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Father Gilbert Mystery #1
The Body Under the Bridge
A former Scotland Yard detective, Father Gilbert knows about death. But, now a priest of a modest Anglican church in the small town of Hailsham, he didn't expect it to show up like this--in the suicide of a man who threw himself off the church tower, and in the discovery of a two-hundred-year-old body beneath an ancient bridge.
The deaths are linked. The mummified corpse under the bridge, a murder victim, reignites a centuries-old battle between two local families--the Todds and the aristocratic Hayshams. Then both David Todd and Lord Haysham begin to act strangely, fearful for reasons they won’t explain.
When Lord Haysham is murdered, David Todd is the prime suspect. But Todd is maniacal, claiming great forces of evil are at work. An entire history of violence and depravity begins to emerge, interweaving the history of several local families with a secret occult society that engages in Black Masses. Has the Society emerged again
The deaths are linked. The mummified corpse under the bridge, a murder victim, reignites a centuries-old battle between two local families--the Todds and the aristocratic Hayshams. Then both David Todd and Lord Haysham begin to act strangely, fearful for reasons they won’t explain.
When Lord Haysham is murdered, David Todd is the prime suspect. But Todd is maniacal, claiming great forces of evil are at work. An entire history of violence and depravity begins to emerge, interweaving the history of several local families with a secret occult society that engages in Black Masses. Has the Society emerged again
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 27, 2016
13 people are currently reading
780 people want to read
About the author
Paul McCusker
181 books230 followersPaul McCusker is a writer of many different kinds of things. You may know him from Adventures In Odyssey and Focus On The Family Radio Theatre. Or the Father Gilbert Mysteries. Or the Augustine Institute audio dramas Brother Francis: The Barefoot Saint of Assisi and The Trials of Saint Patrick. Or plays like The First Church of Pete's Garage and Catacombs. Or C.S. Lewis projects like The Chronicles of Narnia audio dramas or The Annotated Screwtape Letters. Or the film Beyond The Mask. Or lots of other dramas, novels, scripts and lyrics. He simply can't make up his mind what he likes to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 19, 2024
This is one of those times when I didn't realize how much I missed something until it was given back to me.
I love Father Gilbert. And like most fans of the radio series, Dead Air is my favorite episode, in all of its spine-tingling glory. So I'm thrilled to find that The Body Under the Bridge bears a strong connection to that episode, in fact, happening before it if we're going in a chronological order. Or after it if you don't care that at this point Father Gilbert has yet to solve the case of the girl who went missing in the Soho district and was the tipping point to him leaving the force and joining the church. Either way, doesn't matter, it's a great tie-in.
The regular cast of characters is ready and in place for this first in, I hope, a series of Father Gilbert Mysteries. From Mrs. Mayhew to Mr. Urquhart, this book is like visiting old friends that I haven't seen in a very long time. And of course, a small section of my heart has always been in love with Father Gilbert, enough to not care that he's on the written page and not spinning around in my ears wearing the voice of Adrian Plass. Although if Adrian were to ever agree to narrate this book series, I wouldn't argue. Hmm, Adrian?
There are some complaints that this is a very Catholic novel, that it's very dark, that it has evil supernatural elements, etc. Yes, all of that is true. However, never is evil greater than good, and at the grand climax where I could hardly breathe or put the book down for fear of Father Gilbert's life, God was there, and He worked miracles, the same as always. The tradition of the Anglican church is insightful and intrigues me immensely, and I find it's far wiser to be aware of supernatural evil than live in a fantasy world where it doesn't exist. So long as we remember Who's ultimately in control then we're all right.
Great job, Paul McCusker, and thank you, from the bottom of my heart for resurrecting a character that I have loved since the series first burst upon the airwaves when I was a teenager.
I love Father Gilbert. And like most fans of the radio series, Dead Air is my favorite episode, in all of its spine-tingling glory. So I'm thrilled to find that The Body Under the Bridge bears a strong connection to that episode, in fact, happening before it if we're going in a chronological order. Or after it if you don't care that at this point Father Gilbert has yet to solve the case of the girl who went missing in the Soho district and was the tipping point to him leaving the force and joining the church. Either way, doesn't matter, it's a great tie-in.
The regular cast of characters is ready and in place for this first in, I hope, a series of Father Gilbert Mysteries. From Mrs. Mayhew to Mr. Urquhart, this book is like visiting old friends that I haven't seen in a very long time. And of course, a small section of my heart has always been in love with Father Gilbert, enough to not care that he's on the written page and not spinning around in my ears wearing the voice of Adrian Plass. Although if Adrian were to ever agree to narrate this book series, I wouldn't argue. Hmm, Adrian?
There are some complaints that this is a very Catholic novel, that it's very dark, that it has evil supernatural elements, etc. Yes, all of that is true. However, never is evil greater than good, and at the grand climax where I could hardly breathe or put the book down for fear of Father Gilbert's life, God was there, and He worked miracles, the same as always. The tradition of the Anglican church is insightful and intrigues me immensely, and I find it's far wiser to be aware of supernatural evil than live in a fantasy world where it doesn't exist. So long as we remember Who's ultimately in control then we're all right.
Great job, Paul McCusker, and thank you, from the bottom of my heart for resurrecting a character that I have loved since the series first burst upon the airwaves when I was a teenager.
October 20, 2017
This is a very well written book, but I should have checked other reviews first.
Father Gilbert, who worked for Scotland Yard, is now a priest in a small town.
When a man throws himself from the church tower, and a body is discovered under a bridge, his old profession does come in handy.
My problem was the paranormal aspect of the book. It was just not for me.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Father Gilbert, who worked for Scotland Yard, is now a priest in a small town.
When a man throws himself from the church tower, and a body is discovered under a bridge, his old profession does come in handy.
