The Reaper - Softcover

Lovesey, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1569473080 ISBN 13: 9781569473085

Publisher: Soho Crime, 2002

Synopsis

“If you've never read any of [Lovesey’s] 20-plus books, this wickedly clever, beautifully written story of a murderous clergyman who earns our sympathy while dramatically whittling down his flock should make you an instant convert.”—Chicago Tribune

After years spent saving souls, Otis Joy, the rector of St. Bartholomew’s Church in Foxford, Wiltshire, has found a new calling: ending lives. His young French wife? Anaphylactic shock, what a shame. The bishop? Fell into a quarry. Tragic. It’s not Joy’s fault, really—not that he’s concerned about repentance or absolution these days. He just doesn’t want his other little secret—embezzling church funds to finance a fancy yacht—to be discovered. But when the husband of the new church secretary, Rachel Jansen, turns up dead, it isn’t long before the village starts to gossip and the local constable gets involved. As it turns out, God isn’t the only one who’s always watching.

About this title

About the Author:

Peter Lovesey is the author of more than thirty highly praised mystery novels. He has been awarded the CWA Gold and Silver Daggers; the Cartier Diamond Dagger for Lifetime Achievement; the Strand Magazine Award for Lifetime Achievement; the Macavity, Barry, and Anthony Awards; and many other honors. He lives in West Sussex, England.

Review:

Crime Writers' Association Diamond Dagger for Lifetime Achievement Recipient
Mystery Writers of America 2018 Grandmaster

Praise for The Reaper
 
“Lovesey is such a master of black humor and macabre plot twists  . . . By taking care to show us what a pious and compassionate priest the vicar is, Lovesey challenges us to keep our values screwed on tight. In this author’s unorthodox church, there must be a pew for Patricia Highsmith.”
—Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review
 
“If you've never read any of [Lovesey’s] 20-plus books, this wickedly clever, beautifully written story of a murderous clergyman who earns our sympathy while dramatically whittling down his flock should make you an instant convert.”
—Chicago Tribune
 
“The flavor here is part Patricia Highsmith in her Ripley series and part Ealing comedy . . . It's a hard act to pull off—tone is everything—and Lovesey is a master practitioner.”
—Washington Post Book World
 
“Otis is a wonderful creation: self-effacing, pious, attractive, dedicated to his parishioners, devoted to the church. He suffers from vocation run wild: he needs adulation and respect the way a junkie needs a fix. And, like a junkie, he will commit any crime to ensure he receives it . . . The plotting is devilish, the writing a pleasure.”
—Donna Leon, The Sunday Times
 
“[Lovesey] proves his mettle here with a deliciously wicked village mystery . . . gleefully demonic.”—Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Peter Lovesey
 
“I have long loved Peter Lovesey’s books . . . A creative, courageous and gifted writer.”
—Louise Penny
 
“Lovesey is a master of the crime novel.”
—Sara Paretsky
 
“What'll it be today? A knotty puzzle mystery? A fast-paced police procedural? Something more high-toned, with a bit of wit? With the British author Peter Lovesey, there's no need to make those agonizing decisions, because his books have it all.”
—The New York Times Book Review
 
“Mr. Lovesey's narrative is swift, but he takes time out for local color and abundant humor, the latter springing from the book's quirky characters . . . Lovesey is a wizard at mixing character-driven comedy with realistic-to-grim suspense. And in a writing career spanning four decades, he has created a stylish and varied body of work.”
—The Wall Street Journal
 
“A treat . . . Lovesey’s restraint, wit, and charming cast ensure him a place in the winner’s circle.”
 —Entertainment Weekly
 
“Extremely stylish, lighter than air . . . utterly surprising.”
—Newsweek

About this edition

• Publisher: Soho Crime
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1569473080
• ISBN 13: 9781569473085
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320