The Rosary Murders, first published in 1978, is coming to readers again. This cozy mystery is fun, easily followed, and easily read. The Rosary Murders was made into a movie, starring Donald Sutherland, in 1987. This book is one of some twenty-four crime novels featuring Father Robert Koesler.


William X. Kienzle spent twenty years in the priesthood after leaving due to a disagreement with policy. He was editor of MPLS Magazine in Minneapolis, then later was director of Center for Contemplative Studies at University of Dallas. His wife carries on his publishing career today.


Kienzle leads us on a merry chase as the seemingly innocuous death of a priest near death in a hospital becomes more  important as the first death in a series of murders. Key elements are the joking between colleagues in the police department and the conversations between priests during meals. The trust the Catholic priests and nuns place in their parishioners is important. Not only in real life, but in The Rosary Murders, that trust is what makes priests and nuns so susceptible to danger, especially when working in the less desirable areas.  The police wisely pay attention to Fr.  Koesler as he offers his help and is open to their suggestions to catch the culprit and solve the crime.


This is a short, easy read. Fun and not complicated. The Rosary Murders makes a good read for a quiet day or to lull to sleep at night.



Because the reader may be accustomed to today’s technology, please remember this is an older book. Cell phones are not around every corner.



All in all, I’d give this a 4 out of 5 stars for its ingenuity of the time and the easy writing style.


So what are you waiting for? Go read it!



NOTE: I was provided this book by request to NetGalley in return
for an honest review.

Dakota Franklin is author to the series Ruthless
to Win. Each book of the series, however, is stand-alone with references
that do not require the reader to know the story of other books. She lives in
Switzerland and writes exciting, technical novels. For the average reader,
Requiem at Monza might contain too much technical information, yet it will
continue to hold the reader in its grip of intrigue.


Jo Ann, the main character, is a securities specialist searching
for a vehicle part that the Italian authorities will not release for inspection.
The intrigue involves authorities and criminal minds allowing a lot of action
and twists to the plot. About the time you think the mystery will be solved, a
new twist steps in. Jo Ann, being the strong, tall woman she is (yes, tall is
important to Jo Ann), is able to think ahead most of the time to the possible
implications of the situation. Jo Ann brings a little humor, a lot of intuition,
and her ability to think outside of the box to give the reader enjoyment.



This is not a novel for the light reader, but is one that will
probably hold the attention of any racing fan to the brutal end. The race track
and drivers figure prominently yet do not overshadow the action. The high-tech
influence on the cars is important and explains many things that the non-racing
fan might grasp to understand the technology involved in putting these
high-dollar cars on the track.



NOTE: I received this book as a Member Giveaway on
  LibraryThing

Bubba and the Dead  Woman (Bubba Snoddy, #1)

C.L. Bevill has taken mystery to a new level. Bubba is such an interesting character ranging from good
ol' boy to refinement. He is honest but finds himself in so many predicaments
that he faces with grace and a determination to resolve the issues. Bubba is a
fun character and is included in later books

Other  characters in the book are funny and engaging. This is a fun and quick read.
From Bubba's mother to the local bed-and-breakfast owner / madame, the
characters give more color to this enjoyable read

Bevill is  an author to watch and read.

NOTE: I purchased this book  with my own funds.