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Priest

By: Al Dawson
Publisher: Moonshine Cove Publishing, LLC
Publication Date: May 23, 2024
ISBN: 978-1-952439-81-0
Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford
Review Date: July 29, 2024

Al Dawson delivers a fascinating and compelling read in his latest novel, Priest.

It’s August 2019 and Attorney Faith McGuire is culling through the diaries of deceased Father Joseph Blasko. One entry that catches her attention is dated October 10, 2014. Within this entry, Father Blasko was pondering his life choices and there were distinct sentiments that pointed to his self-doubt about his priesthood—perhaps even some regrets. Little did he know he would be dead two years after writing this entry from the ravages of an ‘…overworked heart and liver damage at the age of sixty-nine…’ (Page 15). The reason Faith was even going through his personal diaries was a direct result of the case she was currently working. A young woman and two former altar boys (now in their respective twenties) had come forward after his death to lay claims against and accuse the good Father of sexual abuse.

The deeper Faith digs into who Father Blasko was, the more complicated the case becomes. Family secrets, kidnapping, drugs, murder, and illegal activities by noted officials would become exposed as she navigates further into her research. Compounded with the responsibilities of her job, she is conflicted with her own religious proclivities as she questions her church and her overall career choice, for that matter. She had been with the Saiontz Weinstock Law Firm and was honored to have been hired right out of Georgetown by Irv Weinstock. She knew she was going to need help with this case based on the accusations raised against the deceased Father Blasko, especially since he wasn’t alive to defend himself. She reaches out to a reporter, who also happens to be her brother Dylan, and a retired cop turned investigator, Randy Russell. Suffice it to say, the journey to the truth would present more than a few challenges along the way for all of them as they work together to solve the case.

I was immediately hooked with Priest given the artful way Al Dawson set the tone. He managed to anchor his voice from the onset and was strategic with his character introductions and development. The book is laid out chapter upon chapter with a timeline for each character (and how he/she is not only an integral part of the story but follows a logical course). I’m always in awe of an author who can carry a story via multiple threads and is successful in tying it all together as the end is in sight. Mr. Dawson is a master at this technique. There is no predictability throughout and even a few ‘aha’ moments where the reader won’t have a clue what is about to drop. The dialogue is believable and if one pays close attention, the reader can detect the unique voice Dawson has assigned to each character. Well done, Mr. Dawson. I look forward to reading your next book.

Quill says: Priest is a captivating page-turner with a lot going on that will leave readers to ponder their own views on religion once the end is read.

For more information on Priest, please visit the author's website at: lunadellobo.com

Author Interview