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Sister Joan Mystery #1-9
The Sister Joan Mysteries Books 1–9
One captivating box set, steeped in the atmosphere of the wild and windswept Cornish coast . . .
Meet Sister Joan, a rebel nun who solves baffling crimes.
Walking away from her lover to become a nun is the toughest step Joan has ever had to take. But she doesn’t regret it. Not now she’s found her other great calling in life: solving knotty mysteries that no one else can fathom.
Obedience doesn’t come easy to feisty Sister Joan. A gifted painter, she spent her twenties honing her craft at college, where she fell for controlling Jacob. He said she could never survive without him. But headstrong Joan will prove him wrong.
A Vow of Silence sees Joan arrive at Cornwall House, a rambling and remote old convent, where something is terribly wrong with her fellow Sisters.
One nun is dead. Another vanishes without a trace. The only clue? A mysterious final letter from a dying nun, filled with cryptic references that simply don’t add up.
The ivy-covered walls and shady cloisters of Joan’s new convent hide many a secret — which was worth killing for?
Book 1: A VOW OF SILENCE
Book 2: A VOW OF CHASTITY
Book 3: A VOW OF SANCTITY
Book 4: A VOW OF OBEDIENCE
Book 5: A VOW OF PENANCE
Book 6: A VOW OF DEVOTION
Book 7: A VOW OF FIDELTY
Book 8: A VOW OF POVERTY
Book 9: A VOW OF ADORATION
THE SETTING
The bleak, misty loneliness of Bodmin provides the backdrop to these novels. The moor stretches away to the horizon and there are patches of pale grass starred with wild flowers with clumps of blackberry and wild gooseberry. Here and there, the low ground dips lower into a narrow valley of bracken. Over the whole moor broods an air of waiting calm. Sister Joan is lucky to have the use of the House’s stable mare, Lilith, to travel to her teaching duties at the local primary school, where she hears local gossip.
Meet Sister Joan, a rebel nun who solves baffling crimes.
Walking away from her lover to become a nun is the toughest step Joan has ever had to take. But she doesn’t regret it. Not now she’s found her other great calling in life: solving knotty mysteries that no one else can fathom.
Obedience doesn’t come easy to feisty Sister Joan. A gifted painter, she spent her twenties honing her craft at college, where she fell for controlling Jacob. He said she could never survive without him. But headstrong Joan will prove him wrong.
A Vow of Silence sees Joan arrive at Cornwall House, a rambling and remote old convent, where something is terribly wrong with her fellow Sisters.
One nun is dead. Another vanishes without a trace. The only clue? A mysterious final letter from a dying nun, filled with cryptic references that simply don’t add up.
The ivy-covered walls and shady cloisters of Joan’s new convent hide many a secret — which was worth killing for?
Book 1: A VOW OF SILENCE
Book 2: A VOW OF CHASTITY
Book 3: A VOW OF SANCTITY
Book 4: A VOW OF OBEDIENCE
Book 5: A VOW OF PENANCE
Book 6: A VOW OF DEVOTION
Book 7: A VOW OF FIDELTY
Book 8: A VOW OF POVERTY
Book 9: A VOW OF ADORATION
THE SETTING
The bleak, misty loneliness of Bodmin provides the backdrop to these novels. The moor stretches away to the horizon and there are patches of pale grass starred with wild flowers with clumps of blackberry and wild gooseberry. Here and there, the low ground dips lower into a narrow valley of bracken. Over the whole moor broods an air of waiting calm. Sister Joan is lucky to have the use of the House’s stable mare, Lilith, to travel to her teaching duties at the local primary school, where she hears local gossip.
1879 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2024
861 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Black
48 books68 followersPseudonym for Maureen Peters
Maureen Peters was born in Caernarvon, Wales, on March 3, 1935, and was married and divorced twice; she has two sons and two daughters. In addition to biographical fiction, historical romances, and mystery novels written under her own name, other noms de plume include Veronica Black, Catherine Darby, Levanah Lloyd, Belinda Grey, Elizabeth Law, Judith Rothman, and Sharon Whitby.
Said Maureen Peters about Sister Joan in an interview, "I chose a nun because they have got a lot of time on their hands. I have friends who are real nuns and they give me information on their lives, but mine’s a bit more unconventional. Every time she goes to a convent, she finds a dead body — Cornwall is littered with them."
Maureen Peters was born in Caernarvon, Wales, on March 3, 1935, and was married and divorced twice; she has two sons and two daughters. In addition to biographical fiction, historical romances, and mystery novels written under her own name, other noms de plume include Veronica Black, Catherine Darby, Levanah Lloyd, Belinda Grey, Elizabeth Law, Judith Rothman, and Sharon Whitby.
Said Maureen Peters about Sister Joan in an interview, "I chose a nun because they have got a lot of time on their hands. I have friends who are real nuns and they give me information on their lives, but mine’s a bit more unconventional. Every time she goes to a convent, she finds a dead body — Cornwall is littered with them."
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 28, 2024
Don't really know why I read all nine of these! Wish I had had the sense to move on...
Not as well written as I first thoughr. So m.any picky details that were inconsistent or repetitive or unnecessary or confusing...sizes of rooms changing location of staircases moving, building details confusing, details of a mum's daily life inconsistent...times for events, foods, rules constantly changing...
Did learn some interesting details about Nun's lives. This is fiction so these details may not be true. I am not a Catholic but have read hundreds of books that take place in Catholic eras or Catholic countries all through history and some of this rings true.
Wish I had asked my husband's Aunt who was a nun what her life was really like..before...she died.
Stories in all the books could be clear and straightforward or, simply, confusing and overly complicated.
By the end of each book one does "Get" the story. There is plenty of rehashing and re-listing the details to solve the crImes...there are many really awful crimes detailed here.
Many of the character are well written and some of the main ones are compelling Human beings...the evil characters are. mostly, really , evil!
There is a lack of emotional depth in these books that would make them more real, I think.
The tension should build and the d worry and, even terror, the characters (and the readers!) Should, might and do feel are lacking in these books.
There is a well plotted story or stories in every book but the engagement is missing.
I spent many hours reading all nine in this set and feel like I wasted a lit of time, in the end...
So much to read and so little tine...really did not have the time for these...
Not as well written as I first thoughr. So m.any picky details that were inconsistent or repetitive or unnecessary or confusing...sizes of rooms changing location of staircases moving, building details confusing, details of a mum's daily life inconsistent...times for events, foods, rules constantly changing...
Did learn some interesting details about Nun's lives. This is fiction so these details may not be true. I am not a Catholic but have read hundreds of books that take place in Catholic eras or Catholic countries all through history and some of this rings true.
Wish I had asked my husband's Aunt who was a nun what her life was really like..before...she died.
Stories in all the books could be clear and straightforward or, simply, confusing and overly complicated.
By the end of each book one does "Get" the story. There is plenty of rehashing and re-listing the details to solve the crImes...there are many really awful crimes detailed here.
Many of the character are well written and some of the main ones are compelling Human beings...the evil characters are. mostly, really , evil!
There is a lack of emotional depth in these books that would make them more real, I think.
The tension should build and the d worry and, even terror, the characters (and the readers!) Should, might and do feel are lacking in these books.
There is a well plotted story or stories in every book but the engagement is missing.
I spent many hours reading all nine in this set and feel like I wasted a lit of time, in the end...
So much to read and so little tine...really did not have the time for these...
December 22, 2024
Less Sister Boniface and more Sister Chaos
Certainly nothing amusing or funny about the scrapes Sister Joan gets herself into.
A late comer to being a nun Sister Joan is more worldly wise. She, unlike the other Sisters, does not have a fixed place at the convent so finds she has more latitude to enter life outside the convent. She also has the unhappy habit of stumbling on dead bodies.
She finds herself, with permission from Mother Superior, helping the police in their investigation. However, she has a habit of keeping clues to herself, if she thinks it goes against her spiritual rites. Personally, I think she just wants to five dealer into the investigation herself. Therefore these stories stretch the factual by a very large margin.
However, it has been interesting reading about life inside the Convent and Veronica has made the Sisters characters come to life.
