Irish Gilt

Notre Dame #9

by Ralph McInerny

When South Bend, Indiana, Detective Phil Knight meets Boris Henry, an enthusiast of the historic Father John Zahm, a Notre Dame priest who was once involved in theoretical disputes during the 19th century, he wants to introduce Boris to his brother, Notre Dame's Professor Roger Knight, who shares a passion for this legendary man. As expected Boris and Roger have much to discuss. But then some of Boris's collection of rare Zahm artifacts go missing and Boris turns up dead, and the Knight brothers team up to uncover the truth behind the murder in Irish Gilt, an absorbing addition to this series by the author of the beloved Father Dowling mysteries.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

240 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2005

About the author

Ralph Matthew McInerny was an American Catholic religious scholar and fiction writer, including mysteries and science fiction. Some of his fiction has appeared under the pseudonyms of Harry Austin, Matthew FitzRalph, Ernan Mackey, Edward Mackin, and Monica Quill. As a mystery writer he is best known as the creator of Father Dowling. He was Professor of Philosophy, Director of the Jacques Maritain Center, and Michael P. Grace Professor of Medieval Studies at the University of Notre Dame until his retirement in June 2009. He died of esophageal cancer on January 29, 2010.

Reviews

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very heavy with character descriptions, a mildly interesting murder mystery, by the author of the Father Brown series. McInerny certainly knows the culture of Notre Dame and South Bend, Indiana. Somewhere along the way, I lost interest and skipped to the end to learn the identity of the murderer.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, and this series, are perfect for members of the Notre Dame family-students, faculty, parents, alum, etc. The parts I enjoy the most are probably background on the school campus, faculty and history. The characters and mysteries themselves are solid, but nothing out of the ordinary. The author would have been an interesting character to know. I wish I could have met him at the Morris Inn for a drink.

[Ted Hinkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easily read, interesting murder mystery involving historic artifacts of legendary Notre Dame theologian, Fr. John Zahm. The plot involves intriguing characters and waves through the beloved campus and surrounding South Bend landscape. What's not to like about a novel involving the University of Notre Dame?

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to work to get through this book. Never engaged me. too many characters, not enough plot.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually don't read mysteries but I gave this one a try b/c Ralph McInerny taught at ND.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little slow to start, but it is not a large book, read fast after a while and quite enjoyable. I liked it a lot.

[Jetreno · Rating 2 out of 5]

A not bad read but not very exciting. I have read other things by this author that I enjoyed
more. Easy to read. Good for the airplane.

[Mrs. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of the best of the series - but still good, and a fast read.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very impressed. Luckily it was short.

[Fred · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not so hot. I wouldn't bother if I were you.