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The Chronicles of Brother Thomas #1
The Dean Died Over Winter Break
Dean Floden is dead!
Winter break is normally a peaceful time at the university, especially during a blizzard. So it shocked everyone when they found the dean murdered at his desk. Thanks to an empty campus, there are no witnesses and police have little to go on. With the police stymied, and hoping to wrap up the investigation before students return for the spring semester, the president of the university has turned to the Franciscan Brothers of Investigation for help.
Jovial and mild mannered Brother Francis arrived on the scene to find a jealous mistress, a clever drug dealer, a disappointed researcher, and a mortally insulted professor on his short list of suspects. Did one of them do the other three a huge favor? Or was it someone else entirely?
Perfect for fans of Ellis Peters and Dorothy L. Sayers!
Winter break is normally a peaceful time at the university, especially during a blizzard. So it shocked everyone when they found the dean murdered at his desk. Thanks to an empty campus, there are no witnesses and police have little to go on. With the police stymied, and hoping to wrap up the investigation before students return for the spring semester, the president of the university has turned to the Franciscan Brothers of Investigation for help.
Jovial and mild mannered Brother Francis arrived on the scene to find a jealous mistress, a clever drug dealer, a disappointed researcher, and a mortally insulted professor on his short list of suspects. Did one of them do the other three a huge favor? Or was it someone else entirely?
Perfect for fans of Ellis Peters and Dorothy L. Sayers!
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2018
52 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 24, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book. It was packed full of small details, almost as if we were stepping into Sherlock Holmes's mind for a bit. The book was well written, the characters developed well, and the mystery was incredibly well thought out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2018
I may be in the minority of young adults who love classics, especially ones sprinkled with philosophy, but this book was right up my alley. Didn't think there were still people writing this way and I'm quite happy about finding this!
I love classic mysteries like Sherlock Holmes and Father Brown by GK Chesterton, and this was right in that vein. Two detective friars are called to investigate a murder at a university and end up uncovering more than a little of the darker human nature running rampant there. A traditional university in the dead of winter is a cozy setting that provides a fitting backdrop for hidden secrets and building antagonism. The mystery unfolded nicely though I was expecting another twist at the end, which didn't come. The author said he would've made it longer and I wish he did.
Like Father Brown, there's plenty of relevant philosophical discussion woven into the story. The author has imitated Chesterton quite well, which is a hard standard to match.
It's a good mystery with a good commentary on human nature. That's hard to find in today's modern, skeptical world. Hoping for a series here!
I received a free advance reader copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
I love classic mysteries like Sherlock Holmes and Father Brown by GK Chesterton, and this was right in that vein. Two detective friars are called to investigate a murder at a university and end up uncovering more than a little of the darker human nature running rampant there. A traditional university in the dead of winter is a cozy setting that provides a fitting backdrop for hidden secrets and building antagonism. The mystery unfolded nicely though I was expecting another twist at the end, which didn't come. The author said he would've made it longer and I wish he did.
Like Father Brown, there's plenty of relevant philosophical discussion woven into the story. The author has imitated Chesterton quite well, which is a hard standard to match.
It's a good mystery with a good commentary on human nature. That's hard to find in today's modern, skeptical world. Hoping for a series here!
I received a free advance reader copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
February 12, 2018
Intellectually, I enjoyed parts of this book. I was an English major with a philosophy minor focused on ethics and morality and an interest in comparative religion in college, so some of the concepts were appealing to me. As a fun read, however, this book was a little dry. It reminded me of the old The Rabbi Did Something novels I read as a teenager, except this book forgot to have any fun. If the author has a chance to revisit these characters, itwould be nice if he could take the time to make them fully human as well as intellegent ideas.
Full disclosure: I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Full disclosure: I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 18, 2018
Too preachy
I read for entertainment and/or information not to give an author a place to vent their opinion. If passionate politics is inherently important in a particular character at least let me develops some desire to read the story first. As it is written, I don't care enough about the characters, their problems, or the story to put up with the soapbox
I read for entertainment and/or information not to give an author a place to vent their opinion. If passionate politics is inherently important in a particular character at least let me develops some desire to read the story first. As it is written, I don't care enough about the characters, their problems, or the story to put up with the soapbox
February 3, 2018
Amazing read. The Dean is dead with no witnesses because of winter break. An extremely enjoyable story that needs to be read by everyone once it’s released.
