Father Turiddu and the Second Gracie Allen Murder Case

Father Turiddu and The Second Gracie Allen Murder Case unites two absolutely unique, one-of-a-kind characters: Actress Gracie Allen who was famous for her "illogical logic" and young Father Sal Turiddu (pronounced Too-REE-doo) whose adventures over more than 60 years in his beloved city of St. Louis would earn him the title, Il salvatore della città (Savior of the City). Daniel Conway is the author of three Father Turiddu novels: Father Turiddu the Savior of the City, Father Turiddu Returns: the Cardinal and the Inquisitor and Father Turiddu and the Polar Vortex. Unlike the three previous Father Turiddu novels, which describe the adventures of "Father T" when he is an 80 year-old pastor, the new novel takes place nearly 60 years earlier. Father Salvatore E. Turiddu is a newly ordained priest in his first assignment at the Italian parish on "The Hill." Accompanying his mother, Rosalia, and his sister Phyllis, to a benefit performance given by the comedy team of George Burns and Gracie Allen, the young priest is given his first opportunity to try out the problem-solving skills that would distinguish him as an exceptional priest and community leader. Here is a description of the first encounter between Gracie Allen and Father Turiddu: On seeing Father T, Gracie Allen cried out in her loudest little voice, "Oh, Father. I'm so happy you're here. It's my cousin Otis. He's in big trouble." "What kind of trouble, Miss Allen?" the young priest asked. "He's in jail-accused of murdering someone he didn't know. Can you help him, Father? He's such a good boy at heart." "Why are you asking me for help, Miss Allen? I'm not a lawyer or a detective, and I've only been ordained a priest for two months." "I'm psychic, Father, and I know you can help me solve this murder case. I have some experience you know. Many years ago I helped a famous detective, Philo Vance, solve a crime just like this one. They even made a movie about it called "The Gracie Allen Murder Case." "Miss Allen, I'm a priest, not a detective. Solving murder mysteries is not something we were taught in the seminary." "Don't you worry, Father. I told you I'm psychic. I know you can do it. Will you promise me you'll try?" "I promise to visit your cousin and see what I can do to help him. After that, it's in the hands of the Sacred Heart." Father Turiddu and The Second Gracie Allen Murder Case tells the delightful story of how these two remarkable characters-a zany comedienne and a dedicated young priest-join forces to solve a murder and free an innocent man. Readers will enjoy the twists and turns of the story. They will fall in love with Gracie (again?) and grow in admiration and respect for Father T. At that moment, George Burns appeared at the dressing room door. "Say goodnight, Gracie. "Goodnight," End of story.