meezcarrie's review
3.0
3.5 stars
Death in the Shadows is a book I have to look at in two parts to properly review. On one hand, it’s a mystery. On the other hand, it’s an eye-opening glimpse into the uglier side of humanity and isn’t afraid to address some hot-button issues not usually explored in Christian fiction.
As a mystery, it’s ok. I felt it was slow in parts, though the last third picks up quite nicely and the character of Father Gilbert – a former detective turned Anglican priest – is unique and compelling. His uncle George adds some humor to the mix, needed moments of levity in a book full of heartwrenching topics. The beginning third has a good steady pace but as I said the second third seems to lag a bit. However, by the last several chapters, readers are in for a bevy of twists and turns that flip what you thought you knew upside down.
As a spotlight on the spiritual world, morality struggles of priests, prostitution and human trafficking, Death in the Shadows is simultaneously riveting and disturbing. Father Gilbert sees dead people, though even he himself can’t figure out how or why. He doesn’t know if they are demons taking on the spectral forms of dead humans or instead perhaps sinful souls caught in a holding pattern of sorts. He’s also at a religious conference where an instance of casual conversation between attendees and conference personnel leads to a discussion on the moral temptations that ministers face. This in turn leads to a debate on whether the “what happens here, stays here” philosophy really holds up or if what Father Gilbert says – “One encounter, one night, one indulgence here doesn’t stay here… It goes home with you … It marks your soul.” – is closer to the truth. Combined with a fellow priest’s confession of a homosexual affair and a monk’s frequent visits to a massage parlor, this reminder that pastors and priests are human just like the rest of us should weigh heavy on the hearts of those who follow Jesus … and prompt us to pray more fervently for our ministers. Finally, McCusker raises further awareness for the epidemic of prostitution and human trafficking that is crippling our world. This is something about which I’m passionate and, while this aspect of the novel was disturbing to read, I am thankful for authors like McCusker who don’t shy away from it.
Bottom Line: Death in the Shadows by Paul McCusker is an honest look at some tough topics. The author treats each issue with dignity and grace, giving enough detail to convey the ugliness of the situation without crossing into vulgarity. The mystery itself is really secondary, in my opinion, to the raw picture of humanity that is painted on the pages. And the ending will certainly leave you waiting desperately for a sequel!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Death in the Shadows is a book I have to look at in two parts to properly review. On one hand, it’s a mystery. On the other hand, it’s an eye-opening glimpse into the uglier side of humanity and isn’t afraid to address some hot-button issues not usually explored in Christian fiction.
As a mystery, it’s ok. I felt it was slow in parts, though the last third picks up quite nicely and the character of Father Gilbert – a former detective turned Anglican priest – is unique and compelling. His uncle George adds some humor to the mix, needed moments of levity in a book full of heartwrenching topics. The beginning third has a good steady pace but as I said the second third seems to lag a bit. However, by the last several chapters, readers are in for a bevy of twists and turns that flip what you thought you knew upside down.
As a spotlight on the spiritual world, morality struggles of priests, prostitution and human trafficking, Death in the Shadows is simultaneously riveting and disturbing. Father Gilbert sees dead people, though even he himself can’t figure out how or why. He doesn’t know if they are demons taking on the spectral forms of dead humans or instead perhaps sinful souls caught in a holding pattern of sorts. He’s also at a religious conference where an instance of casual conversation between attendees and conference personnel leads to a discussion on the moral temptations that ministers face. This in turn leads to a debate on whether the “what happens here, stays here” philosophy really holds up or if what Father Gilbert says – “One encounter, one night, one indulgence here doesn’t stay here… It goes home with you … It marks your soul.” – is closer to the truth. Combined with a fellow priest’s confession of a homosexual affair and a monk’s frequent visits to a massage parlor, this reminder that pastors and priests are human just like the rest of us should weigh heavy on the hearts of those who follow Jesus … and prompt us to pray more fervently for our ministers. Finally, McCusker raises further awareness for the epidemic of prostitution and human trafficking that is crippling our world. This is something about which I’m passionate and, while this aspect of the novel was disturbing to read, I am thankful for authors like McCusker who don’t shy away from it.
Bottom Line: Death in the Shadows by Paul McCusker is an honest look at some tough topics. The author treats each issue with dignity and grace, giving enough detail to convey the ugliness of the situation without crossing into vulgarity. The mystery itself is really secondary, in my opinion, to the raw picture of humanity that is painted on the pages. And the ending will certainly leave you waiting desperately for a sequel!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
prekrasan's review
5.0
As a detective turned priest, Father Gilbert is even more active in the community than most clergy. That’s not the only unique trait about Father Gilbert, though. He sees things most other people don’t. Death in the Shadows employed a well-stirred mix of theology and the paranormal without seeming overdone or forced. Although Father Gilbert is more active with the local police force than with the church conference he is supposed to be attending, he still manages to fulfil the duties of his chosen profession. The ending didn’t leave readers hanging, and closed in a satisfying way.
The topic (the sex trafficking industry) of Death in the Shadows is difficult in general – but McCusker writes about it clearly without any sugar coating. His characters are complex and realistic, breaking out of the cookie cutter molds that some writers embrace when working with a challenging topic. Not every character had a happy ending, but that just makes Death in the Shadows come to life even more. Try as hard as you might, but you cannot help every single person – and it’s even harder to help those who don’t want you to help them.
The interesting character of a priest solving a mystery drew me in right from the beginning; McCusker writes in an engaging way that makes Death in the Shadows difficult to put down. As someone easily spooked, I did not find this particular Father Gilbert Mystery too scary – even though some scenes are a bit disturbing.
If you are a mystery lover and want something a little different, Death in the Shadows is sure to draw you in. I would only advise caution to readers who are easily led to believe things that they would not normally believe. The scenes Father Gilbert experiences come to life with McCusker’s pen, and seem very real.
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
The topic (the sex trafficking industry) of Death in the Shadows is difficult in general – but McCusker writes about it clearly without any sugar coating. His characters are complex and realistic, breaking out of the cookie cutter molds that some writers embrace when working with a challenging topic. Not every character had a happy ending, but that just makes Death in the Shadows come to life even more. Try as hard as you might, but you cannot help every single person – and it’s even harder to help those who don’t want you to help them.
The interesting character of a priest solving a mystery drew me in right from the beginning; McCusker writes in an engaging way that makes Death in the Shadows difficult to put down. As someone easily spooked, I did not find this particular Father Gilbert Mystery too scary – even though some scenes are a bit disturbing.
If you are a mystery lover and want something a little different, Death in the Shadows is sure to draw you in. I would only advise caution to readers who are easily led to believe things that they would not normally believe. The scenes Father Gilbert experiences come to life with McCusker’s pen, and seem very real.
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
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