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Sister Joan Mystery #6
A Vow of Devotion
Welcoming two newcomers to the Convent of the Daughters, Sister Joan is horrified when one of them turns violent, a situation that worsens when the other one is targeted for murder. Reprint.
188 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1995
170 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Black
48 books68 followersPseudonym for Maureen Peters
Maureen Peters was born in Caernarvon, Wales, on March 3, 1935, and was married and divorced twice; she has two sons and two daughters. In addition to biographical fiction, historical romances, and mystery novels written under her own name, other noms de plume include Veronica Black, Catherine Darby, Levanah Lloyd, Belinda Grey, Elizabeth Law, Judith Rothman, and Sharon Whitby.
Said Maureen Peters about Sister Joan in an interview, "I chose a nun because they have got a lot of time on their hands. I have friends who are real nuns and they give me information on their lives, but mine’s a bit more unconventional. Every time she goes to a convent, she finds a dead body — Cornwall is littered with them."
Maureen Peters was born in Caernarvon, Wales, on March 3, 1935, and was married and divorced twice; she has two sons and two daughters. In addition to biographical fiction, historical romances, and mystery novels written under her own name, other noms de plume include Veronica Black, Catherine Darby, Levanah Lloyd, Belinda Grey, Elizabeth Law, Judith Rothman, and Sharon Whitby.
Said Maureen Peters about Sister Joan in an interview, "I chose a nun because they have got a lot of time on their hands. I have friends who are real nuns and they give me information on their lives, but mine’s a bit more unconventional. Every time she goes to a convent, she finds a dead body — Cornwall is littered with them."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 15, 2021
Fun cozy mystery series
I am thoroughly enjoying this series of mysteries, set in a convent in England. The inside details of the lives of the Religious (nuns) has always fascinated to me. As a Cradle Catholic, many of the details are very familiar, and is just another layer of this series that makes it so interesting. I always feel that I must like the protagonist in a book, in order to truly buy into it, and enjoy reading it. Sister Joan is definitely such a character, spunky, in frequent conflict between her desires to be obedient to her vows, and her desire to be independent and enjoy certain freedoms that convent life does not allow. She makes a very believable amateur sleuth, and the romantic tension between her and the detective sergeant, makes her all the more endearing. I am definitely going to continue reading this excellent series.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series of mysteries, set in a convent in England. The inside details of the lives of the Religious (nuns) has always fascinated to me. As a Cradle Catholic, many of the details are very familiar, and is just another layer of this series that makes it so interesting. I always feel that I must like the protagonist in a book, in order to truly buy into it, and enjoy reading it. Sister Joan is definitely such a character, spunky, in frequent conflict between her desires to be obedient to her vows, and her desire to be independent and enjoy certain freedoms that convent life does not allow. She makes a very believable amateur sleuth, and the romantic tension between her and the detective sergeant, makes her all the more endearing. I am definitely going to continue reading this excellent series.
August 29, 2021
Loved it
Sister Joan is always interesting and this book was as good or better than the ones that came before. On to the next!
Sister Joan is always interesting and this book was as good or better than the ones that came before. On to the next!
November 5, 2021
I always enjoy Sister John's mixture of curiosity and common sense. Though these books were first published in the 1990s, they have a more old-fashioned feel to them.
Who is leaving hothouse roses around the convent? Who attacked and killed young Sister Elizabeth? And why did these strange things start happening when two young women named Bernadette and Magdalen showed up at the Daughters of Compassion, seeking to join the Order? Sister Joan is determined to ferret out the truth.
Who is leaving hothouse roses around the convent? Who attacked and killed young Sister Elizabeth? And why did these strange things start happening when two young women named Bernadette and Magdalen showed up at the Daughters of Compassion, seeking to join the Order? Sister Joan is determined to ferret out the truth.
May 28, 2023
Another delightful afternoon spent with sister Joan! I was glad to meet Brother Cuthbert again, but honestly, the author seems not to know what to do with him. The ending is a bit too melodramatic, as well, hence three stars.
Surely the convent of the Sisters of Compassion must be the most dangerous place in the whole Great Britain!
Surely the convent of the Sisters of Compassion must be the most dangerous place in the whole Great Britain!
January 27, 2024
It has a simple charm, uncomplicated, and a little old-fashioned. Immerses the reader in a convent setting and has authentic descriptions of the nun's busy and regulated life, routines, and values. The main character is quick-witted and likable; kind of a "Nancy Drew" for the spiritually inclined.
April 7, 2021
I love these books!
I have enjoyed the murder mysteries solved by a nun! The stories are just long enough to read without putting the book down! I have loved learning about the life of nuns and think we protestants could use some of their devout-ness. And I am hoping for more books in this series!
I have enjoyed the murder mysteries solved by a nun! The stories are just long enough to read without putting the book down! I have loved learning about the life of nuns and think we protestants could use some of their devout-ness. And I am hoping for more books in this series!
April 24, 2021
Really good series
I really like Sister Joan. She is a wonderful character and just can't seem to stop solving the murders she comes across. I really hope there are some more books in this series, because I would buy and read them in a flash.
I really like Sister Joan. She is a wonderful character and just can't seem to stop solving the murders she comes across. I really hope there are some more books in this series, because I would buy and read them in a flash.
May 10, 2021
GoodStory
Two prospective novitiates come to stay at the convent, New age travellers arrive and a new mystery starts to unfold. Who is leaving red roses, who are they for and why is Magdalen afraid. Another terrific Sister Joan mystery
Two prospective novitiates come to stay at the convent, New age travellers arrive and a new mystery starts to unfold. Who is leaving red roses, who are they for and why is Magdalen afraid. Another terrific Sister Joan mystery
May 30, 2021
Enjoyable cozy
This is an enjoyable cozy mystery. Reading this very has enlightened me ad to what nuns actually do. The book book includes humor and has twists that keep it interesting.
This is an enjoyable cozy mystery. Reading this very has enlightened me ad to what nuns actually do. The book book includes humor and has twists that keep it interesting.
June 15, 2021
Would make a good pbs series.
Sad that there are so few of these books. I can see the stories becoming a pbs series, much like the Father Brown stories. I know I would watch it!
Sad that there are so few of these books. I can see the stories becoming a pbs series, much like the Father Brown stories. I know I would watch it!
July 24, 2021
One of my favorite mystery series
I like these books because the clues are all there but,the key to the mystery isn't revealed until the end . it keeps the reader guessing . However, some of the subjects are quiet dark as in this book .
I like these books because the clues are all there but,the key to the mystery isn't revealed until the end . it keeps the reader guessing . However, some of the subjects are quiet dark as in this book .
April 4, 2022
Sr. Joan solves another murder
Another great entry in this series. Sr. Joan’s convent welcomes two young prospective postulants. But one seems quite anxious and fearful. When one sister is attacked and another murdered, Sr. Joan is embroiled in a web of darkness and deceit.
Another great entry in this series. Sr. Joan’s convent welcomes two young prospective postulants. But one seems quite anxious and fearful. When one sister is attacked and another murdered, Sr. Joan is embroiled in a web of darkness and deceit.
June 13, 2022
I totally enjoyed the whole series!
I enjoyed reading about sister Joan and the sisters and DS mill! I hope you can find it in you to continue the series further. I’m sure you can create more intriguing stories to delight us more with Sister Joan.
I enjoyed reading about sister Joan and the sisters and DS mill! I hope you can find it in you to continue the series further. I’m sure you can create more intriguing stories to delight us more with Sister Joan.
October 15, 2022
I’m really enjoying this series. They are light (even though there is always murder, mystery & intrigue). Sister Joan is a great character who tries to follow all of the rules & succeeds most of the time.
February 8, 2023
In spite of a few red herrings it was pretty obvious who did it. It was still a good read however, if only to find out if I was correct! I'm not sure though that any nun would be allowed so many allowances but it does make for good reading. Now on to the next one...
October 10, 2023
Such a riveting story. I love Sister Joan and the other members of the convent. The explanation of the mystery was so simple looking back, I marveled how I tried to complicate it. The sweet relationship between the Inspector Detective and Sr. Joan is so refreshing that it fills me with hope.
May 30, 2018
Some books age just fine, and it doesn't matter how long ago it was written. It is still fun. This Sister Joan mystery has aged like unwrapped fish left on the counter on a hot July day. Enough said.
March 22, 2019
Another good Sister Joan Mystery. Enjoyed the book.
April 15, 2021
A good story.
This is another book in the Sister Joan series. I enjoy these stories about the mysteries from the nuns in the convent.
This is another book in the Sister Joan series. I enjoy these stories about the mysteries from the nuns in the convent.
May 13, 2021
Excellent as usual.
June 20, 2021
A good read!!
This book was well written, but I have to say it wasn't my favorite. That foes NOT mean that I won't be reading the next and the next!
This book was well written, but I have to say it wasn't my favorite. That foes NOT mean that I won't be reading the next and the next!
August 9, 2021
Excellent and gripping read
August 28, 2021
Really enjoying these mysteries, well-defined characters, and a very interesting setting.
September 9, 2021
slow reading
It took too long to get to the murder. Too much life in a convent.. Very slow reading. Not a favorite.
It took too long to get to the murder. Too much life in a convent.. Very slow reading. Not a favorite.
September 27, 2021
A really good series
I'm enjoying the Sister Joan series of books. All different yet all set around one nun. Easy read in an afternoon.
I'm enjoying the Sister Joan series of books. All different yet all set around one nun. Easy read in an afternoon.
Read
October 15, 2021Lovely
As with the other Sister Joan books, I was caught up immediately and gripped to the end. I truly appreciate the author's discription of convent life.
As with the other Sister Joan books, I was caught up immediately and gripped to the end. I truly appreciate the author's discription of convent life.
October 20, 2021
Great series
I absolutely love this series of books. The characters are great and the story line keeps you reading and not wanting to stop.
I absolutely love this series of books. The characters are great and the story line keeps you reading and not wanting to stop.
October 31, 2021
An enjoyable story though a bit light on characterisation.
July 28, 2023
Very well done story by an author who understands how the religious life works. The outcome was sufficiently unexpected to keep the reader guessing.
October 24, 2024
Being short of postulates the Order of Daughter of Compassion are happy to receive two visitors to their convent. But then incidents happen.
An enjoyable modern cozy mystery
An enjoyable modern cozy mystery
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews