"Body Count" hangs on the interesting topic of the sacramental seal of Confession or priest-penitent privilege. Weird fact: at the time this book was written (c1992) I knew a great deal about this privilege having recently completed a book on the topic. I thought this fact was handled well in explanation and execution. Kienzle is known for providing solid Catholic background in his books and he doesn't fail here. Our detective, Father Koesler, knows from the beginning that there has been a murder and who the murderer is and when he is (as usual) called in to help the police find a missing priest, he can't reveal the information he has. As the plot unravels, though, I found the story to unravel too. I thought the first half of the book was far more interesting than the second, but that may have been due to my interest in the privilege matter rather than some of the plot convolutions. Better than most priest-detective mystery series, Kienzle is a good writer and a fine mystery constructor.
BODY COUNT - GoodKienzle, William X - 14th in seriesFather John Keating is murdered, and the man who did it reveals all to Father Koesler under the sacred seal of the confessional. Ever the traditionalist, Koesler knows he is bound to tell no one. Fortunately, the new priest-in-residence, Father Nick Dunn, has overheard the killer's confession. Unfortunately, he's been praying for the chance to help Father Koesler crack a case. And when the cops call Koesler for help, the sleuthing father discovers that there is only one thing more annoying than an overeager amateur detective priest nipping at his heels: another murder....Not bad but a bit light for my taste.
