The Tormented

Sister Veronica Mysteries #3

by Sarah Sheridan

Christmas is going to be a nightmare at Sister Veronica's family gathering in this compelling crime novel by the author of The Convent and The Disciple.

Sister Veronica has arrived at her cousin's mansion just in time for Christmas, and she didn't realise so many other people had been invited. Soon it becomes clear how dysfunctional her extended family is.

Events take a dark turn when Giles, her cousin's husband, collapses and dies in the kitchen. And when Sister Veronica finds out that he was poisoned to death, she sets about trying to solve the mystery. It soon becomes clear the killer is still in the house . . .

As the body count rises, Sister Veronica starts to suspect everyone--but will she have time to identify the killer when she's become the next target?

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2021

About the author

Sarah was born in London and now lives in a village in South Northamptonshire. She gained a Masters degree in Eighteenth-Century French and English art from the Courtauld Institute of Art, before teaching art in secondary schools for thirteen years. After working with human rights organisations that protect minority groups from institutional abuse, Sarah worked towards a PhD at The Open University, researching the effect of secrecy on marginalised people, specifically the biological children of Roman Catholic priests. She has spoken about her research on various news programmes for the BBC and other media outlets around the world. It was this sense of secrecy and silencing that became the inspiration for her first crime novel, The Convent.

Sarah is hugely obsessed with reading and is amassing such an unrealistically large book collection that some of it is now in storage. She is also addicted to writing, and after inventing stories (mostly in secret) from a young age and having various articles and short stories published, she wrote a children's book, The Top Secret Diary of Davina Dupree - inspired by her daughter - in 2013. Overjoyed to hear that young readers were enjoying the story, she went on to write a series about Davina Dupree.

When she is not looking after her three children and menagerie of pets, or going for long walks with her wonderful partner Rich, Sarah can be found writing, while consuming large amounts of chocolate.

Reviews

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sister Veronica has been invited were also going to be there. To say it's going to be a wonderful time would be exaggerating by a mile. Just trying to have a peaceful dinner is a nightmare.

Giles, her cousin's husband, dies in the kitchen. Thinking it may have been a heart attack, they are all surprised when they learn he was poisoned. Giles wasn't particularly well liked ... but who would have wanted him dead ..and why?

When Sister Veronica realizes that the killer must be one of her family, she's determined to find the culprit. But Giles isn't the only body that's going to fall ... and Sister Veronica may be the next target.

This is a compelling mystery with outstanding characters. Nicely paced, with twists and turns. For new readers of this series, although the 3rd in line, it is easily read as a stand alone. Sister Veronica is a stand out character. I love her being a crime fiction writer in secret. The beginning was a little slow for me ... but the author did a bang-up job with character development and introducing all the family members.

Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not exactly what Sister Veronica of the Convent of the Christian Heart in Soho, London envisaged when her cousin Florence (Flo) invited her to spend Christmas at the family mansion they once played in as children before making very different lives for themselves. Veronica is sure Flo has a problem she wants to share with her, but this may not be so easy when she sees the number of extended and quite odd family members who are also there. There will be fifteen of them in total, mostly people she has never met before. Apart from Flo and her overbearing husband Giles, the king of fishfinger empire Beresford’s Breaded Wonders, staying is their son Magnus (minus his estranged wife Romilly) and his teenage children Coco (screechy spoilt brat) and Wilfred (rather nice intelligent boy), Giles’ cousin Maud who knits extensively, Flo’s brother Barnaby with his wife Cecily (both of whom think they should be living in Chalfield Hall by now) and their two very differing daughters, Araminta with husband Rufus, lovers of a drunken lavish lifestyle and Lucinda, plus her husband and two boys, socialist, vegetarian and far more down to earth (and poorer). The sparks soon fly as they sit down to dinner and Veronica knows she will have a permanent headache if the constant bickering and backbiting carries on. Then three more guests arrive early, Flo's late brother Tarquin’s adopted daughter Ophelia, her four year old son Sam and her bullying and battering husband Digby who has a strange and very tight hold over her. So now there are eighteen in all for Mrs Hardman the housekeeper to cater for. Veronica has a strong sense of foreboding about this seasonal gathering, proved right when Giles collapses and is rushed to hospital where he dies shortly after. With poisoning as the cause and the police on their way, the suspect pool gains an extra one when the awful Romilly pays a visit and Veronica starts to see a motive for a good many of them to want to murder Giles. With a killer loose in the house, another death and the police seemingly in no hurry to investigate, will Veronica manage to get to the bottom of this and keep herself and Flo safe, especially with so family members hiding secrets and grudges? It will certainly be one Christmas none of them will forget!!
This is a good old-fashioned “locked room” type murder mystery for Sister Veronica’s third adventure. Away from the convent and her fellow nuns, there is far less focus on Veronica’s religion and a lot more on family and relationships. You may think a mature nun might be an unlikely sleuth but as soon as you come to know her, you’ll realize she is just perfect for the job. She is a fantastic character, insightful and intelligent, and full of warmth and compassion which leads people to confide in her, and I am pleased to see we already know where she will be heading next. I hope Torquay is ready! Very enjoyable and recommended to all. 5*

[Sandra Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is coming out October 5, 2021. This is another amazing story with Sister Veronica, the 3rd The Tormented, 1st Sister Veronica is The Convent: A Gripping Psychological Mystery( The Sister Veronica Mysteries book 1), 2nd book is The Disciple: A Gripping Psychological Mystery( The Sister Veronica Mysteries book 2), Now This is The Tormented: A Gripping Psychological Mystery ( The sister Veronica Mysteries book 3) October 5, 2021. Sister Veronica accepted cousin Florence's invitation to spend Christmas at Chalfield Hall. With family members Coco Beresford 17 year old, Florence granddaughters, and Coco's grandfather Giles Beresford, Magnus coco dad. Magnus is the
only child of Florence and Giles. Magnus has a ex-wife Romilly. Wilfred he 15, sensible on in his family. He is Coco little brother. Coco and Wilfred mother is Romilly and Wilfred children. Maud is Giles cousin. Florence 's brother Barnaby and his wife Cecily they are in their late sixties. formerly lawyer and his wife a homemaker her children Araminta ,and her husband Rufus man who 48 with money with no children ; Lucie and Neil and children their boys Ryan and Nathan. Ophelia and Sam, with her is Digby, Ophelia is Florence niece, her brother Tarquin's daughter. Ophelia had a bruise on her face. And also Mrs. Hardman part time help for Florence. Then events happen Giles collapses, and dies in the kitchen. Giles death is by poisoning. And also another murder, or killing too. Sister Veronica is on the cases, she on the best. I love reading about the novel.

[Liz T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Sister Veronica's third outing in The Tormented. This time murder is a little closer to hand when Sister Veronica is invited to her cousin's country home to celebrate Christmas. Sister Veronica has the feeling that something isn't quite right in the household when she overhears a conversation between her cousin's husband and another member of the family. Her instincts are correct when her cousin's husband dies suddenly and it comes to light that what appeared to be a heart attack was in fact foul play. There are plenty of suspects and a new case for Sister Veronica to solve, not to mention a second suspicious death. As a fan of Agatha Christie, this book was right up my street. Thank you Bloodhound Books for an ARC of The Tormented, the review is my own thoughts on the book

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sister Veronica is heading for her cousin's home for a well earned break and to celebrate Christmas with her family in the third book in the series. However as ever, nothing goes to plan when V is around and after a couple of murders, threatening notes and a cast of characters who would not be out of place in a farce. She needs to determine who is at the root cause of all the harm being done two days before Christmas. The story is a classic Christie-esque 'who done it', set in a country home in the festive period. There is lots to figure out with some characters that you just want to shake at times! Good tale in the run up to December.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed from beginning to end. It is a suspenseful story that not only was hard to put down but full of twists and turns that leave you sitting on the edge of your seat. This is a well written story that has characters that bring the story to life and made the story for me. They are connectable and I enjoyed watching their growth throughout the story. This is about a family gathering where instead of presents growing, you have bodies that are piling up. What will happen next is up to you to read this book to find out. This is a story full of action and you don't want to miss it. I highly recommend this book.

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third installment of the Sister Veronica books, and it certainly didn't disappoint. Veronica is staying with family for Christmas, in a large stately home. Two murders are committed - can our inquisitive nun solve them before anyone else falls victim?

I really enjoyed this story, a quick and easy read. Sister Veronica is a fabulous character, it was interesting to see her away from the convent and her usual sidekicks this time round. The new characters are a mix of pleasant, amusing, nasty and downright evil. Looking forward to the fourth book!

[Stephanie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third outing we get to go on with Sister Veronica, and this time it’s Christmas, and as someone who loves Christmas it was really nice to get in the spirit early. And what isn’t Christmassy than a murder mystery! I think this must be my favourite of the Sister Veronica books so far. The writing is just amazing, and the author really doesn’t disappoint with the intricate plots. Absolutely gripping read!

[Jude Srivalsan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite sister Veronica book so far! I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Sister Veronica is away from the convent and spending Christmas with her cousin Florence and her extended family. A mixed bunch that SV enjoys analysing until a murder is committed.
Very reminiscent of Agatha Christie type whodunnits and a wonderful read with a good plot twist

[sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect setting for a murder mystery - creepy old mansion, dysfunctional extended family at odds with one another gathering there for Christmas.
So many family members with a possible motive for murder, who could it be? The outrageous behaviour of some of the guests is also great fun.. A terrific page turner..
Set in the the festive season, a great 'who done it' for Christmas!

[Gillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Sister Veronica series and it’s a family affair as the nosy nun spends Christmas with her cousin and extended relations in their large, dark, creepy mansion and Sister Veronica knows something isn’t right within the family. There were a lot of characters in this book, none of them particularly nice and I almost didn’t care what happened to them. The first to get their comeuppance, goes in quite a spectacular way which was satisfying.

An easy, fun read with plenty of suspects to tease the reader.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Sister Veronica Mysteries. The blurb sounded good and even though I usually avoid books that have any religious characters in them I decided to give this one a try. The character of Sister Veronica was likeable and intriguing and the plot itself was a good whodunnit. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

[Lesley Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are really good

Well I must say that I really enjoyed reading these books. Sister Veronica is not the usual sort of Nun. She becomes embroiled in murders and mysteries, the sort of things that shouldn't happen to a nun. Well worthy of five stars.

[Bobbie N · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Sister Veronica accepts her cousin Florence's invitation to join her family for Christmas, little does she know that instead of the restful time catching up on things she's envisioned, she'd find herself looking for a murderer within her own family.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another mystery for Sister Veronica to solve, this time at Christmas with her family. I didn't find this as enjoyable as the last but it was mildly entertaining.