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Father Tom #1
The Penitent Priest
A wife murdered.
A killer at large.
A man of God with a painful secret.
When Tom Greer's wife Joan was murdered and her killer never caught, he left Myerton determined to leave the painful memories behind. Ten years later, now-Father Tom Greer returns as the temporary pastor of Saint Clare's Parish in Myerton--where he married and mourned his wife. Assigned there for four months, Father Tom’s only desire is to serve God's people quietly then leave again. He has no desire to revisit the past.
But the past won't leave Father Tom alone…
Secrets uncovered and a mysterious encounter in the confessional forces Father Tom to confront painful truths about Joan and her murder. When a police detective--a woman from Father Tom’s own past--refuses to reopen the case, he decides to take matters into his own hands.
It turns out to be a fateful decision, for Father Tom has secrets of his own…
Fans of Father Brown will love this first book in a new mystery series featuring Father Tom Greer.
A killer at large.
A man of God with a painful secret.
When Tom Greer's wife Joan was murdered and her killer never caught, he left Myerton determined to leave the painful memories behind. Ten years later, now-Father Tom Greer returns as the temporary pastor of Saint Clare's Parish in Myerton--where he married and mourned his wife. Assigned there for four months, Father Tom’s only desire is to serve God's people quietly then leave again. He has no desire to revisit the past.
But the past won't leave Father Tom alone…
Secrets uncovered and a mysterious encounter in the confessional forces Father Tom to confront painful truths about Joan and her murder. When a police detective--a woman from Father Tom’s own past--refuses to reopen the case, he decides to take matters into his own hands.
It turns out to be a fateful decision, for Father Tom has secrets of his own…
Fans of Father Brown will love this first book in a new mystery series featuring Father Tom Greer.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
1664 people are currently reading
883 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Mathis
42 books49 followersSusan Mathis was born in and grew up in an extremely small town in Alachua County, Florida where her family has lived for more than 100 years. When Susan was still very young, James (J.R) Mathis was born in a somewhat bigger small town about 100 miles south of where she lived. Within a decade, James' small town would become part of Orlando, the biggest tourist destination in the United States. He was not amused. That is how, while Susan was running barefoot, swimming in lakes full of alligators and feeding chickens, James was sitting in his bedroom reading books faster than his father could bring them home from the library.
Were James and Susan to write their love story, it would definitely be an enemies-to-lovers trope. They met in the library where he was working. He found her demands for books that he had to pull and bring to her so unreasonable that he actually turned her into the head librarian. She in turn was so anxious to drive him away that when some friends secretly set them up she laid out an entire speech about how miserable her life was (she is typically very upbeat). Little did she suspect that he had a passionate attraction to misery and they were married just over a year later.
Fast forward 26 years, three children, four grandchildren and 20 years of James working for the Federal government. He was diagnosed with a highly treatable but still very scary form of cancer. As so often happens, this brush with mortality inspired him to do something he’d always wanted to do, write a novel. After the publication of the second Father Tom Mystery, Susan joined him as coauthor. As far as the Mathises are concerned, writing together is the most fun a couple can have sitting at a computer.
Were James and Susan to write their love story, it would definitely be an enemies-to-lovers trope. They met in the library where he was working. He found her demands for books that he had to pull and bring to her so unreasonable that he actually turned her into the head librarian. She in turn was so anxious to drive him away that when some friends secretly set them up she laid out an entire speech about how miserable her life was (she is typically very upbeat). Little did she suspect that he had a passionate attraction to misery and they were married just over a year later.
Fast forward 26 years, three children, four grandchildren and 20 years of James working for the Federal government. He was diagnosed with a highly treatable but still very scary form of cancer. As so often happens, this brush with mortality inspired him to do something he’d always wanted to do, write a novel. After the publication of the second Father Tom Mystery, Susan joined him as coauthor. As far as the Mathises are concerned, writing together is the most fun a couple can have sitting at a computer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
May 1, 2021
The Penitent Priest was a surprisingly good book. I got it free. so quite often when I find free books they are not 100%. For example the beginning might be slow or the ending not exciting or even not complete because it’s trying to sell the second book in the series. This book was complete; still on its own and was entirely enjoyable
Characters were strong. The plot was twisting and turning like a good mystery should. And the final conclusion was a total surprise to me. Although I somehow suspect that a certain character was not 100% honest, I didn’t see how they fit into the ending.
