John Morgan Wilson Reviews

Added May 18, 2004

Blind Eye

A Benjamin Justice Novel

Author: John Morgan Wilson
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: September 2003
Genre: Mystery
Format: Hardback
Price: $23.95
ISBN: 0312309198
Author Email/Website: www.johnmorganwilson.com
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty

In the fifth novel in the award-winning Benjamin Justice series, author John Morgan Wilson takes readers on an unforgettable journey, fraught with suspense, danger, scandal and murder.

Benjamin Justice was on a quest to find his childhood priest Father Stuart Blackley and ask him a few questions. He told himself talking with the priest was something he needed for his autobiography, but Benjamin knew it was more than that. Talking with Father Blackley would bring closure and maybe, just maybe give him a new outlook on life.

A former reporter whose credibility had been destroyed by one article, Benjamin was struggling. His lover had died several years earlier, he was living with HIV and this autobiography deal was just what he needed to get his life back on track. So why did he have so many doubts about his ability to finish it? With the help of Alexandra Templeton, Benjamin began his quest to locate Father Blackley.

Finding Father Blackley was proving to be difficult. Calls to the old parish didn't work until he mildly threatened the secretary. To Benjamin's surprise and dismay, he learned Blackley had been in Los Angeles for the past twenty-seven years. Though it's hard, he manages to push back old memories and contacts the Los Angeles' diocese only to learn Blackley had died some years earlier. His reporter instincts kicking in, Benjamin knew something was off the moment he read Bishop Finatti's letter regarding Blackley's death. Why would a bishop concern himself with answering questions regarding a mere priest?

Learning of Blackley's death may have stopped anyone else but not Benjamin. After all, he was and still is, at heart, a reporter. Something just isn't right and on a hunch, he calls Sister Catherine Timothy, explains his reasons for requesting information on Blackley and asks her to help. Stunned to learn Blackley had sexually abused Benjamin, Sister Timothy agrees to do what she can. Several days later, he receives copies of documents containing allegations of sexual abuse as well as legal contracts detailing the secret settlements. When Bishop Finatti, a childhood friend of Blackley's stonewalls him, Benjamin turns to Alexandra Templeton, a fellow reporter, for help.

With her help, Benjamin is able to get the Church's attention. After he writes a column demanding the Church give answers in regards to Father Blackley, Alexandra's fiance Joe Soto is murdered. Joe's death forces Benjamin to question whether closure is really all that important. Making his decision even more difficult is the offer of a very large sum of money from the Church if he will stop asking questions. It's only when evidence comes to light linking Bishop Finatti to Joe's murder does Benjamin commit himself to finding and sharing the truth.

Will Benjamin still continue his quest for the truth when attempts are made on his life? How high will the stakes become before the truth is known?

Normally not the type of mystery I prefer, Blind Eye nevertheless instantly captivated me. Benjamin was a remarkably human character: flawed, more concerned for his own well being at times and not always noble. His humanity made him stand out and imprinted him in my mind. Truly a talented author, John Morgan Wilson made me care deeply for Benjamin and the secondary characters; I felt I really knew them. Mr. Wilson weaves mystery, suspense, danger and everyday life together in a fascinating tale that held my interest until the very last page.

One is a loss to say what makes Blind Eye completely unforgettable. Is it the superb writing skills of John Morgan Wilson? The reality he brings to the storyline? Or humanness of Benjamin Justice? Whatever it is, Blind Eye shouldn't be missed.

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