Dropped Like a Bad Habit

Nun the Wiser Mysteries #2

by Melissa Westemeier

The bodies keep piling up along Chestnut Street…

When Sister Bernadette hears from the local pharmacist about plans to redevelop and gentrify their small community on Chestnut Street, she rallies her neighbors at The Senior Living to help stop it. Chestnut Street is home to local mom-and-pop businesses that The Abbey’s residents frequently access. But when the healthy pharmacist mysteriously drops dead with no discernable reason, Detective AJ Lewis is stumped. Then another, younger, business owner dies with no explanation, and AJ is suspicious and starts to dig.

Sister Bernie, trying to solve small, seemingly nonsensical thefts, is intrigued and positions herself to collaborate with the police for what she hopes will be her second murder investigation. Why did two seemingly healthy men conveniently die? Who’s behind the shadowy Vision Corporation? Each question leads to a dead end or another question. And then there’s an unexpected death at The Abbey. Coincidence or connection?

Murder’s becoming a bad habit Sister Bernie and AJ are determined to break.

Perfect for fans of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club and Rita Mae Brown’s Sister Jane Mysteries. If you love witty amateur sleuths, charming small-town intrigue, and a murder mystery with heart, Dropped Like a Bad Habit is your next must-read!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Cozy Mystery

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2025

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was enigmatic. Lots of moving pieces and people with hidden agendas and hidden lives and lies. Sister Bernie and her fellow residents of The Abbey are struck with some random thefts and she’s on the case. When they hear of the death of a beloved local business owner who’s opposed to a gentrification plan she feels compelled to take up his cause. All this leads to some really shady dealings and some very complicated and broken people.
A veritable head scratcher. The things people think they can get away with is almost as scary as the ones they actually do manage to get done. Thankfully in this case we have a nun who’s an activist and a couple of really good detectives who don’t like coincidences. I really enjoyed this story. Was a bit of a slow start but once things started moving it was full of twists and surprises. Really love Bernie and the rest of the colorful crew at The Abbey and I look forward to more of their adventures!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Nun’s the wiser series. It is a cute cozy series that has a retired num living in a retirement home in a small neighborhood. Sister Bernadette discovers that someone is buying up properties in the neighborhood and hopes to put in condo’s and strip malls. The residents of the Abby are not happy and when one of the resident is murdered everyone thinks it’s tied to the property wars. I like all the characters as most are about my age.

[SOS · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

Sister Bernadette “Bernie” Ohlson, finds herself in the middle of a big mess, once again. This time, she and the other residents of The Abbey Senior Living join forces in the hopes of stopping a proposed major development in the neighborhood. People who live in the neighborhood like it as it is, and this development would completely change the character of the community. Things get complicated when store owners on the block where the development is planned start to die. Bernie decides that perhaps she can assist Detective AJ Lewis, her former student, in his investigation, only her assistance hasn’t been requested by AJ.

This book, the second in this series, is a combination of a cozy mystery and a police procedural. It’s about crime, not just murder, by theft of objects from several locations. It’s about betrayal, loss, families, friendship, and aging. Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you’re useless. It was interesting, but I felt that it moved more slowly than the first book in the series. It did pick up around halfway through the book, so stick with it. It will be worth your while.

I loved the characters. I could easily see Bernie played by Rosalind Russel. AJ is a dedicated police officer, and he’s very good at his job. The residents of The Abbey are lively and amusing characters, but they add so much heart to the story.

The writing was excellent. It was witty, funny, and heartwarming. The crimes were brought forward in a believable manner. The ones responsible were not surprising, but the how and why were. I hope that there will be a third book in this series.

I recommend this book.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher, Tule. I thank them for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.

[Cindy Cieslik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Westemeier has scored another hit with her second book in the Nun the Wiser cozy mystery series,Dropped Like a Bad Habit. Just as with her Bassville series Melissa’s second book goes deeper into the characters we have come to love. If you have yet to read Old Habits Die Hard you should because it is your introduction to some fascinating people, particularly the residents of the Abbey, a senior living community in a repurposed school.

Westemeier introduces a conflict that many urban neighborhoods face, gentrification. A developer is trying to buy up the shops on Chestnut Street on which the Abbey community and other neighbors rely. After talking to Ethan, the pharmacist who is leading the fight against redevelopment, Sister Bernie finds herself eager to help. She enlists the support of several of the other residents in the Abbey. When Ethan turns up dead, Bernie’s former student, Detective A.J. Lewis is called on to investigate the death. Bernie wants to help A.J. solve the case. A.J. wants to keep Bernie safe and out of his hair while the investigation continues. However, Bernie’s snooping provides some clues that her former student can’t afford to ignore.

