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Old Habits Die Hard: A Convent Mystery
Old habits die hard, especially when you’re a former nun…
When Kristen got kicked out of the convent a few years ago, she vowed never to become involved with nuns or priests again. But she’s breaking that vow at every turn. And because of it, she’s turned into a murder magnet.
She returns some piano music to a nun, this leads to her involvement in yet another murder.
Then someone tries to run her off the highway repeatedly, almost killing her. Her policeman boyfriend, David, has to protect her and find out who is following her and why. Late-night phone calls disrupt both of them, and he has yet another crime to investigate.
When Kristen begins teaching at a Catholic school near her apartment, she meets a nun who invites her to read a book she has written and soon she’s entangled in another murder.
By the end, Kristen makes a final promise to David that she’ll never get involved in any murder investigation again. We’ll see how long that vow lasts.
About the Author
Susan Mattern spent six years as a nun in the late 1960s in St. Louis and this has formed the background for the new Who Nun It? Mystery Series. Old Habits Die Hard is the second in the series. A classical musician for most of her life, since retirement, Susan has published two ebooks. The first, Out of the Lion's Den, won the Writer's Digest Grand Prize in 2024. The second book, Poverty, Chastity, and Disobedience, is a memoir about her six years in a Catholic convent.
Praise for the Who Nun It? Mystery Series
"What makes the book a joy to read is the sparkling personality of the protagonist Kristen, a mix of breezy subversiveness, a mischievous streak, snappy sarcasm and all-pervasive humor... Now factor in a twisty plot involving a chalice, and you have a very satisfying end to the mystery."
—Roselyn Teukolsky, author of A Reluctant Spy
When Kristen got kicked out of the convent a few years ago, she vowed never to become involved with nuns or priests again. But she’s breaking that vow at every turn. And because of it, she’s turned into a murder magnet.
She returns some piano music to a nun, this leads to her involvement in yet another murder.
Then someone tries to run her off the highway repeatedly, almost killing her. Her policeman boyfriend, David, has to protect her and find out who is following her and why. Late-night phone calls disrupt both of them, and he has yet another crime to investigate.
When Kristen begins teaching at a Catholic school near her apartment, she meets a nun who invites her to read a book she has written and soon she’s entangled in another murder.
By the end, Kristen makes a final promise to David that she’ll never get involved in any murder investigation again. We’ll see how long that vow lasts.
About the Author
Susan Mattern spent six years as a nun in the late 1960s in St. Louis and this has formed the background for the new Who Nun It? Mystery Series. Old Habits Die Hard is the second in the series. A classical musician for most of her life, since retirement, Susan has published two ebooks. The first, Out of the Lion's Den, won the Writer's Digest Grand Prize in 2024. The second book, Poverty, Chastity, and Disobedience, is a memoir about her six years in a Catholic convent.
Praise for the Who Nun It? Mystery Series
"What makes the book a joy to read is the sparkling personality of the protagonist Kristen, a mix of breezy subversiveness, a mischievous streak, snappy sarcasm and all-pervasive humor... Now factor in a twisty plot involving a chalice, and you have a very satisfying end to the mystery."
—Roselyn Teukolsky, author of A Reluctant Spy
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2025
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October 16, 2025
This collection of three cozy mysteries follows Kristen, a former nun who’s trying to settle into a quiet life with her boyfriend David and their two cats. Despite leaving the convent, she keeps finding herself caught up in murders involving nuns. Each short mystery takes about an hour to read, and follows about a year of Kristen's life.
This is an excellent palate cleanser if you enjoy mysteries but are looking for something lighter or clean. There is nothing graphic or too violent, not even any cursing. Kristen is a delightful protagonist who is very naïve, but also isn't stupid. She has a pure heart, and it’s refreshing to see the contrast between the murders she stumbles into and the ordinary, simple life she’s trying to lead. Following her day-to-day struggles and watching her personal growth is just as enjoyable as the crime solving.
Light, charming, and even wholesome, this collection is a perfect cozy read to curl up with. I received a free copy of this book, but this review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion.
This is an excellent palate cleanser if you enjoy mysteries but are looking for something lighter or clean. There is nothing graphic or too violent, not even any cursing. Kristen is a delightful protagonist who is very naïve, but also isn't stupid. She has a pure heart, and it’s refreshing to see the contrast between the murders she stumbles into and the ordinary, simple life she’s trying to lead. Following her day-to-day struggles and watching her personal growth is just as enjoyable as the crime solving.
Light, charming, and even wholesome, this collection is a perfect cozy read to curl up with. I received a free copy of this book, but this review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion.
Displaying 1 of 1 review