Official Review: Unholy Communion by Thomas Rumreich

[cpru68]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Unholy Communion" by Thomas Rumreich.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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In the novel, Unholy Communion, there is a killer on a rampage in Minnesota. The suspect is targeting priests who have a history of sexually abusing children. The police collect clues from the crime scenes and conclude that this murderer is on a mission to exact revenge on the Catholic clergy for their sinful acts. The investigators, Chris Majek and Phil Walker, are methodically taken down a path that continues to lead to a dead end. Whoever is planning and executing all of this seems to have the upper hand. Will they find the one responsible?

I generally do not read crime novels due to the graphic nature that usually accompanies this genre. However, when I read that the author, Thomas Rumreich, was donating profits to Survivor's Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), I realized this was a necessary book for review. Also, this writer's professional credentials sealed the deal for me. His career background includes a master's degree in psychology as well as employment in forensic odontology. This book contains his authentic experience in the field and extensive research so readers will learn the intricacies involved in apprehending a criminal.

What I most enjoyed about this book was the setting. I am from the area where the story takes place, so all the cities and locations mentioned in the plot were familiar. With the focus on such a weighty subject of child molestation, this was a bright spot for me to take a mental break.

The other aspect I found impeccable was the writing. The conversations seemed natural and not forced; the characters involved seemed like real people, some with quirks that helped me keep them all straight. The author is skilled in his ability to release vital pieces of information to keep the pages turning. With short chapters, this novel moves along at a rapid clip, which matches up perfectly with capturing a killer before another dead body is found.

This book contains discussions and scenes revolving around pedophilia, torture, and death. Unless one sees the bigger picture of proceeds from this publication helping victims, it may not be for everyone. Besides violence, there is coarse language. I wouldn't say this was overly done, but again, it comes with the contents of the plot.

I only found two slight errors, and Chapter 34 was repeated, but these issues can easily be fixed. Those who enjoy crime novels and don't mind graphic depictions or dialogue containing profanity will enjoy this book the most. There wasn't anything I disliked, so this earns 4 out of 4 stars from me. The style of this author's storytelling is brilliant, and I hope to see more work from him soon.

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Unholy Communion
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[Magnify3]

It is sad that even the clergy are not exempt from such acts as molesting children. I do hope that the investigators found who was responsible. Though my guess is it probably was a victim. Thanks for the review!

[xoxoAnushka]

Graphic violence with crime..... definitely my type, amazing review!

[MsH2k]

This is a tough subject, but it sounds like the author addresses it well. It’s also good to know when proceeds from book sales go to a worthy cause. Thanks for your review!

[adamgreenrock]

Well this sure is a crime novel when you have controversial themes like that. I might give it a read someday. This was a solid review. I could tell that your liking to this book is genuine even if you don't like reading crime novels all that much.

[Lizzieitalia]

Nice review. I like crime novels but not sure I could stomach this subject matter. But it’s great that the author really seems to be writing from experience. Thank you for sharing.

[kdstrack]

This is a sensitive subject and I empathize with your feelings about tackling a book. I applaud the author for using the proceeds from sales to help victims. Thanks for your thoughtful review.

[MsTri]

This sounds a LOT like a book I reviewed in June 2018 titled Prey to the Lord (review here: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=71527), so color me intrigued! I'd love to read another book with this theme, so I'll have to get a copy; thanks so much for the intro!

[Connie Otwani]

I love crime novels, the premise seems to promise a run for my money - apprehending a kinda vigilante, judge and executioner is always multi- faceted. Thanks for the great review!

[LauraLeeWasHere]

There are many things I appreciate about the various OBC reviewers but you are the first one that I admire for your sacrifice. To review a book even if it means going against your preferred genres and sensibilities shows a dedication I wish more people had. You saw a book that needed to be reviewed (for the reasons you stated) then made the commitment to do it. Then you gave us all the information we needed to make our own decisions.

I appreciate your talent for analyzing a book and admire your desire to roll up your shelves and get the job done. And done well it was.

Thank you.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

[cpru68]

There are many things I appreciate about the various OBC reviewers but you are the first one that I admire for your sacrifice. To review a book even if it means going against your preferred genres and sensibilities shows a dedication I wish more people had. You saw a book that needed to be reviewed (for the reasons you stated) then made the commitment to do it. Then you gave us all the information we needed to make our own decisions.

I appreciate your talent for analyzing a book and admire your desire to roll up your shelves and get the job done. And done well it was.

Thank you.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

Your words have blessed me. I think my daughter got tired of me saying....Should I read this one? I asked her opinion probably twenty times before I pushed the button to confirm the download. And, I’m glad I did. Your kind comments have touched my heart. I always want to be of good help toward aspiring authors. Thank you for reading my review and sharing your thoughts. This has really made my day!

[cpru68]

It is sad that even the clergy are not exempt from such acts as molesting children. I do hope that the investigators found who was responsible. Though my guess is it probably was a victim. Thanks for the review!

The author had a description of the book that I read as I debated with myself to read this or not. He actually gave away the ending in his synopsis...but, it was so well written that I kept second guessing it even when I had the answer! Thanks for reading my review. I appreciate it.

[cpru68]

Graphic violence with crime..... definitely my type, amazing review!

Oh, then you, my friend, would like this one! Thanks for reading my review!

[cpru68]

This is a tough subject, but it sounds like the author addresses it well. It’s also good to know when proceeds from book sales go to a worthy cause. Thanks for your review!

Yes, the idea of profits going to help victims made this a worthy cause for me. I hope his book goes over big. Thanks so much for reading my review.

[cpru68]

Well this sure is a crime novel when you have controversial themes like that. I might give it a read someday. This was a solid review. I could tell that your liking to this book is genuine even if you don't like reading crime novels all that much.

I was so uncertain how I would feel about it, but the author’s talent definitely helped me get pulled right in...even if the content wasn’t my usual reading material. Thanks so much for checking out my review. I hope you get a chance to read it one day.