Vatican Waltz, by Roland Merullo

This is a strange book, awkward to read.  The entire novel is written in the first person, as a narrative by the hero, Cynthia Piantedosi.   Cynthia is a first generation American of Italian descent, with an extreme devotion to the Catholic Church.

Cynthia perceives a spiritual calling, perhaps a message from her God, and she pursues this by traveling to Rome to chat with a couple of Cardinals of the Church.   Unknown elements seek to harm her.

At the end, there is an unexpected (and completely unsatisfying) twist.   It feels as thought there's a sequel coming; I won't read it.


Vatican Waltz