"A long running series that stays fresh"
In the blink of an eye, the charismatic and incredibly
handsome Frere Jean Claude Chretien becomes the toast of
France through his dynamic TV sermons. While filming a
show on the excavations at Notre Dame Cathedral, Frere Jean
Claude vanishes. Desperate to reduce the uproar over the
missing Frere Jean Claude, the Archbishop of Paris, aware
of American Bishop Blackie Ryan's sleuthing skills, asks
the priest's boss Archbishop of Chicago Cardinal Cronin for
help. Naturally, Cardinal Cronin assigns Blackie to solve
the case while accompanying his subordinate to France. In Paris, Blackie begins to investigate. In front of St-
Germain des Pres Church he meets Marie-Bernadette begging
for money. When he learns she speaks English, Blackie
hires her as his translator while he sifts through clues.
However, as they work together, the duo soon learns that
much of the French establishment do not want this case
resolved. THE BISHOP AND THE BEGGAR GIRL OF ST. GERMAIN is an
entertaining cozy starring an intriguing priest. Blackie is
a wonderful character, but the addition of Marie-Bernadette
as his sidekick adds depth while her cynical wisecracking
keeps him and the readers amused. The mystery is clever,
but the story line slowly moves forward. Fans of Andrew
Greeley will appreciate his latest tale, but anyone who
wants action need to go to a different pew. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted July 7, 2001
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