My problem was the paranormal aspect of the book. It was just not for me.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2015
I didn't read the first book in this series so I wasn't quite sure what to expect with a former policeman now turned priest. What I got was a very spooky, very paranormal, and very interesting mystery novel. Father Louis Gilbert and his brand new curate at St. Mark's, Father Hugh Benson, are called to the land reclamation project on the estate of Lord Haysham when something was found under the stone bridge which had been discovered earlier. Now Father Gilbert needs to know if the skeleton under the bridge could be connected to the medallion he finds himself with after having a disturbing vision of a man committing suicide on the tower of the church. Soon the feud between the Haysham and Todd families has become even hotter than usual, DNA helps provide the identity of the skeleton, and evil seems to surround everyone who has any connection to three relics in existence before Oliver Cromwell.
This was quite an unusual mystery novel because of the combination of the skills Father Gilbert has for investigating crime due to his previous career in law enforcement added to his spirituality being challenged by truly evil forces. The author did a really good job of instilling the feeling of menace whenever Father Gilbert was confronted by evil. This is definitely a novel which presents a religious viewpoint so if you don't want to read that type of material, you might not like the book. However, that religious aspect is absolutely essential to the basic plot line of the novel and to how the mystery is solved. I enjoyed this story quite a lot and I'm a very picky reader when it comes to mystery novels. This one is definitely different, definitely spooky, and definitely paranormal.
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley.
This was quite an unusual mystery novel because of the combination of the skills Father Gilbert has for investigating crime due to his previous career in law enforcement added to his spirituality being challenged by truly evil forces. The author did a really good job of instilling the feeling of menace whenever Father Gilbert was confronted by evil. This is definitely a novel which presents a religious viewpoint so if you don't want to read that type of material, you might not like the book. However, that religious aspect is absolutely essential to the basic plot line of the novel and to how the mystery is solved. I enjoyed this story quite a lot and I'm a very picky reader when it comes to mystery novels. This one is definitely different, definitely spooky, and definitely paranormal.
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley.
February 28, 2017
Never finished. . .
I am putting this book back on the shelf. Not going to finish it. It was pretty hard to get into and I am feeling slightly creeped out by the mystery. Just me personally. I respect Paul McCusker and think he is a fantastic writer, but this book is not for me.
I am putting this book back on the shelf. Not going to finish it. It was pretty hard to get into and I am feeling slightly creeped out by the mystery. Just me personally. I respect Paul McCusker and think he is a fantastic writer, but this book is not for me.
July 17, 2019
A creepy supernatural whodunnit that really makes you contemplate spiritual warfare. Contrary to Hollywood's straw man depictions of Christians, Father Gilbert is well-developed and convincing as a believer. I found this story's exploration of temptation, holiness and evil more compelling as a result. Be warned that it does deal with extremely dark spiritual topics but from a perspective that is reflective of godly values.
February 16, 2016
To start at the very beginning, I requested this book to review because I know Paul McCusker as the script writer for a movie made by our friends. I was curious to see what his writing style was. My conclusion? Mr. McCusker's writing style is quite good and engaging. Almost too engaging at times! This book was hard to put down; easy to follow and captivating.
However, the content was rather disturbing. Father Gilbert is the main character in this mystery and as a priest he is against demons and the occult practices encouraging them. Thus, he is acutely aware of the demonic forces around him and has several out of the body experiences/ visions. I will put it out there that I love Sherlock Holmes mysteries and have always read exciting books. However, this book was so creepy I could not read it at night. Even so, I had nightmares following the reading of this book which were incredibly unsettling and took prayer and reading of my Bible to dispel! And I am a grown woman. This led me to question the godliness of using such a topic as demonic oppression in a book. I wonder if this somehow brings glory and attention to demons? I am not an expert in these matters, but I certainly did not feel like this book brought me closer to God!
Which brings me to the bothersome fact that Paul McCusker himself isn't the Christian that I thought he was! My belief was that he was Baptist. After all, he works for Baptist companies- correct?
However, if you read this article and any others you find online, you will see that he grew up in a Baptist church and publicly became Catholic in 2007! I am not unkind to Catholics but according to Scripture you are either a New Testament believer in Christ (Christian) or you are Catholic, Jewish, Mormon, etc. etc. etc. I believe it is possible to become saved in any of those churches, but if you are truly saved you will not stay in those churches but join a bible-believing church.
In The Body Under the Bridge, there were several confusing topics which are now made clear under the knowledge that Paul McCusker is Catholic. The Lord's Supper is mentioned as a sacrament with the bread turning into Christ's flesh and the wine into His blood. Later, Thomas Cranmer is really put down. Now I don't know much about Thomas Cranmer's spiritual state, but he helped with the English Reformation and thought ill of the Pope and that is exactly why he is put down in The Body Under the Bridge!
In conclusion, I am not trying to open up an argument with Catholics. You may read this book if you like. My goal is to give a head's-up to evangelical Christians about the background of this book and Paul McCusker! If you are going to read this book, regardless of your religion (of course I read a variety of books myself!), I want to put a disclaimer that this book is, as mentioned, intense, rather gory and unsuitable for readers under age 14! The priest also has to overcome temptation and lustful thoughts at several portions which I didn't find appropriate for younger readers either.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
However, the content was rather disturbing. Father Gilbert is the main character in this mystery and as a priest he is against demons and the occult practices encouraging them. Thus, he is acutely aware of the demonic forces around him and has several out of the body experiences/ visions. I will put it out there that I love Sherlock Holmes mysteries and have always read exciting books. However, this book was so creepy I could not read it at night. Even so, I had nightmares following the reading of this book which were incredibly unsettling and took prayer and reading of my Bible to dispel! And I am a grown woman. This led me to question the godliness of using such a topic as demonic oppression in a book. I wonder if this somehow brings glory and attention to demons? I am not an expert in these matters, but I certainly did not feel like this book brought me closer to God!
Which brings me to the bothersome fact that Paul McCusker himself isn't the Christian that I thought he was! My belief was that he was Baptist. After all, he works for Baptist companies- correct?
