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Giulia Driscoll #1
Nun Too Soon
Giulia Falcone-Driscoll has just taken on her first impossible client: The Silk Tie Killer. He's hired Driscoll Investigations to prove his innocence and they have only thirteen days to accomplish it. Talk about being tried in the media. Everyone in town is sure Roger Fitch strangled his girlfriend with one of his silk neckties. And then there's the local TMZ wannabes—The Scoop—stalking Giulia and her client for sleazy sound bites. On top of all that, her assistant's first baby is due any second, her scary smart admin still doesn't relate well to humans, and her police detective husband insists her client is guilty. About this marriage thing—it's unknown territory, but it sure beats ten years of living with 150 nuns. Giulia's ownership of Driscoll Investigations hasn't changed her passion for justice from her convent years. But the more dirt she digs up, the more she's worried her efforts will help a murderer escape. As the client accuses DI of dragging its heels on purpose, Giulia thinks The Silk Tie Killer might be choosing one of his ties for her own neck.
270 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2015
142 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
About the author
Alice Loweecey
22 books154 followersBaker of brownies and tormenter of characters, Alice Loweecey celebrates the the day she jumped the wall with as much enthusiasm as her birthday. She grew up watching Hammer horror films and Scooby-Doo mysteries, which explains a whole lot. When she's not creating trouble for her sleuth Giulia Driscoll or inspiring nightmares as her alter-ego Kate Morgan, she can be found growing vegetables in her garden and water lilies in her koi pond.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 22, 2015
I liked this one. Giulia is a fun lead with an interesting background as a nun, and a supportive husband. A nice touch of noir in a cozy mystery-style read.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine in the January/February 2015 issue. http://affairedecoeur.com
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine in the January/February 2015 issue. http://affairedecoeur.com
December 24, 2014
Two problems with this book.
1. It just didn't grab me.
2. I was put off because when I see this is the "first" in a series, I expect it to really be the first. This is really a continuation of the author's previous series, "Falcone and Driscoll Investigation".
From the description of the previous series, it seems to be Giulia's move from the convent to the real world, and then into the life of Private Investigator Frank Driscoll. I probably would have been interested to start the series from there, but I probably won't bother at this point.
I'm not sure why they didn't make this book 4 in the series, instead of making this a new one. Both series are from Giulia's point of view. The only difference I can ascertain is that Frank goes back to work for the police force, and Giulia now runs the PI business.
Making this a separate series is bad marketing. Newcomers like me expect much more in the nun realm when you title a book "Nun Too Soon". When Giulia's past is mentioned, you feel like you're on the outside of an inside joke. I kept trying to get a handle on her personality, but missing so much of the back story made that difficult. It is well known she left the convent and married Frank, but readers starting here just don't have the history and love for the character that fans of the first series do.
Every so often, the writing made me grin, and the last bit was good, but I think too little too late for me.
So.... I decided I needed a fun nun gif to reward myself for sticking it through to the end.
I received a free digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2017
Driscoll Investigations already has a full plate when Giulia is offered the case of the Silk Tie Killer. Roger Fitch, the accused, maintains that he is innocent of killing his girlfriend, and Giulia has a hard time walking away from an underdog. Is he truly innocent? There are certainly enough suspects, but can she figure it out?
I absolutely loved this book! Giulia and the other series regulars are a complete delight, and their teasing and bantered kept me grinning and smiling. The case has some nice twists, and the suspects were memorable no matter how much page time they had. This book tends toward the darker end of the cozy spectrum, but it was completely enjoyable.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I absolutely loved this book! Giulia and the other series regulars are a complete delight, and their teasing and bantered kept me grinning and smiling. The case has some nice twists, and the suspects were memorable no matter how much page time they had. This book tends toward the darker end of the cozy spectrum, but it was completely enjoyable.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 20, 2014
*NetGalley book review*
Nope. Nothing. Zilch. I could not get into this book as the character telling it, has nothing to do with it. Weird. I tried. I got to about 40% and after putting it down for the what seemed like the 50th time. I finally gave up.
Nope. Nothing. Zilch. I could not get into this book as the character telling it, has nothing to do with it. Weird. I tried. I got to about 40% and after putting it down for the what seemed like the 50th time. I finally gave up.
January 16, 2015
Giulia Falcone-Driscoll, former nun turned PI has taken over Driscoll Investations now husband a homicide detective has returned to work. She is working for a farm to determine who is stealing from the company when she is asked to look into the Silk Killer case just before his trial. She has to replace her receptionist as she due to deliver "Little -Sidney" in two weeks. A tabloid newspaper Scoop is on her trail and she needs to douch them. They turned up all the time. This a fun book as it moves smoothly toward the story. Giuliani needs to find who the killer was and is stealing from the company. I recommend this book and looking forward to the Giuiani's adventure.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
May 10, 2017
This book's author uses her past life and career as a Nun to create the main character...Giulia Falcone-Driscoll. Ms. Loweecey is able to blend real life with fictional to draw a character both memorable as well as believable.
Our sleuth, now happily married to a police detective who adores her, Frank, has taken over his Private Investigation company. The employees are also easy to like. Sidney, a heavily pregnant assistant who is married to a psychologist and they own an alpaca manure company had me on tenterhooks as she capably carried on her duties while being 37-weeks along. Has a wicked sense of humor and I learned Alpaca poop is almost no-odor!
Then there is Zane and he is the Administrative Assistant with a brain power that amazes one. Zane is slowly learning how to relax and share the office with a Boss who enjoys life and our Sidney. Zane is also an amazing gamer and has a voice like 'Bogey's.'
Giulia Falcone-Driscoll knows her staff is running at capacity with a large embezzlement case as well as constant Catholic Diocese Employment checks. However, when a plum 'Silk Tie Killer' case comes across her desk...looking for a case of probable doubt...she can't resist. Giulia's sense of Justice has been tweaked and even though their might be a slight conflict of interest, heck she has to take on the assignment.
This novel will have you chuckling, angry, almost disagreeing with Giulia's judgment, but, surprised at the ending, but...not. I'm not going to say any more than...please give this novel and series a read. It is truly enjoyable.
Our sleuth, now happily married to a police detective who adores her, Frank, has taken over his Private Investigation company. The employees are also easy to like. Sidney, a heavily pregnant assistant who is married to a psychologist and they own an alpaca manure company had me on tenterhooks as she capably carried on her duties while being 37-weeks along. Has a wicked sense of humor and I learned Alpaca poop is almost no-odor!
Then there is Zane and he is the Administrative Assistant with a brain power that amazes one. Zane is slowly learning how to relax and share the office with a Boss who enjoys life and our Sidney. Zane is also an amazing gamer and has a voice like 'Bogey's.'
Giulia Falcone-Driscoll knows her staff is running at capacity with a large embezzlement case as well as constant Catholic Diocese Employment checks. However, when a plum 'Silk Tie Killer' case comes across her desk...looking for a case of probable doubt...she can't resist. Giulia's sense of Justice has been tweaked and even though their might be a slight conflict of interest, heck she has to take on the assignment.
This novel will have you chuckling, angry, almost disagreeing with Giulia's judgment, but, surprised at the ending, but...not. I'm not going to say any more than...please give this novel and series a read. It is truly enjoyable.
October 14, 2020
The main character in this series is a former nun married to a police detective. She owns a private investigation company with two employees. In this book they are hired to prove a man awaiting trial for murder is not the murderer even though he is very unlikable. The book is fast paced with short chapters. It was an easy read. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
June 8, 2017
A former nun who is currently a PI married to a police detective. The characters are well realized, the plot well constructed. Giulia gets a loathsome client who wants her to prove his innocence in a murder. She's also working for his firm on another case, possible embezzlement. It does get interesting. Not great literature but a nice read.
January 25, 2015
I'm a sucker for books about nuns or ex nuns. I wish I would have known that there was a previous series with the characters from this book, because I would have liked more backstory on Giulia and that just wasn't found here. Mind you, I have one of the books from the previous series on my tbr pile, but I didn't know that until after I have started this one.
The mystery however is great and that's what kept me from getting to confused trying to figure out Giulia's story. Most of the time, I wanted to know more about her time as a nun, or why she left the religious life.
That doesn't stop her from being a really awesome heroine, and her co-workers, Zane and Shirley and husband, Frank are all great. The best thing about Giulia, is that she's professional and not the typical bumbling female sleuth.
From the get go, you hate Roger Fitch. Honestly, there's never been a character that you wish "did" it, in a mystery. And when it comes to Fitch there's more than just a murder that he may or may not be involved in, and that really helps to keep the pages turned.
Oh and there's a crazy TMZ type news show that Giulia keeps getting on, as a result of working on the case. As a person from the Pittsburgh area, where this book is set, I really with there were a "The Scoop" to watch. It would have to be a riot!
Like all books from Henery Press, you'll find yourself laughing as you turn the pages. I look forward to reading more from Alice and going back to find the three books from the previous series. (especially the one I already have).
The mystery however is great and that's what kept me from getting to confused trying to figure out Giulia's story. Most of the time, I wanted to know more about her time as a nun, or why she left the religious life.
That doesn't stop her from being a really awesome heroine, and her co-workers, Zane and Shirley and husband, Frank are all great. The best thing about Giulia, is that she's professional and not the typical bumbling female sleuth.
From the get go, you hate Roger Fitch. Honestly, there's never been a character that you wish "did" it, in a mystery. And when it comes to Fitch there's more than just a murder that he may or may not be involved in, and that really helps to keep the pages turned.
Oh and there's a crazy TMZ type news show that Giulia keeps getting on, as a result of working on the case. As a person from the Pittsburgh area, where this book is set, I really with there were a "The Scoop" to watch. It would have to be a riot!
Like all books from Henery Press, you'll find yourself laughing as you turn the pages. I look forward to reading more from Alice and going back to find the three books from the previous series. (especially the one I already have).
October 7, 2014
It is a shame when book titles are repeated as it becomes difficult to distinguish one from another - when I looked for more books in this series starting with this title as the author’s name was not easily found on Amazon, I immediately found another series about a nun and private investigations - which also looked fun to read and I promptly bought. That said, the other books in Loweecy’s series are hard to obtain and very expensive, which is a shame as this, it turns out, is the 4th and I would have liked to read the first 2 also to see how the nun became the private eye and married.
So yes, I did enjoy the book and found it amusing and fun to read if not the most difficult and the author apparently was a nun herself so writes with some experience about leaving a convent.
The investigations the character Guilia undertakes are often quite complex and she has an interesting way of tackling them and an empathetic way of running her office, not to mention a kickass set of martial arts skills and a way of reminding people who are misbehaving of their most feared school teacher - the glare usually works. I found silence quite an effective tool also when combined with the glare.. definitely not the ruler! Although I remember it being used on me at school.
I shall look out for more in this series providing they are a reasonable price. I reviewed this for Netgalley.
So yes, I did enjoy the book and found it amusing and fun to read if not the most difficult and the author apparently was a nun herself so writes with some experience about leaving a convent.
The investigations the character Guilia undertakes are often quite complex and she has an interesting way of tackling them and an empathetic way of running her office, not to mention a kickass set of martial arts skills and a way of reminding people who are misbehaving of their most feared school teacher - the glare usually works. I found silence quite an effective tool also when combined with the glare.. definitely not the ruler! Although I remember it being used on me at school.
I shall look out for more in this series providing they are a reasonable price. I reviewed this for Netgalley.
June 7, 2015
I have slightly mixed feelings on this book, so let's start with the pros. It was a GREAT mystery. I say this, because it wasn't predictable 'who done it' story, (and I'm usually pretty good a figuring out who did it). The story kept me wondering and guessing throughout.
The second plus of the book were the characters. I really loved their personalities and how they interacted together. The office staff, Guila, and her husband is a group of people that I would want to read about again. The supporting staff also makes for a bit more depth to the story.
The one drawback of the book for me is the part about Giulia being a nun. Although it's mentioned several times and it is used a bit to describe some of her character, it seems kind of irrelevant to the actual story. Several times within the story, it is mentioned that she went through dark times while being a nun, but it doesn't really explain anything, so I was left wanting.
Overall, it was a good story with good writing, and I look forward to reading the next installment of the Giulia Driscoll series.
(I received this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.)
The second plus of the book were the characters. I really loved their personalities and how they interacted together. The office staff, Guila, and her husband is a group of people that I would want to read about again. The supporting staff also makes for a bit more depth to the story.
The one drawback of the book for me is the part about Giulia being a nun. Although it's mentioned several times and it is used a bit to describe some of her character, it seems kind of irrelevant to the actual story. Several times within the story, it is mentioned that she went through dark times while being a nun, but it doesn't really explain anything, so I was left wanting.
Overall, it was a good story with good writing, and I look forward to reading the next installment of the Giulia Driscoll series.
(I received this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.)
January 13, 2015
Thank you Net Galley and Henery Press for providing me with this galley to read and review. Here's my review.
