Denver Gillen (cover)

Another collection of ten Father Browns mysteries, written in the early 1900s, taking place in England.

The unimpressive priest, who can seem to blend into the background, is not as innocuous as he appears. He has accumulated an extensive criminal knowledge from hearing confessions, which add to his observance of peoples’s behaviour and gives him his ability to piece together the puzzle pieces to the mysteries he comes across.

In “The Blue Cross” (1910), world renowned criminal and master of disguise, Flambeau, is travelling to London to attend an international conference of clergymen. Closely following Flambeau is Aristide Valentin, head of Paris Police.

On the train, Valentin hears Father Brown talking with a lady and making reference to be carrying a very valuable cross that is encrusted with valuable gems. Valentine warns Father Brown of the danger of talking about the cross.

Valentin is trying to track down Flambeau, but keeps losing him or just missing him, yet finds he is able to still track his movements from the trail of clues Father Brown seems to be leaving, unbeknownst to Valentin.

This is the first story and the introduction to Father Brown.… (meer)