The Unholy Preacher

The Gentleman Detective #2

by Evelyn James

Norwich 1898.
Colonel Julius Bainbridge is trying to hide from the heat of summer when a case of a missing boy drags him into a new adventure. Assisted by his niece Victoria, who is determined to follow in his footsteps as a private detective, he begins to investigate the disappearance of Rupert Foulkes.
The last place Foulkes was seen was at the 'monastery' for a religious cult run by a deranged preacher. Scandal has already circulated around the monastery and it is feared some great evil has befallen the boy. But when Julius and Victoria begin to poke about, it is not the body of Rupert they come across.
Before long it is clear terrible things have been happening at the monastery and more than one brother has a serious criminal past. Can unravelling the backgrounds of the monks reveal where Rupert has been taken? Or is there more to this mystery than meets the eye?

Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2021

Reviews

[Kim Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second outing for the Colonel and his niece was rather good, even if I did realise who did what. I find it rather annoying that whilst on most occasions the Colonel is aware of propriety and what should be said and done and what shouldn't, his niece seems to think that she can say and do whatever she likes, simply because she is a woman who totally believes in the emancipation of women! Her uncle, who hates any form of exercise, at first seemed to tolerate her because of her somewhat dubiously purloined car, now, however he is coming to like her being around and admits, though only to himself, that he would miss her if he were to send her home. Though personally I think he is living in fools paradise if he actually believes should would go. As mentioned above, she is a young lady who does what she wants, regardless of others feelings on the matter. That being said the colonel is learning to give as good as he gets and it promises to be a good detective partnership.

[peter david mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale of unholy monks.

I am loving the detective partnership and often humorous interactions between Bainbridge and niece Victoria. As in any novel this length the plot unravels sooner than ideal. However it is still satisfying. I look forward to the next in this series and recommend to lovers of crime fiction.