Axe for an Abbot

Appearing for the fifth time in this long and uneven tale, Italian Renaissance adventurer Sigismondo, accompanied by the dwarf Benno, kills a thief at the villa of the wealthy Pantera family. Shortly thereafter, at the Duke of Rocca's palace, Sigismondo's ax is used to slay the gross, venal Abbot Bonifaccio. These are the first of many murders, as a large cast of clergy and laity, nobles and peasants, pilgrims and prostitutes wanders around Italy, intent on skulduggery, wealth, power, piety and fertility. Central to the mayhem is La Feconda, a priceless jeweled cross said to bestow riches and sons upon its owners. The Panteras insist the treasure is theirs, but Sigismondo has vowed to convey it to its rightful home on Scheggia, a rugged island where the faithful struggle up a steep path to pray at the shrine of the Virgin. Although Eyre (Bravo for the Bride) keeps the characters and locales straight, and tosses in sex, excitement and sly plotting (including a conclave of cardinals electing a new pope), the story is overcrowded and marred by loose ends. (Feb.)