Reverend Randollph and the Fall From Grace, Inc. by Charles Merrill Smith
I just finished reading Reverend Randollph and the Fall From Grace, Inc. by Charles Merrill Smith. This is the third book in the Rev. Randollph series, although I have read other books in series; I’ve read them out of order…not that they necessarily have to be read in order…but it makes for better continuity as Smith develops his character of Rev. Randollph, et al.
In this mystery the Reverend Prince Hartman, successful TV evangelist and the head of Grace, Inc. is seeking a senate seat in Illinois. However, he needs validation of his ministry to be considered a legitimate member of the clergy and proceeds to ask for membership in Rev. Randollph’s denomination. The Bishop asks Rev. Randollph to meet with Rev. Hartman and to investigate and size up the man’s background and qualifications. Reluctantly, Randollph accepts the request, and the action begins when an aid of Hartman’s drops dead after eating a piece of chocolate candy laced with poison. Rev. Randollph tries to determine if there is something in Hartman’s past that would cause someone to want to kill him. After another aid is poisoned, Randollph, detective Michael Casey, and Samantha “Sammy” Stack, Randolloh’s love interest begin to unravel the mystery…which they eventually solve.
Besides being a good mystery, the story also addresses several sub-plots such as our stereotyping of TV evangelists, and the clergy in general; ethnic groups; gender roles; and race relationships. This is another fine and fun read by Smith, and it is always good to see his regular cast of characters: Rev. Randollph, Bishop Freddie, Sammy Stack, Detective Lt. Michael Casey, Randollph’s secretary, Miss Adelaide Windfall, and the Rev.’s gentlemen’s-gentleman – Clarence Higbee.
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