February 21, 2018
It's hard to find mystery novels this well-written which is why I stopped reading them a long time ago.
I do appreciate the various red herrings and the very complex weaving of suspicions, rumors, and questionable evidence. It also made me wonder if there really was such an investigative branch of the Vatican that still wore the robes from ancient days. (The ones I know look very modern-day priestly.)
For those interested in spending some quality time NOT speed-reading and have a hankering for the theological discussion of the worthiness of man, this is the book to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I do appreciate the various red herrings and the very complex weaving of suspicions, rumors, and questionable evidence. It also made me wonder if there really was such an investigative branch of the Vatican that still wore the robes from ancient days. (The ones I know look very modern-day priestly.)
For those interested in spending some quality time NOT speed-reading and have a hankering for the theological discussion of the worthiness of man, this is the book to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 23, 2018
The Dean Died Over Winter Break takes far more inspiration from Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, and Father Brown then the modern mystery novels. Don't look for a down and out detective that needs this case, but a highly professional detective focused on solving a murder.
Before getting to the real review; I was given an advance copy for free.
I like my mystery novels to be focused on the mystery and in a way, The Dean Died Over Winter Break completely focuses on the mystery. The very first sentence of the book is our detective, Brother Thomas, being informed of the murder. From then on Brother Thomas is working on this case.
While the focus is always the murder I found the character's conversations to meander a good deal. These are always interesting conversations but unimportant to the mystery. It rarely bother me. At times far more characters are standing around then needed.
The attitude that these friars investigate the murder is unique. They use this investigation to help people and even see capturing the criminal as helping him. The mystery itself never caught my attention, it was rather bland with a lack of twists.
Overall an interesting story better for its characters then mystery. It's well worth a read for any mystery fan just for the unique detectives. I'd love to see a sequel with a stronger mystery at the core.
Before getting to the real review; I was given an advance copy for free.
I like my mystery novels to be focused on the mystery and in a way, The Dean Died Over Winter Break completely focuses on the mystery. The very first sentence of the book is our detective, Brother Thomas, being informed of the murder. From then on Brother Thomas is working on this case.
While the focus is always the murder I found the character's conversations to meander a good deal. These are always interesting conversations but unimportant to the mystery. It rarely bother me. At times far more characters are standing around then needed.
The attitude that these friars investigate the murder is unique. They use this investigation to help people and even see capturing the criminal as helping him. The mystery itself never caught my attention, it was rather bland with a lack of twists.
Overall an interesting story better for its characters then mystery. It's well worth a read for any mystery fan just for the unique detectives. I'd love to see a sequel with a stronger mystery at the core.
February 23, 2018
The Dean Died Over Winter Break by Christopher Lansdown is the first in his Chronicles of Brother Thomas series. This is a murder mystery written in third-person. The main characters of the book are friars who are members of the Franciscan Brothers of Investigation, an order of consulting detectives. Brother Thomas and Brother Francis are tasked with solving a murder at a University in Yalevard, New York.
This book is filled with philosophical and theological Discussions, and the story itself seems to be more about these discussions than the mystery they are solving. Nearly every character in this book is portrayed as an intellectual, and the dialogue is reflective of it. Parts of the story can be rather dry, and if you aren't interested in philosophy or theology you'll probably want to give it a miss.
I have to admit a single line near the end knocked this review down a star. I found it pretty offensive and lost some respect for the character who said it.
This book is filled with philosophical and theological Discussions, and the story itself seems to be more about these discussions than the mystery they are solving. Nearly every character in this book is portrayed as an intellectual, and the dialogue is reflective of it. Parts of the story can be rather dry, and if you aren't interested in philosophy or theology you'll probably want to give it a miss.
I have to admit a single line near the end knocked this review down a star. I found it pretty offensive and lost some respect for the character who said it.
