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Bishop Regan and Davey Goldman Mystery #1
The Chartreuse Clue
Bishop Francis Regan is a busy man. Wheelchair-bound for some time, he is not always the easiest of men to get on with. But then, as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York, he has plenty on his mind…
And on his patch, he has at least one rather turbulent priest. Which is how Bishop Regan has come to be involved in a case of murder.
Fortunately, Bishop Regan’s assistant is David Goldman, an ex-cop with a host of useful friends, a side-line as a private investigator and an unconventional approach to crime-fighting.
Keen to help his boss, who has a personal and professional interest in this case, Goldman sets about finding the killer. Who would have killed a young teacher in cold blood, leaving the knife sticking from her chest?
Surely not a Catholic priest, however misguided?
It is Goldman’s job to find out, and where his own faculties fail him, David has the razor-sharp brain of Bishop Regan to fall back on.
Together they investigate, despite the local police force, and ultimately gain entry to the closed, self-interested world in which the dead woman lived.
Here there is a host of suspects; the greedy, selfish brother and sister-in-law; employees and acolytes desperate to hold onto power and some downright unpleasant individuals.
But when Goldman meets the dead woman’s best friend, the pace of his investigation picks up and it is not long before the killer is identified.
But will that be the end of the matter? It seems likely that there is more to play out before justice can finally be done…
And on his patch, he has at least one rather turbulent priest. Which is how Bishop Regan has come to be involved in a case of murder.
Fortunately, Bishop Regan’s assistant is David Goldman, an ex-cop with a host of useful friends, a side-line as a private investigator and an unconventional approach to crime-fighting.
Keen to help his boss, who has a personal and professional interest in this case, Goldman sets about finding the killer. Who would have killed a young teacher in cold blood, leaving the knife sticking from her chest?
Surely not a Catholic priest, however misguided?
It is Goldman’s job to find out, and where his own faculties fail him, David has the razor-sharp brain of Bishop Regan to fall back on.
Together they investigate, despite the local police force, and ultimately gain entry to the closed, self-interested world in which the dead woman lived.
Here there is a host of suspects; the greedy, selfish brother and sister-in-law; employees and acolytes desperate to hold onto power and some downright unpleasant individuals.
But when Goldman meets the dead woman’s best friend, the pace of his investigation picks up and it is not long before the killer is identified.
But will that be the end of the matter? It seems likely that there is more to play out before justice can finally be done…
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 1990
322 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
William F. Love
9 books5 followersWilliam F. Love was a Benedictine monk at St. Gregory’s Abbey, Shawnee, Oklahoma, and was ordained as a priest in 1958. Following his resignation from the priesthood, he became a banker and banking consultant in Chicago. He holds a degree from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.
He makes his home with his family in a suburb of Chicago.
He makes his home with his family in a suburb of Chicago.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 24, 2021
2021-01-24 I have a story about this book. I read it because the author contacted me because of my interest in the books/ideas of Ayn Rand! He was a former priest who took some interest in Rand's work, and put some (little) amount of her ideas into his book(s).
Not sure how, but he found out that I was a leader of a little group that admired, read and discussed books/ideas by and about Ayn Rand. But somehow he did and asked to meet. We met, had a good conversation and I got interested in reading his book. The book is a good murder-mystery, has some fascinating discussions on philosophy, religion (between a catholic bishop(?) and a protestant proselytizer) and a reference or two(?) about Rand or her ideas.
Sorry, but I can't remember what the reference(s) was/were about, but I do remember that the author did not represent Rand's idea(s) fairly/truthfully. I remember having several phone &/or e-mail/letter discussions with the author about it too. He was obstinate that he was right, even though he knew little about Rand's ideas, and typically misrepresented them. Sad. But all too common.
Even though Ayn Rand was a VERY clear writer, people have and continue to misinterpret her ideas - whether consciously or not, is hard to say sometimes. But the amount and degree of false statements about what she wrote about is incredible. Her ideas, and the basic logic she uses, contradicts what so many people were brought up to believe (as opposed to reasoning things out) that it seems they just can't fathom the reality of the ideas.
But this book is not primarily, or even secondarily, about Rand's ideas at all. It is a neat mystery/thriller and can be appreciated fully on that level. But because of my experience with this particular issue, which is important to me, is why I gave the book only 3 stars.
Enjoy.
Not sure how, but he found out that I was a leader of a little group that admired, read and discussed books/ideas by and about Ayn Rand. But somehow he did and asked to meet. We met, had a good conversation and I got interested in reading his book. The book is a good murder-mystery, has some fascinating discussions on philosophy, religion (between a catholic bishop(?) and a protestant proselytizer) and a reference or two(?) about Rand or her ideas.
Sorry, but I can't remember what the reference(s) was/were about, but I do remember that the author did not represent Rand's idea(s) fairly/truthfully. I remember having several phone &/or e-mail/letter discussions with the author about it too. He was obstinate that he was right, even though he knew little about Rand's ideas, and typically misrepresented them. Sad. But all too common.
Even though Ayn Rand was a VERY clear writer, people have and continue to misinterpret her ideas - whether consciously or not, is hard to say sometimes. But the amount and degree of false statements about what she wrote about is incredible. Her ideas, and the basic logic she uses, contradicts what so many people were brought up to believe (as opposed to reasoning things out) that it seems they just can't fathom the reality of the ideas.
But this book is not primarily, or even secondarily, about Rand's ideas at all. It is a neat mystery/thriller and can be appreciated fully on that level. But because of my experience with this particular issue, which is important to me, is why I gave the book only 3 stars.
Enjoy.
April 16, 2020
This is an interesting two-detective mystery novel. This is the first in the series. I liked the use of Judaism and Catholicism in the plot!
August 11, 2016
Dated but in a charming way. This reminds me of the type of book that you would find at a rented lake cottage and would pick up on a rainy day. So if you happen across it on a rainy day in the lake cottage read it otherwise this book has been done better elsewhere.
December 17, 2009
If you like Rex Stout's Nero Wolf mysteries, you'll like this one; not a clone, but certainly a twin.
Read for 30.10 Theresa in Ohio's Task--Color by Numbers
Read for 30.10 Theresa in Ohio's Task--Color by Numbers
January 30, 2013
Great mystery. The book is a superb takeoff of the Nero Wolfe/Archie Goodwin collection. Bishop Francis X. Reagan sits in for Nero Wolfe and Davey Goodman for Archie. A young woman is murdered and a Catholic priest is implicated. He must be cleared so the Bishop and Davey to the rescue. Will definitely read the others in this series.
March 4, 2017
Really enjoyed this novel with its quirky characters: a Catholic bishop in a wheelchair and a Jewish PI working together to solve the crime - intriguing! I shall read another of William F Love's novels in this series.
May 16, 2017
A traditional mystery--the premise reminded me a little of the Nero Wolfe mysteries. Some humor, interesting characters and a good plot.
March 16, 2025
WELL!!!!!
I got this book for free. It has been languishing at The bottom of my reading list for months. Who needs another PI book?
After reading 30+ books I decided to go back through my library and found this one. I thought WTHell give it a go.
We have the expoliceman, a Bishop in a wheelchair after being shot in the spine (touch of Ironside?) but no explanation. Perhaps that will come in a later book. The housekeeper Nun, a beleaguered and idiotic police DI. That about covers it. Not exactly inspiring.
However, William D Love, has a wicked sense of humour, which he has transfered to his PI. The Bishop has an IQ in the 200 range and a panache for the PI's cases, why? Because the PI is also his secretary, eyes, ears and legs when he isn't on a case or romancing his girlfriend of 8 + years. The Nun tried to keep them both on a Healthy diet and adds her own twist to the stories. Still not convinced?
You have to admit it sounds like every other PI story, UNTIL, you add the prestigious talent of William.
He turns the characters into people you can see and hear, gives each their own twist to keep them interesting. Davey,the PI, has a wicked sense of humour and turn of phrase. The Bishop can listen to the story about the case and people involved and pick out whodunit, how and why. He too is a multifaceted character, with his own demons, mostly eminating from his shooting. Davey, has to get him out of his funk and mind working on the case.
I smiled and laughed throughout this story, not a normal reaction during a reading of a murder story. It is the way he tells them!!!
Thumping good read and very enjoyable story. Will definitely try another from this writer.
I got this book for free. It has been languishing at The bottom of my reading list for months. Who needs another PI book?
After reading 30+ books I decided to go back through my library and found this one. I thought WTHell give it a go.
We have the expoliceman, a Bishop in a wheelchair after being shot in the spine (touch of Ironside?) but no explanation. Perhaps that will come in a later book. The housekeeper Nun, a beleaguered and idiotic police DI. That about covers it. Not exactly inspiring.
However, William D Love, has a wicked sense of humour, which he has transfered to his PI. The Bishop has an IQ in the 200 range and a panache for the PI's cases, why? Because the PI is also his secretary, eyes, ears and legs when he isn't on a case or romancing his girlfriend of 8 + years. The Nun tried to keep them both on a Healthy diet and adds her own twist to the stories. Still not convinced?
You have to admit it sounds like every other PI story, UNTIL, you add the prestigious talent of William.
He turns the characters into people you can see and hear, gives each their own twist to keep them interesting. Davey,the PI, has a wicked sense of humour and turn of phrase. The Bishop can listen to the story about the case and people involved and pick out whodunit, how and why. He too is a multifaceted character, with his own demons, mostly eminating from his shooting. Davey, has to get him out of his funk and mind working on the case.
I smiled and laughed throughout this story, not a normal reaction during a reading of a murder story. It is the way he tells them!!!
Thumping good read and very enjoyable story. Will definitely try another from this writer.
September 21, 2020
David Goldman, an ex-cop turned private investigator and a lot of useful friends, has found a second life as an assistant to the wheelchair-bound Bishop Francis Regan, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York. He acts as the bishop’s secretary and errand runner in return for a place to live and the bishop tolerates his PI side business. Goldman is pretty sharp on his own, but when he wanders off into the weeds, Regan can set him straight in no time. When a priest is accused of the murder of a young female teacher, Goldman and Regan set about clearing his name and keeping the priest – and the church – out of the news.
This was a really fun read. Well-developed, dimensional, likeable characters; tight writing; interesting dialogue; topical plot; and I was kept guessing about whudunnit until the end. I liked the relationship between Goldman and Regan, and how they respect each other’s differences, but can come together in a common goal. The religious aspects are woven seamlessly into the plot, in a smooth way, and the characters are all very human. This story reminds me a little bit of the William X. Kienzle Father Koesler series, except it has humor that the Kienzle series lacked. I will read more in this series.
This was a really fun read. Well-developed, dimensional, likeable characters; tight writing; interesting dialogue; topical plot; and I was kept guessing about whudunnit until the end. I liked the relationship between Goldman and Regan, and how they respect each other’s differences, but can come together in a common goal. The religious aspects are woven seamlessly into the plot, in a smooth way, and the characters are all very human. This story reminds me a little bit of the William X. Kienzle Father Koesler series, except it has humor that the Kienzle series lacked. I will read more in this series.
November 19, 2024
Echoes of Greeley
This is a rather delightful mystery which involves a bishop and a private detective who lives in the rectory (not that such would ever be allowed in real life, but what the hey). Davey Goldman, the detective, is beseeched for help by a priest whose friend has been murdered in her apartment while he slept in the same apartment (on the couch, so don't get any funny ideas!). The deceased was the daughter of a bank president who also died, presumably in a ski accident, several months previously. Davey uncovers several suspects, all of whom might have had reason to kill her, but the police are fixated on the idea that a certain "Charles Ryder", who they have been unable to find, did her in. Meanwhile, the bishop comes up with some interesting theories of his own. The whole thing rather reminds me of Andrew Greeley's Blackie Ryan mysteries, although obviously Davey is not a priest (far from it, in fact--he's Jewish!) and the Bishop is far more involved than the Archbishop of Chicago. However, anyone who liked those would more than likely enjoy this and probably others in the series. I actually wanted to give it 4.5 stars but you know how that goes.
