Death in Black and White

by Fr. Michael Brisson

Father Christopher Hart, a young New York priest and classic film buff, is unwittingly drafted by the mob to hear the confession of a man slated for execution. This was not one of the duties he expected when he became a first-time pastor. Learning how to balance the books and safely navigate parish politics, yes. But playing a key role in the White Death—a mafia ritual in which a person condemned to death is allowed to confess his sins before he’s killed—was not included on the Parish Leadership 101 curriculum. Should he just do his job and collaborate with the mob for the sake of souls or find a way to stop the violence?

Unrelentingly comparing his life to his favorite classic movies, Father Hart wishes he could just play the role of Father O’Malley from Going My Way, but he ends up playing a character more akin to Philip Marlowe from The Big Sleep. This riveting page-turner will entertain, but it will also drive the reader to grapple with important themes such as identity, purpose, justice, sin, and, ultimately, redemption.

Genres: Fiction, Catholic

366 pages, Paperback

First published April 20, 2024

About the author

Fr. Michael Brisson is a Legionary of Christ priest and author of Death in Black and White, a crime novel about a Catholic priest, confession secrets, and a Mafia ritual called the White Death. Originally from Connecticut, he spent his formation years in Mexico, New York, Washington DC, and Rome, where he was ordained in 2009. As a priest he has served in the New York City metro area, Cupertino, Atlanta, and Rome. He currently serves as councilor to the superior general of the Legionaries of Christ and directs their Department for Priestly Life.

Reviews

[John Sester, LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high expectations... and they were met.
Father Brisson did an excellent job on this book, and I highly recommend a look-see.

The protagonist: The story follows a Catholic priest named Chris Hart. I'm certain Father Brisson had the symbolism of the name all thought out: "Christopher" which in Greek means "Christ-bearer" and "Hart" which references the Psalms and which of course sounds like "heart" and could remind us perhaps of the Sacred Heart or of a priest's human heart -- all this indicating that the priest is called to be at once the bearer of Christ and the presence of Christ's Heart in the world. And the story leans into this: it follows a priest's heart (a Chris Hart) from a simple beginning and into exterior and interior crisis.

The crises: I don't mean to drop any spoilers, so I can't talk about the substance of the story. I'll instead mention my experience of it. I wasn't expecting the story to get as tense as it did, and I'm not primarily referring to the external conflict, but rather the internal conflict within the priest. It's done in a way that's shocking while still remaining realistic and convincing. I'd compare the internal drama of the story to three books I've read over the years: The Edge of Sadness (Edwin O'Connor), Father Elijah (Michael O'Brien), and The Power and the Glory (Graham Greene).

Characterization: His characters are all different and interesting, each with their unique voice and personality. For example, the three priests that end up in the parish together all share the same mission but are intentionally different, and their personalities and backgrounds pull in opposite directions. The same goes for the parishioners, the mobsters, and so on. Characterization was strong, and the changes within characters were fitting, clear, and convincing.

The style: The descriptions are fresh and vibrant, and each dialogue is different and unique. He uses modern and timeless images alike, especially favoring nods toward the style of the old detective noir films. I'm not a classic cinema buff like Father Brisson or Father Hart, but these references were understandable and enjoyable nevertheless. Someone who does understand these occasional "nods" will enjoy the book on another level (I imagine). A fear I had getting into the story was that I wouldn't understand elements due to my own ignorance in this field, but that wasn't an obstacle at all.

All in all, a fine read, masterfully crafted.
I devoured the volume and am looking forward to more Brisson books to come.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely unexpected page turner!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This novel took me on an unexpected roller coaster ride. It’s very well written, witty and reminiscent of the detective movies from long ago. I scare easily and admit that I was very jumpy while I was reading. There were several parts which surprised me and I have a lot of thinking to do about what I read, reflections on sin and forgiveness, especially.

I hope there are many more books to come from Fr. Michael!

[Reuben Nuxoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic (yet a bit farfetched) modern detective priest novel based in the USA, with several plot twists and an excellent approach to our faith and the misunderstandings our culture has of Catholicism and the conscience and psychology. As a priest, I felt understood.

[Fr Scott Reilly :C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page-turner!

This book grabbed me from the first page. So many twists and turns and an unexpected one toward the end. Father Michael really impressed me as this is his debut novel. It is funny, intriguing, spiritual, dark, human, and the background is permeated with God’s mercy. I highly recommend it.

[Sherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found it hard to understand why a Catholic priest would want to present characters who are priests
so negatively and make the main character rather
stupid and naive in his decisions and not really seem that contrite when he made the wrong ones. Showing flaws in priests is fine, but this just seemed to perpetrate stereotypes. The story just didn’t come together that well and there wasn’t much of a mystery really to the “who done it?” I
just can’t recommend this one.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I realized that all sorts of questions were firing off in my mind about where the story and its characters were taking me at the end of every chapter, I realized how well-written this book was enjoyed it even more.

[Emma Sedgwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

P. 329-330
Friendly reminder of how merciful confession is, a true gift from God.

[Doris Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful mystery and story of redemption

I read this book because I happened to sit next to Father Michael Brisson, the author, on a flight home to the USA from Rome. He was working on his laptop and I asked him if it was business. He told me he was writing a book, his second. I wrote down the name of his first book, Death in Black and White. I’m so glad I did. I looked forward to getting away from necessities and getting back to reading the story. A clever mystery with twists I didn’t see coming. Father Brisson was just as kind and devoted to God as Christopher. Enjoy this book yourself!

[Jeff Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very much, making the more outlandish plot points come together in a modern context.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great debut novel by Fr. Brisson. The story involves a priest who is drawn into hearing confessions and giving last rites to people, he discovers, who are about to be sent to their eternal rest by the Mob.
Interesting concept and creative twists. I really enjoyed it. I have to say the end really surprised me. This was a good read.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seriously such a page turner! You’re immediately drawn to Father Chris Hart and his quiet humility and desire to spread the Gospel. A lack of discipline and the idea of self reliance lead to sin. But in our sin, we look up to Christ, hanging on the cross. He who knew no sin took on our sin. Looking at him, I am pulled out of sin and can then pull the others around us that are stuck in sin back to the Father. Powerful confession moments in this book!

[Robert McClelland · Rating 4 out of 5]

thanks.

Great debut.
Loved the characters…good, bad n in-between.
I particularly liked the humanizing of the priests; honest approach made these characters more real…individuals struggling with choices that most readers can identify with.
Thanks for an entertaining book.

[Sharon Urbank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast read and witty.

Loved this book. You will love it if you like a good mystery. The author is very witty. Enjoyed all the old movie references, I love old movies myself.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, fascinating story! Really go on a roller coaster ride. I’m so impressed!

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

[Leann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done Father! I hope this only the first of many.

[Claudia Burkholder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about a Catholic priest who is an old movie buff and gets involved with the mafia - it's like Fr. Brisson knew everything I like and put it into one book, even down to the bourbon choices.

[Roberto · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. Just, wow.

[Jeff McCormack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I couldn’t put it down. Well done Father Brisson, looking forward to more!

[Mary Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

a film noir in your head

Grabs you from the start. Lots of shady characters. Keeps you guessing. Loved the references to old films and the chapter titles as old songs.

[Raymond Steiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done! I enjoyed it.