The Case of the Dead Winner: A Father Dowling Mystery for Young Adults
Grade 8 Up?This new YA mystery series featuring a trio of youthful sleuths and a parish priest is the junior version of McInerny's adult "Father Dowling" mysteries (St. Martin's), widely praised for their "antic wit." However, something has been lost in translation, namely the main character. Father Dowling is reputed to solve crimes because he can "...imagine himself in the plight of the poor devil who had robbed or killed or betrayed," but readers never actually see him perform this feat. He only seems to pop up to move the plot along. Nevertheless, these mysteries are pleasant, solidly constructed, and entertaining. The minor characters are particularly vivid and the setting, a parish center for old folks, is unique. There are even realistic computer shennanigans and a 12-year-old hacker.?Kathy Fritts, Jesuit High School, Portland, ORCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.