Tuesday, November 4, 2008

The Archbishop in Andalusia-Andrew M. Greeley

The Archbishop in Andalusia
Andrew M. Greeley
Forge, Nov 11 2008, $24.95
ISBN: 0765315904

Accompanied by his nephew Joseph and the graduate student’s girlfriend Peggy Anne Nolan, Archbishop John Blackwood “Blackie” Ryan, coadjutor to Cardinal Cronin, leaves Chicago to attend a conference in Sevilla, Spain. Blackie hesitates leaving the States as he is concerned with the health of his superior. However, before leaving Illinois his sister demands he persuade his traveling companions that it is time for them to marry.

In Spain Blackie learns that his reputation for solving mysteries precedes him; as such local Cardinal Diego Sanchez y Tomanos asks him to protect the widowed Duchess of Seville Dona Teresa Maria Romero y Avila from her relatives. Her “loving” family wants her affluence, influence and title. He fears some might choose murder as a means to gain wealth. Blackie agrees to do his best to keep the pious beautiful Duchess safe.

THE ARCHBISHOP IN ANDALUSIA is an engaging mystery as Blackie struggles to unravel the extended Gordian knots of the Duchess’ family relations. This enables the audience to obtain a deep look at South Spain. Although the investigation takes a back seat to the tour of the region, fans will relish Blackie’s amusing take on the deadly sins of pride and greed.

Harriet Klausner

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