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Upon This Rock
Intrigue, terrorism, history, art, and the secrets of the Church collide in a relentless page-turning thriller. "An elegant, twisty thriller in which a gay couple investigates a mysterious suicide in a scenic Italian hill town. It's not hard to imagine that this book could do for Orvieto what Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil did for Savannah." –Armistead Maupin, author of the internationally acclaimed Tales of the City An American couple in Italy investigate the suicide of a cleric in the picturesque Italian city of Orvieto―and find themselves plunged into a conspiracy that may destroy the Catholic Church. In the stunning thriller Upon This Rock , San Francisco business executive Lee Maury and his husband Adriano come to Orvieto to soak in the city's beauty and rich history, but Lee becomes fascinated with a local tragedy, the suicide one year earlier of Deacon Andrea, a much-loved candidate for the priesthood. Growing obsessed with learning the truth behind Andrea's death, Lee and Adriano stumble upon a conspiracy of terrorism, human trafficking, and a plot to destroy one of the Church's most sacred shrines―all somehow linked across 500 years to Renaissance Pope Clement VII, who escaped to Orvieto after the sack of Rome in 1527. Before they know it, Lee and Adriano's dream vacation becomes a race to save innocent lives―and not get killed in the process.
404 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2020
21 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
David Eugene Perry
1 book10 followersAhoy! My name is David Eugene Perry and hopefully you're enjoying, or about to enjoy, my novel "Upon This Rock" from Quilldriver Books / Pace Press.
Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia I graduated from the State University of New York at Fredonia (it's not just a place in the Marx Brothers movie "Duck Soup", but that's another story) and then set about my career as a freelance writer and publicist in Washington, DC with stints along the way as a cocktail pianist and a catering waiter for swank Capitol Hill parties and presidential inaugurations (truly, but that's another book, still underway).
Moving to San Francisco in 1986, I continued writing for such publications at "The Advocate", "American Theatre", "Opera Now", "Omni", "The Utne Reader" and "The San Francisco Examiner." And, of course, being the first of who-knew-would-be TWO pandemics of a lifetime, the AIDS/HIV years were full of activism, advocacy, hearts, hugs, held hands and volunteering. Those friendships and bonds forged in "Baghdad by the Day" still enrich me.
In 1997 I was offered the job of childhood fantasies: working my way around the world by ship as editor of the onboard newspaper for the glorious "Crystal Symphony" (long may she sail). Back on dry land, I stumbled into an AOL chat room and met the best thing that ever happened to me, my husband Alfredo. Whenever we can (COVID go away!) we still travel aboard ship, usually in exchange for my nattering on about old ocean liners in one of my maritime history lectures.
Over the last 22 years, we've visited a LOT of places! As Mark Twain famously said: "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”
We agree totally. When I'm not writing, along with my husband and several dedicated associates, I run a public relations and design firm with a bevy of interesting clients -- from stars to those with starry eyes (www.davidperry.com).
Our home is in Palm Springs. Most of our work is in San Francisco. Our heart, wherever we both scoot off to with special nods given to Spain, Italy and most of all that magical hilltop town of "Upon This Rock" - Orvieto.
Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia I graduated from the State University of New York at Fredonia (it's not just a place in the Marx Brothers movie "Duck Soup", but that's another story) and then set about my career as a freelance writer and publicist in Washington, DC with stints along the way as a cocktail pianist and a catering waiter for swank Capitol Hill parties and presidential inaugurations (truly, but that's another book, still underway).
Moving to San Francisco in 1986, I continued writing for such publications at "The Advocate", "American Theatre", "Opera Now", "Omni", "The Utne Reader" and "The San Francisco Examiner." And, of course, being the first of who-knew-would-be TWO pandemics of a lifetime, the AIDS/HIV years were full of activism, advocacy, hearts, hugs, held hands and volunteering. Those friendships and bonds forged in "Baghdad by the Day" still enrich me.
In 1997 I was offered the job of childhood fantasies: working my way around the world by ship as editor of the onboard newspaper for the glorious "Crystal Symphony" (long may she sail). Back on dry land, I stumbled into an AOL chat room and met the best thing that ever happened to me, my husband Alfredo. Whenever we can (COVID go away!) we still travel aboard ship, usually in exchange for my nattering on about old ocean liners in one of my maritime history lectures.
Over the last 22 years, we've visited a LOT of places! As Mark Twain famously said: "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”
We agree totally. When I'm not writing, along with my husband and several dedicated associates, I run a public relations and design firm with a bevy of interesting clients -- from stars to those with starry eyes (www.davidperry.com).
