In the Beginning

"Sweet… and heart-warming!"


—Dr. Bruce Kotowich


Director of Choirs, University of Windsor

In the Beginning, the first book in the Finley’s Tale series sets in motion the

journal of Finley Newcastle, a literate church mouse who writes his observations of

the people (and mice) who populate a small-town church. Keen to monitor, study, and

write about the parishioners and his fellow mice, including what others might think

of them, Finley is unaware that his account may prove comical to human readers.

Although English is Finley’s second language—his native tongue is Mouse—his

persistent recordings are fervent and heartfelt, never lackadaisical. At the end of

each entry, he records the treats and gourmet crumbs he and his wife Ruby enjoy.

In his itsy-bitsy handwriting, Finley’s ambition is to record one full liturgical

church year at Historic St. Peter’s. Most journal entries introduce new people,

mice, and situations, capturing a colourful rainbow of characters.

His favourite humans are Pastor Clement Osterhagen, his wife Aia, and their daughter

Gretchen who reside in the parsonage. They are merciful, quiet, quick to forgive,

prone to worry, adventuresome, big-hearted, and extra good-looking. Finley’s

observations lead him to conclude that they possess a strong faith in Jesus Christ.