Fallen Graces (October 4, 2023)

When a dead man’s body is found in the upper basin of a historic fountain in Boston Common with a cryptic message in his pocket, Detective Brooks reluctantly calls in Father Tom and Angelo to help solve the clues in the hunt for a killer.set on justice and revenge. Fallen Graces, the fifth book of the award-winning Father Tom series, delves into the psychological and religious complexities of a killer who becomes as equally unpredictable as dangerous to the parish neighborhood of St. Francis, and Father Tom has no choice but to become more involved, risking his own life to find the answer.

Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval Award for Editorial Integrity and Faithfulness to Catholic Teaching

Awarded Finalist - Mystery/Suspense General

2024 Americal Fiction Awards

Awarded Finalist - Religious Fiction

2024 Americal Fiction Awards

2024 IAN Book of the Year Award for “Outstanding Christian/Religious Fiction”

Bronze Award Winner

2024 ICBA Book Award

Readers’ Favorite Reviews - Five Star

Endorsements/Reviews

Fallen Graces is a murder mystery that will draw you in with an amazing pace that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. The excellent plot and great characters are masterfully written, and this is the most powerful of Jim’s stories, one that will inspire and stay with you long after you finish reading it. I highly recommend it. ☆☆☆☆☆

--Steven R. McEvoy, Book Reviews and More

A chilling series of macabre murders mystifies the Boston community, sending Father Tom and his friends into a full-throttle search for the truth, before the murderer strikes again. Jim Sano has written a riveting page-turner of a thriller, with a deeper message. If you have ever struggled with unforgiveness, or being angry with God about injustice, this book will challenge you to reconsider the power of forgiveness and God’s undeserved Grace. ☆☆☆☆☆

--Kira Marie McCullough, King of the Lake and Other Stories

 Ever since reading The Father’s Son, I have come to admire the character of Fr. Tom Fitzpatrick. Fallen Graces furthers the lore of Fr. Tom with amazing story-telling and character development wrapped in this intense and wonderfully written mystery. Well done, Jim Sano, Well done. ☆☆☆☆☆

-- Deacon Phúc Phan, Diocese of Austin 

An Enjoyable and Meaningful Read: I was given a copy from a friend and enjoyed reading Fallen Graces from beginning to end. It surprised me with an intricate plot, historical and liturgical info, and a firm grasp of the timeline. Each character had a unique voice, which helped to bring a sense of closure since the ending fit the plot as well as the personalities. Lots of layers to enjoy in this book! ☆☆☆☆☆

Ann Frailey, Author of Historical and Fantasy Fiction

Highly Recommended: A whodunnit with a deeper message. You will be guessing until the end. A page turner for sure. ☆☆☆☆☆

Blessed

Cleaver and taunting mystery: This is a fast-paced mystery set in Boston where bodies start to pile up each in some horrid manner. Combined with a few twists and turns along the way, it's a book that keeps you, the reader, guessing! ☆☆☆☆☆

Boston Wayne

A mystery-thriller with a Redemptive Message: Fallen Graces by Jim Sano is a mystery-thriller that entertains and challenges you with its twists and turns of plot, bringing you to an action-packed ending that will take your breath away. The story revolves around a chilling series of macabre murders mystifying a small community, sending Father Tom and his friends into a full-throttle search for the truth.
Although this is the 5th book in the Father Tom Series, it is a stand-alone story you can enjoy without having to have read the previous books (though I highly recommend you do). Father Tom matches the wit and intellect of the fictional Sherlock Holmes, yet exceeds him in wisdom and compassion, exhibiting a wry humor that never offends.
In Fallen Graces, time is of the essence, for it soon becomes clear that the good priest is next on the killer’s hit list. The murderous mastermind excels in knowledge of Latin, Hebrew, poetry and mythology, leaving behind strange symbols and clues related to the Sacraments of Baptism and Confession. The narrative could rival any Agatha Christie mystery, yet goes beyond her Victorian sensibilities with its no-holds barred account of each homicide.
Like all of Jim Sano’s work, there is more than entertainment to be had; Fallen Graces is a book with a deeper message, a story that touches on the hidden emotions of the human heart—fear and guilt, pain and regret, and the struggle to forgive and be forgiven.
Father Tom consoles his brother with these words:
“Think about forgiveness this way. Forgiveness doesn’t excuse the sin or say it’s okay. Forgiveness is really the opposite of that, directly pointing out the sin, acknowledging it, and making it the central focus…. Forgiveness doesn’t equal reconciliation unless the offender accepts forgiveness after humbly admitting the sin and transforming it into grace. Forgiveness is up to us, but true justice is a two-way street.”
If you carry the burden of unforgiveness and the cross of anger, Fallen Graces
leads you through the labyrinth of those emotions, extending a message of hope and healing, even in the face of the most extreme injustice.
The characters are relatable, the villain despicable, and the ending brings together justice and mercy. A good read, and another win for Jim Sano. ☆☆☆☆☆

