Book Review: Grave Undertakings

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Grave Undertakings     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Ralph M. McInerny
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Religious Fiction   Amateur Sleuth   Classic
Series: Father Dowling # 19
St. Martin’s, Jan 2000, $24.95, 354 pp.

Even small towns like Fox River, Illinois can have the Mafia firmly entrenched in the neighborhood. Another mob family gunned down Vincent O’Toole, a member of the Pianone family. Parish Father Dowling becomes involved with the mob when he provides absolution to the deceased. The Father presides at the mobster’s burial, but later becomes disturbed to learn someone tried to dig up the corpse.

Vinnie’s spouse decides to have his body moved elsewhere so he can rest in peace. When the vault is opened no coffin or body resides there. The family Don feels that hidden in the coffin must be the valuable art object by his daughter’s fiancée. However, neither the police, the mob, nor any other interested party realizes that a master player is maneuvering to become the new heir apparent. Only Father Dowling stands in his way of succeeding.

Fans of the Father Dowling mysteries will enjoy the nineteenth installment, GRAVE UNDERTAKINGS, which reads more like a screenplay than a novel. The narration jumps from one character to another, but for the most part works. However, flashbacks disrupt the flow of the story line without adding depth to it. Unless the reader is a fan of the series, previous novels starring Father Dowling are better written.

Harriet Klausner

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