To Know Evil
Non-series
Stephen
Gaspar
Pemberley (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-9771913-9-7 (0977191397)
ISBN-13: 978-0-9771913-9-0 (9780977191390)
Publication Date: October 2009
List Price: $17.95
Synopsis (from
the publisher): The source of evil and the conflict between faith and
knowledge are among the themes examined in this complex intellectual
puzzle set in a medieval monastery.
An Irish monk dies in a Benedictine abbey in northern Italy on the eve
of the second millennium. When Brother Thomas of Worms attempts to
investigate the murder, his abbot accuses him of inventing trouble to
avoid his duty to God and assigns Thomas the chore of copying a
Biblical text as penance. Neither copying nor humility comes easily to
an intelligent man like Thomas, who struggles with his commitment to
obey his abbot. While in the library, Thomas is drawn to a gnostic book
that leads him to a discovery that threatens the very fabric of the
Church. When more monks perish, Thomas's loyalty to the monastery and
its rites is tested, and he risks expulsion as he seeks to uncover the
link between the murders and the hidden codex that has shaken his faith.
Review: Stephen
Gaspar crafts an intriguing tale of betrayal and murder, set in a
monastery on a remote mountaintop in northern Italy, in To Know Evil, a novel that could
readily serve as an introduction for a series character.
It is the year 999, and Brother Thomas of Worms, a German monk who has
traveled extensively, has been living in a Benedictine monastery for
two years now. It's a simple life, one to which he is devoted. A
mysterious stranger from the east, also a monk, but surly and brusque,
shows up one day and is welcomed by Thomas. Soon thereafter a fellow
brother is found dead at the base of a set of steep stairs. It's called
an accident, but Thomas isn't sure. He suspects the stranger of being
involved, but when Thomas questions the abbot of the monastery, he's
told to keep to himself. Then another brother dies, again under unusual
circumstances. Brother Thomas is convinced the stranger is responsible,
but he has already left the monastery. Brother Thomas is beside
himself, thinking a murderer has gone free, but again, the abbot tells
him he is wrong. Assigned to copy scripture in the library to keep him
occupied, Thomas is shown a rare manuscript by Brother Nicholas that
suggests a document from hundreds of years ago may be hidden within the
confines of the monastery. Always one to seek knowledge in whatever
form it may take, Thomas and Nicholas begin a quest for the document,
which results in the death of another brother, and leads them to a more
precious relic, one that relates to, and tells of, the last days of
Jesus of Nazareth.
To Know Evil is a
well-written, quite literate novel, and more than just a murder
mystery. The historical background, based in fact but fictionalized for
the purpose of the book, is fascinating and adds an atmospheric, almost
noirish, feel to the story. Comparisons to other religious artifact
thrillers may be inevitable, but here the action is more ethereal than
physical, and the mystery more subtle. Clues to the circumstances
surrounding the deaths of the brothers are weaved into the story, and
the resolution is soundly presented. What doesn't work quite as well,
however, is the narrative that leads up to the "surprise" revelation at
the book's conclusion, which is anything but, having been extensively
foreshadowed. It's not clear what purpose this story arc serves, as it
doesn't relate to the murder mystery, or to any of the principal plot
points, and is really rather preposterous in what is otherwise a
solidly credible story. That is appears to be added for shock value
alone is a bit disappointing.
To Know Evil seems to be
written as a stand-alone novel, but it could readily serve as the first
mystery in a series. Given that Brother Thomas is a traveler, he could
move from monastery to monastery, introducing readers to new locations
and customs all the while using his keen intellect and deductive
reasoning to solve medieval puzzles.
Special thanks to Stephen Gaspar for providing a copy of To Know Evil for this review.
Review Copyright © 2009 — Hidden Staircase Mystery Books — All Rights Reserved
Have you read To Know Evil? How would you rate it?
Novels by this author …
To Know Evil
Pemberley (Trade Paperback), October 2009
ISBN-10: 0-9771913-9-7 (0977191397)
ISBN-13: 978-0-9771913-9-0 (9780977191390)
Omnimystery keywords for To Know Evil ...
Location(s) referenced: Italy.
