Things begin simply enough, with the discovery of a baby left in a pew of Roger Dowling’s church. Against his better judgement, the priest grants the mother’s request that he hide the child for a short time. But when a strange chain of events leads to brutal murder, the peace of Fox River, Illinois, is shattered anew, and it is once again up to Father Dowling to solve a complex and baffling crime.

Full of the subtle touches and deft plotting that have brought Ralph McInerny’s mysteries such wide acclaim, The Basket Case marks a distinguished return for the celebrated Father.