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Father Ambrose #1
Life Without Shoes: The First Father Ambrose Mystery
New Life should be a place of rest and healing. So why would anyone dump a body in their orchard? Can the visionary Father Ambrose hold onto his own peace of mind, help his fragile community survive, and assist the police to catch a murderer? Life Without Shoes is a gentle newcomer in the world of clerical mysteries--welcome!
Donna Fletcher Crow, The Monastery Murders Series
In the tradition of Grantchester, the Rabbi Small mysteries, the Cadfael Chronicles, and The Monastery Murders Series, Life Without Shoes confronts a modern-day monastic with a horrifying crime.
It's late summer and Father Ambrose is looking forward to an abundant and joyful harvest at New Life Ecumenical Retreat. That dream is shattered when someone dumps a body in one of their orchards.
As Abbot, Ambrose is forced into the role of protector of New Life and, eventually, private investigator, working alongside Sheriff Charlie Cormley to identify and bring the perpetrator to justice. He has no fondness for the world beyond the gates, but now he must put all that aside and do what's best for his community.
Through meditation and his commitment to compassionate service, Father Ambrose finds himself engaged with the outside world in ways he couldn't have predicted, and in the process, must prove the innocence of the New Life community or see it crumble around him.
Donna Fletcher Crow, The Monastery Murders Series
In the tradition of Grantchester, the Rabbi Small mysteries, the Cadfael Chronicles, and The Monastery Murders Series, Life Without Shoes confronts a modern-day monastic with a horrifying crime.
It's late summer and Father Ambrose is looking forward to an abundant and joyful harvest at New Life Ecumenical Retreat. That dream is shattered when someone dumps a body in one of their orchards.
As Abbot, Ambrose is forced into the role of protector of New Life and, eventually, private investigator, working alongside Sheriff Charlie Cormley to identify and bring the perpetrator to justice. He has no fondness for the world beyond the gates, but now he must put all that aside and do what's best for his community.
Through meditation and his commitment to compassionate service, Father Ambrose finds himself engaged with the outside world in ways he couldn't have predicted, and in the process, must prove the innocence of the New Life community or see it crumble around him.
- GenresMystery
406 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2017
169 people are currently reading
1103 people want to read
About the author
Emma Cyrus
1 book89 followersEmma was born in West Virginia and lived there until she was in high school, when her family moved to Pittsburgh. After high school, she went to Boston to go to college. She worked in different small and startup businesses until she moved into a yoga community in Pennsylvania. There, she’s worked on various projects and taught yoga.
She started the Father Ambrose series as a way of pulling together her love of good mystery stories with her deepening appreciation of the real-life magic and mystery of inner work. Father Ambrose has many characteristics in common with the leaders of her community, but his voice is probably hers, or at least what she thinks her voice would be, if she were living inside the parameters of his life.
She’s discovering the compelling nature of writing fiction and the surprises of working with what other writers have called their ‘muse.’ The creative process seems to have its own timetable and logic. The best results seem to come from stilling her own personal voice and allowing that ‘muse’ to speak.
She started the Father Ambrose series as a way of pulling together her love of good mystery stories with her deepening appreciation of the real-life magic and mystery of inner work. Father Ambrose has many characteristics in common with the leaders of her community, but his voice is probably hers, or at least what she thinks her voice would be, if she were living inside the parameters of his life.
She’s discovering the compelling nature of writing fiction and the surprises of working with what other writers have called their ‘muse.’ The creative process seems to have its own timetable and logic. The best results seem to come from stilling her own personal voice and allowing that ‘muse’ to speak.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 27, 2018
Life Without Shoes begins a whole new and exciting series by
Emma Cyrus, Father Ambrose. I thought it was pretty good. It did get a little slow about fifty percent through but it quickly picked back up. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense that kept me intrigued and wondered how it all was going to end.
I am giving Life Without Shoes four stars. I look forward to the following installment from the Father Ambrose series. I would to find out what happens next.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Emma Cyrus, Father Ambrose. I thought it was pretty good. It did get a little slow about fifty percent through but it quickly picked back up. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense that kept me intrigued and wondered how it all was going to end.
I am giving Life Without Shoes four stars. I look forward to the following installment from the Father Ambrose series. I would to find out what happens next.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
August 7, 2018
Good first in series.
I hope this will become a series as I found the characters, their relationships and the locations very likable. Reminds me a bit of a modern day Brother Cadfael by Ellis Peters. The book was long but kept my interest until the very end.
I hope this will become a series as I found the characters, their relationships and the locations very likable. Reminds me a bit of a modern day Brother Cadfael by Ellis Peters. The book was long but kept my interest until the very end.
January 2, 2018
Modern Monk Mystery for the win!
I was quite surprised by how much I enjoyed this new take on monk mysteries. Having seen "Father Ambrose" in the title, I didn't read the blurb and was expecting a historical novel. Having read all the classics I could get my hands on I am always looking for more. So despite my initial surprise, I was hooked by chapter 2! Who are these people with cell phones in a monastery? This was a completely different take on monk\nun sleuths and I'm in love! Emma Cyrus shows you don't have to shout to be heard and kindness prevails. I love how Father Ambrose and the Sheriff are the perfect partners and balance each other's strengths while coming from such different places. I will not only read this book again, I will read everything else Emma Cyrus writes and recommend her to everyone I know!
I was quite surprised by how much I enjoyed this new take on monk mysteries. Having seen "Father Ambrose" in the title, I didn't read the blurb and was expecting a historical novel. Having read all the classics I could get my hands on I am always looking for more. So despite my initial surprise, I was hooked by chapter 2! Who are these people with cell phones in a monastery? This was a completely different take on monk\nun sleuths and I'm in love! Emma Cyrus shows you don't have to shout to be heard and kindness prevails. I love how Father Ambrose and the Sheriff are the perfect partners and balance each other's strengths while coming from such different places. I will not only read this book again, I will read everything else Emma Cyrus writes and recommend her to everyone I know!
December 22, 2018
Abbot Ambrose becomes involved in the world outside the monastery when a body is dumped on the monastery's land. The victim turns out to have been befriended by one of the monks, raising the specter of backlash against the monastery from an already distrustful community. As well, Abbot Ambrose must guide the monastics through the turmoil with as little disruption to their contemplative life as possible.
The focus of the book is on the quandary that Abbot Ambrose faces in the ugly intrusion of murder into the monastery and on his personal growth when forced to deal with the police, media, suspects and survivors. So, while the mystery is unraveled, the book is in no way a police procedural. In fact, there is some cringe worthy skirting of legal processes. Still, there is room for improvement should a second in the series follow.
The focus of the book is on the quandary that Abbot Ambrose faces in the ugly intrusion of murder into the monastery and on his personal growth when forced to deal with the police, media, suspects and survivors. So, while the mystery is unraveled, the book is in no way a police procedural. In fact, there is some cringe worthy skirting of legal processes. Still, there is room for improvement should a second in the series follow.
October 29, 2018
This book is so full of details that have nothing to do with the murder. The reader has to read all about this monastery in great detail. We even find out all about the sheriff’s home life even about what his wife is thinking. We don’t need to know this and it’s boring. After trying to get thru with this 350 page book I was hoping for some shocking ending but it was not to be. I wish new writers read and took a tip from Agatha Christie. She wrote 200 page books that were real page turners with complete surprise endings.
November 5, 2018
Fun read
When Father Ambrose finds a trash bag in the peach orchard on their property with a girl's body in it, all neck breaks loose.
The sheriff and his deputies swarm the place to find evidence and preserve the body for autopsy. The community of New Life with its June and monks are not used to dealing with outsiders.
As the Father is drawn into the investigation and a monk is involved, it becomes a very interesting mystery for sure.
A new author and a lot of incite into the workings of community life.
When Father Ambrose finds a trash bag in the peach orchard on their property with a girl's body in it, all neck breaks loose.
The sheriff and his deputies swarm the place to find evidence and preserve the body for autopsy. The community of New Life with its June and monks are not used to dealing with outsiders.
As the Father is drawn into the investigation and a monk is involved, it becomes a very interesting mystery for sure.
A new author and a lot of incite into the workings of community life.
January 9, 2018
Quite original in its setting and main characters. I liked the depictions of the changing relationships between the Abbot, the Sheriff, and the hard-nosed detective. I especially liked that the Abbot depended on the Mother Superior and the Sheriff depended on his wife for grounding, support, and wisdom.
June 26, 2018
A gripping story
This is one of those books that holds your interest right to the end. A lot of insight into what makes people do what they do and why they do it. A reminder about how things can and do go wrong when you least expect it and a reminder than every action has consequences, intentional or not.
This is one of those books that holds your interest right to the end. A lot of insight into what makes people do what they do and why they do it. A reminder about how things can and do go wrong when you least expect it and a reminder than every action has consequences, intentional or not.
October 2, 2018
Father Ambrose
Finished reading this book in one sitting. Cyrus does a great job making her characters sympathetic... even the bad guys. The storyline is engaging, Father Ambrose and Mother Frances are endearing, and the work of community --both within New Life and at large--is a compelling force.
Finished reading this book in one sitting. Cyrus does a great job making her characters sympathetic... even the bad guys. The storyline is engaging, Father Ambrose and Mother Frances are endearing, and the work of community --both within New Life and at large--is a compelling force.
October 7, 2018
Enjoyable, but.....
I enjoyed this book for the most part. Flower really well and I read it almost straight through from the start.