While I enjoyed this series, I don't think I would but a further set.
Certainly nothing amusing or funny about the scrapes Sister Joan gets herself into.
A late comer to being a nun Sister Joan is more worldly wise. She, unlike the other Sisters, does not have a fixed place at the convent so finds she has more latitude to enter life outside the convent. She also has the unhappy habit of stumbling on dead bodies.
She finds herself, with permission from Mother Superior, helping the police in their investigation. However, she has a habit of keeping clues to herself, if she thinks it goes against her spiritual rites. Personally, I think she just wants to five dealer into the investigation herself. Therefore these stories stretch the factual by a very large margin.
However, it has been interesting reading about life inside the Convent and Veronica has made the Sisters characters come to life.
While I enjoyed this series, I don't think I would but a further set.
January 26, 2025
Sadly disappointing
Reading the entire collection, one after another, nine stories, became more and more a disappointment.
The author seemed to care ever less for her readers, skipping on sense and editing. Maybe, reading the collection is a mistake. Yet, the stories become ever more unbelievable and the rushed or lax editing really hurt the value most.
I didn't finish the collection, I just couldn't stomach it any further. There are plenty of really good detective stories to be read, stories well written, edited and less fantastical, unbelievable. I leave that choice to the readers.
Reading the entire collection, one after another, nine stories, became more and more a disappointment.
The author seemed to care ever less for her readers, skipping on sense and editing. Maybe, reading the collection is a mistake. Yet, the stories become ever more unbelievable and the rushed or lax editing really hurt the value most.
I didn't finish the collection, I just couldn't stomach it any further. There are plenty of really good detective stories to be read, stories well written, edited and less fantastical, unbelievable. I leave that choice to the readers.
March 11, 2025
Whodunit said the Sister
Such a fun collection of stories! The lives of the Sisters at the Cornwall House convent are well portrayed. Sister Joan helps the local con stability solve mysteries and murders much to the chagrin of Mother Dorothy, Prioress of the convent.
I appreciated the traditions of the Catholic church as part of the plots. I was able to grow spiritually by reading about some of the obligations which the sisters were expected to practice.
I enjoyed each of the characters. They are realistic. I would like to be friends with some of the sisters.
Such a fun collection of stories! The lives of the Sisters at the Cornwall House convent are well portrayed. Sister Joan helps the local con stability solve mysteries and murders much to the chagrin of Mother Dorothy, Prioress of the convent.
I appreciated the traditions of the Catholic church as part of the plots. I was able to grow spiritually by reading about some of the obligations which the sisters were expected to practice.
I enjoyed each of the characters. They are realistic. I would like to be friends with some of the sisters.
January 4, 2025
See, Nuns ARE human!
A great read with a look into the real life of a lively nun. Sister Joan gives a look into the lives of a diverse group of nuns, and how they interact with the townspeople and each other. Her sideline, a "sister sleuth" who helps solve murders, adds interesting depth to the mysteries. There is flowing information from one story to the next that makes the various characters familiar.
A great read with a look into the real life of a lively nun. Sister Joan gives a look into the lives of a diverse group of nuns, and how they interact with the townspeople and each other. Her sideline, a "sister sleuth" who helps solve murders, adds interesting depth to the mysteries. There is flowing information from one story to the next that makes the various characters familiar.
January 31, 2025
repetitive series, not really Catholic, except for peripherals
There is always a crazy person, the twist involves somebody who has been able to masquerade as sane until chapter 11 or so, when the maniac blurts everything out to Sister Joan, and the police are always silently hidden and take the murderer off without any danger to Sister Joan.
There is always a crazy person, the twist involves somebody who has been able to masquerade as sane until chapter 11 or so, when the maniac blurts everything out to Sister Joan, and the police are always silently hidden and take the murderer off without any danger to Sister Joan.
May 21, 2025
A murder mystery series that gives hours of thrilling entertainment with a dash of humour.
Follow Sister Joan assisting the police, finding clues and putting them together to solve murders, all whilst experiencing glimpses of life in a convent. I always look forward to reading the next Sister Joan mystery.
