G. K. Chesterton introduced us to the amusing, yet brilliant Father Brown in 1911 with his book "The Innocence of Father Brown." These first twelve stories are not only amazing mysteries, but wonderful narrations and commentaries on life and how individuals view their world. Perception, formed by our reality, really does affect how we act. While Holmes investigates how the crime was committed and the motive behind the crime, Father Brown examines the psychological motives of the criminals. These stories made me an instant Father Brown fan, and I hope you enjoy them, too!
Here is a brief plot synopsis of each of the stories in The Innocence of Father Brown.
The Blue Cross: The internationally famous French investigator Valentin chases the infamous, genius French criminal Flambeau in England. Valentin follows a trail of crazy clues, pursuing a tall priest and a short priest.
The Secret Garden: When Father Brown attends a gathering at Valentin’s house, a man dies mysteriously in a garden that is surrounded by walls with only one entrance.
The Queer Feet: Father Brown goes to an exclusive club to hear the confessions of a dying man. While he’s there, an amazing robbery occurs, right under the noses of the victims.
The Flying Stars: Sir Leopold Fischer gives his goddaughter three precious African diamonds: a tempting conquest for any thief!
The Invisible Man: Miss Laura Hope has two unwanted suitors – Smythe and James Welkin. When Smythe prepares to present his suite to Miss Hope, he receives a death warning from his rival James Welkin.
The Honor of Israel Gow: Father Brown investigates the death of a Scottish earl. He fears foul play, even witchcraft.
The Wrong Shape: Mr. Quinton is found dead in his room. It appears to be suicide, but a clue points to a different conclusion. What is the clue? Mr. Quinton’s stationary is cut in the wrong shape.
The Sins of Prince Saradine: Prince Saradine, an Italian nobleman, has retired from the social whirl, and lives quietly. Father Brown visits him with a friend and becomes acquainted with him, his butler, and housekeeper. Little does he know that someone is seeking revenge and the prince’s life.
The Hammer of God: Once there were two brothers: a clergyman and a dandy. One lives a life of virtue and piety; the other a life of sin and darkness. As the clergyman prays in the church, sudden judgment comes upon his wicked brother.
The Eye of Apollo: Miss Pauline Stacey is defiant and determined to live life by her own rules. She is a disciple of the mysterious worshiper of the sun, Kalon. However, things turn very wrong one day at noon.
The Sign of the Broken Sword: General Sir Arthur St. Clare is remembered as a brave and noble soldier and martyr of England. But are all heroes as great as history says?
The Three Tools of Death: An accusation, a distressed woman, a suspect. Father Brown comes to comfort a suffering daughter, whose father has just been murdered by his secretary. But perhaps events are not as clear as they first appear?
The Blue Cross: The internationally famous French investigator Valentin chases the infamous, genius French criminal Flambeau in England. Valentin follows a trail of crazy clues, pursuing a tall priest and a short priest.
The Secret Garden: When Father Brown attends a gathering at Valentin’s house, a man dies mysteriously in a garden that is surrounded by walls with only one entrance.
The Queer Feet: Father Brown goes to an exclusive club to hear the confessions of a dying man. While he’s there, an amazing robbery occurs, right under the noses of the victims.
The Flying Stars: Sir Leopold Fischer gives his goddaughter three precious African diamonds: a tempting conquest for any thief!
The Invisible Man: Miss Laura Hope has two unwanted suitors – Smythe and James Welkin. When Smythe prepares to present his suite to Miss Hope, he receives a death warning from his rival James Welkin.
The Honor of Israel Gow: Father Brown investigates the death of a Scottish earl. He fears foul play, even witchcraft.
The Wrong Shape: Mr. Quinton is found dead in his room. It appears to be suicide, but a clue points to a different conclusion. What is the clue? Mr. Quinton’s stationary is cut in the wrong shape.
The Sins of Prince Saradine: Prince Saradine, an Italian nobleman, has retired from the social whirl, and lives quietly. Father Brown visits him with a friend and becomes acquainted with him, his butler, and housekeeper. Little does he know that someone is seeking revenge and the prince’s life.
The Hammer of God: Once there were two brothers: a clergyman and a dandy. One lives a life of virtue and piety; the other a life of sin and darkness. As the clergyman prays in the church, sudden judgment comes upon his wicked brother.
The Eye of Apollo: Miss Pauline Stacey is defiant and determined to live life by her own rules. She is a disciple of the mysterious worshiper of the sun, Kalon. However, things turn very wrong one day at noon.
The Sign of the Broken Sword: General Sir Arthur St. Clare is remembered as a brave and noble soldier and martyr of England. But are all heroes as great as history says?
The Three Tools of Death: An accusation, a distressed woman, a suspect. Father Brown comes to comfort a suffering daughter, whose father has just been murdered by his secretary. But perhaps events are not as clear as they first appear?
Too busy to read a book? I highly recommend this dramatic reading by Kevin O'Brien. Each story is prefaced and ended by Dale Ahlquist, giving interesting information about the story and about G. K. Chesterton. This CD album can be purchased at www.ignatius.com
Warning: if you do not like blood, gore, and violence, these stories are rather explicit, more so than the Sherlock Holmes mysteries.
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