The Case Of The Flower Phantom

Sisters of the Last Straw #4

by Karen Kelly Boyce

Meet the Sisters of the Last Straw, a community of Sisters trying hard to overcome their bad habits. Join these lovable misfit nuns as they learn to love God and forgive one another. In this their fourth mystery, the Sisters have to find who is sending Gabby Fibber flowers. What do the flowers mean? Who is sending them? Is it grumpy Mr. Lemon - or someone else? Can the Sisters solve the mystery? Can you? Children's ages 6-12

89 pages, Paperback

First published December 30, 2016

About the author

Karen Kelly Boyce rediscovered her love of writing and reading when she retired from nursing. She has been published in Canticle and Soul magazines. Karen's written four novels and three children's books. She lives on a farm with her retired husband. Karen has two grown children and two grandchildren. She enjoys farming and raises Nigerian Dwarf goats, chickens, turkeys, and horses. Karen and her husband Mike love camping and road trips. She enjoys visiting her grandchildren and is the leader of the Jackson Writer's group, Co-chair of the CJCCWG, and a member of the Catholic Writer's Guild.

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have now read the 6 books that are currently available in this series. And there are two that have been announced but that I have not been able to find release dates for. I read these books completely out of order. I read them in this order: 5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 4. And for the last two my youngest daughter read them to me as part of her daily reading time. And her and I have circled back and am rereading them all in publication order. The books do tell a continuous story and are best read in order. But each story is well enough written that they can be read as standalones. My youngest two children ages 10 and 13 love these books. And in my mid 50’s I really enjoy them as well. They are great reads and fun for the whole family. With each book I have read in this series, I appreciate it more.

I previously stated that the series reminds me of Tales of a Magic Monastery by Theophane the Monk. These are really fun reads. Bu they also have good lessons. Lessons that kids will pick up on and lean from, but also lessons that we as adults can appreciate and be challenged by. I plan on reading a book a week until I have finished the series. I started out prereading them prior to reading them with my youngest two children. But, as mentioned, let my youngest read me book 6 and this volume.

In each volume in the series, we find out more about Sisters of the Last Straw. How they came to be, and what some of them are working on personally in their process of striving to become saints. They always seem to end up in a awkward circumstances. They still have a grouchy neighbour. And in this story, they have a visitor at the convent, Gabby Fibber. Gabby lives up to both her names, and happens to be cousin to Sister Lovely. If the sisters have a knack for ending up in trouble all by themselves, imagine the results when someone is stirring the pot. And I do not mean the one in the kitchen. All while the sisters are trying to prepare thanksgiving dinner for the parish and the poor.

The sisters in this story are fun, and the tale is often funny. The sisters are:

Sister Krumbles
Sister Shiny
Sister Lovely
Sister Wanda
Sister Lacey
Mother Mercy

In this volume the black and white illustrations by Sue Anderson Gioulis continue to add to the story. The book teaches us about human nature, about living the gospel, and about trusting God. It also teaches us about the different strengths and weakness in different characters, and how to live in community. The nuns seem to end up in strange situations, but with faith, hope, and prayer they usually come to a solution. From the chapter titles you always have a preview of what is about to happen next:

That Darn Rooster
Muddy Messes
Praying About Problems
Turkey Turmoil
Park Pandemonium
Bathtub Surprise
Monster in the Closet
The Phantom Revealed
A Thanksgiving Feast

In this story we have mysterious flowers and notes being left for the guest. We have rumours and innuendo's being splashed about, and about all the sisters. We have a troublemaker instigating the whole group. And we have sisters who realize something is amiss and try to figure it out and to make it right. And turkey dinner to server, and if lucky maybe even one for the sisters.

There are excellent lessons for the young readers of the series for whom it is written for, and also for us older folks who might read it with or to them. Or even just on our own. It is a great story in a very fun series. And we look forward to reading the series again as we await the two new titles. Pick it up I am certain you will laugh at and with the sisters of the last straw.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Karen Kelly Boyce.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!

[J.J. Lair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had a fun new character. A braggart. You have Mr. Lemon back. Wild animals making a mess and making life difficult for the sisters. The mystery of the flower was intriguing. I enjoyed the clues and the unraveling of the mystery.
Four stars

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not our fave of the series, but it was still entertaining and enjoyable!

[RACHEL · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "Sisters of the Last Straw" are a delightful cast of characters enjoyable for all ages. Great for the young reader in your life starting short chapter books. Join the sisters as they help one another overcome bad habits.

My copy was a gift from Goodreads First Reads.

[Stephen Kahofer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book for children to read or have read to them. Fun stories for them that will provide the values they need in their life. The best way to learn whats good about religion.


Merged review:

This is a story all children should read or have read to them. The beauty of her story will be enjoyed either way. If the parents read it, they get to enjoy it and share it with their kids. This is good writing.

[Mickardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bot as good as the previous books in the series. Hope Boyce is not running out of creativity. I highly recommend all the SSLS books prior. Read them all twice. Once is enough for this one.