Book Review: The Tentmaker

Reviewed By: Webspinner - RAM

The Tentmaker     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Michelle Blake
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Religious Fiction   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Lily Connor # 1
Berkley, Sept. 2000, $5.99, 285 pp

Lily Connor is an Episcopal priest. Without a parish of her own, Lily is often called by her bishop to act as an "interim" while a parish searches for a new priest. This is the case with the parish at St. Mary of the Garden. Unfortunately for the parish, their priest has just died. But strange occurrences within the church and rectory are keeping Lily uneasy and she begins to believe that Fr. Barnes' death was not the accident everyone claims.

Dealing with the Vestry of a parish where a priest has recently died is never an easy task, but the Vestry of St. Mary's is increasingly hostile to Lily and any attempt she makes to help them with their grief. When she finds out that the Vestry was considering firing Fr. Barnes, Lily keeps asking questions and puts her own life in danger.

This is a debut novel by a very fine writer. Michelle Blake has captured much of the Episcopal Church I know and love. She also gives us a great deal of insight into the trials of the priesthood, the struggles going on within the Episcopal Church today, and a glimpse of church politics. I'm eagerly awaiting the next in this new series!

Webspinner - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Webspinner - RAM