 | |
List Price: $14.95 | | Publisher: St. Huberts Press
Salesrank: 419545
|
| Our Price: $6.66 |
| Used Price: $3.81 |
|
| Media: Paperback |
|
Editorial Review:
The Madonna Murders is a mesmerizing novel about the priceless Icon of Kazan, first made famous by Tolstoy and shown at the 1964 New York Worlds Fair. It is a story about obsession, love and murder which takes the reader into the world of icons, the struggle between the holy and the demonic, and the Russian history of San Francisco and the USSR.
The Madonna Murders Reviews:
A review of The Madonna Murders 
2008-06-21 - I read the book in two sittings. It was an easy read, perfect for traveling. I was quickly engaged by the story. The book was entertaining throughout and educational at the same time. I knew little of religious iconography in general and the history of the Russian community in the San Francisco Bay area in particular. I learned a little about both.
The book was particularly timely for me, as I was going out to visit the Bay area for the first time in many years. I live on the east coast. I also learned about the Crystal Skull, another icon featured in the book as well as the latest Indiana Jones movie. Again, the book was particularly timely for me, as I saw Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull right after my reading of the book. It certainly made my viewing of the movie more enjoyable.
I recommend it for someone looking for an entertaining story as well as a little education.
The Madonna Murders by Pamela Cranston 
2008-02-29 - I was very sad when I finished "The Madonna Murders" by Pamela Cranston. I wanted the story to go on and on. For me it is very reminiscent of Armistad Maupin's "Tales of the City", in that the San Francisco Bay Area provides the scenic backdrop. The story involves a ritualistic murder and theft of the miraculous Icon of Our Lady of Kazan from a Russian Orthodox cathedral in San Francisco.
The author is an Episcopal priest and a Russian history scholar. She very artfully incorporates poignant passages from Metropolitan Anthony Bloom's spiritual writings at the beginning of each chapter. She gives the reader a marvelous introduction into the spiritual meaning of Eastern Orthodox iconography. She knows and weaves the history of the Russian Orthodox Church both in the Bay Area and abroad throughout this tale of murder, mystery, and redemption.
I highly recommend the book to anyone who would like to read a delightful "whodunit" whilst feeling inspired at the same time.
An intriguing mystery!
2004-05-29 - I am not a big mystery fan, but enjoyed this interesting and well written mystery by Pamela Cranston. Cranston's extensive historical research about the icon is evident and adds interest to the mystery aspect of the story. I also enjoyed the familiarity of the San Francisco and Bay Area locales since that is where I live. Cranston gives us clues throughout the book, but does a masterful job of keeping us in suspense until the very end.
An Excellent Read
2004-03-15 - This is a fast-paced book that works on many levels, so I think it will be appealing to many different types of readers. My husband enjoyed it because it is a thrilling mystery. My teenage daughter liked the strong sense of place. She really felt like she was there, with the characters, in the Bay Area at a posh restaurant. She said that it was like reading a great travel memoir. I liked how well-researched this book is on so many topics. Whether it is Russian history, or art, or Christianity, the author dives into her subjects with great insight and detail. I hope this is the beginning of a series! I want to read about the trials and tribulations of these characters again and again.
Luxuriate in this rich mystery
2003-12-19 - This is the sort of book one wants to dive into on a rainy day, cup of tea at hand. It has the rich texture of a Persian rug. The combination of character development, spirituality, well-paced mystery, icons and Russian history is a can't-miss. Cranston has created believable characters and an intriguing story line, with some real cliff-hangers sprinkled throughout the plot. The only downer about this wonderful book is having to wait for the next one!