However, if you read this article and any others you find online, you will see that he grew up in a Baptist church and publicly became Catholic in 2007! I am not unkind to Catholics but according to Scripture you are either a New Testament believer in Christ (Christian) or you are Catholic, Jewish, Mormon, etc. etc. etc. I believe it is possible to become saved in any of those churches, but if you are truly saved you will not stay in those churches but join a bible-believing church.
In The Body Under the Bridge, there were several confusing topics which are now made clear under the knowledge that Paul McCusker is Catholic. The Lord's Supper is mentioned as a sacrament with the bread turning into Christ's flesh and the wine into His blood. Later, Thomas Cranmer is really put down. Now I don't know much about Thomas Cranmer's spiritual state, but he helped with the English Reformation and thought ill of the Pope and that is exactly why he is put down in The Body Under the Bridge!
In conclusion, I am not trying to open up an argument with Catholics. You may read this book if you like. My goal is to give a head's-up to evangelical Christians about the background of this book and Paul McCusker! If you are going to read this book, regardless of your religion (of course I read a variety of books myself!), I want to put a disclaimer that this book is, as mentioned, intense, rather gory and unsuitable for readers under age 14! The priest also has to overcome temptation and lustful thoughts at several portions which I didn't find appropriate for younger readers either.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
December 31, 2015
About the Book:
A former Scotland Yard detective, Father Gilbert knows about death. But, now a priest of a modest Anglican church in the small town of Hailsham, he didn't expect it to show up like this--in the suicide of a man who threw himself off the church tower, and in the discovery of a two-hundred-year-old body beneath an ancient bridge.
The deaths are linked. The mummified corpse under the bridge, a murder victim, reignites a centuries-old battle between two local families--the Todds and the aristocratic Hayshams. Then both David Todd and Lord Haysham begin to act strangely, fearful for reasons they won’t explain.
When Lord Haysham is murdered, David Todd is the prime suspect. But Todd is maniacal, claiming great forces of evil are at work. An entire history of violence and depravity begins to emerge, interweaving the history of several local families with a secret occult society that engages in Black Masses. Has the Society emerged again?
My Review:
A mystery that has a murder or two that are linked together. Father Gilbert soon comes across the two bodies and remembers that there are two families involved. The two families are in a feud that has lasted many centuries now this--it isn't looking so great right now. This is a murder mystery of all murder mysteries. It takes you back in time and with some history there, as well. It takes you through creepy findings as well as science that becomes involved through DNA. It is very in our time period but also takes you back through how these families become estranged from one another.
It's not too far into the story that you find that Father Gilbert has his own demons to face. The plot has many twists and turns and the plot thickens as it goes along. There is a touch of demonic forces involved which makes this story even scarier, I feel. A very involved story perfect for a dark dreary night in. The author did a good job of scaring me with this one. This is number one in the Father Gilbert Mysteries. A great start!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
A former Scotland Yard detective, Father Gilbert knows about death. But, now a priest of a modest Anglican church in the small town of Hailsham, he didn't expect it to show up like this--in the suicide of a man who threw himself off the church tower, and in the discovery of a two-hundred-year-old body beneath an ancient bridge.
The deaths are linked. The mummified corpse under the bridge, a murder victim, reignites a centuries-old battle between two local families--the Todds and the aristocratic Hayshams. Then both David Todd and Lord Haysham begin to act strangely, fearful for reasons they won’t explain.
When Lord Haysham is murdered, David Todd is the prime suspect. But Todd is maniacal, claiming great forces of evil are at work. An entire history of violence and depravity begins to emerge, interweaving the history of several local families with a secret occult society that engages in Black Masses. Has the Society emerged again?
My Review:
A mystery that has a murder or two that are linked together. Father Gilbert soon comes across the two bodies and remembers that there are two families involved. The two families are in a feud that has lasted many centuries now this--it isn't looking so great right now. This is a murder mystery of all murder mysteries. It takes you back in time and with some history there, as well. It takes you through creepy findings as well as science that becomes involved through DNA. It is very in our time period but also takes you back through how these families become estranged from one another.
It's not too far into the story that you find that Father Gilbert has his own demons to face. The plot has many twists and turns and the plot thickens as it goes along. There is a touch of demonic forces involved which makes this story even scarier, I feel. A very involved story perfect for a dark dreary night in. The author did a good job of scaring me with this one. This is number one in the Father Gilbert Mysteries. A great start!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
November 19, 2015
A mystery surrounded by evil draws Father Gilbert into working to help solve the murder that occurred many years before. One thing leads to another and before the book ends dreams, portents, visions, pentacles, a kidnapping, murder an evil ancient cult and more are exposed.
The story was well paced and well written, the characters were interesting, and the story well plotted. The language and story are clean and acceptable for a family to read together or teens to read on their own but it is not one I would recommend for younger children.
When I looked online to find out more about The Father Gilbert Mysteries I found that he starred in a radio program through “Focus on the Family” and the radio series is available for purchase. I would have liked to have known more about Father Gilbert, his background, why he left his job with Scotland Yard to become an Anglican priest and backstory that perhaps people who have listened to the series would know that someone new to this series would be clueless about.
I recommend this to anyone who likes a good mystery. There is some violence but nothing over the top. If reading this with family I would recommend the parents to read it before reading it aloud.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Plc for the copy of this book to read and review.
3.5 Stars
The story was well paced and well written, the characters were interesting, and the story well plotted. The language and story are clean and acceptable for a family to read together or teens to read on their own but it is not one I would recommend for younger children.
When I looked online to find out more about The Father Gilbert Mysteries I found that he starred in a radio program through “Focus on the Family” and the radio series is available for purchase. I would have liked to have known more about Father Gilbert, his background, why he left his job with Scotland Yard to become an Anglican priest and backstory that perhaps people who have listened to the series would know that someone new to this series would be clueless about.
I recommend this to anyone who likes a good mystery. There is some violence but nothing over the top. If reading this with family I would recommend the parents to read it before reading it aloud.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Plc for the copy of this book to read and review.