This multi-layered mystery will hold your attention as you puzzle along with A.J, Sister Bernie, and the other interested parties. The author’s excellent research on gentrification and how it can be accomplished is fascinating. The characters are complex and interesting, especially Crazy O, who owns the tattoo parlor. There are no stereotypes among them. Can’t wait for book 3.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dropped Like a Bad Habit by Melissa Westemeier is book two in Nun the Wiser Mysteries. Retired teacher Sister Bernadette is once again on the investigating thefts in the local store then a death happens in the community. However Detective AJ Lewis is also one of the main characters, much more than in book one. I like this addition of seeing more of him while he is investigating the death. If a cozy mystery where there is witty dialogue, quirky characters in a charming community then Dropped Like a Bad Habit is a book that you would enjoy.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dropped Like a Bad Habit (Nun the Wiser Mysteries #2) by Melissa Westemeier:

A great addition to Melissa Westemeier’s new series! I was engaged from the very start — the storyline is strong, well-paced, and easy to follow. The characters work seamlessly together, each adding depth and personality to the plot. I felt as though they were real people I’d met before. A thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish. Highly recommended to all mystery lovers!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.
This book was delightful. I am looking forward to reading more from this series.
The characters were fleshed out well, the plot moved along at a good clip, keeping my interest constant throughout the book. I loved seeing how all the characters interacted.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. There was a lot going on with it all seemingly connected somehow but at the same time nobody knew how. The story is told by AJ a police detective show job it is to investigate and Bernie an ex nun living in the street where all the action takes place and a nose for trouble. I love the characters living in the Abby, with all there quirks and personalities it makes for an entertaining read. Bernie might be an ex nun but the author doesn't push the religious aspect of the story on to her readers, so don't let that stop you from reading the book. With three dead residents from the street and no cause of death Chestnut Street seems a dangerous place to live, add in a real estate developer buying up the buildings and a number of items being stolen and you have a story with plenty of suspects and red herrings to keep you guessing. I can't wait for the next book.

Bernie is horrified to learn that local developers want to buy up the buildings in Chestnut street to revitalise the area. Meaning all the shop owners being pushed out, the biggest opposition is from the local chemist. So when she wakes up to the news he died during the night, she suspects foul play. With no sign of trauma and a video showing he was on his own, the police are unsure if it natural causes of something more sinister. Then another resident of the street is found dead, with no visible cause of death or connection to the first victim. The next death is closer to home and an Abbey resident is found dead but being elderly nobody is surprised. The only surprise is what they find in her apartment. Bernie and Detective AJ Lewis feels the deaths are connected and maybe even the thefts. Can they figure it out before anybody else dies?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Martha Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in the series and even better than the first

This is the second in a series and the author does a great job developing the characters even further. I can’t wait for the next one!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in this series was just as great as the first book. I enjoyed reading more about some very endearing characters. I’ll be looking forward to book three!

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the Nun the Wiser series by Westemeier where Sister Bernadette envisions herself something like Jessica Fletcher in Murder She Wrote. It’s an entertaining cozy mystery where senior citizens are the central characters with the old school turned into apartments serving as much as another character as a backdrop. There are life lessons with the importance of friendship, community and family. The series is worth exploring.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the premise of this story was interesting in having a nun solve mysteries. Sister Bernie was not quite what I was expecting of a nun and is quite a character. The story started a little slow but picked up after a bit. Chestnut Street sounds like a lovely neighborhood despite deaths on the street. There is quite a cast of characters living at The Abbey: Senior Living. It was intriguing following Sister Bernie’s path to solving a few crimes including murder. I plan to read the first one in the series. I voluntarily read an advance copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Common Household · Rating 5 out of 5]

The eavesdropping nun is back! Along with her police pal and former student AJ, Sister Bernie solves several mysteries, both small and large, on what has to be the friendliest but also the unluckiest street in Eugene, Oregon. This book is the second in the coziest, mysteriest series the “Nun the Wiser Mysteries”. I enjoyed both books a great deal. Yes, it’s a murder mystery, but in these divided times, it also shows us an example of what a community can be. It takes place in autumn, my favorite season, which added to my enjoyment reading it.

There is an appearance of tea (something I look for in novels) and an instance of cupcakes. And an awesome Halloween party. The author recognizes that Halloween parties at retirement centers are a big deal. Back in 2012, my aunt, as a new resident of the retirement center, was invited to judge the Halloween costume contest. She received a fair amount of pressure from entrants!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dropped Like a Bad Habit is the second book in Melissa Westemeier’s terrific series, Nun the Wiser Mysteries. The cozy mystery takes place at the Abbey Senior Living and the surrounding Churchill Street community. Former nun, Sister Bernadette, now known as Bernie has discovered there is a company trying to buy up the small stores and apartments on Churchill street. Then the plan is to tear them down and replace them with expensive new homes. She shares this information with the people at the Abbey and they organize to fight this company. The pharmacy is owned by a couple who are opposed to the new development. They plan to fight it. There is a tattoo shop owned by a man who is also against this development.

We meet the residents of the Abbey and the woman in charge, Meadow. One of the women, Fern, has a friend who comes a few times a week to take her shopping and look out for her. It is discovered that some minor thefts have taken place both at the businesses and at the Abbey. So Bernie decides to get involved to solve the case. Police detective AJ and his partner Taylor are called in to look for the thief. The pharmacist suddenly dies. The police are unable to determine the cause of death and he is a healthy younger man. Later that week, the tattoo parlor owner suddenly drops dead. Again, he’s younger but the police suspect it could be drugs. They are unable again to determine the cause of death. AJ and Taylor are investigating the murders. Bernie decides to also look for clues in these crimes as well. It is uncertain if the murders are linked and if they are connected to the thefts. She also decides to take up the fight against the company wanting to buy up all the mom and pop businesses in her neighborhood. Along with the rest of the residents, they put together an information session and have petitions for their neighbors to sign. They also try to research the company and the people associated with it. Shortly after this, it is Halloween and the Abbey has an event for the children trick or treating. After the event ends it is discovered that Fern is dead. It is assumed that it is due to old age, but not confirmed. So many questions, so much suspense and so many surprises.

This is a well written book filled with eccentric characters. I enjoy seeing many of the same people from the first book. Melissa has used a cool technique where there is both detectives and Bernie and her crew working to solve the murders and thefts. I was very surprised when I learned who was responsible for the crimes. This is another 5 star book I’m happy to recommend.

I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

[Christa Nardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of quirky characters make this a fun read with laugh-out-loud moments. The MC, Sister Bernadette, is older and a dominant force, as she likely was when she was actively a nun and teacher. The church and school closed and the building was re-purposed to The Abbey, a senior living facility with apartments and other amenities.

Meadow is the manager and younger of the seniors, while Fern is the oldest and frailest. She adds the calming force as various residents disagree. Not far from The Abbey, on Chestnut Street, stores are being pressured to sell out to a development company. One staunch objector, Ethan, is found dead. As Bernie jumps in to find answers the detectives - AJ and Taylor - can't find, spearheads an organized attack on the Vision, residents have objects disappearing. Then there's another person with a suspicious death, and then another.

The tale is well-written with eccentric characters, lots of surprises and suspects. It is both witty and heartwarming. Genre is definitely cozy, but with AJ predominant as well, includes police procedural. This is the second in the series. It can be read alone, still I always recommend you start with the first book in the series.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

[Paula Altenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is wonderful.

We have Sister Bernadette, a retired nun and former teacher who prides herself on her mental acuity and sees nothing wrong with being nosy, as long as it's for the greater good. Everything, it turns out, is for the greater good. She's the spry, unmarried aunt who didn't get the memo on how to keep her opinions to herself, but you love her anyway because she means well and she's always there when you need her. She's never met a dead body or a puzzle that she could resist.

Then there's Detective AJ Lewis, a former student of Sister Bernie, and he has a soft spot for her, even though she's constantly in his business. We've all got that brother or son who can't give up gaming. That's AJ. His social life is mostly online. He likes to think things through before he reaches conclusions.

There's a cast of colorful characters, the dead bodies pile up, I want to live in The Abbey on Chestnut Street, and overall, these are cozy mysteries in a lovely setting that you won't want to miss.

I highly recommend the Nun the Wiser series and I'm about to dive into Book 3!

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sister sleuth.

Change is coming to Chestnut Street, and not everyone is happy about it. Sister Bernadette “Bernie” and other residents of The Abby like their community for its convenience and friendly atmosphere, but a developer has plans for bigger and better living. The local mom-and-pop businesses are split; some in favor, some against. There are also unexplained thefts occurring.

The pharmacist leading those against dies unexpectedly under suspicious circumstances. Unless Detective AJ Lewis can find proof of murder, the case will be closed. When a second business owner also dies, and then an elderly resident at The Abby, AJ works hard to solve the “coincidental” deaths. Sister Bernie works behind the scenes to assist the investigation and solve the string of thefts.

Sister Bernie always manages to involve The Abby’s quirky residents in her investigations, whether she wants to or not. It adds humor and a little drama. I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Tina Palma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in Melissa Westemeier's Nun the Wiser series is a great read.
Sister Bernadette is determined to help the owner of the local Pharmer’s Market stop a developer from coming in and changing the community. She engages her retirement community at the Abbey and is preparing a plan of action when the owner suddenly dies. This introduces Detective AJ Lewis and his partner, Taylor, back in the series while they try and solve this suspicious death and more deaths that come. Coincidentally, there is a string of thefts happening in the local stores as well as right at the Abbey itself! Bernie has all the best intentions while she tries to assist the detectives behind the scenes adding comedy and mishaps to the story.
With lots of twists and turns and a great ending, I liked this book a lot. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and being entertained by these fun, quirky characters.

I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This can be read as a stand alone book without having read book one. When you finish this one you will have enjoyed it so much you will want to go back and read book one.
Sister Bernadette better know as Bernie now that she is retired is such a person I would like to be more like. Yes she is noisy but she is caring also and that's the part I like about her. She hears about something that's trying to happen in the neighborhood then next thing you know the person who is going against it has died. She decides to take up where he left off at on his mission. Then there is another death. The Abbey has one of its residents die that's just a bit much to her liking. You just have to grab this story and do some investigating with Bernie.

Thank you Booksprout for the opportunity to read this book.

[Renee Marski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sister Bernie lives at the Abbey, a converted church/catholic school. When things go missing around the Abbey, she calls AJ to report the thefts. She gets pulled into a suspicious death investigation when the local pharmacy loses it’s owner. Turns out, he was trying to fight a developer from taking over the neighborhood. Then, the tattoo shop owner also dies. When a third death occurs at the Abbey, AJ decides there are too many coincidences.

Delving deeper into the development company, things aren’t adding up. It seems to just be a front. And no one can get a hold of the guy running it. As the pieces fall into place, Detective AJ and Bernie start to come to the same conclusion. The deaths are connected.

A fun murder mystery with a Catholic flair. Sister Bernie is such a cute character!

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sister Bernadette is very community-minded and when a valued member of the community dies in a suspicious manner, she decides to investigate. After all she was successful in the past. What she didn't expect was more bodies to hit the floor the deeper she sleuthed. There are a lot of twists and turns and a wonderful conclusion. I had not read the first book in this series but want to do so now. This can be read as a stand alone. A perfect lazy summer day read that was hard to put down.

[Bethany Vedder · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading anything by Melissa, and I loved it! Great and quirky characters, lovely twists and turns in the mystery, excellent dialog and writing, and a plot that was well paced. I loved the setting of the town and the independent folks at the Abbey. I stayed up way too late the first night, and finished it in 2 days! I'll go back and read the first one in the series next, and hope there are more coming soon.

[Gail Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sister Bernadette is trying to save her neighborhood from a takeover by a company wanting to tear down the old and build the new -- as well as determine who is stealing items from the residents at The Abbey. Meanwhile Detective TJ Lewis is stumped by deaths that seem to be "natural" and yet unexplained. In the end Bernie's meddling helps to solve the crime. This is my second in the NUN the Wiser series and I expect I'll read the next when it comes out. They are easy to read and fun.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy mystery has everything - wonderful, slightly quirky, characters that will make you smile and laugh throughout and a storyline with plenty of surprises along the way. This is a fantastic book to read that you will enjoy throughout. I can only recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was such fun to spend time with the people at The Abby again - and AJ & Taylor too! It was also great to follow along as things got figured out! I'm absolutely looking forward to the next book in this series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

HURRAH! One of my fav nun detective is back and I'm happy cause I was look forward to read it
Well plotted, witty, gripping, a solid cozy mystery
Can't wait to read the next
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

a string of apparently healthy folks suffer sudden deaths, and draw attention to issues surrounding community, family, community and finances

a thief is somewhere in the mix - who or what could be under suspicion?

intense and dramatic senior living community with lethal twists.

[Sarah Eich Ogden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sister Bernie and her cast of characters are the perfect batch to help solve the crimes and help their community! Just a great and entertaining read that will leave you wanting to pick up the next installment!

[Tracey Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh-out-loud funny. I love how Melissa combines an older amateur sleuth with a young, gaming detective. As the bodies piled up, I couldn't wait to see how she wrapped up the mystery. I was delighted to see the friendship grow between the two contrary characters. A delightful read.

[Karley Sydow · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️