"In-Sight," a novel by Gerard D. Webster, is not only a thoroughly enjoyable read, it is a page-turner with a purpose. I read this 415 page book in less than a week, but I know I will remember it for much longer.

"In-Sight" is actually the story of many people--some good, some bad--whose lives intertwine in a dangerous conflict over transforming a little island community into an extravagant resort. Political and personal interests, power, corruption, and greed come into play. The full cast of characters include Ward McNulty, who is living a "successful" worldly life as a syndicated columnist who eventually must face the disturbing consequences of his actions; Carrie Hope, a beautiful, ambitious news woman with personal issues; Dan McNulty, Ward's father (who is too Catholic for Ward's liking); Father Bart, an old army chaplain; Bob Rohrbach, a defense-lawyer-turned-real-estate-lawyer who champions for what is truly right; and, of course, plenty of bad guys! Here's a brief passage from the book that illustrates one of the villains, a heartless drug baron:

Galarza scoffed at the weakness of lesser men whose scruples kept them from ever becoming truly powerful. Of all the things he ever killed, he thought, his conscience was the easiest.

It is in fact how the characters deal with their consciences-whether they listen to them or smother them-that makes this story. Worldly vision of life can be-and often is-far from accurate, and the author's take on this theme is intriguing. A little less than half-way into the book, the story takes a twist that makes you say, "Ah-ha! Now I really get the title. Great double-meaning!" This dramatic twist would be hard to believe without the convincing context that Mr. Webster has created throughout the story.

It is important to note that this is definitely not a book for kids, as the very adult content deals with issues such as immoral lifestyles, drugs, abortion, and some very low-life characters. However, realize that these are used with a purpose to simultaneously further the plot and reveal the dark results of evil choices. Many of the characters swear and use bad language. While all in this book is not strictly "traditional" Catholic, it is a worthy book in its depiction of moral issues with consequences. Also, "In-Sight" contains precious bits of wisdom without resorting to awkward preaching.

Normally, this is not the type of book I would read, as a glance would make me assume that it's a boring, confusing, political book for mainly male readers. Happily, this is not the case with "In-Sight." Mr. Webster has obviously done his research. He is a talented writer who managed to pull off a work of this magnitude successfully, while including nice touches of humor. The story appeals to males and females, contains no gore, yet culminates in an exciting, gun-fire climax, then slides into a satisfying resolution.

To sum up, I'd like to leave you with a short excerpt from the book, one that I think emphasizes the skill of Mr. Webster's writing and the reality of what sets his book apart from the masses:

It was not just a run-of-the mill investigation. Nor was it just another legal battle. It was nothing less than the epic battle between the Truth and the Lie-between Good and Evil. And it was being played out on their tiny earthly stage-but with eternal consequences.