Office of the Dead

Rating:
Summary: A Multi-faceted Murder Mystery
Review: Bernard Seif's "Office of the Dead" is a most enjoyable read. Brother/Dr. Seif has not only written a witty mystery laced with local color, but he has also interwoven theology, psychology, and the use of Chinese medicine into a story with personable characters and thoughtful expression.

At the conclusion, one is left not only with a craving for more adventures involving the very astute Abbot Francis, but also with an interest in what happens next in the lives of the supporting characters as well.

Readers who have an interest in integrative medicine, wholistic theology, and mysteries will find "Office of the Dead" enjoyable therapy.

Rating:
Summary: When A Teacher Writes A Novel
Review: Brother Bernard has written a novel which in many respects mirrors his day-to-day life. Set in his monastery in Brodheadsville PA, in the Poconos, a Salesian monk who is also a behavioral psychologist practicing holistic healing (including Therapeutic Touch and meditation) investigates a murder and almost gets murder himself.

Whether Bernard actually helps the local police solve crimes or not, I can't say. However, the main character does share one of his traits - he's a teacher who cares deeply about people. As such, he sometimes indulges in discourses on various subjects, including religion, monastic life, psychology, holistic healing. While this is very informative, it often seems contrived within this work of fiction. The adage, show, don't tell, can be applied to this work. Also, the pace of this book goes by leaps and jerks - the chapters are usually only a couple of pages - leaving the reader wondering how some situation developed. For a book of only a little over 100 pages, it has several sub-plots running at once.

Having said all that, I still maintain it is an informative book about modern monastic life struggling to be involved in both the spiritual and the secular worlds.

Rating:
Summary: Office of the dead
Review: I loved this book. Although Bro. Dr. Seif will claim that the murder solving psychologist monk is not really him, let me tell you folks, I know Bernie and it is him. He's a great psychologist and spiritual leader. He has a unique blend of christian, eastern spiritual healing, blended with western psychology. In his book, he explains his psychology, healing techinques, Catholic factions all in the context of a mad man killing Catholic clergy. Fun and interesting to read.