The Case of Ockham's Razor

Rating:
Summary: History and Mystery with a twist!
Review: Of all the audio books I have listened to over the last year, this one is the absolute winner. The mix of academia and murder is reminisant of the Morse mysteries, while the detective, Father Shreader is a modern day Cadfile. To add to the enjoyment of a great mystery story is the mini latin and history lessons throughout making this one of the more unique audio book offerings. I would recomend this title to anyone with a passion for mystery who wants to lay back and enjoy a great audio book.

Rating:
Summary: Fun mysterious entertainment, satiric cut at modern academia
Review: The Case of Ockham's Razor makes a nice introduction to Father Shrader, a burly, cigar-champing academic priest. A philosophy professor, Father Shrader solves his crimes using classical philosophical principals. Which is not only very original, but also a fun way for readers to bone up on the classics.

Set in the fictional college town of Stonehaven, at a fictional, (yet very reminiscent) catholic liberal arts college, 'St.Swithun's College', this story transported me back to my own college days under the tutelage of the Jesuits. Thankfully, all of the classical Latin allusions are translated within the story -- quite good fun! The satirical humour is non-stop. Sultry co-eds, thick-headed jocks, quirky & obsessive academics, and petty college administrators all play their parts as we would expect. But, who killed J. Garrison Nielson, the wealthy college benefactor is something very few will have expected before its revelation in the story!

Yet, the clues are there. And perhaps some mystery hounds will figure this one out. Educated readers, catholic school survivors, and mystery lovers will all enjoy this book.

Perhaps not Edgar material, but certainly worthwhile reading.