Totally enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in the series about father Tom.
Highly recommend
Characters were strong. The plot was twisting and turning like a good mystery should. And the final conclusion was a total surprise to me. Although I somehow suspect that a certain character was not 100% honest, I didn’t see how they fit into the ending.
Totally enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in the series about father Tom.
Highly recommend
July 27, 2022
This introduction to a series is free from Amazon.
It held my interest here and there, but it was a very simple plot construction that meant to be suspenseful and wasn't. Many liked it and will follow the series, I presume, but I am stepping out.
It held my interest here and there, but it was a very simple plot construction that meant to be suspenseful and wasn't. Many liked it and will follow the series, I presume, but I am stepping out.
August 4, 2020
Really enjoyed this first book in the Father Tom series in which we are introduced to Tom Greer who has returned to his former home town as temporary parish priest. It has been ten years since he left the town after the death of his wife -- and he returns now as an ordained priest, a later life vocation. His return stirs up old memories, new evidence, and the reopening of the cold case regarding the death of his former wife, Joan. Secrets have been kept for many years and we join Father Tom as those secrets unravel, even his own. When the police initially refuse to open the unsolved closed case, Father Tom takes things in hand and with each new tantalizing and puzzling new discovery, the police investigator (a former female friend) is finally assigned to reopen the police investigation. The mystery is engaging and the characters interesting and believable. The novel deals with love, relationships, friendships, guilt, mental illness, the sanctity of the confessional, and the power of forgiveness. Some information about the beliefs of the Catholic Church and duties of a small town parish priest are present but only to provide background for Father Tom's character.
Even if a bit naive at times, Father Tom has the sleuthing skills and persistence to face his own failings and secrets, as well as a new but connected death to investigate. The other characters are believable and well delineated. I found myself thinking I knew "who done it" only to be proven wrong. Engrossing and satisfying new lead character and story. Looking forward to reading the next book. Reminiscent of the Father Brown series by G.K. Chesterton - this author even makes reference to Father Brown in the book!
Even if a bit naive at times, Father Tom has the sleuthing skills and persistence to face his own failings and secrets, as well as a new but connected death to investigate. The other characters are believable and well delineated. I found myself thinking I knew "who done it" only to be proven wrong. Engrossing and satisfying new lead character and story. Looking forward to reading the next book. Reminiscent of the Father Brown series by G.K. Chesterton - this author even makes reference to Father Brown in the book!
June 5, 2020
The Penitent Priest, the first in a new series by JR Mathis, is an engrossing read with steady pacing, tight dialogue, and fascinating premise: a priest (who entered the priesthood later in life) is assigned temporarily to the parish where he and his wife lived before her brutal murder years ago. Now that he's back, it's time for him to face what happened and find out who killed his beloved wife. Tantalizing bits of backstory are revealed to the reader as the story progresses, and the cast of characters had me believing that almost any one of them could have committed the murder.
I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series and highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery with a Father-Brown feel to it. I received an ARC of this book from the author.
I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series and highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery with a Father-Brown feel to it. I received an ARC of this book from the author.
October 7, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised with The Penitent Priest by J.R. Mathis. I was fearful that it would be overly religious or preachy, and it wasn’t. I was really impressed that Mathis decided to write about a tough subject, mental illness, in his very first book. I think he did a great job conveying the secrecy, highs and lows, and confusion that family members can feel when faced with someone with such an illness.
I thought the mystery was well written in that it kept me reading to see if I was correct since I was pretty certain of the whodunnit very early because of how Mathis seemed to have the killer stand out, at least to me.
It was kind of hard for me to overlook some of the investigation procedures that I really didn’t think would happen that way during an investigation. And the fact that his mother-in-law even kept her daughter’s secret when it affected everyone’s lives just didn’t seem believable to me. I’m keeping this and the killer really vague since I don’t want to give any spoilers. But even with these thoughts floating in my mind while reading the book, the writing was so engaging that I wanted to keep reading.
And finally the romance, or more so the romance that may be coming. I think people should be able to love and be with whomever they choose, clergy included. But I really hope that the possible budding romance does hold back the rest of the mystery or become a drudgery of guilt that the reader has to read through to get to the rest of the story. So we shall see when I read the next book in the series, The Framed Father.