3.5 Stars
August 1, 2016
Wow, what a story!!! I've loved the Father Gilbert audio-dramas since I first listened to them a number of years ago. Imagine my surprise when I found out there was actually a Father Gilbert novel! This book is everything those audio-dramas were, and MORE. The Body Under The Bridge is a chilling tale of how the spiritual and physical realms are not only intertwined but are dangerously active all the time. I loved this book and hope there will be more Father Gilbert books in the future. You might want to sleep with the lights on after reading The Body Under The Bridge......
September 9, 2018
As a family, we listened to most of the earlier Father Gilbert stories in radio drama on long car travels. I would describe the series as a mixture of Jan Karon's "Mitford" series, some of Frank Peretti's writings, and a part detective drama. We, as a family, loved them, and it kept the kids' interest for untold miles. We'd discuss our theories on the mysteries at hand and see if any of us figured them out.
The earlier Father Gilberts were only available on CDs, not in book form. But the last couple of Father Gilbert stories touched on topics that came with a warning that they might not be suitable for kids under 15, so my husband and I listened to them without the kids. It ended in a cliff-hanger and Focus on the Family discontinued the Father Gilbert CD series. I have other reviews of the Father Gilbert stories and those topics on Goodreads already.
Fortunately, the author continued the story in book form, but not backtracking and putting the earlier stories in book form. So, even though this book calls itself book #1, there is a lot of backstory that someone might have difficulties absorbing if they weren't there "with" Father Gilbert from the beginning. Most of it is not essential to the plot of this book, but the author does try to condense much into a few short sentences. What I wanted to know - how Father Gilbert recovered from all this prior history in the monastery - was not touched upon. It just became apparent that he had recovered and that he was back at his church, being both priest and sleuth.
There is a shift in the stories at this point. It's not excessive, but there's more setting description in the books than the audio dramas, and it was interesting to see how what I envisioned compared with the author's descriptions.
Although in the earlier series, Father Gilbert encountered paranormal events from time to time (reminiscent of Frank Peretti's writings,) in the books, they begin to be more frequent and more pronounced. Other reviewers found these so unsettling, that more than a couple reported that they had trouble sleeping at night after reading these. I didn't. They never really troubled me that much. I'm not sure if it's because I've read more in the mystery genre, although I don't like truly violent mysteries, or because, simply, I feel safe in the arms of Jesus - spiritually at least. We never know when God will call any of us home.
We had ended the CDs thinking that we would indeed share the set eventually with our kids. Now I'm not so sure. I'm not sure that they really need to "see" all of that.
Other reviewers pointed out that there is another shift with these books, that the author's beliefs and associations have shifted, and I have to wonder (unsubstanciated) if that might be why Focus on the Family brought the Father Gilbert audio series to a close, if that shift was too much of a theological shift for the author to align with Focus on the Family's. Honestly, I didn't see much of a shift with this first book, but I have with the second book, partway through.
Is this book entertaining and exciting? Yes. Does it have more of a message than that? Eh. I'm not convinced. My own personal thoughts on the topics of angels and demons: if studying angels and demons, whether good or bad, causes us to lose focus on Jesus and on God, then it's too much. I'm not saying that this author brings us to that point. That point might be different for different people.
The earlier Father Gilberts were only available on CDs, not in book form. But the last couple of Father Gilbert stories touched on topics that came with a warning that they might not be suitable for kids under 15, so my husband and I listened to them without the kids. It ended in a cliff-hanger and Focus on the Family discontinued the Father Gilbert CD series. I have other reviews of the Father Gilbert stories and those topics on Goodreads already.
Fortunately, the author continued the story in book form, but not backtracking and putting the earlier stories in book form. So, even though this book calls itself book #1, there is a lot of backstory that someone might have difficulties absorbing if they weren't there "with" Father Gilbert from the beginning. Most of it is not essential to the plot of this book, but the author does try to condense much into a few short sentences. What I wanted to know - how Father Gilbert recovered from all this prior history in the monastery - was not touched upon. It just became apparent that he had recovered and that he was back at his church, being both priest and sleuth.
There is a shift in the stories at this point. It's not excessive, but there's more setting description in the books than the audio dramas, and it was interesting to see how what I envisioned compared with the author's descriptions.
Although in the earlier series, Father Gilbert encountered paranormal events from time to time (reminiscent of Frank Peretti's writings,) in the books, they begin to be more frequent and more pronounced. Other reviewers found these so unsettling, that more than a couple reported that they had trouble sleeping at night after reading these. I didn't. They never really troubled me that much. I'm not sure if it's because I've read more in the mystery genre, although I don't like truly violent mysteries, or because, simply, I feel safe in the arms of Jesus - spiritually at least. We never know when God will call any of us home.
We had ended the CDs thinking that we would indeed share the set eventually with our kids. Now I'm not so sure. I'm not sure that they really need to "see" all of that.
Other reviewers pointed out that there is another shift with these books, that the author's beliefs and associations have shifted, and I have to wonder (unsubstanciated) if that might be why Focus on the Family brought the Father Gilbert audio series to a close, if that shift was too much of a theological shift for the author to align with Focus on the Family's. Honestly, I didn't see much of a shift with this first book, but I have with the second book, partway through.
Is this book entertaining and exciting? Yes. Does it have more of a message than that? Eh. I'm not convinced. My own personal thoughts on the topics of angels and demons: if studying angels and demons, whether good or bad, causes us to lose focus on Jesus and on God, then it's too much. I'm not saying that this author brings us to that point. That point might be different for different people.
August 25, 2017
This is a hard book to categorise. It has the setting and superficial dress of a cozy English mystery, not at all unlike the BBC's recent Father Brown (a fine series, if you can ignore the main character being not very much like Chesterton's Father Brown). Father Gilbert is in many ways a much closer homage with a practical manner and robust and well-articulated faith. Yet there are too many odd supernatural elements to sit comfortably in that genre. It has some elements of an "artefact chase and secret society" story, but isn't entirely about that either, and ultimately the book isn't that interested in the McGuffin-artefacts. Some parts are quite creepy but it isn't trying to be Horror.
