On a damp, dreary evening a young unwed mother abandons her two infant sons. The twin brothers, James and John, are adopted by a loving and nurturing father.

As they grow older, their distinct personalities become more evident and each chooses a divergent path. Despite impassioned pleading from his brother, James makes a fateful choice which results in deadly consequences.

John enters the priesthood and years later, upon learning of his elevation to cardinal, reflects—through a series of flashbacks—upon the people and tragic events that formed him into a powerful, dynamic and compassionate leader.

The message which permeates John’s retrospection is that disappointments, tragedy and loss are inevitable in our lives. We can allow these hardships to weigh us down and destroy us, or we can embrace them with unshakable faith, determination, and courage that transforms these adversities into opportunities to grow and become stronger.

The Cardinal and the Crook is an inspirational novel set in contemporary times. It incorporates elements of suspense, action, and crime to tell the story of two adopted twin brothers and unshakable faith, courage, and perseverance.