Operation Wormwood by Helen C. Escott

Dr. Luke Gillespie had no idea he would find himself in the middle of a battle between Science and God when the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic diocese was brought to the Emergency Department one spring night. Suffering from unexplained nosebleeds, severe pain and unquenchable thirst Dr. Gillespie and the medical team struggle to reach a diagnosis. As the ailing priest deteriorates more patients, all  from different backgrounds but with similar symptoms, find themselves at the St. John’s hospital in desperate need of medical attention. Nothing makes any sense to Dr. Gillespie until the arrival of Sgt. Nicholas Myra from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. Acting on a rumour, Myra’s detective work reveals a common link between all those afflicted with this terrible disease; a disease specific only to those guilty of performing the most heinous acts imaginable; a disease named Wormwood and well known amongst men of the cloth. For Dr. Gillespie, the notion that God has unleashed a plaque to punish the perpetrators of such sickening crimes is unfathomable but when church officials publicly acknowledge its existence, an international media storm ignites leaving a trail of questions and sadness . Operation Wormwood is the gripping drama of  how justice and medicine work together to combat evil and instill hope to the disillusioned masses and those who have been victimized. 

Shortlisted as one of the top five finalists for the Arthur Ellis Awards for Excellence in Canadian Crime Writing - Best First Crime Novel, author Helen Escott has certainly made her debut with Operation Wormwood! As a retired civilian member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Escott’s expertise and knowledge of policing and detective work is clearly evident in this crime drama.  As the plot unfolds and characters develop,  readers will quickly realize that this is not a “who-done-it” type of novel but more of a medical mystery resulting from the criminal actions of people in positions of power. Escott writes with clarity and expertise while at the same time weaving interesting Newfoundland and Labrador facts and lesser known information through the 276 pages. Though the subject matter of child exploitation and abuse is difficult to read about, this novel doesn’t overdo it but sensitively brings to light, through plot and character, the struggle that churches, schools and Indigenous populations have experienced in this province. It is not intended to raise suspicion or “tar and feather” all those who work with vulnerable populations but, in Escott’s own words, written “to comfort victims and to create paranoia among pedophiles.”

The novel will catch hold of readers from the very beginning with the arrival of Patrick Keating, accompanied by his friend Charlie Horan, to the Emergency Department of the Health Sciences Centre. It is here that Escott creates an awareness that something more sinister is about to be revealed in the coming pages when she writes on page 3;

“Horan decided to divulge their secret. “He’s the Roman Catholic archbishop for the province, and I’m his assistant. We’re both priests.””

As the characters are introduced, little does the reader know that they have just stepped aboard a roller coaster that will arouse a range of emotions.  There is no doubt the experiences that Escott acquired in her career with the RCMP have contributed to her excellent development of believable, relatable people complete with all the vices and virtues known to humanity. Dr. Luke Gillespie, Sgt. Nick Myra and Sister Pius are the protagonists that really push this story along. We get to know them through their backstory but as the plot thickens and becomes more complex, so do these individuals, creating yet another interesting element and twist to the narrative. The other characters develop the darker side of the story which is equally important to the success of this novel. The author pulls no punches in exposing their flaws, but allows the reader an opportunity to be judge and jury in deciding how they ultimately feel about the characters that are presented. 

Ten years in the making, Operation Wormwood is a gut-wrenching crime novel that uncovers the evil side of humanity and at times leaves us questioning our own faith. It may be a difficult read for those who have experienced similar trauma in their own lives.

Operation Wormwood is a Flanker Press publication.

Other books by Helen Escott can be viewed here.