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Silent Mistresses: A Gripping Vatican Conspiracy Thriller
A Vatican Bank scandal.
A nun who knows too much.
A church willing to do anything to keep her silent.
When Sister Maria Caruso is recruited from a small village in Sicily to modernize the bank’s books, she anticipates pushback. For starters, a woman has never held a position so high. But she adapts to the Eternal City and her new-found freedom like a butterfly leaving the chrysalis—until she discovers an anomaly in an eight-figure fund.
For decades, this secret account has not been funding charities across the globe but individuals. Now, someone will do anything to keep those names buried.
With her perception of the Vatican shattered and threats closing in, Sister Maria must walk away and stay safe—or risk everything to expose the truth.
Silent Mistresses is a gripping contemporary thriller of power, corruption, and the secrets the Vatican never wanted the world to know.
A nun who knows too much.
A church willing to do anything to keep her silent.
When Sister Maria Caruso is recruited from a small village in Sicily to modernize the bank’s books, she anticipates pushback. For starters, a woman has never held a position so high. But she adapts to the Eternal City and her new-found freedom like a butterfly leaving the chrysalis—until she discovers an anomaly in an eight-figure fund.
For decades, this secret account has not been funding charities across the globe but individuals. Now, someone will do anything to keep those names buried.
With her perception of the Vatican shattered and threats closing in, Sister Maria must walk away and stay safe—or risk everything to expose the truth.
Silent Mistresses is a gripping contemporary thriller of power, corruption, and the secrets the Vatican never wanted the world to know.
- GenresMystery
330 pages, Paperback
Published March 26, 2025
118 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
John I. Rigoli
7 books40 followersDiane Cummings is a California girl, a UCLA alum, and is currently sweating in Atlanta, Georgia, with the world’s smallest Persian cat. Diane has worked as a reporter and news director. Deciding that truth was too much stranger than fiction, she turned in her microphone and press pass and set about applying her passion for writing and editing to the world of literature. Diane has edited or ghostwritten more than fifty titles – and now she wants her name on the cover. The Vatican Chronicle Trilogy has encompassed six years of research, writing, and polishing and she hopes you enjoy Book 1 – The Mystery of Julia Episcopa as much as she has enjoyed writing it.
John Ignatius Rigoli’s experiences as both a cradle Catholic and former US Naval officer informed his world view in a rather unexpected manner, opening his eyes to the proposition that those who seek power are the last people who should hold it. John is an unabashed social justice advocate, outspoken liberal, and a patriot – and sees no dichotomy in this. As a talented and inquisitive amateur historian, John became interested in the stories of the earliest women in the catholic church, and how they have been erased. Though a work of historical fiction, The Vatican Chronicles takes its inspiration from the real women throughout history who toiled unacknowledged alongside their brothers.
John Ignatius Rigoli’s experiences as both a cradle Catholic and former US Naval officer informed his world view in a rather unexpected manner, opening his eyes to the proposition that those who seek power are the last people who should hold it. John is an unabashed social justice advocate, outspoken liberal, and a patriot – and sees no dichotomy in this. As a talented and inquisitive amateur historian, John became interested in the stories of the earliest women in the catholic church, and how they have been erased. Though a work of historical fiction, The Vatican Chronicles takes its inspiration from the real women throughout history who toiled unacknowledged alongside their brothers.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 7, 2025
A tale, with a heap of twists and turns, about a young nun who exposes clergy cover-ups. I found the story informative and engaging, but I found it hard to follow in some places. This is a product of too many characters. The book may not appeal to committed Catholics.
March 22, 2025
The Vatican chronicles book#3
What a gripping tale this chocking story turned out to be, although it may not please individuals with extreme religious beliefs I think this fiction may have a tad of reality not to be ignored.
Sister Maria Caruso is sent to the Eternal City to modernize the Bank’s books. She is the first woman to hold this esteem position- until the day she discovers an anomaly in the eight-figure fund. A secret account has not been funding charities rather individuals…..slush money given to clerics’ mistresses…..oh lala what a hot topic. Uncovering secrets the Vatican never wanted the world to know. With Maria’s perception of the Vatican shattered…..what will come next. One of those exciting reads. Enjoy.
This story is about a Vatican scandal, a nun who knows too much and a church willing to go to no end to keep their secrets silent…
I simply loved how the story develops in a rather unexpected manner opening our eyes to what is and what could be in an entertaining way. It is said the inspiration of this series is taken from real women who have been working hard alongside men their labour or knowledge ignored. But not anymore. Sister Maria is smart and is a great protagonist an asset in giving this story some truth. She faced Monseigneur, the head sister and eventually kidnappers, but Maria even with all her challenges knew what to do and held her own. All characters have great roles and played them not only to entertain us but make us wonder if something like this possibly could exist.
I found this story to be captivating, well-said and well paced and a topic not often tackled.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher the Book Whisperer for my thoughts: this is the way I see it.
What a gripping tale this chocking story turned out to be, although it may not please individuals with extreme religious beliefs I think this fiction may have a tad of reality not to be ignored.
Sister Maria Caruso is sent to the Eternal City to modernize the Bank’s books. She is the first woman to hold this esteem position- until the day she discovers an anomaly in the eight-figure fund. A secret account has not been funding charities rather individuals…..slush money given to clerics’ mistresses…..oh lala what a hot topic. Uncovering secrets the Vatican never wanted the world to know. With Maria’s perception of the Vatican shattered…..what will come next. One of those exciting reads. Enjoy.
This story is about a Vatican scandal, a nun who knows too much and a church willing to go to no end to keep their secrets silent…
I simply loved how the story develops in a rather unexpected manner opening our eyes to what is and what could be in an entertaining way. It is said the inspiration of this series is taken from real women who have been working hard alongside men their labour or knowledge ignored. But not anymore. Sister Maria is smart and is a great protagonist an asset in giving this story some truth. She faced Monseigneur, the head sister and eventually kidnappers, but Maria even with all her challenges knew what to do and held her own. All characters have great roles and played them not only to entertain us but make us wonder if something like this possibly could exist.
I found this story to be captivating, well-said and well paced and a topic not often tackled.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher the Book Whisperer for my thoughts: this is the way I see it.
April 6, 2025
This was the third in a trilogy that began just leading up to the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, which devastated Pompeii and Herculaneum. We then had the story of the Scrolls of Yeshua as told to the Anonymous Scribe. Now, moving into the twentieth century, we move to Palermo, then Vatican City, as more Vatican secrets threaten to bring down the Roman Catholic Church worldwide.
Sister Maria Caruso had been taken to her local nunnery by her father, when she was a little girl. He left her there, and not long after, he died. Maria's mother didn't want her. Maria grows up and joins the Order. She excels at maths and is a wonder with computer programming, even writing her own program to help with the running of the Order. However, as there often seems to be, there is a big problem in the Vatican. One of the bank accounts is about to be exposed, but the hierarchy want this information to remain really secret because of its inception.
Sister Maria is given the highest position ever for a woman and moves from Palermo to the Vatican to start her new job. She soon discovers the secret account, and is shocked when she realises why it was set up. If details of this account were to be revealed, hundreds of thousands of the faithful would have their beliefs shaken to the core, as well as a certain group of people having their lives ruined. What should Sister Maria do? She tells two people, but is kidnapped after her meeting with the second contact. Maria wonders why she's been taken, and by whom? It becomes clear who is behind her terrifying ordeal, and why this person and a few cohorts want absolute secrecy-----to avoid being implicated in any and all wrong doing. Sister Maria eventually escapes her prison and manages to telephone a fellow traveller on the train to Rome, who also has excellent computer skills. Together, and with the help of Maria's previous contacts, the problems are addressed. Life moves on, but with some significant changes for some of the characters.
