David Eugene Perry’s Upon This Rock is a genre-blending mystery set in the hauntingly picturesque hill town of Orvieto, Italy. The novel follows Lee Maury, a gay American public relations expert, and his tech-savvy husband Adriano, as they embark on a sabbatical-turned-sleuthing adventure after a suspicious suicide shakes their temporary paradise. As their search for truth deepens, they are pulled into a centuries-spanning web of papal politics, religious secrets, and modern-day conspiracies—threads intricately woven through the ancient stones of the city itself. With alternating timelines, a chorus of colorful locals, and a fair amount of ecclesiastical intrigue, Perry’s debut is part historical thriller, part romance, and part love letter to Orvieto.

What struck me most was Perry’s ability to balance wit and weight. The writing is often deliciously sharp, especially in dialogue, with characters like the irrepressible Peg and the mysterious La Donna Volsini stealing every scene they’re in. The voice is personal and vivid. Perry writes as if he’s chatting with an old friend. But what’s impressive is how this breezy tone never undercuts the darker themes—grief, corruption, faith, and betrayal. Lee’s mourning over his friend Brian and the ghosts of his Southern heritage give the novel an emotional anchor that elevates it beyond your average thriller. And the twisty plot, full of Vatican secrets and ancient rivalries, had me flipping pages like mad. It’s a lot—sometimes almost too much—but the payoff is worth the sprawl.

Some scenes felt like extended travel logs or culinary postcards, lovely in themselves but occasionally distracting from the central mystery. There are moments when exposition takes the driver’s seat and slows the action. Still, Perry’s commitment to craft shows through. This isn’t a throwaway beach read. It’s thoughtful, layered, and clearly born of deep research and deeper love.

Upon This Rock is a satisfying, smart, and soulful read. It’s perfect for fans of Dan Brown who wish Robert Langdon had better fashion sense and a husband, or for anyone who loves Italy, history, and a dose of spiritual mystery with their aperitivo. It’s for readers who appreciate good writing, complex characters, and stories that unfold like cathedrals—beautiful, intricate, and full of hidden chambers.

Pages: 404 | ISBN: 0941936066