Book Review: Triple Pursuit

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Triple Pursuit     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Ralph M. McInerny
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Religious Fiction   Amateur Sleuth   Classic
Series: Father Dowling # 20
St. Martin's, Apr 2001, $24.95, 384 pp.

In Fox River, Illinois, the St. Hilary Senior Center under the auspices of Father Dowling has become quite an interesting place. The recent addition of two senior citizens, former radio star Jack Gallagher and retired college English professor Austin Rooney have joined the group. These two rivals are simply not the best of friends even though they were related through blood. They both love Jack's daughter Colleen and would do anything for her, perhaps even murder.

After praying endlessly to Saint Anne for a man, Colleen is going to marry attorney Mario Liberati. However, Colleen's elation is disturbed when someone kills legal siren Aggie Rossner, who tries to seduce Mario. The police suspect Jack, but Captain Phil Keegan turns to Father Dowling to help sift through the clues.

Fans of the Father Dowling series will enjoy TRIPLE PURSUIT though the tale seems even more leisurely than the usual cozy. The story line slowly simmers as readers meet all the key players in such a way that the audience comprehends what makes the individual tick. Any person, who relishes action, should pursue a different type of novel. However, those fans of the series or who just likes a gradually evolving who-done-it starring an interesting amateur sleuth will find the latest entry quite the thing.

Harriet Klausner

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