February 25, 2018
I’m sorry I really tried to read and love this book. I even put it down for a few days and picked it back up. It a mystery about a dean at a college who is found dead over winter break. The college decides to call in 2 monks who specialize in solving mysteries. The book was more philosophy and theology than murder mystery. If you love theology and philosophy then this is the book for you. I don’t mind it but it was just too much. I wish it was more mystery.
November 10, 2020
A difficult book to review.
Positives: it is a perfectly competent classic-style mystery in the broad style of the great G. K. Chesterton's Father Brown. While the world is full of would-be Agatha Christies, fewer have had the raw nerve to attempt to imitate Chesterton. (The BBC's recent series about someone called Father Brown, while rather fun, certainly goes nowhere close). Our main detective is engagingly eccentric and the young woman who is cast as a Watson-like observer gets to do more than act as a narrative device. The fictional college town setting comes off convincingly. As to realism of plot, red herrings etc. (including police competence or lack of), that's sort of part of the genre setting and you'd be disappointed if it were otherwise.
Negatives: comes across as very talky to the point of preachy. Doesn't mention Jesus or quote from the Bible much, but goes on about Catholic philosophy and quotes Chesterton a lot. Even where I agree with a lot of it (and I love Chesterton and the side-swipes at Protestants are incidental and not well aimed anyway) at times it began to feel like a lecture rather than a novel. Chesterton did this too, but he had a golden tongue and could probably read the shipping forecast and turn it into a musing on the high and noble calling of those who go to sea, battling the elements, ... anyway.
It's a tough style to do well.
Conversely, it may be argued: that Brother Thomas' ultimate concern for the souls of the various characters above mere legal justice leads directly to some of the talky bits as he tries to get various characters to reflect on the sorry state they've got themselves into. That's is worth of Father Brown, and not unfitting to the character or the storyline.
Also, there was one scene where, after interviewing a witness, Thomas tells off Sonia for passing judgement on a witness' lifestyle. It did challenge me about the judgements I'm making as a reader, so maybe I did learn something after all.
Positives: it is a perfectly competent classic-style mystery in the broad style of the great G. K. Chesterton's Father Brown. While the world is full of would-be Agatha Christies, fewer have had the raw nerve to attempt to imitate Chesterton. (The BBC's recent series about someone called Father Brown, while rather fun, certainly goes nowhere close). Our main detective is engagingly eccentric and the young woman who is cast as a Watson-like observer gets to do more than act as a narrative device. The fictional college town setting comes off convincingly. As to realism of plot, red herrings etc. (including police competence or lack of), that's sort of part of the genre setting and you'd be disappointed if it were otherwise.
Negatives: comes across as very talky to the point of preachy. Doesn't mention Jesus or quote from the Bible much, but goes on about Catholic philosophy and quotes Chesterton a lot. Even where I agree with a lot of it (and I love Chesterton and the side-swipes at Protestants are incidental and not well aimed anyway) at times it began to feel like a lecture rather than a novel. Chesterton did this too, but he had a golden tongue and could probably read the shipping forecast and turn it into a musing on the high and noble calling of those who go to sea, battling the elements, ... anyway.
It's a tough style to do well.
Conversely, it may be argued: that Brother Thomas' ultimate concern for the souls of the various characters above mere legal justice leads directly to some of the talky bits as he tries to get various characters to reflect on the sorry state they've got themselves into. That's is worth of Father Brown, and not unfitting to the character or the storyline.
Also, there was one scene where, after interviewing a witness, Thomas tells off Sonia for passing judgement on a witness' lifestyle. It did challenge me about the judgements I'm making as a reader, so maybe I did learn something after all.
February 26, 2018
I was quite surprised at just how entertaining this book was. The premise of the series is that of consulting detective who happen to be Franciscan Friar (not a monk). They are called upon in this book to look into a murder at a university campus. On the night of a snowstorm, in his office, and with a window left open to cover the time of death. The dean has quite a few enemies all of which have opportunity.
There guide around the Camus and town is a college secretary with a doctorate. She is the source of a lot of discussion that has to deal with philosophy. That is what makes the book interesting to me. I have never really read a book that seems to combine the two elements so we'll.
