Fiorella De Maria’s Father Gabriel stumbles in the realm of mystery. The English Benedictine monk adds to the lineage of clerical sleuths, yet his timid nature lacks the allure of true grit. 

De Maria crafts nostalgia and suspense, but her tales fall flat. The niche for Catholic fiction thrives on resilience, yet it longs for compelling heroes. The audience yearns for characters with sharp edges, ones that challenge the mundane and echo beyond the pages. 

"Far right" and "progressive" notions swirl around, yet the heart of the story remains stagnant. It is a call for eccentrics and authenticity, a plea for a vibrant voice in a world dulled by politeness.

The Digest, 7/27/2024 @600PM, CDT

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