Peril & Prayer

A Sister Lou Mystery #2

by Olivia Matthews

How do you solve a problem like Marianna?

This year's Advent retreat has been booked for the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Hermione of Ephesus at the pastoral Briar Coast Cabin Resorts in New York. But when the combative Sister Marianna practically loses her religion arguing over minor details with resort co-owner Autumn Tassler, Sister Louise “Lou” LaSalle blessedly steps in as peacemaker.

Only days later, Autumn is found strangled in her office, and hot-headed Sister Marianna becomes the sheriff’s deputies’ prime suspect. They believe her missing scarf may be the murder weapon, but Sister Lou believes Sister Marianna’s being framed. If she has a prayer of keeping Sister Marianna out of prison, she’ll need to once again put her faith in her nephew Chris LaSalle and reporter Shari Henson to help her solve the case. As the trio tries to cross suspects off the list, Sister Lou has no choice but to stick her neck out—if she’s going to unveil who was desperate enough to resort to murder . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction

394 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published June 26, 2018

About the author

Olivia Matthews is a pseudonym for Patricia Sargeant.

Reviews

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was adorable!
Light and fun.

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery and Christian fiction fans alike can’t go wrong with the Sister Lou Mysteries. Perfect for readers of all ages, this is a series for the whole family.

The first book in this delightful series, MAYHEM & MASS, was so entertaining that there was no way I was going to miss out on PERIL & PRAYER. Oh, my goodness. I’m so glad I didn’t! Spending time with Sister Lou was just as fun as I remembered! I was totally engrossed in this wonderful whodunit. The world around me dissolved away as I joined the unlikely, but perfectly suited to the task, amateur sleuth, in her latest adventure. This second installment in the Sister Lou Mystery series was cover-to-cover, filled to bursting with mystery, intrigue, fun, and surprises.

Author Olivia Matthews pens an old-fashioned mystery with a fresh modern flare. She has an eye for detail, and a gift for storytelling that all shine through in this must-read cozy.

Fans of the first book will be thrilled with PERILS & PRAYERS. New to Sister Lou? What are you waiting for?! This series is one of my must haves, and I think it will be for you too.

[Monica **can't read fast enough** · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

Sister Lou is a character that I really enjoy reading. She is relatable in a way that I found surprising in book one and even more enjoyable in book two. Matthews writing is descriptive-sometimes more than I personally want, but I don't find that it distracts me from the story. If you are a cozy mystery fan this is a series I'd definitely recommend giving a try. These stories are steady and enjoyable without being boring. I enjoy the characters and am looking forward to more.

Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase

[Tam Sesto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am becoming a big fan of Sister Lou, and the second book in the series, Peril & Prayer, was even better than the first book of the series. This time around, Sister Lou is trying to solve the murder of a woman who had been arguing with Sister Marianna. She steps in because Sister Marianna being a murder suspect was causing them to lose donors.

Just like with the first book, the author is very descriptive about the foods served, the interior designs, and the clothing her characters wear. I like this method, as it’s so easy to picture it all as a mini movie running in your mind. In this book, she’s letting us in on more of Shari’s life (she’s the local reporter). I also like that Shari and Chris, Sister Lou’s nephew, are starting to develop a relationship. The book is very well written, the mystery is challenging, and the culprit was a surprise. And the final 2 pages of the book were quite satisfying as Sister Marianna proves she’s human after all.

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are my own.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started this rather long book expecting to enjoy it, and planning to look for the first in the series (this is the second). But I found reading it very slow-going, perhaps because of the plentiful, repeated descriptions, perhaps because of a seeming lack of narrative impetus. Autumn owns the resort where the sisters of the Hermoine order plan to hold their Advent retreat. She disagrees with rather rigid sister Marianne, despite sister Lou's attempts to be diplomatic. When Autumn is murdered, the police decide Marianne is the logical suspect, and both she and the order's supervisor ask Lou to step in. Lou is reluctant to do so, since her nephew Chris has asked her to stay out of police business. One very positive note is the diversity of the characters, something sadly lacking in most mysteries, especially of the "small town" variety.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series that has a good cozy mystery and a set of characters that are refreshing and fun. Sister Lou is helping plan the annual Advent retreat but Sister Marianna is haggling with Autumn Tassler, the owner of the resort. When Autumn is found strangled with a scarf owned by Sister Marianna the police are looking at the sisters as suspects. Lou, with the help of her nephew Chris and the local news reporter Shari have a list of suspects way too long. This is book 2 in the Sister Lou Mystery series and is a great addition. You might think this book would have a strong religious presence but it doesn't. The main characters might be sisters but there is no preaching . I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

“She appeared rigid in her navy skirt, red blazer, crisp white blouse, and red, blue, and black- patterned silk scarf. Her blue, gold ,and white Hermionean cross was pinned to her blazer’s right lapel.”