The problem I had was since this was the 'first' Father Ambrose book, I had no idea what the religion (?) was about it even his character or the Abyss Francine.
Are they clairvoyant or just empathetic?
I'm sure I'll read another one.
I enjoyed this book for the most part. Flower really well and I read it almost straight through from the start.
The problem I had was since this was the 'first' Father Ambrose book, I had no idea what the religion (?) was about it even his character or the Abyss Francine.
Are they clairvoyant or just empathetic?
I'm sure I'll read another one.
March 30, 2020
Excellent Read,,
Characters were developed gradually but completely as the plot slowly progresses. The story line holds your interest and keeps you wanting to turn the page. Many different viewpoints are presented making the reader analyze the story on several levels. Can’t wait for the next book!,
Characters were developed gradually but completely as the plot slowly progresses. The story line holds your interest and keeps you wanting to turn the page. Many different viewpoints are presented making the reader analyze the story on several levels. Can’t wait for the next book!,
December 3, 2017
Life Without Shoes is a good first mystery for the author. She does a good job drawing the psychological side of her characters. I like the sense of community between the characters. Her characters have a spiritual side which I like.
December 30, 2017
Good Book
This book touches your emotions and heart. Father Ambrose is a very likeable character who tries to always do what's right. He is a peacemaker who tries to protect his flock and along the way discovers he likes solving puzzle by detecting.
This book touches your emotions and heart. Father Ambrose is a very likeable character who tries to always do what's right. He is a peacemaker who tries to protect his flock and along the way discovers he likes solving puzzle by detecting.
March 4, 2018
Unique murder mystery
This was a good book, it was unique in the way all of the players worked together. Mysteries are my favorite and I enjoyed reading this book. I hope to read more from this author.
This was a good book, it was unique in the way all of the players worked together. Mysteries are my favorite and I enjoyed reading this book. I hope to read more from this author.
April 28, 2018
Not well written
Characters were stiff and one dimensional. Also story line was more about meditation than a mystery. Would not recommend this book. Probably will not read anymore by this author.
Characters were stiff and one dimensional. Also story line was more about meditation than a mystery. Would not recommend this book. Probably will not read anymore by this author.
September 20, 2018
"Life Without Shoes: The First Father Ambrose Mystery", by Emma Cyrus is an intriguing mystery story. Loved the developed characters and how their thoughts and actions are presented. I look forward to the next Father Ambrose Mystery.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
September 29, 2018
Simple
The simplistic life of the monastery and the evil of a murder conflict and then compliment each other. I loved the characters and their development. I really enjoyed the insertion of each characters thoughts. A good read.
The simplistic life of the monastery and the evil of a murder conflict and then compliment each other. I loved the characters and their development. I really enjoyed the insertion of each characters thoughts. A good read.
September 29, 2018
Intriguing
Interesting how an abbot can fit into a police investigation and make it come out right in the end, for both the police and the monastery. I’d recommend this to anyone who likes detective stories with a twist.
Interesting how an abbot can fit into a police investigation and make it come out right in the end, for both the police and the monastery. I’d recommend this to anyone who likes detective stories with a twist.
October 26, 2018
Misconceptions
Very interesting story on many levels.
Despite the grossness of the murder I was pleasantly surprised that this wasn't really a gory tale.
The religious order running the farm added a special touch that actually made this a homier and less gruesome tale.
Very interesting story on many levels.
Despite the grossness of the murder I was pleasantly surprised that this wasn't really a gory tale.
The religious order running the farm added a special touch that actually made this a homier and less gruesome tale.
January 31, 2019
Poignant tale
Emma Cyrus stunningly created a tapestry of community, diversity, sweeping landscapes and small town mentalities. Those elements combined with love, greed and religious unrest have a monastic abbot helping a local sheriff track down clues to uncover a murderer.
Emma Cyrus stunningly created a tapestry of community, diversity, sweeping landscapes and small town mentalities. Those elements combined with love, greed and religious unrest have a monastic abbot helping a local sheriff track down clues to uncover a murderer.
January 7, 2018
My recommendation
I really enjoyed this. The plot was tight and well presented. It me guessing almost to the end. I highly recommend this book!
I really enjoyed this. The plot was tight and well presented. It me guessing almost to the end. I highly recommend this book!
January 7, 2018
Interesting, entertaining & thrilling
I was not sure if I would like this story, did not understand the title was literal. A good read.
I was not sure if I would like this story, did not understand the title was literal. A good read.
January 18, 2018
Good,fast read. Easy to follow and believable.
Very good read. A nice page turner that was somewhat realistic and without graphic gore. Father Ambrose was fun to follow.
Very good read. A nice page turner that was somewhat realistic and without graphic gore. Father Ambrose was fun to follow.
January 18, 2018
Great Read
Loved the interaction of all the characters. Brother Ambrose is just great.
