THE LADY IN BLUE
Javier Sierra
Atria Books
Fiction
ISBN-10: 1416532234
ISBN-13: 9781416532231

In the mid-1600s, a nun named Sister Maria Jesus de Agreda appeared to Indians in the Southwest, but she never left her home in Spain. She was called the Lady in Blue by scores who saw her descend in a blinding light, wrapped in a long blue cape. It is claimed that she was responsible for the conversion of a great number to Christianity. But how did she do it?

In modern Italy, Father Giuseppe Baldi has been working on a secret project for years, along with several like-minded others. “According to Baldi, music modulated the frequency of our brain waves, stimulating centers of perception capable of navigating through time.” Only a handful of people understand its wide-ranging possibilities --- among them, theologians, military strategists and music scientists.  Not only do they believe that one’s consciousness can travel through time, they believe that certain sound frequencies can physically transport persons of a special receptiveness notwithstanding time nor tangible barriers.

This mind-boggling theory called bilocation came as no surprise to Father Baldi and his team working with the tones. Naturally, the Vatican wants to keep the knowledge under wraps. But Carlos Albert, a Spanish journalist with an enthusiasm for odd news, once wheedled a few nuggets of information from Father Baldi and struck out to discover their significance. Now he’s back, looking for some answers. The Vatican is also looking for some answers from Baldi. He has been summoned to come before his superiors and justify his “indiscretion.”

The priest makes the obligatory trip to Rome, hoping to first meet with Father Corso, one of the “four evangelists” working on the project called Chronovision, before his appointment at the Vatican. Whatever happens, their work must not be canceled. Baldi figures that maybe with Corso’s help, they can devise a plan to minimize the perceived damage. Unfortunately, Baldi arrives to the chaotic scene of a fresh tragedy. Father Corso’s body lies crumpled in the courtyard below his balcony. Was he pushed to keep him from speaking with Father Baldi?

As Carlos, the journalist, is following where the signs lead him and Baldi is grieving the loss of his friend, a therapy patient in Los Angeles, Jennifer Narody, is describing her troublesome recurring dreams to Dr. Meyers.  She reports vivid visions of an old friar, a “lady of blue light” and geographic locations she has never visited. Research proves these people existed --- 300 years ago. So why do they appear to Jennifer in her dreams now? One explanation termed it “remote viewing.” Jennifer travels across time and space as she sleeps. For what purpose?

The clues lead Carlos to Jennifer, they lead Baldi into a trap, and they lead the reader to a conundrum of a conclusion where the mystery surrounding Father Corso’s death is resolved and the point of the entire book comes full circle on the last page. Even were it not for the clever juxtaposition of mind travel and religion, the cunning placement of a death at the heart of the story provides an irresistible temptation to read on.

When the last word has been read, ask yourself: Is THE LADY IN BLUE a tale of science fiction, an account of a rare divine gift, or a work of fiction meant to tie together unexplained circumstances and mortal mysteries? Javier Sierra’s great novel will have your mind working overtime.

   --- Reviewed by Kate Ayers

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