Book Review: FEATHER: A Father Tom Fishworthy Novel by Julie Mackenzie

From the publisher: A comedic frolic into the world of a Catholic parish faced with an untimely death, a celebrity who wishes to remain outlandish, and a cat priest on a mission.

It's not every day a quiet Catholic parish is shaken down to its soul. Eighteen year old Anastasia just lost her father to a crazy old cat lady, and no one seems to know what to do about it.

Not the parish cat, Father Tom Fishworthy. At least, not at first.
Father Jack, the pastor and Will, his new assistant try to figure out what happened and haven’t a clue.

So, while everyone's confused and Anastasia remains in shock, there are outsiders who want to help, especially independent film star Annabelle Beaulieu, awash in red feathers and patent leather stilettos. Anastasia is surprised to find out that the actress actually knew her father; or, at least her secret identity did.

As details unfold, a young woman discovers how friendship solves a mystery and eccentricity can form an irresistible bond.

So you think nothing exciting goes on at your local church? Join me on a visit to Temptation of Christ Parish, home of Fathers Jack, Will, and cat cleric Father Tom Fishworthy.

Handsome Father Will, a former major TV network correspondent, has recently been brought to Temptation reportedly to save the parish financially. He's planning a Celebrity Auction which is bringing in some rather risque items thanks to a wording mistake on the church stationery: "Where angels come to play" instead of pray. (Get it? Temptation, angels playing...)

Meanwhile the old parish school next door, which has been turned into condos, is planning a gala to welcome former headmaster and new condo resident Charlie Beckwithe. Spirits are high and the Church Cat drinks (holy water with a twist) are flowing until Charlie is found dead outside the condo of Patsy, a daffy woman who believes her dead husband is still alive. All fingers point to Patsy as a killer but those who know her best can see it's just not possible.

Little does anyone know that on the night in question Father Tom was on the prowl and he saw exactly what happened. As the close friend of Patsy's dearly departed kitty Vinny, he just has to clear her name of suspicion...but how does a cat make a bunch of silly humans see the light? He finds just the help he needs in an auction parcel from flashy film star Annabelle Beaulieu, a face from Patsy and her late husband's past.

Feather has the purr-fect ingredients for an enjoyable story: comedy, suspense, a cast of quirky characters with close friendships, a tiny hint of romance, and of course, a very special cat. And in our humble opinion, every parish should have it's very own church cat!

FEATHER: A Father Tom Fishworthy Novel is available on Amazon today!

Visit the real Father Tom at his blog.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author. Receiving the free copy did not influence my review.