Silent Mistresses is the type of book that, for me, demands to be read straight through, if you have the time. The narrative flows and the characters are memorable. I found myself feeling sympathetic to one or two, which surprised me, as they seemed to lurk in the grey areas of right and wrong.
Sister Maria Caruso had been taken to her local nunnery by her father, when she was a little girl. He left her there, and not long after, he died. Maria's mother didn't want her. Maria grows up and joins the Order. She excels at maths and is a wonder with computer programming, even writing her own program to help with the running of the Order. However, as there often seems to be, there is a big problem in the Vatican. One of the bank accounts is about to be exposed, but the hierarchy want this information to remain really secret because of its inception.
Sister Maria is given the highest position ever for a woman and moves from Palermo to the Vatican to start her new job. She soon discovers the secret account, and is shocked when she realises why it was set up. If details of this account were to be revealed, hundreds of thousands of the faithful would have their beliefs shaken to the core, as well as a certain group of people having their lives ruined. What should Sister Maria do? She tells two people, but is kidnapped after her meeting with the second contact. Maria wonders why she's been taken, and by whom? It becomes clear who is behind her terrifying ordeal, and why this person and a few cohorts want absolute secrecy-----to avoid being implicated in any and all wrong doing. Sister Maria eventually escapes her prison and manages to telephone a fellow traveller on the train to Rome, who also has excellent computer skills. Together, and with the help of Maria's previous contacts, the problems are addressed. Life moves on, but with some significant changes for some of the characters.
Silent Mistresses is the type of book that, for me, demands to be read straight through, if you have the time. The narrative flows and the characters are memorable. I found myself feeling sympathetic to one or two, which surprised me, as they seemed to lurk in the grey areas of right and wrong.
April 24, 2025
Misdeeds and coverups by clergymen discovered by a young nun and exposed - 5.0 stars
The story is lively and sensitive to the Catholic faithful. The vow of chastity has been in place for about 1000 years. Many men strayed and admitted to fathering children in this novel. The Church set up a payment system for the women and their out of wedlock children who were born out of wedlock with the intent of providing for the women and children with the understanding that the victims would keep the priests' indiscretions out of the public eye.
A different financial scandal led to imprisoning the former chief accountant and looking to get the books in order. A nun identified as the "Software Sister" had extensive computer skills. Sister Maria was tasked to perform the review. At about age 10, Maria had been living in a quiet convent. She developed as a pious young woman who developed strong computer skills in here cloistered environment. Her assignment is the first time she left the convent in over two decades.
Maria went straight to work on the books. Within days of being relocated to Rome and given her assignment, she discovered a hidden fund with millions of dollars being distributed at regular intervals, primarily to female recipients. She realized that the books were mostly manual without state-of-the-art controls. Maria developed plans to computerize the financial records intended to improve lax bookkeeping procedures. Since Maria had few acquaintances to confide in and had no interests beyond following her religious vows. Maria spent her time to investigate the paper records. She found evidence of a "Silent Mistress Fund" which used money donated to the Church to. keep the affairs from being made public. She was quite shaken and confused about what she should do.
Intrigue, double dealing, and even a kidnapping were plot elements interspersed with high-ranking officials many of whom only wanted to keep a lid on the information to avoid exposing improper dealings by priests who failed to observe their vows in every corner of the world. The authors clearly posed the difficulty of serving the church in the current time and cast a possible recovery plan.
The story is lively and sensitive to the Catholic faithful. The vow of chastity has been in place for about 1000 years. Many men strayed and admitted to fathering children in this novel. The Church set up a payment system for the women and their out of wedlock children who were born out of wedlock with the intent of providing for the women and children with the understanding that the victims would keep the priests' indiscretions out of the public eye.
A different financial scandal led to imprisoning the former chief accountant and looking to get the books in order. A nun identified as the "Software Sister" had extensive computer skills. Sister Maria was tasked to perform the review. At about age 10, Maria had been living in a quiet convent. She developed as a pious young woman who developed strong computer skills in here cloistered environment. Her assignment is the first time she left the convent in over two decades.
