had forgotten what a treat one of his works can be. "The Bishop in the West Wing" is a real treat and great fun. It contains a Poltergeist, a Bishop, and a group of incredibly interesting characters surrounding the President. Love every part of this story.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 'good read'. Chicago Bishop "Blackie"Ryan was assigned to the White House to rid it of a poltergeist. This was written in 2002 and there are parallels to current times: claims of the President (from Chicago) as not being legitimating elected, partisan divide, media sensationalizing news, et. Some wry humor.

[Russ Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a little behind on this site because I've been in and out of the hospital. I did get this book finished and I greatly enjoyed it. I'm still on the hunt for more books by Father Greeley. He's kind of my new favorite (one of many).

[Ashley Judge · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I read started this book, I couldn't wait to go to the end of it -- and I dont mean that in any good way. I just am the type who finishes a book that she starts. I have read and enjoyed Andrew Greeley's books like The Cardinal Sins, etc.. So, I cannot for the life of me imagine how he could write this one. Admittedly, I have never read any of the Blackie Ryan series. Had I done, I would probably have adjusted my expectations. This book is about poltergeist activities in the White House in the time of a Democrat, Irish Catholic President from the South Side of Chicago. The book was very inward looking -- nonstop praise about Catholics, Irish, Chicagoans (myself being one), and Democrats, in combination or all-in-one as the President and Blackie were. I can probably look the other way about that kind of stereotyping or ascription -- but what irritates me is his suggestion that every one else outside of that set is on the dark side.... unless you happen to involved or loved by one who is. It's all very smug, arrogant and just overbrimming with self praise. The ending was a abrupt and actually quite silly. I am ambivalent about his treatment of the female characters in this book -- it somehow comes across as patronizing although I cannot put an exact finger on how or why. Still I will not waste another minute dwelling on it. It's just not a good book.I will never read another Andrew Greeley. There are just too many good books out there, and good writers, who do not insult our intelligence with unnecessary stereotyping.

[Cynthia Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read this because it sits so beautifully with the book I've just read - "Becoming" by Michelle Obama. It is probable that Greeley (Chicagoan, Catholic priest, sociologist, theologian, university lecturer and Democrat) knew the Obamas. He certainly knew President Clinton. Michelle Obama is an African-American Southside Chicagoan, POTUS in Greeley's book a white Irish-American Southside Chicagoan. Otherwise, & except for height, the fictional Jack McGurn reads as if President Obama is being described; note that this book was published in 2002.
The book sits in the mystery genre though with some paranormal activity thrown in. I enjoyed it as such when I first read it but now it seems to be a companion work to "Becoming".
Thoroughly enjoyable but also inspiring stuff.

[Cathie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Amazing how politics never changes. Both sides are as corrupt as sin and bipartisanship no longer exists by any standard. Violence from both sides is not shocking. But I did find it hilarious about Chicago and Illinois politics, especially from the perspective of a Democrat. Besides New York and California, Illinois is one of the most corrupt political states in the country. It has been a relief to know that Judicial Watch has filed a law suite in Illinois to clean up the corrupt voter fraud that is rampant in the State since Illinois politicians refuse to do so. But, the book's storyline and the plot were fun. Learning about details of the White House were interesting. Characters were intriguing. Recommend.

[Donna B.Gooden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly Exceptional Book!

I re-read this book each time we have a Presidential Election, each time hoping the hatred and anger will decrease. The book seems to soothe as I read it, as well as entertaining me with charming characters and a well-plotted storyline. Couldn’t recommend it more highly.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is extreme cool---the author's rendering of teenspeak of 2002--that Greeley was invited three times to the White House by fan Clinton, once overnight.
I have never so enjoyed a book centered around politics.

[blmagm · Rating 2 out of 5]

#13 in the Blackie Ryan series, but my first. Maybe I would have liked it better had I read others in the series previously. The last thirty pages or so improved greatly, but not enough to rate it any higher.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Black Ryan mystery novels. They are just plain fun and I always learn new adjectives, replies and phrases that continue to bring a smile to my face. Whenever I see a Black Ryan novel in a thrift store, book store, or just wherever (!), I always grab it. :)

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reading Blackie Ryan books again. Bishop Blackie heads to the White House to rid it of a poltergeist. He helps his friend, the President who is from Blackie's parish. It is and interesting story with subplots that could be as true today as they were in 2002 when the book was written.

