cover image Looking for the King: An Inklings Novel

Looking for the King: An Inklings Novel

David C. Downing, Ignatius (Midpoint, dist.), $19.95 (250p) ISBN 978-1-58617-514-6

Downing (Planets in Peril) tries his hand at fiction, but his plodding debut is less an adventure than a tiresome showcase of imaginary philosophical discourse between C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and other members of an Oxford University literary discussion group called the Inklings. American doctoral candidate Tom McCord is writing a guidebook of Arthurian sites, and during his travels through 1940 England, he meets Laura Hartman, who tells him of her curious King Arthur dreams, and the two are soon traveling together and ignoring clear signs that they are being followed. Eventually, Tom becomes convinced the Spear of Destiny (the one that pierced Christ's body during the crucifixion) is hidden in England. Once their search puts them in touch with the Inklings, the story becomes dominated by discussions about Christianity, free will, and mythology. Even with the addition of thugs, a Nazi secret agent and his inept accomplice, some corny romance, and a too cute conclusion, this anemic yarn has little suspense, less action, and no mystery. (Nov.)