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A Divine Private Detective Agency Mystery #3
Sister Eve and the Blue Nun
When Sister Eve returns to the monastery, the last thing she expects there is murder.
After solving several mysteries with her father at the Divine Private Detective Agency, Sister Eve finds herself torn between her calling as a nun and the thrill that comes with detecting. She knows she’s been using her father’s health as an excuse to extend her leave of absence from the monastery, but that excuse is running thin. She prays that a return visit to the monastery for a conference on the Blue Nun will help bring clarity to her calling, but when the conference speaker is murdered, Sister Eve’s two worlds collide.
Sister Eve knows the number one suspect, the victim’s brother and monk in residence, couldn’t possibly have committed the crime, and she’s determined to find the real killer. To do so means she must track down some mysterious newly discovered writings from the Blue Nun, said to date from the 17th Century, when the sister bi-located to the New Mexico region from her home in Spain. Could these texts from long ago be the key to today’s mystery? And will they offer any guidance to Sister Eve as she chooses which calling to follow?
After solving several mysteries with her father at the Divine Private Detective Agency, Sister Eve finds herself torn between her calling as a nun and the thrill that comes with detecting. She knows she’s been using her father’s health as an excuse to extend her leave of absence from the monastery, but that excuse is running thin. She prays that a return visit to the monastery for a conference on the Blue Nun will help bring clarity to her calling, but when the conference speaker is murdered, Sister Eve’s two worlds collide.
Sister Eve knows the number one suspect, the victim’s brother and monk in residence, couldn’t possibly have committed the crime, and she’s determined to find the real killer. To do so means she must track down some mysterious newly discovered writings from the Blue Nun, said to date from the 17th Century, when the sister bi-located to the New Mexico region from her home in Spain. Could these texts from long ago be the key to today’s mystery? And will they offer any guidance to Sister Eve as she chooses which calling to follow?
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2016
28 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Hinton
25 books183 followersLynne Hinton is the pastor of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The author of numerous novels including Friendship Cake, Hope Springs, Forever Friends, Christmas Cake, and Wedding Cake, she lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
April 26, 2016
Sister Eve has returned to the monastery after solving several crimes with her father at the Divine Private Detective Agency. She is torn between staying as a nun or continue solving crimes. But, it seems that not even in the monastery can she find the peace and quiet time she needs to find her answer. A visiting guest is found murdered, and all the evidence points to a monk, the deceased brother...
Sometimes I disregard my gut feeling and keep on reading a book that just from the start
doesn't feel right for me. This is one of those times. I mean the idea of a nun solving crime sounds interesting and the cover is gorgeous. However, the book was mostly dull to read and Sister Eve either annoyed me or bored me.
This is the first book in the A Divine Private Detective Agency Mystery series that I have read. I have previously been curious about this series, but now I feel that I don't have any inclinations to reading any more books in this series. Perhaps the book would have worked better for me if it weren't a cozy mystery book. For me, less coziness and more drama and suspense would perhaps be better.
The case was just not that interesting, and if the book weren't so easy to read would have stopped and picked something else to read, but I hoped it would get better and when I had read 40% I just thought that I had come this far I might as well finish the book. Unfortunately, it never picked up speed and I failed to connect with Sister Eve. And, there were moments when I felt that her amateurish way, keeping evidence, and putting herself in danger just annoyed the hell out of me.
So, no this is not a series for me. I do like a cozy mystery now and then, but I want the books to be charming and with likable characters.
1.5 stars
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
Sometimes I disregard my gut feeling and keep on reading a book that just from the start
doesn't feel right for me. This is one of those times. I mean the idea of a nun solving crime sounds interesting and the cover is gorgeous. However, the book was mostly dull to read and Sister Eve either annoyed me or bored me.
This is the first book in the A Divine Private Detective Agency Mystery series that I have read. I have previously been curious about this series, but now I feel that I don't have any inclinations to reading any more books in this series. Perhaps the book would have worked better for me if it weren't a cozy mystery book. For me, less coziness and more drama and suspense would perhaps be better.
The case was just not that interesting, and if the book weren't so easy to read would have stopped and picked something else to read, but I hoped it would get better and when I had read 40% I just thought that I had come this far I might as well finish the book. Unfortunately, it never picked up speed and I failed to connect with Sister Eve. And, there were moments when I felt that her amateurish way, keeping evidence, and putting herself in danger just annoyed the hell out of me.
So, no this is not a series for me. I do like a cozy mystery now and then, but I want the books to be charming and with likable characters.
1.5 stars
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
June 5, 2016
I liked that Eve – still fairly new at this private detecting business – isn’t suddenly an expert amateur sleuth. She compromises the crime scene almost immediately, isn’t careful about who overhears her phone conversations, and isn’t the world’s greatest liar when it comes to a cover story. This makes her character more believable than some others I’ve read in similar scenarios and added some realism into a book that does deal very much with the spiritual and even the mystical.
I also liked the internal struggle that Sister Eve is facing – displaced by a denomination that doesn’t seem to acknowledge her worth as a woman (even as her investigation revolves around another nun on the path to beatification) and confused by new & unfamiliar feelings stirred up by one of the police detectives assigned to the murder case. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in future books, I think, and what will be the tipping factor in whatever decision she ultimately makes.
Bottom Line: Sister Eve and the Blue Nun falls into what I consider a cozy mystery, complete with an unconventional amateur sleuth. It’s a light read, and honestly one I had trouble staying engaged with in parts. I enjoyed the first few chapters, and it picked back up for me again toward the end but I felt the middle lagged a bit. I have not read the first two books in the series and was still able to follow along fairly well, with the exception of a couple of references. Otherwise, I think this would do just fine as a standalone. Lynne Hinton has produced a well-written novel with dimensional characters, and all the elements of a good read are there … but for me my heart just couldn’t quite connect with the story. Perhaps in a different mood or if I’d read the series from the beginning, I would feel differently – so I still encourage you to give the Sister Eve books a try. You may find them to be right up your alley!
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
I also liked the internal struggle that Sister Eve is facing – displaced by a denomination that doesn’t seem to acknowledge her worth as a woman (even as her investigation revolves around another nun on the path to beatification) and confused by new & unfamiliar feelings stirred up by one of the police detectives assigned to the murder case. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in future books, I think, and what will be the tipping factor in whatever decision she ultimately makes.
Bottom Line: Sister Eve and the Blue Nun falls into what I consider a cozy mystery, complete with an unconventional amateur sleuth. It’s a light read, and honestly one I had trouble staying engaged with in parts. I enjoyed the first few chapters, and it picked back up for me again toward the end but I felt the middle lagged a bit. I have not read the first two books in the series and was still able to follow along fairly well, with the exception of a couple of references. Otherwise, I think this would do just fine as a standalone. Lynne Hinton has produced a well-written novel with dimensional characters, and all the elements of a good read are there … but for me my heart just couldn’t quite connect with the story. Perhaps in a different mood or if I’d read the series from the beginning, I would feel differently – so I still encourage you to give the Sister Eve books a try. You may find them to be right up your alley!
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
May 6, 2016
I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Sister Eve returns to the monastery after a brief leave of absence to attend a conference. All goes to pot however, when one of the key note speakers is found dead the night before an important speech.
If you enjoy murder mysteries that are more about the enjoyment of a good murder romp than actually being believable, you should get a kick out of this. It didn’t particularly float my boat, only because the events of the second chapter were so unbelievable that I couldn’t take the rest of the story seriously in any way. I speak of the immediate aftermath of the murder in which, upon hearing of the death of the victim, Sister Eve doesn’t immediately rush to the scene to render first aid or at least see what the situation is, and instead has a prolonged chat with the victim’s brother. Then there’s the fact that on arriving at the murder scene, Sister Eve interferes with a crime scene and actually BREAKS a major piece of evidence. Finally, there’s the fact that nobody who hears of the fact that there may be someone dead or dying on the premises bothers to call the police. These three things in quick succession diminished my engagement with the story tenfold. The rest of the book follows the usual murder-mystery path with red-herrings and set-ups and the rest before an action-packed reveal. A fun addition to the genre, but not my cup of tea, sadly.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Sister Eve returns to the monastery after a brief leave of absence to attend a conference. All goes to pot however, when one of the key note speakers is found dead the night before an important speech.
If you enjoy murder mysteries that are more about the enjoyment of a good murder romp than actually being believable, you should get a kick out of this. It didn’t particularly float my boat, only because the events of the second chapter were so unbelievable that I couldn’t take the rest of the story seriously in any way. I speak of the immediate aftermath of the murder in which, upon hearing of the death of the victim, Sister Eve doesn’t immediately rush to the scene to render first aid or at least see what the situation is, and instead has a prolonged chat with the victim’s brother. Then there’s the fact that on arriving at the murder scene, Sister Eve interferes with a crime scene and actually BREAKS a major piece of evidence. Finally, there’s the fact that nobody who hears of the fact that there may be someone dead or dying on the premises bothers to call the police. These three things in quick succession diminished my engagement with the story tenfold. The rest of the book follows the usual murder-mystery path with red-herrings and set-ups and the rest before an action-packed reveal. A fun addition to the genre, but not my cup of tea, sadly.
May 25, 2016
I really enjoy The Sister Eve mysteries, they always keep you in suspense until the end. Love Eve and her father, Captain, a police captain, turned private eye and their loving and sometimes blustery relationship. Sister Eve has become a motorcycle-riding nun and private eye, with mixed emotions on both. She gets into trouble quite often, not always her fault, but manages to solve many crimes, with sometimes hilarious and often dangerous results. I can't wait for the next mystery in this cozy series. This is book 3.
From Amazon:
After a murder at the monastery, Sister Eve may need a miracle if she is to prove a dear friend isn’t a cold-blooded killer.
Sister Eve, a motorcycle-riding nun with a natural (or is it supernatural?) gift for solving murders returns to the enclave she once called home and quickly finds herself confronting yet another mysterious death.
Someone has poisoned Dr. Kelly Middlesworth—a researcher on the life and ministry of 17th-century’s revered “Blue Nun”—and a set of irreplaceable historic documents have disappeared before they could even be examined.
When all evidence seems to point to the victim’s brother, Sister Eve sets out to expose the killer and learn the explosive truth those missing manuscripts might contain.
Chasing a killer is dangerous work, and as her two worlds collide, Sister Eve may need some heavenly help simply to survive.
From Amazon:
After a murder at the monastery, Sister Eve may need a miracle if she is to prove a dear friend isn’t a cold-blooded killer.
Sister Eve, a motorcycle-riding nun with a natural (or is it supernatural?) gift for solving murders returns to the enclave she once called home and quickly finds herself confronting yet another mysterious death.
Someone has poisoned Dr. Kelly Middlesworth—a researcher on the life and ministry of 17th-century’s revered “Blue Nun”—and a set of irreplaceable historic documents have disappeared before they could even be examined.
When all evidence seems to point to the victim’s brother, Sister Eve sets out to expose the killer and learn the explosive truth those missing manuscripts might contain.
Chasing a killer is dangerous work, and as her two worlds collide, Sister Eve may need some heavenly help simply to survive.
June 16, 2016
I rather found this book very interesting and also very good. I do have an understanding of the catholic religion, so I suppose it helped. I loved Sister Eve's character, as I did her father's. The story was not a simple one, it had twist and turns, thrill and spills and lots of and very silly behaviours. I really did get caught up in the people rather than the mystery, but there certainly was enough suspense to remind you that this is a crime novel.
This book was provided to me in return for an honest and unbiased review
This book was provided to me in return for an honest and unbiased review
June 9, 2016
This one has been bit of a disappointment for me. While I like the history included about the Blue Nun and the attempt at beatification, the mystery itself is lacking in this one, even for a cozy mystery. The setting of New Mexico is a plus. The author seemingly takes for granted that the reader can figure anything out on their own and goes to great pains to explain things, often repeatedly.
Copy provided by LitFuse Publicity and the Publisher
Copy provided by LitFuse Publicity and the Publisher
June 15, 2016
I hardly know where to begin my review about Sister Eve and the Blue Nun by author Lynne Hinton. An alternate title for this book might be Sister Eve the Lying Nun.
This is the second book I’ve ready by Lynne Hinton. I like mystery and suspense novels, especially by Christian authors that weave their Christian faith into the storyline and characters. This book does not even come close to that.
My objections? The first thing that caught my attention was that the main character Sister Eve lied; repeatedly lied throughout the story. Purposeful and intentionally lying by a nun seemed rather incongruent with a character who is supposed to be a person of faith. The character doesn’t express any grief or sorrow over her sin. She doesn’t seem to acknowledge or be aware that lying is bad or that it’s a sin that Christ died for. Not only does this character lie, she steals, compromises a crime scene and hopes that Father Oliver, the head of the monastery, will remain silent about her senseless and wrong actions. Secondly, throughout this book Eve makes the stupidest decisions and she lacks common sense. She needlessly puts herself in danger and refuses to accept help or seek help when she needs it.
For brevity’s sake I’ll wrap up my objections. Eve, for no explained reason seems to have a serious mistrust of police. She is prideful and arrogant in thinking she is the be all and end all in solving crimes. So much so that she not only compromises the crime scene but she steals a key piece of evidence. What didn’t make a lick of sense is that once she established that someone had been murdered she didn’t have a sense of urgency on calling the police or concern that there may be a murderer lurking about and she may not be safe. That’s just the beginning for Eve’s stupid decisions. This book was painful to read. More than anything Eve was irritating and not someone I want to read about.
Obviously, when I read a book about a nun I know that there may be things from the Catholic faith brought up. I found the differences between Protestant Christianity and Catholic faith disconcerting. For example, when Eve was praying to the saints, but not to God.
It seemed as if the author was agenda driven about women and the church. In this story Eve expresses thoughts that women are oppressed by the church. Late in the story, another character concurs with her feelings.
There was nothing much of Christian faith shared in this book. There was a scene that seemed reminiscent of new age philosophy when Eve is injured. It doesn’t square with Biblical Christianity.
Was there anything likable in this book? I did like Eve’s dad Captain Jack. He seemed to care about his daughter and had some common sense.
All in all, I thought this book was bad, really bad. Theologically, it’s out to lunch. The main character does things that don’t make any sense. I was sorely disappointed by this book.
Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this book. Steer clear, don’t waste your time or money on Sister Eve and the Blue Nun by Lynne Hinton.
I would like to thank BookLook and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book I’ve ready by Lynne Hinton. I like mystery and suspense novels, especially by Christian authors that weave their Christian faith into the storyline and characters. This book does not even come close to that.
My objections? The first thing that caught my attention was that the main character Sister Eve lied; repeatedly lied throughout the story. Purposeful and intentionally lying by a nun seemed rather incongruent with a character who is supposed to be a person of faith. The character doesn’t express any grief or sorrow over her sin. She doesn’t seem to acknowledge or be aware that lying is bad or that it’s a sin that Christ died for. Not only does this character lie, she steals, compromises a crime scene and hopes that Father Oliver, the head of the monastery, will remain silent about her senseless and wrong actions. Secondly, throughout this book Eve makes the stupidest decisions and she lacks common sense. She needlessly puts herself in danger and refuses to accept help or seek help when she needs it.
For brevity’s sake I’ll wrap up my objections. Eve, for no explained reason seems to have a serious mistrust of police. She is prideful and arrogant in thinking she is the be all and end all in solving crimes. So much so that she not only compromises the crime scene but she steals a key piece of evidence. What didn’t make a lick of sense is that once she established that someone had been murdered she didn’t have a sense of urgency on calling the police or concern that there may be a murderer lurking about and she may not be safe. That’s just the beginning for Eve’s stupid decisions. This book was painful to read. More than anything Eve was irritating and not someone I want to read about.
Obviously, when I read a book about a nun I know that there may be things from the Catholic faith brought up. I found the differences between Protestant Christianity and Catholic faith disconcerting. For example, when Eve was praying to the saints, but not to God.
It seemed as if the author was agenda driven about women and the church. In this story Eve expresses thoughts that women are oppressed by the church. Late in the story, another character concurs with her feelings.
There was nothing much of Christian faith shared in this book. There was a scene that seemed reminiscent of new age philosophy when Eve is injured. It doesn’t square with Biblical Christianity.
Was there anything likable in this book? I did like Eve’s dad Captain Jack. He seemed to care about his daughter and had some common sense.
All in all, I thought this book was bad, really bad. Theologically, it’s out to lunch. The main character does things that don’t make any sense. I was sorely disappointed by this book.
Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this book. Steer clear, don’t waste your time or money on Sister Eve and the Blue Nun by Lynne Hinton.
