The Archbishop in Andalusia (Thorndike Mystery) [Large Print] [Hardcover]

Andrew M. Greeley (Author)

Book Description

Series: Thorndike Mystery | Publication Date: January 2009

Taking leave of his usual Chicago haunts, Archbishop John Blackwood Ryan travels to the south of Spain in this latest mystery by bestselling author Andrew M. Greeley. Ostensibly “Blackie” is in the historic city of Seville to attend a conference on American philosophy, but a far more critical assignment also requires his attention. The local cardinal has summoned the wily archbishop to Spain in hopes that Blackie can avert a murder before it happens.

The threat of violence hangs ominously over the regal palace of a family of wealthy Spanish aristocrats. Dona Teresa, a pious widow whose exotic beauty unsettles even Blackie, finds herself beset by avaricious relatives determined to control her life and fortune. A tangled web of obligations, traditions, and frustrated sexual desires binds the family together even as they bitterly contend against one another. With three generations of passionate nobility sharing the same roof, it seems only a matter of time before pride, greed, and lust leads to bloodshed.

But while the archbishop attempts to forestall a modern-day Spanish tragedy, dramatic events back in Chicago conspire to change his life forever. . . .

The Archbishop in Andalusia opens an exciting new chapter in the illustrious career of one of Andrew Greeley’s most beloved characters.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Greeley's breezy 17th Blackie Ryan novel (after 2007's The Bishop at the Lake) takes Ryan to the south of Spain for a conference, where the local cardinal requests his help preventing the murder of a beautiful and wealthy widow, Doña Teresa Maria, duchess of Seville, whose many relatives envy her money, title and power in the community. Blackie's sister, meanwhile, has put pressure on Blackie to nudge his nephew Joseph and Joseph's girlfriend, Peggy Anne Nolan, who have accompanied him on the trip, into setting a date for their wedding. To add to his concerns, Blackie receives word from the U.S. of the ill health of his superior, the archbishop of Chicago. Armchair travelers will relish the descriptions of Seville and Cordoba, along with the details of Spanish history and customs. Indeed, some readers may feel the travelogue aspects overshadow the mystery untangling, but all will enjoy Greeley's wit and good humor. (Nov.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“Blackie, with his quick wit and his fondness for Bushmill’s, is his usual delightful self, and his many fans will enjoy this sojourn in the old neighborhood.”--Publishers Weekly on The Bishop in the Old Neighborhood

“Greeley interweaves both spiritual and educational topics into another supremely entertaining adventure.”--Booklist on The Bishop Goes to The University

“Blackie once again proves to be a loyal friend, a formidable foe, and a gifted spiritual adviser. An entertaining romp through the West Wing.”--Booklist on The Bishop in the West Wing

“Fun is the word for bestseller Greeley’s latest, lively Bishop Blackie Ryan thriller. . . . [Readers] will appreciate the well-drawn characters, swift action, and logical resolution.”--Publishers Weekly on The Bishop in the West Wing

“Nobody has ever left the church because of an Andrew Greeley novel, but many have been attracted back to it by him.”--Reverend Ron Rolheiser, O.M.I.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 389 pages
• Publisher: Thorndike Press; Lrg edition (January 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1410411931
• ISBN-13: 978-1410411938
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,854,622 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A native of Chicago, Father Andrew M. Greeley, is a priest, distinguished sociologist and bestselling author. He is professor of social sciences at the University of Chicago and the University of Arizona, as well as Research Associate at the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. His current sociological research focuses on current issues facing the Catholic Church-including celibacy of priests, ordination of women, religious imagination, and sexual behavior of Catholics.Father Greeley received the S.T.L. in 1954 from St. Mary of Lake Seminary. His graduate work was done at the University of Chicago, where he received the M.A. Degree in 1961 and the Ph.D. in 1962.Father Greeley has written scores of books and hundreds of popular and scholarly articles on a variety of issues in sociology, education and religion. His column on political, church and social issues is carried by the Chicago Sun Times and many other newspapers. He stimulates discussion of neglected issues and often anticipates sociological trends. He is the author of more than thirty bestselling novels and an autobiography, Furthermore!: Confessions of a Parish Priest.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Andrew Gteeley does it again, December 24, 2008

By 

Jo L. Morrison "voracious reader" (New Mexico) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Archbishop in Andalusia: A Blackie Ryan Novel (Bishop Blackie Ryan) (Hardcover)

While this book, from the acclaimed Father Andrew Greeley, reads differently from many of the other Blacky Ryan novels, it is obvious that Greeley is in top form. Some readers may find the initial chapters slower going as it is the character devevlopment rather than plot that takes center stage. It doesn't take long, however, for Greeley to work his magic and bring the reader deeply into modern Spain. The cultural touhes and finely drawn characters meld with a deeply engrossing plot to create a novel on which it is worth spending the next few days.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful as usual, December 2, 2008

By 

Ladybug "Ladybug Story" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Archbishop in Andalusia: A Blackie Ryan Novel (Bishop Blackie Ryan) (Hardcover)

Fr. Greeley doesn't disappoint at all in Blackie's first adventure as an Archbishop. The storyline is the predictable Greeley form, but for us Greeley fans, that's a comfortable fit! Fr. Greeley, through the Archbishop, shares wonderful insights into the Catholic church and human nature, as usual. The only thing a wee bit unusual is that this one will keep you more in suspense about what is going on in Chicago while the Archbishop is in Andalusia.

I was thoroughly delighted!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Vulnerability, January 3, 2009

By 

Stephen T. Hopkins (Oak Park, Illinois) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Archbishop in Andalusia: A Blackie Ryan Novel (Bishop Blackie Ryan) (Hardcover)

Andrew Greeley's latest Blackie Ryan novel is titled The Archbishop in Andalusia, and as indicated has Ryan in Spain doing the same sleuthing as he would at home in Chicago. While Blackie is attending a conference, the cardinal of Seville asks him to help prevent the murder of Duchess Doña Teresa Maria. The duchess is emeshed in a dysfunctional family, and has made enemies, leaving her vulnerable to mischief. There's the formula in Blackie Ryan novels: a battle between good and evil; a puzzle for smart Blackie to solve; strong relationships to prevail over evil, and by the end, love conquers all. The sights, sounds and relationships in Spain provide a new twist for Ryan and Greeley fans. The Chicago connection endures, however, since Blackie is accompanied by his nephew, Joseph, and almost-fiancee, Peggy Anne Nolan, and Blackie's sister has asked him nudge this relationship along, which he does in his own way, for sure, for sure. As always, a reader comes away from a Greeley novel feeling good about themselves, other people, and the world.

Rating: Three-star (Recommended)