Follow Sister Joan assisting the police, finding clues and putting them together to solve murders, all whilst experiencing glimpses of life in a convent. I always look forward to reading the next Sister Joan mystery.
December 31, 2024
A brilliant read
I loved everyone of this series. I didn't want them to end. The chemistry between sister Joan and the policeman Alan, was intriguing.
Each book was different from the last, so never boring x
I loved everyone of this series. I didn't want them to end. The chemistry between sister Joan and the policeman Alan, was intriguing.
Each book was different from the last, so never boring x
January 10, 2025
Sister Joan Mysteries
I thoroughly enjoyed all 9 books in the series. It gave a little peek into convent life while a second calling pulled Sister Joan into the entanglement of a variety of crimes to be solved.
I thoroughly enjoyed all 9 books in the series. It gave a little peek into convent life while a second calling pulled Sister Joan into the entanglement of a variety of crimes to be solved.
February 2, 2025
Praise the Lord!!!
And pass the mystery!! You are cheating yourself of some wonderful, albeit criminal, reading if you pass on this set of books. (PS Maybe a little better in print Tham Audible, but that's only my opinion. Rather dusty narration. )
And pass the mystery!! You are cheating yourself of some wonderful, albeit criminal, reading if you pass on this set of books. (PS Maybe a little better in print Tham Audible, but that's only my opinion. Rather dusty narration. )
April 1, 2025
Very enjoyable!
I really enjoyed The Sister Joan Mysteries! The plots were very unique with lots of twists and turns which kept me on my toes. Very enjoyable read! Loved the characters.
I really enjoyed The Sister Joan Mysteries! The plots were very unique with lots of twists and turns which kept me on my toes. Very enjoyable read! Loved the characters.
May 31, 2025
A Nun Agatha Christie would love.
I was looking for something other than the Fairy/Dragon Romances I've been reading and I thoroughly enjoyed this series! All the characters have their own unique personalities providing for a great Who-Done-It! Read and enjoy!
I was looking for something other than the Fairy/Dragon Romances I've been reading and I thoroughly enjoyed this series! All the characters have their own unique personalities providing for a great Who-Done-It! Read and enjoy!
December 3, 2024
Great Series
I really liked this series. Hope there will be more sometime!
Haven’t read this author before, very vertY good books.
I really liked this series. Hope there will be more sometime!
Haven’t read this author before, very vertY good books.
December 9, 2024
Think cozy mysteries
Sister Joan will pull you in and never let you go. Intricate plots with surprises. Believable characters. Just great reading.
Sister Joan will pull you in and never let you go. Intricate plots with surprises. Believable characters. Just great reading.
December 23, 2024
Sister Joan solves the mysteries
Each mystery is different and keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Easy to read yet engrossing . Sorry to reach the end.
Each mystery is different and keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Easy to read yet engrossing . Sorry to reach the end.
February 28, 2025
Great series
I really enjoyed every book in this selection. Very clever and very enjoyable stories. The characters were very interesting and believable.
I really enjoyed every book in this selection. Very clever and very enjoyable stories. The characters were very interesting and believable.
April 16, 2025
Great
It's a great series. Clever interesting and fun. Loved it and very clever detectives especially Sister Joan very well dond
It's a great series. Clever interesting and fun. Loved it and very clever detectives especially Sister Joan very well dond
May 3, 2025
Great mystery series
Thoroughly enjoyed the Sister Joan Mysteries. Kept you thinking throughout each book. Looked forward to the development of each character. Well written.
Thoroughly enjoyed the Sister Joan Mysteries. Kept you thinking throughout each book. Looked forward to the development of each character. Well written.
May 25, 2025
Great Detective series
Interesting to read what a nun with detective skills is able to help police solve murder cases. Good read!. I couldn’t stop reading!
Interesting to read what a nun with detective skills is able to help police solve murder cases. Good read!. I couldn’t stop reading!
July 15, 2025
Plot Twists!
The author takes us on quite a journey and it's well worth coming along. Enjoyed it so much! You will, too.
The author takes us on quite a journey and it's well worth coming along. Enjoyed it so much! You will, too.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews