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Sister Joan Mystery #9-11
Sister Joan Mysteries #9-11: A Vow of Adoration / A Vow of Compassion / A Vow of Evil
Three complete Sister Joan mysteries:
Book 9: A Vow of Adoration
While out riding one day Sister Joan stumbles across an old, ruined chapel. It looks abandoned, but it’s not empty. On one of the pews lies a man. From the smell, Joan guesses he’s been dead for some time. With Detective Alan Mill away, Joan goes to his deputy, but the police seem strangely reluctant to help. It looks like it’s all down to Joan. But can she help her fellow man and stay out of trouble?
Book 10: A Vow of Compassion
When Mother Dorothy’s godmother dies of a heart attack and leaves all her money to the convent, Sister Joan is uneasy. While on visiting duty at the hospital, she makes some tacit enquiries. Things don’t seem quite right. Then a little girl goes missing. Sister Joan knows there’s something truly sinister going on. She teams up with Detective Sergeant Mill, but can they get to the bottom of things before tragedy strikes?
Book 11: A Vow of Evil
There is something weird going on in their quiet corner of Cornwall. There’s been some obscene vandalism in the kitchen. A dog is kidnapped. And when a cat is killed, Joan knows there’s evil afoot. Then Sister Joan goes to visit Mrs Pearson. She’s met with a horrifying scene. Are these crimes just practical jokes gone horribly wrong? Or does someone have a dangerous obsession with the occult?
Book 9: A Vow of Adoration
While out riding one day Sister Joan stumbles across an old, ruined chapel. It looks abandoned, but it’s not empty. On one of the pews lies a man. From the smell, Joan guesses he’s been dead for some time. With Detective Alan Mill away, Joan goes to his deputy, but the police seem strangely reluctant to help. It looks like it’s all down to Joan. But can she help her fellow man and stay out of trouble?
Book 10: A Vow of Compassion
When Mother Dorothy’s godmother dies of a heart attack and leaves all her money to the convent, Sister Joan is uneasy. While on visiting duty at the hospital, she makes some tacit enquiries. Things don’t seem quite right. Then a little girl goes missing. Sister Joan knows there’s something truly sinister going on. She teams up with Detective Sergeant Mill, but can they get to the bottom of things before tragedy strikes?
Book 11: A Vow of Evil
There is something weird going on in their quiet corner of Cornwall. There’s been some obscene vandalism in the kitchen. A dog is kidnapped. And when a cat is killed, Joan knows there’s evil afoot. Then Sister Joan goes to visit Mrs Pearson. She’s met with a horrifying scene. Are these crimes just practical jokes gone horribly wrong? Or does someone have a dangerous obsession with the occult?
- GenresFiction
665 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2021
281 people are currently reading
60 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."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
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February 7, 2022I read ALL 11 books and enjoyed each one. The characters become your friends and the plots are all different with interesting twists. I'm not Catholic so received an education re: some of the terms and rituals portrayed in these stories. I'm not sure a true convent runs this way but the Sisters of Compassion were loads of fun in spite of the crime that seemed to pop up all around their little patch. I enjoyed the books and was sorry to see the series come to a conclusion.
August 4, 2022
Awesome
I love these stories. Binged read books 1thru 11 in 2 weeks. Learned so much about the world of Devotion and Faith. I appreciate all the ways she describes feelings, sounds,smells. Cornwall and the village life,gypsies and the police,modern social problems,the best side kicks, her pony and dog Alice. Is Sister Joan series retired?
I love these stories. Binged read books 1thru 11 in 2 weeks. Learned so much about the world of Devotion and Faith. I appreciate all the ways she describes feelings, sounds,smells. Cornwall and the village life,gypsies and the police,modern social problems,the best side kicks, her pony and dog Alice. Is Sister Joan series retired?
February 26, 2022
the end of a great series.
I thought Sister Joans mystery’s were wonderful. As a Catholic is was nice to read, good, kind, compassionate stories. They were not malicious, or gory. Jesus would be proud of Veronica Black. Thanks.
I thought Sister Joans mystery’s were wonderful. As a Catholic is was nice to read, good, kind, compassionate stories. They were not malicious, or gory. Jesus would be proud of Veronica Black. Thanks.