What it most reminded me of was the few Susan Howatch books I read long ago: the odd combination of a priest with unasked-for and mostly confusing mystical powers, piled into a character with high ideals but also battling everyday temptations and an assortment of colourful and untrustworthy characters. Father Gilbert is almost a kind of Chestertonian Father Brown figure in a Howatch-priest story.
The result was definitely interesting and engaging, though I found the actual details of the case too complex to remember. Probably not recommended unless you like at least one of the above comparisons...
What it most reminded me of was the few Susan Howatch books I read long ago: the odd combination of a priest with unasked-for and mostly confusing mystical powers, piled into a character with high ideals but also battling everyday temptations and an assortment of colourful and untrustworthy characters. Father Gilbert is almost a kind of Chestertonian Father Brown figure in a Howatch-priest story.
The result was definitely interesting and engaging, though I found the actual details of the case too complex to remember. Probably not recommended unless you like at least one of the above comparisons...
August 28, 2024
Reading this on vacation, I wanted something with a mystery in it and was hoping for a bit of a liturgical bent since the action takes place in and around an Anglican church.
Sadly, there is more of the horror genre in this book than murder mystery. The detective is an Anglican Priest who used to be a Scotland Yard detective. I ended up skimming most of the book. Not something to curl up and read in the late evening. For someone looking for more murder / horror, this might be a good book. But not for me.
Sadly, there is more of the horror genre in this book than murder mystery. The detective is an Anglican Priest who used to be a Scotland Yard detective. I ended up skimming most of the book. Not something to curl up and read in the late evening. For someone looking for more murder / horror, this might be a good book. But not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2025
it felt a little drawn out and it took a very demonic turn towards the end. I really like father gilbert in general, but this one was a little dark or my tastes. I liked the high stakes of the mystery and suspense, I just wish there was a little less extreme satanic stuff in it. I get that is kind of what makes father gilbert good, and it was tastefull throughout, but the very end with the basement ritual was a little much for me. Overall a good book.
May 22, 2017
The publisher provided me with the opportunity to read this in exchange for providing feedback. (via NetGalley)
My review is closer to 3.5 stars but was rounded up. Overall, it was an easy read and although the story went in a direction not usually in my wheelhouse, it was still an enjoyable read. There were some formatting errors that I assume were related to it being an arc.
My review is closer to 3.5 stars but was rounded up. Overall, it was an easy read and although the story went in a direction not usually in my wheelhouse, it was still an enjoyable read. There were some formatting errors that I assume were related to it being an arc.
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March 22, 2020I couldn't hang. Adding a non-explained mystical element breaks all the "rules" of mysteries. I'm supposed to be able to use all the known information to figure out that mystery right on time - but "I had a vision" really doesn't give as much information to work from and jumbles up the usual timelines and logic. Not for me.
June 20, 2020
What an amazing book! Not only was the writer faithful to the Anglican tradition, he did not shy away from the supernatural elements of the Christian faith. He did not sensationalize. This is an excellent read!
January 2, 2017
Good mystery, battle of good and evil. Bits and pieces of back story make some parts a little confusing, but hopefully these will be clarified in the next installment.
May 14, 2017
Well done. An intelligent mystery. Real page turner!
October 23, 2021
I thought the book was going to be a slow read because of the pacing. About 1/4 into the book and the pace picked up. At times it was hard to put down.
July 3, 2022
Hmm. 2.75? My favorite part may be that I picked it up at a lending library in my hotel in Füssen.
December 30, 2022
I enjoyed this mystery. It was well written and kept my interest throughout.
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
July 30, 2023
Just as good as the radio drama
If you enjoy the radio dramas, this book will be a great continuance. Leaves you guessing till the very end.
If you enjoy the radio dramas, this book will be a great continuance. Leaves you guessing till the very end.
October 31, 2023
Awesome book and now one of my absolute favorites! I love how he address serious christian issues with a christian AND logical way. Very refreshing in this day and age!
November 2, 2016
Very disappointed with this book Started OK but faded quickly to average
March 3, 2016
An exquisitely written murder mystery of a mild paranormal persuasion, that’s the best description I can muster for this book! Being drenched in local history, longstanding family feuds emerge to take centre stage. With a nod toward a deathly curse, a trio of curious artefacts connected to Cromwell are sure to bring tragedy to the door of St Mark’s Church.
Father Gilbert’s ex-detective instincts battle with his logic after a series of disturbing visions are bestowed upon him. Following the death of his wife, his faith is forever intact and he’s ever the professional, taking his duties seriously. So when he is called to the aide of a parishioner, who is threatening to jump from the tower of the church, he rushes there without delay. What awaits him is a distraught fellow by the name of Colin Doyle, who after an odd conversation exchange, hands Father Gilbert a gold medallion. Shortly afterwards, Doyle jumps to his death. Gilbert calls for his staff to assist, but peculiarly there is no body and it’s determined that Colin Doyle could not have jumped, as he was discovered later, hanging in his garage at home.
And then a body appears on Lord Haysham’s land, a body under a bridge. It’s clear it’s been there since a bygone era. The ground had already been disturbed before the police arrive on the scene, pressing a further investigation as to why.
More sinister experiences later for both Gilbert and those around him, it seems pentagrams are becoming a popular theme after being discovered at the scene of the most recent crimes. This, plus the rivalry of two families spanning centuries are keeping a so-called curse alive, threatening to haunt Father Gilbert and bring St Mark’s into disrepute. Even the police investigators are competing against one another. It seems this case is bringing out the worst in everyone.