Our home is in Palm Springs. Most of our work is in San Francisco. Our heart, wherever we both scoot off to with special nods given to Spain, Italy and most of all that magical hilltop town of "Upon This Rock" - Orvieto.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 21, 2020
Upon This Rock will hit the mark for many types of readers. Those who want to imagine themselves on sabbatical in a tiny Italian village, those who are fascinated with historical characters from the Medici family, readers who love a mystery, and those who like good writing. I curled up with this on a cold winter’s night and couldn’t put it down.
November 29, 2020
This was an amusing read, and I very much enjoyed the travelogue aspect of it. I need to go to a mountain town north of Rome asap.
There were errors that I found distracting, from repetitious text to timelines, including the ten year relationship between two 30yos, who should have at least been 40, rather than 30. I would chalk that up to publishing in the time of Covid, and let it go.
Bigger picture: Very cute, it could have been a couple of hundred pages shorter. I don't want to spoil it, but when the fictional bad guy turns out how to have a connection to so many, real-life, dramatic events, you can't go another 100 pages beyond.
There were errors that I found distracting, from repetitious text to timelines, including the ten year relationship between two 30yos, who should have at least been 40, rather than 30. I would chalk that up to publishing in the time of Covid, and let it go.
Bigger picture: Very cute, it could have been a couple of hundred pages shorter. I don't want to spoil it, but when the fictional bad guy turns out how to have a connection to so many, real-life, dramatic events, you can't go another 100 pages beyond.
May 15, 2025
David Eugene Perry’s Upon This Rock is a genre-blending mystery set in the hauntingly picturesque hill town of Orvieto, Italy. The novel follows Lee Maury, a gay American public relations expert, and his tech-savvy husband Adriano, as they embark on a sabbatical-turned-sleuthing adventure after a suspicious suicide shakes their temporary paradise. As their search for truth deepens, they are pulled into a centuries-spanning web of papal politics, religious secrets, and modern-day conspiracies—threads intricately woven through the ancient stones of the city itself. With alternating timelines, a chorus of colorful locals, and a fair amount of ecclesiastical intrigue, Perry’s debut is part historical thriller, part romance, and part love letter to Orvieto.
What struck me most was Perry’s ability to balance wit and weight. The writing is often deliciously sharp, especially in dialogue, with characters like the irrepressible Peg and the mysterious La Donna Volsini stealing every scene they’re in. The voice is personal and vivid. Perry writes as if he’s chatting with an old friend. But what’s impressive is how this breezy tone never undercuts the darker themes—grief, corruption, faith, and betrayal. Lee’s mourning over his friend Brian and the ghosts of his Southern heritage give the novel an emotional anchor that elevates it beyond your average thriller. And the twisty plot, full of Vatican secrets and ancient rivalries, had me flipping pages like mad. It’s a lot—sometimes almost too much—but the payoff is worth the sprawl.
Some scenes felt like extended travel logs or culinary postcards, lovely in themselves but occasionally distracting from the central mystery. There are moments when exposition takes the driver’s seat and slows the action. Still, Perry’s commitment to craft shows through. This isn’t a throwaway beach read. It’s thoughtful, layered, and clearly born of deep research and deeper love.
Upon This Rock is a satisfying, smart, and soulful read. It’s perfect for fans of Dan Brown who wish Robert Langdon had better fashion sense and a husband, or for anyone who loves Italy, history, and a dose of spiritual mystery with their aperitivo. It’s for readers who appreciate good writing, complex characters, and stories that unfold like cathedrals—beautiful, intricate, and full of hidden chambers.
What struck me most was Perry’s ability to balance wit and weight. The writing is often deliciously sharp, especially in dialogue, with characters like the irrepressible Peg and the mysterious La Donna Volsini stealing every scene they’re in. The voice is personal and vivid. Perry writes as if he’s chatting with an old friend. But what’s impressive is how this breezy tone never undercuts the darker themes—grief, corruption, faith, and betrayal. Lee’s mourning over his friend Brian and the ghosts of his Southern heritage give the novel an emotional anchor that elevates it beyond your average thriller. And the twisty plot, full of Vatican secrets and ancient rivalries, had me flipping pages like mad. It’s a lot—sometimes almost too much—but the payoff is worth the sprawl.
Some scenes felt like extended travel logs or culinary postcards, lovely in themselves but occasionally distracting from the central mystery. There are moments when exposition takes the driver’s seat and slows the action. Still, Perry’s commitment to craft shows through. This isn’t a throwaway beach read. It’s thoughtful, layered, and clearly born of deep research and deeper love.
Upon This Rock is a satisfying, smart, and soulful read. It’s perfect for fans of Dan Brown who wish Robert Langdon had better fashion sense and a husband, or for anyone who loves Italy, history, and a dose of spiritual mystery with their aperitivo. It’s for readers who appreciate good writing, complex characters, and stories that unfold like cathedrals—beautiful, intricate, and full of hidden chambers.
May 21, 2024
4⭐
Oof, this book was a doozy!...I have some thoughts...
Firstly, major kudos for this being the author's first published work! As many of us know, it is not easy to get something out there into the world. I'm all the more honored to have a signed copy of this to make it all the more special.
The story itself was a little hot and cold for me. Do not get me wrong: the overarching story was amazing! However, the pacing is a teensy bit off for me. I don't know if there was as much intrigue to keep me going. The breadcrumbs that I got basically culminated in a full on feast though and oh, did I eat it all up!
Minor bit of deduction just because I spotted a few typos and odd grammar choices. But, overall, this book was a great find and I honestly am already looking forward to rereading this in the future to see what clues I missed. Thank you David Eugene Perry!
Oof, this book was a doozy!...I have some thoughts...
Firstly, major kudos for this being the author's first published work! As many of us know, it is not easy to get something out there into the world. I'm all the more honored to have a signed copy of this to make it all the more special.
The story itself was a little hot and cold for me. Do not get me wrong: the overarching story was amazing! However, the pacing is a teensy bit off for me. I don't know if there was as much intrigue to keep me going. The breadcrumbs that I got basically culminated in a full on feast though and oh, did I eat it all up!
Minor bit of deduction just because I spotted a few typos and odd grammar choices. But, overall, this book was a great find and I honestly am already looking forward to rereading this in the future to see what clues I missed. Thank you David Eugene Perry!
July 20, 2025
Parry really did his research on this one. A good mystery folded in with some fascinating history of an interesting place in Italy, along with a hearty dash of feminist theology. I loved that he knows so much about the Roman Catholic Women Priests movement (but was a mite disappointed that he had to have romantic love as motivation for the ordaining bishop)
Read this book and watch Pink Smoke Over the Vatican on You Tube.
I hope he finds a bigger publisher because he writes more than well enough to be a bestseller.
Read this book and watch Pink Smoke Over the Vatican on You Tube.
I hope he finds a bigger publisher because he writes more than well enough to be a bestseller.
July 20, 2021
A fabulous read for anyone who enjoys history, travel, art, and intrigue. A page turner from the start. Only 400 pages but filled with glorious history David Perry weaves a labyrinth of mystery from the sixteenth century to both world wars to 2014. Filled with many secrets, all revealed, I couldn't put this book down until the end. I already miss the well developed characters and hope Mr. Perry will bring them back to life for all his readers soon.
July 12, 2021
I'm generally not a fan of mystery/thriller books, and at times this one seemed a bit contrived. But oh everything else more than made up for it. The history, the art, the food, the good and bad sides of the Church. And most of all Italy. The author clearly has a great love and familiarity with the country and the way he puts that on every page of the book made it a four star read for me.
March 9, 2023
A convoluted and intriguing novel filled with beautiful prose and engaging characters - even the nasty ones. Loved the 500 year time span between the parallel story lines and the mystery and suspense generated in both timelines. Filled with historical references related to Roman Catholicism and Italy and delightfully presented. Loved the book and a wonderful read.
April 7, 2025
A Mystery to the End
David Perry's first novel left me hoping to read more offerings from his pen. From the historical figures brought to life to the twists and turns of international intrigue, this novel kept me in suspense to the very end. The many layers revealed bit by bit kept me up reading many nights.
David Perry's first novel left me hoping to read more offerings from his pen. From the historical figures brought to life to the twists and turns of international intrigue, this novel kept me in suspense to the very end. The many layers revealed bit by bit kept me up reading many nights.
February 10, 2021
A wonderful story and the perfect escape as I wait to once again travel. Orvieto is on my list. Bravo, David!
June 9, 2022
It’s like watching a Christopher Nolan film, but instead of action sequences, they read each other newspaper articles.
October 6, 2023
You'll find a full review of “Upon This Rock” at my web site.
March 3, 2021
Too cutesy, while trying to be erudite. Sooo much repetitive text, and several glaring editing mistakes.
January 19, 2024
Wanted to like this…gay, historical fiction, Italy,…but didn’t like the writing style
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews