Older guest book entries (most recent of them at top)


"Your guestbook on Clerical Detectives doesn't seem to be sending so I'm using the direct method. Edmund Crispin should have been an early post-modernist but had too many personal foibles to make a real go of it. I'm grateful to your synopses which save me the trouble of reading the books. I did read Holy Disorders twice, at different stages of my life.
I thought the idea of Literary Critic as Detective should be fruitful. Latterly there have been professional forensic style analysts, one of whom is called Don Foster whose claim to fame is that he proved that letters received from the Unabomber showed the same linguistic tics as writings found in the hut of the man eventually convicted.
Mme Sesosteris is a 'clairvoyant e' in The Waste Land.
Your quote "lost he the other eye?" He lost both in the first attack on him in King Lear while his bastard son (guess who) Edmund, stands indifferently by."... The fitchew nor the gilded fly goes to't with a more riotous appetite" Leontes, A Winter's Tale, a remarkable study in extreme male possessiveness. Remarkable because we've all met men a bit like him in the real world.
I found Don Foster's memoir discarded on a chair at Bath City Library. The previous reader probably took it off the shelf thinking it was by Bath's LibDem MP, also called Don Foster, and finding it was not did not trouble to put it back. There is an interesting chapter on his investigation of the funeral eulogy, allegedly written by Shakespeare, for a man who was killed by a trio of aristocratic roughs after leaving a pub in Exeter. I wonder if Exeter County Library, which also houses the Devon Archive, would have a copy of it, or maybe even the original.
It's on my list of things to do before I die, to find this poem. Another on the list was Find out More about Edmund Crispin, with which you have been extremely helpful. Thank you." (Robert Palmer)
I've now replaced the defunct responders.com reply form. (Philip Grosset)

"Would you know where I could get a copy of a prayer book called 'Days of Praise' by William Brodrick? Thank you." (Maryan Lisle, Australia)
Used copies are available from http://abebooks.com or http://amazon.com (Philip Grosset)

"Thank you for the info and review of Irene Allen's Quaker mystery series. I read them a number of years ago and really enjoyed them. I had hopes she would continue writing the series, yet there have been no more. Do you know why she stopped writing them? Thank you." (Carol Ketler)
I have no information about this, but you could always email the author, Dr Kirsten Peters. Her email address is on her Rock Doc page. I too would be interested to hear the explanation, so would be grateful if you would let me know what she says! I'd guess she'd just been too busy. (Philip Grosset)
"I had a reply from Dr. Peters. She does not plan to write any more mystery books. Her focus is on geology textbooks. Thanks again." (Carol Ketler)

"I liked Father Crumlish's stories very much. It is a pity that Alice Scanlon Reach is underestimated." (Ruy Furst)

"I am very happy to find this site. Clergy myself, just retired, I am now working on my own mysteries and will find your handy collection invaluable. Since we clergy live with mystery-- that is of people's lives shared with us in confidence--maybe that's why so many of us enjoy good mystery/crime stories, and turn up in them as well.
I only recently discovered the Crispin mysteries, and love them for their quirkiness and erudition. Yours was the most complete information I found doing a Google search for Edmund Crispin. Thank you!" (Digbyde)

"Currently the only existing, I believe, on-line version of Charles Smith's very funny book "How to become a bishop without being religious" is on a Christian Identity website. I can only assume that God has quite a sense of humor. This is at: http://www.sheldonemrylibrary.com/becomeabishop.htm
Are you in contact with anyone from the Smith family who could have the authority to post the book on a website that is not odious?" (Ross Hyman)
I'm afraid I have no contact with the Smith family but thank you very much for the very useful link. Despite his criticisms, Charles Merrill Smith remained a practising Christian throughout his life, so a Christian website may not really be so inappropriate! (Philip Grosset)
My point is that Charles Merrill Smith's book is on a racist website. Christian Identity is a white supremacist ideology: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Identity
I think it is safe to assume that if Charles Merrill Smith were alive he would be appalled." (Ross Hyman)

"I love the Merrily Watkins books of Phil Rickman, and agree that apart from the main characters, a lot of the players are not well characterised. But they are still a cracking read. On number 6 next." (Gary Robinson)

i've used the list off and on for a year, and have found lots of good books to read. Thanks very much." (Larry Lawrence)

"Thank you for your summaries of each of the Brother Cadfael mysteries by Ellis Peters. You have a gift for describing the book without giving away the plot. And for choosing some of the good text for quotes. I read one or two books before realizing there is a series of 20. I listen to the audiobooks. I appreciate the historical setting of these books, as well as life in an abbey.
Mainly I have appreciated a sort of conversation, where I gained the benefit of your views, to compare with my own reactions. Plus, I have the name of some new books to seek, once I find all 20 of this series, and perhaps the short stories." (Sarah)

"I have just started reading your book, how simple and fantastic a story so far. I like the idea that the Rev can be a naughty boy considering we think of them as being angelic. What gave you the idea of the Reverand being this way? Do you manage to keep a strict timetable when working if so how?
Thank you.' (Allison Houston)
I think you must be referring to books by Suzette Hill - but I am not her! (Philip Grosset)

"Thank you for writing your mysteries. I am presently using them to introduce a friend to Quakerism. She now is expressing an interest in coming to Meeting with me. Thank thee." (Peggyan Noel)
I think you must be referring to books by Irene Allen - but I'm not her either! (Philip Grosset)

"Enjoyed Venice Conspiracy so much!" (Sandra)

"i would like to do a Merrily tour, i wondered if you had an itinary to all the relevant sites i also have Merrily's Borders and the straight track i live in Istanbul Turkey so i am not really good at the border geography regards." (Emine Selbes)
Perhaps Google maps would help you find the places you want. (Philip Grosset)

"I have just settled down to re read Which Doctor...I don't remember it much except that it was one of the most enjoyable mysteries I have ever found...witty and articulate writing." (Linda Whitehead)

"I've just finished the 24th of Wm Kienzle Fr. Koesler books - I've loved them, and am so sorry to hear there will be no more." (Lucille)

"Love to read about Cape Cod and picked one up out of curiosity. Just finished all 4 and am waiting impatiently for the next. When can we expect it?" (Bill)
No idea, I'm afraid! (Philip Grosset)

"In which of the books did Helewise leave the Abbey? I am now reading 'The Rose of the World', and am totally lost." (Bonnie Connel)
The series was meant to have ended with "The Joys of My Life" and I'm sorry the author changed her mind! Its last chapter looked forward ten years to a time when she had given up her vocation. (Philip Grosset)

"Thanks for putting together some information on the elusive Edward Candy. Wish someone would re-issue the detectve novels as I still find them very good." (Margaret McDermott)

"I hope some one will make a movie of This Present Darkness. I read this book over 20 years ago and it is one the best books ever written on Spiritual warfare." (Connie Antwine)

"I loved Sixth Lamentation and now I am a Brodrick fan. Will immediately look for your next two novels. The name Fr. Anselm is very dear to me because my college voice teacher/choir director was Fr. Anselm. I am also a history nut so I loved stories that are based on facts and times in history. Sixth was so wonderful, and I was so moved by the rich writing. Thank you!!!" (Faye Miller)

"I'm enjoying Cyril Hare's 'An English Murder' more than almost any English mystery I've read. It's delightfully witty and interesting, especially when read after 'The Remains of the Day' by KIshiguro, which it resembles." (Conor)

"Thanks for the information. It was useful. I didn't run in to much information on Post, as he seems to be sinking into obscurity." (Joel Mielke)

"A total mystery buff, I discovered The Rosary Murders in '79 and read every new book since. I love mystery books that teach things as well a present puzzles. I had long given up on organized religion but Father Koesler's version of God brought me back from atheist to at least agnostic. Kienzle had a wonderful way with parables and an incredible insight into human motivation and behavior. How sad that he will write no more." (Debra Davies)

"Great site. Thanks! I had no idea there were so many clergy detectives in literature." (Andy McClung)

"While doing family tree research I discovered an ancestor named Ebenezer Buckle, then found that in fact he had several relatives with the same name all living in Buckinghamshire over the years. I wonder whether the author borrowed the name from a real family?" (Angela Woodgates)

"I am just beginning to read The Chorister at the Abbey and love the setting and the exciting gifted writing, and I appreciate the music theme:) I am saddened to hear in Suzy's review you may not yet be a believer in Christ though. I am a writer, of course, finding it difficult to break through to have a first book published .... would love your help or reference." (Susan Harrison)
I think you may be confusing my religious beliefs with Suzy's. I'm afraid I can't help with getting books published! You could publish it yourself as an eBook - but it would be much better to find an agent. (Philip Grosset)

"Will In Charms Way be published? If so, when can I expect it at my local book store? I am really in love with Maggie and Marcus and Liss and all the other characters in these books.I have and have read and reread all of them.Thank you." (Gail Henry)
It is listed on Amazon as a forthcoming title, but to get in touch with Madelyn Alt directly, email her at the address given in the press section of her website (her website address is given at the foot of my Madelyn Alt page). (Philip Grosset)

"I like your site very much -- thank you." (Chris)

"I love the Michael Jecks Templar Series and was recommended to read Maureen Ash. I finished Alehouse Murders and started Squire. 12/13th century mysteries fascinate me. Love the historical fiction genre." (Bea Strong)

"I had decided to reread the Reverend Randollph series and was trying to find some more information on Charles Merrill Smith, and your site came up. I hope to do a blog post on the initial book for the "Forgotten Books Friday" seires. It's an interesting trip back into the 1970s, when mainline Protestant churches had so much more prominence, and were struggling with changing attitudes towards sexuality.
I'll make it a goal to see the Rev. Helena McKechnie, the Angel of Philadelphia, on this site sometime, though she's more in the fantasy genre than the detective. Just got to get the book polished and published." (Steve Wylder)

"You seem not to like the historical intrusions (in the Dame Frevisse books) but to me they are what makes these books - and the Brother Cadfeal books - so interesting, that they are placed in a historical context and that we readers get to see how the characters react and interact with their times and the larger events. Would it be more interesting to you to read about a character on 9/11/01 where there was no mention of the terrorist attack? Where the characters couldn't react to it? I guess it's because I came to these books as a history lover tired of dry history books and not as a mystery lover." (Leonard Marks)
Yes, but the historical background is handled so much better in the Cadfael books than in the Frevisse ones. (Philip Grosset)

"Hi Philip! I am a crime writer and I mentioned your wonderful site in my latest interview. Brian Drake interviewed me about spirituality and morality in crime fiction. Here's the link: http://briandrake88.blogspot.com/2011/10/anonymous-9-visits-your-humble.html
Please drop by and leave a comment if you wish. Also, if you care to tell your readers about the interview, we would love to see some God-loving, crime reading folks drop by. Best wishes. (Anonymous-9)

"Liked your page on Rabbi Small." (Carol)

"Naturally I disagree with your ranking of Innes' books--how could I not? While I totally agree that the much admired "Lament for a Maker" is virtually unreadable (though the brief part set in Australia is good---Innes lived there from 1935-1940), "Appleby on Aarat" is one of my favorites. Yes, the story is absurd, but there is much in it to savor, for instance, the relationship between Appleby and the Australian woman, who is described as being "like a good linoleum, which wears the same all through." Remember how she drags the various unconscious ship survivors into the shifting shade of the sail?" (E Babcock)

"It's interesting to find someone who likes the Sister Fidelma series and yet can be critical when needed. I, too, find the layers of Irish heritage for one character distracting." (M E Kemp)

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I was too stupid to take down the name of the delightful detective Catherine Levendeur or the author, Sharan Newman, the first time I read one of the books. Finally I can read some more of these wonderful stories thanks to your website." (Kris)

"As a man of mathematics, I have always enjoyed books about detection during my 87 years. Today, there is a wealth of detective fiction that is founded on historical fact, and that is where my current reading lies. I've been wading through books by the members of the Medieval Murderers, over the past few years, and I have three books, and an ebook by Susanna Gregory on my desk as I write. Tonight, I am building up my information about this excellent author from the internet. Best wishes frm Tropical North Queensland." (Arthur)

"Thanks for the summaries of Brodrick's novels. I'm reading A Whispered Name. Just loving it. It combines several of my pet interests: the Great War, legal matters/court martials and problems of religious convictions and spirituality. Great writer too!" (Bernadette Trotter)

"Looking to see if there was a new Sister Agatha: Love sister Agatha. Please write more."(mary rogge)

"Possibly I did not see all your stuff--I saw a lot about nuns. As far as I could see, You didn't even mention G. K. Chesterton's Father Brown." (Rima Segal)
Try looking under B for Brown on the contents list. All the best. (Philip Grosset)

"I read there was a Jesuit program in Seattle that trains lay people in the art of spiritual direction. Is that true?" (Timothy G Verkist)
I'm afraid I have no idea! My site is about clerical detectives in crime fiction. But look up Jesuit retreat centers Seattle in Google and you'll find there are several. (Philip Grosset)

"Hi, I've just discovered your site. Do you know of any Reformed/Presbyterian detectives? Thanks." (David A)
Yes, there are a number of Presbyterian detectives.The easiest way to find them is to put in the word Presbyterian in the search engine at the foot of my contents page. (Philip Grosset)

"So much information ... a real delight to browse through it!! My compliments." (Alex)

"Loved it. Did you include the series where a lawyer investigated dark doings at monasteries etc in the reformation for his boss Cromwell? (I cant remember but I did like it and think it counts)." (Robyn Campbell)
You're thinking of the Matthew Shardlake series, including "Dissolution" by C J Sansom. I've now included it. (Philip Grosset)

"I have another author and character to commend to you. The author is Judith Rock and that character is Maitre Charles duLuc, a Jesuit master in 17th century Paris, He is a former musketeer (English spelling) as well as a ballet instructor. DuLuc appears in The Rhetoric of Death and The Eloquence of Blood (Berkley Press). They are well written and historically fascinating. Rhetoric of Death deals with the Huguenots and consequences of the Edict of Nantes." (Rev Phil White)
Many thanks. I've now added a page on Charles du Luc. (Philip Grosset)

"Hello. Re Montague Egg: 'Plummet[sic] and Rose (signifying death and resurrection)...' BUT "Plummer" later! I don't have the book to hand, but surmise that a light scrambling may have occurred. Kind regards, Barry McAleenan".
PS. I've forgotten your name but daren't revert to the HOME page, for fear of losing my details input.
Many thanks for the correction. It should be Plummet and Rose. (Philip Grosset)

Goodness, no Bishop Blackie? Greeley writes a lot & seems to be somewhat obssessed with sex; the earlier novels are more intense and complicated; the more recent are frankly light-hearted pot-boilers and I like them better. I loved the site but was very startled to realise that my collection - and a recent move had every single removalist muttering "I've never SEEN so many bookcases" - has barely skimmed this rich subgenre." (Diane Campbell, Australia)
You'll find that Bishop Blackie is listed under his original full name: Father Blackie Ryan. (Philip Grosset)

"Forthcoming clerical detectives include the Reverend Tom Christmas in C.C. Benison's Twelve Drummers Drumming and the Reverend Max Tudor in G.M. Malliet's Wicked Autumn." (David Blackwater)
Many thanks for the info. I've now added The Rev Max Tudor and The Rev Tom Christmas. (Philip Grosset)

"Many thanks for your review of my book Pain Wears No Mask. Your coverage of this sub-genre is remarkable. While I understand that all reading is subjective, I'm a little surprised that the violence - admittedly of which there is plenty - dominated the comments. At the various rewrite stages two literary agents (one being Lugi Bonomi, no less) wanted me to provide more violence for the modern reader and make the nun more violent. Ho hum.
Other reviews tended to focus on the tender moments, the budding romance between Adam, the detective, and Rose, which you seem to have ignored. I've been asked if I was in the police and some, unsure of the author's gender, wondered if I'd been a nun! One reader, an ex-nun, has read the book three times and wants a sequel. Ah, well. Thanks again." (Nik Morton)



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