Through sheer tenacity, together with Father Benson’s chauffeuring skills and the watchful eye of the church secretary, who throws a cold stare at the flirtatious artefact expert, Mary Aston, Gilbert must restore order and get to the bottom of the so-called resurrected curse. The task is made more difficult as he is expending precious energy trying to resist Mary’s charms. Gilbert just needs to remember to take a service every now and then before his secretary becomes even more restless!
Exactly how far will the killer be prepared to take their duty is anyone’s guess. One thing’s for sure, good and evil will clash swords and the lives of those who remain connected to the investigation hang precariously by a thread. The paranormal connotations are subtle yet enough to make an impact, and given the church’s unofficial investigation it goes without saying there’ll be references to religion, but it’s not presented in a preachy tone.
This is a genuine, brooding mystery, concerning an inheritance that no one wants. The drama unfurls magnificently, with a dash of witty dialogue and a wonderful host of varied characters it kept me engrossed. If you like your crime approached in a traditional way while still having some meat on its bones, then you won’t go far wrong with A Body Under The Bridge.
(My thanks to the publisher for providing a paperback copy of this book for review.)
Father Gilbert’s ex-detective instincts battle with his logic after a series of disturbing visions are bestowed upon him. Following the death of his wife, his faith is forever intact and he’s ever the professional, taking his duties seriously. So when he is called to the aide of a parishioner, who is threatening to jump from the tower of the church, he rushes there without delay. What awaits him is a distraught fellow by the name of Colin Doyle, who after an odd conversation exchange, hands Father Gilbert a gold medallion. Shortly afterwards, Doyle jumps to his death. Gilbert calls for his staff to assist, but peculiarly there is no body and it’s determined that Colin Doyle could not have jumped, as he was discovered later, hanging in his garage at home.
And then a body appears on Lord Haysham’s land, a body under a bridge. It’s clear it’s been there since a bygone era. The ground had already been disturbed before the police arrive on the scene, pressing a further investigation as to why.
More sinister experiences later for both Gilbert and those around him, it seems pentagrams are becoming a popular theme after being discovered at the scene of the most recent crimes. This, plus the rivalry of two families spanning centuries are keeping a so-called curse alive, threatening to haunt Father Gilbert and bring St Mark’s into disrepute. Even the police investigators are competing against one another. It seems this case is bringing out the worst in everyone.
Through sheer tenacity, together with Father Benson’s chauffeuring skills and the watchful eye of the church secretary, who throws a cold stare at the flirtatious artefact expert, Mary Aston, Gilbert must restore order and get to the bottom of the so-called resurrected curse. The task is made more difficult as he is expending precious energy trying to resist Mary’s charms. Gilbert just needs to remember to take a service every now and then before his secretary becomes even more restless!
Exactly how far will the killer be prepared to take their duty is anyone’s guess. One thing’s for sure, good and evil will clash swords and the lives of those who remain connected to the investigation hang precariously by a thread. The paranormal connotations are subtle yet enough to make an impact, and given the church’s unofficial investigation it goes without saying there’ll be references to religion, but it’s not presented in a preachy tone.
This is a genuine, brooding mystery, concerning an inheritance that no one wants. The drama unfurls magnificently, with a dash of witty dialogue and a wonderful host of varied characters it kept me engrossed. If you like your crime approached in a traditional way while still having some meat on its bones, then you won’t go far wrong with A Body Under The Bridge.
(My thanks to the publisher for providing a paperback copy of this book for review.)
February 19, 2016
After a successful run in Focus on The Family Radio Theater, Paul McCusker is bringing his Scotland Yard detective turned Anglican priest to readers. The first book in the Father Gilbert Mystery series, The Body under The Bridge, is a treat for fans of mysteries. It has a very British setting, a puzzling mystery and a main character who struggles with issues of faith and the nature of good and evil. I rate this book a 5-star read! I loved it!
Father Gilbert has returned to St. Mark’s after a sabbatical of resting, and regrouping. This late in life cleric is rather unconventional — a former detective with a traditional liturgical bent, he also has had first hand experience with evil. When a series of events, both physical and spiritual, draw him into a police investigation, his world is once again knocked of kilter. Unseen dangers await him as he searches for truth.
The Body under The Bridge is first and foremost a mystery. There are multiple suspects and motives involved. The present gets tangled up in curses and feuds from centuries past. This one is a puzzler that will engage all of your deductive powers. Very British, its subject matter is supported by the many spooky houses, cemeteries and crypts that serve as the book’s settings. McCusker’s main character, Father Gilbert, is very complex. His former life influences how he leads and interacts with his church and others in the community. Although tuned into the unseen battles of good and evil, he is often caught off guard — a subtle, but important point made to be fully armed with God’s truth. Father Gilbert has a number of visions that are mostly met with skepticism by the police and his curate, Father Benson, and his bishop. I found the disbelief expressed by the police natural. It was the dismissal by the church that spoke to me. How many times do we discount true spiritual encounters as mere coincidence or bad timing. We speak of evil in the world without really taking it seriously. I underlined a number of passages in the book, but here’s one that made a big impression:
Father Gilbert didn’t believe that the seemingly random convergence of mundane events often labelled by people as “coincidence” was random at all. The world was a vast tangle of interwoven webs and intricate patterns of cause and effect that, at its core, reflected a spiritual reality. We, as humans, were constantly being nudged towards a heavenly or a diabolical realm. Nothing was random. Even the mundane was filled with significance. (page 86)
Father Gilbert knows evil, but believes and trusts in God. A man who daily wrestles with his faith, he nevertheless, continues to lean on God in the midst of weakness.
As I said in the beginning, The Body under The Bridge is a 5-star read. Its plot, setting, and characterization are great, but the presentation of the reality of the battle waged by evil is truly excellent. This is one I would recommend to anyone. The book wrapped up the mystery, but more from Father Gilbert is promised — I can’t wait!
Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
Great for book clubs.
