Book Review: Cruel Sanctuary

Reviewed By: Carol Schwaderer Dickinson - RAM

Cruel Sanctuary     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Father Brad Reynolds, S. J.
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Religious Fiction
Series: Father Mark Townsend # 2
Avon Mystery, 1999, 341 pages

Second in the Mark Townsend Mystery series, this tale is a total departure in locale from "The Story Knife" which was set it Alaska. This one set in Seattle takes Father Townsend into the world of homeless street children in the primary tale. There is a subplot involving Seattle politics, adoptions and we learn a lot about the Father himself as he deals with publicity, obedience to his order and other challenges which would be spoilers to share here. It is a rare thing in my reading choices for series to introduce such a variety of characters and settings. I can only compare it to Lyn Hamilton and Johnathan Harrington in terms of diversity of material. Its refreshing. There was a lot of meat to the story, and while its edgier and more "real" than I usually prefer my fiction it carried me right along into several worlds I don't usually visit. And while children in danger and dead children are on my list of don'ts for selecting my reading, I felt nothing included in the tale was there for shock value and there was only enough information to carry the story along. A good solid read which places this author on my list of favorite mystery writers in the non-cozy category. He knocked me out two for two. I'm looking forward to the rest.

Carol Schwaderer Dickinson - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Carol Schwaderer Dickinson - RAM