I would like to thank BookLook and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2016
The third addition to the "Divine Private Detective Agency" series is another entertaining mystery starring our favourite Sister Eve. I quite enjoyed the opening scenes as it reminded me of Agatha Christie's novels and how the stage would be set for what is to follow. As with the prior books in the series, Eve is her normal tenacious self, refusing to give up even when her actions are unconventional. I also like how very real she is, as she makes some bumbling mistakes right at the beginning of the novel, such as compromising the crime scene. Her father continues to be one of my favourite supporting characters, as despite the mistakes that he has committed he has a heart of gold and a father's best interest for Eve. And I must say that the supernatural moments in this story were a pleasant surprise, as they gave an interesting twist to the story.
My one complaint about the book is that it seemed that, though Eve managed to get herself into a precarious situation, she didn't really do all that much to solve the mystery herself. Yes, she followed some clues, but much of the reveal comes at the end of the book through no effort of her own. As a consequence, I can't say that this was my favourite Sister Eve story as I would have preferred her to take a more active role in actually ferreting out the whole truth about what happened, rather than this being revealed to her. Despite this, I still enjoyed my time spent with Sister Eve and I found the details of the Blue Nun and the historical mystery surrounding her to be fascinating indeed!
Fans of Sister Eve will enjoy following her antics once again, and will no doubt be left wanting to find out what's next for Sister Eve and her investigative skills. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher and the Litfuse Publicity Group, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
April 30, 2016
The third book in a quirky new mystery series by Lynne Hinton. Sister Eve is not your average nun, she's a motorcycle wearing, habit defying, mystery solving nun that has stumbled across a murder. One of the keynote speakers at a conference has been murdered and so far the main suspect is the speaker's brother, a monk at the monastery and good friend to Sister Eve. Convinced that Brother Anthony could never have murdered his own flesh and blood, Sister Eve sets out to solve the murder in her own clumsy way. A bungled crime scene later, some advantageous eavesdropping, and some breaking and entering later, she finds herself in deeper than she meant to go. On top of this all, she has to decide whether or not to stay a nun or to quit and join her father in his private detective business. Plus there is that cure officer she keeps running into... Soo many decisions to make and a murderer to catch. A cute inspirational mystery, but not very taxing or hard to solve.
I received this book for free from Litfuse Publicity in return for my honest, unbiased review.
I received this book for free from Litfuse Publicity in return for my honest, unbiased review.
May 19, 2016
I haven't read any of Lynne Hilton's previous books involving Sister Eve. A crime solving nun was an interesting idea, which is why I wanted to read this book.
Sister Eve is determined to prove that her friend Brother Antony was not involved in a murder. This is difficult as he has disappeared just after the body was found
I loved the way Lynne Hinton captured the landscape of New Mexico. I loved her descriptions of the places and found it easy to get lost in her world but I didn't really engage quite so much with the story. I am sure there are many others who will.
Thanks to Netgalley for giving me the chance to read and review this book.
Sister Eve is determined to prove that her friend Brother Antony was not involved in a murder. This is difficult as he has disappeared just after the body was found
I loved the way Lynne Hinton captured the landscape of New Mexico. I loved her descriptions of the places and found it easy to get lost in her world but I didn't really engage quite so much with the story. I am sure there are many others who will.
Thanks to Netgalley for giving me the chance to read and review this book.
May 10, 2020
My ideal rating for this book would be 3.5, but I’m okay with rounding up to a 4. I have not yet read the other two books in this series because I didn’t realize this was part of a series when I purchased it, but having enjoyed this one, I will most likely read the other two. This was a cute and enjoyable read. It’s probably for a niche audience, but I like that the book touches on the positive yet complicated experience of being religious, especially when one is a woman or a ethnic minority. I also like the message that people of different opinions can still unite as the body of Christ. The mystery in the book is a lot of fun. I do wish the writing were more detailed and poetic. I also wish more of Eve’s emotions were expressed to the reader. All in all a good book that I would recommend for people who enjoy fun mysteries and/or Christian fiction that isn’t too evangelical in nature.
May 23, 2016
A page turner. This is the first book I've read in this series. From page one I was pulled into this thrilling and suspenseful story.
Here's a little about the book from the publisher . . .
When Sister Eve returns to the monastery, the last thing she expects there is murder. After solving several mysteries with her father at the Divine Private Detective Agency, Sister Eve finds herself torn between her calling as a nun and the thrill that comes with detecting. She knows she's been using her father's health as an excuse to extend her leave of absence from the monastery, but that excuse is running thin. She prays that a return visit to the monastery for contain.
a conference on the Blue Nun will help bring clarity to her calling, but when the conference speaker is murdered, Sister Eve's two worlds collide. Sister Eve knows the number one suspect, the victim's brother and monk in residence, couldn't possibly have committed the crime, and she's determined to find the real killer. To do so means she must track down some mysterious newly discovered writings from the Blue Nun, said to date from the 17th Century, when the sister bi-located to the New Mexico region from her home in Spain. Could these texts from long ago be the key to today's mystery And will they offer any guidance to Sister Eve as she chooses which calling to follow.
And from the back cover . . .
Sister Eve, a motorcyle-riding nun with a natural (or is it supernatural?) gift for solving murders returns to the enclave she once called home and quickly finds herself confronting yet
another mysterious death.
Someone has poisoned Dr. Kelly Middleworth-a researcher on the life and ministry of 17th- century's revered "Blue Nun" -- and
a set of irreplaceable historic documents have disappeared before they could even be examined.
When all the evidence seems to point to the victim's brother, Sister Eve sets out to expose the killer and learn the explosive truth those missing manuscripts might contain.
Chasing a killer is dangerous work, and as her two worlds, collide, Sister Eve may need some heavenly help simply to survive.
This title is part of a series. But it stands alone. I had no problem getting into the story or the characters.
In fact I really enjoyed the characters.
I caught myself laughing at Sister Eve and her father. Their banter was quite funny and gave the story some depth. The story was filled with twists and turns keeping this reader unsuspecting of who the real villain is and how the story will end.
The book is also available in collection! Click here for a direct link to purchase the collection.
Sister Eve and the Blue Nun was a great book deserving of . . .
Image result for 5 stars
I'll be checking out the rest of the series. Stay tuned!
I received a complimentary copy of Sister Eve and the Blue Nun from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.
This book is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and
Christian Book (dot)com.
Click on the bold type for a direct link to purchase or read additional reviews.
This review is posted at the above retailers and on Good Reads.
This post is linked at
The Art of Homemaking, Book Nook at Create with Joy and Share Your Cup.
Here's a little about the book from the publisher . . .
When Sister Eve returns to the monastery, the last thing she expects there is murder. After solving several mysteries with her father at the Divine Private Detective Agency, Sister Eve finds herself torn between her calling as a nun and the thrill that comes with detecting. She knows she's been using her father's health as an excuse to extend her leave of absence from the monastery, but that excuse is running thin. She prays that a return visit to the monastery for contain.
a conference on the Blue Nun will help bring clarity to her calling, but when the conference speaker is murdered, Sister Eve's two worlds collide. Sister Eve knows the number one suspect, the victim's brother and monk in residence, couldn't possibly have committed the crime, and she's determined to find the real killer. To do so means she must track down some mysterious newly discovered writings from the Blue Nun, said to date from the 17th Century, when the sister bi-located to the New Mexico region from her home in Spain. Could these texts from long ago be the key to today's mystery And will they offer any guidance to Sister Eve as she chooses which calling to follow.
And from the back cover . . .
Sister Eve, a motorcyle-riding nun with a natural (or is it supernatural?) gift for solving murders returns to the enclave she once called home and quickly finds herself confronting yet
another mysterious death.
Someone has poisoned Dr. Kelly Middleworth-a researcher on the life and ministry of 17th- century's revered "Blue Nun" -- and
a set of irreplaceable historic documents have disappeared before they could even be examined.
When all the evidence seems to point to the victim's brother, Sister Eve sets out to expose the killer and learn the explosive truth those missing manuscripts might contain.
Chasing a killer is dangerous work, and as her two worlds, collide, Sister Eve may need some heavenly help simply to survive.
This title is part of a series. But it stands alone. I had no problem getting into the story or the characters.
In fact I really enjoyed the characters.
I caught myself laughing at Sister Eve and her father. Their banter was quite funny and gave the story some depth. The story was filled with twists and turns keeping this reader unsuspecting of who the real villain is and how the story will end.
The book is also available in collection! Click here for a direct link to purchase the collection.
Sister Eve and the Blue Nun was a great book deserving of . . .
Image result for 5 stars
I'll be checking out the rest of the series. Stay tuned!
I received a complimentary copy of Sister Eve and the Blue Nun from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.
This book is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and
Christian Book (dot)com.
Click on the bold type for a direct link to purchase or read additional reviews.
This review is posted at the above retailers and on Good Reads.
This post is linked at
The Art of Homemaking, Book Nook at Create with Joy and Share Your Cup.
June 6, 2016
This book is the third of the series, "A Divine Private Detective Agency Mystery". I wasn't really ever lost or wondering what was going on so the book definitely stands on it's own.
The premise of the book is quite intriguing. There is a lot going on in Sister Eve's life. The home she has known for years is no longer her home. The nuns are having to leave and she is now caring for her ailing father, Captain Jack, which makes her at a cross roads as to whether to stay a nun or not. In the middle of all this, her good friend is found dead and she is focused on that. Here's where it all goes downhill for me.
Sister Eve contaminates the murder scene, steals a key piece of evidence, and then lies throughout the story to the police. This is a nun?! Her personality can be contrary, which would be fine if it was quirky but I found it just irritating. She is rather self-righteous and unlikable and that made the book even harder for me to read. I never understood why she did the lying and stealing of evidence unless she didn't trust the police, but this was never clarified. Perhaps it was just in keeping with her personality of knowing what is best for all involved. I was also disappointed in the fact that she questioned the role of women in the church as it felt like a political statement. Obviously, since she is a nun, she prayed to Mary and the Saints. This didn't bother me as I expected it, but it might bother others who aren't Catholic and aren't expecting it in the book. Highly disappointing, though, considering this is supposed to be a Christian mystery is the element of New Age spiritualism in a couple of areas.
I easily figured out who the murderer was early in the book (that's always a bummer for me and takes off a lot of points immediately) and, while the author did try and throw in some twists and turns, by the time she did, it was too late and she had lost me.
I really wanted to like this book. It seemed like such a good plot and the idea of a motorcycle riding nun solving murders was very intriguing, but unfortunately this book just fell short. There was not enough mystery and the main character unlikable. I can only give this book 2 stars out of 5.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group
The premise of the book is quite intriguing. There is a lot going on in Sister Eve's life. The home she has known for years is no longer her home. The nuns are having to leave and she is now caring for her ailing father, Captain Jack, which makes her at a cross roads as to whether to stay a nun or not. In the middle of all this, her good friend is found dead and she is focused on that. Here's where it all goes downhill for me.
Sister Eve contaminates the murder scene, steals a key piece of evidence, and then lies throughout the story to the police. This is a nun?! Her personality can be contrary, which would be fine if it was quirky but I found it just irritating. She is rather self-righteous and unlikable and that made the book even harder for me to read. I never understood why she did the lying and stealing of evidence unless she didn't trust the police, but this was never clarified. Perhaps it was just in keeping with her personality of knowing what is best for all involved. I was also disappointed in the fact that she questioned the role of women in the church as it felt like a political statement. Obviously, since she is a nun, she prayed to Mary and the Saints. This didn't bother me as I expected it, but it might bother others who aren't Catholic and aren't expecting it in the book. Highly disappointing, though, considering this is supposed to be a Christian mystery is the element of New Age spiritualism in a couple of areas.
I easily figured out who the murderer was early in the book (that's always a bummer for me and takes off a lot of points immediately) and, while the author did try and throw in some twists and turns, by the time she did, it was too late and she had lost me.
I really wanted to like this book. It seemed like such a good plot and the idea of a motorcycle riding nun solving murders was very intriguing, but unfortunately this book just fell short. There was not enough mystery and the main character unlikable. I can only give this book 2 stars out of 5.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group
June 25, 2016
Back at the Monestary, Sister Eve Finds Murder
Sister Evangeline Divine, better known as Sister Eve, is back at the Pecos monastery for a conference on Sister Maria de Jesus de Agreda, the Blue Nun who bilocated from Spain to visit the Jumano Indians converting them to Christianity. The conference promises to be particularly important when Dr. Kelly Middlesworth, the opening speaker, tells Sister Eve that she has new information that may help in getting sainthood for Sister Maria.
Kelly's brother, Anthony, is a monk in the Pecos monastery. He found Sister Maria's writings at the pueblo church and took them to show Kelly on the understanding that she wouldn't tell anyone else. Kelly didn't keep her word, and Anthony was furious.
That night before the conference Sister Eve is praying when Anthony stumbles into the chapel. He found Kelly dead, and he's distraught thinking he caused the murder. Sister Eve knows he isn't guilty, but now she has to prove it before the police arrest Anthony.
The plot is fairly complex. While we don't know who killed Kelly, a number of people, including her brother had the chance. Although the author tries to hide the identity of the murderer, it's fairly easy to figure out early in the novel, so unless you like reading about Sister Eve's adventures, this removes some of the fun of trying to solve the mystery yourself.
I found the early part of the book with everyone stumbling over each other in the middle of the night and making a hash of the murder scene unrealistic. The action picked up when Sister Eve left the monastery to try to solve the mystery on her own.
I can't recommend this book. The author throws in too much backstory bogging down the action and the characters are rather thinly drawn. The subplots, particularly that involving Sister Eve and a handsome detective, are well done, but they can't carry the novel.
I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for this review.
Sister Evangeline Divine, better known as Sister Eve, is back at the Pecos monastery for a conference on Sister Maria de Jesus de Agreda, the Blue Nun who bilocated from Spain to visit the Jumano Indians converting them to Christianity. The conference promises to be particularly important when Dr. Kelly Middlesworth, the opening speaker, tells Sister Eve that she has new information that may help in getting sainthood for Sister Maria.
Kelly's brother, Anthony, is a monk in the Pecos monastery. He found Sister Maria's writings at the pueblo church and took them to show Kelly on the understanding that she wouldn't tell anyone else. Kelly didn't keep her word, and Anthony was furious.
That night before the conference Sister Eve is praying when Anthony stumbles into the chapel. He found Kelly dead, and he's distraught thinking he caused the murder. Sister Eve knows he isn't guilty, but now she has to prove it before the police arrest Anthony.
The plot is fairly complex. While we don't know who killed Kelly, a number of people, including her brother had the chance. Although the author tries to hide the identity of the murderer, it's fairly easy to figure out early in the novel, so unless you like reading about Sister Eve's adventures, this removes some of the fun of trying to solve the mystery yourself.
I found the early part of the book with everyone stumbling over each other in the middle of the night and making a hash of the murder scene unrealistic. The action picked up when Sister Eve left the monastery to try to solve the mystery on her own.
I can't recommend this book. The author throws in too much backstory bogging down the action and the characters are rather thinly drawn. The subplots, particularly that involving Sister Eve and a handsome detective, are well done, but they can't carry the novel.
I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for this review.
May 26, 2016
This is the third book in the Divine Private Detective Agency Mystery series. I haven't read the first two books and didn't have any trouble diving in with this one however there were a few things that likely would have jived more if I had -- a couple of inside jokes and one relationship in particular.
A motorcycle riding, mystery solving nun makes for an interesting heroine -- though Sister Eve is on a kind of sabbatical as she tries to figure out if she wants to continue being a nun. That leaves her with enough time to assist her father at his private detective agency. Still wet behind the ears as far as sleuthing goes, she bungles her way through a crime scene, destroying evidence and getting herself into a pile of trouble. Her biggest flaw is a sheer stubborn will that propels her to go crime-solving on her own.
Interesting dynamics develop with a police detective -- not connected to the case -- a surprising twist I didn't see coming. But then, Eve is struggling with women's role in the Catholic Church and how she fits in a religious order. Lots of fodder for future books in the series.
While she might be struggling with the logistics of how her faith will play out, it's still strong -- something she relies on at critical moments in the novel. In keeping with her Catholic roots, Eve's prayers are directed to Mary and there is a supernatural element to the inspirational thread.
Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book.
A motorcycle riding, mystery solving nun makes for an interesting heroine -- though Sister Eve is on a kind of sabbatical as she tries to figure out if she wants to continue being a nun. That leaves her with enough time to assist her father at his private detective agency. Still wet behind the ears as far as sleuthing goes, she bungles her way through a crime scene, destroying evidence and getting herself into a pile of trouble. Her biggest flaw is a sheer stubborn will that propels her to go crime-solving on her own.
Interesting dynamics develop with a police detective -- not connected to the case -- a surprising twist I didn't see coming. But then, Eve is struggling with women's role in the Catholic Church and how she fits in a religious order. Lots of fodder for future books in the series.
While she might be struggling with the logistics of how her faith will play out, it's still strong -- something she relies on at critical moments in the novel. In keeping with her Catholic roots, Eve's prayers are directed to Mary and there is a supernatural element to the inspirational thread.
Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book.
May 22, 2016
SISTER EVE AND THE BLUE NUN is the first book I've read by Lynne Hinton. EVen though it is the third book in the series it did easily stand alone, and I wasn't confused at all who was who and what their role was in the story.
The story was somewhat contrived, with Sister Eve totally destroying the murder scene, touching everything, breaking them, leaving fingerprints -- and yet she was never considered a suspect The story is written in narrative point of view which keeps the reader distant, unable to connect with the characters. Plus the reader sees things the characters don't see.
The mystery is fairly easy to figure out, though the author did throw some red herrings in there to keep the reader guessing. If you like cozy mysteries, heavy on the cozy light on the action, adventure, and adrenaline, then you might want to give SISTER EVE AND THE BLUE NUN a chance.
Warning for more conservative readers, it is Catholic, and the characters pray to Mary and the saints, not God.
The story was somewhat contrived, with Sister Eve totally destroying the murder scene, touching everything, breaking them, leaving fingerprints -- and yet she was never considered a suspect The story is written in narrative point of view which keeps the reader distant, unable to connect with the characters. Plus the reader sees things the characters don't see.
The mystery is fairly easy to figure out, though the author did throw some red herrings in there to keep the reader guessing. If you like cozy mysteries, heavy on the cozy light on the action, adventure, and adrenaline, then you might want to give SISTER EVE AND THE BLUE NUN a chance.
Warning for more conservative readers, it is Catholic, and the characters pray to Mary and the saints, not God.
April 25, 2019
Have you ever read a book by someone who had no clue about which they were writing? I am not a nun, have never been a nun, nor will I ever be a nun, but I know more nuns than your average person. Sr. Eve and the Blue Nun features a motorcycle riding, crime solving nun. Great! I’m on board! Reminds me a bit of Sr. Stephanie from the Fr. Dowling tv series (not the books). Then, you add in the fact that she is residing in a combination convent/ monastery. Um, no. She takes issue that it is being disbanded. She jokes about a former resident who joins the Poor Clares, as they chose to sacrifice by praying in the wee hours of the morning. She also helps a monk scatter ashes, when Catholics are required to be interned (either in full body or ashes) onto consecrated ground.
Yes, this critique is based entirely on the poor research on the Catholicism within the book. The mystery was okay and gave the book 2 stars instead of the 1 I still kind of think it deserves.
Yes, this critique is based entirely on the poor research on the Catholicism within the book. The mystery was okay and gave the book 2 stars instead of the 1 I still kind of think it deserves.
March 17, 2017
Another gripping adventure with Evangeline. I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment to see where Eve goes with her life - will she remain a nun, or will she join her father, and what about her confusing feelings about Detective Lujan?????
March 17, 2017
First time reading this author. Loved it. Page turner. Looking forward to reading more by this author. :)
December 31, 2016
There were some things I liked about this book, and some I didn't really care for. Sister Eve is a nun/detective. She has a knack for solving crimes and although she is currently still a nun, she is also working as a detective for her father's agency. In this book, she is at the convent where she used to live for a convention. Dr Kelly Middlesworth, a religious researcher, is supposed to be speaking at a conference there, but ends up murdered instead. Detective Eve's crime solving habits kick in, and she ends up on the trail of a possible killer.
I liked the plot, it was unique and different from any book I've read. For the most part, it was interesting and kept me wondering who did it and what would happen next. I was pretty sure I knew who did it from the start, but the author did a pretty good job of promoting various alternative options that kept me guessing.
What I didn't like about the story was that, although I liked Eve as a person, she seemed like a bit of an incompetent detective. She compromises the crime scene, lies, hides evidence, and doesn't seem to be sorry or receive consequences for her actions. It also seemed like the monk who stole the valuable documents doesn't suffer any consequences either. At least none other than ones they pretty much brought on themselves. Of course, some of those were pretty dire, but I would have preferred Eve to have been on the up and up, especially being a nun. There were a few other parts of the story that really didn't impress me. I suppose its a matter of opinion.
I have not read any of the other books in this series so I didn't really have anything to compare it to. I wouldn't mind reading a different book in the series to see what it was like.
I received a free copy of this book from Fiction Guild and Thomas Nelson to review. I was not required to review positively and all opinions are my own.
I liked the plot, it was unique and different from any book I've read. For the most part, it was interesting and kept me wondering who did it and what would happen next. I was pretty sure I knew who did it from the start, but the author did a pretty good job of promoting various alternative options that kept me guessing.
What I didn't like about the story was that, although I liked Eve as a person, she seemed like a bit of an incompetent detective. She compromises the crime scene, lies, hides evidence, and doesn't seem to be sorry or receive consequences for her actions. It also seemed like the monk who stole the valuable documents doesn't suffer any consequences either. At least none other than ones they pretty much brought on themselves. Of course, some of those were pretty dire, but I would have preferred Eve to have been on the up and up, especially being a nun. There were a few other parts of the story that really didn't impress me. I suppose its a matter of opinion.
I have not read any of the other books in this series so I didn't really have anything to compare it to. I wouldn't mind reading a different book in the series to see what it was like.
I received a free copy of this book from Fiction Guild and Thomas Nelson to review. I was not required to review positively and all opinions are my own.
June 4, 2019
I enjoyed this book. In fact, my personal enjoyment of it might have merited another star. But unlike the earlier books in this series, I thought this one was very esoteric. It dealt a lot with Roman Catholic mysticism, and I think anyone who wasn't pretty seriously Catholic might have a harder time enjoying it.
In addition, I did feel that perhaps the author fell a little too in love with her research. She clearly learned a lot about the historical figure known as the Blue Nun -- and at times, I felt she was trying to share every word of that research with us.
Setting those criticisms aside, it involved a lot of nice character development for the protagonist of this series. In a way, I am saddened that it is the last one Hinton has written, and I hope that it isn't the last one ever, because I have grown quite fond of Sister Evangeline and her friends and family.
In addition, I did feel that perhaps the author fell a little too in love with her research. She clearly learned a lot about the historical figure known as the Blue Nun -- and at times, I felt she was trying to share every word of that research with us.
Setting those criticisms aside, it involved a lot of nice character development for the protagonist of this series. In a way, I am saddened that it is the last one Hinton has written, and I hope that it isn't the last one ever, because I have grown quite fond of Sister Evangeline and her friends and family.
October 22, 2018
Nun Eve is torn between staying a nun, although the community that she loved and lived in has been disbanded, or joining her father's private detective business. Meanwhile, she goes back to her old community as a guest because she's interested in the conference on Sister Maria , known as the Blue Nun. When the keynote speaker is murdered, her brother, one of the monks and a close friend of Eve's, is the main suspect. There's a fair amount about the history of the Blue Nun, and some miraculous intervention when Eve is badly injured, but a fair amount of repetition too. And Eve gets funny symptoms when she meets a handsome police detective--now, why is that?
September 13, 2017
Good entertaining read. A spiritual setting like a monk cloister with female Nun's being kicked out. Now enter the story of how a Nun is up for Sainthood in a day when the rest of the females are getting the boot. Add in a Murder and you have suspense, drama, a good story and of course a great looking Law Enforcement Officer to make the Nun question her devotion to the church.
Enjoyed the intrigue, the ability of Sister Eve to keep her spunk despite the habit and to show her individuality with the unerring bending of rules.
Enjoyed the intrigue, the ability of Sister Eve to keep her spunk despite the habit and to show her individuality with the unerring bending of rules.
April 9, 2019
Please do not be put off by the religious theme in this novel because it is written in such a way that comes across as educational and not "preachy." I started looking up the religious terms I was unfamiliar with and learned quite a bit.
I really liked this book because the main character Eve, who is a nun, is well developed and experiencing a deep identity crisis. She is presented as a real person, not as a religious figure, with human issues.
This book is perfect as a standalone as well. I did not read the first two books in this series and had zero issues with missing pieces.
I really liked this book because the main character Eve, who is a nun, is well developed and experiencing a deep identity crisis. She is presented as a real person, not as a religious figure, with human issues.
This book is perfect as a standalone as well. I did not read the first two books in this series and had zero issues with missing pieces.
November 15, 2019
Number three in the series of a nun who is a detective with only training from her father who worked in the police department. A female professor is poisoned at the home of the monks; she was scheduled to be the feature speaker at a conference on a woman being considered for sainthood. Sister Eve does her own investigating to solve the crime. I thought the plot dragged and was repetitious. It would be helpful to read the first and second novels first -- to know the background of the characters.
October 18, 2016
Sister Eve and the Blue Nun is book three of The Divine Private Detective Agency series and the first of Lynne Hinton’s books that I’ve read. It can easily be read as a standalone.
Sister Eve deals with her internal struggles while striving to solve the murder of Dr. Kelly Middlesworth. Ms. Hinton incorporated the history of a 17th century nun and gave it a unique twist.
I really wanted to enjoy the book, but if I’m being totally honest, it wasn’t my favorite. Although the premise of the mystery made it interesting, the storytelling itself lacked substance. The true suspense came toward the end and it was well done.
I received the book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and the Fiction Guild and have provided my honest review here.
https://wordynerdyblog.wordpress.com/...
Sister Eve deals with her internal struggles while striving to solve the murder of Dr. Kelly Middlesworth. Ms. Hinton incorporated the history of a 17th century nun and gave it a unique twist.
I really wanted to enjoy the book, but if I’m being totally honest, it wasn’t my favorite. Although the premise of the mystery made it interesting, the storytelling itself lacked substance. The true suspense came toward the end and it was well done.
I received the book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and the Fiction Guild and have provided my honest review here.
https://wordynerdyblog.wordpress.com/...
December 30, 2016
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. I enjoyed the story of a nun who is questioning her continuation as in the sisterhood. She joins forces with her father to find out how a woman who is scheduled to speak about The Blue Nun ends up dead at the monestary in New Mexico. The story kept my interest and the main characters were nicely developed. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Eve and her father, the Captain. This book is an easy, light read.
August 5, 2017
I did not read the first in the series but don’t think it took away how great this book was to read. I love that she used her skills from working with her father to start the investigation and finally getting the actual murderer while giving us an excellent descriptions of the landscape of New Mexico which I would love to experience. I enjoyed reading this book and will look forward to reading other books by this author.
February 7, 2019
Sister Eve is attending a conference at the Abbey when the sister of Brother Anthony is murdered. Missing are some old documents Brother Anthony had taken from a Pueblo church. When he becomes the prime suspect in his sister's death, Sister Eve tries to resolve his innocence. At the same time she deals with the decision of whether to remain a nun and her attraction to a Native American policeman setting the stage for a future book by the author.
May 14, 2018
I love Sister Eve! But this book desperately needed editing. It would’ve made an excellent short story or novella. The first part was incredibly slow paced and repetitive m, asthey told the story of finding the body about 100 times in a row. Then it turned into a travel guide/diary of New Mexico.
A few fun moments, but terrible overall!
A few fun moments, but terrible overall!
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