There are over three hundred references to colours in this book. The author’s other obsessions, with fashion, soft furnishings, food and scents are under better control, but still obtrude. Several reviews of the first in this series, “Mayhem and Mass”, noted these distracting preoccupations, and recommended some editing, but the comments do not seem to have had any effect.

That is a pity, as Sister Lou LaSalle, nephew Chris and reporter friend,Shari, are potentially an interesting and worthwhile detection team.This leads to another issue. There really is not much detection here, and the plot, centred on the murder of resort owner, Autumn Tassler, is full of implausibilities and repetitious going-over of the same ground.

I had the suspects down to two fairly early on, although the motive was harder to figure out. Too much time is spent on side issues such as the fundraising campaign and on Sister Marianna’s negative bickering. The official detectives, Ted Tate and Fran Cole, are unrealistically focussed for too long on one suspect with a very inconsequential motive.The only rationale behind this is that it gives Sister Lou a reason to investigate the murder.

I will persist with this series-number 3 is scheduled for March 2019- because the main characters and the set-up are basically good . However the author needs to address her over-use of colour adjectives.

2.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the digital ARC.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Around the Year in 52 Books 2018 Reading Challenge. A book published in 2018.

There are too many unbelievable things in this book for it to deserve 4 stars. Someone everyone describes as pushy allows herself to be interrogated to two cops without demanding to have a lawyer present. A DNA sample is taken without mention of a warrant. A woman says her alibi is that she was making breakfast for her husband, but the cops don't bother to ask him about that. The cops don't bother to look at anyone's computer files regarding the finances of the company or ask any questions about the finances. Even if, the cops have a vendetta against one particular Sister and make an arrest based on their feelings, no DA is going to take their case to court. It is too weak. AND unless you have a 12 person jury where every single person was subjected to mean nuns at a Catholic school, they are not going to convict a Sister of murder based on an argument about what to serve for dinner. I understand that the idea of a cozy mystery is that someone other than the police will solve the crime, but the police can't be completely incompetent.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sister Lou is back in Peril & Prayer and determined to clear a friend’s name. Someone was murdered and someone that knows Sister Lou needs her help and Sister Lou is determined to help her. There are a number of people who look very suspicious and may have alternative motives.


I was drawn into this mystery from the very beginning. I loved how determined and feisty Sister Lou is and how she doesn’t let anything or anyone step in her way in order to find out the truth no matter what the consequences are. I can’t wait to read more of this series to see what a Sister Lou is going to get into next.

[Lindsay InAustin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The characters are excellent and compelling. But the plot wasn't. I cannot imagine even the most stubborn of police officers believing that a nun killed a virtual stranger just because of a disagreement over the menu for a retreat. And the final solution was an out-of-the-blue revelation with no clues along the way. I wish I loved it, because I liked the characters. But a mystery should be at least believable, and the reader should have enough information to solve it without waiting for undisclosed details at the very end.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow I missed reading the first in this series but I had no trouble enjoying this one as there is enough backstory to make it clear. Sister Lou, her nephew Chris and Sheri, a journalist, are on another case. This time it's the owner of the lodge where Sister Lou and her fellow sisters hope to hold a retreat. One big snag comes in the form of Sister Marianna, a very stubborn, opinionated and seriously difficult woman. Sister Lou goes with her when she meets with the owner of Briar Coast Cabin Resort. Sparks are threatening to fly over the menu, of all things. Sister Marianna is of the opinion that this is a retreat and not a vacation so there should be an austere menu but Autumn offers more pleasing fare. As the calming influence, Sister Lou comes up with the solution (fingers crossed) of putting it to the other sister for a vote. A good set up for things to come, except for poor Autumn, as she has been cast as the murder victim. Did the police call it right when they focus on Sister Marianna as the killer? Well, she may be disagreeable and more than a bit unlikeable but no, not a killer, unless they could arrest her for killing the patience of many people. Time for Sister Lou, Chris and Sheri to investigate the life of the deceased as there are plenty of suspects there. Top of the list for a motive for her killing might just be that she took on a partner (bad move on her part) who is determined to get her to sell the resort to a developer and Autumn will have none of it.
The mystery is solid and the characters are delightful and I now have the previous book on my to be read list. I will agree with other readers that there is an overabundance of colorful description but, setting that aside, the structure of the mystery is very good. Maybe in the next outing there will be a bit less setting detail but, if not, I will not let it deter me from enjoying another investigation with such a entertaining trio of sleuths.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the Sister Lou mystery series and a fun whodunit ! I loved this book and it was one of my favorite Net Galley reads of the year. I look forward to the next in series by this fabulous author.
Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my review.

What a fun series this is. Being a Christian I enjoyed the religious aspect and how endearing the rituals are to the Catholic religion. The emphasis here is on morality and good works which is rare to read about in mystery books. The author emphasizes the good works of the Nuns which I really enjoy reading about. They are involved in retreats, schools and fund raising on a regular basis.

The congregation is planning a retreat . The retreat is important as preparation for the Christmas season for all the Nuns. The site is selected then the owner of the resort is murdered. One of the sisters who is difficult is suspected as the primary suspect. There are many possible other suspects and Sister Lou and colleagues work to clear suspicion from the sisters they known are innocent of charges. .
This is a sweet and endearing story without violence. i enjoy this as a series I can depend on to provide me with relaxation, interesting charcters and a great sleuth. Well done to the author.
Cross posted. I highly recommend this series. A very enjoyable read !

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sister Lou, Chris and Shari are back in their second mystery! The sisters want to have their Advent Retreat at Briar Coast Cabin Resorts, however, there are challenges and plans are moving slowly. The ever argumentative Sister Marianna is stubborn and wants her way, while the co-owner, Autumn Tassler isn't about to give in to Marianna's inflexible demands. When Autumn is discovered murdered, Marianna becomes the primary suspect. Sister Lou believes Sister Marianna is innocent and soon finds herself, along with Chris and Shari, investigating the tragic death of Autumn.

I read the first book in this series and enjoyed it, so I was happy to see the second book soon to arrive. Sister Lou is great. She's a peacemaker, polite, trustworthy and loyal to her friends. I can't help myself but to like her. Shari is a good, ethical investigative reporter. She can really stand up to the antagonists in the community. The relationship between Chris and Shari is moving along nicely. And. Chris is ever concerned about his aunt's safety.

I will continue to read this series in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Belinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last year, I read the first book in this series during March Mystery Madness and loved it. So I thought I would include it in my TBR for March Mystery Madness 2020. This second book was just as delightful. Once again, Sister Lou, Chris, and Shari are on the case after a murder occurs. The new person involved in the search is Sister Marianna and just as in the first book, she is her usual cranky cantankerous self. This adds to the comedy in the story in my opinion. She can’t get out of her own way and Sister Lou is the calm, reasoning voice that can tame her.

I found the story interesting and if I were to name anything that bothered me a bit in this book it would be the repetition of mentioning the pin each sister wears. I thought at first it was a clue but it was not. Also, I think she pushed it a little bit with Chris’s daily questions of Shari about her past. I think she could have lost one or two of those scenes and still made the point. For those reasons, I would rate it a little lower than the first book. However, I still highly recommend this cozy mystery series.

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second installment of Sister Lou, super sleuth, is as much fun as the first book. When Autumn, the owner of the Briar Coast Cabin Resorts, is murdered, Sister Lou is certain 1) the Advent retreat will fall apart and 2) she must solve the mystery and restore the reputation of her congregation. With the help of her nephew Chris LaSalle and intrepid reporter Shari Henson, the trio follows the clues. Of course, they bump heads with the local deputies Fran and Ted, causing lots of ruffled feathers and a lot of tension.

This cozy is lots of fun. There are a good number of false leads, a lot of suspects, and a few subplots. You'll enjoy Peril and Prayer and yearn for more. Good thing #3 is already in the works.

For a different review, check out the Ohioana Library Quarterly http://www.ohioana.org

[Marla Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozies (Cozys) are tasked with creating fantasy worlds, the suspension of disbelief to enter them, and characters with whom one wants to engage in their unfolding journey: The Sister Lou Mysteries by 'Olivia Matthew' excels in this. The characters are delightful without being clawing or too silly; we care about and root for them, enjoying their company completely. Although I already knew 'just enough' about Catholicism, the added depth and unobtrusive spirituality interested me, adding to the characters' likability. A visual learner, I appreciated the (just long enough!) vivid descriptions of people, rooms, scenery, and even scents and look forward to the series' continuation and the pleasant comfort of entering this well-crafted world.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy of this book.
This is the 2nd book in the Sister Lou Mystery Series and I was lucky enough to have read the 1st book, Mayhem & Mass.
I really like this series because of the location and the relationships & friendships that are developing between the 3 main characters.
I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Alibis & Angels, when it comes out.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a nicely written cozy mystery.

[Brenda Larnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have become a fan of Sister Lou. Her murder solving skills are engaging. What a great whodunnit. I can’t leave out her ‘partners in crime-solving’ Shari, the journalist and nephew, Chris who are well-developed side characters. You are going to love following the clues, and following the suspects as all but one is eliminated. The storyline is stellar. There’s only one critique, and that is the overwhelming detailed descriptions that the author gives us. It’s a bit much, but I still recommend this book. Enjoy!
I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, in book 2, Sister Lou has the task of proving that one of the church's most irritating person, Sister Marianna was not the murder. During the Advent season, the Church is having their annual retreat, and for the food is using Autumn Tatum, who is co owner of a local resort. When Autum is found dead, and a scarf that has possibly belonged to Sister Marianna is the suspected Murder weapon, It's up to Sister Lou and her team to again solve the Case. One thing I really liked about this book is the subtle beginnings of a relationship between Chris and Shari.

[Betsy · Rating 2 out of 5]

While there were things I liked about this book (fall at a small college in upstate New York is a great vibe, as is people always trying - and sometimes failing - not to swear in front of the sisters), the style of writing did not really click with me. It felt like too much tell and not enough show. It told me what to infer rather than allowing me to infer it myself. So I ended up skipping to the end to find out who did it and then letting it go. As a good friend advised: life is too short to read books you don't enjoy. But no shade to anyone who does like it. It just didn't click with me.

[MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked our victim and I'm sorry about what happened to her. That's one of the things I like about the series. Usually the victims are unlikeable but not here. There's nuance. I also love the subtle way we find out that our leads are POC. Marianna gets some growth so by the end of the book I was no longer annoyed by her. I appreciated the twists and turns of the mystery and liked seeing Shari lowering her shields. I also appreciate the subtle way faith is handled in the book. A solid read.

[Moira · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's more like a 3.5 star! The first one in the series was a solid 4! I love the main protagonists - Sister Lou, Shari and Chris and their synergy. In this particular installment, I found the antagonism between the main characters and the deputies a little over the top and in some instances a little unbelievable although it all ended on a positive note. I am looking forward to the third book and I hope everyone "plays well together"

[Katara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sister Lou, Chris and Shari are pulled in to solve another case. I love how the author goes deeper into the main characters thought process and lives in this book. I also love the complexity of the mayor and Shari's supervisor connection with each other. I usually do not read mystery books but I am now a fan of Sister Lou Mystery! Can't wait for book 3!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sister Marianna is fighting with the resort owner ,Autumn, who will be holding their advent retreat. Sister Lou steps in to smooth things over. A few days later Autumn is killed and Sister Marianna is the top suspect. Sister Lou works with her friend the reporter and her nephew to find out who the real killer is.

[Stephanie Tadlock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book my this author, I've enjoy the main character of Sister Louise "Lou" LaSalle, Shari, Chris. This is the author second book in this series, it's very descriptive and makes for a longer story. Some parts are slow but the plot is well worth the time invested. Will read another book my this author. Give this book a chance.

[Lisa D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peril and Prayer is the second book in the Sister Lou Mysteries and is a good read. I had to read it because it was a new murder mystery and Sister Marianna is a suspect. I don't like Sis. Marianna at all, from the first book, so I was giddy. Olivia Matthews gets Sis Lou in a bind, again, but it's a good thing

[Cynthia Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing! Sister Lou is the total package - humble, determined, honorable, persistent, intuitive and patient. When trouble comes her way - she confronts it head on with grace, doggedness and selflessness! She has a knack for investigating and everyone HAS to respect her!
#cillasbookmaniacs

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good mystery. Three murders within 8 years. 2 murders within 3 months in which the congregation is connected to both. Sister Lou does some investigating because Sister Marianna is accused of murder. A surprise ending to keep you wanting to read.

[Raine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ms Mattews does tend to repeat herself and uses description of clothing styles and colours to an unnecessary devree. The subject matter is good and on the whole not badly written. It could have easily been 1/4 shorter and wouldn't have spoiled the story.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters in this series are growing on me. Ready to read the next one.