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A Sister Lou Mystery #3
Alibis & Angels
Giving up murder for Lent won’t be easy . . .
With the Lenten season fast approaching, Sister Louise “Lou” LaSalle looks forward to a final day of indulgence before giving up her favorite sweets. But one Briar Coast resident won’t get the chance to repent. Opal Lorrie, the mayor’s director of finance, was just found in the parking lot of the Board of Ed--with a broken neck.
The sheriff’s deputies are calling the apparent slip-and-fall a freak accident. But Opal was driving her boss’s car and wearing her boss’s red wool coat. Mayor Heather Stanley has been receiving threatening letters and is clearly the real target. Offering her sanctuary could put the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Hermione of Ephesus at risk, but how can Sister Lou turn her back on a neighbor in need? Aided by her loyal sleuthing partners—her well-connected nephew Chris and reporter Shari Henson—Sister Lou must confront the mayor’s myriad detractors during this critical election year. And as the first day of April nears, it’s up to her to unmask an unrepentant killer who has everyone fooled.
With the Lenten season fast approaching, Sister Louise “Lou” LaSalle looks forward to a final day of indulgence before giving up her favorite sweets. But one Briar Coast resident won’t get the chance to repent. Opal Lorrie, the mayor’s director of finance, was just found in the parking lot of the Board of Ed--with a broken neck.
The sheriff’s deputies are calling the apparent slip-and-fall a freak accident. But Opal was driving her boss’s car and wearing her boss’s red wool coat. Mayor Heather Stanley has been receiving threatening letters and is clearly the real target. Offering her sanctuary could put the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Hermione of Ephesus at risk, but how can Sister Lou turn her back on a neighbor in need? Aided by her loyal sleuthing partners—her well-connected nephew Chris and reporter Shari Henson—Sister Lou must confront the mayor’s myriad detractors during this critical election year. And as the first day of April nears, it’s up to her to unmask an unrepentant killer who has everyone fooled.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published February 26, 2019
48 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Matthews
21 books243 followersOlivia Matthews is a pseudonym for Patricia Sargeant.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 19, 2019
This was a well-written mystery, that had me captive from start to finish. Trying to solve the murder ahead of the reveal by Sister Lou and her team, hoping the mayor, the intended victim, will be safe in her hideout in the motherhouse at St. Hermione of Ephesus, wishing Mayor Stanley would stop being so disagreeable and Sister Marianne wouldn't be so nosy, and hoping Shari Henson decides to remain in Briar Coast are the main moving parts of this suspenseful mystery. I hope this wasn't the final book of the series because I would like to know if Chris LaSalle and Shari Henson get married. But if it is, this cozy mystery series has been amazing and entertaining.
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September 16, 2019
Like the first two of this series, I found this one wordy and slow-going. Why read them, you ask? I want so much to like this series! Sister Lou is a charming heroine, and the other characters are interesting as well. But Matthews insists on telling you what color everybody's eyes are--okay, maybe I'm negligent in not noting that in real life. And what they're wearing--does anyone else wonder how an impecunious journalist can afford all these clothes? And why we get repeat after repeat of the same information? Local Mayor Heather is getting threatening messages, but she refuses to go to the police to ask for help because she doesn't want to appear weak, even after a member of her executive committee is murdered wearing Heather's winter coat and driving her car. She's attacked in the street, and goes to the Motherhouse while Sister Lou and her friends try to find the culprit.
June 21, 2023
This was light, fun and delightful!
March 22, 2019
I really do love this series. The characters are wonderful. I love the interaction between them and the minor characters too. Love the setting. What a great series.
February 27, 2019
Sister Louise "Lou" LaSalle , of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Hermione of Ephesus, in Briar Crest, NY, does not really like being thought of as a sleuth. Unfortunately, she has twice recently had occasion to investigate murders. Now, though, the Lenten season is about to begin, and she's really, really hoping to give up sleuthing. She means it. For sure.
Even more unfortunately, Mayor Heather Stanley is receiving threats from an anonymous stalker, who is sending her ominous threats about what will happen to her if she doesn't announce she's not running for reelection, and leave Briar Crest. When the latest threat arrives in her office inbox along with the rest of her mail, Heather is feeling enough stress that she decides to ask her finance director, Opal Lorrie, to go to a Board of Education meeting in her stead. Because the weather is bad and Opal doesn't have her car with her, Heather loans her both her coat and her car.
Later that afternoon, two Briar Crest Sheriff's deputies arrive to inform her that Opal is dead. Just a tragic accident; a fall on the steps leaving the building.
Or not.
Heather doesn't want to talk to the deputies about the threats, because she doesn't want them to become public, but they are worrying, and it's not long before she's asking Sister Lou for her help. It's not easy to persuade Sister Lou, but once she does, it's not long before Heather is being asked to accept Sister Lou's team, her nephew, Chris LaSalle, and his girlfriend, Shari Henson, reporter at the Briar Crest Telegraph.
The editor of the Telegraph is Diego DeVarona, an acquaintance and maybe-friend of Heather's from when they were both still in El Paso. Heather's time there ended badly, and she doesn't want to be reminded of it. Diego, though, is also determined to help in this investigation.
The stalker's focus on Heather is highly personal. At first it seems it must be one of her political rivals, or one of her staff, who have, obviously, the best access to her. As they work through the possible suspects and the meager evidence, though, it increasingly looks like it must be someone from Heather's past.
But who? There just don't seem to be any motives that make sense. The more they dig, the more puzzling it all seems.
Some aspects of the writing seem a little rough to me, but Matthews gives us Heather, a character who at first seems abrasive and a bit cold, and gradually makes us understand her past and her goals, and makes us care about her. She plants the clues skillfully, and more than once I thought I had spotted a likely culprit. Yet when the truth is reveals, it's a logical and fair conclusion to the mystery.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily.
Even more unfortunately, Mayor Heather Stanley is receiving threats from an anonymous stalker, who is sending her ominous threats about what will happen to her if she doesn't announce she's not running for reelection, and leave Briar Crest. When the latest threat arrives in her office inbox along with the rest of her mail, Heather is feeling enough stress that she decides to ask her finance director, Opal Lorrie, to go to a Board of Education meeting in her stead. Because the weather is bad and Opal doesn't have her car with her, Heather loans her both her coat and her car.
Later that afternoon, two Briar Crest Sheriff's deputies arrive to inform her that Opal is dead. Just a tragic accident; a fall on the steps leaving the building.
Or not.
Heather doesn't want to talk to the deputies about the threats, because she doesn't want them to become public, but they are worrying, and it's not long before she's asking Sister Lou for her help. It's not easy to persuade Sister Lou, but once she does, it's not long before Heather is being asked to accept Sister Lou's team, her nephew, Chris LaSalle, and his girlfriend, Shari Henson, reporter at the Briar Crest Telegraph.
The editor of the Telegraph is Diego DeVarona, an acquaintance and maybe-friend of Heather's from when they were both still in El Paso. Heather's time there ended badly, and she doesn't want to be reminded of it. Diego, though, is also determined to help in this investigation.
The stalker's focus on Heather is highly personal. At first it seems it must be one of her political rivals, or one of her staff, who have, obviously, the best access to her. As they work through the possible suspects and the meager evidence, though, it increasingly looks like it must be someone from Heather's past.
But who? There just don't seem to be any motives that make sense. The more they dig, the more puzzling it all seems.
Some aspects of the writing seem a little rough to me, but Matthews gives us Heather, a character who at first seems abrasive and a bit cold, and gradually makes us understand her past and her goals, and makes us care about her. She plants the clues skillfully, and more than once I thought I had spotted a likely culprit. Yet when the truth is reveals, it's a logical and fair conclusion to the mystery.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily.
February 25, 2019
*I have agreed to write this honest review, in exchange for an advance review copy.
Olivia Matthews delivers another great cozy mystery read with, "Alibis and Angels (A Sister Lou Mystery)," the third in the series.
This installment takes Sister Lou, reporter and friend, Shari Henson and nephew Chris into another murder, days leading to the Lenten season. This time the victim comes from Briar Coast's mayoral administration with the murder of Opal Lorrie, director of finance under Mayor Heather Stanley. Found in the Board of Education parking lot, Lorrie's cause of death is a broken neck. Authorities rule it an accidental death, but Lorrie was also wearing Mayor Stanley's coat and driving her car. Did I mention that Mayor Stanley's been receiving threatening letters prior to poor Opal's fate?
When Mayor Stanley seeks help from Sister Lou, it's a shock to the system, as in the previous novels, the sister was the last person Stanley wanted to deal with.
Yeah, this calls for Sister Lou to once again, depend on her gifted detective skills to help an unlikely alibi find Lorrie's killer and the one behind the threatening letters.
Alibis and Angels also further explains the personalities of the supportive flock - from Shari's boss, Diego, editor of The Briar Coast Telegraph, Mayor Stanley and Shari.
We also see the return of the Briar Coast's 'top' Sheriff deputies, Fran and Ted. Will they continue to give Sister Lou and Shari the cold shoulder routine, or will there be some surprises from them? Shari also has a new nemesis in the form of a new Telegraph reporter, Harold Beckett. Beckett tries Shari's patience as he is determined to be a third wheel of the dynamic crime solving duo by any means necessary. And we cannot leave out my least favorite nemesis, Sister Marianna. Sure, she found herself relying on Sister Lou in the second mystery Peril and Prayer, but she hasn't changed too much. Lenten season may be the perfect time for these characters to give up what holds them back, so to move on.
I enjoyed Alibis and Angels because I am a Sister Lou fan and I also love the continuing development and growth of all of the characters. I'm ready for Sis. Lou to put a sign on her door, claiming her second occupation as a crime solver.
Olivia Matthews delivers another great cozy mystery read with, "Alibis and Angels (A Sister Lou Mystery)," the third in the series.
This installment takes Sister Lou, reporter and friend, Shari Henson and nephew Chris into another murder, days leading to the Lenten season. This time the victim comes from Briar Coast's mayoral administration with the murder of Opal Lorrie, director of finance under Mayor Heather Stanley. Found in the Board of Education parking lot, Lorrie's cause of death is a broken neck. Authorities rule it an accidental death, but Lorrie was also wearing Mayor Stanley's coat and driving her car. Did I mention that Mayor Stanley's been receiving threatening letters prior to poor Opal's fate?
When Mayor Stanley seeks help from Sister Lou, it's a shock to the system, as in the previous novels, the sister was the last person Stanley wanted to deal with.
Yeah, this calls for Sister Lou to once again, depend on her gifted detective skills to help an unlikely alibi find Lorrie's killer and the one behind the threatening letters.
Alibis and Angels also further explains the personalities of the supportive flock - from Shari's boss, Diego, editor of The Briar Coast Telegraph, Mayor Stanley and Shari.
We also see the return of the Briar Coast's 'top' Sheriff deputies, Fran and Ted. Will they continue to give Sister Lou and Shari the cold shoulder routine, or will there be some surprises from them? Shari also has a new nemesis in the form of a new Telegraph reporter, Harold Beckett. Beckett tries Shari's patience as he is determined to be a third wheel of the dynamic crime solving duo by any means necessary. And we cannot leave out my least favorite nemesis, Sister Marianna. Sure, she found herself relying on Sister Lou in the second mystery Peril and Prayer, but she hasn't changed too much. Lenten season may be the perfect time for these characters to give up what holds them back, so to move on.
I enjoyed Alibis and Angels because I am a Sister Lou fan and I also love the continuing development and growth of all of the characters. I'm ready for Sis. Lou to put a sign on her door, claiming her second occupation as a crime solver.
February 26, 2019
Alibis and Angels is book three in the Sister Lou series, and the first book I’ve read in the mystery series. The focus is Sister Lou LaSalle and her “sleuthing” partners, particularly her nephew Chris LaSalle and reporter Shari Henson. Mayor Heather Stanley has been receiving threatening letters. Her Finance director suffers an untimely death and it is clear that the Mayor is the real target.
Ms. Matthews includes a lot of detail to give the reader a great visual of the characters and scenery. Ms. Matthews has written Sister Lou’s character with a clever, witty sense of humor. The suspense keeps the reader turning the pages. Some of the details appear to be repetitive, however, it’s important that the reader understands certain details about the characters that we may not have gotten in previous books. There is a “who done it” tone throughout the book and a lot of “villains”. This makes the story a true mystery. Mayor Heather Stanley as a main character is not as likeable in the beginning and comes off as being cold. This changes as the book goes on and the reader warms up to her more.
The interpersonal relationships in the Briar Coast community are also an important part of the story. Ms. Matthews has developed underlying plots to move the story along. For instance, Shari had insecurities she was trying to work through from her childhood. This insecurity rears its ugly head as Shari is dealing with a backstabbing coworker. This makes the book very relatable. The Mayor also has issues from her past that she must contend with. Throughout the story, a constant is Sister Lou being very insightful and giving great advice to whoever needs it.
The book has a good formula for a mystery. As soon as the reader figures it out, there is an unexpected twist. This book will appeal to those who enjoy mysteries with a great level of detail. It’s also a good crossover for those who enjoy Christian fiction. I received an ARC for Building relationships around books (BRAB).
Ms. Matthews includes a lot of detail to give the reader a great visual of the characters and scenery. Ms. Matthews has written Sister Lou’s character with a clever, witty sense of humor. The suspense keeps the reader turning the pages. Some of the details appear to be repetitive, however, it’s important that the reader understands certain details about the characters that we may not have gotten in previous books. There is a “who done it” tone throughout the book and a lot of “villains”. This makes the story a true mystery. Mayor Heather Stanley as a main character is not as likeable in the beginning and comes off as being cold. This changes as the book goes on and the reader warms up to her more.
The interpersonal relationships in the Briar Coast community are also an important part of the story. Ms. Matthews has developed underlying plots to move the story along. For instance, Shari had insecurities she was trying to work through from her childhood. This insecurity rears its ugly head as Shari is dealing with a backstabbing coworker. This makes the book very relatable. The Mayor also has issues from her past that she must contend with. Throughout the story, a constant is Sister Lou being very insightful and giving great advice to whoever needs it.
The book has a good formula for a mystery. As soon as the reader figures it out, there is an unexpected twist. This book will appeal to those who enjoy mysteries with a great level of detail. It’s also a good crossover for those who enjoy Christian fiction. I received an ARC for Building relationships around books (BRAB).
February 16, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and want to read the other Sister Lou mysteries. I have agreed to review the book in exchange for an advanced review copy. Sister Lou is drawn into the investigation of the death of Opal Lorrie, who was found with a broken neck at the bottom of the stairs. She had been attending the Board of Education meeting in place of the mayor, Heather Stanley who had been receiving threatening notes. Sister Lou, her nephew Chris and his new girlfriend Shari Henson want to help the mayor get to the bottom of the mystery. They are asked to help when the mayor is attacked while jogging. The mayor's closest staff members are suspect as well as Diego, an old friend from the mayors' time in El Paso. After the attack , the mayor goes to stay at the guest house of the Congregation of St. Hermione of Ephesus.After interviewing all the mayors staff and friends there are no real suspects as everyone seems to have the mayor's best interests at heart.But the mayor has received another anonymous letter telling her not to run for reelection. The police detain the mayor's personal secretary because they found a few prior criminal acts in her past.This is a really interesting story . The ending was a surprise, although I did have some ideas of how I thought the story was going to end. Not too much violence, blood,sex or some of the issues included in some mysteries. Fun story and reading.
February 27, 2019
Oh, the best laid plans.....Sister Louise (Lou) LaSalle has decided to give up sleuthing for Lent. She is firm in this. Until Mayor Heather Stanley comes to her for help finding out who is stalking and threatening her. Heather had been silent about it and, when the time comes to attend a Board meeting, she is too upset to go and asks her finance director to take her place. Opal agrees and ends up wearing Heather's coat and driving her car. When Opal later dies from a tragic fall, wearing Heather's coat, the police say accident but Heather feels it was an attempt to kill her and turns to Sister Lou for help.
Now the question becomes is the stalker the killer, is it tied to her job as Mayor (and somebody doesn't want her to run for re-election) or is it buried deep in her past and is very personal. If anyone can find out, it's Sister Lou along with her nephew Chris and his girlfriend, Shari. They are quite a team and this isn't the first time they have investigated a murder. I hope it won't be the last. This is a series I would like to see have a long run. It can be read as a stand alone but, if this is your first introduction to Sister Lou, be ready to pick up the previous mysteries to catch up.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Now the question becomes is the stalker the killer, is it tied to her job as Mayor (and somebody doesn't want her to run for re-election) or is it buried deep in her past and is very personal. If anyone can find out, it's Sister Lou along with her nephew Chris and his girlfriend, Shari. They are quite a team and this isn't the first time they have investigated a murder. I hope it won't be the last. This is a series I would like to see have a long run. It can be read as a stand alone but, if this is your first introduction to Sister Lou, be ready to pick up the previous mysteries to catch up.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 3, 2019
In books 1 and 2, Sister Lou ends up investigating the murders because someone she knows is connected in some way. Not the case in book 3. Sister Lou, during the Lenten season is asked to investigate the murder of Opal Lorrie, director of finance by Mayor Heather Stanley. Opal is murdered after attending a meeting that she was asked to attend in place of Mayor Stanley. Not only is someone worried that someone is out to kill the mayor, the mayor is receiving threatening letters to her office threatening her if she decides to re run for office. Sister Lou is tasked with trying to find out who the culprit is from a long list of suspects. I am truly a fan of the author's writing skills in this series, and this book was no exception. I hope there are more books to the series, although I realize people have to die for that to happen. Although I read the series in order, I don't think it's mandatory, I'm just glad I did to see the exchanges and growth between all of the characters (I received a copy of book 3 in exchange for an honest review.)
October 6, 2021
SO BORING.quit reading 1/5 way through. .Then read last 2 chapters. I still had zero interest in Lou. She is so dull.as are all the characters.
Also what's this inane need to describe every piece of furniture and even the rug and clothing . So useless. Take that useless filler out and MAYBE it'll be interesting.
I've resisted trying this series for the longest. finally said why not.I should of kept ignoring.
OH AND PS get a better editor. First chapter the assistant has light brown eyes. halfway through apparently she has magic eyes as later she has hen "powder blue " eyes .1 ridiculous description
2 brown eyes dont turn "powder blue "
hell hazel eyes don't turn "powder blue "
and enough a pit her "milky cheeks " what da hey ?@,
maybe if she and the editor fcused on an interesting lead character and plot that moves ..and not on how many adjectives, descriptions of eyes, clothing, furniture they would of found that mistake and oithers.
3rd book in the series. shouldn't be such a mess..
Also what's this inane need to describe every piece of furniture and even the rug and clothing . So useless. Take that useless filler out and MAYBE it'll be interesting.
I've resisted trying this series for the longest. finally said why not.I should of kept ignoring.
OH AND PS get a better editor. First chapter the assistant has light brown eyes. halfway through apparently she has magic eyes as later she has hen "powder blue " eyes .1 ridiculous description
2 brown eyes dont turn "powder blue "
hell hazel eyes don't turn "powder blue "
and enough a pit her "milky cheeks " what da hey ?@,
maybe if she and the editor fcused on an interesting lead character and plot that moves ..and not on how many adjectives, descriptions of eyes, clothing, furniture they would of found that mistake and oithers.
3rd book in the series. shouldn't be such a mess..
August 13, 2021
Alibis & Angels is the third book in the Sister Lou Mystery series, and the third book I’ve read by Olivia Matthews. This time around, Sister Lou is helping the mayor find out whose been threatening her against running for re-election.
The whole crew is back, Sister Lou’s nephew, Chris, the local reporter, Shari, all the sisters, and this time around, Diego, the editor of the local newspaper joins the investigating team. As always, the mystery is awesome and the writing is excellent. I love how the author always includes a character that you just can’t stand, and in this particular story, it’s Hal a worthless reporter and co-worker of Shari. I couldn’t wait for him to get his comeuppance. This is the first time I figured out who the killer was in this series, but it didn’t take away my enjoyment of the book. I hope book 4 is coming soon, as I can’t imagine life without another Sister Lou Mystery.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are my own.
The whole crew is back, Sister Lou’s nephew, Chris, the local reporter, Shari, all the sisters, and this time around, Diego, the editor of the local newspaper joins the investigating team. As always, the mystery is awesome and the writing is excellent. I love how the author always includes a character that you just can’t stand, and in this particular story, it’s Hal a worthless reporter and co-worker of Shari. I couldn’t wait for him to get his comeuppance. This is the first time I figured out who the killer was in this series, but it didn’t take away my enjoyment of the book. I hope book 4 is coming soon, as I can’t imagine life without another Sister Lou Mystery.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are my own.
January 19, 2019
Sister Lou is back with another mystery. In this story, the mayor is receiving threatening letters. Her campaign for re-election will soon be announced and someone doesn't want the mayor to be re-elected. After the director of finance, Opal, falls to her death, the mayor decides to seek out help. She doesn't want the local law enforcement or the public to know about the mysterious, threatening letters, so she turns to Sister Lou for help.
I liked it. It was a good mystery. It was nice to see Shari, Chris and Sister Lou back again. The mystery was written at a good, steady pace and the author did a great job with the antagonist who was annoying Shari! Of course, a Sister Lou mystery wouldn't be complete without the ever pushy Sister Marianna!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I liked it. It was a good mystery. It was nice to see Shari, Chris and Sister Lou back again. The mystery was written at a good, steady pace and the author did a great job with the antagonist who was annoying Shari! Of course, a Sister Lou mystery wouldn't be complete without the ever pushy Sister Marianna!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 19, 2019
I have really been looking forward to reading ALIBIS & ANGELS. I knew if it was half as good the first two books in the series, it was going to be wonderful. Well, it’s twice as good!
Author Olivia Matthews has once again given mystery readers an entertaining, well written whodunit where mystery and mayhem are in abundance. This was really a tricky one. I didn’t come close to guessing the who or the why. But I didn’t put it down until I found out. When I did . . . wow.
Sister Lou is truly one of the most endearing characters I have ever read. I get drawn in by her enthusiasm, intelligence, and all-around Sister Lou-ness. She’s a protagonist cozy mystery, and Christian fiction readers will adore.
When I was finished reading ALIBIS & ANGELS, I was honestly sad it was over. I’m already tapping my foot waiting for the next installment!
Author Olivia Matthews has once again given mystery readers an entertaining, well written whodunit where mystery and mayhem are in abundance. This was really a tricky one. I didn’t come close to guessing the who or the why. But I didn’t put it down until I found out. When I did . . . wow.
Sister Lou is truly one of the most endearing characters I have ever read. I get drawn in by her enthusiasm, intelligence, and all-around Sister Lou-ness. She’s a protagonist cozy mystery, and Christian fiction readers will adore.
When I was finished reading ALIBIS & ANGELS, I was honestly sad it was over. I’m already tapping my foot waiting for the next installment!
February 7, 2019
This is the 3rd installment in the Sister Lou mystery series. The mayor (Heather Stanley) has been receiving threatening letters as she is getting ready to start her re-election campaign. Opal the Mayor’s director of Finance falls to her death and local law enforcement think it was just an accident. Heather does not think it was an accident as Opal was driving her car and wearing her coat. She reaches out for help and Sister Lou cannot say no. With the help of Chris her nephew and reporter Shari they search out the culprit. This was a good paced mystery and I hope this series continues. Recommend.
March 16, 2019
I love this series because it takes religion seriously, but doesn't cram it down your throat! The writing is good and the plot is excellent. Sister Lou is called in when the Mayor begins to get threatening letters. Shari, Chris, Sister Lou, Heather (mayor) and Diego (Shari's boss) all work together to solve this mystery. Things escalate, and we find the Mayor staying at the Mother House and being driven to and from work by Diego. Things come to a head and the police are finally involved, which leads to solving the crime. I hope this series continues because I love the setting and the situations of the characters.
April 21, 2020
This was an OK mystery, although I guessed the culprit pretty early on, but there were several things that didn't sit well with me. There was major overkill in descriptions, from what people were wearing, to what the salads smelled like. In one scene the smell of the mayor's salad dressing was mentioned three different times! I found the mayor's insistence in not reporting the threats to her life to the police contrived, as was the newspaper reporter's complete lack of self esteem. The sleuthing sister, Sister Lou was my favorite character, and I liked the fact that the religious aspect related to the Catholic Church. 2.5 stars
January 14, 2024
Such a shame this is the end of the series. Shari and Heather didn't seem the same people we saw in the previous books but I could see why the writer took them in those directions so I could go along with it. Happy to see more of Diego and loved watching his romance blossom with Heather. Appreciated that the book was all about women leaders doing great jobs leading their communities. The mystery was predictable - I clocked the perp from the start and was surprised it took Sister Lou that long but in the end, this book wasn't really about the mystery but about the characters. I appreciated it and I'm sad I won't see them anymore.
February 18, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 3rd book in A Sister Lou Mystery Series, and I have been lucky to have read them all.
As I have stated before, I love this series because of the location, characters 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 the series.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading cozy mysteries.
This is the 3rd book in A Sister Lou Mystery Series, and I have been lucky to have read them all.
As I have stated before, I love this series because of the location, characters 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 the series.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading cozy mysteries.
February 21, 2019
Heather Stanley may not be the nicest person around but she's the mayor of Briar Coast. AND, she doesn't deserve to be murdered. Unfortunately, her chief of Finance, Opal is killed and that sets off the hunt for who is targeting her. Sister Lou, along with her nephew Chris and friend Shari, hide Heather so that they can investigate. This is a nice cozy series, with good characters (especially Sister Lou) and a nice setting (although there have been a lot of murders in this small town!). Thanks to Netgalley for the ArC. Low key and entertaining.
February 25, 2019
I enjoyed reading Alibis & Angels by Olivia Matthews. This is the 3rd book in her popular Sister Lou series. I am not a mystery reader by choice but I am loving this series. Sister Lou takes us on another mystery that needs to be solved. Alibis & Angels kept me guessing through the whole book! When I thought I had figured it out, I was wrong. I enjoyed this book so much that I couldn't put it down until I finished reading Alibis & Angels! Olivia Matthews didn't disappoint at all with Alibis & Angels!
February 18, 2022
Alibis & Angels is part of the Sister Lou Mystery Series written by Olivia Matthews. It is well written with all the elements of a good mystery including drama, suspense, surprises , twists and turns and romance. I thought the storyline was unique in that Sister Lou is a Catholic nun who has sleuthing and investigative skills and works with her amateur investigative team to help solve a murder. The characters were likable and relatable although Mayor Stanley wasn’t the most liked person in town. I rated it a four.
February 26, 2019
Well, wouldn’t you know that Sister Louise has been called on again! Her compassion, wit, insight and keen eye are definitely needed to not only solve this horrendous crime but to also save a life and career! Shari and Chris’s continued journey is wholesome and intriguing. If you are looking for a suspenseful, funny, intriguing, thought provoking and challenging read - this is it! Once you start reading, you will not STOP!
I was given a copy of this book to give my objective review.
I was given a copy of this book to give my objective review.
April 19, 2019
While the plot and character development was OK, the author's constant habit of putting in too many "color" details sometimes whole paragraphs - "the scent of peppermint" the "vibrant emerald green pantsuit" "her ivory polyester skirt" "powder blue-cushioned seat" was annoying. It was as if a student had been told by their teacher to include more descriptive adjectives - and the student interpreted that to mean in EVERY sentence.
December 31, 2018
Entertaining Cozy Mystery where political battles in a small town turn ugly as one start member is killed and the Mayor starts getting serious threats. A team of mystery slueths, consisting of a Nun a newspaper reported and a few others work to track down the clupret.
February 26, 2019
very enjoyable read. sister lou and her friends are lovely real life characters, people you would like in your corner. i didn't guess the culprit, was torn between a few of them. they all looked good for the part. i was given a free ARC by the author . my review is freely and honestly given
March 22, 2020
Good story
The mayor of Brier Coast is the single most unlikeable major character I've ever seen. The bad guy was obvious from the moment he appeared. Still, it was an enjoyable story.
The mayor of Brier Coast is the single most unlikeable major character I've ever seen. The bad guy was obvious from the moment he appeared. Still, it was an enjoyable story.
March 25, 2020
Very enjoyable!
I loved book and really enjoyed how the story developed. The characters were very interesting and it was fun to see how they progressed. I definitely would recommend this book!😊
I loved book and really enjoyed how the story developed. The characters were very interesting and it was fun to see how they progressed. I definitely would recommend this book!😊
February 27, 2019
A fairly standard cozy mystery with very good characters, but very slow pace. There is very little happening and very little suspense.
March 24, 2019
I enjoyed this third book in the series but was a little disappointed that I guessed the culprit to early in the story.
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