(Thanks to Kregel and Lion Hudson for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Father Gilbert has returned to St. Mark’s after a sabbatical of resting, and regrouping. This late in life cleric is rather unconventional — a former detective with a traditional liturgical bent, he also has had first hand experience with evil. When a series of events, both physical and spiritual, draw him into a police investigation, his world is once again knocked of kilter. Unseen dangers await him as he searches for truth.
The Body under The Bridge is first and foremost a mystery. There are multiple suspects and motives involved. The present gets tangled up in curses and feuds from centuries past. This one is a puzzler that will engage all of your deductive powers. Very British, its subject matter is supported by the many spooky houses, cemeteries and crypts that serve as the book’s settings. McCusker’s main character, Father Gilbert, is very complex. His former life influences how he leads and interacts with his church and others in the community. Although tuned into the unseen battles of good and evil, he is often caught off guard — a subtle, but important point made to be fully armed with God’s truth. Father Gilbert has a number of visions that are mostly met with skepticism by the police and his curate, Father Benson, and his bishop. I found the disbelief expressed by the police natural. It was the dismissal by the church that spoke to me. How many times do we discount true spiritual encounters as mere coincidence or bad timing. We speak of evil in the world without really taking it seriously. I underlined a number of passages in the book, but here’s one that made a big impression:
Father Gilbert didn’t believe that the seemingly random convergence of mundane events often labelled by people as “coincidence” was random at all. The world was a vast tangle of interwoven webs and intricate patterns of cause and effect that, at its core, reflected a spiritual reality. We, as humans, were constantly being nudged towards a heavenly or a diabolical realm. Nothing was random. Even the mundane was filled with significance. (page 86)
Father Gilbert knows evil, but believes and trusts in God. A man who daily wrestles with his faith, he nevertheless, continues to lean on God in the midst of weakness.
As I said in the beginning, The Body under The Bridge is a 5-star read. Its plot, setting, and characterization are great, but the presentation of the reality of the battle waged by evil is truly excellent. This is one I would recommend to anyone. The book wrapped up the mystery, but more from Father Gilbert is promised — I can’t wait!
Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
Great for book clubs.
(Thanks to Kregel and Lion Hudson for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
March 19, 2018
Although it was an engaging read, I was very disappointed with direction taken by this story and felt the ending was unsatisfying.
February 16, 2016
Wow, this book was unlike anything I had expected! It was suspenseful, mysterious, intriguing and captivating, and at times plain ol' scary! In spite of the fact, that at times I wasn't sure I wanted to read any more, at the same time, I could not quit reading. And would pick up another one of this series in a heart beat. I had no knowledge of Father Gilbert previous to this series, that said, I have already listened to several of his radio theatre dramas with Father Gilbert since finishing this book.
Father Gilbert is a Scotland Yard detective turned priest of an Anglican church in England. After an encounter with more than just the day to day evil, a supernatural evil force, Gilbert left Scotland yard and pursued a closer relationship with God. He takes a church in a small town, controlled by certain families who also have an ongoing long term family feud. Over petty matters? Or maybe something much more sinister is involved.
Father Gilbert is about to be faced with evil centuries old. A body is discovered under the bridge on Lord Haysham's property. Along with the body a medallion bringing with it an age old curse, which makes things worse and worse as they get closer to the truth. Although he is a priest, Father Gilbert wastes no time using his detective skills to help solve the mystery of the death as well as the other deaths that seem to be imminent. Will they be able to discover the secrets from the past and put them to rest before the whole town is wiped out?
My son has read many of Paul's books. I was thinking he would be able to read this one once I finished, but I have decided it is a little bit mature for his age, so I wouldn't recommend it to younger children. There is alot of demonic, Satanic evil discussed in this book. There is violence and death, witchcraft and the occult practices. Of course it is written in a captivating and intriguing way that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, yet unwilling to quit reading. But at the same time, to me it was a bit creepy. Maybe because I know these things are not far fetched, but a reality of the spiritual world. Father Gilbert has visions and possibly even out of body experiences. Sometimes he has a hard time deciphering reality. Yet he is always right on, and many times knows in advance what is going to happen. A gift from God?
This is a story of the forces of good verses evil. How greed, selfishness, and getting involved with the wrong "stuff" can get you in big trouble. But it is also a book about the power of God over the devil. Fear that is overcome with help from the Lord. I simply recommend that it be read with caution by an age appropriate audience. It can get a bit gory at times.
I was provided this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to give a positive review.
Father Gilbert is a Scotland Yard detective turned priest of an Anglican church in England. After an encounter with more than just the day to day evil, a supernatural evil force, Gilbert left Scotland yard and pursued a closer relationship with God. He takes a church in a small town, controlled by certain families who also have an ongoing long term family feud. Over petty matters? Or maybe something much more sinister is involved.
Father Gilbert is about to be faced with evil centuries old. A body is discovered under the bridge on Lord Haysham's property. Along with the body a medallion bringing with it an age old curse, which makes things worse and worse as they get closer to the truth. Although he is a priest, Father Gilbert wastes no time using his detective skills to help solve the mystery of the death as well as the other deaths that seem to be imminent. Will they be able to discover the secrets from the past and put them to rest before the whole town is wiped out?
My son has read many of Paul's books. I was thinking he would be able to read this one once I finished, but I have decided it is a little bit mature for his age, so I wouldn't recommend it to younger children. There is alot of demonic, Satanic evil discussed in this book. There is violence and death, witchcraft and the occult practices. Of course it is written in a captivating and intriguing way that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, yet unwilling to quit reading. But at the same time, to me it was a bit creepy. Maybe because I know these things are not far fetched, but a reality of the spiritual world. Father Gilbert has visions and possibly even out of body experiences. Sometimes he has a hard time deciphering reality. Yet he is always right on, and many times knows in advance what is going to happen. A gift from God?
This is a story of the forces of good verses evil. How greed, selfishness, and getting involved with the wrong "stuff" can get you in big trouble. But it is also a book about the power of God over the devil. Fear that is overcome with help from the Lord. I simply recommend that it be read with caution by an age appropriate audience. It can get a bit gory at times.
I was provided this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to give a positive review.
February 15, 2016
The Body Under The Bridge by Paul McCusker is a church mystery far different from other church mysteries I've read in the past. In this one, Father Gilbert of Saint Mark's has a disturbing dream. In the dream, a man hangs himself. Then, in real life the same situation occurs involving Colin Doyle. His wife comes home to find her husband hanging. It is impossible to drag him down from the rope. In the dream, there is also the foot of a body found. Someone must have drowned the body or brought the body to its present place dead already. The body is two hundred years old. These mysterious incidents will connect. There is a feud of two families from the past. Anyway, the novel took me back and forth in history to the present while following a "bog body."
The mention of an old relic held by Mary Aston is interesting. It is a cross and a sword engraved with flowers. It belonged to the Woodrich family. Paul McCusker gives the history of the Woodrich family and the relic. Still, I couldn't follow the family history well. Perhaps, it bored me with so much detail. I did want to see what the relic looked like. A black and white photo would have been enough. I looked on the internet. I could not find a picture of it.
There is also the mention of Astral Projection. If I'm understanding it correctly, this is the spirit projecting itself to another place and changing to a fleshly form? Never having heard of this term I could not decide whether I believed it could happen. I do like the fact that a new theory or idea is presented in Christian fiction causing the reader to question their personal feelings.
With dreams, I had the chance to question my feelings again. I am aware of Bible figures like Joseph and Daniel who had dreams sent to them by God. I've always taken my dreams for granted. Never thinking about whether I should journal them or try hard to remember them. I've always thought of dreams as just play things that bothered me or made me happy.
Suicide, to me, is the most important issue in the book. I had a glimpse again of how painful suicide is to a family or community. In this case, the man did not seem depressed. Nothing seemed wrong. I suppose this fact might release friends and family from feeling guilty. Now they need not belabor themselves with the fact of 'I should have known.' Whatever way its looked at suicide is traumatic for all involved including the person who leaves us. This book keeps suicide at the forefront of my mind. It is a subject that should not end up pushed under the rug.
Overall I liked the mystery. I hope the author will continue the series. I am a pushover for church fiction especially where there are monks and fathers and/or nuns and also where there are scriptural references to prayer, etc.
kregel.com/fiction/the-body-under-the...
paulmccusker.com/
February 17, 2016
This novel did not grab me at the beginning but by the time I was half way through I couldn't put it down. It is a captivating journey through the fields of British mystery strewn with the boulders of spiritual warfare.
Father Gilbert is a former Scotland Yard Detective, having left the force to be able to deal with evil in a better way. When a mummified body is found in a boggy area, he is called in to help. The uncovering of that body also begins the uncovering of a complex history of animosity and spiritual deception. At the center of the swirling spiritual forces is the Woodrich Set, a sword, a medallion, and a ring that symbolize powers no human should endeavor to encounter.
This novel does get off to a slow and possibly confusing start. There is a mystery involving many people from the past and I was a little bogged down with all of it. Father Gilbert uncovers information even as contemporary deaths begin to happen. It is a good plodding British mystery but I think its true strength lies elsewhere.
This novel is more about spiritual warfare and similar spiritual concepts than anything else. The battle Father Gilbert finds himself immersed in is between real good and real evil. Gilbert himself experiences visions, dreams, and a sense of evil that play into the warfare.
There are many spiritual issues brought up in the novel that beg thought and discussion. There is the question of predestination and/or the influence of ancestors on their descendants. Is one really locked in to being a certain kind of being?
Another issue is the possibility of spiritual power in physical objects. I learned the history behind locked covers on baptismal fonts and the reason the Catholic Church locked up the consecrated bread and wine. Referencing the men who died when they touched the Ark of the Covenant as it was being returned, McCusker explores the power of God in things and the possibility of evil mimicking that power.
I highly recommend this novel to those who like a good mystery permeated with paranormal manifestations. It's all from a strong Christian spiritual viewpoint and is a good reminder of the real battle of good and evil that takes place around us. This leads to a warning. McCusker is a creative author at describing spiritual warfare and clearly describes scenes such as demonic facial transformations. That may be disturbing to some readers. Be prepared to stare evil in the face, so to speak, when you read this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
Father Gilbert is a former Scotland Yard Detective, having left the force to be able to deal with evil in a better way. When a mummified body is found in a boggy area, he is called in to help. The uncovering of that body also begins the uncovering of a complex history of animosity and spiritual deception. At the center of the swirling spiritual forces is the Woodrich Set, a sword, a medallion, and a ring that symbolize powers no human should endeavor to encounter.
This novel does get off to a slow and possibly confusing start. There is a mystery involving many people from the past and I was a little bogged down with all of it. Father Gilbert uncovers information even as contemporary deaths begin to happen. It is a good plodding British mystery but I think its true strength lies elsewhere.
This novel is more about spiritual warfare and similar spiritual concepts than anything else. The battle Father Gilbert finds himself immersed in is between real good and real evil. Gilbert himself experiences visions, dreams, and a sense of evil that play into the warfare.
There are many spiritual issues brought up in the novel that beg thought and discussion. There is the question of predestination and/or the influence of ancestors on their descendants. Is one really locked in to being a certain kind of being?
Another issue is the possibility of spiritual power in physical objects. I learned the history behind locked covers on baptismal fonts and the reason the Catholic Church locked up the consecrated bread and wine. Referencing the men who died when they touched the Ark of the Covenant as it was being returned, McCusker explores the power of God in things and the possibility of evil mimicking that power.
I highly recommend this novel to those who like a good mystery permeated with paranormal manifestations. It's all from a strong Christian spiritual viewpoint and is a good reminder of the real battle of good and evil that takes place around us. This leads to a warning. McCusker is a creative author at describing spiritual warfare and clearly describes scenes such as demonic facial transformations. That may be disturbing to some readers. Be prepared to stare evil in the face, so to speak, when you read this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
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