Customer Reviews

Sign of the Cross: A Mystery (A Collins-Burke Mystery)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After two women with links to him are murdered, Roman Catholic priest Father Brennan Burke finds himself the chief suspect in the brutal slayings. Asked by a mutual friend to undertake the defense of the handsome, roguish, difficult clergyman, local attorney Monty Collins starts to make inquiries into the ritualistic killings, and into Burke's past, discovering that his client led a wild life both before and after taking his vows. Collins has to deal with aggressive policemen, an opportunistic prosecutor, a shrewish ex-wife and a tight- lipped, extremely volatile client in his quest to clear the priest of the crimes. Collins quickly concludes that he must uncover the identity of the real killer, because the authorities are confident they have the right man, even though the evidence against him is strictly circumstantial.

Exhibiting no grievous flaws, Emery's debut is a well-written, deftly executed mystery. Thoughtful and challenging, Sign of the Cross emphasizes character over action; content to keep the more sensational violence off stage, the main focus of the book falls on the often tense relationship which develops between the oftentimes passive but forthright Collins, and the aggressive but extremely secretive Burke, whose reluctance to discuss his past may prove his downfall. The story's power is derived from this intense pairing, as the two warily circle each other even as they become fast friends. Both are so fully realized that readers will find themselves becoming annoyed with the pair as they demonstrate their less likable traits, as if they're actually interacting with the characters themselves.

If you are a mystery/crime fiction reader you will enjoy the story and will consider the characters friends by the time you are finished. If you are a Canadian or someone who has visited or lived in Halifax you will feel like you are back home. Good author. I plan on reading the next book in the series.

Attorney Montague (Monty) Collins has the client from hell in Father Brennan Burke. The priest is surly, cynical, secretive, arrogant, and Monty has to stop him from being sent to prison on two first-degree murder charges. Father Burke insists someone's framing him, but as Monty investigates, he begins to have doubts. Regardless of Burke's guilt or innocence, Monty knows defending this man will be enormously difficult. Adding to Monty's stress is an unsettled personal life as he and his ex-wife Maura try to remain civil to one another for their children's sake. Maura also happens to be an excellent lawyer and Monty needs her help. That she and the irritating Brennan seem to hit it off only irks Monty further.

What can I say about Sign of the Cross but wow! This book is everything I look for in a mystery: memorable, well-developed characters, a compelling plot, and great writing. Tension flowed through every page with mounting suspense. That author Anne Emery clearly knows Catholicism, lawyers, and court proceedings, all adds up to one amazing legal thriller that I couldn't put down. There is so much depth to this mystery, so much to think about, and such a satisfying ending that I really wanted their stories to continue. Happily, Emery has another Monty Collins' novel called Obit. I can't wait!