Ghost Runner

by Philip Lawler

Published by Sophia Institute Press

Also available on the Saintifi app 

I recently started following Leila Lawler on Substack, so when I saw that her husband, Philip Lawler, had written a Catholic fiction novel I was intrigued! (They also host a great podcast together where they talk about current events in politics and the Church.) The book is part historical fiction (my favorite fiction genre to read!) and part thriller (usually, not my favorite). Thankfully, It wasn’t too thrilling or scary – simply a creative and fast-paced story that involves miracles, a holy young priest with a special gift, and a harrowing trip to South America in pursuit of justice. Ghost Runner by Philip Lawler is an enjoyable and interesting page-turner that views the 1980s through a Catholic lens.

The Plot

Ghost Runner is a Catholic thriller that paints a painfully accurate picture of life in the Boston Archdiocese in the 1980s.  The 1980s, particularly in Boston apparently,  were a sad and difficult time in the Church with some truly bad shepherds in charge of various flocks. The themes in this book surrounding these events are definitely for mature, adult audiences only.

In the novel, we get to know newly ordained Fr. Andy Miller, his parish pastor, fellow priests, his parishioners, his family, and the bishops in power during this time. The book has an interesting style where we hear the point of view of many different characters. For example, every other chapter or so is a one-sided dialogue featuring Fr. Andy’s sessions with a diocese appointed psychologist. At first, the author keeps you guessing about why Fr. Andy is seeing the doctor (I won’t spoil it!), but the story eventually unravels in these sessions and everything comes to light.

Besides Fr. Andy, who is a young and clearly holy and wonderful priest, my favorite character was Betsy Howell. Betsy is holy church lady who is always praying for everyone and gathering groups together for her various missions and events. She is described as a “fixture” at Fr. Andy’s parish, and everyone knows her. Each time a new, young priest joins the parish, Betsy ambushes him and makes him her special “project” – usually convincing him of some special gift that he has and making special requests for him to participate it. Fr. Andy is her latest “project.” In fact, when she ends up in the hospital with a serious condition, she is convinced that Fr. Andy will heal her. I loved the dynamic of Betsy’s interactions with various other characters throughout the book. I think that we all have known a Betsy in the Church in some way, shape, or form.

Politics and the Church

Phil Lawler brings his experience as a political journalist to infuse his story with realistic and impactful political events. To me, the book is a caution against laity and clergy getting too involved and caught up in politics – especially without having a solid spiritual life to keep them grounded.  We see the consequences of engaging too deeply in politics at various levels, and the spiritual and physical harm that could come from this.

For example, Fr. Andy’s involvement with the war in El Salvador leads to an exciting and dangerous series of events both at home and abroad. His brother’s involvement with the same situation, but as a politician, isn’t any less complicated. The bishops also have a complex involvement on a number of global and local issues. Reading about this period of history was eye-opening for me, and I saw a lot of parallels with what’s going on in today’s world.

Final Thoughts

Ghost Runner would make an excellent beach read or book to take along on a road trip or flight. It could also be a fun book club book to discuss among friends. It deals with difficult but real issues in the 1980s church at the parish and diocesan level that are important for us all to become educated about. I know a few priests like Fr. Andy who are prayerful, holy, and good shepherds to their flock – and this book reminds me to pray for them and thank God for them even more!

You can find Ghost Runner by Philip Lawler at Sophia Institute Press.

It is available as an ebook on the Saintifi app (try a free 30 day trial!)