Kira Marie

2024 Bronze Award Winner:Fallen Graces is another one of Jim Sano’s great reads.  This is part of a series, but you can read it and still understand it without the series.  But why not read the series since this one is so good?  Father Tom is involved in investigating a murder and trying to keep the town and the church safe. This book is like reading historical fiction. Jim blends history, church facts, and fictional characters so well that it makes for a very believable fiction read! 

Inscription Books

Two thumbs up: The suspense kept be held on due until the end of the book. I have read the whole series. Want more. ☆☆☆☆☆

Nancer

Fallen Graces by Jim Sano, the fifth book in the Fr. Tom series, is for fans of Christian fiction, mystery, crime, and drama. A homeless woman notices something unusual in the fountain of Boston Common. Arriving at the place, Boston Police officers discover a body pointing to a cut-out heart. The body has a bizarre note written in Latin in the pocket. Father Tom Fitzpatrick joins Detective Brooks and Detective Mullen to decipher the message. Soon, the murderer leaves another dismembered body in St. Francis Church. Do the murders allude to the seven Catholic sacraments? Father Tom and his loyal companion, Angelo Salvato, must hurry to figure out the killer's motives and prevent possible subsequent crimes. However, events take a sudden turn, and Father Tom finds himself in a horrible situation.

In Fallen Graces, Jim Sano skillfully crafts an intriguing case for the unusual amateur detectives to solve. In his investigation, Father Tom relies on logic and deep compassion. With his sarcastic humor, Angelo has a larger-than-life personality, and a keen eye for detail. This murder mystery is thought-provoking and explores forgiveness, among other profound topics. The understanding of human nature plays a crucial role in the plot, and Sano thoroughly studies the psychological profiles of the killer and his victims. The author clearly explains Catholic sacraments and symbolism. Sano's excellent knowledge of the Catholic doctrine shines through and makes the book a reliable source of inspiration for those hoping to strengthen their faith. The plot is twisted and well-paced. It holds our attention until the final dramatic moment that I didn't see coming. Lovers of challenging riddles will appreciate this compelling book very much. ☆☆☆☆☆

Five Star Review - Nino Lobiladze for Readers’ Favorite

An entertaining murder mystery: Jim Sano's Fallen Graces is his latest novel and an intriguing murder mystery. This is a tightly written mystery that keeps the reader involved. It is nice to see that Father Tom plays a prominent role in this novel. Father Tom and Angelo as amateur sleuths adds to the interest and excitement . The Boston detective is reluctant to accept Father Tom and Angelo's help, but their contributions are invaluable. There are plenty of twists and turns that make the reader determined to finish this work in one sitting. The theological references are woven into the story which part of Jim's unique style of writing. I highly recommend this novel. ☆☆☆☆☆

Robert Samiagio

A page turner mystery! I just finished Fallen Graces which is the latest mystery novel in the Father Tom series. This book is an excellent mystery with a shocking ending. Every book in the Fr Tom series has been great and this one is no exception. The ending is spectacular and you will not be able to guess " who, what or why". Fallen Graces by Jim Sano is not to be missed if you love the series or are craving an exceptional mystery! ☆☆☆☆☆

Emily C.