The author contrived a marvelous cat-and-mouse conflict between Paul Hauptmann, head of the Gestapo in Rome, and Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, leader of 'The Choir', the group running the smuggling operation.

An interesting aspect of this book, for me, involved the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Nazi aggressors. Irish priest, Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, aka Ugo and Hughdini, is tasked with visiting the horrors of the Italian POW camps, an appointment the Nazis thought would not raise the terrifying conditions as the Irish were known to despise the English. These prisoners were on starvation diets until O’Flaherty began to provide them with little treats, something which didn’t escape Hauptmann’s attention. The Vatican City, at one fifth of a square mile the world’s smallest state, a neutral, independent country within Rome, acted as a safe haven for diplomats, refugees, and escaped Allied prisoners.So while I wouldn't read any planned sequels, I will certainly try more by O'Connor (I own a copy of Star of the Sea).

In the shadow of lavish estates, extravagant parties, predatory business deals, and calculated political influence, three lives become dangerously intertwined: Ajay is the watchful servant, born into poverty, who rises through the family's ranks. Changing time-lines, a character per chapter, perhaps my "abnormal-ness" is finding it a little difficult to cope with :-? He accomplished this by befriending several Italian people who shared his viewpoint and beliefs and were willing to risk their own lives to save others.

I’d never heard of ‘the Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican’ before and was curious as to how he hid and protected so many from the Nazis. It was based on what was known as the 'Rome escape line,' where people risked their lives to save thousands. Regardless, I was in awe of his courage on command and his ability to fuel others, albeit a quirky cast, to join the cause. I was mighty disappointed by Shadowplay but with My Father's House he is back to his storytelling best.