Deathbed
The Father Koesler Mysteries: Book 8
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- $5.99
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
"The realistic setting, discussions of theology and humanism add to the appealing the author's new urbane, witty mystery.—Publishers Weekly
"Score another direct hit by Father Koesler and William Kienzle." —Kansas City Star
In Deathbed, the eighth book in a series by acclaimed mystery writer William X. Kienzle, Father Robert Koesler takes on a temporary tour of duty as chaplain in a Detroit hospital whose dark passageways lead eventually to murder. But along the way, the antics of a security guard, a few nurse's aides, and a bumbling volunteer lead to madcap mayhem in a deft (and daft) counterpoint to the unfolding mystery.
Deathbed follows the tracks of at least four people in St. Vincent's Hospital in Detroit whose rancor toward a single individual is so great it could translate into violence. The object of their wrath is an indomitable, unsinkable nun in her late sixties who almost single-handedly keeps the inner-city Detroit hospital open.
As Father Koesler begins to learn what really goes on in a hospital, he discovers that St. Vincent's beds are used for more than convalescence. And in the Keystone Kop-like gropings in dim corridors, the real question becomes, Who's doing what to whom?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Since his debut in Kienzle's The Rosary Murders, Father Koesler of Detroit has been a favorite amateur sleuth. The priest's eighth criminal encounter occurs while he's acting chaplain at an inner-city Catholic hospital. Defying efforts to close the haven for the poor, its chief, Sister Eileen, fights rising costs and enemies on the staff. Tricks by a feckless arch-conservative fail to daunt the nun, such ploys causing only temporary confusion. But Koesler senses the minatory aura, very different from foolishness, which he interprets as a determination to kill Sister Eileen. He's right, although unable to change events set in motion by a malcontent who strikes suddenly. The realistic setting, discussions of theology and humanism add to the appeal in the author's new urbane, witty mystery. 35,000 first printing; $35,000 ad/promo budget; Mystery Guild selection.
