Pillar of Fire

Moroni Traveler #8

by Robert Irvine

Traveler's commission takes him downwind of the old atomic testing sites to the desolate southwest corner of Utah, commonly known as cult country because of the longtime activity of various polygamists and self-proclaimed prophets there. Currently the area is under the sway of Moroni's Children, a cult headed by ruthless, power-hungry Orrin Porter. At the same time, Moroni's father and partner, Martin, is working on a missing persons case involving the young retarded son of an old friend just across the border in Nevada. Oddly, the two cases begin to converge, and the Travelers realize that the superficial answers they seek mask darker, more complex forces at work.

Genres: Mystery

229 pages, Hardcover

First published November 15, 1995

About the author

Aka Val Davis, R.R. Irvine, Peter Heath, Peter H. Fine, Peter Heath Fine

Robert Ralstone Irvine studied anthropology and archaeology at the University of California at Berkeley and now lives in Northern California.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though this is the 8th book in this series, it is the 5th one that I've read. I actually liked this one as far as the creativity of the story goes. The author seems to do that well. I also like the MC because he seems like a normal guy trying to do the right thing and he isn't all ego. In this book, he is working with his dad, which was nice to see that. The dialogue is also purposeful and keeps the story moving right along. All of these things I like.

But my main problem with most of these is that some of the elements sound so incredibly preposterous. This one skirted that, but the polygamous sect in this one sounded so bizarre, but who knows, maybe it's threaded with truth....I don't know. Overall, I liked this one, so 3 stars.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too bad for a quick read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a way for this series to end... or at least end for now. I wouldn't mind more Moroni Traveler novels but it's been decades since the last one was published.

Moroni and his dad are hired by the (supposed) White Bishop of the LDS church to investigate a cult and see if there's a real miracle worker in play. Plus, you know, just kidnap his daughter and grandson away from the cult. Then the Travelers get hired to find the missing son of a desert shepherd. The setting is a downwind tiny village - downwind from the above ground nuclear testing in the Nevada desert. Cancers abound. Toss in the Sandwich Prophet (Bill) and his acolyte (Charlie Redwine) wandering the deserts and you've got a great mix that will leave Moroni with a concussion and a few dead bodies.

The tiny desert town atmosphere is so well captured in this tale. Plus I like the mix of good people just trying to get by, people who did bad things but honestly are repentant and trying to make up for it, and genuinely unashamedly bad guys who I hope end up in a ditch.

My guilty pleasure is a vigilante justice story and this tale has that in spades. Some get their just desserts, some don't. Still, the ending is satisfying. The book is left open-ended enough for more books in the series, should the author wish to revisit this series ever again. (fingers crossed). 5/5 stars.

The Narration: Jeffrey Kafer brings this series home with this final novel. Moroni and his dad have an array of emotions on display and Kafer brings those to life. All the characters have a unique voice and the ladies sound like ladies. I especially liked Kafer's voice for the desert shepherd (jackrabbit stew!) and the main jerk Oren. The pacing was perfect and there were no tech issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have lived in Utah since 1952. Mr. Irvine successfully captures the aura of weirdness that pervades much of the state, especially the rural areas.

[Brenda Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this whole series of mysteries, based in Utah. With a protagonist named Moroni Traveler, who is friends with the key PR guy for the Mormon church, this was a must-read for me. Some of these story lines might offend some, but I found the series to be a delight. The characters are memorable and I loved all of the Mormon references/tie-ins.

Hard to find these books (they are out of print, alas), but worth the effort.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent mystery story, but my lord this religious sect is sure full of strange ideas and customs! How on earth do people fall for such a pile of BS? Just astounding that there are people taken in by such nonsense! Imagine that they can lead normal lives and have the right to cast a ballot! No wonder such utter fools get on the ticket for political parties in the USA! Look at all the gullible people!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting novel about Moroni & Son trying to discover what has happened to the daughter and grandson of a pillar of the Mormon church.

[Elizabeth]

Skipped. Library discarded series.