Punish the Sinners: A Novel

This was one of the most depressing books I’ve ever read. It was awful. The narrator was the only thing that kept me listening and hope that it would improve for the main character. Did not like it at all.

Punish the Sinners by John Saul. I prefer to be positive in my reviews, however, I did not find this storyline intriguing or engaging. I absolutely love good mystery/horror books. Case in point - A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay. I know Mr. Saul is a prolific author but confess this is the first of his books I have ever read. That said, the story seemed transparently formulaic, tossing together a recipe of young orphan boy, priest, sadism, ex-priest and Catholic Church bureaucracy. The result is a novel that feels somewhat familiar but not fresh. Sort of like a restaurant where every dish contains basically the same day old ingredients just in different proportions. I may (or may not) read another John Saul book . More importantly, the fact that I have come away feeling wholly ambivalent says more than all the words I have strung together in the preceding sentences. I only gave narration 2 stars because it grates on my nerves when a male narrator gives women characters voices that sound whiney, insipid and/or naggy. I don't believe it is intentional or purposefully sexist. It is just annoying and detracts from the overall experience.

my fave author of all time! I've been a fan since I was a teen. John saul writes characters you anguish for! super creepy!!!!!

I don't think I'll ever listen to another John Saul book after this one. I mean, the poor guy was obviously abused... Gay priest orgies and murder. Truly twisted and not believable.