May 30, 2022
So sad to hear that Veronica Black has passed away. I thoroughly enjoyed he Sister Joan Mysteries. The books were gripping in a way that she always told the story with twists and turns so you couldn't decide who dunnit.
June 20, 2025
I knew what I was getting into when I binge-read the 11 books in this series. I had read them before and will likely read them again in the future. Settling in with Sister Joan and the members of her convent was delightful. There was what they considered to be a spiritual practice of praising God and a deep wish to do good in the eyes of the other sisters and of God, which lent this portrayal a simple yet heartfelt spiritual journey. They were not portrayed as superwomen but as ordinary people who had dedicated their lives to prayer, to good works, and to their convent.
These stories, written in the 1990s and early 2000s, are set on the moors of the Cornish countryside. What proved to be interesting was that bodies kept showing up in Sister Joan’s path. She was a touch more inquisitive than a normal nun was expected to be, yet the two sisters elected to be the mother prioresses one after the other recognized a young nun growing both personally and spiritually and eventually realizing that there was something in Sister Joans’ being that took notice and was able to piece together the ragged stories behind the crimes that happened in their area.
What was lovely, too, was to see a platonic relationship develop between Sergeant Detective Mills and Sister Joan as he also recognized a fellow sleuth. Each of the books in this series is a standalone, yet it was delightful to read them in sequence. I bought mine on Amazon as collections.
Veronica Black is a pseudonym of Maureen Peters, who was born in North Wales in March 1935. She passed away in April 2008. She is known as a Brontë scholar and has written many books under her own name, Maureen Peters, as well as other pseudonyms. Prolific is the word here. I don’t think you would ever run out of books to read that she has written. My first and favorite are the Sister Joan Mysteries, which were available as a Kindle purchase. It appears that her other books are available as used paperback and hardback editions. You might be able to find a copy in your local libraries.
This lady is worth the hunt to find her other books: the romances, the mysteries, and her historical novels. Imagine being able to say that you had written well over 100 books in your lifetime.
These stories, written in the 1990s and early 2000s, are set on the moors of the Cornish countryside. What proved to be interesting was that bodies kept showing up in Sister Joan’s path. She was a touch more inquisitive than a normal nun was expected to be, yet the two sisters elected to be the mother prioresses one after the other recognized a young nun growing both personally and spiritually and eventually realizing that there was something in Sister Joans’ being that took notice and was able to piece together the ragged stories behind the crimes that happened in their area.
What was lovely, too, was to see a platonic relationship develop between Sergeant Detective Mills and Sister Joan as he also recognized a fellow sleuth. Each of the books in this series is a standalone, yet it was delightful to read them in sequence. I bought mine on Amazon as collections.
Veronica Black is a pseudonym of Maureen Peters, who was born in North Wales in March 1935. She passed away in April 2008. She is known as a Brontë scholar and has written many books under her own name, Maureen Peters, as well as other pseudonyms. Prolific is the word here. I don’t think you would ever run out of books to read that she has written. My first and favorite are the Sister Joan Mysteries, which were available as a Kindle purchase. It appears that her other books are available as used paperback and hardback editions. You might be able to find a copy in your local libraries.
This lady is worth the hunt to find her other books: the romances, the mysteries, and her historical novels. Imagine being able to say that you had written well over 100 books in your lifetime.
Want to read
January 27, 2023Book 9: A Vow of Adoration
While out riding one day Sister Joan stumbles across an old, ruined chapel. It looks abandoned, but it’s not empty. On one of the pews lies a man. From the smell, Joan guesses he’s been dead for some time. With Detective Alan Mill away, Joan goes to his deputy, but the police seem strangely reluctant to help. It looks like it’s all down to Joan. But can she help her fellow man and stay out of trouble?
Book 10: A Vow of Compassion
When Mother Dorothy’s godmother dies of a heart attack and leaves all her money to the convent, Sister Joan is uneasy. While on visiting duty at the hospital, she makes some tacit enquiries. Things don’t seem quite right. Then a little girl goes missing. Sister Joan knows there’s something truly sinister going on. She teams up with Detective Sergeant Mill, but can they get to the bottom of things before tragedy strikes?
Book 11: A Vow of Evil
There is something weird going on in their quiet corner of Cornwall. There’s been some obscene vandalism in the kitchen. A dog is kidnapped. And when a cat is killed, Joan knows there’s evil afoot. Then Sister Joan goes to visit Mrs Pearson. She’s met with a horrifying scene. Are these crimes just practical jokes gone horribly wrong? Or does someone have a dangerous obsession with the occult?
665 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2021
August 13, 2023
Conclusion to the Sister Joan series
Excellent tales of suspense with endearing and enduring characters. Well crafted settings with immersive descriptions that enhance each visit with the society of Sisters and their neighbors and associates. Valuable as rereading too, offering an escape to the varying seasons of Cornwall. But most of all, this reader treasures the Godly and moral core of these plots that portray the innumerable merits of a contemplative religious community. The flawed yet dedicated Sister Joan models how one can navigate the modern world without compromising the true peace she finds in faithful devotion to our Lord.
Excellent tales of suspense with endearing and enduring characters. Well crafted settings with immersive descriptions that enhance each visit with the society of Sisters and their neighbors and associates. Valuable as rereading too, offering an escape to the varying seasons of Cornwall. But most of all, this reader treasures the Godly and moral core of these plots that portray the innumerable merits of a contemplative religious community. The flawed yet dedicated Sister Joan models how one can navigate the modern world without compromising the true peace she finds in faithful devotion to our Lord.
March 22, 2025
A Vow of...
Sister Joan and the nuns of the Sisters of Compassion convent live a strict life devoted to serving God. The convent is located on the estate once owned by the old Tarquin family. Sister Joan is known for helping the local constabulary solve various crimes in the area.
Learning about the traditions and practices of the Catholic church was interesting. The characters are genuine in their presentation. Each one has a distinct personality.
I would recommend these books to anyone who likes a good mystery. The only book I didn't enjoy was number 11 ... A Vow of Evil. It seemed shallow and didn't flow as well as the other books.
Sister Joan and the nuns of the Sisters of Compassion convent live a strict life devoted to serving God. The convent is located on the estate once owned by the old Tarquin family. Sister Joan is known for helping the local constabulary solve various crimes in the area.
Learning about the traditions and practices of the Catholic church was interesting. The characters are genuine in their presentation. Each one has a distinct personality.
I would recommend these books to anyone who likes a good mystery. The only book I didn't enjoy was number 11 ... A Vow of Evil. It seemed shallow and didn't flow as well as the other books.
December 14, 2021
Nun of your average expectations
I thoroughly immersed myself in all eleven novels.
Ms. Black has managed to create vastly unique narratives that keep the attention of the reader. I am not Catholic, and I learned a little about activities in a convent. Very stimulating. I hope Ms. Black continues the series.
I thoroughly immersed myself in all eleven novels.
Ms. Black has managed to create vastly unique narratives that keep the attention of the reader. I am not Catholic, and I learned a little about activities in a convent. Very stimulating. I hope Ms. Black continues the series.
December 20, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the Sister Joan Mysteries books, could not put them down until all finished, the story line is great, and you wanted to continue to read to see what Sr Joan got up to and how she managed to sort everything out.
January 18, 2022
Delightful!
Although it was,at times,difficult to keep tract of who was who, each of these stories was an excellent read as well as being quite thought provoking! Thank you Veronica Black. I look forward to reading more of your works!
Although it was,at times,difficult to keep tract of who was who, each of these stories was an excellent read as well as being quite thought provoking! Thank you Veronica Black. I look forward to reading more of your works!
May 28, 2023
Just the best!
Perfect for anyone who loves Nuns and mysteries! The best parts are the Sisters themselves! They are dear and reminiscent of many of the Sisters you grew up with..,,,very heart warming.
Perfect for anyone who loves Nuns and mysteries! The best parts are the Sisters themselves! They are dear and reminiscent of many of the Sisters you grew up with..,,,very heart warming.
October 6, 2023
Cozy? Murders??
A very entertaining read if you can call ‘murder’ enjoyable. These books kept me interested to the last. Sister Joan is a great character - wasted in a convent! She should be working with children in schools and youth centres, spreading the good news of Jesus.
A very entertaining read if you can call ‘murder’ enjoyable. These books kept me interested to the last. Sister Joan is a great character - wasted in a convent! She should be working with children in schools and youth centres, spreading the good news of Jesus.
Read
August 22, 2024I really enjoyed this series. Apart from being somewhat educational in regards to the lifestyle of some nuns in convents (though probably very dated) the mysteries were interesting and the characters relatable.
January 22, 2025
Enjoyable. Well worth the purchase.
I really enjoyed the series. Well written. The characters are likeable. The relationship between Sister Joan and policeman, Alan Mills sweet. Look forward to more in the series if there are to be more.
I really enjoyed the series. Well written. The characters are likeable. The relationship between Sister Joan and policeman, Alan Mills sweet. Look forward to more in the series if there are to be more.
December 28, 2021
Evil lurks in each page.
Sister Joan never let's you down. Keeps you on the edge of your seat hoping for a good outcome for all.
Hoping for another book in the series soon!
Sister Joan never let's you down. Keeps you on the edge of your seat hoping for a good outcome for all.
Hoping for another book in the series soon!
December 30, 2021
Murder and Fun with Nuns
An interesting and amusing series. The last book is a little scared. Not much gore no hard boiled Detective nun. Just one with a gift for crime solving.
An interesting and amusing series. The last book is a little scared. Not much gore no hard boiled Detective nun. Just one with a gift for crime solving.
January 4, 2022
An excellent series of stories. I enjoyed them all. First rate characterization of the various players. All very believable except for the ‘tenants’ in the last story.
April 26, 2022
Fun reading
This series of 11 stories is very interesting and cleverly written. Keep you guessing until the end. Very enjoyable and hold your interest.
This series of 11 stories is very interesting and cleverly written. Keep you guessing until the end. Very enjoyable and hold your interest.
June 4, 2022
Fun Page-turners
I love Sister Joan’s spunk, wit and intelligence. Well written books, with great characters who become the readers friends. It’s sad that there won’t be more.
I love Sister Joan’s spunk, wit and intelligence. Well written books, with great characters who become the readers friends. It’s sad that there won’t be more.
November 26, 2022
Riveting Mysteries
I thoroughly enjoyed all the Sister Joan mysteries though the very last one was more haphazard than the others and the ending not tied up very well.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the Sister Joan mysteries though the very last one was more haphazard than the others and the ending not tied up very well.
January 7, 2023
Enjoyable Read
Learned a great deal about being a Catholic nun. Well written with humor and kindness. The mystery is always intriguing and surprising l.
Learned a great deal about being a Catholic nun. Well written with humor and kindness. The mystery is always intriguing and surprising l.
June 13, 2023
Very good
Enjoyed these religious mysteries, very well written. Great characters, a different but interesting setting. Will look forward to reading more
Enjoyed these religious mysteries, very well written. Great characters, a different but interesting setting. Will look forward to reading more
August 19, 2023
Excellent box set
I have read all three box sets the are totally gripping so many twists and turns ,definetly recommend brilliant crime series .Enjoy I did
I have read all three box sets the are totally gripping so many twists and turns ,definetly recommend brilliant crime series .Enjoy I did
January 6, 2025
A great read
The best read. I have loved everyone of this series...only one question...Is that it???? I hope not I want to know more about Sister Joan x
The best read. I have loved everyone of this series...only one question...Is that it???? I hope not I want to know more about Sister Joan x
January 29, 2025
I wished there were more of these books. I love them.
May 3, 2025
Inspiring
I've always enjoyed reading about the lives of nuns. Coincidentally I also love mysteries. These are very exciting, interesting and well done
I enjoyed them very much.
I've always enjoyed reading about the lives of nuns. Coincidentally I also love mysteries. These are very exciting, interesting and well done
I enjoyed them very much.
August 16, 2025
Great series
I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. The background of convent life is really interesting.
I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. The background of convent life is really interesting.
February 16, 2022
Loved these books. Sister Joan is quite the character. Eagerly await more reads about her.
February 2, 2023
I truly enjoyed each and every one of these books! I am very sad that there will be no more books. I learned a lot about the Catholic religion
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews