Book Review: Second Advent

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Second Advent     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Tony Perona
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Five Star, Dec 2002, $24.95, 263 pp.

Nick Bertetto quit his job as an investigative reporter when an assignment led to the abduction of his wife Joan. As she still tentatively recovers from her harrowing experience, Nick receives an offer to investigate the recent death of Clinton, Indiana town patriarch Signor Gregorio Iavello which was ruled a suicide by the police. His granddaughter Martha and local priest Father Skip think otherwise. Though he believes he should reject the offer, Nick could use the fee and deep inside his heart he likes this type of work albeit he feels some guilt.

Nick begins his inquiries, but fumbles his first interrogation of Martha’s brother Tom. Still with the encouragement of his former mentor, he quickly returns to the groove especially questioning the motives of his clients. When former con artist Anna Veloche claims that she receives messages from Mother Mary warning of the Second Coming with the support of Father Skip and Martha, Nick wonders what he has gotten into, particularly when the danger mounts.

Though Nick carries too much baggage from his personal life with his taking care of his three-year-old daughter and the mental troubles of his wife, fans will like him as he seems so everyday people. The story line moves briskly forward as Nick works the case while the religious fanatics work him. To learn whether murder or suicide occurred or whether Anna is pulling a con or actually talks with Mary read the book; it is worth the time as SECOND ADVENT is an entreating private investigative tale.

Harriet Klausner

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