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Rating: 
Summary: Faith-based mysteries shine, and falter
Review: 'Father Gilbert Mysteries' is a three episode collection of newly-produced British radio dramas. The main focus of the series is to provide an entertainment outlet for religious expression. The show is produced by a company called 'Focus on the Family Radio Theatre', whose main goal is to showcase interesting tales with a religious message. The 'Father Gilbert Mysteries' does so. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I am a huge fan of radio productions (both old and new), and so when I saw this new set of mysteries at the local bookstore, and read the teaser on the back, I just had to give it a whirl. Though it has its faults, it *did* leave me wanting more - surely the sign of a good production? The genesis of the series is that Father Gilbert was once a detective for New Scotland Yard, but a particularly vile case made him reconsider things, and so he became a priest. He now resides in a cozy little English village, but trouble still seems to have no problem finding him. I will give a brief synopsis of each episode, giving you a better idea of what to expect of the series. But, be quite aware that this is a program steeped in Christian ethics, so keep that in mind. It is handled well for the most part, though it sometimes hinders the storyline. The first episode is: 'A Soul In Torment'. A young man comes to see Father Gilbert as the priest is moving in to his new vicarage. It comes across as though the man has commited murder (or will do so in the near future). The curious priest calls upon his policeman friend to help unravel the strange situation surrounding the mysterious visitor, and the game is afoot, so to speak. This is the weakest story, as the religious aspect isn't handled well, and causes the mystery to not really be a mystery (if that makes any sense). Program two is called: 'Where the Heart Is', and is the most solid of the lot. It involves a missing chalice that is supposedly housed on the church property where Father Gilbert resides, and the nefarious people who will do anything to get it. The story is plotted well, and some of the scenes (especially those which take place in a crypt), are pretty suspenseful. The final show is: 'Dead Air'. It explains a lot about why Father Gilbert left the police force, as the villian from the vile crime which made him resign returns to wreak more havoc. We only hear the villian over the phone, and he calls himself "Legion", after a demon in the Bible. His voice is eerie, and it is in *this* story that the religious overtones really help make the story frightening (in a good way). The ending is especially scary, as Gilbert must finally confront Legion, and we are left wondering *what* the villian really was. As with most British radio programs, the production is top-notch, with great acting, well-done sound effects, and (mostly good) stories. If you can make it past the mess of 'A Soul In Torment', then you'll see what an intriguing series this really is. Christianity and mysteries are no strangers to one another, and one must admire 'Father Gilbert Mysteries' for striving to blend the two in the most pleasant way possible.
Rating: 
Summary: Old Fashioned Radio Drama
Review: My only problem with the Father Gilbert Mysteries is that there aren't more of them. I own this set on CD and think they are wonderful. The stories are involving and the characters solidly done with nice little touches throughout. My personal favorite of the three stories on this CD is Where the Heart Is followed closely by Dead Air. The stories are first rate but not particularly suspenseful or scary for that matter but they are extremely well done. The only exception might be Dead Air which did give me a little shiver when I first heard it and has my eleven year old completely terrorized (in that shivery way kids enjoy) The stories are remarkably clean and appropriate for the entire family (again Dead Air is probably not for children younger than 10) I just wish Focus on the Family would put out more of the Father Gilbert Mysteries!
Rating:
Summary: Old Fashioned Radio Drama
Review: My only problem with the Father Gilbert Mysteries is that there aren't more of them. I own this set on CD and think they are wonderful. The stories are involving and the characters solidly done with nice little touches throughout. My personal favorite of the three stories on this CD is Where the Heart Is followed closely by Dead Air. The stories are first rate but not particularly suspenseful or scary for that matter but they are extremely well done. The only exception might be Dead Air which did give me a little shiver when I first heard it and has my eleven year old completely terrorized (in that shivery way kids enjoy) The stories are remarkably clean and appropriate for the entire family (again Dead Air is probably not for children younger than 10) I just wish Focus on the Family would put out more of the Father Gilbert Mysteries!
Rating:
Summary: Just the Best
Review: This is the best audio in dramatized formed I have heard. Of course, the themes are religious, but anyone can benefit from them. The quality of the production is incredible. I recommend all of the Father Gilbert 1, 2, 3 (the last one can be ordered through focus on the family [fotf.org]-it's awesome as well) I would suggest you buy ALL OF FOCUS ON THE FAMILY RADIO THEATER (most of them are classic stories). I have! You will not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Just the Best
Review: This is the best audio in dramatized formed I have heard. Of course, the themes are religious, but anyone can benefit from them. The quality of the production is incredible. I recommend all of the Father Gilbert 1, 2, 3 (the last one can be ordered through focus on the family [fotf.org]-it's awesome as well) I would suggest you buy ALL OF FOCUS ON THE FAMILY RADIO THEATER (most of them are classic stories). I have! You will not be disappointed.
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