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Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery #3
Abide With Me: A Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery
“PERFECT WHODUNIT. LIKEABLE CHARACTERS AND GREAT PLOT TWISTS… ANOTHER MUST READ!”—Debra H. Goldstein, Author of the Sarah Blair mysteriesThe season of Epiphany is in full swing at Gwenafwy Abbey when ten new nuns from a convent in Los Angeles join the community of Anglican sisters in Wales. They bring energy, youthful enthusiasm, and more electronic equipment than Sister Agatha could have imagined. The arrival of the new nuns brings something else to the Abbey—a bit of unexpected notoriety. Claire MacDonagh, an ambitious young reporter for The Church Times, interviews the new sisters for a feature story. Murder is the last thing on anyone’s mind when Claire is found dead on the beach, her mobile phone in the sand. A tragic death, says Constable Barnes. A selfie gone bad. Meanwhile, Sister Agatha is unconvinced and puts on her detective’s hat. Clues abound including the mysterious discovery of a missing key baked into the king’s cake for the feast of Epiphany. Sister Agatha’s tangled list of suspects includes even the abbey’s residents – and the beloved archbishop of Wales. Worst of all are her worries about the abbey's beloved Shetland pony, Bartimaeus, who may be reaching the end of a noble life. Time is running out as Sister Agatha uncovers a shocking reality. Will she reveal the truth hidden in an ancient document before it is too late?In Abide With Me, Jane Willan blends cozy Welsh village, sparkling humor, and enough action to keep pages turning.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2020
128 people are currently reading
1948 people want to read
About the author
Jane Willan
3 books113 followersJane's literary journey began with the beloved Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery Series. Set in a Welsh convent where cheese-making nuns solve crimes, these charming whodunits have been described as "Call the Midwife meets Agatha Christie." The series, beginning with "The Shadow of Death", delights readers with its gentle humor and engaging puzzles.
Her protagonist Sister Agatha—a sixty-something nun who aspires to write mysteries herself—constantly references famous fictional detectives, creating a meta layer that both honors and gently parodies the genre.
Jane's upcoming novel "Widow's Walk" introduces Miranda McCurdy, a chef-turned-priest navigating coastal Maine's challenges. This book is her first foray into Women’s Fiction
Through her books, sermons, and public appearances, Jane Willan reminds us that faith and imagination complement each other—proving that sometimes the most unexpected combinations create the most compelling stories.
Her protagonist Sister Agatha—a sixty-something nun who aspires to write mysteries herself—constantly references famous fictional detectives, creating a meta layer that both honors and gently parodies the genre.
Jane's upcoming novel "Widow's Walk" introduces Miranda McCurdy, a chef-turned-priest navigating coastal Maine's challenges. This book is her first foray into Women’s Fiction
Through her books, sermons, and public appearances, Jane Willan reminds us that faith and imagination complement each other—proving that sometimes the most unexpected combinations create the most compelling stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 23, 2020
Willan mixes intrigue and murder in this exceptional third installment in the Sister Agatha Mystery series featuring the endearing Sister Agatha, an amateur sleuth and writer.
Claire Pennoyer, an ambitious young reporter for The Church Times, is in Pryderi to write a feature on Gwenafwy Abbey. But when Claire is found dead on a beach, Sister Agatha knows there’s more to the young reporter’s death than it seems on the surface. As Sister Agatha begins to look into the case, she brings to light ugly, hidden secrets best left undisturbed.
Exquisite language, credible, multilayered characters, and relentless suspense enhance the intricate, high-tension plot. Descriptions of mouthwatering Welsh cakes with hot tea, interesting local Welsh venues, and sister’s daily life in Abbey add to the intrigue.
Seasoned cozy fans and traditional mystery buffs alike will be wowed by Willan’s superbly written mystery.
This series deserves a wide audience.
Claire Pennoyer, an ambitious young reporter for The Church Times, is in Pryderi to write a feature on Gwenafwy Abbey. But when Claire is found dead on a beach, Sister Agatha knows there’s more to the young reporter’s death than it seems on the surface. As Sister Agatha begins to look into the case, she brings to light ugly, hidden secrets best left undisturbed.
Exquisite language, credible, multilayered characters, and relentless suspense enhance the intricate, high-tension plot. Descriptions of mouthwatering Welsh cakes with hot tea, interesting local Welsh venues, and sister’s daily life in Abbey add to the intrigue.
Seasoned cozy fans and traditional mystery buffs alike will be wowed by Willan’s superbly written mystery.
This series deserves a wide audience.
December 15, 2020
A young journalist is visiting Gwenafwy Abby, presumably writing a story on the new directions the church is taking. When she is found dead, Sister Agatha does not believe the theory of an accidental death. She starts a new notebook and dives into the case chasing down clues. Does the young woman’s death have something to do with scathing articles she has written in the past? Or, could it be an ex boyfriend who just happens to show up in town, and just who was it seen entering the woman’s cottage after her death?
Sister Agatha is a bit of a handful. She doesn’t do anything by half measures. One simply has to adore a nun who writes detective romance stories, has a murder club to help her with amateur sleuthing, and looks to famous literary detectives for advice. What would Miss Marple do??? Agatha’s weakness for cake lends itself to wonderful descriptions of mouthwatering traditional Welsh food. In this story, nearly everyone close to the Abby is a suspect. As much as Agatha and the reader want the killer to be found out and caught, it is likely that it will be heartbreaking for the nuns. Agatha keeps her moxie to the thrilling end of the investigation though.
