FATHER GILBERT MYSTERIES, VOLUME 2 Healing / Secrets

A former cop turned Anglican priest, Father Gilbert solves various mysteries, both sacred and profane, two of which are dramatized here. In “Healing,” he exposes a phony angel and champions a real mystic healer. The cast indifferently delivers the humorless and stuffy script in an overproduced production recorded in London. On the other hand, “Secrets,” in which an angry and immature young woman kidnaps one of the Gilberts’ chums, is far more satisfying. It benefits from a brighter tone, better acting, and an interesting antagonist. The most admirable aspect of both these productions—indeed the entire Father Gilbert series—is the lack of preachiness. Gilbert teaches mostly by example as he applies piety, compassion, honesty, and courage to the saving of souls and the solving of crimes. Y.R. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]