I thought the mystery was well written in that it kept me reading to see if I was correct since I was pretty certain of the whodunnit very early because of how Mathis seemed to have the killer stand out, at least to me.
It was kind of hard for me to overlook some of the investigation procedures that I really didn’t think would happen that way during an investigation. And the fact that his mother-in-law even kept her daughter’s secret when it affected everyone’s lives just didn’t seem believable to me. I’m keeping this and the killer really vague since I don’t want to give any spoilers. But even with these thoughts floating in my mind while reading the book, the writing was so engaging that I wanted to keep reading.
And finally the romance, or more so the romance that may be coming. I think people should be able to love and be with whomever they choose, clergy included. But I really hope that the possible budding romance does hold back the rest of the mystery or become a drudgery of guilt that the reader has to read through to get to the rest of the story. So we shall see when I read the next book in the series, The Framed Father.
November 26, 2025
An okay story. The author kept it simp,e and I figured out the killer halfway through. Father Tom is no Father Brown, he kept stepping in dodo in the middle of the story. But on to book two: the Framed Father.
June 3, 2020
The Penitent Priest is the first book in The Father Tom Mysteries and is an interesting read.
I loved this book and found the character of Father Tom to be well developed, intelligent, and likable. The storyline is well written and captured my interest from start to finish, with secrets from the past, murder, suspense, and intrigue.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I loved this book and found the character of Father Tom to be well developed, intelligent, and likable. The storyline is well written and captured my interest from start to finish, with secrets from the past, murder, suspense, and intrigue.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
May 31, 2020
What a delightful introduction to this author. This book grabbed my attention from the get-go and refused to let go. I found it impossible to put the book down once I started it. This is a brilliant book with wonderful characters that have depth to them. A must read.
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.
September 1, 2020
An enjoyable read
I enjoyed reading this book because it introduced Father Tom Greer, a complex character. I liked the way that murders, ten years apart were interconnected and mysterious. The characters came to life as they were woven into the fabric of the parish. An intriguing read.
I enjoyed reading this book because it introduced Father Tom Greer, a complex character. I liked the way that murders, ten years apart were interconnected and mysterious. The characters came to life as they were woven into the fabric of the parish. An intriguing read.
January 9, 2022
An excellent book. The only reason for the four stars is because of some factual inaccuracies in my area of expertise which make me wonder about things not in my area of expertise.
I could relate to Father Greer, and his behavior made a lot of sense to me. His actions made me think of everything a priest should be, including human. The mystery itself was much better than I expected - too many books about cold cases end up being disappointing, usually with either the answer seeming so obvious that your can't figure out why the original investigation didn't find the killer or having the legendary miracle occur, making the answer obvious in the present day.
All the characters are both believable and consistent - you don't have a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde situation (another problem with a lot of cold cases). The police detective is properly cynical and disbelieving, the reporter way too intrusive and with way more concern for the story than the truth. The young man is more idealistic than smart. Others are human as will - neither saintly nor devilish (I really have a problem when the good guys and gals have no flaws, and the bad guys and gals are so evil they make you sick); I really appreciated that.
Honestly, I couldn't put the book down, and that hasn't happened to me for a long time now.
I could relate to Father Greer, and his behavior made a lot of sense to me. His actions made me think of everything a priest should be, including human. The mystery itself was much better than I expected - too many books about cold cases end up being disappointing, usually with either the answer seeming so obvious that your can't figure out why the original investigation didn't find the killer or having the legendary miracle occur, making the answer obvious in the present day.
All the characters are both believable and consistent - you don't have a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde situation (another problem with a lot of cold cases). The police detective is properly cynical and disbelieving, the reporter way too intrusive and with way more concern for the story than the truth. The young man is more idealistic than smart. Others are human as will - neither saintly nor devilish (I really have a problem when the good guys and gals have no flaws, and the bad guys and gals are so evil they make you sick); I really appreciated that.
Honestly, I couldn't put the book down, and that hasn't happened to me for a long time now.
July 2, 2024
Used for prompt Character is a spiritual leader. Free from Amazon. Was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this.
September 5, 2020
Really good
This book was really good. Tom's wife Joan was murdered ten years ago, and he was with her when she died. Tom left to go to a Monastery six months after her murder. Ten years later he goes back to the town but as Father Tom. The mystery of Joan's murder is solved but there are a few twists and turns. Father Tom is a modern day Father Brown. I hope there will be more books.
This book was really good. Tom's wife Joan was murdered ten years ago, and he was with her when she died. Tom left to go to a Monastery six months after her murder. Ten years later he goes back to the town but as Father Tom. The mystery of Joan's murder is solved but there are a few twists and turns. Father Tom is a modern day Father Brown. I hope there will be more books.
January 4, 2022
It was a great read. The characters were very real, with all their flaws and failings. The plot all came nicely together and all the loose ends were covered. The authors obviously knew the realities of the Catholic priesthood and the Catholic faith without any sentimentality.
The authors kept holding back information about the characters that I found exasperating but kept me wanting to read more to find out. I loved the book.
The authors kept holding back information about the characters that I found exasperating but kept me wanting to read more to find out. I loved the book.
August 21, 2020
Father Tom is a Catholic priest, come to his calling later in life. He’s spent most of the handful of years since his ordination in the Chancery offices as head – only – archivist when the Archbishop sees fit to press him into service in a parish that is suddenly without a priest. The very parish he used to live in. Where his wife was murdered, her murderer never found.
Mathis’ convoluted plot spans ten years into the past. And before it’s done, some of the secrets that come unraveled have roots in events even further back.
A fast-paced narrative, The Penitent Priest is a long though compelling read. His characters are engaging. You won’t like all of them, but you’ll be invested in their story – in finding out the secrets and the truth – and that investment will pull you along.
When the resolution inevitably comes, you will find yourself needing to know more about what life has yet in store for Father Tom. And like me, you’ll wait anxiously for the second installment. I thoroughly enjoyed this first-in-a-series, and look forward to more.
[I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book from the author, though was in no way required to write a review. The opinions herein are entirely my own and are given freely.]
Mathis’ convoluted plot spans ten years into the past. And before it’s done, some of the secrets that come unraveled have roots in events even further back.
A fast-paced narrative, The Penitent Priest is a long though compelling read. His characters are engaging. You won’t like all of them, but you’ll be invested in their story – in finding out the secrets and the truth – and that investment will pull you along.
When the resolution inevitably comes, you will find yourself needing to know more about what life has yet in store for Father Tom. And like me, you’ll wait anxiously for the second installment. I thoroughly enjoyed this first-in-a-series, and look forward to more.
[I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book from the author, though was in no way required to write a review. The opinions herein are entirely my own and are given freely.]
June 20, 2020
Father Tom is on the case!
A chain of events is set into motion when Father Tom returns to the town where his wife was murdered. The good Father must work quickly and with a person from his past to solve the crime and avoid being the next victim!
I loved this book! The fast-paced mystery drew me in from the very first paragraph. Father Tom is a likable and complicated character. The writing style made me feel as if I was looking over Father Tom's shoulder as he was sleuthing - your attention never waivers. The supporting characters are complex, kind and with human flaws. Mysteries that are rich with layers, atmosphere and intriguing characters are wonderful and The Penitent Priest has all those qualities!
I look forward to the next book to see what mystery Father Tom and his friends are solving!
A chain of events is set into motion when Father Tom returns to the town where his wife was murdered. The good Father must work quickly and with a person from his past to solve the crime and avoid being the next victim!
I loved this book! The fast-paced mystery drew me in from the very first paragraph. Father Tom is a likable and complicated character. The writing style made me feel as if I was looking over Father Tom's shoulder as he was sleuthing - your attention never waivers. The supporting characters are complex, kind and with human flaws. Mysteries that are rich with layers, atmosphere and intriguing characters are wonderful and The Penitent Priest has all those qualities!
I look forward to the next book to see what mystery Father Tom and his friends are solving!
February 5, 2022
Remember the tv show, The Father Dowling Mysteries? Brother Cadfael? This is similar, but more up-to-date, and fun.
Before Father Tom took to wearing a backward collar, he was happily married to the love of his life. She died in his arms. Fifteen years later, he’s a genuine, bona fide Roman Catholic Priest, and gets sent back to the town where it all happened to substitute the local, and much loved, priest who is on a leave of absence.
He finds himself getting reacquainted with his best friend, his mother in law, many people who remember when his wife was killed, and remember him fondly even though he ran off to the monastery.
The killer is still out there. His return brings up old memories, and his first college love (to whom he was for a short time, engaged) is now a detective in the local police department, and just as lovely as before. He broke off the engagement, and now he must eat crow and convince her to open the cold case, convince her the killer is still here, and remember he can’t divulge anything heard in the confessional.
He carries a tremendous guilt, which you’ll read about by the end of the book. Actually, he carries more than one guilt.
How well do you really know the person you love and live with? Eh?
No gratuitous sex, violence, or f-bombs! A great read. I’ll read more. Oh, did I mention it’s a one sit read? I read it on my birthday ;-)
Before Father Tom took to wearing a backward collar, he was happily married to the love of his life. She died in his arms. Fifteen years later, he’s a genuine, bona fide Roman Catholic Priest, and gets sent back to the town where it all happened to substitute the local, and much loved, priest who is on a leave of absence.
He finds himself getting reacquainted with his best friend, his mother in law, many people who remember when his wife was killed, and remember him fondly even though he ran off to the monastery.
The killer is still out there. His return brings up old memories, and his first college love (to whom he was for a short time, engaged) is now a detective in the local police department, and just as lovely as before. He broke off the engagement, and now he must eat crow and convince her to open the cold case, convince her the killer is still here, and remember he can’t divulge anything heard in the confessional.
He carries a tremendous guilt, which you’ll read about by the end of the book. Actually, he carries more than one guilt.
How well do you really know the person you love and live with? Eh?
No gratuitous sex, violence, or f-bombs! A great read. I’ll read more. Oh, did I mention it’s a one sit read? I read it on my birthday ;-)
Want to read
February 1, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/1/2021)! 🎁
December 19, 2024
Father. Tom
I really enjoyed this book.it kept me glued to the pages. I was glad to learn the outcome of the murders. And was happy that Helen and the father came to their senses.
I really enjoyed this book.it kept me glued to the pages. I was glad to learn the outcome of the murders. And was happy that Helen and the father came to their senses.
November 8, 2025
Was a fun book but not very suspenseful, I mean let’s tempt the man with his first love, let’s have everyone be in love with his wife who btw, he didn’t know much about yet was deeply in love with her !!!
February 4, 2021
Quick interesting read
March 12, 2023
4.75 Stars
Father Tom has been transferred to the town he left 15 years ago when his wife was murdered. At the time, Tom Greer was not ordained nor was he expecting to dedicate his life to the church but Joan's shocking death and subsequently unsolved murder had served as a catalyst. Years later with more evidence coming to light, he turns to his old flame, a detective on the local police force, to help him put to rest the sorrow he's been carrying for so many years.
I read the updated form of this story and scanned the first and last chapters of the original. While the first version looked grand, the newer story absolutely captivated me. Strangely, it was the audiobook sample that drew me in initially and, as a rule, I cannot abide an audiobook. Kudos to narrator Cliff Miller.
The writing was smooth and it flowed. The characters were all so natural - you'd meet them in the street. The mystery was intriguing and difficult with many red herrings to chase down before the denouement. This novel kept me reading well past the time I should have been in bed - I just couldn't sleep until I knew who the killer was. I'm definitely going to be following this series.
Highly recommended.
Edit for 2023 re-read (preparation for diving back into the series):
I deliberately did not read my earlier review so I could experience the story with fresh eyes. The Penitent Priest was as engrossing on its second read-through as it was on the first. I am so looking forward to continuing on in the series.
Father Tom has been transferred to the town he left 15 years ago when his wife was murdered. At the time, Tom Greer was not ordained nor was he expecting to dedicate his life to the church but Joan's shocking death and subsequently unsolved murder had served as a catalyst. Years later with more evidence coming to light, he turns to his old flame, a detective on the local police force, to help him put to rest the sorrow he's been carrying for so many years.
I read the updated form of this story and scanned the first and last chapters of the original. While the first version looked grand, the newer story absolutely captivated me. Strangely, it was the audiobook sample that drew me in initially and, as a rule, I cannot abide an audiobook. Kudos to narrator Cliff Miller.
The writing was smooth and it flowed. The characters were all so natural - you'd meet them in the street. The mystery was intriguing and difficult with many red herrings to chase down before the denouement. This novel kept me reading well past the time I should have been in bed - I just couldn't sleep until I knew who the killer was. I'm definitely going to be following this series.
Highly recommended.
Edit for 2023 re-read (preparation for diving back into the series):
I deliberately did not read my earlier review so I could experience the story with fresh eyes. The Penitent Priest was as engrossing on its second read-through as it was on the first. I am so looking forward to continuing on in the series.
January 14, 2024
The author skillfully draws the reader into Father Tom's life. One doesn't have to be religious to read this and to my surprise that I enjoyed learning considerably more about catholicism than expected and definitely more than I knew. By the mid-point, I was eager to finish and move on to book 2 in the series. Father Tom struggles with his faith, something many can relate to. He is dedicated, but it's not an easy road for him. First in series matters, if the reader isn't drawn in, the rest doesn't sell. On to Book 2...
September 18, 2020
This is a very good book. Very enjoyable. The Penitent Priest is suitable for all ages, both men and women. The book reads like an episode of Masterpiece Theater. The author has done their homework and the story is a descriptive narrative with attention to detail. I would reccomend this book for reading on the train, on vacation or just to relax. The Penitent Priest is not predictable nor is it graphically violent. There will be a book two; which I very much intend to read.
October 18, 2020
This author develops the characters well. The story engages the reader quickly and keeps him engaged. There are secrets galore that continue to be exposed and as they are, it seems like just about anyone could be the killer. Father Tom's guilt is palpable. It's a relief to the reader when he is finally able to deal with it. There is much about mental health and heredity. I look forward to more in this series
June 14, 2021
Tom Greer’s wife died in his arms from a random shooting. He ran from the pain and trauma, straight into the arms of Jesus. Sure, he had a Calling, but the overwhelming emotion was pain and guilt avoidance. Fast forward 10 years, he’s been seconded to a temporary assignment at a church in Myerton, Maryland, where the murder occurred.
He’s never been satisfied with the resolution of the case (it turned cold) and turns to an ambitious reporter to help him find out the truth. When she winds up dead, he has to work with the detective who, 20 years before, was his first love, to find the reporter’s killer. Fr. Tom finds Joan had long-buried secrets, but he has secrets too, secrets about the night his wife was murdered. As he uncovers the truth, he’s forced to confront what he has stuffed down for so long – his own guilt.
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It’s billed as a “Clean Murder Mystery” which generally screams to me “religious proselytizing dressed up in mystery clothes” and causes me to run the other way. But I was on the elliptical when I started this, so decided to stick with my choice. I’m glad I did.
It is “clean”, in the sense the violence occurs off screen, or is told from memory. And the religious aspects are germane to the plot. The characters are complex and the church politics are real. There was a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. My only criticism of the book is that it’s written in a weird mix of first person, present tense (which I normally hate) and past tense. And I think it could have benefitted from a good editor. But, there are about a dozen books in the series so far, so that may have changed. This story put me in mind of the William X. Kienzle/Fr. Koessler mysteries. I think the Fr. Koessler mysteries are better, but I did like this one enough to immediately buy book 2 in the series. It was good as well. I will read more in this series.
He’s never been satisfied with the resolution of the case (it turned cold) and turns to an ambitious reporter to help him find out the truth. When she winds up dead, he has to work with the detective who, 20 years before, was his first love, to find the reporter’s killer. Fr. Tom finds Joan had long-buried secrets, but he has secrets too, secrets about the night his wife was murdered. As he uncovers the truth, he’s forced to confront what he has stuffed down for so long – his own guilt.
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It’s billed as a “Clean Murder Mystery” which generally screams to me “religious proselytizing dressed up in mystery clothes” and causes me to run the other way. But I was on the elliptical when I started this, so decided to stick with my choice. I’m glad I did.
It is “clean”, in the sense the violence occurs off screen, or is told from memory. And the religious aspects are germane to the plot. The characters are complex and the church politics are real. There was a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. My only criticism of the book is that it’s written in a weird mix of first person, present tense (which I normally hate) and past tense. And I think it could have benefitted from a good editor. But, there are about a dozen books in the series so far, so that may have changed. This story put me in mind of the William X. Kienzle/Fr. Koessler mysteries. I think the Fr. Koessler mysteries are better, but I did like this one enough to immediately buy book 2 in the series. It was good as well. I will read more in this series.
