Recently, in Nick’s hometown of Clinton, a short two hour drive from Franklin, the town patriarch, Gregorio Iavello has died. His death has been ruled a suicide by the local police. The old gentleman had been severely depressed since his wife’s death and, in their view, never snapped out of it. Iavello’s granddaughter, Martha, and the local parish priest, Father Skip disagree with the suicide verdict. They say the elder Iavello was no longer depressed, and would never have shot himself. They want Nick to investigate the matter further, saying that asking a few questions will not be dangerous for Nick, and Martha offers to generously compensate Nick for his efforts. Since money is in short supply in the Bertetto household, and he is only committing to a few days work, Nick reluctantly agrees. ,P> Nick quickly learns from Tom Iavello, Martha’s brother, that Martha’s interest in her grandfather’s death is more than erasing the stigma associated with suicide. She is deeply involved in a group that believes Jesus’s second coming is imminent. The Children of the Second Advent need money badly which could be provided by Martha’s inheritance if her grandfather’s death is deemed something other than a suicide. Her organization is competing for members with another religious group called the Church of the Mystical Jesus which Martha contends may be responsible for her grandfather’s death.

The basic premise of Second Advent is that the death of the town patriarch is more complicated than it would initially seem. In all likelihood the death is probably a murder. Various local residents stand to profit by his death, either directly by monetary gain from his estate, or indirectly since the irascible old man would no longer be around to interfere with their businesses. The usual suspects come to the forefront - family members, landowners arguing over mineral rights and those whose businesses would run more smoothly without Gregorio Iavello’s intervention. The added complication of the two religious groups competing for support from local residents adds little interest to an already thin plot.

The author seems to have some difficulty making the logistics of the story work. For instance, Nick needs to get to the training gym run by Martha’s brother, Tom. He pulls up to a phone booth and consults a phone book. Seriously, when has anyone ever found a usable phone book in a phone booth? Or even seen a real phone booth, not just a semi sheltered public phone, lately? Our hero is described as driving cross country in his vehicle (no mention of it having off road capability) to avoid a police blockade. I realize that parts of Indiana are flat, but most vehicles still require roads.

On a positive note, Mr. Perona is scrupulously fair in presenting his clues. The reader either has as much information as the protagonist, or is filled in with enough background data to make the hero’s actions seem likely. There isn’t a lot for the reader to figure out, but a few bits are cleverly done.

The religious angle and the belief in miracles which play a significant part in the story may not appeal much to skeptics. Such reliance on things which can’t be scientifically proved may turn off some readers. It doesn’t work that well in a mystery novel.

Second Advent is the first novel by Tony Perona. I would assume that if there are others to follow with the same central character the author will fill in more details about the horrific situation that has caused Nick’s wife such grief, and a strain on his marriage. It seems an odd way to start a series with many of the questions surrounding the main protagonist’s circumstances left unanswered.

--Andy Plonka