I had a rough time thoroughly enjoying this book. While the mystery part of it was good, I had a problem with the characters and some of the writing. The main character refers to something bad that happened which resulted in her not being a nun, but it's never elaborated upon what that is. I think there were at least six times where this occurred. This may not be the first book in the series, but either way, a series book should, not in detailed version, elaborate on something that keeps being referred to over and over again. I'm still left wondering what the hell happened I mean it could be summed up in a sentence or two.
I enjoyed the banter between the characters while in the office most of the time, but sometimes it felt way too forced. This was just not a great book for me. I gave it 3 stars here on Goodreads because I could not do 2 1/2 stars.
I had a rough time thoroughly enjoying this book. While the mystery part of it was good, I had a problem with the characters and some of the writing. The main character refers to something bad that happened which resulted in her not being a nun, but it's never elaborated upon what that is. I think there were at least six times where this occurred. This may not be the first book in the series, but either way, a series book should, not in detailed version, elaborate on something that keeps being referred to over and over again. I'm still left wondering what the hell happened I mean it could be summed up in a sentence or two.
I enjoyed the banter between the characters while in the office most of the time, but sometimes it felt way too forced. This was just not a great book for me. I gave it 3 stars here on Goodreads because I could not do 2 1/2 stars.
February 18, 2015
This is the first book I have read from this author, and the idea of a former nun solving the case was really intriguing to me. This is a cozy mystery to be sure--no overt violence or sex--but the profanity sure seems out of place in this kind of book. (Note--I am not marking the book down for this--just an observation).
For me, this book did not deliver as well as I would have liked it to. I loved the character of Giulia. I instantly connected with her. But I found that was the only major connection I made. I wasn't overly interested in the mystery, and I really wanted to absolutely adore this book. I loved the premise more than the book itself, but maybe in future books, I would connect more. Excellent writing, I just wanted to be engaged more.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
For me, this book did not deliver as well as I would have liked it to. I loved the character of Giulia. I instantly connected with her. But I found that was the only major connection I made. I wasn't overly interested in the mystery, and I really wanted to absolutely adore this book. I loved the premise more than the book itself, but maybe in future books, I would connect more. Excellent writing, I just wanted to be engaged more.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
May 12, 2015
Giulia used to be a nun and has taken over the Private Investigation business. The characters are well written and you are drawn to Giulia and the people she works with, aswell as her husband, Frank. There are times where we are told that she’s been through something that led to her leaving the order- but it’s not expanded on. I understand that this is part of a series and maybe further details will be released in future books.
She has been hired to clear someone who is accused of being the Silk Tie Killer, Roger Fitch. He’s been accused of strangling his girlfriend and everyone thinks he is guilty. The more information she uncovers- the more she worries that she might be getting a guilty man off!
I did enjoy this one and would look out for more by this author. With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the book.
She has been hired to clear someone who is accused of being the Silk Tie Killer, Roger Fitch. He’s been accused of strangling his girlfriend and everyone thinks he is guilty. The more information she uncovers- the more she worries that she might be getting a guilty man off!
I did enjoy this one and would look out for more by this author. With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the book.
February 2, 2015
****An ARC of Nun Too Soon by Alice Loweecey was generously provided to me via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
3.5 stars, good but not really my favorite.
Mostly because I'm not a huge fan of mystery genre. You know, with detective and all? Definitely not my cuppa. But I actually enjoyed this book, though there are parts that confuses me a lot. Apparently this book is not the 1st of a series, it has this connection with other series by the same author that, of course, I haven't read yet. Kind of disappointing and I ended up feeling off.
But overall I liked it.
3.5 stars, good but not really my favorite.
Mostly because I'm not a huge fan of mystery genre. You know, with detective and all? Definitely not my cuppa. But I actually enjoyed this book, though there are parts that confuses me a lot. Apparently this book is not the 1st of a series, it has this connection with other series by the same author that, of course, I haven't read yet. Kind of disappointing and I ended up feeling off.
But overall I liked it.
August 16, 2016
My first encounter with Giulia Driscoll's world hooked me on this series and I grabbed the second book immediately. I wasn't sure what to expect of an ex-nun turned private investigator but what I found was a witty, intelligent, woman who had just taken over the business from her new husband. Watching the group in the office interact was as fun as watching some of my own friends. The main case she has to address is really complex and I was fascinating by some of the methods she used to get to the nitty gritty of the problem. Giulia Driscoll and Alice Loweecey are not on my must read list.
August 13, 2020
I"m embarrassed by the delay in posting a review of Alice Loweecey's Nun Too Soon. It is 5 years since the book was published and I'm only now talking about it.
I do want to say that after I read Nun Too Soon, I immediately wanted to know what other adventures Giulia Driscoll got herself into. I ended up ordering the other books that same week and following Alice Loweecey's posts on Facebook...
So, this is a review of Nun Too Soon but also of the Giulia Falcone-Driscoll novels.
I admit that I'm mysteries and cozies are among my favorite books. In Giulia Falcone-Driscoll, Alice Loweecey has created a heroine with humor, drive, spunk and a unique disconnect that comes from spending much of her young adult life in a convent.
When we encounter Giulia, she's mustered up the courage and determination to leave her old life. at considerable sacrifice. Leaving behind life as Sister Mary Regina Coelis, Giulia also finds that she has limited funds and no family support. She has to navigate modern life after spending much of her young adulthood in a convent. The small things take getting used to but Giulia does so with grace, humor and grit. I found myself caring and rooting for her immediately.
My own fondness for nuns might be unusual but it comes my mother's continued friendship with the nuns that taught her in high school. These nuns were daring, funny, open minded and introduced a love of literature and learning to my mother and her friends. So, when Giulia shows spirit, daring and humor as she runs a new detective agency I can imagine the frustration and excitement.
In Nun Too Soon, Giulia hasn't just left the convent but she's found love, married, and has begun her career as a private investigator. Giulia has had some success at this point and the Diocese trusts her to investigate their private business. Even before the mystery begins we know Giulia is competent, discrete and a reasonable/supportive boss. Giulia's employees are Zane whose previous work experience was with a large accounting firm that drilled into him the requirement that he work constantly and under pressure. Giulia's kindness and sympathy as she encourages Zane to work less endears her to me. Zane's opposite number is Sidney, a highly competent, athletic blonde administrative assistant. The office dynamics and humor are another fun part of the story.
A lawyer hires Giulia to investigate the strength of the case against his wealthy client accused of being a serial killer. The accused specifically asked his lawyer to hire Giulia because she's "the opposite of those old-movie detectives" and "in charge, but not pushy or bitchy or too masculine." Giulia doesn't expect the investigation to become personally dangerous - and we root for her as faces a dangerous opponent.
I do want to say that after I read Nun Too Soon, I immediately wanted to know what other adventures Giulia Driscoll got herself into. I ended up ordering the other books that same week and following Alice Loweecey's posts on Facebook...
So, this is a review of Nun Too Soon but also of the Giulia Falcone-Driscoll novels.
I admit that I'm mysteries and cozies are among my favorite books. In Giulia Falcone-Driscoll, Alice Loweecey has created a heroine with humor, drive, spunk and a unique disconnect that comes from spending much of her young adult life in a convent.
When we encounter Giulia, she's mustered up the courage and determination to leave her old life. at considerable sacrifice. Leaving behind life as Sister Mary Regina Coelis, Giulia also finds that she has limited funds and no family support. She has to navigate modern life after spending much of her young adulthood in a convent. The small things take getting used to but Giulia does so with grace, humor and grit. I found myself caring and rooting for her immediately.
My own fondness for nuns might be unusual but it comes my mother's continued friendship with the nuns that taught her in high school. These nuns were daring, funny, open minded and introduced a love of literature and learning to my mother and her friends. So, when Giulia shows spirit, daring and humor as she runs a new detective agency I can imagine the frustration and excitement.
In Nun Too Soon, Giulia hasn't just left the convent but she's found love, married, and has begun her career as a private investigator. Giulia has had some success at this point and the Diocese trusts her to investigate their private business. Even before the mystery begins we know Giulia is competent, discrete and a reasonable/supportive boss. Giulia's employees are Zane whose previous work experience was with a large accounting firm that drilled into him the requirement that he work constantly and under pressure. Giulia's kindness and sympathy as she encourages Zane to work less endears her to me. Zane's opposite number is Sidney, a highly competent, athletic blonde administrative assistant. The office dynamics and humor are another fun part of the story.
A lawyer hires Giulia to investigate the strength of the case against his wealthy client accused of being a serial killer. The accused specifically asked his lawyer to hire Giulia because she's "the opposite of those old-movie detectives" and "in charge, but not pushy or bitchy or too masculine." Giulia doesn't expect the investigation to become personally dangerous - and we root for her as faces a dangerous opponent.
June 19, 2017
I was initially drawn to this book because it stars an ex-nun and was written by an ex-nun. Growing up Catholic, nuns were an important part of my life, so how could I resist reading about a private eye who used to be one?
Right away in the first chapter, I was drawn in by the snappy dialog. Giulia and her staff have a rapport that was fun to read. Each character has a distinct voice.
The investigation gets started right away, as Giulia gets a call from the smooth-talking lawyer who wants her to take the case. She's reluctant, but believes in justice. Still, when Giulia talks to the lawyer, the client, and some less than perfectly cooperative witnesses, we see her years in the convent come out. That had me chuckling.
I was impressed with how methodically the detective work was done. Giulia is a professional, and investigates like one. Recommended for fans of cozy and traditional mysteries, and readers who share my fascination with the Catholic Church.
Right away in the first chapter, I was drawn in by the snappy dialog. Giulia and her staff have a rapport that was fun to read. Each character has a distinct voice.
The investigation gets started right away, as Giulia gets a call from the smooth-talking lawyer who wants her to take the case. She's reluctant, but believes in justice. Still, when Giulia talks to the lawyer, the client, and some less than perfectly cooperative witnesses, we see her years in the convent come out. That had me chuckling.
I was impressed with how methodically the detective work was done. Giulia is a professional, and investigates like one. Recommended for fans of cozy and traditional mysteries, and readers who share my fascination with the Catholic Church.
July 5, 2018
How refreshing to find a cozy murder mystery series that’s funny and has an ex-nun, Giulia, as the head of her own private detective agency. The author provides forensics through auditing and accounting (which she broke down so even the least studied among us - meaning me - could understand), along with some good, old-fashioned woman’s intuition. Likable, quirky but relatable characters make up Giulia’s subordinates, along with her police-detective husband who provides her with a sounding board for her theories as well as a reality check or two when she needs them. I’m looking forward to book two in this series.
July 2, 2017
This was my first book to read of the series. It was enjoyable. I like the main character , Giulia.She's a spunky gal with humor. i enjoyed her nunnery humor! I also enjoyed the support characters including her husband. They have their own unique personality. The murder case was interesting in how it was solved. There definitely was mystery and excitement: Giulia getting kidnapped and almost killed. It was easy reading and enjoyable. I look forward to reading the second book in the series.
November 27, 2014
Okay, Nun Too Soon by Alice Loweecey, A Giulia Driscoll Mystery. A book I received via Goodreads First Reads in return for an honest review. Now, how to start…
NOTE: Alright, so, after writing everything that doesn’t have NOTE written next to it, I decided to go and look up a bit of information on the author (I tend to do this after reading the book so as to not get any sort of misconceptions due to the authors background; other than what is printed in the book itself). I always try and do first reads as either stand alone books, or book 1 in a series. It means that I don’t have to go and find the earlier books. Consequently, when I saw that Nun Too Soon was the first book in the Giulia Driscoll Mystery series, I jumped. Unfortunately, I have now discovered that this is actually book 4, the first 3 books having been under the Falcone & Driscoll series, which means that some of what comes below may be because of characters and motivations having been established in books that I have not read.
*SPOILERS*
Do you like coffee? Do you like to hear about the awesome food that you’re not eating right now? And finally, would you like to work in an office where your boss and the atmosphere is like totally chillaxed, even though you’re actually working your butt off with a hardcore deadline around the corner? Well, then welcome to the offices of Driscoll Investigations headed by PI Giulia Falcone-Driscoll a former convent Nun, who, after a decade in the ministry ups and leaves because…something we’re never actually told. She, and her quirky office staff are in the middle of investigating fraud at one of the local companies when Giulia up and decides that she’ll take on proving that the Silk Tie Murderer didn’t kill his lover, which probably actually creates a conflict of interest since she’s also investigating him in her fraud case. However, this former Nun knows just how to walk the line on this moral conundrum.
Of course, at this point, you already know that the reason the murder occurs is going to be inextricably tied into the fraud investigation and the real question is, who really killed the victim, and specifically why? Consequently, we are thrown into what should be a hectic journey through the shady side of business accounting, embezzlement, and murder. However, that’s what we wish would happen. Instead we are subjected to the characters personal life as she attempts to get a substitute secretary for her pregnant assistant, enjoys playful banter with her police officer husband, and is constantly battling between her Catholic past and her PI present/future. Of course, this isn’t surprising seeing as how the book is presented in such a light manner that the only truly shocking part is the semi-violent ending.
Truth be told, however, I sort of enjoyed the novel. It wasn’t my usual cup of tea when it comes to mysteries – I prefer Hard Boiled Detectives, or the more classic who dunnit’s where the information is presented and we see how the character goes about solving it. Yet, even though I was constantly saying that nothing happens, and very little actually does happen, the characters are so charming in their quaint, idyllic lives that you don’t quite mind reading about nothing.
If I have any real complaints about the novel it is with the mystery itself. Right from the beginning we can tell that the Roger Fitch isn’t the killer, if only because he does nothing to make you want him not to be. However, as Mrs. Falcone-Driscoll investigates we aren’t really given enough information to be able to figure out who the killer is ourselves. In fact, I’m still not sure as to how she comes up with the conclusion that turns out to be correct. Yes, she’s just trying to give the lawyer enough evidence as to hang a jury through reasonable doubt, but because we only meet the killer once we don’t really know anything about the character except what Mrs. Falcone-Driscoll infers. Which is a shame because half the fun of a mystery is solving it. Unless, like in hard boiled novels, the mystery is actually totally unimportant, and this is sort of where the novel is heading. Yet, because the characters don’t live in that grimy underbelly in which the average mystery detective exists, there really isn’t anything to keep you super engaged. More time is given, in some ways, to food and coffee than is given to presenting the reader with the needed elements to solve the mystery; and I figure that this may change as the series progresses since this is the introduction to these characters and the world they live in.
In the end, the novel is sort of like the novelist (I’m guessing); a former Nun who is now happily married, fights with herself over her upbringing in the convent and with life outside the clergy, and enjoys being a quasi-housewife. Overall, I’m not entirely sure if I’d go out seeking the next book, but if it came across my radar I would certainly enjoy sitting down and reading about the next adventure of Mrs. Falcone-Driscoll and Driscoll Investigations.
NOTE: So, this is where I was when I looked up information on Mrs. Alice Loweecey, and was frustrated to learn that I was actually on book 4, even if the series claims book 1. However, because of this fact, I am now very tempted to search out a copy of the Force of Habit, which is the debut novel, if only to know why the character of Giulia Falcone leaves the convent.
NOTE: Alright, so, after writing everything that doesn’t have NOTE written next to it, I decided to go and look up a bit of information on the author (I tend to do this after reading the book so as to not get any sort of misconceptions due to the authors background; other than what is printed in the book itself). I always try and do first reads as either stand alone books, or book 1 in a series. It means that I don’t have to go and find the earlier books. Consequently, when I saw that Nun Too Soon was the first book in the Giulia Driscoll Mystery series, I jumped. Unfortunately, I have now discovered that this is actually book 4, the first 3 books having been under the Falcone & Driscoll series, which means that some of what comes below may be because of characters and motivations having been established in books that I have not read.
*SPOILERS*
Do you like coffee? Do you like to hear about the awesome food that you’re not eating right now? And finally, would you like to work in an office where your boss and the atmosphere is like totally chillaxed, even though you’re actually working your butt off with a hardcore deadline around the corner? Well, then welcome to the offices of Driscoll Investigations headed by PI Giulia Falcone-Driscoll a former convent Nun, who, after a decade in the ministry ups and leaves because…something we’re never actually told. She, and her quirky office staff are in the middle of investigating fraud at one of the local companies when Giulia up and decides that she’ll take on proving that the Silk Tie Murderer didn’t kill his lover, which probably actually creates a conflict of interest since she’s also investigating him in her fraud case. However, this former Nun knows just how to walk the line on this moral conundrum.
Of course, at this point, you already know that the reason the murder occurs is going to be inextricably tied into the fraud investigation and the real question is, who really killed the victim, and specifically why? Consequently, we are thrown into what should be a hectic journey through the shady side of business accounting, embezzlement, and murder. However, that’s what we wish would happen. Instead we are subjected to the characters personal life as she attempts to get a substitute secretary for her pregnant assistant, enjoys playful banter with her police officer husband, and is constantly battling between her Catholic past and her PI present/future. Of course, this isn’t surprising seeing as how the book is presented in such a light manner that the only truly shocking part is the semi-violent ending.
Truth be told, however, I sort of enjoyed the novel. It wasn’t my usual cup of tea when it comes to mysteries – I prefer Hard Boiled Detectives, or the more classic who dunnit’s where the information is presented and we see how the character goes about solving it. Yet, even though I was constantly saying that nothing happens, and very little actually does happen, the characters are so charming in their quaint, idyllic lives that you don’t quite mind reading about nothing.
If I have any real complaints about the novel it is with the mystery itself. Right from the beginning we can tell that the Roger Fitch isn’t the killer, if only because he does nothing to make you want him not to be. However, as Mrs. Falcone-Driscoll investigates we aren’t really given enough information to be able to figure out who the killer is ourselves. In fact, I’m still not sure as to how she comes up with the conclusion that turns out to be correct. Yes, she’s just trying to give the lawyer enough evidence as to hang a jury through reasonable doubt, but because we only meet the killer once we don’t really know anything about the character except what Mrs. Falcone-Driscoll infers. Which is a shame because half the fun of a mystery is solving it. Unless, like in hard boiled novels, the mystery is actually totally unimportant, and this is sort of where the novel is heading. Yet, because the characters don’t live in that grimy underbelly in which the average mystery detective exists, there really isn’t anything to keep you super engaged. More time is given, in some ways, to food and coffee than is given to presenting the reader with the needed elements to solve the mystery; and I figure that this may change as the series progresses since this is the introduction to these characters and the world they live in.
In the end, the novel is sort of like the novelist (I’m guessing); a former Nun who is now happily married, fights with herself over her upbringing in the convent and with life outside the clergy, and enjoys being a quasi-housewife. Overall, I’m not entirely sure if I’d go out seeking the next book, but if it came across my radar I would certainly enjoy sitting down and reading about the next adventure of Mrs. Falcone-Driscoll and Driscoll Investigations.
NOTE: So, this is where I was when I looked up information on Mrs. Alice Loweecey, and was frustrated to learn that I was actually on book 4, even if the series claims book 1. However, because of this fact, I am now very tempted to search out a copy of the Force of Habit, which is the debut novel, if only to know why the character of Giulia Falcone leaves the convent.
February 5, 2019
Readers Beware: This is NOT the first book of the series.
I wondered why the first part of this mystery jumped so far into the characters without explanation. Well, apparently there are a few other books that precede this one that develop them from the true beginning.
So while I enjoyed this light story, I took points off my rating because of this! Disappointing. Can't imagine what the author/publisher we're thinking.
I wondered why the first part of this mystery jumped so far into the characters without explanation. Well, apparently there are a few other books that precede this one that develop them from the true beginning.
So while I enjoyed this light story, I took points off my rating because of this! Disappointing. Can't imagine what the author/publisher we're thinking.
November 4, 2017
I enjoyed the characters and some parts were entertaining. I found Giulia's occasional statements about not correcting the boss and just learning about working in an office a little jarring. It doesn't quite fit with the fun and caring atmosphere she tries to create. I would probably try the next in the series.
April 20, 2018
This book gets 4 stars for the following reasons:
1. It is not trashy, which would have caused me to quit reading the book immediately.
2. The author is adept at actually giving each character a definitive personality, mostly through conversation and character traits.
3. There were very few grammatical errors.
1. It is not trashy, which would have caused me to quit reading the book immediately.
2. The author is adept at actually giving each character a definitive personality, mostly through conversation and character traits.
3. There were very few grammatical errors.
November 8, 2020
I could do without the bad language and I really don’t like when the author makes the detective stupid by going to the obnoxious criminal’s house, when she already figured out he is probably guilty, to be abducted by the man. That doesn’t make sense! She has been so intelligent up to this point and the last bit to make a climax to end the story? Nope!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2017
Review
Nice read, could have done without Giulias visit and perilous run in with Roger. Other wise confidently written and pleasant whodunit guesswork. More to the point would be how was it done.
Nice read, could have done without Giulias visit and perilous run in with Roger. Other wise confidently written and pleasant whodunit guesswork. More to the point would be how was it done.
June 29, 2017
This is supposed to be the first in a series, but obviously it is not since there are numerous remarks about other cases. I kept thinking the author was trying too hard to be cute and ended up being annoying.
August 29, 2020
I loved the characters, and the concept was good. However it wasn't massively compelling, the writing style wasn't for me, and it just didn't have much in terms of satisfaction levels. I don't regret reading it, and I might even read more of the series in times of dire need, but I'll be in no rush.
June 11, 2017
Solid 3.5 stars. Beach read and lots of fun. Reads like a cleaner Janet Evanovich story.
June 19, 2017
I enjoyed this first story in the Giulia Driscoll series although I felt like I was missing some character background at times. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
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