D. M. Greenwood

Vacillating between 2-3 Stars ⭐️⭐️-⭐️

Julia Smith sat reflectively in the Medewich Cathedral, having completed an interview with Canon Wheeler for the position of second secretary. The immediacy of the job offer was appreciated. The peace was disrupted by screams. Following the sounds of distress, Julia found the woman in shock after her hysterical screams. It is a sight beyond words. A sight that demands answers and justice. The sleuthing team comprises Deaconess Theodora Braithwaite, Lay Assistant Ian Caretaker, and newly hired Julia Smith.

The cathedral is part of the Church of England or Anglican Church. During the investigation, one of the interesting parts of the storyline is the conversations about Christianity and Buddhism between Julia and Ian's friend Dhani Tambiah. The language used is abstruse. Reading on a Kindle with the ease dictionary feature eased my way, or I might have abandoned the task. However, as it became a required feature, the flow of reading joy was interrupted and I do not anticipate continuing the series.

A Glossary of English Usage for US Readers Is provided.

Note: I cannot speak to the entire series, reading Book 1 as a stand-alone but from the crime scene forward I am not in agreement with marketing as a cozy mystery.… (more)

The story opens with Julia Smith sitting peacefully in the Medewich Cathedral after a job interview at the diocesan office when she hears a loud scream coming from the chapel. The housekeeper, Mrs. Sprigg, has found the severed head of a young vicar assigned to the cathedral in the baptismal font. Deaconess Theodora Braithwaite, the main character, and Julia look into the murder and other unusual incidents at the cathedral along with the help of Ian Caretaker who is, of course, the caretaker.

I found the book difficult to read. The writing seemed awkward as though it had been written in another era. However, the book was written in the 1990s. The plot was also difficult to follow. While Julia and another character named Dhani solved most of the mysteries, main character Theodora is the one who came up with the resolution of the murder toward the end of the story. Many of the clues that Theodora figured out were not mentioned in the story, which was odd. What I did enjoy was the Anglican Church setting. It was not enough, though, to carry the story.… (more)

I generally like "clergy mysteries," but this was not one of my favorites. I will probably read at least one more in the series to see if my suspicions about the author's point of view are correct. A female deacon in the Church of England, who has elected not to pursue ordination, apparently to ease the way for reunion with Rome, ends up at a theological college where the head has died or been killed - no one is quite sure which. Some of the motivations imputed to various characters set off a few alarm bells with me. I won't say any more for fear of spoilers.… (more)

This is the first in D.M. Greenwoods canonical series. It is intended to introduce Theodora Braithwaite, but it does more than that. An entire cast of characters with nice depth and interesting backgrounds come to life and I would like to think the readers will run into them again.

The story begins with the discovery of a 'dead' head in a font by the cleaning lady. It is revealed that the head belongs to a young local priest. The whys and wherefores are developed slowly but well. I have read other books written about murders in the Anglican community which naturally includes the clergy but I still have a lot to learn about the roles of the members of the Church of England clergy, from Canon's, Deacons, Deans, vergers and vicars to other members of the laity involved in the day to day rouyine. It is quite complex compared to a simple pastor or priest or Rabbi of my local places of worship.

I do love the words used to describe the services be they Evensong or matins. For all this there is still evil aplenty in and around the church. I am really looking forward to reading the second in this series.… (more)