These are characters I would love to sit and visit with. From the put upon police department and store clerks to the individual sisters at the Abby. Maybe spend a few days learning to make cheese, especially since Gouda is my family’s fave.
I loved the social commentary on modern technology and how it fits into a cloistered setting. Mostly I just giggled over the names of the shops in town, I won’t spoil them all, but, my favorites are The Fatted Calf farm to table market and Lettuce Eat Vegan.
So why should you read this book? Because it is quirky, brilliant, softboiled Cozy at its best. The cast of characters and their personal stories will have you scrambling to read the first two books, or waiting impatiently for the next one.
I received a copy of this book for the purposes of review. all thoughts and opinions are my own
Sister Agatha is a bit of a handful. She doesn’t do anything by half measures. One simply has to adore a nun who writes detective romance stories, has a murder club to help her with amateur sleuthing, and looks to famous literary detectives for advice. What would Miss Marple do??? Agatha’s weakness for cake lends itself to wonderful descriptions of mouthwatering traditional Welsh food. In this story, nearly everyone close to the Abby is a suspect. As much as Agatha and the reader want the killer to be found out and caught, it is likely that it will be heartbreaking for the nuns. Agatha keeps her moxie to the thrilling end of the investigation though.
These are characters I would love to sit and visit with. From the put upon police department and store clerks to the individual sisters at the Abby. Maybe spend a few days learning to make cheese, especially since Gouda is my family’s fave.
I loved the social commentary on modern technology and how it fits into a cloistered setting. Mostly I just giggled over the names of the shops in town, I won’t spoil them all, but, my favorites are The Fatted Calf farm to table market and Lettuce Eat Vegan.
So why should you read this book? Because it is quirky, brilliant, softboiled Cozy at its best. The cast of characters and their personal stories will have you scrambling to read the first two books, or waiting impatiently for the next one.
I received a copy of this book for the purposes of review. all thoughts and opinions are my own
December 16, 2020
This is the third book in Jane Willan's Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery Series and it's the best one yet! Willan just keeps getting better and better.
A reporter doing a piece on the group of young nuns who've come from Los Angeles to join the abbey in Wales is found dead on the beach. It's apparant that it was a tragic accident. She simply fell backwards off the cliff while taking a selfie. Apparant to everyone but Sister Agatha, that is, who knows a murder when she sees one.
I love how the characters have grown as the series continues. Each time I read one of these books I feel like I'm visiting old friends in a beloved place. Gwenafwy Abbey, The Buttered Crust Tea Shop, and Lettuce-Eat-Vegan are now familiar places in the Welsh town of Pryderi and I feel right at home with them.
I was especially pleased to see how the author brought one of my favorite characters, Sister Gwenydd, more deeply into the sleuthing. I hope she will become a full assistant to Sister Agatha in future novels.
Come along with Sister Agatha for an adventure full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. And bring a cup of Welsh brew and a scone along, too.
A reporter doing a piece on the group of young nuns who've come from Los Angeles to join the abbey in Wales is found dead on the beach. It's apparant that it was a tragic accident. She simply fell backwards off the cliff while taking a selfie. Apparant to everyone but Sister Agatha, that is, who knows a murder when she sees one.
I love how the characters have grown as the series continues. Each time I read one of these books I feel like I'm visiting old friends in a beloved place. Gwenafwy Abbey, The Buttered Crust Tea Shop, and Lettuce-Eat-Vegan are now familiar places in the Welsh town of Pryderi and I feel right at home with them.
I was especially pleased to see how the author brought one of my favorite characters, Sister Gwenydd, more deeply into the sleuthing. I hope she will become a full assistant to Sister Agatha in future novels.
Come along with Sister Agatha for an adventure full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. And bring a cup of Welsh brew and a scone along, too.
December 12, 2020
Abide With Me is a mystery set at a convent in Wales. An abbey of Anglican nuns adds ten new young nuns from Los Angeles just as a reporter is writing a story about the convent. When the young reporter, Claire, is found dead mysteriously, Sister Agatha works to solve the crime.
I wanted to read this novel because the convent setting was appealing and unique. The author is a minister, so I knew she would bring some extra substance to the story.
This is my first book in the Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn series. It read fine as a standalone but I look forward to going back and catching up with the previous books.
Sister Agatha is one of my favorite protagonists that I've encountered this year! She is smart and courageous and warm-hearted. She wants to be a mystery writer and starts a murder notebook to collect clues in this case. There were details in the story like:
"She turned her attention from the window to the wall above her desk and the two note cards she had taped up nearly a year ago: 'Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be given unto you.' Matthew 3:6. She closed her eyes and said a swift prayer. Then, opening her eyes, she read the other card. 'The secret of getting ahead is getting started.' Agatha Christie" (eBook location 839).
I especially loved Sister Agatha's special relationship with the elderly Shetland pony at the convent. She and the other sisters are taking good care of him, but his health is declining due to age and she isn't quite ready to let him go.
A younger nun, Sister Gwenydd, who is the convent's chef also assists Sister Agatha in solving the mystery. There were some fascinating details as this case unwound, including medieval miniature Bibles! I learned things I didn't know while reading this novel, and I always love that.
