Death in the Grotto is the story of a death, perhaps a murder, at Notre Dame University. A student, Ben Pacelli, is caught up in the murder when he finds the body tucked among the stones of the sacred Grotto at Notre Dame. Ben starts as suspect, and is drawn into the investigation of the death of a young woman he has dated. His journey takes him through a post-modern University, as he struggles to find out how the girl died. Suspects include a priest, a linebacker, and a professor of philosophy. The story is interesting, and the writing is crisp, often funny, and more than a little poignant. As the death is unraveled, Ben begins to grow up, and finding the murderer becomes as much a quest to understand as a quest for justice. Vivid characters, interesting situations, and a wonderful sense of place make this book a sharp commentary as well as a good read.