Martin Faulks

An interesting concept. However, fiction needs more than a good concept: it requires effective execution. These three stories could be taken as rough drafts that could turn into something interesting, or they could be used as brainstorming springboards by other writers who wanted to explore the idea of a Masonic detective -- whether or not a Masonic occult detective -- for whom ideas or practices intrinsic to Masonry provide some special insight that would not be so accessible to a non-Masonic investigator.

In addition to their ordinary technical problems as fiction, these stories clutter up the Masonic theme with superfluous esoteric bric-a-brac from all over the world. In a different sort of story, these might not be out of place, but they really undermine the clarity of the intended focus.

Finally, as a bonus, the author wants to offer us an elderly protagonist -- appropriate enough, given the median age of the Masonic demographic -- and makes a point of the creakiness and even fragility of Bro. Talbort, only to reveal him later as a mere pup of 47 years. This is almost as jarring as revealing, in passing, that the actual Masonic obedience of his mother lodge is not the United Grand Lodge of England but the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons. The author, I hasten to add, does not do the latter, but the history of the Chevalier d'Eon would provide excellent and amusing precedent for doing so.

Say not the struggle naught availeth -- try again!… (meer)

There are two parts to this book, the zen and the diet. Unfortunately, while Faulks excels in one, he fails just as strongly in the other. The fact that the mind is addressed at all is commendable, and the suggestions make sense. The reader can understand the psychology behind them and easily find ways to incorporate them into life. The "diet" part is the exact opposite--suggestions include ones such as "eat a carrot instead of chocolate," ignoring the realization that it simply is not that easy. Further, the writing in this section occasionally slips to borderline condemning. The first part could easily stand alone, and would perhaps do all the better for it. As it is, the book is just another diet book.… (meer)