Book Reviews and More: Lupus Dei - Declan Finn

Tuesday 16 August 2022

Lupus Dei - Declan Finn - Saint Tommy NYPD Book 3.5

Lupus Dei

Saint Tommy, NYPD Book 3.5

Declan Finn

Tuscany Bay Books

eISBN 9798201178345

ASIN B0B2828RC8

This was the seventh story I have read by Declan Finn in the last 2 months. I had forgotten this story and jumped right from book 3 Infernal Affairs to book 4 City of Shadows, but that did not impact the story line. This is a short story and though it falls between these two novels there is nothing specific needed for reading book 4. This was a very interesting story in this series. For my fiction reading I have been alternating books by Finn, Andrew Grant (aka Andrew Child), and J.D. Kirk. I am currently reading 2 in this series and then a White Ops book, and now plan on adding in the Pius Man series as well.

The description of this story is:

“For his own good, Detective Thomas Nolan has been sent abroad as part of the NYPD intelligence division.

But when Nolan awakes in the middle of the Italian wilderness, stripped naked and hunted by witches, he might find it safer back in New York.

These witches want to hunt the most dangerous game, but this one may be the most dangerous of all.”

As I said before I was a little hesitant to start this series. It seemed a little over the top. And from the authors, publishing people, and friends it was so hyped I was afraid it would disappoint. It did not! In fact before I had finished the first 2 I had picked up a dozen other works from Finn’s pen. This series keeps getting better and better. This fifth story is very different. It takes place during single night. Nolan has been captured, taken to a remote location and teams of three witches are hunting him. The volume begins with this:

“My name is Detective Thomas Nolan, and I am a saint.

As I waited at the Leonardo da Vinci Airport arrivals gate, I was also a dead man walking. As part of my job as a New York City cop, I had acquired a dark-web bounty that brought out every psychopath and creature in the tri-state area. It had threatened to attract more killers to the city, even though the one who posted the bounty was dead, and could never follow through.

Lucky for me, the NYPD has its own foreign intelligence division. Due to a helpful “suggestion” (and arm twisting) from both my local priest and a strange Fed, I had been reassigned from homicide to intelligence … then attached to the Vatican.

What did God need with a police detective? I had no idea.

I was met at the airport by Auxiliary Bishop Xavier O’Brien, a world-weary, chain smoking priest. He was, of course, a Jesuit. He was also an American.

“Ex-Jesuit,” he clarified. “At least, I will be if they ever let me go. I’d rather go to Opus Dei, but they’re mostly laity.” He looked over his shoulder and nodded. Two big burly men standing at the door to the airport strode forward and took my luggage.”

The action begins at the next section of the story:

“I woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of a roaring bonfire.

I found myself on the ground in the middle of the forest. I was naked in the dirt, bound hand and foot.

The dozen equally nude women around the bonfire were all armed with bows, knives, and a few revolvers. They all looked at me, waiting to open my eyes.”

But Tommy is offered a chance to save his life. We are informed that:

“The word came to mind unbidden. Witches. “Why me then?”

“We are told, Thomas Nolan, that you are a saint.”

“No,” I corrected her. “Saints are dead. All saints are dead.”

Angela’s nasty smile returned. “Then you shall soon be a saint. Welcome it! We shall make you a martyr! Isn’t that every saint’s dream?”

I ignored the comment and focused on her earlier point. “Who told you what I am?”

Angela’s eyes narrowed. “We have friends everywhere. On both sides.”

Demon told them. Good to know. They said they’re daughters of Diana. If it’s Greek mythology, she’s a hunter. That’s why the sacrifice format. But if they’re witches … “Why hunt me? Why don’t you just all sit here and curse me in the comfort of my own bed? You don’t even have to work up a sweat.””

He needs to survive for an hour or he will die. He does battle with several sets of witches. Each is a trio, and each wielding similar powers in similar methods. Tommy on the other hand uses prayer, cunning, and the assistance of certain charisms knowing to be gifts of God to certain saints. The meaning of the title is an interesting twist. But to find out you will need to read this excellent little story.

Two notes, first as mentioned this is a short story set between books 3 and four, but it is only available as an eBook. Second this is a great story an a highly entertaining series. I can easily recommend it for mature readers, late teens, young adults and discerning adults. I have been more and more impressed with each volume I read from Finn, and I look forward to many more great reads from his most creative pen!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Declan Finn:

Love At First Bite Series:

Short Stories:

Blood Stained Cliffs of Dover

Bad Date

Mad Dog Moon

…

Novels:

Honor at Stake

Demons Are Forever

(Murphy's Law of Vampires)