The Silent Ones: A Father Anselm Thriller

British author Brodrick’s outstanding sixth Father Anselm thriller (after The Discourtesy of Death) plunges the monk and former lawyer into a horrific child molestation case. Given the Catholic Church’s notorious history of child sexual abuse by priests, Anselm would just as soon not get involved. But he’s drawn in unawares at the special request of a nameless visitor to Larkwood Priory. By the time Anselm realizes what kind of monster he may be dealing with, he’s already met the victim, 11-year-old Harry Brandwell, and it’s too late to drop the matter. In particular, Anselm must determine why Harry is accusing an innocent man of the crime. Meanwhile, local newspaper reporter Robert Sambourne receives a cryptic letter that dangles the carrot of a London-based church scandal before the ambitious newsman’s eyes. Secrets and lies by omission play out amid expertly executed plot lines and deeply thought-provoking situations. Anselm must dig his wig and gown out of mothballs and return to the Old Bailey, so he can defend a man who refuses to speak. Sophisticated prose elevates this timely, painful tale. (Oct.)