Father Dowling mysteries

A web of crime such as the parish of St. Hilary has never seen- kidnapping for extortion, blackmailing for terror, and most dire of all, murder for revenge. All this faces the thoughtful, patient, and wise Father Dowling, as he must deal with his more serious churchly problems: should his parishioners sing "Hi, God!" to the tune of "Shenandoah"?

This collection of four Father Dowling mystery novellas includes "The Ferocious Father," "Heart of Gold," "The Dead Weight Lifter," and "The Dutiful Son," all of which star the lovable and gentle priest.

When the body of a murdered mobster is stolen from its grave, Father Roger Dowling tries to discover whether the body's disappearance is related to the mobster's mysterious death.

Father Dowling confronts an ethical dilemma when one of his parishioners reveals information in confidence about a troubled marriage, and the parishioner's spouse later becomes the victim of a brutal hit-and-run "accident" that could be murder.

Gregory Barrett, a classmate of Father Dowling's, left the priesthood twenty-five years ago. Now, after all these years, a woman threatens to bring a multimillion-dollar suit against him, alleging he sexually exploited her when he was still a priest and she was sixteen. Barrett has no memory of her, but is devastated at what these claims will do to his career as a radio host and to his new family. So he comes to Father Dowling for advice. Father Dowling,...

Anathema sits -- A falling star -- The Dunne deal -- The cube root of ice -- Hic jacet -- Past times -- The coveted correspondence -- Death wish -- The giveaway -- The prodigal son -- Imaginary sins -- A life sentence -- On ice -- The bald-headed husband -- Ashes to ashes.