Audio Excerpts
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Send comments to: JACK FRERKER
Paul Dietrich, Former Publisher
and Editor-in-Chief, Saturday Review
The story is engaging, the dialogue sensitively done, and the workday
world of a priest interesting.
George Goodin, Department of
English, Southern Illinois University
A strong sense of place, and a very appealing hero.
Jeannette Batz, author of
The Broom Closet and Half Life
Yet another priest detective! This time an elderly pastor in
downstate Illinois whose instincts and insights and wisdom guide his
gentle and persistent style. You will fall in love with him quickly.
Other priest detectives will welcome this marvelous man to their
ranks.
Andrew Greeley
BEN
GELMAN: SOUTHERN ILLINOIS USED AS BACKDROP FOR MYSTERY
NOVEL [Wed Jul
23 2003] This is a
great review, click on the link to
display.
What an interesting twist in the plot. I sure enjoyed it and since we
haven't been in southern Illinois in many, many, years, I can tell
you your vivid descriptions took me right back. The whole aspect of
the heat permeating all walks of life especially. That was the era
when so many of us poor students who didn't have air conditioning or
if we did, didn't want to increase our electricity bill by using it.
I can still see you wiping your brow on those hot Sunday mornings ...
in the Newman Center. How ironic the main character was named Father
Wintermann. I loved the character development. Algoma must be a
fictitious name (although we have one in WI near Green Bay), but most
of the other names of towns I remember. Thank you for sharing your
work of art with us.
Jim & Marcia La Londe, Wisconsin (who both spent college years in southern Illinois)
I didn't want to put it down ... I spent a week visiting a friend in Fairfield, Illinois about 2 years ago - I got the definite impression that I was the stranger in town. I even dressed differently. I went running in the park every morning and the park employees asked where I was from - they knew I wasn't local. By the way - I was the only person running each day. I'm going to order the book and send it to my friend in Fairfield.
Mary Ellen Maddox, California
Mary Young, Ohio (a former resident and native of southern Illinois)
Re Adair, Florida
Martha Bateman, Utah (a former resident and native of southern Illinois)
Father Gerald Miriani, Arizona (a former resident and native of southern Illinois)
Len Baenen, North Dakota
Mary Ann Keiner, Indiana
Tina Wiegman, Illinois
Got your book. Read it. Loved it. Have you sold the film rights yet?
Doctor Rob Prentice, California
I just finished reading HEAT. Over all, I enjoyed the story, but at
times, I found it a little too descriptive. It seemed to slow me down
while my brain was trying to move ahead with the mystery. However, I
guess that is what heat does to us physically and mentally, so you
definitely got your point across. I have experienced short stays in
the midwest during August and I felt the discomfort with your
descriptive writing. The story itself was wonderful. I kept wondering
how you would end it, and what better way for a priest to end it. I
commend you on your courage to write a book and to actually publish
it, and I sincerely hope you follow up with COLD as I am now a fan of
Father John and I feel that I want to experience a frigid winter of
the midwest with my new friend. Thank you for providing me some
enjoyable reading and I sincerely hope that there is a
sequel.
Bob Whitney, Washington
I really enjoyed your book very much. That's up several notches from
"I liked it", "I liked it a lot" etc. Highest praise. Well written,
interesting, engaging, Southern Illinois-ish - had it all. I got
intrigued by things -e.g., the choice of the town name. I tried
figuring it out - first, I thought "Al" stands for Albers, "g" for
Germantown, "m" for Marydale, but then that didn't work out for the
remainder. Then I tried your tactic with Verden - Denver - that
didn't work, so I haven't figured that one out. Winterman - since the
novel is HEAT, and the contract to heat is cold and winter is when
cold happens, I saw him as a man apart. I noticed your comment about
the little bishop being vexed by Germanic taller fellows,
specifically Witten, whom I wondered, could that be (Msgr) Ferd Witte
... of Ruma, whom I suspect gave little (Bishop) Henry (Althoff) a
good go. However, I've discovered a treasure-trove of old letters,
yellow, brittle, from Bishop Althoff and I gather he gave as good as
he got. He insisted that priests not ever ride in a car or drive a
car with a woman, even a relative, that on vacation you had to wear
clericals and not attend movies, revues etc.; that you had to wear
birettas, that you had to get his permission for every card party,
picnic at which you could not sell any intoxicating liquid, that you
had to get his permission to expose the Blessed Sacrament - all this
under threat of removing faculties, suspension. Oh, also, you were
not allowed to let basketball games go on with skimpy uniforms or
play another team who wore skimpy uniforms. Very interesting reading.
A different time, indeed. So they may have brow-beat him but he
certainly seemed a strong ruler unafraid to excerise his power. In
any case, a great book!
Father Donald Blaes, Illinois
I thoroughly enjoyed "HEAT." You sure did have me guessing! At first
I was disappointed at the ending, thinking someone had gotten away
with murder, but on thinking it over, it made sense because there was
no proof of malicious intent.
Your main character, Father John, reminded me of the minister in Jan Karon's "Mitford" series. He seems to get caught up in a lot more small-town intrigue than an outsider would ever dream of.
I am looking forward to your next books. It is so nice to personally know the author!!
Georgia Czapek, Illinois
Congratulations! It was an absolutely delightful experience. Your
"tongue in cheek" comments about the Diocese were especially humorous
and I enjoyed them immensely. The mystery held my interest, the
characters were delightful, and your poetic descriptions of Illinois
scenery were so well done that I could almost smell the flowers
blooming in the fields as Father John drove the back
roads.
I don't know if you are familiar with a writer known as Jan Carron who has written books about a delightful town named Mitford but your book so much reminded me of hers - you really should think about writing another book about Father John and the desolate town of Algoma.
As of today's date, I am ordering a copy of your book and forwarding it to my good friend...
Thanks for a wonderful book.
Mary Fran Kern, Illinois
I have now finished your most enjoyable mystery novel. Once I got to
Annie's death, I had to read it to the end (which did put one or two
things briefly on hold). The pieces of the puzzle continually whet my
appetite; the denouement was pleasing nourishment with a surprise
ingredient not totally identifiable, leaving me intrigued and wanting
more. The most enjoyable spices for this literary meal grew out of
the region: the Southern Illinois characters, places and nuances,
along with Father John's views and insights on the Church. I found
your subtle "literary evangalization" to be quite palpatable,
appropriate and appealing. I sincerely hope the sleuthing and
personable Christianity of Father John will continue to grow through
more experiences to be shared with those of us who await his return.
Father John and (I daresay) his literary creator are signs of hope in
times of increasing need across the landscape.
Dan Heckenberger, Illinois
Thanks so very much for the signed copy of your first published. I
just finished it today, and enjoyed it immensely! I particularly
enjoyed the colorful descriptions of Southern Illinois surroundings
and people. It took me back to when I was still in school at
SIU-Carbondale, all those 10 + years ago. Hiking Garden of the Gods
and Little Grand Canyon was one of my favorite pasttimes while there.
It was a great story, very suspenseful. I really liked it! Thanks, again!
Cathy Pearson, Colorado
What a delightful story. Hope it sells big time for you. Elliott was
born and grew up in SE Mo. -Glennonville just S of Poplar Bluff and
could truly identify with the setting. He swam in the bar pit, built
fars in the stove and the smoke went up the chimbly. They warshed up
at the zinc, patched tars on the car and shot spatsies in the barn
cause they were a nusiness!! Some of that still slips out much to the
delight of our family. His friends called him High Pockets and the
paper is the Campbell Citizen.
Elliott and Frances Smith,
Illinois
They really do exist !
Today at cousin Mel's after-funeral-Mass lunch at St. Augustine's Hall in Breese, they had "Funeral Hot Dogs"! Class-mate Rich M was ahead of me in the food line and he spotted them. He said you can see them advertised in grocery stores in Clinton County. I told him I had recently read about them in your new book. Such a coincidence !
Joe Mueller, Illinois
I finished reading “HEAT” and wanted to share my opinion(s)
... the mention of (the) Summer Sermon ... definitely reminded me of
you at Newman Center, as did the quote “when he shook hands at
the front door and held on long enough to get what he wanted.”
