“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.