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The Complete Father Brown

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When we first see Father Brown, he's a clumsy, sweet little priest who drops his umbrella, and prattles to his fellow passengers.

But G.K. Chesterton soon reminds readers that appearances are deceptive, when this unassuming little Catholic priest turns out to be a master sleuth. "The Complete Father Brown" collects the first two books featuring Father Brown, and introducing readers to his unusual way of solving bizarre crimes.

The first story opens with French detective Valentin on the hunt for the great thief Flambeau, and along the way encounters a little priest who is telling people about his "silver with blue stones." Turns out that the little priest is the target of Flambeau's crime, and the priceless sapphire cross he's carrying is about to be stolen -- but Valentin discovers that Father Brown is a lot cleverer than he seems.

In the many mysteries that follow, Brown is called on to solve many mysteries -- strange beheadings, burning towers, an invisible murderer, a Christmas crime, voodoo cults, impossible blackmail, the mysterious "Mr. Glass," a lie-detector that can't overcome the faulty human, a murdered actress, murders that may be suicides, religious bigotry, and even a death curse that may be coming true.

G.K. Chesterton had a wonderful knack for creating mysteries that were actually quite simple, but seemed complicated. Sometimes, they even seemed impossible. But in each story -- most of which are standalone -- Father Brown successfully unravels the case, and shows us the startlingly simple answers.

These short stories are written casualyl and a little bit humorously (Brown outpicking a pickpocket), but Chesterton builts up a wall of bizarre clus that don't make sense until Father Brown reveals the motives. And the final touch is an exquisite, shimmering writing style ("Over the black pine-wood came flying and flashing in the moon, a naked sword"), rich in atmosphere.

Father Brown is a likable little guy, who seems very flaky and innocent at first. But under the "innocent goblin" face, he has a shrewd knowledge of human nature, rock-solid principles and some very unusual skills. And don't worry, the religious aspect is rarely brought up, such as when a murder was caused by religious bigotry -- most of the time, Father Brown merely lives his principles rather than preaching them.

"The Complete Father Brown Volume 1" is an enjoyable collection of the first two Father Brown books, and will leave mystery lovers reaching for Volume 2.

EXCELLENT PRODUCT. HALF WAY THROUGH BOOK 1 I REALIZE THIS AUTHOR IS NOT MY CUP OF TEA!