England, 1970s. A bustling mining town awaits the arrival of their new vicar.People don’t know what to expect as the rather aloof Reverend Matthews descends upon his unfamiliar parish. Nevertheless, he is welcomed with open arms. But after discovering a journal left by his predecessor, the clergyman begins to wonder what secrets lie behind the seemingly innocent lives of his congregation.The … his congregation.
The Bishop’s unexpected arrival has the vicar questioning his own past and a cloud descends upon his religious beliefs, bringing chaos to both himself and the townsfolk.
Written in an upbeat style, with dark humour and quirky characters, this classic British mystery is best savoured by the fire with a pot of tea.
Praise from readers:
★★★★★ – “From the first page I was drawn into this story. I read it in one afternoon and enjoyed it immensely.”
★★★★★ – “A wonderful book, full of dry wit and poignant storytelling. Bravo.”
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Having read other titles from this author, I was looking forward to reading The Congregation.
A new vicar arrives in a sleepy mining town, trying to remain detached from his new congregation. However, they slowly work their way into his life, Reverend Matthews becoming more accepting of them. But things are not as they seem? They all seem to harbour secrets, the vicar himself having hidden demons, shrouded from his flock. The story keeps you hooked, new mysteries and secrets never quite reaching the surface, gradually playing out though as the story unfolds.
There were some truly wonderful characters, the housekeeper and the coal miner with his dark secret really stood out for me as the pages turned.
A fantastic book, beautifully told, taking the reader back to a bygone era where things were more innocent. Or so it would seem?
Highly recommended and I cannot wait to read more from this talented author.
The Congregation is the third book I’ve read from author A. J. Griffiths-Jones. While this one is part of a series/collection, they are stand-alone and can be read independently easily. A mixture of mystery and suspense, the tale offers a sparkling reflection on people harboring secrets… some who should know better and others who live to tell lies. Each character has a curious wit, some acerbic and others just genuinely intriguing.
Our protagonist, Reverend Matthews, arrives to greet his new flock, and immediately, a letter from the previous vicar leaves him worried. Something is amiss in this town, and the secrets are plentiful. As we get to know him, his caretakers, and several parishioners, it becomes clear that not everything is as it truly appears. What could they all be hiding?
Griffiths-Jones has brilliantly crafted a story that pulls you in from the first chapter, lasting all the way until the end. I daresay I wanted more when I finished the final words – my only concern with the entire piece. What will become of some of these people? How much forgiveness can one really expect? I enjoy how the author dances around so many topics, easily leaving your imagination at play to wander about, idly, searching for clues as to what the vicar is missing.
If you like a story with rich characters, well-balanced plots and odd shenanigans, and a keen sense of human nature, you’ll find these very rewarding and pleasing. I look forward to reading more from the author’s collection in the coming months.
This is the second book I have read in the Skeletons in the Cupboard Series and it won’t be the last.
This time, the story begins with Reverend Matthews arriving in his new parish. At first, he doubtful as to how he will be accepted as the new vicar. However, he soon realizes that he needn’t have been so concerned as the parishioners welcome him with open arms. But then one day, he discovers a book written by his predecessor which outlines the various activities of individual members of his congregation. It appears that several of them have a secret they would prefer to be kept hidden.
As the story unfolds, the secrets are laid bare, but the most alarming of them all is left until the end… No! I am not going to tell you.
You need to check out this book for yourself. I’m sure you will enjoy it as much as I did.