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Sister Mary Teresa Mystery #9
Half Past Nun
Police investigator Richard Moriarity is searching for "Oscar," a serial killer who is menacing the peaceful streets of suburban Chicago. Amidst the hysteria, Richard meets Astrid - a stunning woman with an unknown past who wants to write a book on Oscar and the investigation. Against his better instincts, Richard agrees to help her. Not far from the crime scenes, Sister Mary Teresa Dempsey and her peers struggle to piece the murders together. It seems that the world has grown hopelessly unsafe since the days when the Order ran their beloved College of Martha and Mary. Although the sisters still consider their convent home a haven it is not long before a visitor, young Mitzi Earl, is attacked outside its door. Mitzi survives to describe her attacker's face, but then is stalked to her death while under police surveillance. When an alumna of the College of Martha and Mary is terrorized by the same killer, Sister Mary Teresa begins to see the curious connections between victims - and realizes that the mysterious Astrid may hold the key to the crime.
198 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 1997
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 21, 2009
A serial killer seems to be lurking in Chicago. Are his victims random, based on opportunity, or are they somehow connected? The answer to that question is the key to solving this mystery, and it comes from an octogenarian nun whose order has all but faded away.
This was a novel I had not intended to read, having never heard of Monica Quill. However, while browsing the mystery shelves at my local library, the cover of the book grabbed my attention. As I read this mystery, I was impressed by the author's writing style. I enjoyed the gentle humor and was surprised by the intellectual nature of the story. It reminded me of the Father Dowling TV series, which I remembered was based on the books written by Ralph McInerny. Surprise, surprise - at the end of the novel was a note that "Monica Quill" is a pen name of (you guessed it) Ralph McInerny.
What I liked best about this book was the depiction of Sister Mary Teresa. There are far too few older heroes, in my opinion. The author portrayed her as both devout and wise. (Wise as a serpent, gentle as a dove). When "Emtee" was beginning to formulate a theory, others around her, even her closest associates, chalked it all up as mental decline. How prone we are to do that in our society, instead of listening to folks who just might know a thing or two! She, of course, was proven right and this novel proved to be a little gem.
This was a novel I had not intended to read, having never heard of Monica Quill. However, while browsing the mystery shelves at my local library, the cover of the book grabbed my attention. As I read this mystery, I was impressed by the author's writing style. I enjoyed the gentle humor and was surprised by the intellectual nature of the story. It reminded me of the Father Dowling TV series, which I remembered was based on the books written by Ralph McInerny. Surprise, surprise - at the end of the novel was a note that "Monica Quill" is a pen name of (you guessed it) Ralph McInerny.
What I liked best about this book was the depiction of Sister Mary Teresa. There are far too few older heroes, in my opinion. The author portrayed her as both devout and wise. (Wise as a serpent, gentle as a dove). When "Emtee" was beginning to formulate a theory, others around her, even her closest associates, chalked it all up as mental decline. How prone we are to do that in our society, instead of listening to folks who just might know a thing or two! She, of course, was proven right and this novel proved to be a little gem.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2017
This is the first book in the Sister Mary Teresa Mystery series that I have read. The beginning is basically introducing you to the large cast of characters. It isn't very engaging. It seems to presume that you already know most of the characters, their whims, likes and dislikes....
If you know Latin, their witty conversations could be interesting. If you don't know Latin, you will be lost. It must have been written for Catholics who have studied the classics.
The answer to the mystery of who the serial killer is will occur to you pretty early on, and you will wonder why it is taking everyone in the book so long to catch on. Then finally, ah ha! there it is. Once the answer is out, the book winds up quickly, and leaves you hanging with all of your questions that never get answered about other characters....
Overall, it wasn't well-written and I do not know of anybody who would enjoy this book.
If you know Latin, their witty conversations could be interesting. If you don't know Latin, you will be lost. It must have been written for Catholics who have studied the classics.
The answer to the mystery of who the serial killer is will occur to you pretty early on, and you will wonder why it is taking everyone in the book so long to catch on. Then finally, ah ha! there it is. Once the answer is out, the book winds up quickly, and leaves you hanging with all of your questions that never get answered about other characters....
Overall, it wasn't well-written and I do not know of anybody who would enjoy this book.
July 25, 2009
Great mystery writing. Monica Quill is actually Ralph McInerny who is also the author of the Fr. Dowling mystery series. I don't read many mysteries but I will try to squeeze another Sister Mary Teresa (EmTee Dempsey as she is affectionately yet secretly referred to by her dwindling but faithful community) mystery into my summer reading schedule.
The characters are believable, the dialogue sounds good; not stilted or awkward, the insight into post Vatican II religious life is realistic yet hopeful without preaching. And the mystery was entertaining with a few good red herrings.
The characters are believable, the dialogue sounds good; not stilted or awkward, the insight into post Vatican II religious life is realistic yet hopeful without preaching. And the mystery was entertaining with a few good red herrings.
November 13, 2015
May be the most frightening cover of any book I have ever read.
July 6, 2012
Wonderful! Classic McInerny.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews