The Pope’s Butcher by Joseph C. Gioconda

Newtown IP Holdings LLC (May 26, 2021)

ISBN-13 ‏: ‎ 978-1737286004

Available: Paperback, Audiobook, and Digital

The Pope’s Butcher is a fictionalized historical story of Father Heinrich Institoris, the Grand Inquisitor of the Catholic church who led the infamous quest against witches. The book is loaded with true historical touches, presenting a far more complex world at the time of the setting than most history books. Gioconda’s prose is reminiscent of Anne Rice and Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, albeit without supernatural elements. The story isn’t so much about a serial killer as we know them today (sorry, CSI fans) but about one young man’s research mission for the Grand Inquisitor, which leads him to understand the evil in Institoris’ heart.

The plot takes a predictable course, with young Sebastian falling for a woman who becomes the target of the Inquisition. Gioconda is a capable writer, and the book reflects his knowledge of history. There isn’t much new or revolutionary here, however, and the characters are somewhat flat “everymen”, being bounced around by exterior forces. The Pope’s Butcher is an easy and quick read, with the kind of historical details that bring other times to life. Recommended for history and horror buffs.

Contains: Violence, sexual discussion, torture, implied rape

Reviewed by Michele Lee