About Me

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Melfort, Saskatchewan, Canada
I am a lawyer in Melfort, Saskatchewan, Canada who enjoys reading, especially mysteries. Since 2000 I have been writing personal book reviews. This blog includes my reviews, information on and interviews with authors and descriptions of mystery bookstores I have visited. I strive to review all Saskatchewan mysteries. Other Canadian mysteries are listed under the Rest of Canada. As a lawyer I am always interested in legal mysteries. I have a separate page for legal mysteries. Occasionally my reviews of legal mysteries comment on the legal reality of the mystery. You can follow the progression of my favourite authors with up to 15 reviews. Each year I select my favourites in "Bill's Best of ----". As well as current reviews I am posting reviews from 2000 to 2011. Below my most recent couple of posts are the posts of Saskatchewan mysteries I have reviewed alphabetically by author. If you only want a sentence or two description of the book and my recommendation when deciding whether to read the book look at the bold portion of the review. If you would like to email me the link to my email is on the profile page.

Monday, April 8, 2013

“A” is for Red Mass by Rosemary Aubert


I am starting the Alphabet in Crime Fiction meme for 2013 hosted by Kerrie Smith at her blog, Mysteries in Paradise, with a review of Red Mass by Rosemary Aubert.
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44. - 359.) The Red Mass by Rosemary Aubert – Former judge and former homeless person, Ellis Portal, has been restored to the practice of law in Toronto. In a powerful image Supreme Court of Canada Justice John Stoughton-Melville is arrested for murder during the Red Mass at St. Michael’s Cathedral. Portal is startled when Queenie Johnston, another former homeless person, asks him, at Stoughton-Melville’s request, to be defence counsel. Because of a past promise Portal takes on the defence. It is a formidable task for the charge relates to the death of Stoughton-Melville’s wife 5 years earlier and the accused refuses to assist in the defence. A clever twist arrives when Portal’s daughter, Ellen, is named Crown Prosecutor. As the trial occurs Portal deals with challenges in his family life, relationship with Queenie and the outdoor homeless community. The trial is more realistic than most fictional trials. The
circumstantial evidence is too weak for a charge but intriguing. The conclusion is startling and clever. There are moments which jar with the story leaping ahead and information provided later. Hardcover or paperback. (Oct. 25/06)
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For those readers unfamiliar with a Red Mass here is a description from the Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of Toronto website: http://www.thomasmoreguild.ca/red-mass.html

Photo from the Atlanta Thomas More Guild
The Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of Toronto traces its history back to the 13th century with the initiation of the Red Mass. In the Cathedral of Paris in 1245, a Mass was held to invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit on the judges of the Ecclesiastical Courts. It is believed the first liturgy was celebrated in honour of St. Ives of Brittany, the patron saint of lawyers. The practice of the Red Mass spread to England in 1310 during the reign of King Edward I. The entire Bench and Bar attended this special Eucharist at the beginning of the spring term of Court. The Name "Red Mass" became a tradition because of the red robes worn by the judges and the red vestments worn by the priests.
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For each of my posts for this year’s meme I will have some personal connection with the post. There can be no surprises with my connections to Red Mass. I am both a lawyer and a Catholic. I do regret that living in rural Saskatchewan means I have not been able to attend a Red Mass. I hope to some year have the opportunity to attend a Red Mass.

12 comments:

  1. This series sounds very interesting. Definitely different from others I have read. And another Canadian author that was not on my radar. Thanks for this interesting post.

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  2. You mention some good things and some bad things about this book but I'm unclear about your overall appraisal. Is it in the top division, second tier, third rate . . . ?

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  3. Bill - This sounds like a very interesting integration of personal life and professional life in terms of this particular case. And it's good to hear that it is also realistic. Far, Far too many legal mysteries...aren't. Thanks too for the background of the Red Mass. I hope you'll get the chance to attend one too sometime.

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  4. Very interesting topic. I will have to check it out.

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  5. TracyK: Thanks for the comment. Ellis Portal is the most unique lawyer I know in crime fiction.

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  6. Dr. Evangelicus: Thanks for the comment. It is above average - a good but not great book.

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  7. Margot: Thanks for the comment. Ellis Portal has a life history that lets him understand all levels of society.

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  8. Scott: Thanks for the comment. The book has a clever premise.

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  9. Sounds like an interesting book. I will look for it. Thanks for the interesting information about Red Mass.

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  10. srivalli: Thanks for the comment. I hope you get a chance to read the book.

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  11. As the son of two lawyers, a legal mystery is always a joy to read though I can't tell how realistic they are.

    As other have said, I hope you get to go to Red Mass someday.

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  12. Peter: Thanks for the comment. With two parents as lawyers there is a lot of legal blood in you.

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