Getting a Way with Murder

Father Dowling #9

by Ralph McInerny

Howard Downs' acquittal for the murder of his wife and subsequent arrest for the murder of his lawyer just hours later, shock the good people of Fox River, Illinois. Roger Dowling, pastor of St. Hilary's parish, is no exception, but unlike most of Fox River's citizenry, Father Dowling becomes involved, and through his persistent probing, solves the murders and exposes a massive case of insurance fraud in the bargain.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

184 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1984

About the author

Ralph Matthew McInerny was an American Catholic religious scholar and fiction writer, including mysteries and science fiction. Some of his fiction has appeared under the pseudonyms of Harry Austin, Matthew FitzRalph, Ernan Mackey, Edward Mackin, and Monica Quill. As a mystery writer he is best known as the creator of Father Dowling. He was Professor of Philosophy, Director of the Jacques Maritain Center, and Michael P. Grace Professor of Medieval Studies at the University of Notre Dame until his retirement in June 2009. He died of esophageal cancer on January 29, 2010.

Reviews

[Suzi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the characters, but the story was middle of the road.

As I read more of this series, I liked it less.

[EuroHackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another swing and a miss for me. The whodunit is basically a process of elimination, but the why doesn't make much sense. Was life insurance that much more complicated in 1984, that you could have a policy and not even know who your beneficiaries were? It really didn't make any sense to me, nor why so many people had to die before the plot was uncovered (I mean, seriously - so many people end up dead, especially for a less-than-200-pages novel).

[Michael Shurtleff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good relax-and-enjoy read--especially if you're burnt out on the modern propensity for inserting a sex scene or two in every chapter and stringing sentences together with profanity (or if you're put off by that to begin with.) It's well-paced and written. The plot was somewhat formulaic and punctuated with stock melodrama, but McInerny is such a polished writer that it was easy for me to overlook. The characters were likewise a bit wooden, but he provided just enough detail that they weren't repugnantly so. I was already a fan of his non-fiction when I picked this up; now it looks like Father Dowling will become part of my fictional landscape.

[Zen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straight, down the middle of the road enjoyment.

For such a short book, it packs in alot of murder which was kind of fun.

More of a "Columbo" type of mystery where by 75% in you got it mostly figured out. You're just waiting for the charactors to catch up with you.

The first 60 pages were a bit of a chore at times. RMcI was packing alot of info and background into each sentence. They were also a bit awkward to read. Or maybe I just needed a nap. I went and snoozed a couple of hours.

After that the writing was straight forward mystery stuff and I just sailed into the ending. Usually I never know who done it in these books but this time I did! I'm so excited about that!

Of special note is that F. Dowling, his living situation and friendship with the Head Detective was fairly believable. Thus his involvement in the case was more acceptable than is usual in these types of books.

So, not something I usually read but as a one off I quite enjoyed it. Probably 3 1/2 ☆'s rounded down or up either way. Just depends on my mood at the time.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ralph McInery books, especially the Father Dowling mysteries , and I was delighted to discover one I had not read. This book is McInery at his wordish best. I had to consult an online dictionary 4 times...and 2 of the words were completely new to me: kempt and uxoricide.

The story is intriguing, with some puzzles easily solved and others left obscure until the very end.

I sincerely hope I find more McInery books I haven't read!

[Nicole Ratkowiak-Treitler · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the worst books I've ever read. Found at goodwill and now understand why. This book reminds me of someone telling stories about people I don't know and just assuming I know the people the are talking about. Characters were awful and the book is kinda racist in some parts. If I could zero stars I would cause 1 is too much.

[Gheeta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sort of a cozy mystery for a weekend buried in a novel. I'm only familiar with the old Father Dowling television show from years ago so it was a little odd seeing how the author described the good Father. Other than that, I liked the story and wish I could more easily get my hands on the stories...there just aren't any other than this one through the library system out here. :(

[rekhs · Rating 2 out of 5]

not my kind
went on rambling
didnt hold my interest

[Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although these mysteries have been published for a long time. This is the first one I've read with Father Dowling. Ralph McInerny made his characters interesting including the detectives. This mystery is mostly about insurance claims and embezzlment and of course, murder. I found the explanations for embezzlement very interesting. Since I've never really understood anything about insurances, that part went a bit over my head. Still, I understood that people can use a false person's name over and over again and then, retrieve the money themselves.

I would have liked a better or more specific description of Father Dowling. Perhaps, I will get to know him better in the earlier novels. This novel is the ninth in the series. Plus, I didn't get a clear picture of Fox River. The mystery had the power to draw me back to the present. I remembered a recent money theft of big money which left people reeling with feelings of being scammed and once rich now broke.It was painful to watch the people who were involved by accident in this White Collar crime.

I was shocked how many people were murdered in this one tiny novel. Anyway, I enjoyed it. Liked Sally Wise, Patricia and Downs, etc. Will look forward to reading another Father Dowling mystery.fantasticfictionralph-mcinerny/

[Gloria Mccracken · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the series on which the Father Dowling series is based. The plots are fine, but sometimes I get impatient with some of the attitudes--genteelly stereotyping with regard to race; not so genteel when it comes to gender. In other words, are all too typical of its time; and, dare I say it, of modern-day Roman Catholicism in its more pernicious form.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the better books in the Father Dowling series. McInerney really provided a plausible motive and tied up all of the loose ends by the end of the novel. An interesting and quick read.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

man found not guilty of killing his wife then confesses to murdering his lawyer

[Leslie Jem]

chapter 5

[Sue Herbine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Father Dowling mystery that is a real page-turner.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of the Father Dowling series on TV, and when I realized there was a series of books with the same title, I couldn't wait to read them! The book didn't disappoint. It kept my attention, included unexpected twists and turns, and made me laugh. I'm excited to read more of this series!

Note: The books includes some swearing.