White Smoke

New York: Forge, 1996. BH2 - A first edition (stated with complete numberline) hardcover book in very good condition in a very good dust jacket. Dust jacket and book have some bumped corners and light shelf wear. Although not marked in any way, this copy comes from the personal collection of Otto Penzler, legendary editor and founder of the Mysterious Press, an award-winning icon in the genre. 9.25"x6.25", 384 pages. Satisfaction Guaranteed. The cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church have gathered in Rome for the papal election following the death of the incumbent pope. Torn by internal conflict and with many of its members alienated, the Church faces one of the most serious crisis in its history. A coalition of cardinals favors a more moderate and pluralistic style of papal governance, but must contend with shadowy Vatican forces that oppose change and loss of their own power. These forces are determined to destroy the coalition's candidate, a gentle and brilliant Spanish scholar. The leader of the coalition is Chicago's wily Sean Cardinal Cronin, aided by his patently indispensable sidekick, Bishop John Blackwood "Blackie" Ryan. Ryan in turn enlists the aid of a New York Times reporter, lapsed Catholic Dennis Mulloy, and Molloy's fiery ex-wife Patricia McLaughlin, now a reporter for CNN. Their marriage ended in bitter anger-but Blackie's clever guidance leads them toward a renewal of their love. However, Mulloy's investigations into international crime threaten to end their new happiness just as it begins. Someone is afraid that Mulloy will uncover and expose a new and tremendous Vatican banking scandal before the election can take place, and they'll go to any lengths to stop him. Including murder. Meanwhile a lone assassin stalks the Vatican, his crazed mission: to destroy the next pope as soon as the traditional white smoke issues from the cardinals' meeting room-the Sistine Chapel-followed by the ancient words Habemus papam. Can politics-Chicago style-turn the Catholic Church around? What will happen when the next pope must be chosen? Only Andrew M. Greeley, priest, best selling novelist, and respected sociologist, could have written this blockbuster tail the forces are sure ripping the church apart, and the next couple election, when the fate of their entire Catholic Church itself may well hang in the balance.. First Edition. Hardcover. Very Good/Very Good. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.