Maria went straight to work on the books. Within days of being relocated to Rome and given her assignment, she discovered a hidden fund with millions of dollars being distributed at regular intervals, primarily to female recipients. She realized that the books were mostly manual without state-of-the-art controls. Maria developed plans to computerize the financial records intended to improve lax bookkeeping procedures. Since Maria had few acquaintances to confide in and had no interests beyond following her religious vows. Maria spent her time to investigate the paper records. She found evidence of a "Silent Mistress Fund" which used money donated to the Church to. keep the affairs from being made public. She was quite shaken and confused about what she should do.
Intrigue, double dealing, and even a kidnapping were plot elements interspersed with high-ranking officials many of whom only wanted to keep a lid on the information to avoid exposing improper dealings by priests who failed to observe their vows in every corner of the world. The authors clearly posed the difficulty of serving the church in the current time and cast a possible recovery plan.
April 27, 2025
Silent Mistresses
By John Rigoli et al.
This is the third book in the Vatican Chronicles trilogy. It is a very interesting tale of how the misguided rules of the Catholic church have negatively impacted both priests and parishioners for generations. Most notably this book speaks to the subjects of the unnatural celibacy required of priests and the exclusion of women from the halls of church power. Members of the church hierarchy perform misguided (sometimes criminal) acts to "protect the church", when they are in fact protecting their own power.
This story revolves around the so-called Silent Mistresses fund. This was ostensibly a charitable fund intended to help the poor worldwide and funded through contributions. In reality it is a slush fund to pay off women and their illegitimate children fathered by clergy. There are different versions of these situations: some of this women were willing participants in a mutually loving relationship, others involve the abuse of young girls and women by predator clergy. Either way, this fund and the situations that brought it about are kept secret.
I very much enjoyed the thoughtful way these stories are told. My only problem with the book is that there is no conclusion as to what happens to some of the main characters. Not having read or even heard of the preceding books, I felt that maybe those characters would form the basis for another book. I was disappointed to realize that this is the final volume of a trilogy!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
By John Rigoli et al.
This is the third book in the Vatican Chronicles trilogy. It is a very interesting tale of how the misguided rules of the Catholic church have negatively impacted both priests and parishioners for generations. Most notably this book speaks to the subjects of the unnatural celibacy required of priests and the exclusion of women from the halls of church power. Members of the church hierarchy perform misguided (sometimes criminal) acts to "protect the church", when they are in fact protecting their own power.
This story revolves around the so-called Silent Mistresses fund. This was ostensibly a charitable fund intended to help the poor worldwide and funded through contributions. In reality it is a slush fund to pay off women and their illegitimate children fathered by clergy. There are different versions of these situations: some of this women were willing participants in a mutually loving relationship, others involve the abuse of young girls and women by predator clergy. Either way, this fund and the situations that brought it about are kept secret.
I very much enjoyed the thoughtful way these stories are told. My only problem with the book is that there is no conclusion as to what happens to some of the main characters. Not having read or even heard of the preceding books, I felt that maybe those characters would form the basis for another book. I was disappointed to realize that this is the final volume of a trilogy!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
April 1, 2025
This thriller thrives on suspense, unexpected twists, and high stakes. Silent Mistresses immerses the reader in the Vatican’s inner workings, exposing the complexities of financial cover-ups and the weight of historical legacies. The blend of religion, finance, and conspiracy creates a gripping narrative, while Sister Maria’s role as a nun-turned-investigator adds a fresh and compelling angle.
When hidden accounts are discovered, Sister Maria finds herself entangled in a relentless psychological battle. As a whistleblower, she becomes an intriguing figure—her faith guiding her actions, but at what cost? The novel masterfully explores the tension between loyalty to the Church and loyalty to the truth, presenting a compelling moral dilemma. How far will she go to expose corruption? As she grapples with her convictions, she questions whether revealing the truth will ultimately do more harm than good.
The book is well-paced, maintaining tension through unpredictable twists and betrayals. The characters feel authentic, and the resolution delivers a satisfying conclusion. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing a free advance copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When hidden accounts are discovered, Sister Maria finds herself entangled in a relentless psychological battle. As a whistleblower, she becomes an intriguing figure—her faith guiding her actions, but at what cost? The novel masterfully explores the tension between loyalty to the Church and loyalty to the truth, presenting a compelling moral dilemma. How far will she go to expose corruption? As she grapples with her convictions, she questions whether revealing the truth will ultimately do more harm than good.
The book is well-paced, maintaining tension through unpredictable twists and betrayals. The characters feel authentic, and the resolution delivers a satisfying conclusion. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing a free advance copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 31, 2025
This book is a psychological crime novel centered on secrecy, power, and the quiet damage created by hidden relationships.
The story focuses on people who live in the margins of other people’s lives. The book examines how silence becomes a survival strategy and how that silence slowly reshapes identity, trust, and decision making.
The author writes with restraint. Scenes move with purpose. Dialogue carries weight. Information is revealed through behavior and consequence, not exposition. The tension comes from watching how small choices accumulate and collide.
The emotional stakes stay front and center, even as the plot tightens. The atmosphere stays controlled and uneasy, with a steady sense that something unresolved is always present.
Readers who enjoy psychological tension, moral complexity, and stories about the cost of hidden lives will find this a compelling read.
The story focuses on people who live in the margins of other people’s lives. The book examines how silence becomes a survival strategy and how that silence slowly reshapes identity, trust, and decision making.
The author writes with restraint. Scenes move with purpose. Dialogue carries weight. Information is revealed through behavior and consequence, not exposition. The tension comes from watching how small choices accumulate and collide.
The emotional stakes stay front and center, even as the plot tightens. The atmosphere stays controlled and uneasy, with a steady sense that something unresolved is always present.
Readers who enjoy psychological tension, moral complexity, and stories about the cost of hidden lives will find this a compelling read.
April 25, 2025
Okay. We're switching gears. No more archaeology, now we're in computer forensics and accountancy.
I quit caring. The Banco Ambrosiano scandal took place in my adulthood and, as I thought then, represented an iceberg's tip of the real story.
While nice enough to read as a mystery, the topic was not what I expected it to be or wanted to read about. The authors, as assisted, turned out a run-of-the-mill crime story with stakes I just could not invest in. Three stars for competency. None for my personal enjoyment.
I quit caring. The Banco Ambrosiano scandal took place in my adulthood and, as I thought then, represented an iceberg's tip of the real story.
While nice enough to read as a mystery, the topic was not what I expected it to be or wanted to read about. The authors, as assisted, turned out a run-of-the-mill crime story with stakes I just could not invest in. Three stars for competency. None for my personal enjoyment.
March 8, 2025
The Vatican always seems shrouded in a mystery. As billions of dollars flow through here, it was interesting to see how one big slice of this was being used for cover-ups and our bold nun sussing it out. Sister Maria is smart, too smart, and she needs to keep her head off the chopping block while using her clever software to uncover the financial trail.
This was well researched, but I found the pacing a bit slow at first.
#SilentMistresses #NetGalley
This was well researched, but I found the pacing a bit slow at first.
#SilentMistresses #NetGalley
July 2, 2025
This Trilogy Is An Excellent Read
I loved each book in this trilogy and I sincerely hope this isn’t the end. As a cradle Catholic I’m filled with so many questions regarding my Church and my religion. I love each of the characters as hey are introduced and as they each develop. The only problem for me is that they are too short. I honestly look forward to more stories from these outstanding authors.
I loved each book in this trilogy and I sincerely hope this isn’t the end. As a cradle Catholic I’m filled with so many questions regarding my Church and my religion. I love each of the characters as hey are introduced and as they each develop. The only problem for me is that they are too short. I honestly look forward to more stories from these outstanding authors.
July 6, 2025
Third in this series, this story does not disappoint. Set in a more recent era, a young nun is brought in to 'straighten out' the books of the Vatican Bank. But what she discovers is legendary! A charitable fund that pays the victims of sexually errant clerics!!
Thrills, chills, and a satisfactory outcome that will shake the foundations of the Vatican.
Even more engaging than the first two books in the series. Hoping there is a fourth book in the works.
Thrills, chills, and a satisfactory outcome that will shake the foundations of the Vatican.
Even more engaging than the first two books in the series. Hoping there is a fourth book in the works.
June 25, 2025
The Action is Fast and Furious
How can a book about a nun be an action thriller - this is a plot that pulls it off. The Vatican has many secrets but it takes a fearless techno savvy young nun to catch on to a centuries old practice that pays off women who are lovers of priests. Her actions change the church profoundly but they almost get her killed.
How can a book about a nun be an action thriller - this is a plot that pulls it off. The Vatican has many secrets but it takes a fearless techno savvy young nun to catch on to a centuries old practice that pays off women who are lovers of priests. Her actions change the church profoundly but they almost get her killed.
March 9, 2025
Enjoyed the topic and outcome. The author carefully wove Sister Maria’s expertise into a story that had many twists and turns. The ending cleared many questions and of course brought a smile for an happy ending.
March 24, 2025
A very good book that kept me wanting to read until finished. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because it had lots of characters to keep track of. Thank you #netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. #silentmistresses
March 31, 2025
This was an interesting read, it would have been better for me if I have read the first two books but the title and the blurb intrigued me. I find these elements of history fascinating and how they can happen. Now I am going back to the previous books to fill in the blanks.
April 1, 2025
One of the best books I've read in a long time!
April 25, 2025
worth the wait
Excellent in all respects story, strong characters, flow and resolve.
More please.
Using current history undercurrent makes a believable point.
Excellent in all respects story, strong characters, flow and resolve.
More please.
Using current history undercurrent makes a believable point.
June 1, 2025
,Great Readc
This book was very interesting and I enjoyed it . It is almost like a page out of today's news, but treated with sensitivity.
This book was very interesting and I enjoyed it . It is almost like a page out of today's news, but treated with sensitivity.
July 26, 2025
Fantastic
Wow, this third in the series did not disappoint. I found it hard to put down as with the first two.
Wow, this third in the series did not disappoint. I found it hard to put down as with the first two.
August 9, 2025
I have enjoyed these authors and their trilogy!
April 24, 2025
As this mystery-cum-thriller is based on true happenings in the history of the Roman Catholic church, I had to believe that the events alluded to in this novel were plausible. It made for a really good story and gave my heart a few zinging nips of adrenaline as I read through. No wonder Sister Maria Caruso, who was an advocate for truth, had some excitement in her otherwise placid life.
The authors of Silent Mistresses may appear to be putting a negative spin on the Roman Catholic church but as the book's characters thrash out consequences of certain actions of the church, to expose the secrets and the plight of those involved, I thought it wasn't so much about the church in general, per se, rather on some of their deplorable practices they unreaonably attempted to uphold.
Priests, fathers, bishops, popes and general chuirch adherents may be surprized but also find this of interest. I enjoyed the story as there were those who were especially championing female victims. I feel most other potential readers will enjoy reading this third book in the Vatican Chronicles series.
~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~
March 2025
The authors of Silent Mistresses may appear to be putting a negative spin on the Roman Catholic church but as the book's characters thrash out consequences of certain actions of the church, to expose the secrets and the plight of those involved, I thought it wasn't so much about the church in general, per se, rather on some of their deplorable practices they unreaonably attempted to uphold.
Priests, fathers, bishops, popes and general chuirch adherents may be surprized but also find this of interest. I enjoyed the story as there were those who were especially championing female victims. I feel most other potential readers will enjoy reading this third book in the Vatican Chronicles series.
~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~
March 2025
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews