What do you think?
Rate this book
Sister Joan Mystery #6-8
Sister Joan Mysteries #6-8: A Vow of Devotion / A Vow of Fidelity / A Vow of Poverty
Three complete Sister Joan mysteries:
Book 6: A Vow of Devotion
Two aspiring nuns visit the convent — along with a mysterious intruder in the night. Who left a single red rose on the chapel steps? When one of the women is found bludgeoned to death, Sister Joan knows that their isolated convent is no longer safe. Teaming up with DS Mill, she must once again investigate the grisly goings-on.
Book 7: A Vow of Fidelity
A photo of her old classmates reminds Sister Joan of a reunion pact they made twenty years ago. Three are dead already, making Joan more determined than ever to attend the party. Then another copy of the photo arrives, with the dead friends crossed out and an ominous black circle drawn around Sister Joan. Ten old friends. Three are dead. Is she next?
Book 8: A Vow of Poverty
Sister Joan has the strangest feeling that she’s being followed. But the person she thinks she saw died over a year ago. Or did he? When a young secretary turns up dead, Sister Joan realizes she’s in a race against time to the bottom of things before the murderer strikes again.
Book 6: A Vow of Devotion
Two aspiring nuns visit the convent — along with a mysterious intruder in the night. Who left a single red rose on the chapel steps? When one of the women is found bludgeoned to death, Sister Joan knows that their isolated convent is no longer safe. Teaming up with DS Mill, she must once again investigate the grisly goings-on.
Book 7: A Vow of Fidelity
A photo of her old classmates reminds Sister Joan of a reunion pact they made twenty years ago. Three are dead already, making Joan more determined than ever to attend the party. Then another copy of the photo arrives, with the dead friends crossed out and an ominous black circle drawn around Sister Joan. Ten old friends. Three are dead. Is she next?
Book 8: A Vow of Poverty
Sister Joan has the strangest feeling that she’s being followed. But the person she thinks she saw died over a year ago. Or did he? When a young secretary turns up dead, Sister Joan realizes she’s in a race against time to the bottom of things before the murderer strikes again.
- GenresFiction
612 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2021
245 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Black
48 books68 followersPseudonym for Maureen Peters
Maureen Peters was born in Caernarvon, Wales, on March 3, 1935, and was married and divorced twice; she has two sons and two daughters. In addition to biographical fiction, historical romances, and mystery novels written under her own name, other noms de plume include Veronica Black, Catherine Darby, Levanah Lloyd, Belinda Grey, Elizabeth Law, Judith Rothman, and Sharon Whitby.
Said Maureen Peters about Sister Joan in an interview, "I chose a nun because they have got a lot of time on their hands. I have friends who are real nuns and they give me information on their lives, but mine’s a bit more unconventional. Every time she goes to a convent, she finds a dead body — Cornwall is littered with them."
Maureen Peters was born in Caernarvon, Wales, on March 3, 1935, and was married and divorced twice; she has two sons and two daughters. In addition to biographical fiction, historical romances, and mystery novels written under her own name, other noms de plume include Veronica Black, Catherine Darby, Levanah Lloyd, Belinda Grey, Elizabeth Law, Judith Rothman, and Sharon Whitby.
Said Maureen Peters about Sister Joan in an interview, "I chose a nun because they have got a lot of time on their hands. I have friends who are real nuns and they give me information on their lives, but mine’s a bit more unconventional. Every time she goes to a convent, she finds a dead body — Cornwall is littered with them."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 15, 2022
Entertaining but peculiar
These are group of fairly well done novels about a particular nun among a unique order of nuns who through providence assist in solving murders.
The life of a nun as portrayed through these novels is that of an adult choosing to exist as a child. Accepting routine, discipline and order over responsibility, self governance and true maturity. In many ways it’s very troubling anyone anywhere could believe Christ teaches one should become a perpetual child in order to become closer to God or become more religious. If anything, the life of these nuns guarantees they’ll never grow to any level spiritual maturity.
Again, it’s a choice to live a life of perpetual childhood. The books are entertaining, but there can be no growth or maturity in a choice to live as a perpetual child. There is security, freedom from responsibility, closeness of community and the discipline a child knows when overseen by a mother and concerned family.
Of course, all of those things pale with the realization they create the inability to perceive or understand freedom with all its complexity and its underlying responsibility.
In other words, there is never any growth toward actual maturity. Absent that maturity how can one expect to partner with anyone. Where is there opportunity to become the wife of noble character defined in scripture?
Lastly, establishing silly rules merely for the sake of observing them does nothing to actually learn mature self discipline. There are times to be silent and times to talk, but these can’t be defined by the hands on a clock.
So, needless to say I have mixed feelings about these novels. Recommended for those seeking an entertaining read with the understanding perpetual childhood might be appealing but it’s not a pathway to spiritual growth.
These are group of fairly well done novels about a particular nun among a unique order of nuns who through providence assist in solving murders.
The life of a nun as portrayed through these novels is that of an adult choosing to exist as a child. Accepting routine, discipline and order over responsibility, self governance and true maturity. In many ways it’s very troubling anyone anywhere could believe Christ teaches one should become a perpetual child in order to become closer to God or become more religious. If anything, the life of these nuns guarantees they’ll never grow to any level spiritual maturity.
Again, it’s a choice to live a life of perpetual childhood. The books are entertaining, but there can be no growth or maturity in a choice to live as a perpetual child. There is security, freedom from responsibility, closeness of community and the discipline a child knows when overseen by a mother and concerned family.
Of course, all of those things pale with the realization they create the inability to perceive or understand freedom with all its complexity and its underlying responsibility.
In other words, there is never any growth toward actual maturity. Absent that maturity how can one expect to partner with anyone. Where is there opportunity to become the wife of noble character defined in scripture?
Lastly, establishing silly rules merely for the sake of observing them does nothing to actually learn mature self discipline. There are times to be silent and times to talk, but these can’t be defined by the hands on a clock.
So, needless to say I have mixed feelings about these novels. Recommended for those seeking an entertaining read with the understanding perpetual childhood might be appealing but it’s not a pathway to spiritual growth.
November 27, 2021
Sister Joan is very judgmental. She may not have the ambition, but I could see her as a female Cardinal. She needs stimulus, and she certainly gets it in these 3 mysteries. She also is involved with numerous dead bodies. In other words, these stories are typical 'cozies' where innocent bystanders discover bodies and solve crimes. It's just that she happens to wear a religious habit as the 'gimmick' to propel the story along. The stories aren't so bad, especially learning about life in the convent, but the mysteries are contrived.
The second one especially needed a box of salt. Her college mates are involved, and it would seem that most of the men were gay or at least bi-sexual, but Sister Joan was unaware of that. Still in a questionable plot device, those who are left alive (they've been dropping like flies) visit the convent for a retreat.
One other aspect of the cozy is the Inspector (Alan) who is in an unhappy marriage, but finds himself 'attracted' to Sister Joan. She tries to be aloof one minute, but all those bodies make a convenient excuse for them to spend time together.
For a quick read, the books are okay, but Sister Joan is no more like a real religious than the Flying Nun.
The second one especially needed a box of salt. Her college mates are involved, and it would seem that most of the men were gay or at least bi-sexual, but Sister Joan was unaware of that. Still in a questionable plot device, those who are left alive (they've been dropping like flies) visit the convent for a retreat.
One other aspect of the cozy is the Inspector (Alan) who is in an unhappy marriage, but finds himself 'attracted' to Sister Joan. She tries to be aloof one minute, but all those bodies make a convenient excuse for them to spend time together.
For a quick read, the books are okay, but Sister Joan is no more like a real religious than the Flying Nun.
