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Bleeder: A Miracle? Or Bloody Murder?
When classics professor Reed Stubblefield is disabled in a school shooting, he retreats to a rural Illinois cabin to recover and to write a book on Aristotle in peace. Oddly, in the chill of early March, the campgrounds and motels of tiny River Falls are filled with the ill and infirm -- all seeking the healing touch of the town's new parish priest, reputed to be a stigmatic. Skeptical about religion since his wife's death from leukemia, Reed is nevertheless drawn into a friendship with the cleric, Reverend Ray Boudreau, an amiable Aquinas scholar with a fine library -- who collapses and bleeds to death on Good Friday in front of horrified parishioners. A miracle? Or bloody murder? Once Reed becomes the prime 'person of interest' in the mysterious death, he seeks the truth with the help of an attractive local reporter and Aristotle's logic before he is arrested or killed -- because not everyone in town wants this mystery solved…
261 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2009
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 28, 2022
I enjoyed the different angles to a who dun it in this story. Reed Stubblefield is spending time at an old cabin retreat when he gets to know the priest. The author makes us ask the question, is Fr. Ray a genuine stigmatic, bearing the wounds of crucifixion like Christ as many of his followers truly believe. Is he just a haemophiliac who used his condition to attract people to his services? When there is a murder at one of the healing services Reed is put into the frame and he asks the local female reporter to help him clear his name.
October 19, 2009
Full disclosure: I edited this book for Sophia Institute Press. The first in what I hope will be a line of Catholic fiction books, books written by Catholics for Catholics (and anyone else who wants to pick them up!). When agnostic Aristotle professor Reid Stubblefield is wounded in a school shooting, he goes to a small town to take a sabbatical, only to discover the town is swamped with sick and injured people hoping to be healed by a local priest who's rumored to be a stigmatic. Reid is irritated by what he considers rank superstition, but ends up striking up a surprise friendship with the engaging priest, Fr. Raymond Boudreau, who emnates the warmth of a soul truly close to God. But when Fr. Ray bleeds to death on Good Friday, Reid is thrust into a harrowing dilemma both spiritual and concerte: his friend may have been murdered, and police and many locals seem to think that, with his unhealed injury and skeptical reputation, Reid himself is the most likely candidate.
April 4, 2015
I was impressed by the quality of writing in what I thought would be little more than a suspense novel dealing with a controversial subject. But the level of accurate details in the book surprised me. Since my husband died of Leukemia, I know what that experience is like and I became convinced that the author actually knew someone who had endured that same loss - the details were so on target. I was also impressed with the quotes he used to illuminate the main character's struggle to understand the inexplicable. And, all the time, it was a story that I wanted to read - a book I looked forward to getting back to. Well done.
October 24, 2018
Excellent! Well-paced mystery, superbly drawn main character (Reed Stubblefield), and though I had an inkling as to who the murderer was, the possibilities proffered kept me doubting and guessing clear to the end.
So much is done right here - the writing for sure, but the faith elements, the pacing, the voice, and the themes woven throughout, from the wisdom of Aristotle to death, to faith, and supernatural reality.
Highly recommended!
So much is done right here - the writing for sure, but the faith elements, the pacing, the voice, and the themes woven throughout, from the wisdom of Aristotle to death, to faith, and supernatural reality.
Highly recommended!
March 19, 2013
Having read a series of apologetics material, heady theology and most recently, teen fiction, I was happy to settle in with a good mystery. I began reading Bleeder the moment I cut open the packaging on my trip from the mailbox. The subject matter may seem a bit gory to some, but I assure you that even the most sensitive person will not be offended. The blurb on the back cover reads as follows:
A stigmatic priest bleeds
to death on Good Friday
in front of horrified
parishioners.
A miracle? Or a
bloody murder?
Aristotle professor
Reed Stubblefield
needs to know.
After all, police say
he's the prime suspect.
Quite a catchy glimpse of the story and it certainly prompts an interested party to dive into the book. The web becomes more complex than the blurb lets on, but the storyline never leaves the reader confused. Author, John Desjarlais seems to be heeding the literary mantra, "Write what you know" as he provides a college professor protagonist that teaches writing - as is his profession as well. Though the plot is outstanding and the book ends with all of the loose ends neatly tied, I finished feeling a bit deflated. The book was overrun with 'MacGuffins', motivating plot-prodders, that really end up serving no purpose to the story. I understand the intent, as with a mystery, one must provide enough distractions so that the resolution is difficult to achieve. In my opinion, the distractions were too numerous and unnecessary.
I was delaying this review because I did not want to tear apart the hard work of another which was, overall, a good book. Mr. Desjarlais has pulled together an intriguing story with a very diverse group of characters and stories within the story. We learn about the double-whammy of personal tragedies to strike Reed Stubblefield and his struggles which have been a direct result. The reader is introduced to Casey, a young female newspaper reporter with an undertone of potential romantic interest in Reed. There is a strong Mexican presence, many of whom follow Fr. Ray, the priest who attracts a great deal of followers seeking his alleged healing powers. Reed's brother, Dan, is a beneficiary of Fr. Ray's gift and we see Reed call into question his own faith (self-described as a Presbyterian... sort of).
Never to be explained is the apparent vast knowledge of Catholicism by a supposed Presbyterian with little interest in matters of faith. The frequent references to Reed's health and the effects of the medications on him was, at times, redundant. It was made clear early in the story that his medication had dangerous side-effects when mixed with certain foods and often left him light-headed, yet throughout the story, the same explanations continued to emerge. Flashbacks to Reed spending time with a very sick wife were overused. It lent an insight into Reed's state of mind and his personal struggles, but in a mystery novel, the oft repeated use was unnecessary.
In summary, and probably much to your surprise, I would recommend this book. If you like a good plot line that will keep you guessing until the end, this is a book you would enjoy. A best seller? I'm not so sure. A good fall read while nestled next to a fire with a cup of coffee? Yes! And a note to Mr. Desjarlais: I know I'm not much of a writer and it is clear that you are much more talented. I appreciate good fiction without all of the sexual garbage so prevalent in the world of fiction today. Your storyline was outstanding and would make an excellent film. I just think elements could have been trimmed from the manuscript and the book would have worked better. I look forward to reading more of your books in the future.
A stigmatic priest bleeds
to death on Good Friday
in front of horrified
parishioners.
A miracle? Or a
bloody murder?
Aristotle professor
Reed Stubblefield
needs to know.
After all, police say
he's the prime suspect.
Quite a catchy glimpse of the story and it certainly prompts an interested party to dive into the book. The web becomes more complex than the blurb lets on, but the storyline never leaves the reader confused. Author, John Desjarlais seems to be heeding the literary mantra, "Write what you know" as he provides a college professor protagonist that teaches writing - as is his profession as well. Though the plot is outstanding and the book ends with all of the loose ends neatly tied, I finished feeling a bit deflated. The book was overrun with 'MacGuffins', motivating plot-prodders, that really end up serving no purpose to the story. I understand the intent, as with a mystery, one must provide enough distractions so that the resolution is difficult to achieve. In my opinion, the distractions were too numerous and unnecessary.
I was delaying this review because I did not want to tear apart the hard work of another which was, overall, a good book. Mr. Desjarlais has pulled together an intriguing story with a very diverse group of characters and stories within the story. We learn about the double-whammy of personal tragedies to strike Reed Stubblefield and his struggles which have been a direct result. The reader is introduced to Casey, a young female newspaper reporter with an undertone of potential romantic interest in Reed. There is a strong Mexican presence, many of whom follow Fr. Ray, the priest who attracts a great deal of followers seeking his alleged healing powers. Reed's brother, Dan, is a beneficiary of Fr. Ray's gift and we see Reed call into question his own faith (self-described as a Presbyterian... sort of).
Never to be explained is the apparent vast knowledge of Catholicism by a supposed Presbyterian with little interest in matters of faith. The frequent references to Reed's health and the effects of the medications on him was, at times, redundant. It was made clear early in the story that his medication had dangerous side-effects when mixed with certain foods and often left him light-headed, yet throughout the story, the same explanations continued to emerge. Flashbacks to Reed spending time with a very sick wife were overused. It lent an insight into Reed's state of mind and his personal struggles, but in a mystery novel, the oft repeated use was unnecessary.
