Turbulent Priests

Colin Bateman

Average Rating 8/10 (2 Reviews)

Dan Starkey and his wife Patricia have decided to make a go of their marriage, which means that Dan must assume responsibility for a baby - Little Stevie that is not his. The three of them look like having plenty of time together when Dan accepts an unusual commission - to investigate the situation on tiny Wrathlin Island, off the Irish coast. Dan is supposed to report on the villagers' claim that the Messiah has been born on Wrathlin, in the shape of a little girl called Christine. At first, the rural idyll is little more than a comic interlude, but it seems that wherever Dan goes, murder and mayhem - not to mention religious fundamentalism, adultery and alcoholism - cannot be far behind.

Turbulent Priests is Colin Bateman writing at the height of his powers.

Review by Chrissi (250600) Rating (8/10)
Review by Nigel (090400) Rating (7/10)

Review by Chrissi
Rating 8/10
Poor Dan Starkey - marooned on an island with no alcohol and a bunch of people who believe that a little girl is the Daughter of God. Dan and Patricia seem to be getting on with their marriage, although the baby has red hair - poor tyke. This shows how Dan's timing is as impeccable as ever - he has a knack for finding himself involved in situations which would have large signs above them saying 'do not go there' - and what does he do? He packs up all the beer that can be fitted into the car (without sinking the ferry) and away he goes.

Dan is as alcoholic as ever - and there is probably one of the longest run-ups to a single joke that I have ever read - but it made Nigel and I laugh, so it was definitely worth it! Strangely, my vision of Dan has metamorphosed into David Thewlis - excellent bloke I am sure, but probably due to his being Dan in the film of Divorcing Jack. Don't mind this at all, really.

I enjoyed this book - laughed and smiled in places. Looking forward to the next one, to be sure!
Chrissi (25th June 2000)

Review by Nigel
Rating 7/10
Finally finished this third outing for Dan Starkey, the 'hero' of Colin Bateman's debut novel Divorcing Jack.

Dan has been sent to a remote island to surreptitiously investigate the second coming of the Messiah! (not an easy thing for Dan:)

At one point Bateman spends several chapters, in themselves funny, building up to a brilliant one liner that had me in hysterics (although some might frown at such a joke, it appeals to my sense of humour). I won't spoil it but keep an eye out for the bird watcher...

A very good read and in my opinion better than the second Dan Starkey novel Of Wee Sweetie Mice and Men, although not as good as Divorcing Jack.
Nigel (9th April 2000)