The book is safe for all ages as far as I am concerned. There is a murder of course, but the body is gone before we get there. While I enjoyed the Brothers, it seems a shame for such great character development with the secretary only to never see her again. I do hope the author has plans for her again.
Good clean mystery. Recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There guide around the Camus and town is a college secretary with a doctorate. She is the source of a lot of discussion that has to deal with philosophy. That is what makes the book interesting to me. I have never really read a book that seems to combine the two elements so we'll.
The book is safe for all ages as far as I am concerned. There is a murder of course, but the body is gone before we get there. While I enjoyed the Brothers, it seems a shame for such great character development with the secretary only to never see her again. I do hope the author has plans for her again.
Good clean mystery. Recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2019
This was a bit different for me - it took me a couple of goes to get into it, but once I did I was hooked. I enjoy murder mysteries but usually when I'm reading one I find myself in the weird position of feeling as though the text is dumbed down a bit, but at the same time not having the particular type of mind that can solve them - unless I happen to spot that one particular fact/clue on the way past that makes it obvious who did it, and is usually pretty well hidden from the reader. I didn't spot the killer this time, either, but the text was the polar opposite of 'dumbed down'! Discussions of minute points of theology, philosophy and other "ologies" abound, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying the actual reading of the book itself, not just reading it for the mystery - which is a good thing, because that was almost secondary to the point in this book, with no build up or dramatic reveal, just an almost accidental (to the reader) passing mention of who it was and why. Mr Lansdown will get the fifth star, I'm sure, after another book or two practicing the mystery aspect of murder mysteries! Can't wait for book 2 ...
February 24, 2018
All that one can expect of a campus whodunnit - a confined scene with plenty of suspects, behind the scenes shenanigans, intelligent conversation, and a wide variety of character types. I enjoyed the catholic sensibility and the references to G. K. Chesterton.
The main investigator, Brother Thomas, is intense, pragmatic and scarily insightful; he is able to empathize, browbeat and negotiate. It is not all talking, though - he is equally adept at turning up clues and reconstructing events. Having the new-to-all-this Sonia accompanying the friars on their investigation provides a helpful perspective for the reader.
The principles of the investigating order and the philosophic approach of the friar detectives promise a distinctively different mystery series.
The main investigator, Brother Thomas, is intense, pragmatic and scarily insightful; he is able to empathize, browbeat and negotiate. It is not all talking, though - he is equally adept at turning up clues and reconstructing events. Having the new-to-all-this Sonia accompanying the friars on their investigation provides a helpful perspective for the reader.
The principles of the investigating order and the philosophic approach of the friar detectives promise a distinctively different mystery series.
August 6, 2019
It was a fun, short read, but ultimately a little difficult to identify with the main characters in a personable and positive way. They needed to be deepened, given an extra dimension, especially for the reader to really feel like investing in them. They also didn't seem to have any personal stake that could initiate character growth by the tension in the book, by the primary conflict. There was just no threat to them, their identity, their world... it was ultimately a no-stakes story. I think this is a good start to a series, but I really hope future installments go deeper and give the characters a challenge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2018
This story mixes solving murder with theology
and philosophy.
A murder occurs on a college campus over the
winter break. A pair of Franciscan Friars are called
upon to see if they can shred light on the situation.
Mystery, secrets, jealousy, adversity, sadness and
life choices combine to make this an interesting and
enjoyable read.
The characters were well developed, cleverly crafted,
energetic and very interesting.
This is an uniquely plotted murder mystery.
I volunteered to read The Dean Died Over Winter Break.
Thanks to Booksprout for the opportunity. My opinion
Is my own.
and philosophy.
A murder occurs on a college campus over the
winter break. A pair of Franciscan Friars are called
upon to see if they can shred light on the situation.
Mystery, secrets, jealousy, adversity, sadness and
life choices combine to make this an interesting and
enjoyable read.
The characters were well developed, cleverly crafted,
energetic and very interesting.
This is an uniquely plotted murder mystery.
I volunteered to read The Dean Died Over Winter Break.
Thanks to Booksprout for the opportunity. My opinion
Is my own.
February 24, 2018
life at university should be fun filled and great but a blizzard hits. then the dean is found murdered in his office. due to the lack of students and tutors around at the time witnesses havent seen anything. the police have very little to go on. will they find out who did it? this will keep you guessing until the end
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2020
I am a devoted of "cozy" mysteries. Nevertheless, I couldn't put this down. I particularly liked the philosophy of Brother Thomas, and his humanity. From what the author said, this may be a stand alone. I hope not.
Sorry, I ignored your direction and wrote my whole review as the headline. I recommend this to any good soul, Catholic or not. I am an Episcopalian, which is close,but, in my experience, more thoughtful and somewhat less hidebound.
Sorry, I ignored your direction and wrote my whole review as the headline. I recommend this to any good soul, Catholic or not. I am an Episcopalian, which is close,but, in my experience, more thoughtful and somewhat less hidebound.
November 5, 2020
A great and fun little book that I liked reading. Brother Thomas is quite the protagonist. He’s like Sherlock Holmes and Father Brown mixed with a particular authenticity that brings the reader to the point of Liking him even though he can be harsh. It has some great female characters that grasp the reader. It offers some great little points of philosophy and worldviews for the reader to wrestle with also. Some scenes can be over-explained but not an obstacle for the reader.
February 22, 2018
When the Dean is found deceased the FBI is called, the Franciscan Brothers of Investigation. There is no scarcity of people who wanted him dead, but who did it? Christopher Lansdown introduces a totally new investigative technique that brings a new face to mysteries and deduction. Innovative and exciting.
February 22, 2018
A new kind of investigator team for a fantastic mystery book!
You will love the characters, the incredible plot and surprises along the storyline.
For me, it was very difficult to put down the book and not read, read it until the last page!
I recommend this book to all that love thriller and mystery
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
You will love the characters, the incredible plot and surprises along the storyline.
For me, it was very difficult to put down the book and not read, read it until the last page!
I recommend this book to all that love thriller and mystery
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2018
The Dean Died Over Winter Break is the first book in The Chronicles of Brother Thomas series. This can be read as a standalone. It is written as an old fashioned mystery rather than a newer type mystery. It was refreshing to read this story. The FBI in this book is not one that you would expect. I look forward to reading more of this series.
February 23, 2018
OMG!!!!!! I could not put this down. I so badly am waiting to read more from Christopher Lansdown . I highly recommend this book and author to everyone who loves a terrific book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 23, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
A mix of philosophy and "whodunnit" - well written with dry wit. The friars are lovable characters who I'd enjoy reading more about - they remind me a bit of Holmes and Watson. Would definitely recommend this book.
A mix of philosophy and "whodunnit" - well written with dry wit. The friars are lovable characters who I'd enjoy reading more about - they remind me a bit of Holmes and Watson. Would definitely recommend this book.
February 25, 2018
I was very happy with this book. I totally enjoyed the story and the way it was constructed. The characters are wonderful and so engrossing! I highly recommend this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review..
March 4, 2018
I did like this, however I wasn't totally sold on it or the idea, it's was nice to read about a different breed of detectives for once. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and choose to review all of the above are my own opinions.
May 14, 2018
Very interesting
The mystery was not very complicated, but the dialog was! There were a lot of philosophical questions discussed and debated throughout the book. It definitively held my interest. I look forward to reading more of the adventures of Brother Thomas.
The mystery was not very complicated, but the dialog was! There were a lot of philosophical questions discussed and debated throughout the book. It definitively held my interest. I look forward to reading more of the adventures of Brother Thomas.
June 9, 2020
Interesting.
At first I thought the writer surely did like to talk. I wasn't sure I'd manage to finish the book. I did and just downloaded the second one. I'll also be on the lookout for more books by this author.
At first I thought the writer surely did like to talk. I wasn't sure I'd manage to finish the book. I did and just downloaded the second one. I'll also be on the lookout for more books by this author.
February 8, 2021
A solid good mystery
A solid, good mystery. An intriguing pair of private detectives who just happen to also be monks. The interplay of the characters is very well done. Read and enjoy.
A solid, good mystery. An intriguing pair of private detectives who just happen to also be monks. The interplay of the characters is very well done. Read and enjoy.
February 23, 2018
good read. recommend this book to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews