Mother of Mercy - Paperback

by Lee Charles (Author)

In the name of Mary, Mother of Mercy: Someone is torturing and killing attractive young women and putting their ravaged bodies on display with messages - mini-sermons - urging repentance and devotion to the Virgin Mary. The Wilmington, Delaware police turn to Frank Newman, priest and psychologist, to help them stop the killer. But Frank has baggage of his own - baggage that threatens both the investigation and the police lieutenant's beautiful daughter, Rachel. Drawn into a maelstrom of sexuality and mortification of the flesh, Frank comes face-to-face with his worst fears and is forced to make a terrible choice. But is this the moment of salvation? Or damnation? Both a taut mystery and a meditation on losing one's way between body and spirit, Mother of Mercy leaves an imprint that lasts long after the last page is turned. Written by a forensic psychologist and Catholic seminary graduate, it crackles with authenticity and profound sympathy for the killer who, while lost, may yet be found.

Author Biography

Lee Charles is the pen name of a psychologist living and brooding in the Southeastern United States. He is a Catholic seminary graduate and has served as an expert witness in over two hundred criminal cases in state and Federal court, including armed robbery, rape, arson, and murder. As a younger man he wandered across Europe and the United States, lived in a commune, taught in a Catholic high school, met many fascinating people, did too many dangerous and foolish things, and somehow emerged unscathed. Mother of Mercy is his first novel. He is currently working on his next two novels, Pound of Flesh and Ill Wind. He can be reached through his website, LeeCharlesBooks.com