Homemade biscuits and gravy ... definitely hit a chord with me ...
however, my first introduction to biscuits and gravy was at the small
restaurant on Main Street in Carbondale ... I smiled at the term
Battercakes for pancakes even though I never heard them referred to
by that name ... the chapter length throughout was extremely
comfortable as was the font style and size ... furthermore, I found
it very easy to
visualize what I was reading as if it was going on in front of me. The fact that you used a comfortable number of characters in the book made for enjoyable reading instead of having an overabundance of characters ... Finally, I thought it was an interesting twist to find Wesley Young, pharmacist, guilty of tampering with the oxygen tanks instead of Ms. Verden’s two nephews ... “HEAT” was able to stir up fond memories for me as well as provide me with very pleasant reading ... Please let me know how ... future books of yours are coming along.
Tom Vickery, Arizona
It's a pity that it can't be sold in stores ... on a scale of 1 - 10
... I'd give you a respectable 8. It leaves me with a desire for a
sequel with Fr. Wintermann, who is an altogether lovable guy. Someone
I'd love to have as my next confessor. Too bad he doesn't really
exist ... I would altogether recommend publishing again. You have a
nice style - which makes for a page turner. It's an easy read ... The
plot does get a little slow in parts, since it took a long time for
Annie to kick the bucket, so to speak. This is a little unusual for a
mystery. Most authors tend to speed things up a bit and do the
character development while they are doing the investigation. Some
books I've read get really graphic - thankfully yours does not fall
into that category ... I commend your effort, and look forward to
seeing anything else you publish.
Rose Helton, California
I read the book on the plane last week and found it engaging. You
have some good descriptive passages and your characters are very
distinct in your development of them. I thought that the illegitimate
son did the dastardly deed. Never did feel that the nephews did it -
that would be too easy. I think I saw a bit of Fr. Jack in the priest
sleuth! And of course, HEAT played a part as well. Well done. I
enjoyed the "read"!!
Abbot Neal Roth, Washington
I just finished your book. I tried to make it last but I read it in
four days (which, actually, is fairly long since I slowed down my
page turning as I neared the end). I thoroughly enjoyed it ... Do I
understand correctly that there is a second book in the wings? I had
never heard the phrase cat lickers before. I have been called a
mackerel snapper by some fundamentalist Baptists ... but never a cat
licker. I can't decide who was the more tragic figure-Annie or Bob
Lanner. Anyway, good job on the book!
David Green, Illinois
I finished your book and ... I'm commenting as a reader of your book,
an editor (can't ever stop marking things with a red pen) and a
writer. First, I enjoyed reading your book. Overall, your style is
easy going and folksy and easy to follow and read. I fell for the
trap you set up with the nephews; but, I figured they couldn't have
done it because of the lack of other suspects.
Here are some editor's comments:
As a writer I had some problems with the oxygen. The entire story revolves around two distant nephews, little known to Annie, coming to town and learning that she had a breathing problem. Question: The rest of the town did not know about this problem such as the priest or the banker or Maisie?? Also, I don't see a doctor prescribing something for someone who is not his patient. And finally, was Annie murdered or not? After the pharmacist in Burger talked with the priest and the sheriff made his investigation, I was confused about whether she was killed or it was an accident.
If you discount these couple of comments, I enjoyed the story and you did well for the first book. The story moved along without any dead spots and that doesn't happen in a lot of famous author's books. I'd be happy to read your next one before it goes to the printer. Keep up the good work.
Dan Shaw, Washington
Hello, I met you and you signed my book ... in Carbondale...I wanted
to tell you how much I enjoyed your book! I bought a copy for my
sister-in-law and she loved it too. We can't wait till your next book
is finished. Father John reminds me a little of Qwill ( James
Mackintosh Qwilleran ) in the Cat Who books by Lilian Jackson Braun.
He is a good character you just instinctively love. It was such a
pleasure to hear you read part of your book and a thrill to have a
signed copy. Thank you.
Shirley Vancil, Illinois
I read the book and really enjoyed it. I liked the character. He
showed wisdom and experience in ministry because he did NOT rush in
where angels fear to tread. I look forward to more Fr. John
stories.
Tony Pogorelc, Washington DC
The book is great. It really captures southern Illinois life ... I
really like it and it is a relaxing pleasure to read.
Jessie Schmerbauch, Illinois
I really enjoyed the book and can't wait for the next one - there
seems to be lots of characters for future tales. It reminds me of
John Hassler's books about Minnesota - a nice small town you just
don't want to leave when the story is over.
Rosemary Dederichs, Minnesota
Jack (Frerker)'s new book is a delightful mystery set in southern
Illinois with the sleuth being a priest of our diocese ... It's great
fun summer reading. Plus, it seems to me it is another way we can
affirm and celebrate the talents of one of our priests.
Martin Leifeld, Illinois
I just finished HEAT and I loved it! It is so refreshing to read a
book and not have to blush! I was reminded of Jan Karon’s books:
The Mitford Years – I loved those, too. My husband and I are
transplants from other parts of the country to New Baden, Illinois. I
grew up in Tarkio MO, in the northwest corner of the state, and
George grew up in a suburb of Boston, Somerville. We met in France on
an Air Force Base where he was stationed and I was a teacher. We
laughed at each other’s accents when we were first married, then
found idiosyncracies in language to laugh about here! I just retired
from teaching in Immanuel Lutheran School in Okawville and pointed
out some differences to my students during the eleven years I was
there. You had several Southern Illinois oddities in your book and I
wrote them down as I read – “let” for
“leave” was one of them. I would say, “What did you
let the book do on the table?” I have heard farmers say that
they pray to the “Lard” and grow “karn” on their
“forms”! You made mention of “sodie” for soda,
and our church, the United Methodist Church in New Baden, stirs up
mulligan twice a year! Ours is beef and chicken.
Some others that I have noted that were not in your book are: “found it back” for “found it”, “dowel” for “doll”, and I’m not sure if you had this one in your book – using the plural “hairs” for “hair”. I had a woman ask me once, “I like your hair, did you get THEM cut?” I had to work hard to keep from laughing. I think the “found it back” is a direct translation from German – zuruck finden ... you talked about pits in the ground. When I was at Cahokia Mounds once I heard them called “borrow” pits because dirt had been “borrowed” from them to build Monks’ Mound. I’m not sure when the Native Americans were going to give the dirt back! I do hope you write more books and if you do I hope I hear about them! Thanks for the “good read”!
Terry Mason, Illinois
I really enjoyed meeting you ... and discussing the book, and the
process of writing and getting published. I just finished "HEAT" and
enjoyed it very much. It has been several years since I have
experienced that midwestern humid heat but I could feeling it coming
off of your pages.
You had asked if I could find anything unusual about your medical situations in the book. I found none and it seemed all very plausible to me.
R Brent Stapleton MD, Verdale
WA
HEAT ... combines the author's priestly vocation in a small,
summer-beaten southern Illinois town with the grisly,
can't-help-but-look details of an intriguing detective story.
Fortunately, the first-time author writes for the novice reader by
providing a well-written and well-explained novel. HEAT provides all
the clues, twists and turns one would expect from a good murder
mystery. Thankfully, the metaphors and terminology, where needed,
were explained so the reader, in the dark till the end, never felt
like he was in the dark. As for the priesthood,
HEAT
presented a powerful case for both confession and priestly secrecy by
helping the reader to feel more human and better for having read this
story. I'm glad I read it.
Father Leo Hayes, Illinois
We read and enjoyed your interesting novel. You did capture the
subtle nuances of southern Illinois. Dolores is a native of southern
Illinois and she did appreciate you talent and ability to paint a
word picture of the area ... do continue your writing
...
Julian and Dolores Houseman,
Illinois
In addition to hearing lots of wonderful stories about you from my
friend, I received a signed copy of your book
HEAT
for Christmas. I am a book lover, particularly mysteries, and being
from "Southern Illinois" your book was a wonderful treat. Father John
is a very colorful character as are many of the other "characters" in
town. I enjoyed the book very much and hope to read more about Father
John in the future.
(My friend) told me that I am allowed one guess as to Algoma's true identity. Being the detailed person I am, I underlined every clue in the book, got out my map of Illinois and even went to AAA to make sure I could identify county seats correctly on the map. My guess is the town of Carlyle. I wanted to guess Pinckneyville, but you mentioned it was south of Algoma and it didn't fit many of the other clues. Carlyle is a county seat, it is "twenty miles or so away in three directions" from Interstates 70, 64 and 57, it is north of Pinckneyville, the Shawnee National Forest, Herrin, Giant City and other locations you named, it is south of Springfield and New Salem, it has a state highway running through town, it is near the Beckmeyer-Breese levee road, and it is close enough to St. Louis to have lunch at the Algoma truck stop and "an early evening Italian meal on the Hill".
I look forward to hearing if my guess is correct, although I can't see any other county seats on my map that fit all the clues.
Thank you for an enjoyable read and for getting the opportunity to do a little sleuthing of my own.
Donna Quante, Nevada
I read your book while you were gone. I can honestly say that it was
the best book that I have read in many years. I can hardly wait until
your next book comes out.
Richard Swanson, Washington
From the incredibly attractive cover artwork, to the beautifully
typeset pages, the packages of
HEAT
is simply stunning. The cover artwork serves to draw in the reader
and, when placed amid other books, leaps out for attention. The
book's layout and line spacing makes the story very accessible.
Frerker's strength is in his descriptive passages, bringing the
setting alive. The setting is so vividly drawn, the reader almost
feels as if he is an active participant. The prose (is) rich and full
... Overall, HEAT is easy to read and Frerker immerses his reader in
the world of quirky small town Southern Illinois.
Writer's Digest, 11th Annual
Internation Self-Published Book Award Judge
Loved the book. So enjoyable. Reminder of the "good ole' days"
growing up in Southern Illinois. It's a far cry from some of the
material that's available on the market today. It's refreshing. Am
eagerly anticipating the arrival of
SOLSTICE.
Certainly hope you plan to keep writing. Great work!.
Nancy Wessel - Iowa transplant
from Southern Illinois
Enjoyed reading
HEAT.
I was particularly impressed with Fr. John's ministering to Mr. Young
at the end of the story. You beautifully expressed what "ministering"
is all about.
HEAT
was a fun, relaxing read - an example of what I like before retiring
at the end of busy days. I found myself as keenly alert to your
literary style as to the story itself. So glad you're about
it.
Margo Rusnack, Illinois
I read HEAT (and) enjoyed it immensely. We lawyers and judges
frequently use an expression that "fact is stranger than fiction." I
couldn't help wonder if there wasn't a lot of actual fact in this
book that occurred in the life of a priest who dedicated his life to
serving a small town ... I grew up around those people although I
think (our) Township was about 70% Protestant with a majority of them
English and Methodist. We had three single milk farmers in our area.
One turned out to be almost a derelict. He lost his work ethic ... in
(our) Township it was a big sin to commit adultery but it was a
bigger sin to commit bankruptcy. My brother and I mused that the
neighbors used to really like it when Dad would send us to help at
harvest time because they would get twelve hours work out of us in
ten. That was true about almost all of us in that community - you
were expected to work very hard - indeed your very self worth
depended upon it. The other two single guys were Germans ... These
two grew up on the family farm and when parents died they just farmed
until they died ... These two were quite typical of (our) Township.
They worked constantly and frankly never said much. I remember them
talking about the weather, crops, cows, farming in general but they
never really did say much about anything. They must have complained
about the government because this area was about 70% Republican and
didn't like interference or government programs. You know in
(our)Township nobody really talked much about anything else that I
can remember. Except for my mother I don't remember anybody ever
talking about God. Farming and anti-government politics dominated
almost every wedding, funeral, auction or gathering. The only other
thing I remember was we all talked a lot about the Detroit Tigers. I
came to the conclusion that farmer baseball fans actually prefer
their diamond lads to be losing most of the time because it seemed to
give them more to talk about in a culture where no serious long term
talk occurred. I suppose it would take a "coma talk" like Lumpy to
find out what was really in the inside of the (two German) boys. Like
the high percentage of (our) Township they were good hard working
people who's contribution to the world was they were very good
farmers. Thanks again for a good read.
Ed Bearse, Minnesota
I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading (both) your books,
particularly with the references to the Carlyle (IL) area. It took me
home while I was reading!
Sharyn Markus, Colorado
I truly enjoyed the book. It book me back to Southern Illinois, the
people, places, times of year, weather and pace of life. I could see
each character's face, clothes and house. I could paint a clear and
vivid picture of each street that Fr. Joahn walked down and could see
the houses and porches. I smelled the food, tasted the cool drinks,
smelled the smells and heard the wood floors. In other words, I was
there as I read it. I found the story real and possible - I usually
read non-fiction only - so this was a first for me! I saw you (the
author) in many things too, which made it even more creditable and
made me feel good about the people and places I came
from!
David Holden, Florida
"Once I started (reading Fr. Jack Frerker's books), I didn't want to
stop … I think Fr. Frerker has a gift for creating true-to-life
conversations between his characters and what seems to me an
authentic portrayal of small town life, not to mention rectory life,
and a kind of easy-going suspense I've never seen
before."
Peter Kearney, Fredericksburg
VA
Clinton County (IL) roots came up in this story and I loved it. Only
in Clinton county do you get funeral dogs, roastin' ears from field
corn (in Macoutah it's "horse corn") and a bottle of Ski. For the
last 3 years we could not get the good funeral dogs, but there is now
a shop in Breese that have those dogs. Love when you bite into one
them and it sorta pops or cracks, Are you hungry yet? Come over to
the house "once." Boy my grandma would love it.
Every character in HEAT is strong. and you kept me in suspense.
Clete Blaes, Illinois
I've just finished HEAT. I have to say that despite the death
(assumed murder early on). I found it a comforting read. I enjoyed
the familiar setting. It was like a trip back to SIU in some ways. I
also enjoyed the characters, much like the people Tom and I have
encountered here in Georgia (altho metro Atlanta area has become
pretty cosmopolitan). In some ways Heat reminded me of the Midford
series ... Small town preacher - characters are the focus. Thank you
for sharing it with me. I'll pass it on to a friend. Best of luck
with its success.
Linda Spudic, Georgia
I thought the book was GREAT. I personally was able to place my self
in a small Mid-Western town like Algoma. Fr. JohnWinterman?s
conversations with Annie Verden seemed much like the conversations
with some of the little old ladies that (my pastor) puts up with. It
was a surprise to learn that Annie Verden was a promiscuous young
thing and to have Bob Lanner keep supporting Annie all those years
was also surprising. Anyway, I was at a trade show in Florida the
first week of the New Year and I took HEAT with me. I found myself
staying up later than normal just reading and seeing myself as one of
the characters I was reading about. I thought your book was
absolutely wonderful, I enjoyed it very much. Thank You for helping
me get back into reading and enjoying life a little
more.
Al Adams, Ohio
I saw you have gotten lots of praise for Heat - I (also) loved it ...
and think you are an excellent descriptive writer. I would like a
list of all your books for I want to read them.
Brenda McKeand, Illinois
I just finished Solstice and (my wife) is enjoying Heat. They are
"feel good" books with a nice touch of Romanticism. We are just
enjoying them, and I never dreamed you could write with such feeling
... There has to be a really great story in the couple who own the
Algoma drugstore!
Rodney Field, Florida
Heat was a good read. I liked your Father John a lot. I think he
looks a lot like your picture. I liked the descriptions of the town,
its edifices and the people who lived there.
Rose Russell, Washington
This book falls into the category of "a cup of coffee, a good book,
and some quiet time". Very well written, the story follows the lives
of people in a small southern Illinois town, unmasking how one tragic
secret can touch several different people in unimaginable ways.
I was quite surprised at how "southern" southern Illinois really is - and this is what speaks to the heart of this story. Obvious clues turn out to be practically irrelevant, and those that are not so obvious turn out to totally relevent.
If you enjoy mysteries, you will truly enjoy Father John and the people that wander through his life.
Bonnie Cehovet, Washington
Once I started (reading Jack Frerker's books) I didn't want to stop.
It was a happy surprise to find them so enjoyable, and maybe I
shouldn't have been surprised after reading the high praise in Fr.
Andrew Greely's blurb. I think Fr. Frerker has a gift for creating
true-to-life conversations between his characters and, in what seems
to me, an authentic portrayal of small town life, not to mention
rectory life, and a kind of easy-going suspense I've never seen
before.
Peter Kearney, Virginia
