The Greatest Evil (Father Koesler Mystery) [Hardcover]

William X. Kienzle (Author)

Book Description

Series: Father Koesler Mystery | Publication Date: April 1998

LAST RITES AND LETHAL WRONGS

Father Koesler is pondering his imminent retirement. But even as he looks toward an uncertain future, circumstances force him to investigate a crime from the past, a murder that only now has come to light. The revelation is revealed after his successor, Father Zachary Tully, clashes with Bishop Vincent Delvecchio. A longtime colleague of the powerful bishop's, Koesler searches his memory for insight into his superior's demanding nature . . . only to discover long-buried secrets involving a devout family haunted by tragedy--and shocking truths about sin, salvation, and the greatest evil. . . .

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

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Although billed as a mystery, Kienzle's (The Man Who Loved God, Andrews & McMeel, 1997) latest offering is more of a historical view of the Catholic Church's changing attitudes from the 1950s to the 1960s and beyond. Father Robert Koesler is excited at the prosect of having Father Zachary Tully join his parish. Unfortunately, Bishop Vincent Delvecchio has misgivings about Tully's appointment. As Koesler and Tully discuss the matter, Koesler discovers a long-hidden mystery, which takes a back seat to numerous discussions that give fascinating insight into the workings of the Catholic Church before Vatican II. However, fans who expect a more substantial mystery from Kienzle may be disappointed.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Inside Flap

LAST RITES AND LETHAL WRONGS

Father Koesler is pondering his imminent retirement. But even as he looks toward an uncertain future, circumstances force him to investigate a crime from the past, a murder that only now has come to light. The revelation is revealed after his successor, Father Zachary Tully, clashes with Bishop Vincent Delvecchio. A longtime colleague of the powerful bishop's, Koesler searches his memory for insight into his superior's demanding nature . . . only to discover long-buried secrets involving a devout family haunted by tragedy--and shocking truths about sin, salvation, and the greatest evil. . . . --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 278 pages
• Publisher: Andrews Mcmeel Pub; First Edition edition (April 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0836252063
• ISBN-13: 978-0836252064
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,920,696 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent character study...., August 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Greatest Evil (Father Koesler Mystery) (Hardcover)

I've read all of Kienzle's books and would definitely rate this one towards the top of the list. I would agree with the previous review that if someone is expecting a good mystery (ie. The Rosary Murders or Death Wears a Red Hat) they will be greatly disappointed. I would not consider this book a mystery at all but rather an excellent character study of an interesting family. Being Catholic, i also was fascinated with the descriptions of the priesthood and Church pre and post Vatican II (though, someone who is not Catholic might not be interested at all in these passages). The only minor criticism i have is that most of the characters we've come to know in Kienzle's other books were not here (or if they were then only briefly). Im looking forward to his next book!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars "Slower and less captivating than others in this series.", August 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Greatest Evil (Father Koesler Mystery) (Hardcover)

As a faithful follower of the detective priest, I found this book totally different in style and focus. Instead of enlightening on aspects of the priesthood as background to solving a murder or two, this book concentrates on the priesthood and casually dangles a possible crime at the reader. When I finished I knew a great deal about the struggles of the modern priest and a changing society.

A devoted fan of the author will be disappointed by this book.

3.0 out of 5 stars Not a tangled mystery, May 15, 2011

By 

Denis - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Greatest Evil (Father Koesler Mystery) (Mass Market Paperback)

This is a good book, but bogs down in a lot of church teachings. All in all a good quick read.