When last we saw Brother Bartholomew, the monk-detective of David Manuel's
engaging Faith Abbey series, he had sworn off both caffeine and sleuthing.
In this installment, he reluctantly pitches in to help solve a murder, though the monk sticks to his
guns and chugs decaf throughout. Readers are treated to authentic Cape Cod people and places, and
in this second book we learn more detailed information about the abbey
where Brother Bartholomew lives and tends the roses.
The mystery
undertakes some heady theological issues, as Bartholomew realizes that he's
battling not just a human killer, but the very "principalities" of evil.
Armed with the spiritual counsel of his wise mentor, the aging Brother
Columba, the young monk must put his trust in the unseen God and face the
real presence of evil. This novel shows the maturation of Manuel as a
mystery writer, offering readers memorable characters and perceptive
theological insights.