The Mystery of Things: Book One in the Ashland Grail Cycle

Debra Murphy
Idyllis Press (2005)
ISBN 10:1-59597-002-9
13:978-1-59597-002-2
Reviewed by Rebecka Vigus for Reader Views (6/06)

Debra Murphy takes you to Milwaukee, Wisconsin on the shores of Lake Michigan to begin her tale “The Mystery of Things.” James Ireton, transplanted Englishman, is beginning the final semester of his Doctorate Degree at the prestigious Heisler Institute.  He starts the semester under the tutelage of his mentor Fr. Arthur Bricusse, who teams him up with freshman, Guadalupe Cruz for the term assignment.

It is from then on that things go wrong and James and Lupe suffer the worst three months of their lives.  Lupe is constantly confronted with James’ past loves and his love life.  James vows to keep his promise to Fr. Bricusse and not seduce Lupe.

The first day of class James receives a Bible verse he believes comes from his former roommate Richard Krato.  James and Richard had a falling out over Krato’s father’s religious crusade that turned their former house into a cult. Then the nightmare begins, Fr. Bricusse is thrown from the balcony of the Institute. 

One by one people who have passed through James’ life begin to die horrible deaths.  Lupe is in danger.  James is at first a suspect and then the victim.

All the while James is fighting his own demons of childhood, and religion.  Can he withstand all the trials confronting him?  Will he and Lupe survive to be married or will they be victims of the killer who has come to be known as Drop Dead Fred?

Ms. Murphy pulls you in early on and it is hard to put down this book.  I highly recommend you add it to your summer reading list.  I am looking forward to the next book in the series, ‘All the World’s a Stage.’

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