In summary, and probably much to your surprise, I would recommend this book. If you like a good plot line that will keep you guessing until the end, this is a book you would enjoy. A best seller? I'm not so sure. A good fall read while nestled next to a fire with a cup of coffee? Yes! And a note to Mr. Desjarlais: I know I'm not much of a writer and it is clear that you are much more talented. I appreciate good fiction without all of the sexual garbage so prevalent in the world of fiction today. Your storyline was outstanding and would make an excellent film. I just think elements could have been trimmed from the manuscript and the book would have worked better. I look forward to reading more of your books in the future.
April 20, 2011
Reed Stubblefield is on his way to his brother's cabin in a small Illinois town. He needs time to recuperate from a debilitating injury, he is traumatized by his wife's recent death, and he is writing a book. A little peace and quiet are just what the doctor ordered, right?
Wrong.
Of course, Reed is plunged almost immediately into local controversies. Is the local priest a stigmatic? Can he heal with a touch? Why does a disconnected phone ring? And who is on the other end? Is the local Hispanic community up to no good? When the priest is murdered and Reed is the prime suspect, he must look for answers to these questions and more to find the real murderer.
Bleeder by John J. Desjarlais grabbed me by the throat and I read it in two days.
I liked Reed's skepticism about healing powers and his ambivalence toward religion in general. I also liked his conversations with priests, especially Monsignor DeMarco, who proved reasonable and understanding of Reed's opinions, but who still explained and defended the Catholic faith ... without being defensive.
I liked the way that the varying viewpoints were shown about the recently swelling illegal Hispanic population. Not everyone had a good point, but they all had a point to make. Just as in real life, where sometimes you can't argue with the local bigot down the road as much as you would like to because ... darn it ... there is a kernel of truth at the bottom of their reasoning.
I liked the way that the author skillfully would segue from one scene to another, often via dreams, and leave me thinking we were heading in one direction only to have me realize I was completely wrong a few sentences later.
I like the way that not every single thing was explained at the end, leaving readers free to their own thoughts about cause and effect. I also enjoyed the philosophical conversations that would come up, not lasting too long, but long enough to draw me in and give me something to think about.
I especially liked the way that Aristotle chimed in whenever conversation ran along lines which made Reed's mind turn to him. Author John Desjarlais' paraphrases showed me just how many things Aristotle can be applied to and I came to look forward to the little insertions of commentary.
In short, I liked this book. A lot.
I didn't guess the murderer but I rarely do so that was not a surprise. I did have one big overriding question through most of the book. The resolution to that question turned out to be the key to the murderer as well, although I didn't see it until it was explained to me. I did guess a few things but they were nothing which mattered much in the end.
John J. Desjarlais not only has a deft touch with mystery construction and story, but has a distinct gift for sketching characters. We know who we like and dislike, and find that the author often has reasons for those characteristics which affect us one way or the other, without being obvious in his methods.
I will mention that I got interested in Bleeder after seeing a review to the sequel, Viper, by Sarah Reinhard. After Sarah kindly put me in touch with the author, he sent both books. This is all to say that as soon as I put Bleeder down, I grabbed the advance copy of Viper and began reading. By then I had forgotten that Selena de la Cruz was the main character in the book. However, when I "met" her in Bleeder, I took to her so quickly that I was hoping that she would be the next person we would follow. I was delighted to find out that is the case. Viper takes off at breakneck speed and I'm loving the ride.
Wrong.
Of course, Reed is plunged almost immediately into local controversies. Is the local priest a stigmatic? Can he heal with a touch? Why does a disconnected phone ring? And who is on the other end? Is the local Hispanic community up to no good? When the priest is murdered and Reed is the prime suspect, he must look for answers to these questions and more to find the real murderer.
Bleeder by John J. Desjarlais grabbed me by the throat and I read it in two days.
I liked Reed's skepticism about healing powers and his ambivalence toward religion in general. I also liked his conversations with priests, especially Monsignor DeMarco, who proved reasonable and understanding of Reed's opinions, but who still explained and defended the Catholic faith ... without being defensive.
I liked the way that the varying viewpoints were shown about the recently swelling illegal Hispanic population. Not everyone had a good point, but they all had a point to make. Just as in real life, where sometimes you can't argue with the local bigot down the road as much as you would like to because ... darn it ... there is a kernel of truth at the bottom of their reasoning.
I liked the way that the author skillfully would segue from one scene to another, often via dreams, and leave me thinking we were heading in one direction only to have me realize I was completely wrong a few sentences later.
I like the way that not every single thing was explained at the end, leaving readers free to their own thoughts about cause and effect. I also enjoyed the philosophical conversations that would come up, not lasting too long, but long enough to draw me in and give me something to think about.
I especially liked the way that Aristotle chimed in whenever conversation ran along lines which made Reed's mind turn to him. Author John Desjarlais' paraphrases showed me just how many things Aristotle can be applied to and I came to look forward to the little insertions of commentary.
... But how did he recognize me at the cafe? Are healers mind-readers as well? Was someone playing a trick on me?
The gods, too, are fond of a joke, Aristotle chuckled.
In short, I liked this book. A lot.
I didn't guess the murderer but I rarely do so that was not a surprise. I did have one big overriding question through most of the book. The resolution to that question turned out to be the key to the murderer as well, although I didn't see it until it was explained to me. I did guess a few things but they were nothing which mattered much in the end.
John J. Desjarlais not only has a deft touch with mystery construction and story, but has a distinct gift for sketching characters. We know who we like and dislike, and find that the author often has reasons for those characteristics which affect us one way or the other, without being obvious in his methods.
I will mention that I got interested in Bleeder after seeing a review to the sequel, Viper, by Sarah Reinhard. After Sarah kindly put me in touch with the author, he sent both books. This is all to say that as soon as I put Bleeder down, I grabbed the advance copy of Viper and began reading. By then I had forgotten that Selena de la Cruz was the main character in the book. However, when I "met" her in Bleeder, I took to her so quickly that I was hoping that she would be the next person we would follow. I was delighted to find out that is the case. Viper takes off at breakneck speed and I'm loving the ride.
November 10, 2011
Reason for Reading: I love thrillers and, of course, the Catholic angle attracted me.
Reed Stubblefield goes to spend some time away in his brother's cabin out in the boonies of Illinois. His wife had died last year of leukemia and he plans to spend his time writing a book about Aristotle. His, brother, a Catholic convert, sets everything up for him with the campsite where his cabin is located. Reed learns that the nearby small town is overcrowded with people as a new assistant priest has been working there recently. He is rumoured over the state as being a stigmatic and a healer. The diocese moves him from parish to parish every few years due to the large crowds of people he attracts to masses from all over the country to be healed. Father Ray is a great student of St. Aquinas, hence also very knowledgeable of Aristotle, and Father Ray and Reed start a somewhat shaky friendship considering Reed is not a believer in Christ.
When Father Ray bleeds to death during the Good Friday Mass at the culmination of the Passion, what some think is a miracle is quickly determined by the authorities to be a murder and Reed finds himself at the top of the short list of suspects. With the help of a reporter whom he is gradually finding himself possibly attracted to, they set out to find the real killer before Reed ends up behind bars.
A top-notch thriller which is fast paced and keeps the reader guessing until the end. A unique murder makes for a fun plot and the Catholic themes add a spiritual dimension. After the death of the priest Reed has to deal with questioning by both the local authorities looking into the murder and a representative from the church whose sole duty is to investigate the supernatural claims made of the priest. This gives a good showing on how such things are conducted and makes clear the Catholic position that such things are not easily accepted by the Church, and even if approved by the Church, are always left up to the individual to decide themselves whether to believe or not. The book uses both reason and faith to carry it's characters deductions along and this leads to a riveting and inspiring read. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Reed Stubblefield goes to spend some time away in his brother's cabin out in the boonies of Illinois. His wife had died last year of leukemia and he plans to spend his time writing a book about Aristotle. His, brother, a Catholic convert, sets everything up for him with the campsite where his cabin is located. Reed learns that the nearby small town is overcrowded with people as a new assistant priest has been working there recently. He is rumoured over the state as being a stigmatic and a healer. The diocese moves him from parish to parish every few years due to the large crowds of people he attracts to masses from all over the country to be healed. Father Ray is a great student of St. Aquinas, hence also very knowledgeable of Aristotle, and Father Ray and Reed start a somewhat shaky friendship considering Reed is not a believer in Christ.
When Father Ray bleeds to death during the Good Friday Mass at the culmination of the Passion, what some think is a miracle is quickly determined by the authorities to be a murder and Reed finds himself at the top of the short list of suspects. With the help of a reporter whom he is gradually finding himself possibly attracted to, they set out to find the real killer before Reed ends up behind bars.
A top-notch thriller which is fast paced and keeps the reader guessing until the end. A unique murder makes for a fun plot and the Catholic themes add a spiritual dimension. After the death of the priest Reed has to deal with questioning by both the local authorities looking into the murder and a representative from the church whose sole duty is to investigate the supernatural claims made of the priest. This gives a good showing on how such things are conducted and makes clear the Catholic position that such things are not easily accepted by the Church, and even if approved by the Church, are always left up to the individual to decide themselves whether to believe or not. The book uses both reason and faith to carry it's characters deductions along and this leads to a riveting and inspiring read. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 12, 2011
Get ready...August is the month most families take vacations and it’s coming soon. What book are you tossing into your luggage? Try Bleeder: A miracle? Or bloody murder? Excellent mystery about the murder of a priest famous for his stigmata. Written for adults but acceptable for older teens. See the review against education criteria http://ow.ly/5iZYt and our blog commentary http://ow.ly/5j004
Written for adults, older teens will also appreciate the rich context within which Desjairlas situates his mystery as well as his multi-faceted characters. The protagonist, a religious skeptic, ends up knee-deep in a possible miracle—or hoax? Criticism and misunderstanding of Catholicism are treated realistically and given intellectual critique. In contrast to authors like Regina Doman who integrate classic literature with a poetic effect, Bleeder is equally intellectual but for the philosopher rather than the poet. However, rather than a heady treatment, we are entertained with continuous theme tying Aquinas to Aristotle in the self-talk and dialogue of characters. This gives it practical application to every day life (great for school assignment). A standard ethical process for decision making is provided that leads to the truth.
Teen readers should already have a foundation in their family’s own faith beliefs with which to contrast to the secular myths and Gnostic views portrayed by antagonists in the story. Excellent choice to share, book clubs, youth and college campus ministries, and vacation!
Written for adults, older teens will also appreciate the rich context within which Desjairlas situates his mystery as well as his multi-faceted characters. The protagonist, a religious skeptic, ends up knee-deep in a possible miracle—or hoax? Criticism and misunderstanding of Catholicism are treated realistically and given intellectual critique. In contrast to authors like Regina Doman who integrate classic literature with a poetic effect, Bleeder is equally intellectual but for the philosopher rather than the poet. However, rather than a heady treatment, we are entertained with continuous theme tying Aquinas to Aristotle in the self-talk and dialogue of characters. This gives it practical application to every day life (great for school assignment). A standard ethical process for decision making is provided that leads to the truth.
Teen readers should already have a foundation in their family’s own faith beliefs with which to contrast to the secular myths and Gnostic views portrayed by antagonists in the story. Excellent choice to share, book clubs, youth and college campus ministries, and vacation!
August 12, 2013
I can’t give away too much, but Bleeder was one of the most satisfying books I’ve read in a long time. DesJarlais kept me guessing until almost the very end, teased me a bit along the way, but the payoff in the end was huge and well worth the read. It was a fast read that I will probably go back and read again, just to get all those little things I may have overlooked on the first mad dash to get to the end. It also scratched an itch I’d forgotten I had: the story was replete with references to Aristotle, which made this old theatre major very happy. If there were six stars, I’d give them to Bleeder.
June 28, 2010
I was torn between a four and a five on the rating for this one. There is a lot to like about it. The author sets up his mystery with a deceptively tranquil pace, then suddenly slams the trap shut on his point of view character. That part is very well done.
My only issue with the book was that I figured out who the "big bad" was earlier than the author probably intended me to. That may have come from thinking like an author--who would I put in that position?
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I do recommend it.
My only issue with the book was that I figured out who the "big bad" was earlier than the author probably intended me to. That may have come from thinking like an author--who would I put in that position?
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I do recommend it.
July 16, 2016
It was an easy read,engaging and enough cynicism by the Professor to keep it interesting. Love his dipping into Aristotle and Greek mythology which peeked my interest and the etymology of words and phrases - love when that happens.
May 3, 2014
Very good! Not my usual style, but I always love a good mystery!
October 29, 2009
Somewhat of an interesting concept, it was not a real page-turner of a mystery.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews