Book Review: Wages of Sin

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Wages of Sin     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Penelope Williamson
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical   Police Procedural
Warner, Mar 2003, $19.95, 402 pp.

In 1927, there is few events, even murder, that would shock the residents of New Orleans. Even the recent deaths of teenage fans of silent screen queen Remy LeLourie hardly dent the demeanor of the citizens. However, the crucifix torture killing of Father Patrick Walsh, perhaps the most popular priest in the city, stuns even the most decadent individual.

Homicide Detective Damon Rourke leads the inquiries into the murder of Father Walsh. He believes a link exists between that homicide and the rash of female teen deaths who cult worship his lover Remy. He also feels that a connection exists to another crime that has divided the city. Though he never sleeps as he searches for the thread that will tie these seemingly three different situations together and lead to the culprit(s), Damon finds clue after clue, but the clock ticks with little progress.

WAGES OF SIN is a superb historical police procedural that brings alive the 1920s in New Orleans. The story line is no stop action as the workaholic Damon ignores his lover, his daughter, and his health to find the blood line that runs through each case like beads on a necklace. Read very carefully this tale as Penelope Williamson reveals all the clues. However, if not closely followed, the final twist will surprise the audience who will realize that the author hid nothing yet succeeded with a delightful sleight of the hand early twentieth century who-done-it.

Harriet Klausner

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