[Joan O · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed Fr. Greeley's books. This story is great, combining White House relationships, politics & a playful poltergeist who loves to knock Washington's portrait off the wall regularly. It was a great mystery led by Bishop Blackie. Love his one word responses...patently.

[Robert Lariviere · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read in an interesting and enjoyable series.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun.

[Reed Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little strange but entertaining.

[Patricia Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

not his best effort. but strikingly similar to what happened with Biden.

[Carol Kottom · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I was hoping!

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

amusing

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

I generally enjoy Andrew Greeley's
books, but this one I found just silly and overwritten. The plot was uninspired and the dialogue ridiculous. Patently.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just fun to read - and a good break from all the serious books that my new book clubs want to read

[Barb Czz]

Once again another hit.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing that Greeley wrote this in the early 2000s, already decrying loud and rampart partisanship and right wing excesses. I wonder how he felt about Amy Comey Barrett on the Supreme Court?

[Elizabeth Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was entertaining and had an interesting storyline and characters. It is written in a more tell-than-show kind of format, and for today's audience is full of stereotypes and derogatory terms that no longer should be acceptable. A good read if one proceeds with caution and takes it for what it is.

[Robert J. Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Newly-elected President Jack McGurn has a problem at the White House – a poltergeist. He calls the archbishop of Chicago for help, and the archbishop assigns Bishop Blackwood 'Blackie' Ryan to go and straighten things out. Blackie takes up residence in the White House and looks into it. There are political machinations, revolution in China, accusations of sexual harassment, and two assassination attempts before the bishop solves the problem.

I think this qualifies as a cozy. The White House staff is made up of cheerful, upbeat people, many of whom are psychically sensitive, and the biggest problem they're concerned with is whether the widowed President will start dating again. The poltergeist is dealt with as a psychic manifestation of a troubled young woman. There is a brief ghostly manifestation that helps Blackie solve one of the assassinations.

The book is a pleasant, low-key tale. Blackie is a mellow, practical, anonymous-looking detective. There wasn't a lot of suspense and the poltergeist is treated as an annoyance rather than a problem. Greeley is a Roman Catholic priest and the book is occasionally interrupted for lessons in Catholic doctrine and theology, with a touch of 'they're all against us' paranoia – your tolerance for this may affect your enjoyment of the book. I also prefer my mysteries without ghosts, thank you very much.

Pleasant, light, but not really memorable. 3 stars.

[Chris Larson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent story; terrible writing. For example, exclamation points are used excessively throughout the novel! It gets exhausting! Everyone is yelling! Even when they’re whispering! In one instance, the author writes, “'Appalling!' I murmured." Can you murmur a shout? Shout a murmur? Does the author know what “murmur” means? Does he know what an exclamation point means? It's infuriating! (...and yes, I meant to shout that last sentence).

In another example, a college-aged daughter attending Notre Dame says - in front of her father and a Catholic bishop - “I (told her) that...her father f***s sheep because her mother is a lesbian!” Her father asks her, “Was that nice to say?” The daughter replies, “No, it wasn’t nice. I’m sick of being nice. It’s yucky!” Yucky? A girl who just said the "F" word - in front of her father and a bishop - also says “yucky?” Is the character 8 or 18?

The story itself isn't bad, but the author's style distracts from his tale. A mediocre book at best.

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book --if you like politics. It was published in 2002, but much of it seems like it could have been about today. It is definitely a book of fiction… Jack McGurn (newly widowed with two teenage daughters) is a surprise candidate for president when the Democratic candidate gets tangled in the law… He runs an honest down-to-earth campaign with lots of laughs and wins the presidency. He moves into the White House but finds a poltergeist also moved in… (a spirit that can throw things around, make lights go off and on etc. but not really hurt anything). Father Blackie is called in to get rid of the pest. --- Lots of jokes/comments on the Chicago Irish and the goings on in the White House. –Fun!! Note: 13th in the series but reads like a stand-alone novel.