In-Sight by Gerard Webster

reviewed by Tannia Ortiz-Lopès

The award winning action-drama novel In-Sight, written by author Gerard D. Webster, stands out among other Catholic books in this genre.

The book begins with Carrie Hope’s dad’s last words to her before dying in the hospital: ”I love you as my own.” Carrie’s parents were killed by a drunk driver when she was a freshman at Florida State University (FSU). This event leaves Carrie alone and with no known relatives. When she turns 21, opportunity comes knocking—she lands a summer internship in TV journalism in England. Needing to apply for a passport, she is unable to find a copy of her birth certificate. She contacts Mr.Tom Eddington, the family lawyer, and asks for his assistance. Her meeting with Mr. Eddington reveals some shocking family secrets that leaves Carrie ill-prepared and sends her into a life of busyness and internal turmoil.

Meanwhile, syndicated columnist Ward McNulty is enjoying the fame and power that comes with the success of his political column, “Inside Story”. His credibility and insight change the lives of the people he writes about. In his column, Ward has been very outspoken and supportive of State Senator Chet Garner, but this relationship will prove shallow and manipulative as the story unfolds.

Carrie Hope buries her past and continues working on TV journalism, and her hard work earns her the position of co-host of the news program, Channel Five at Five. She and Ward McNulty meet when she interviews him for a “Local People Make Good” series, and before long they are dating, then moving in together. At first their relationship is full of lust but the passion slowly disappears as the couple become more and more involved in their careers.

When State Senator Chet Garner, who will stop at nothing to gain votes (even defaming opponents), throws his support to the ‘North Beach” development project on Timuqua Island, some of the island’s residents become suspicious and hire real state lawyer, Bob Rohrback, to represent them in court. This sets a series of unfortunate events in motion that target opponents of the project. One of those victims is Ward McNulty, who suffers a car accident that leaves him blind for some time. Soon after his sight is restored, however, he discovers he has an in-sight into people’s souls. This new ”gift” terrifies him, but with the help of his dad, he learns to use his gift to better himself and help others in need.

The rest of the book deals with the struggle over the North Beach project. Lives are turned up side down and some destroyed, while a handful of brave ones find justice as the truth sets them free.

This is a tale of betrayal, faith, power, recovery, redemption, trust, and justice for all. I enjoyed the way the author weaved the benefits of regular confession into the story, along with the AA Program for alcohol addiction, family relationships, and law. The elements are tastefully explored throughout the story without making readers uncomfortable with some of the more sensitive topics. The
word of Jesus: ”Let your eyes be opened” will take on a whole new meaning after finishing the book.

I recommend In-Sight to readers looking for a Catholic action drama with a cutting edge that doesn’t jeopardize their beliefs and convictions. This book was awarded 2nd place in the 2009 Creative Arts Council Book Awards.