The Madonna Murders

by Pamela Cranston

The Madonna Murders by Pamela Cranston is about the priceless Icon of Kazan (first made famous by Tolstoy and shown at the 1964 New York Worlds Fair) and the Crystal Skull, featured in the Steven Spielberg Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull; In real life, Frederick Mitchell-Hedges owned both the Crystal Skull and the Icon of Kazan at the same time. This is a mesmerizing tale of intrigue, romance, and the supernatural which takes the reader into the world of icons, the struggle between the holy and the demonic, and the Russian history of San Francisco.

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2003

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the Russian religious history during Stalin's takeover fascinating. The mystery itself was fairly compelling. The characters left a lot to be desired.

[Cynthia Varady · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out fast and wonderful, but fizzled a little at the end. This was in part due to the fact that I had figured out how the murder was before the big reveal. Although, that isn't what bugged me the most. It was the religious stuff that really started to grate on me, but what do you expect for a former nun? At first, I didn't let it get to me, but then even the most cynical character finds God in the end. It was totally unrealistic. And he did it because of a woman, not for himself. I really did try to look past it, but when I found myself sighing and rolling my eyes subconsciously, I knew it had gotten the best of me. Anyhow, the tour through the Bay area was great. There are so many places I haven't yet seen that I need to visit. Also having the Graduate Theology Union in there was a treat as well (I'm doing an internship there). The taste of Russian history was also great. I would recommend this book, not highly, but I wouldn't throw it out with the bath water either.

[Mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story that discusses the Russian diaspora in the US after the Revolution, the differing jurisdictions in the US, the Bay Area (including the seminary where a dear friend studied, Memory Eternal), icons and faith. From an Episcopal perspective.
I found the original murder to be uncomfortable and that did color my opinion of the story, but all in all, it was a very good read.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the best written book I've read, but the author made it fast-paced enough to keep the pages turning.