May 19, 2021
318 pages
3 and 1 / 2 stars
This book is very reminiscent of G.K. Chesterton's Father Brown series, albeit in more modern times.
Father Tom Greer is now a priest. He was once married, but his wife was brutally murdered. Grieving and at very loose ends, he chooses to become a priest. He is assigned to fill in for another priest for four months at a church in his old hometown. He is not thrilled, for it has been ten years since he left, but the archbishop sends him there.
All the old faces, acquaintances and friends are there. They greet him with varying levels of familiarity. Except for Glenda, the housekeeper (and guardian extraordinaire), of the rectory.
Father Tom is ashamed and still deeply upset at his behavior the night his wife was murdered. Snooping around, through statements from old friends, he begins to understand that his wife had a whole life apart from him.
He eventually teams up with a police detective (an old girlfriend), and together they reinvestigate Tom's wife's murder. A hotshot reporter gets murdered as well and the tension increases.
This is a pretty good book. The writing and plotting are fairly good. The characters have a tendency to jumble up their lines. I am not sure I can explain this very well. Nobody wants to talk – or tell the truth. It got tiring. Worst of all was Father Tom. It irritated me to no end how reluctant he was to talk. And these are supposed to be his friends? Hmmm....
This I'll take a pass on reading any more of this series. There are far too many books out there to read and I feel pressed for time to read them all.
3 and 1 / 2 stars
This book is very reminiscent of G.K. Chesterton's Father Brown series, albeit in more modern times.
Father Tom Greer is now a priest. He was once married, but his wife was brutally murdered. Grieving and at very loose ends, he chooses to become a priest. He is assigned to fill in for another priest for four months at a church in his old hometown. He is not thrilled, for it has been ten years since he left, but the archbishop sends him there.
All the old faces, acquaintances and friends are there. They greet him with varying levels of familiarity. Except for Glenda, the housekeeper (and guardian extraordinaire), of the rectory.
Father Tom is ashamed and still deeply upset at his behavior the night his wife was murdered. Snooping around, through statements from old friends, he begins to understand that his wife had a whole life apart from him.
He eventually teams up with a police detective (an old girlfriend), and together they reinvestigate Tom's wife's murder. A hotshot reporter gets murdered as well and the tension increases.
This is a pretty good book. The writing and plotting are fairly good. The characters have a tendency to jumble up their lines. I am not sure I can explain this very well. Nobody wants to talk – or tell the truth. It got tiring. Worst of all was Father Tom. It irritated me to no end how reluctant he was to talk. And these are supposed to be his friends? Hmmm....
This I'll take a pass on reading any more of this series. There are far too many books out there to read and I feel pressed for time to read them all.
June 18, 2025
This is a really good story, filled with emotions, drama, mystery. sadness, anger, hope and tragedy. The characters are sometimes confusing because frequently they are not who they seem to be and don't act like you might expect them to. For me that kept me on my toes. So many people were really adept at lying, not only to others, but also to themselves.
The main plot of the story revolves around the murder of a young woman ten years ago. Although the widowed husband left the community six months after his wife's death because he couldn't deal with the grief, circumstances bring him back in a different capacity. He tried to escape his old life and start anew as a Catholic priest. Many of his friends never knew where he went, and he has to spend time rebuilding those relationships. When he approaches the police to ask them to reopen the cold case of his wife's murder, he finds the lead detective is an old flame. This makes for an interesting relationship in all respects, but it doesn't deter her from doing her job. And it is very interesting the way clues keep unfolding, people's memories come back and slowly, but steadily, there is new hope for solving the case.
There are so many twists and turns along the way to develop new leads, conduct interviews that uncover new facts, and find new people with motives for the crime. All the time Father Tom is doing his new job as parish priest, and there are interesting parts of people's lives that are intertwined. The bottom line is that this is a fascinating mystery that kept me interested to the point that the book was hard to put down.
The main plot of the story revolves around the murder of a young woman ten years ago. Although the widowed husband left the community six months after his wife's death because he couldn't deal with the grief, circumstances bring him back in a different capacity. He tried to escape his old life and start anew as a Catholic priest. Many of his friends never knew where he went, and he has to spend time rebuilding those relationships. When he approaches the police to ask them to reopen the cold case of his wife's murder, he finds the lead detective is an old flame. This makes for an interesting relationship in all respects, but it doesn't deter her from doing her job. And it is very interesting the way clues keep unfolding, people's memories come back and slowly, but steadily, there is new hope for solving the case.
There are so many twists and turns along the way to develop new leads, conduct interviews that uncover new facts, and find new people with motives for the crime. All the time Father Tom is doing his new job as parish priest, and there are interesting parts of people's lives that are intertwined. The bottom line is that this is a fascinating mystery that kept me interested to the point that the book was hard to put down.
May 31, 2022
This is not a review... just a comment. I reached Chapter 12 and I finally decided to stop... I should have stopped upon reading about his murdered wife's bi~polar meds and her short~lived marriage before they met... plus those emails sent by her stalker. All were kept secret from him by his deceased wife, her best friend and even his mother~in~law. I knew this would get ugly especially with the media involved... so much more with this book's warped and toxic reporter driven by ruthless ambition. Poor Fr. Tom, I do not want to know more about his anguish and further victimization... etc... it would be too much. My country had just elected an over~whelming majority president and vice~president yet the Losers' supporters maximized the use of the social media to spread blatant disinformation as well as misinformation which could easily be disproved by the next full and complete video in youtube.com... while the Communists were quick to take to the streets to try and sow more chaos. The agents of wickedness and nihilism could try but they will Fail. Vis~à~vis to my present Reality, this is not my kind of Mystery... plus I want my detectives to have a good home life without any toxic past... either spouse free from any baggage that would later on turn around and bite them in the ass. I just want them to solve murders... so No, this is not for me.
May 1, 2025
Father Tom Greer's wife was shot and died in his arms 10yrs ago and today he is coming back to the very place where they lived and worked, but this time as a priest, something he wasn't 10yrs ago, but 5yrs ago felt the call of the Catholic church and he became an ordained priest. He is back at home where it all happened (you can tell now that I can't remember the name of the place), but just for 4mths filling in for another priest. He soon feels unwelcomed by some of the congregtion who thought he had shot her. He hadn't. His housekeeper is a grim woman and there is a strange guy wearing a hoodie and with the hood pulled up and cutting the grass.
He goes to see his old friend John Archman but isn't welcomed, nor really by his wife who had been a friend of his wife. Then he meets Nate who works in a coffee shop and who is an amateur freelance documentary maker, who finally persuades Tom to talk to him on camera about the night his wife died. Then when he meets up with Nate a bossy young woman, a reporter, muscles in on his act and takes over interviewing Tom. The interview doesn't go to plan, there were folks who thought Tom had shot his wife and this film was going down that very same route.
It was okay but it did have a bit of a drag feel to it but the ending was good.
He goes to see his old friend John Archman but isn't welcomed, nor really by his wife who had been a friend of his wife. Then he meets Nate who works in a coffee shop and who is an amateur freelance documentary maker, who finally persuades Tom to talk to him on camera about the night his wife died. Then when he meets up with Nate a bossy young woman, a reporter, muscles in on his act and takes over interviewing Tom. The interview doesn't go to plan, there were folks who thought Tom had shot his wife and this film was going down that very same route.
It was okay but it did have a bit of a drag feel to it but the ending was good.
April 19, 2023
At one time, Tom was married to a woman he adored and loved beyond all things. But after she was murdered, and died in his arms he doesn’t know what to do with him self so he leaves town about 6 months later. A few years after that he returns to the Parrish as Father Tom, now an ordained priest. When he arrives he finds a local student doing a documentary on his wife’s unsolved murder. Tom reluctantly agrees to an interview but then discovers the student has brought in a professional tv journalist who is out to make a name for herself. Tom has gone thru his wife’s things and discovered copies of email send from someone who appeared to be stalking her. He takes these to the police but they decline to reopen the case. So he gives them to the reporter and she takes it from there accusing him of murdering his wife all those years ago. And then shows the interview on tv even after being asked not to. When she is murdered he is fortunately in the company of the detective. However surveillance video shows his best friend coming from the room. A rather convoluted story that I liked more than I thought I would. This is the first in series and I hope the series continues to improve.
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