December 27, 2021
I have to admit that I wasn't sure about Sister Joan for the first 20 or so pages or the first book. However, it soon turned into an absolute page turner. I love my Kindle anyway, but it enabled me to binge read these incredible books. I'm about to start #9. Each one is better than the last. The characters are so well developed, and the plots - well, only Sister Joan and Faith Martin, writing as Veronica Black, could come up with such complexities.
Sister Joan - well, she's not your average nun. She's bright, sharp witted and gets herself in all sorts of situations, almost none of her own making. Danger and murder seem to be attracted to her like she's magnetic.
I guarantee you will enjoy her!
Sister Joan - well, she's not your average nun. She's bright, sharp witted and gets herself in all sorts of situations, almost none of her own making. Danger and murder seem to be attracted to her like she's magnetic.
I guarantee you will enjoy her!
December 29, 2022
Certainly cozy
I do like this series. The mysteries are always different, the murders never gruesome, making it a fun cozy series. I've noticed some repetitiveness, such as Sister Joan's refusal to share information when she should and the always-on-the-spot-when-needed cops.
The lack of commas frustrates me; I often end to having to read and reread sentences in order to understand. It's also annoying that the author doesn't know the difference between who and whom or immigrate and emigrate.
I do like this series. The mysteries are always different, the murders never gruesome, making it a fun cozy series. I've noticed some repetitiveness, such as Sister Joan's refusal to share information when she should and the always-on-the-spot-when-needed cops.
The lack of commas frustrates me; I often end to having to read and reread sentences in order to understand. It's also annoying that the author doesn't know the difference between who and whom or immigrate and emigrate.
January 6, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed the Sister Joan Mysteries! I have read all 11 of them now, and am hoping another might come out soon! I really enjoy binge reading an entire series, and this series fit the bill.
The characters are really interesting and pretty well fleshed out. The life in a small convent was also interesting. Someone else compared the Sister Joan character to a Jessica Fletcher - type character, and I agree completely. Fun to read! I highly recommend this series.
The characters are really interesting and pretty well fleshed out. The life in a small convent was also interesting. Someone else compared the Sister Joan character to a Jessica Fletcher - type character, and I agree completely. Fun to read! I highly recommend this series.
May 21, 2022
Entertaining
I'm binge reading this series. For the most part I really like the books. Seeing the nuns balance physical and spiritual lives, so individual yet living in community. I enjoy all the peripheral characters as well. The mysteries are well written and keep me guessing.
The only thing I don't like is Sister Joan keeping secrets to a fault, even when there is a killer running around and she gets attacked. But otherwise I am hooked.
I'm binge reading this series. For the most part I really like the books. Seeing the nuns balance physical and spiritual lives, so individual yet living in community. I enjoy all the peripheral characters as well. The mysteries are well written and keep me guessing.
The only thing I don't like is Sister Joan keeping secrets to a fault, even when there is a killer running around and she gets attacked. But otherwise I am hooked.
Read
January 3, 2022Incredible
When I bought this set I couldn't imagine that a convent could provide enough background for a murder mystery series.
How wrong was I?
As well as learning lots about convent life, I have also enjoyed the travel through the years of Sister Joanne.
I would recommend this series to anyone who loves a mystery. No clue as to who 'done it' until the end. Brilliant!
When I bought this set I couldn't imagine that a convent could provide enough background for a murder mystery series.
How wrong was I?
As well as learning lots about convent life, I have also enjoyed the travel through the years of Sister Joanne.
I would recommend this series to anyone who loves a mystery. No clue as to who 'done it' until the end. Brilliant!
December 3, 2021
Sister Joan is the Mrs Fletcher of the convent community. So unlikely, but still so much fun! These are a snap to read and yet somehow complex. Have fun with it. Would make a good 70s light TV procedural!
December 3, 2021
Good and Evil
A perfect blend bet ween good and evil. The author kept the story moving and gave us enough clues to solve the mystery. I like the Christian values expressed in a natural way.
A perfect blend bet ween good and evil. The author kept the story moving and gave us enough clues to solve the mystery. I like the Christian values expressed in a natural way.
January 2, 2022
fantastic series
One unconventional Sister, one small order with remarkable and distinct characters - unusual mysteries ti discover and resolve - kept me interested to read books 1-8 without interruption over the final holiday season of 2021.
One unconventional Sister, one small order with remarkable and distinct characters - unusual mysteries ti discover and resolve - kept me interested to read books 1-8 without interruption over the final holiday season of 2021.
January 14, 2022
Sister Joan does it again.
Loved the book loved that Sister Joan is true to her calling, but does a great deal of good. Enjoy how the other Sisters fit into the story. Looking forward to reading more of her stories.
Loved the book loved that Sister Joan is true to her calling, but does a great deal of good. Enjoy how the other Sisters fit into the story. Looking forward to reading more of her stories.
January 29, 2022
Three great mysteries
Fascinating mysteries and a believable sleuth, a setting you slip into as you read— these books continue to offer a great read as did the first three. Recommended reading
Fascinating mysteries and a believable sleuth, a setting you slip into as you read— these books continue to offer a great read as did the first three. Recommended reading
February 10, 2022
These novels are entertaining. Sister Joan is a nun who solves crime. Like all the characters but Joan is special. She doesnt want to be involved in crime. It seems to draw her in. Am on to next three.
November 16, 2022
More gripping mysteries with a bite of history.
When I think she can't come up with more original stories, Veronica Black does it again. Puzzles, danger and more tension. I do however hate that Joan threw the rings away rather than hiding them in a secret place in the attic.
When I think she can't come up with more original stories, Veronica Black does it again. Puzzles, danger and more tension. I do however hate that Joan threw the rings away rather than hiding them in a secret place in the attic.
July 14, 2023
Intriguing stories. Twists and turns that keep you engaged.
Couldn't stop reading at times.
There was some repetion but not so much as to be annoying. Engaging situations that Sister Joan found herself involved in.
Couldn't stop reading at times.
There was some repetion but not so much as to be annoying. Engaging situations that Sister Joan found herself involved in.
November 14, 2021
As always, a good story!
I read a great many books and am very lucky to find good reading! Veronica Black, I have found all of your stories excellent reads! Thank you.
I read a great many books and am very lucky to find good reading! Veronica Black, I have found all of your stories excellent reads! Thank you.
January 8, 2022
I’m very hooked on this series. Great cozy Mysteries. My biggest concern is not admitting to herself that she is romantically attracted to her policeman friend.
February 15, 2022
Wonderful mysteries. I have now finished 1 thru 9 and can't put them down.
May 16, 2022
Riveting
Couldn't put any down. They're great mysteries, while being witty and informative about England, as well as life in a semi- cloister convent. All while being respectful of nuns and their lifestyle. I recommend Sister Joan Mysteries to all Catholics, and interested non-Catholics.
Couldn't put any down. They're great mysteries, while being witty and informative about England, as well as life in a semi- cloister convent. All while being respectful of nuns and their lifestyle. I recommend Sister Joan Mysteries to all Catholics, and interested non-Catholics.
May 15, 2022
sister Joan
Sister Jones is very rare and the detective I think they Have a special time that wouldn’t be Allowed @ time Ansley
Sister Jones is very rare and the detective I think they Have a special time that wouldn’t be Allowed @ time Ansley
September 19, 2022
Entertaining as always. I am however wondering about the state of her vocation! Seems a little on the shaky side.
March 28, 2023
Well paced and nicely written
The plots become a bit redundant and predictable but there is character development for sorts and the books still are enjoyable to read.
The plots become a bit redundant and predictable but there is character development for sorts and the books still are enjoyable to read.
July 7, 2023
Excellent series
Definetly recommend this is the second series I have read enthralling from start to finish , going to get the next series enjoy .
Definetly recommend this is the second series I have read enthralling from start to finish , going to get the next series enjoy .
September 7, 2023
Still interesting reads but lacking depth.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews