2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

The Catholic religion is front and center in this story and most of the priests aren’t presented very favorably. But, Grannie Gin’s faith was strong, enough that she trusted the church with her grandson. And, we learned a lot about the martyred Saints. Was the author unfairly harsh, realistic or somewhere in the middle? Did you learn anything new?

I'm not Catholic, but through the years, have known many people who are. I've never known anybody who was as deeply entrenched in the trappings of Catholicism as some of the people in this story are. I don't think the Catholic religion was under fire in this story, but all of those who were supposed to be devout Catholics used their religion as an excuse for bad behavior. I learned a lot about martyred Saints, their gruesome deaths, and the way they are celebrated.

I too am not Catholic, so I cannot make any informed comments.

I did, however, find the information about the saints to be very interesting and looked a few of them up as I was reading. It was impossible to ignore just how many women were killed because they refused a man's attentions. It seems that society has not progressed much over the centuries.

I'm Catholic and believe that Lisa Jackson has issues with the church. I agree a lot of scandals were handled badly in the past, and maybe even today. There are bad priests and crazy people who are Catholic. I would be hard pressed to find any organization, religious or otherwise, that doesn't have the same problem. However, all priest aren't bad. I felt like that was Jackson's message.

St. Luke's had James, who betrayed his brother, and a Monsignor who was an accused pedophile. I had a problem with that. It was like Jackson wanted to make sure she threw as much dirt as she could.

As I mentioned in another question, the Rick/Olivia/James triangle didn't work for me. It was bad enough that James betrayed his brother in the past but to have him lusting after Olivia was too much.

I’m not Catholic but I sensed some issues the author may have projected. It’s why I asked the question and was hoping to hear from someone who was of the faith.

I’m married to a non-practicing Catholic who definitely has issues so maybe I’m more sensitive to the topic.

There is good and bad in all religions; I think I've tried most of them. LOL

I'm a come and go Catholic. I love some of the rituals, especially midnight mass on Easter. It is still an "old-boys" club although they do allow women a role in the service these days. There are some doctrines that need to be assessed and updated. I don't think it will happen though.

Sharon wrote: "I felt like that was Jackson's message.."

I agree that Jackson does seem to have an agenda here. I wonder if she is not a lapsed Catholic.

Yes, Catholicism is not the only religion with problems. I am Jewish and we have our own fanatics and zealots to deal with as well as too many Rabbis who can't keep their hands to themselves.

Don’t get me started on the Baptists! I moved to the Bible Belt and was flabbergasted at the difference.

I researched Jackson and couldn’t find any reference to her religion, even went through every question posted to her here on Goodreads. She’s from Oregon and has visited New Orleans many times, which explains her obvious familiarity with the city in both stories.

Not a Catholic either and all religions have their good and bad bits. When you go through the story there wasn't one priest who wasn't flawed in a major way. Not sure if Jackson has an agenda or it just made for a good story.

I agree Sharon the love triangle between Olivia, Rick and James was bit much, too much like a soap opera for a thriller, more acceptable for romantic suspense I guess.

Every organization has its' good and bad. Your relationship with God is your business and Grannie Gin had a good one which she passed on to Olivia.

Sharon wrote: "I'm Catholic and believe that Lisa Jackson has issues with the church. I agree a lot of scandals were handled badly in the past, and maybe even today. There are bad priests and crazy people who are..."

It is interesting that you think Jackson has some issues with the church. I didn't think that initially, but she did write two books with fanatic religious killers. I wonder if she initially planned to write both of them from the start, or if she decided to write book two along the same lines later.

I agree with all of you that every religion has its zealots and problems. I wonder if we will see more of the Catholic faith in her coming novels or if she will highlight others.

I had forgotten about the Monsignor. I thought it seemed a bit random to include that small fact. I didn't think it contributed to the story at all.

Hannah I'm sure they will. NO has a big Catholic community. Religious overtones and the paranormal work together nicely

Sharon wrote: "Hannah I'm sure they will. NO has a big Catholic community. Religious overtones and the paranormal work together nicely"

Oh, I hadn't thought of that - NO having a prominent Catholic community. It's been a long time since I've been to NO. It will be interesting to learn more about it as we go along.