Basilica

William Montalbano casts his central character, psychological warts and all, into the role of a brother/detective working within the Vatican to solve an apparent murder that has the Pope's attention. To boot, we soon find out the connection between Brother Paul and the young Pope is rooted in a common history. While the reader gets the sense that Montalbano is a relative newcomer to the genre of mystery writing [akin to the earliest Michael Connelly novels], his inordinate familiarity with all things papal colors the story with a vividness that overpowers the writer's occasional difficulty in story telling. And although he has couched the story in a religious setting, in no way do the polemics of church business interfere with the tale; in fact, it is the very REAL portrayal of churchly figures who have strong and weak moments that make the story so enthralling. It is only sad to note that William Montalbano's development as a writer will not go on, due to his untimely death in 1998. I highly recommend this story to readers who like to stroll down the less travelled path, but one with unparalleled views of one of the last empires on earth . . ..

Basilica is definitely a different look at mystery. Looking through the rather earthly eyes of the a personal friend of the Pope, the reader is introduced to the "private" world of the Pontiff. And the problems of running a city-state. The reader is not mired down in the politics of the Vatican, but is cleanly moved though the private world of the Pope in a way that is at once believable and charming. The mystery is absolute. You will not know who the bad guy is until near the end. And even after that there is a final irresistable twist that will leave you with an intaken breath. The writing is crisp, the pace excellent, the mystery is perfectly crafted. The detail is exquisite. I cannot help but mourn the untimely death of the author, for this is his first work I have read. But you can bet I will read the rest!

This book holds you on the first page. I could'nt put the book down. I have been telling very one to buy this book.

Basilica is an excellent new book. Set within the Vatican, sometime in the 21st century, the story joins old friends -- former Miami police detective and latin american cardinal who spent considerable efforts working toward ridding the drug lords of their product. As the story unveils, we learn the police officer, after the tragic loss of his entire family by the drug lords, has become a Roman Catholic Brother stationed in Rome. "The Cardinal" is now Pope and the drug lords are after both of them. Montalbano interweaves an excellent knowledge of the inner workings of Vatican City and weaves the suspense through the church's day to day workings. Many exciting turns and curves -- well written, and it certainly makes you burn the midnight oil trying the find out what takes place next. It's sad that Montalbano's sudden death in March 1998 makes this his last work. A wonderful read, especially for those who like mystery set in the context of the workings of the Catholic Church!

The new millennium dawned without Armageddon arriving though a new Pope from Latin America sits in the Vatican. Pope Tredi has some radical ideas that will shake up the faithful, but he plans to implement. When a priest is pushed off the BASILICA, Pope Tredi turns to his close friend and troubleshooter, former Miami cop Brother Paul Lorenzo, to investigate. Paul soon traces the murder to a conspiracy that is intended to destroy Tredi's reforms. However, before Paul can identify the ring leader, other individuals close to His Holiness are murdered. The evidence points back to their days together in Miami when they opposed a major drug cartel. If Paul does not uncover the enemy soon, Pope Tredi may find himself a historical footnote for one of the shortest papacy's on record. BASILICA is fantastic ecclesiastic thriller that is going to be recognized as one of the year's best novels. The story line is superb and the wonderful characters feel genuine, but it is the insiders look into the Vatican that is truly awesome. On a sadder note, author William D. Montalbano will posthumously receive accolades from an adoring public as he passed away before he could obtain the well-deserved credit that will be coming his way. His death leaves a void in this sub-genre. Harriet Klausner