Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Publisher: St Huberts Press
Release Date: November 2003
ISBN: 0972416307
Awards:  
Format Reviewed: Paperback
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Genre: Inspirational Thriller [1990 Berkeley, California and various]
Reviewed: 2004
Reviewer: Rachel A Hyde
Reviewer Notes:  
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The Madonna Murders 
By Pamela Cranston


     Andrea West just wants to complete her finals and settle down as the theology professor at the Episcopal Seminary, but the fabled Icon of Kazan is about to enter her life and turn it upside down. This icon would be valuable for itself because of the gold and jewels adorning it, but as well there are many legends about its miraculous powers to heal and perform other miracles. When Andrea’s old flame is murdered and the icon stolen, she is forced to discover the perpetrators and bring them to justice. This is going to be a tortuous trail; she will meet a modern saint, nearly get killed more than once, find a man, and come up against some real evil. And all this in only a fortnight…

     There are lots of thrillers about magical artifacts involving a chase to get hold of them, but this one has the added dimension of being inspirational. As the coveted item is an icon, this has the benefit of not merely being an exciting story, but also in making the reader think about icons, religious faith and the existence of evil. Set at the time of the momentous changes in Russia, this tale also concerns Russia’s rich heritage and turbulent history. This is a complex story, more so than perhaps appears on the surface, with its many layers and themes and needs careful reading to get the most out of it.