Book Review: Day of Absolution

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Day of Absolution     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
John Gardner
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Espionage   Political Intrigue   Police Procedural   Religious Fiction
Scribner, Aug 2000, $25.00, 351 pp.
Recently retired Foreign Office employee Charlie Gauntlet marries Metropolitan Police Detective Bex Olesker. Since she works in the Anti-terrorist Branch, Charlie has had a
difficult adjustment because his former job has taught him how dangerous her work is.

Bex's latest case involves the deadly, legendary Alchemist, a wizard who has eluded police around the world for more than a decade. As Bex follows her lead, traitor Kit Palfrey visits Charlie with a tale about ancient Christian scrolls found in Moscow. While Bex journeys to Ireland, Charlie travels to Scotland to substantiate the scrolls that allegedly provide a new light on the last days of Jesus. However, neither Charlie nor Bex realize that their two divergent cases will soon intercede at a point that could leave both of them dead.

DAY OF ABSOLUTION is a great thriller that expeditiously combines elements from espionage, political, police procedural, and religion into a classy tale. The story line is fast-paced, filled with action while containing two major subplots that cleverly blend into a wonderful climax. The lead characters are fully drawn and the assassin is shadowy enough to seem real. This novel proves that John Gardner is the Man.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner