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St. Patrick's Gargoyle Mass Market Paperback – February 11, 2002

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 357 ratings

When vandals break into St. Patrick's Cathedral, a gargoyle named Paddy takes to the streets of Dublin in search of revenge-but nothing could have prepared him for the evil that descends when he finds it.

"[Kurtz] wraps plenty of Dublin sights, fascinating bits of Catholic history, much ecumenical Christian goodwill, a cast of endearing characters, amusing dialogue and just enough thrills into a charming package of a tale." (
Booklist, starred review)
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ace Books; First Edition (February 11, 2002)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 291 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0441009050
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0441009053
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.28 x 0.89 x 6.78 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 357 ratings

About the author

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Katherine Kurtz
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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
357 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2024
This was a good Christmas story. Full of faith and respect. Loved the characters even the car. This was my second time reading this book. Still loved it.
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2024
I bought this as a ppk in 2018 when it was first published, and later purchased the Kindle version. Didn't realize I had never reviewed it, so my bad, LOL.

It's a quick and easy read, no surprises. It reminds me a bit of Peter Beagle's classic, "The Last Unicorn," although not quite up to the same level. The (mild level) religious references didn't bother me - gargoyles were once angels - and I found the story charming. If you enjoy reads such as "Unicorn.." or King Arthur/Merlin-type stories, I recommend St. Patrick's Gargoyle as being in that same genre.
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2019
This book got my attention at the very beginning with the gargoyle's conclave and watching them argue. Then I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen. I needed to know what was going to happen between Francis and the gargoyles. This book kept up a good pace and really let you feel the thoughts and feelings of the characters. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2017
I liked the book pretty good , it is a little quirky which is good, but it was rather simple and the characters are not well=rounded
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2020
I Really enjoyed this book!
It doesn't line up with the finer points of my own theology, but it did on the important major ones -- the ones that count.
But doctrinal issues aside, the story was a wonderful fantasy story, a sweet romance, and a great adventure with swords, castles, crypts, knights, good guys, bad guys, and magic. Oh, and a cat.
I would rate it PG.
I HIGHLY recommend this book.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2020
A standalone novel by the author of the Deryni, Temple, and Adept series. (There is a name or two mentioned that does loosely connect to the Temple series).

Elderly Templar Knight Francis Templeton sees something no one is supposed to see and live: an actual gargoyle. Paddy, the gargoyle that protects Dublin's Saint Patrick's Cathedral, has a problem in addition to having been seen--valuable relics from his cathedral were stolen. So that he doesn't have to kill Francis immediately, Paddy asks for his help in finding the relics. What follows is an adventure around Dublin.

A fairly light-hearted romp and remote tour of Dublin.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2019
This gentle fantasy is exactly what I needed. The quiet faith was a balm to ease the stress I've felt recently. I fell in love with Templeton, a Knight of Malta, who is needed to assist in keeping an ancient evil at bay. In this book, gargoyles are the physical manifestation of avenging angels, who now keep a watchful eye on the buildings (and the people within) to which they are assigned.

In a book with an angel as a main character, the reader shouldn't be surprised at references to faith or to God. My favorite quotation from this book is "It seems to me that too many people forget about the true message of Christianity, and get all hung up in … in the design of the uniforms worn by the messengers who deliver it."

This book gets a tissue warning. People who enjoy their fantasy and don't mind a strong dose of Christianity infused in it will fall in love with this book, I believe. I certainly did.
8 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2020
I so enjoyed this tale of an elderly hero helping an avenging angel/gargoyle to do what is the right thing. The history was great. I found d the whole book very informative. It took lo her to read than it should because I kept dropping out to follow references in the book! This story is not for adrenaline rush action fanatics but is very fulfilling in all the best ways. Thank you Katherine!
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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bill
5.0 out of 5 stars Angels in Belfast!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 26, 2017
Fades a little at one point but otherwise an entertaining and well written narrative. characters are well developed and three dimensional. Kurtz creates a quite believable supernatural world with glimpses of its history and experience. Given her other series of books, a pity there isn't a sequel, especially as there are points where one feels this is on the cards!
TigerMica
5.0 out of 5 stars Warming read
Reviewed in Australia on August 17, 2017
Loved this book. No boring bits, and a lovely story. Easy to read, and well written. I learned a bit about Dublin's churches.
Charlie&Dean
4.0 out of 5 stars Nichts für Atheisten
Reviewed in Germany on September 15, 2019
Eine nette Geschichte, aber etwas religionslastig. Der Gargoyle Paddy verfolgt einige Kirchenräuber und lernt dabei einen älteren Herren kennen, dessen Zeit bald gekommen sein wird. Die Leser erfahren viel über kirchliche Riten und die Architektur Dublins. Ich hatte mir von dieser Story mehr Action und weniger Religion erhofft, aber sie war trotz allem nett zu lesen.
TonyW
4.0 out of 5 stars This was a nice 'feel good' story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 25, 2017
This was a nice 'feel good' story, though perhaps a little short. There is a strong Christian religious message though.
One person found this helpful
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Lazy Dai
3.0 out of 5 stars Pleasant feel-good book but not great
Reviewed in Australia on August 4, 2017
Paddy (we never discover his real name) is an Avenging Angel who, like many of his fellows, is on the heavenly equivalent of ‘gardening leave’ – serving as a gargoyle on St Patrick’s cathedral in Dublin (hence the Paddy). A chance encounter with an octogenarian member of the Knights of Malta puts him in an awkward position, but when the imminent release of a demon is discovered the unlikely duo, together with a resurrected member of the Knights Templar, save the day. This is a light and breezy book and it is not a plot-spoiler to say that everything ends happily ever after. I found the use of capitals when referring to God, His Plan and anything connected to Him a bit unnecessary although appropriate given the context, and religious services are described in over-long detail. Not recommended for those who like their fantasy dark and dirty as there is little or no sex, language or violence but if you know and like Dublin you will enjoy the descriptions of the city and the occasional acerbic comments on modern town planning.