Secret Sisters

Secret Sisters Mystery #1

by Tristi Pinkston

Ida Mae Babbitt, president of the Omni 2nd Ward Relief Society, didn't mean to become a spy. But when visiting teaching stats are low and she learns that one family under her care is in financial trouble, she'll do whatever it takes to make sure they have what they need. If that includes planting surveillance cameras in their home and watching them from a parked car in the woods, well, isn't that what any caring Relief Society president would do?

With the help of her counselors Arlette and Tansy, Ida Mae soon learns that there's more to the situation than meets the eye. It's all in a day's work for the Relief Society.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Adult, Comedy, Lds

278 pages, Hardcover

First published March 16, 2010

About the author

I'm a historical/contemporary fiction author, stay-at-home mom, homeschooler, freelance editor, and the owner of Trifecta Books.

Reviews

[Book2Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful book, a lighthearted mystery with delightful LDS characters. At the end found there is a sequel which I'll be looking forward to.

Ida Mae is a widow who is president of the relief Society in her ward. A vivid imagination between she and her counsellors leads them to suspect something going on. Her nephew moves in with her and joins in the fray, using his interest in gadgets and inventions to further the cause.

A lighthearted mystery that was a pleasure to read. Not so serious as her other excellent book, Nothing to Regret.

[Tristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you combine three elderly women, a family in need of financial help, a young man with a sense of mischief, and a cat with an attitude problem? You get my latest novel, "Secret Sisters." My three main characters - Ida Mae, Arlette, and Tansy - will keep you in stitches as you follow them through the woods, sneaking up on persons unknown, gathering up important clues and bringing the villains to justice. Add hacking in to the computer at the DMV and trailing their accomplice on her undercover date, and you've got a true recipe for fun.

This LDS comedy/mystery/chick lit for the elderly is a hysterical read for persons of any age or religious affiliation. "Secret Sisters" is the first in a series.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secret Sisters is the first Tristi Pinkston novel I have read and it won't be my last. I grabbed this book as I was rushing out the door yesterday to take my son to a meeting. It was such a fun, light easy read. I was 50 pages into the story and hooked by the time his meeting got out. I finished the book up before going to sleep last night.

This made for a great Sunday read. I enjoyed the crazy way Ida Mae and her Relief Society Presidency went above and beyond to fulfill their callings. Enlisting the help of Ida Mae's nephew these ladies go to extremes to watch over a family in their ward. Tristi's book was full of humor and I could so relate to Ida Mae and her New Year's Resolution to not judge others.

The epilogue was a little too short and left me wondering what became of a few of the characters. There is a sequel which I am looking forward to reading positive it will be filled with plenty more light-hearted, entertaining fun.

Review from my book blog:
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot....

[Cheryl Malandrinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an effort to help Bishop Sylvester reduce his stress level and his blood pressure, Ida Mae Babbit, the president of the Omni 2nd Ward Relief Society, suggests the group attempt to handle any slight problems that come to their attention--without mentioning this little tidbit to the bishop, of course.

When the women of the Relief Society discuss how they could help one family who might be in need, their "attempt to handle any slight problems that come to their attention" blossoms into an amateur attempt at detective work. With the help of her counselors, Arlette and Tansy, and some technological expertise from her nephew, Ren, Ida Mae and the Secret Sisters uncover a mystery, while still managing to assist other families under their care.

Just another day's work for this Relief Society.

In this first book of The Secret Sisters Mysteries, LDS author Tristi Pinkston creates a light and funny mystery with characters you'll soon come to love.

The reader is treated to the hardworking Ida Mae who seems to be busy taking care of everyone but herself; Arlette, who is always knitting socks in outrageous colors; Tansy, whose amazing ability makes her able to help people without them realizing they are being helped; and Ren, Ida's quirky nephew, whose ability to invent neat gizmos and gadgets provides quite useful.

These women, Ren, and the secondary characters blend well with each other. Ida is an engaging character, whose point of view carries the reader through the book. In less than 300 pages, the reader learns a great deal about Ida, but Pinkston does an excellent job of gradually sprinkling in the backstory, so that it doesn't distract from the present day happenings. And this book, while comedic in nature, gives the reader a good look into the workings of a relief society.

While I truly enjoyed this cast of characters, I felt more emphasis was placed on the daily workings of the Relief Society than on solving the mystery--at least until the final few chapters when things started coming together. Now, it seems that this could be the author's intent, but even though I've read more than one cozy mystery, this is something that stuck out to me. There was a lot going on outside of the mystery, and every once in a while I felt the focus was lost.

Now, that definitely isn't going to stop me from reading the next book in this series when it comes out; a sneak preview, of which, appears at the end of Secret Sisters. I want to see what Ida, Arlette, and Tansy get themselves into next time, and what Ren will invent to help them along. I would also like to see more of Hannah, whose involvement in the Relief Society was limited when she needed to tend to her own family.

Overall, this is a book that I didn't want to put down once I opened it. It is an enjoyable, quick read.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fill your thermos with hot cocoa, stuff some chocolate chip cookies into a Baggie and grab a copy of The Bishop’s Handbook of Instructions. You’ll want easy access to all three as you begin your raucous romp with the dysfunctional Relief Society presidency in Valor Publishing’s new release, Secret Sisters, by five-time author Tristi Pinkston.

Pinkston’s heroine, Ida Mae Babbitt, a well-intentioned bulldozer of a Relief Society president, is a “git-er-done” kind of woman, and when ward and family stresses spike the Omni Ward bishop’s blood pressure, Ida Mae knows just what to do. The how-to-do-it is another issue, however, and with a directionless techno-prodigy of a nephew and her wacky presidency in tow, it’s “Lucy and Ethel meets a McGyver-dude” as Ida Mae and company make a literal Federal case out of a Visiting Teaching report!

Pinkston has created a vivid assortment of over-the-top, multi-dimensional characters, while carefully adding enough depth to endear them to the reader. The plot is pure whimsy with an unexpected twist at the end that will keep you scratching your head until the final page-turn. Pinkston has done a fine job of hitting the comedy and drama buttons while tugging on the heartstrings as well.

You may not want these ladies running your Relief Society, but you’ll enjoy the mayhem they stir up as they “protect and serve” their ward. For a delightful escape with some good chuckles thrown in, “Secret Sisters” by Valor Publishing, fills the bill.

“Secret Sisters” is available at Amazon and in Barnes and Nobles

[Marsha Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relief Society president Ida Mae Babbitt never meant to break the law or become a spy, but when she discovers that one of the members of her ward is in trouble, and the woman denies it, well, a little investigation doesn't seem out of line.

As Ida Mae and her presidency, Arlette and Tansy, become embroiled in adventure and deep secrets between taking care of the needs of various members of the Omni 2nd Ward, the murder of one of their suspects shakes them to the core. But with no cooperation forthcoming from the sheriff's office despite their best efforts to enlist that aid, they press forward to untangle the mystery, helped out by Ida Mae's techno geek nephew and Arlette's charming granddaughter.

Secret Sisters is a whimsical departure for LDS author Tristi Pinkston. Her previous works have been serious historical fiction, with one romance thrown into the mix. Now she has built a unique world peopled with interesting characters and sprinkled with delightful, laugh-out-loud-at-the-library repartee between Ida Mae and her cohorts. That's a good thing, because Secret Sisters is just the beginning of a cozy mystery series featuring Ida Mae and her friends.

Tristi Pinkston put a lot of effort into publicizing this book before it ever appeared in March, 2010. Ida Mae is all over the Internet: she has her own blog, Facebook profile, and even tweets through Twitter. In fact, she participated in the recent Whitney Awards live blogging coverage. Ida Mae has become quite the personality, and Tristi's effort is paying off. Everyone I know wants to read this clean, entertaining book. I'm looking forward to reading the second installment of "The Secret Sisters Mysteries," Ida Mae Rides Again.

[Krista Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I thought, "No way. Uh-uh." Then I kept reading this fun farce of a story and the characters drew me in, like long lost episodes of "The Golden Girls"--I love these Secret Sisters!
A light, good-natured read with just enough suspense to keep you turning pages. This will be a fun series to follow!

[Chantele Sedgwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so funny! Loved the characters, the relief society presidency, and the mystery! Cute, clean story that anyone would enjoy!:)

[Karen Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was Laugh out loud in PUBLIC funny! Totally rocked!

[Megan Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! It is pretty funny, especially down to the clear snapshots you get of even minor characters in the ward. But you also can’t help feeling for Ida Mae and Ren’s backgrounds; getting the sense that Relief Society presidents are superheroes; even relating to Ida Mae about reframing your judgmental thoughts—I totally do that!

So I look forward to reading the rest of the series. It’s fun, because I’d only read Strength to Endure by Pinkston before now—which I loved, although it was completely different from this one! And now, I think that this one’s great, too.

“‘Ida Mae, you know we’re supposed to let virtue garnish our thoughts unceasingly…You get your thoughts away from the sheriff’s brain right this instant.’”

[Kristi Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

*The story was funny - an older RS president who somehow becomes a spy. I liked it - the only problem was the book ended in a rushed manner. The story was great at building up - but then abruptly everything was solved. Wish it didn’t feel so rushed at the end. But a fun read nonetheless.

[Angelina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book did not work for me because it relied on my knowledge of Mormon culture in a "you get this, so you must find this premise funny" way, but I didn't find it very funny.

[Mary Weibling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny in parts. A very enjoyable read.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super silly story of a Relief Society presidency who got a little too involved in trying to help a family. A fun read but borderline ridiculous.

[Randi Ransom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was kind of a slow starter for me but I enjoyed the humor and plot line.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I currently serve in a Relief Society presidency, so when the opportunity to read a comedy about a Relief Society presidency that spies on one of its sisters in order to help her came along, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to put some levity into what can be a pretty burdensome calling.

Ida Mae Babbitt is the perfect Relief Society President. Ready at a moment's notice to help any and all that fall within the boundaries of her stewardship, she has the time and the resources to be that person, the one that seems to have a limitless supply of how-can-I-help-you. Before serving with my own relief society president, who would give Ida Mae a run for her money, I never would have believed that someone could put this amount of effort into a calling. Now that I've seen it done, Ida Mae seemed like a perfectly believable, refreshingly real character. Having her narrate the story, complete with her own flaws and reasoning, gave the story a snappy, humorous edge.

While I truly enjoyed and believed Ida Mae, none of the other characters, except perhaps her crusty counselor, Arlette, who is always knitting an ugly pair of socks, felt real. Her young nephew, Ren, who was central to the idea of enabling his aunt to cross the line from caring Relief Society president to spy due to his interest in technological gadgets, felt especially weak. Whenever he spoke, I didn't feel like it was something a pony-tail-wearing-ear-pierced-twenty-year-old-college-drop out would say. He was just too nice. Too...communicative. My logic needed him to be more withdrawn and confused and much less eager to hang out with his aunt and her middle aged counselors.

Still, the writing is solid. Tristi Pinkston, the author of Secret Sisters, does a good job moving her story along and keeping the main plot active. There are a few times when Ida Mae attends to some other RS business that isn't necessary to the main spy plot, but instead of taking away from the momentum, it actually lends itself to develop Ida's character and the town of Omni, where the story takes place.

My only real grievance, unfortunately, has to do with the main premise of the story: the spying. No matter that the story is intended to be unlikely and humorous, I could not get over the fact that a relief society president put a surveillance camera in someone's home. I was ready to go along for a farcical ride, but after reading, I felt like the story would have been equally as humorous had the spying been limited to middle age women hiding behind trees or sitting on benches with rain coats, dark sunglasses and hats. I wanted the spying to be much less....well...disturbing. Each time the story mentioned what information they were getting from their "bug" on the kitchen refrigerator, and later from another camera they secretly planted in the living room, I imagined the inevitable embarrassment that would arise when the realization that what you thought you were doing in the privacy of your own home, that thing you would NEVER EVER want anyone to know about, came to light. You know, the times that you make up the lyrics to your own musical and sing them loudly. Or what about when you hear your cell phone message alert go off right after you get out of the shower and walk out into the kitchen to get it without any clothes on because no one else is home. Or what about the private talk between husbands and wives. All of those completely acceptable things become mortifying when you add the fact that someone is secretly watching you. And I can't even imagine the havoc and discord that would happen within a ward and community when it became public knowledge that someone in a position of trust did something like that.

Oh, I know it's fiction. I get that defense a lot. It's fiction! It's fun! Don't take it too seriously. I know that. But, I have never thought labeling something as fiction means the rules of life no longer apply. In fact, I believe what is funny in real life translates into what's the most funny in literature, and unlawful surveillance placed inside the sanctity of someone's home isn't funny. Like I said earlier, I would have liked it a whole lot more had the spying been more of the old fashioned and less technology dependent kind. Sure, they would have still been breaching the scope of their calling by spying at all, but I think the end result would be a much more easy to digest comedy.

I believe this is the first in what will become a series of Ida Mae Babbit books. As I'm a fan of Ida Mae, I'm glad she will continue to serve in her best-of-intentions way.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secret Sisters by Tristi Pinkston

This new foray into humorous mystery for Tristi is a big hit. The mixture of humor with mystery is a good mix, as it lets us see the human side of a Relief Society group of sisters.

Ida Mae Babbitt is the RS President of the Omni 2nd Ward and it is her job to see that everything is ok with all her sisters in the ward. When she notices the ward stats are low, it's her responsibility to see why this is happening and when she learns that one family is having financial dificulties, it's her responsibility to make sure the family gets the needed assistance. When Ida Mae and her counselors form a spy group, they decide to call themselves "Secret Sisters." When her less active nephew Ren, who has lived with Ida Mae since his parents died, is trying to work on a patent for a "bug" for eavesdropping, they decide to plant one in The Dunn's home to watch their comings and goings, as it's not a "bug" that hears conversation.

The local law enforcement tells Ia Mae to leave the investigation alone, as the sheriff seems to think the sisters are just a bunch of busybodies,but when a body turns up dead, The Secret Sisters with Ren's help, is able to sniff out the evidence they need to find out who the culprits are and save the day.

I look forward to the next Secret Sisters mystery, which is entitled "Ida Mae Rides Again." If you like a fun mystery with a bunch of RS sisters "sleuthing" around, you'll love Ida Mae.

Forever Friends Rating 4 Stars by Teri
Until Next Time, See You Around The Book Nook.

I received my review copy for the Virtual Book Tour from Senior Editor of Valor Publishing Group, and author Tristi Pinkston.

Publisher: Valor Publishing Group, LLC
Publishing Date: March 2010
ISBN: 978-1-935546-09-2
276pp

[Kimberly Job · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Sisters is the perfect mix of reality and an entertaining story. Is it likely that a Relief Society presidency will spy on the sisters they visit teach? Probably not. But it could happen. The unlikeliness of the situation is what makes Secret Sisters so hilarious.

Tristi has created characters that you can't help but love. Ida Mae, Tansy, and Arlette each have their own distinct personality, and Tristi has done a remarkable job giving each of them a voice that you can recognize.

While Secret Sisters does include a mystery, it is not the focus of the story. The zany antics of Ida Mae and her cohorts will keep you laughing throughout the entire book. Tristi also includes some real life lessons throughout the book. I finished the story feeling uplifted and happier, and I think you will too. It's a quick, entertaining read, and I highly recommend it. It's definitely going on my shelf of books to keep and read again and again.

[Daron · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when you mix a bunch of well-meaning grannies (well, they’re not all grannies, but the image fits), with family in need, a technology geek, and a mysterious bad guy? Lots of laughs.

I know Tristi personally. She makes me laugh. In fact, I think she should do stand-up comedy. Her sense of humor and skill of delivery are both quite good. In fact, at the 2009 LDStorymakers Writers Conference last spring, she had me laughing so hard that I had to wipe tears from my eyes.

This book is a little bit of a departure from her other novels, which are much more serious, but it is a jewel. The story is great fun. I liked everything about it, including the almost pocket-size hard-back form factor.

It is a fast read... almost too fast. It will leave you looking forward to future installments of this series! Go pick up a copy!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a First Reads Winner!

Brownie points to the author right from the start - not only did I get my book within days but it was signed to ME! How spectacular is that? Thank you!

The book itself was fun and entertaining. I read it in a day and was pleased to see that there will be more books in this series.
I'm not sure if my Goodreads profile screams "LDS religion" or not but I don't know that this book would be half as entertaining to a non-LDS person. I would hesitate to recommend this to someone who wasn't well acquainted with common LDS organization at least.
The writing itself was well formulated and easy to read. Some of the characters were a bit too stereotypical but still easy to like. The whole premise of the story was very unique and entertaining. I will definitely look out for the sequels!

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a somewhat realistic portrayal of the relief society presidents life revolving around when the phone will ring and who will be needing something and how urgent the need is. Although Ida Mae goes a little deeper in finding out where the big payoff money comes from for a family that just days before doesn't have any food in the house.
They recruit her nephew who is a self inventor and comes up with surveillance cameras and motion detectors that had cameras detecting who was in the line of sight. the uncover a drug ring that is shipping from salt lake to Arizona and when the local police in Omni don't take an interest in their sketchy evidence they dig for more. The end result in community service hours and a release from their callings. The good thing is that Ren, the nephew who was a little wayward and without direction noe decides to go on a mission.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read and reviewed this book on my blog last year. I have no reason why I didn't enter this on my books here at goodreads. Sorry Tristi!


Every once in awhile a book comes along that you sit down to read and finish in a few hours. When I read the book "Secret Sisters" by Tristi Pinkston , that is exactly what I did. Here are a few reason's why:

1.The book is only 276 pages long.

2.This book is printed in the cutest format, similar to the "Lemony Snicket: A Series of Unfortunate Events" books. That is the only comparison between the two books.

3.The book is funny. You get enjoying yourself so much, that you lose track of time.

4. Tristi has written such colorful and engaging characters, you want to know more about them.

Read more of my review of this book at my blog:
http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot....

[Debbie Cranberryfries · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not only are the characters quirky, cute and really well developed, the plot line is a lot of fun. Secret Sisters is a mystery/comedy and Ida Mae is a spunky, sweet and well meaning lady who only wants to help others and ends up getting in a little too deep. When a family in her small town is in need Ida Mae tries to find a way to help out only to end up feeling like there might be something else going on.

Lucky for Ida Mae, her presidency is more than excited to help out and her nephew, a wanna-be inventor, is glad to get the chance to test out his spy equipment.

This was a funny, cute, feel good book. You'll get a kick out of the well meaning ladies. I really enjoyed this book and am excited that there is another on in the series on its way.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Secret Sisters" is a story about a Relief Society presidency in a small Utah town who take their calling above and beyond what is required of them--but all with good reason. A family is struggling in their ward and these ladies try to help but are told that everything is fine. So...bring in Ida Mae's nephew. He helps them rig up some spy equipment so these characters can monitor the situation more closely. While doing so, a mysterious situation is discovered.

Although the story is about a group of LDS women, it isn't preachy and full of sermons. The characters are hilarious; there are many moments that had me cringing with embarrassment and laughing out loud; the plot was well developed; the story was clean! Overall, a highly entertaining, fun read.

[Hollie Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a mystery, however I have figured out what was going on with Nick, pretty early. Thanks to a teacher I had in the 12 grad who taught me how to analyze books.

I like the side stories within this book, Tristi brings out a lot of good points. I do agree with the book synopsis of this book Ida May, have brought the Relief Society to a completely new level! My mother who was at one time a Relief Society president, agreed with that statement as well.

The book it's self is a fast easy,delightful read. It only took me along time to finish it, because I have many things going on at once.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had to sum up this book in one word, it would have to be, FUN!

I finished Secret Sisters in a few short days and loved every minute with the the quirky, relatable, and often humorous characters. The country setting was perfect, the pacing spot on and everything seemed to flow and jive really effortlessly.

By the time I finished, I felt like an honorary member of the gang, or maybe even an extended family member. I don't normally read alot of cozy mysteries, but this one has me yearning for more. It was well paced, easy to read, and just a very relaxing experience.

I definitely plan to read more of Tristi's books in the future and can't wait for the next installment!

[Christine Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book had a cute storyline, a group of Relief Society Presidency members in a small town investigate a mystery...there are laughs and even a little romance (sorta). My complaint...I honestly don't know when this book is supposed to take place...it was written in 2010...and mentions cell phones...but it also talks about using a pay phone (I can't remember the last time I saw one or used one), boy and girl diapers (I haven't seen those since the early to mid 90s) and the use of a film camera (again, really, nobody uses film anymore) and while those things were fairly minor, they bugged me enough while reading that they distracted from the cute story.

[Beth Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another "night stand drawer" read where I can't remember where I got the book from. This is an LDS book about a Relief Society presidency that is so worried about an unemployed family not having food to eat that they set up surveillance so they can see if hubby actually brings home food. I thought it might be too silly for me, but I have to say I thought it was fun. Not the greatest resolution ever--that seemed a little rushed and simplified---but the characters were a good combination of witty, odd, flighty, sarcastic and genuinely kindhearted. Quick read.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't remember how I found this book but I am glad I did. It is really cute and a light breezy read. Sure, a few things are frankly near impossible, but they are told well and in a way that you can still relate to (such as the need for variety and excitment in life). If you have had had over $2100 in car repairs right during school clothes shopping season and while your husband is numb to his knees during an MS exacerbation, it is exactly perfect. It also gives a few reminders of things like think kindly of others and the importance of family without any moralizing. A really fun book.

[Rebecca Talley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, humorous book with lively, entertaining, and realistic characters. I enjoyed the mystery, but even more I enjoyed the characters. The dialogue flows well and is believable and I laughed out loud at parts. Ida Mae is hilarious. Each character is so individual, I felt like they could be ladies living in my neighborhood. I recommend it!