The mystery is well plotted and it kept me guessing. There was some unexpected suspense and danger!
I highly recommend Abide With Me for fans of traditional or cozy mysteries. I am already looking forward to reading more of this series!
I wanted to read this novel because the convent setting was appealing and unique. The author is a minister, so I knew she would bring some extra substance to the story.
This is my first book in the Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn series. It read fine as a standalone but I look forward to going back and catching up with the previous books.
Sister Agatha is one of my favorite protagonists that I've encountered this year! She is smart and courageous and warm-hearted. She wants to be a mystery writer and starts a murder notebook to collect clues in this case. There were details in the story like:
"She turned her attention from the window to the wall above her desk and the two note cards she had taped up nearly a year ago: 'Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be given unto you.' Matthew 3:6. She closed her eyes and said a swift prayer. Then, opening her eyes, she read the other card. 'The secret of getting ahead is getting started.' Agatha Christie" (eBook location 839).
I especially loved Sister Agatha's special relationship with the elderly Shetland pony at the convent. She and the other sisters are taking good care of him, but his health is declining due to age and she isn't quite ready to let him go.
A younger nun, Sister Gwenydd, who is the convent's chef also assists Sister Agatha in solving the mystery. There were some fascinating details as this case unwound, including medieval miniature Bibles! I learned things I didn't know while reading this novel, and I always love that.
The mystery is well plotted and it kept me guessing. There was some unexpected suspense and danger!
I highly recommend Abide With Me for fans of traditional or cozy mysteries. I am already looking forward to reading more of this series!
June 1, 2022
This is a great book. Last in the series but I hope not the last. I was listening to this in the Audible format and got totally involved with it. At the end something happened to me which rarely happens to me whilst reading a book. I got so taken up with it I forgot I was reading a novel and not a factual story. PLEASE DO’NT READ THE END FIRST AS THIS WILL SPOIL THE BUILD UP FOR YOU!!!
Highly enjoyable and recommended.
Highly enjoyable and recommended.
December 9, 2020
As the Sisters of Gwenafwy Abbey prepare for the Feast of Epiphany, they must cope with the sometimes exhausting energy of ten young nuns who have recently arrived from a Los Angeles convent in search of a more traditional religious life. Also in residence is a young journalist writing an article about the new American nuns. Reluctantly, Sister Agatha sets aside work on her newest mystery novel to introduce writer Claire MacDonagh to local figures to interview, including Father Selwyn and the retired archbishop. With the exception of one of the American nuns who seems to have taken a dislike to the journalist and the arrival of an ex-boyfriend, who is not welcome, Claire seems to be doing well, happy in her work and finding quotes and information for her article. So when she is found dead at the bottom of a cliff just after taking a selfie, the conclusion seems obvious. Except to Sister Agatha.
With Constable Barnes finally gone on vacation, investigation into the death, whether accidental or not, falls to his assistant, Inspector Parker Clough, who won’t admit how overwhelmed he feels but welcomes Sister Agatha’s assistance. The sister is delighted to be taken seriously and begins a new Murder Book, to keep track of clues, revelations, ideas, and more. So begins a foray into the world of cheese making, incunabula, the Welsh landscape, the care of ponies, cooking, and, of course, crime fiction. Sister Agatha illustrates her investigative skills with quotes from various experts, mostly fictional, and references to favorite writers. The boundary between reality and fiction and metafiction is fluid to say the least.
There is a lightness and gentle humor here that is not to be confused with the antic behavior often found in cozies, as well as a seriousness not to be misread as parody. The solution will be obvious to many but that doesn’t detract from the pleasure of following Sister Agatha and her colleagues through life and adventure in what feels more like an artisans’ commune than a convent. This is Sister Agatha’s third outing as a sleuth, and I expect we’ll see much more of her in the future. I certainly hope so. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
With Constable Barnes finally gone on vacation, investigation into the death, whether accidental or not, falls to his assistant, Inspector Parker Clough, who won’t admit how overwhelmed he feels but welcomes Sister Agatha’s assistance. The sister is delighted to be taken seriously and begins a new Murder Book, to keep track of clues, revelations, ideas, and more. So begins a foray into the world of cheese making, incunabula, the Welsh landscape, the care of ponies, cooking, and, of course, crime fiction. Sister Agatha illustrates her investigative skills with quotes from various experts, mostly fictional, and references to favorite writers. The boundary between reality and fiction and metafiction is fluid to say the least.
There is a lightness and gentle humor here that is not to be confused with the antic behavior often found in cozies, as well as a seriousness not to be misread as parody. The solution will be obvious to many but that doesn’t detract from the pleasure of following Sister Agatha and her colleagues through life and adventure in what feels more like an artisans’ commune than a convent. This is Sister Agatha’s third outing as a sleuth, and I expect we’ll see much more of her in the future. I certainly hope so. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2020
ABIDE WITH ME by Jane Willan
The Third Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery
It's the time between Christmas and Epiphany and the nuns of Gwenafwy Abbey have welcomed new faces into their home. A group of young nuns from California has joined them bringing youthful enthusiasm and lots of technology. There's also a reporter from The Church Times. While Sister Agatha would rather be working on writing her mystery novel, she's tasked with escorting the reporter around. It's a bit concerning when the young woman doesn't show up for dinner or breakfast the following day. When her body is discovered, it's assumed she accidentally fell to her death while taking a selfie. Sister Agatha is not so sure. With Constable Barnes on vacation it's up to Deputy Parker Clough and Sister Agatha to solve the murder.
With her murder book and fountain pen in the pocket of her habit Sister Agatha is on the case once more. I can't tell you how much I love this intrepid nun. She's smart, funny, and uniquely herself. A nun proud of her Welsh heritage and more interested in writing about murder than making cheese with the other sisters, she manages to fit in sleuthing between meals and prayers.
I admit that the third Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery made me cry. There were tears of sadness, but also tears of laughter. I'm still giggling at the jaffa cake debacle. I smile as I picture the Heavenly Gouda van on a stake out and chasing down suspects. I love the camaraderie of the characters. There's a realism here as well. They may love and respect each other, but they can also annoy each other and no one is above suspicion.
ABIDE WITH ME is a delightful mystery, both funny and moving. It captures life in a small Welsh village while providing a complex mystery. I only wish I could sample some of the nun's Heavenly Gouda and snuggle up in my own Sister Winifred knit hat and scarf set. I wonder what color she'd choose for me?
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me an e-copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The Third Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery
It's the time between Christmas and Epiphany and the nuns of Gwenafwy Abbey have welcomed new faces into their home. A group of young nuns from California has joined them bringing youthful enthusiasm and lots of technology. There's also a reporter from The Church Times. While Sister Agatha would rather be working on writing her mystery novel, she's tasked with escorting the reporter around. It's a bit concerning when the young woman doesn't show up for dinner or breakfast the following day. When her body is discovered, it's assumed she accidentally fell to her death while taking a selfie. Sister Agatha is not so sure. With Constable Barnes on vacation it's up to Deputy Parker Clough and Sister Agatha to solve the murder.
With her murder book and fountain pen in the pocket of her habit Sister Agatha is on the case once more. I can't tell you how much I love this intrepid nun. She's smart, funny, and uniquely herself. A nun proud of her Welsh heritage and more interested in writing about murder than making cheese with the other sisters, she manages to fit in sleuthing between meals and prayers.
I admit that the third Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery made me cry. There were tears of sadness, but also tears of laughter. I'm still giggling at the jaffa cake debacle. I smile as I picture the Heavenly Gouda van on a stake out and chasing down suspects. I love the camaraderie of the characters. There's a realism here as well. They may love and respect each other, but they can also annoy each other and no one is above suspicion.
ABIDE WITH ME is a delightful mystery, both funny and moving. It captures life in a small Welsh village while providing a complex mystery. I only wish I could sample some of the nun's Heavenly Gouda and snuggle up in my own Sister Winifred knit hat and scarf set. I wonder what color she'd choose for me?
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me an e-copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
December 1, 2020
Nuns in North Wales? At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was soon caught up in the world of Gwenafwy Abbey and the small village of Pryderi. In part this is because Abide with Me by Jane Willan is one of those books where the setting is so vividly described that it becomes a character in its own right. You feel the deep chill of the winter night when the main character, Sister Agatha, ventures outside under a wolf moon. And you welcome the warmth of a pot of tea and a Welsh cake when she takes refuge in the village’s Buttered Crust Tea shop. In Sister Agatha, the author gives us an appealing protagonist. An “older nun,” as she prefers to describe herself, she’s a wannabe Agatha Christie/Miss Marple, who is writing a mystery while trying to solve one in real life.
That mystery revolves around the death of a young woman journalist, who has been a guest at the abbey, and whose body is found at the bottom of a steep cliff, where she has either fallen by accident while taking a selfie (death by selfie?), or has been pushed. Sister Agatha is smart enough to know she probably is not going to solve this mystery alone, so she assembles a “murder team” that consists of nuns, Father Selwyn, a good friend of Sister Agatha’s, and a local policeman to meet and discuss the case at The Saints and Sinners pub. While religious, Sister Agatha and the other nuns are a worldly bunch and very much products of the twenty-first century: they enjoy their pints and cakes, spend time glued to their mobile phones, and are devoted watchers of Netflix.
In addition to her team, Sister Agatha often invokes the aid of literary sleuths like Armand Gamache and Kinsey Millhone. And you can’t really blame her, given the confusing set of clues and numerous red herrings she’s presented with. But the truth will out, and when it finally does, I at least didn’t see it coming. Nor did I expect the revelations to be made in a scene of high hilarity, followed by one that was truly harrowing. It’s a tribute to the author’s skill that she has been able to combine humor with the high-octane tension of a thriller, and I’m looking forward to the next Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery.
Full disclosure: I received an ARC of the novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
That mystery revolves around the death of a young woman journalist, who has been a guest at the abbey, and whose body is found at the bottom of a steep cliff, where she has either fallen by accident while taking a selfie (death by selfie?), or has been pushed. Sister Agatha is smart enough to know she probably is not going to solve this mystery alone, so she assembles a “murder team” that consists of nuns, Father Selwyn, a good friend of Sister Agatha’s, and a local policeman to meet and discuss the case at The Saints and Sinners pub. While religious, Sister Agatha and the other nuns are a worldly bunch and very much products of the twenty-first century: they enjoy their pints and cakes, spend time glued to their mobile phones, and are devoted watchers of Netflix.
In addition to her team, Sister Agatha often invokes the aid of literary sleuths like Armand Gamache and Kinsey Millhone. And you can’t really blame her, given the confusing set of clues and numerous red herrings she’s presented with. But the truth will out, and when it finally does, I at least didn’t see it coming. Nor did I expect the revelations to be made in a scene of high hilarity, followed by one that was truly harrowing. It’s a tribute to the author’s skill that she has been able to combine humor with the high-octane tension of a thriller, and I’m looking forward to the next Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery.
Full disclosure: I received an ARC of the novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Sister Agatha is a wonderful character-a nun, a detective, and a thorn in the side of local law enforcement! I like that we see the flawed human side of her, that we don't (or I don't) expect to see from a nun, as she works to solve the mystery of a young girls death and care deeply for her beloved pet horse.
The twists in plot and character lines is well planned out and very well written. A surprise near the end as she solves the mystery and then being in danger herself as she tries to help the police get the information they need shows another depth to her character. She doesn't simply solve the mystery from the safety of her convent, she is vulnerable, funny, scared, smart, brave and of course faithful.
I find it interesting to think about the life and story that the 'guilty party' tells Sister Agatha in contrast to the life that was portrayed.
This is an easy to read, very well written story and I will be ordering the other Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mysteries.
The twists in plot and character lines is well planned out and very well written. A surprise near the end as she solves the mystery and then being in danger herself as she tries to help the police get the information they need shows another depth to her character. She doesn't simply solve the mystery from the safety of her convent, she is vulnerable, funny, scared, smart, brave and of course faithful.
I find it interesting to think about the life and story that the 'guilty party' tells Sister Agatha in contrast to the life that was portrayed.
This is an easy to read, very well written story and I will be ordering the other Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mysteries.
October 24, 2021
Love this series -- and I'm so sad because this is the last book as far as I can tell. :-( And it had a bit of a bittersweet ending too. Sniffle. But love Sister Agatha and the abbey nuns and this Welsh village. Tons of twists in the mystery -- I was right about one aspect but wrong about others. I love being kept on edge right to the end of a mystery.
I've been listening to the audible editions and was a bit disappointed in the switch of narrators for this last book. Jennifer M. Dixon does a good job but after experiencing life at the abbey through Helen Lloyd's character interpretations, I couldn't quite jive with the change in the voices I've come to love in the first two books.
I've been listening to the audible editions and was a bit disappointed in the switch of narrators for this last book. Jennifer M. Dixon does a good job but after experiencing life at the abbey through Helen Lloyd's character interpretations, I couldn't quite jive with the change in the voices I've come to love in the first two books.
December 6, 2021
The new narrator of this series really ruined this one for me. The Welsh accents were overdone. Too bad!
December 12, 2020
Oh my word, what a delightful discovery I’ve stumbled across with this series. This is book 3 and my first of the Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery series. I’ve already gotten a copy of Book 1 to catch up.
These characters are absolutely charming. They reminded me of the few years I worked at a university chaplaincy and then at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Church of England clergy and lay communities are certainly a quirky bunch and I really delighted in seeing the spunk and ambition in these characters as a true reflection. Maybe the murder mystery solving not so much, but you never can tell…
The mystery to solve is who killed Claire Mac Donagh, a visiting journalist. But first is Claire who she appears to be? And what of this mysterious cousin and elusive ex-boyfriend? And how is a sweet, retired Archbishop implicated? And a former London chef too? Maybe even another nun? Oh, I thoroughly enjoyed all these unlikely suspects and found myself engrossed in trying to solve the puzzle of who and why. The big reveal and final showdown were far more dramatic that I’d expected… and so good.
There are several plot twists that took me by surprise. Every time I thought I had a good handle on how things would play out, something shifted. So fun!
The characters are well-written and complex. The series regulars are quirky but add a great sense of place to the story. I did not like ‘visiting’ character, Peter at all… because the author wrote him so well and brought his attitude out in spades. I did like the direction the story took him though…
The ending of Abide With Me is unexpectedly emotional but so sweetly written, I just wanted to curl up with the story all over again.
I’m so thrilled to have uncovered this gem of a series and I look forward to catching up and continuing. Abide With Me is a fantastic cozy mystery, set in Wales and features the most endearing characters.
These characters are absolutely charming. They reminded me of the few years I worked at a university chaplaincy and then at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Church of England clergy and lay communities are certainly a quirky bunch and I really delighted in seeing the spunk and ambition in these characters as a true reflection. Maybe the murder mystery solving not so much, but you never can tell…
The mystery to solve is who killed Claire Mac Donagh, a visiting journalist. But first is Claire who she appears to be? And what of this mysterious cousin and elusive ex-boyfriend? And how is a sweet, retired Archbishop implicated? And a former London chef too? Maybe even another nun? Oh, I thoroughly enjoyed all these unlikely suspects and found myself engrossed in trying to solve the puzzle of who and why. The big reveal and final showdown were far more dramatic that I’d expected… and so good.
There are several plot twists that took me by surprise. Every time I thought I had a good handle on how things would play out, something shifted. So fun!
The characters are well-written and complex. The series regulars are quirky but add a great sense of place to the story. I did not like ‘visiting’ character, Peter at all… because the author wrote him so well and brought his attitude out in spades. I did like the direction the story took him though…
The ending of Abide With Me is unexpectedly emotional but so sweetly written, I just wanted to curl up with the story all over again.
I’m so thrilled to have uncovered this gem of a series and I look forward to catching up and continuing. Abide With Me is a fantastic cozy mystery, set in Wales and features the most endearing characters.
November 25, 2020
Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn are back on the case when Claire Pennoyer a reporter working on a story about the nuns of Gwenafwy Abbey for The Church Times, falls off a cliff near the abbey. The police suspect Claire’s death to be an accident, but Sister Agatha’s new found detective skills point her in the direction of murder. With equal measures of gentle humor and great heart, Willan’s sterling third addition to her series is guaranteed to restore any reader’s faith in the power of a well-crafted cozy to provide a much-needed respite from the everyday cares of the world. From the book’s charming Welsh setting to its endearingly quirky yet totally relatable cast of characters, Abide With Me neatly checks off everything a cozy reader might have on their holiday reading list.
November 25, 2020
Even the Epiphany King Cake Has a Clue ... January at Gwenafwy Abbey in Pryderi, Wales is going to be deadly in spite of familiar sisters and some new ones recently arrived from Los Angeles. I am a huge fan of the Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mysteries (and a shout-out to Sister Gwenydd) but “Abide with Me” took an amazing leap into devious plotting, subtle character depictions which left me wondering until the final twist, and tender-heartedness. Of course, I wanted the murderer caught, preferably by Sister Agatha, but I didn’t want the book to end.
November 18, 2020
This third in the Sister Agatha Mystery series (The Shadow of Death; The Hour of Death)finds the relentless nun in pursuit of the killer of a journalist who has come to the small Welsh village of Pryderi to write a feature on Gwenafwy Abbey. While this engaging mystery is packed with ingenious curve balls, misdirection, and red herrings, the colorful characters and local Welsh venues are perhaps the story’s most engaging features. An accomplished mystery writer, Willan has delivered her best story yet. I especially enjoyed the way Willan wove into the story the daily life of the abbey— the singing, cooking, cheese-making, social justice, and community outreach— so much so that Gwenafwy Abbey itself becomes a central character in this delightful, fast-paced story.
November 18, 2020
Delightful Sister Agatha – mystery fan, wannabe mystery writer, and devout sleuth – plus the sisters of Gwenafwy Abbey, and the Convent’s award-winning organic cheese, Heavenly Gouda are back in the perfect whodunit. When a young journalist allegedly falls to her death, Sister Agatha is convinced things aren’t what they seem. Her investigation quickly unravels the safety of her world while possibly putting her in danger from those she holds near and dear. With likeable characters and great plot twists, Jane Willan has created another must read.
December 17, 2020
Jane Willan’s Abide With Me, a cozy mystery set in and around an Abbey on the coast of Wales, is a marvelous read. Pandemic-confined readers will enjoy it with a hot cuppa in hand and perhaps some home-baked treats as well.
The food of Wales—scones, Welsh cakes and Heavenly Gouda— the wildly-popular cheese made by the nuns at Gwenafwy Abbey—is woven into an investigation of the death of a young journalist, with Sister Agatha and her Murder Club stopping for sustenance as they hunt the clues.
The sisters Abbey are great fun and far more modern than you might expect. They all have cell phones, some prefer to eat vegan and together they operate a thriving business. A group of young nuns, members of the Sisters of Transfiguration, arrive from California not long before Claire Pennoyer, a red-haired journalist who pokes her reporter’s nose into everyone’s business, is found dead on the beach at the bottom of a steep cliff. Is there a connection with the newly arrived sisters? Or perhaps one of a pair of newcomers to the small village had a hand in her death?
Sister Agatha, an amateur detective, jumps into the investigation with both feet, assisted by Sister Gwenydd, the Abbey’s cook, and Constable Barnes, who’s minding the police shop while his no-nonsense boss is off on vacation. The young constable knows he shouldn’t let a nun who fancies herself a detective take the lead. But Sister Agatha’s not only insistent, she’s intuitive as well. Before long, she and the members of her Murder Club are meeting in a snug at the local pub to compare notes, and while all of their theories do not bear out, the evidence they gather and Sister Agatha’s abiding commitment to the cause of justice leads to a satisfying end.
The setting (a fictional town named Pryderi on the edge of the Irish Sea) is atmospheric. The characters (including a Reverend Mother tolerant of Sister Agatha’s inquisitive nature, wise Father Selwyn and an aging pony named Bartimaeus) are well-drawn. Best of all, the writing is lively and generously leavened with humor.
Jane Willian’s newest book—the third in her Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mysteries—is the perfect gift for the season. If you’re looking for some last-minute stocking stuffers, this novel will delight anyone who enjoys a well-written cozy, especially those set in the British Isles.
The food of Wales—scones, Welsh cakes and Heavenly Gouda— the wildly-popular cheese made by the nuns at Gwenafwy Abbey—is woven into an investigation of the death of a young journalist, with Sister Agatha and her Murder Club stopping for sustenance as they hunt the clues.
The sisters Abbey are great fun and far more modern than you might expect. They all have cell phones, some prefer to eat vegan and together they operate a thriving business. A group of young nuns, members of the Sisters of Transfiguration, arrive from California not long before Claire Pennoyer, a red-haired journalist who pokes her reporter’s nose into everyone’s business, is found dead on the beach at the bottom of a steep cliff. Is there a connection with the newly arrived sisters? Or perhaps one of a pair of newcomers to the small village had a hand in her death?
Sister Agatha, an amateur detective, jumps into the investigation with both feet, assisted by Sister Gwenydd, the Abbey’s cook, and Constable Barnes, who’s minding the police shop while his no-nonsense boss is off on vacation. The young constable knows he shouldn’t let a nun who fancies herself a detective take the lead. But Sister Agatha’s not only insistent, she’s intuitive as well. Before long, she and the members of her Murder Club are meeting in a snug at the local pub to compare notes, and while all of their theories do not bear out, the evidence they gather and Sister Agatha’s abiding commitment to the cause of justice leads to a satisfying end.
The setting (a fictional town named Pryderi on the edge of the Irish Sea) is atmospheric. The characters (including a Reverend Mother tolerant of Sister Agatha’s inquisitive nature, wise Father Selwyn and an aging pony named Bartimaeus) are well-drawn. Best of all, the writing is lively and generously leavened with humor.
Jane Willian’s newest book—the third in her Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mysteries—is the perfect gift for the season. If you’re looking for some last-minute stocking stuffers, this novel will delight anyone who enjoys a well-written cozy, especially those set in the British Isles.
January 7, 2021
Oh, what an ending! I don't think anyone quite expected the reveals at the end.
I do enjoy our classic amateur sleuth, Sr. Agatha, but she is given quite a bit of leeway and access most people don’t get (would you allow a stranger, even a nun, to rummage through your boss's office?). It is nice that Parker, the deputy constable in charge of their village while the head constable is away, recognizes her aptitude for solving crimes and they make a good team. Sr. Agatha’s relationship with the Reverend Mother is also very realistic and has it moments of levity, including having her as a suspect. Sr. Gwenydd is turning out to be a good sidekick to Sr. Agatha, I think better than Fr. Selwyn.
There are two climaxes at the end and both are surprising and revealing. One is quite funny (how did she get to now so much about guns?). The final one is chilling and left this reader unable to put the book down in order to find out what would happen next.
All in all, this is a wonderful cozy mystery with just the right amount of tenderness, tragedy, and humor. Good job, Ms. Willan! I look forward to the next adventure with Sr. Agatha.
I do enjoy our classic amateur sleuth, Sr. Agatha, but she is given quite a bit of leeway and access most people don’t get (would you allow a stranger, even a nun, to rummage through your boss's office?). It is nice that Parker, the deputy constable in charge of their village while the head constable is away, recognizes her aptitude for solving crimes and they make a good team. Sr. Agatha’s relationship with the Reverend Mother is also very realistic and has it moments of levity, including having her as a suspect. Sr. Gwenydd is turning out to be a good sidekick to Sr. Agatha, I think better than Fr. Selwyn.
There are two climaxes at the end and both are surprising and revealing. One is quite funny (how did she get to now so much about guns?). The final one is chilling and left this reader unable to put the book down in order to find out what would happen next.
All in all, this is a wonderful cozy mystery with just the right amount of tenderness, tragedy, and humor. Good job, Ms. Willan! I look forward to the next adventure with Sr. Agatha.
"I expected a group of Angelican nuns to be, well, you know, sedate. Instead, you're all so...interesting."Especially Sr. Agatha and her Murder Club.
August 19, 2025
It’s been a.couple of years since I read this series. It’s one of those books and series that attached itself to my heart and soul (The Shell Seekers is another book of that ilk). The sporadic pop ups of this series in my brain, particularly Abide with Me, over time prompted me to add this review. The quick and dirty: a good, well-written story arc, great character development and an interesting framework, nuns in a Catholic abbey. That fails to convey how this story touched me. While not a person of faith, the exploration of faith within and amongst the various characters facing the crime developing in each of the three stories was beautifully done. Yet, for me, it was the Shetland pony character that tied the stories together - provided the emotional yarn needed to knit a lovely, charming and touchingly memorable series of three murder mystery novels. I read with my ears these days (while gardening). Whether you use your eyes or ears to read, I highly recommend you add these three books to your Want to Read list.
May 9, 2024
This novel appeared on our "shelf' in the lobby of our senior apartment building...where we put articles we no longer want or need.
There was a lot more to this novel than I thought there would be...it was an exciting read once I conquered the names of all the nuns in the Gwenafwy Abbey in Wales. Sister Agatha was one interesting nun....wrote mysteries, solved crimes, worked in the library...an amazing 62-year old.
A journalist named Claire was murdered by being pushed off a high cliff into rocks and sea...at first it was thought she committed suicide but more investigation and photos of a selfie she was taken it looked as if she might have been pushed over the cliff.
Sister Agatha is like a dog with a bone...she never gave up on what she believed had happened...the killer turned out to be one would never suspect.
A very good murder mystery...will watch for other novels by Jane Willan.
There was a lot more to this novel than I thought there would be...it was an exciting read once I conquered the names of all the nuns in the Gwenafwy Abbey in Wales. Sister Agatha was one interesting nun....wrote mysteries, solved crimes, worked in the library...an amazing 62-year old.
A journalist named Claire was murdered by being pushed off a high cliff into rocks and sea...at first it was thought she committed suicide but more investigation and photos of a selfie she was taken it looked as if she might have been pushed over the cliff.
Sister Agatha is like a dog with a bone...she never gave up on what she believed had happened...the killer turned out to be one would never suspect.
A very good murder mystery...will watch for other novels by Jane Willan.
June 19, 2025
This is book 3 of the series. I don't think there will be more. I enjoyed it with reservations. It didn't seem plausible that Sister Agatha would start a Village Murder Club with three clergy (two nuns and an Anglican priest) and a police constable. The clues were obscure and the plot a little over the top. That said, I still enjoyed reading it and trying to guess whodunit. I loved having Shetland pony Bartimaeus as a subplot. I'm looking forward to a new book by Ms. Willan coming out this fall. She will be introducing a new protagonist. One thing does bother me about Ms. Willan's books. There is a definite lack of editing. There are misspellings galore and name changes here and there. On the back cover, the name of the victim is wrong (Claire MacDonagh, not Claire Pennoyer). Miss Pennoyer was in the second book.
May 1, 2021
Well, book #1 in this series was so-so and while I took book #2 out of the library, I apparently didn't write a review or even finish it. However, before I got book #2 from the library, I had bought book #3 as an e-book as the library did not own it. And, surprise, I liked book #3! Unlike book #1 the author isn't trying to do too many things, the mystery is complex, the writing is tighter with even a few short chapters, and the characters are drawn more clearly. If Willan keeps on like this, it will turn out to be a good series. (And of course she has the northern Wales thing going for her, besides her insider's knowledge of things religious.)
February 21, 2023
Ugh. Just... UGH! So dragged out, such an unsatisfactory ending. VERY disappointed the villain was just wrong...the whole ending could've been done so much more cleverly. IMHO, the undercover agent could quite logically been a turncoat and the poor old man could have been just that, and I would have been so much more glad I had endured the sub par narration of the audiobook compared with the previous narrator of the first two books. Oh well, the time taken from my life isn't going to come back. No use crying over it any more. Read/listen with low expectations. (Ugh.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2024
I am so frustrated by this book. I was drawn to it because I love a good nun detective and I'm a sucker for books set in the UK. However, this book needed a better proof-reader and editor. It was riddled with extraneous details that should have been omitted from the book. However, my biggest frustration was a key plot point had to do with the murderer's car. On one page, he is driving a brand new car and then a few pages later, he is driving a Ford that leaks oil???? HUGE plot error. I also didn't care for the whole murderer is a crazy serial killer. It was such a cop out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2025
A charming and clever cozy mystery! Abide With Me blends the warmth of Gwenafwy Abbey with the intrigue of a murder investigation that keeps you guessing until the end. Sister Agatha is such a delightful sleuth, sharp, witty, and full of heart. The Epiphany setting, with its festive traditions, adds a unique atmosphere, while the colorful cast of nuns (and even the Shetland pony, Bartimaeus) bring humor and depth. Jane Willan’s storytelling balances faith, community, and suspense beautifully. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of charm and wit.
February 3, 2024
Sister Agatha is well named
Sister Agatha admires Agatha Christie and calls upon what she has learned by reading detective fiction to help her solve the murder of a young reporter.
I enjoyed this story very much. The characters were well developed and the plot was believable. Although I did guess the identity of the murderer, there were a few surprises along the way. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Sister Agatha admires Agatha Christie and calls upon what she has learned by reading detective fiction to help her solve the murder of a young reporter.
I enjoyed this story very much. The characters were well developed and the plot was believable. Although I did guess the identity of the murderer, there were a few surprises along the way. I look forward to reading more by this author.
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September 21, 2024What kind of nunnery is this ? . The women have phones,, Netflix. They wonder around, eating & buying stuff. spending money all day.It's all about nuns from LA ( Anglican nuns in L.A ?) who go and live with other nuns in Wales
This must be written for for an American audience using American words, expressions, etc . The detective story is not bad. It's cozy alright. And for Americans looking for some cozy story in Britain it's probably fine.
This must be written for for an American audience using American words, expressions, etc . The detective story is not bad. It's cozy alright. And for Americans looking for some cozy story in Britain it's probably fine.
December 16, 2024
This author imbues her characters with great compassion. In these days of great discord, i enjoy cozy mysteries to gently take my mind off the horrors and barely concealed hatred in our modern world. This book provides even greater relief, as the author takes the time to develop and reveal close relationships and the beauty of a trusting soul. The author provides reasonable doubt and suspicion with several characters, pulling the reader into the puzzle with skill.
January 7, 2021
Tried to finish on the Epiphany, but missed by a few hours. This was an excellent read!!! This one was packed with action, intrigue, layers of plot and info. I loved it. This series is SO enjoyable, I hope there are many more to come.
This one did end very different than most cozies. I am still processing it, but okay with it.
This one did end very different than most cozies. I am still processing it, but okay with it.
January 24, 2021
Abide with Me is a cozy mystery set largely in a convent in Wales. When a young reporter visiting the convent turns up dead, Sister Agatha pulls out her detectives notebook to investigate. I enjoyed the descriptions of place, the characters, and the surprising end.
I received a free review copy of Abide with Me through Goodreads Giveaways.
I received a free review copy of Abide with Me through Goodreads Giveaways.
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