This is a rather delightful mystery which involves a bishop and a private detective who lives in the rectory (not that such would ever be allowed in real life, but what the hey). Davey Goldman, the detective, is beseeched for help by a priest whose friend has been murdered in her apartment while he slept in the same apartment (on the couch, so don't get any funny ideas!). The deceased was the daughter of a bank president who also died, presumably in a ski accident, several months previously. Davey uncovers several suspects, all of whom might have had reason to kill her, but the police are fixated on the idea that a certain "Charles Ryder", who they have been unable to find, did her in. Meanwhile, the bishop comes up with some interesting theories of his own. The whole thing rather reminds me of Andrew Greeley's Blackie Ryan mysteries, although obviously Davey is not a priest (far from it, in fact--he's Jewish!) and the Bishop is far more involved than the Archbishop of Chicago. However, anyone who liked those would more than likely enjoy this and probably others in the series. I actually wanted to give it 4.5 stars but you know how that goes.
November 26, 2022
Father William Fuller is suffering from a crisis of faith and a drinking problem. After a night out with Barbara McClain, who knows him as Charles Ryder, he goes to sleep on the couch in her Manhattan apartment, When he wakes up the next morning, he finds Barbara stabbed to death in her bedroom.
Fuller seeks help from Bishop Francis Regan. Convinced that Fuller is innocent of the murder (despite his other problems), Regan gives a challenging assignment to his personal assistant, former police detective David Goldman: identify the murderer before Fuller is identified by the police.
The story is told in Goldman's distinctive voice. I can see why this novel was nominated for an Agatha Award in 1990 for best first novel. The characters are well developed and the story is absorbing.
Fuller seeks help from Bishop Francis Regan. Convinced that Fuller is innocent of the murder (despite his other problems), Regan gives a challenging assignment to his personal assistant, former police detective David Goldman: identify the murderer before Fuller is identified by the police.
The story is told in Goldman's distinctive voice. I can see why this novel was nominated for an Agatha Award in 1990 for best first novel. The characters are well developed and the story is absorbing.
November 16, 2024
Not bad and not great, but at least I didn’t feel irritated while reading it. The main character Dave Goldman is a former cop who is now a P.I. What makes this interesting is that he works for a Catholic Bishop who likes to “help” with the cases. Even more interesting, Dave’s client is a member of the clergy. My only nitpick is that the Bishop is more concerned with the reputation of the clergy and doesn’t want anyone to know who, or what, the suspect is. Still, the book was moderately entertaining and not bad for being free.
November 10, 2024
The Bishop and the PI
The book was written in 1990 and read in 2024. The intrigue and mystery is timeless. The nostalgic period was memorable with special interest. The old style land line phones and lack of currently used cell phones helped establish the slower paced tale. This was an enjoyable and entertaining story. I especially like that the story was written with no foul language, graphic violence or sexual overtones.
The book was written in 1990 and read in 2024. The intrigue and mystery is timeless. The nostalgic period was memorable with special interest. The old style land line phones and lack of currently used cell phones helped establish the slower paced tale. This was an enjoyable and entertaining story. I especially like that the story was written with no foul language, graphic violence or sexual overtones.
October 20, 2025
This reminds me of the Nero Wolf mysteries with the Archbishop being Nero Wolfe and Dave’s Goldman playing the role of Archie Goodwin. Having said that I always enjoyed Nero Wolf mysteries and I definitely enjoyed the Archbishop and Goldman. The story itself was quite unique and the explanation for the actions of the good guys was interesting and informative.
I have already ordered the next book in the series.
I have already ordered the next book in the series.
June 11, 2023
Set in NYC. 254 pp. I really enjoyed this book. Davey and the Bishop are a great team! Davey's internal monologue is dry and witty. The plot was well planned and played out in an intriguing and clear-cut way. Definitely want to read more of this series.
November 6, 2024
Humorous Detecting
An unlikely duo, a Jewish person and a Bishop, work together to solve crimes when they are not busy with their church work. They keep the cops running around with misinformation to protect a priest who is suspected as a murderer.
An unlikely duo, a Jewish person and a Bishop, work together to solve crimes when they are not busy with their church work. They keep the cops running around with misinformation to protect a priest who is suspected as a murderer.
November 7, 2024
Great introduction to new detective duo
Dave Goldman and his erstwhile employer, the crippled but brilliant Bishop, solve what seems to be an impossible case with initially one murder that turns out to be two. Well written and a great read. Highly recommended.
Dave Goldman and his erstwhile employer, the crippled but brilliant Bishop, solve what seems to be an impossible case with initially one murder that turns out to be two. Well written and a great read. Highly recommended.
November 8, 2024
Similar to old Nero Wolfe books
Okay story not very exciting. Davey definitely not as good as Archie Goodwin. The bishop only needs some orchids and it would be just like reading Nero Wolfe.
Okay story not very exciting. Davey definitely not as good as Archie Goodwin. The bishop only needs some orchids and it would be just like reading Nero Wolfe.
November 12, 2024
A SUPERB READ
Excellent plot; a challenging whodunnit. You’ll get all the clues but can you figure it out? Dialogue in the vein of Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin. I can’t say enough good things about this exciting, enjoyable ‘page turner’.
Excellent plot; a challenging whodunnit. You’ll get all the clues but can you figure it out? Dialogue in the vein of Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin. I can’t say enough good things about this exciting, enjoyable ‘page turner’.
December 6, 2024
The Chartreuse Clue -
This was a decent book though it bounced around a bit. Though not really a compliant, my criticism is that it feels, at times, like the story is taking place a few decades earlier and pieces of the story are just a little too convenient.
This was a decent book though it bounced around a bit. Though not really a compliant, my criticism is that it feels, at times, like the story is taking place a few decades earlier and pieces of the story are just a little too convenient.
December 6, 2024
Great first in a series
A Roman archbishop, a Jewish investigator, a priest hiding out, and a neighbor joined forces to solve a murder. I love the characters in this book. All in all it was a pleasant read.
A Roman archbishop, a Jewish investigator, a priest hiding out, and a neighbor joined forces to solve a murder. I love the characters in this book. All in all it was a pleasant read.
January 18, 2025
Wow!!
I liked the pace of this story; it kept me reading when I should have been attending to other things.
The author very handily wove the story fabric to keep the readers guessing until the very end!! Bravo!!!
I liked the pace of this story; it kept me reading when I should have been attending to other things.
The author very handily wove the story fabric to keep the readers guessing until the very end!! Bravo!!!
February 18, 2025
Great Story!
Great story, well-written, funny, and with a captivating mystery. Obvious comparisons to Rex Stout’s Neto Wolfe, much to my delight. I can’t wait to read more from William F. Love!
Great story, well-written, funny, and with a captivating mystery. Obvious comparisons to Rex Stout’s Neto Wolfe, much to my delight. I can’t wait to read more from William F. Love!
June 13, 2020
Great read
A who dunnit that keeps you reading and smiling. Well done William F. Love. I will read his other books. 👍
A who dunnit that keeps you reading and smiling. Well done William F. Love. I will read his other books. 👍
November 6, 2024
The humor was good, it at times it was easy to get lost in following his train of thought. The ending tied it all together
November 6, 2024
I enjoyed reading this intriguing well-written mystery featuring interesting characters. Thank you, Mr. Love!
Read
November 6, 2024Enjoyable story with David and the Bishop solving a murder and saving a friend's reputation, good clean fun read.
November 14, 2024
Shamus at work
Have fun in New York with a really good P.I. in the golden age style. A hardboiled cosy, if you can imagine that.
Have fun in New York with a really good P.I. in the golden age style. A hardboiled cosy, if you can imagine that.
January 31, 2025
Loved this book
This was so fun to read. It did not have any inappropriate parts it was just a who done it and it held you right to the very end.
This was so fun to read. It did not have any inappropriate parts it was just a who done it and it held you right to the very end.
February 24, 2025
A fun easy read
A fast fun read. The characters were interesting and unique. Worth a few hours of your time on a rainy day.
A fast fun read. The characters were interesting and unique. Worth a few hours of your time on a rainy day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews