There is an interesting cast of characters who all have their own involvement with what is happening - Fenn the journalist who is covering the story, Father Hagan the local priest who is overwhelmed by the sudden attention his church is receiving, a couple of local business owners who see opportunities to make money from the new tourists, to mention just a few. Pace : saunters along for three quarts of the book with short, but rewarding sprints for the tenacious reader. one of those reads where you know the author and thier style so well that yours sure you will cruise on through enjoyably.

They also have this weird sort of synchronicity, because it’s in both of their interests for the miracles to be proclaimed authentic. Leaving certain points such that the reader could make of them what they wanted was a better approach. So keep that in mind when you read it, this is one of those stories that you have to look bigger than what's in front of you. The girl’s village is shocked as she starts performing miracles and the site of the visitation becomes a shrine.Overall, I would recommend picking Shrine up but just be prepared for some slow points within an otherwise compelling story.

With a skillful blend of horror and thriller fiction, he explored the shaded territories of evil, evoking a sense of brooding menace and rising tension.

I think that what I particularly liked was that Herbert did a great job of showcasing societal reaction to the miracles. Catholic church tries to discover if little girl performing miracles is a sign that God loves them or a trick of the Devil. There are numerous boring scenes of conversations between priests and sweaty, nasty old businessmen in rooms that make up probably 90% of the book.