Mystical Paths

A young man’s future as a priest depends on facing his past in this novel about the Church of England from the New York Times–bestselling author.

1968. Proud of his psychic powers, Nicholas Darrow wants to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming an Anglican priest in the Starbridge diocese, famed for its magnificent cathedral. But pride goes before a fall, and when he attempts to use his powers to heal a young woman devasted by the loss of her husband, the result is disastrous. Driven on by guilt, Darrow tries to discover exactly how her husband died and soon he’s obsessed by a dangerous mystery which his gifts are powerless to solve.

Will Darrow survive this crisis? Can he conquer his arrogance and abandon his promiscuity? This would-be healer urgently needs to be healed . . . and the answers to his questions may lie in events from his childhood—and in his relationship with his father.

“Taking on the style of a psychological thriller . . . Mystical Paths covers in a profound and theologically thoughtful way the powers of light and powers of darkness. . . . Her success should not go unrewarded.” —Catholic Herald

“No writing today can equal Howatch’s ability to write compelling novels that combine theology and psychology in a complex, fast-moving plot offering beautifully delineated characters and the suspense of a mystery/thriller. . . . The denouement will leave readers breathless.” —Publishers Weekly