You can't purchase a boxed set of the Starbridge and St. Benet's novels, yet perhaps that's for the better.

If you become a devotee, you'll surely desire to read them in sequence. Sex, scandal, and Christian theology - these are the essence of a sprawling soap opera about the Church of England in the 20th century, both captivating and enriching.

The nine books span from 1937 to 1992. The initial six novels are set in the fictional Anglican diocese of Starbridge (think Salisbury, England).

"Glittering Images" is set in 1937 and narrated by Charles Ashworth, a young priest attempting to solve a mystery at the Starbridge Episcopal Palace.

"Glamorous Powers" commences in 1940 and is narrated by Jon Darrow, an Anglican monk called to leave the Order.

"Ultimate Prizes" is set in 1942 and narrated by Neville Aysgarth, an Archdeacon fixated on pursuing worldly success, a preoccupation that leads him to make a potentially calamitous marriage.

"Scandalous Risks" is set in 1963 and narrated by Venetia Flaxton, a young aristocrat who embarks on a doomed love affair with Neville Aysgarth.

"Mystical Paths" is set in 1968 and narrated by Nicholas Darrow as he endeavors to solve the mystery of a friend's death.

"Absolute Truths" is set in 1965, before the events in "Mystical Paths," but is the conclusion of the series. It is narrated by Charles Ashworth, who initiated the series. Now the Bishop of Starbridge, he faces a personal disaster.

The St Benet’s trilogy focuses on the London-based healing ministry of St Benet’s and features a few characters from Starbridge. Unlike the Starbridge novels, which center on priests, the St Benet’s trilogy shines the spotlight on characters new to Christianity.

"The Wonder Worker" is set in 1988 and narrated by several different characters.

"The High Flyer" is set in 1990 and narrated by Carter Graham, a tough city lawyer.

"The Heartbeaker" is set in 1992 and narrated alternately by Carter Graham and Gavin Blake, a male prostitute. -- Rod

I had a rather up and down experience with this book.

The story centers around Charles Ashworth, a cleric in the Church of England who endures a profound psychological and spiritual crisis.

At first, he is dispatched to look into a fellow cleric suspected of infidelity, but instead, Charles discovers far more questions than answers.

His reaction to this is to lose his own sense of direction.

During a spiritual retreat, he encounters a monk who not only guides Charles towards self-realization but also helps him confront and deal with secrets from his past.

In the process, Charles comes to realize that the persona he presents to the world is merely a "glittering image," and he must now grapple with becoming his true self.

The first third of the book progressed at a brisk pace, as did the last third. However, it was the middle section that nearly made me abandon this book altogether.

I am aware that it is part of a series, and I will have to give some thought to whether I want to continue with it.

Overall, while there were aspects of the story that held my interest, the pacing in the middle was a significant drawback.

Nonetheless, I may consider giving the next installment a chance to see if it can overcome these issues.

GLITTERING IMAGES by Susan Howatch is truly a remarkable piece of literature. It holds a special place as the first installment in the six-volume Starbridge series and has earned the rare honor of my 5-star rating.

In the 1930s, Charles Ashworth, an Anglican clergyman, serves under the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Archbishop, suspecting the possible shortcomings of his Bishop of Starbridge, discreetly dispatches Ashworth to conduct an investigation. Ashworth, a young widower in his 30s, is not only highly gifted and talented but also a rising star within the Anglican Church. However, upon arriving in Starbridge, he becomes deeply embroiled in a complex and twisted web of relationships. He falls victim to the intrigues of church politics, the turmoil of family conflicts, the allure of immorality, the agony of moral dilemmas, and the frailties of psychological failures, which ultimately lead to a massive breakdown.

Thankfully, Ashworth comes under the spiritual counsel and treatment of a gifted monk. This monk guides him through a profound process of transformation and redemption. Howatch's writing is a true gift as she allows the reader to vividly witness and understand the intricate processes of psychoanalysis, spiritual healing, and restoration. Accompanying these themes is a rich and engaging theological discussion and debate. While this book may not appeal to everyone, I found it to be a magnificent and thoroughly enjoyable read that left a lasting impression on me.

Glittering Images is the captivating beginning of a series that commences in the 1930s and revolves around the fictional Cathedral of Starbridge.

Dr (Div) Charles Ashworth is dispatched by the Archbishop of Canterbury on a spying mission regarding the Bishop of Starbridge, thus kicking off the book as an ecclesiastical mystery thriller. The moral and spiritual crisis that Ashworth finds himself thrust into as a result of his investigations drives the second part of the book. This not only makes sense of some of the initially irritating elements of the first part, which are later revealed to have consistent justifications, but also introduces the mysterious and fascinating character of Father Darrow.

The spiritual journey tests and challenges the brilliant glittering images that Ashworth has projected, as well as prompts him to look around with more honest eyes at the glittering images we all present as our best selves.

A mystery/romance novel about the Church of England that takes theological and spiritual aspects seriously? It seems like a rather niche and perhaps increasingly so genre. However, I was completely gripped by the story and thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the second part. The main reason I'm eager to read the next instalment is because it is from Father Darrow's point of view. I truly wish I could recall who recommended this book to me.