Of course, he bounces his thoughts off of Mother Francine -good idea!
Loved the interaction of all the characters. Brother Ambrose is just great.
Of course, he bounces his thoughts off of Mother Francine -good idea!
July 24, 2018
Enjoyable
The story line is consistent throughout the book. Characters are believable and the mystery is a who-done it. Great as a beach read.
The story line is consistent throughout the book. Characters are believable and the mystery is a who-done it. Great as a beach read.
October 4, 2018
Book
Loved this book and the characters. So hard to find a decent book to read that isn't filled with smut, etc. Great read
Loved this book and the characters. So hard to find a decent book to read that isn't filled with smut, etc. Great read
November 14, 2018
I enjoyed the book very much, hope it will become a series.
February 20, 2019
Interesting read
Easy to follow. Not everything is black & white. I liked the characters that you may and learned about gradually. I would read another of this series.
Easy to follow. Not everything is black & white. I liked the characters that you may and learned about gradually. I would read another of this series.
June 14, 2020
Got to Chapter 9, couldn’t go further. Way too simplistic for me - likes it’s geared to fourth graders.
June 18, 2021
A good, yet clean, mystery
By: Happytraveler
I received this book for free for an honest review, without compensation.
I enjoyed this mystery, involving a religious community, young love between rich boy and poor girl, and an encounter that went horribly wrong. The chief character is the “Father” of the community, and the story revolves around his interactions with the other characters. Briefly, the Father observes a garbage bag being dumped onto property owned by the community, which is in a peaceful farm setting in CA. From the idyllic setting, wherein many are finding peace, comes the horrendous discovery of a dismembered young girl.
The first step is to learn the girl’s identity. From there, working backwards through the usual pathways involving the police, Medical Examiner, and the people involved in her life, progress is made in determining who may have been involved.
We watch as a wretchedly unhappy and scared man is arrested for the crime. He is under threat from the murderer who forced him to “clean up the mess” after the girl was dead, but had no role in her accidental murder. The Father counsels him, prays with him and helps him to gain some inner peace.
The task then becomes gathering evidence against the true murderer, a rich man in town. The sheriff and the Father have a close relationship that is further strengthened by this case, as the Father also takes on detective/investigative work to solve the case.
I found this book to be reminiscent of Jan Karon’s work in that there is a spiritual aspect that some of the characters are wrestling with, as the story progresses. Also, the story is clean, almost no cursing and no wild sex. I don’t know that I would call it a Christian novel as the religion of the community is clearly not Catholic, albeit the dress, living habits of the residents are definately monastic. Also the Father has visions as does the Abbess of the community. However, these visions seem benign, seem to help solve the murder and are not overtly dabbling in the occult.
The hook in the book that suggests a series is in the offing, is that the Father so enjoys being involved in solving the mystery and working with the sheriff, comments are made suggesting the Father will be adjusting his schedule to spend some of his time helping other prisoners. I will be looking with eagerness for Ms. Cyrus’s next book.
By: Happytraveler
I received this book for free for an honest review, without compensation.
I enjoyed this mystery, involving a religious community, young love between rich boy and poor girl, and an encounter that went horribly wrong. The chief character is the “Father” of the community, and the story revolves around his interactions with the other characters. Briefly, the Father observes a garbage bag being dumped onto property owned by the community, which is in a peaceful farm setting in CA. From the idyllic setting, wherein many are finding peace, comes the horrendous discovery of a dismembered young girl.
The first step is to learn the girl’s identity. From there, working backwards through the usual pathways involving the police, Medical Examiner, and the people involved in her life, progress is made in determining who may have been involved.
We watch as a wretchedly unhappy and scared man is arrested for the crime. He is under threat from the murderer who forced him to “clean up the mess” after the girl was dead, but had no role in her accidental murder. The Father counsels him, prays with him and helps him to gain some inner peace.
The task then becomes gathering evidence against the true murderer, a rich man in town. The sheriff and the Father have a close relationship that is further strengthened by this case, as the Father also takes on detective/investigative work to solve the case.
I found this book to be reminiscent of Jan Karon’s work in that there is a spiritual aspect that some of the characters are wrestling with, as the story progresses. Also, the story is clean, almost no cursing and no wild sex. I don’t know that I would call it a Christian novel as the religion of the community is clearly not Catholic, albeit the dress, living habits of the residents are definately monastic. Also the Father has visions as does the Abbess of the community. However, these visions seem benign, seem to help solve the murder and are not overtly dabbling in the occult.
The hook in the book that suggests a series is in the offing, is that the Father so enjoys being involved in solving the mystery and working with the sheriff, comments are made suggesting the Father will be adjusting his schedule to spend some of his time helping other prisoners. I will be looking with eagerness for Ms. Cyrus’s next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews