THE WIDOW’S MATE
RALPH McINERNY
ISBN #(10)0373266545/(13)9780373266548
November 2008
A Worldwide Mystery/St Martins Press, LLC
http://us.macmillan.com/SMP.aspx
Paperback
$5.99 US/ $6.99 CAN
251 Pages
Mystery
Rating: 4 Cups

Wallace Flanagan turned his back on the family business, disappointing his father. His choice is to work with the money he earned himself. Then he disappeared, leaving behind his distraught family. Ten years later, his mangled body is found in a cement mixer.

Father Dowling has not always been at St. Hilary’s. He was not there when Wally Flanagan went missing. But it seems now after finding Wally's body, the case has been reopened and people are coming to him to ask for help or offer thoughts on what has happened. How could he not become involved?

Rumors are circulating that a local family, who might have dealings with the mob, might also have had a hand in Wally’s murder. This seems to bring everyone out of the woodwork, and they want in on the murder. Only, they will soon learn that what they perceive to be real is just the tip of the iceberg.

As my first Father Dowling mystery, I thought it was rather intriguing. It has plenty of suspense and surprises to keep you turning the pages. Albeit a bit confusing with so many characters to remember, I happily enjoyed this offbeat mystery and was very surprised at the outcome. This is a book you will want to enjoy yourself.

Matilda
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More