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Sister Joan Mystery #7
A Vow of Fidelity
Twenty years after promising to meet her art school classmates at Queen Elizabeth's tomb, Sister Joan receives a mysterious photograph of the meeting place and learns that three of her former companions have suffered terrible deaths
174 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
About the author
Veronica Black
47 books70 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 43 reviews
February 3, 2009
First she dislikes her old classmates (and spends a lot of time explaining how they weren't really friends in the first place) and then she decides that she has to show her "friends" fidelity. Make up your mind, Joan! Definitely not as enjoyable as all of the other mysteries. Hopefully, the next one in the series will be as good as the first ones.
July 2, 2008
Just a tad bit far fetched as if the author was running out of ideas, people, places, etc. The ending was good.
December 31, 2025
Sister Joan is one of ten art school students who promised each other to meet up in twenty years time for a reunion. Since entering the convent and becoming a nun, Sister Joan had long forgotten the promise until a photograph of the class of ten arrives anonymously--no note, no return address. The proposed reunion date, September 15th, is fast approaching and Sister Joan doesn't plan to go. But Mother Dorothy has just proposed a new venture to help the convent raise funds to cover expenses--offering retreats for those outside the community, a time of rest and rejuvenation. And she thinks that this reunion would be a great time for Sister Joan to do a bit of advertising.
When the time comes, only six of the other nine former classmates arrive and Sister Joan learns that two have died--one in a fall from a car park, in what seems to have been an accident, and the other killed by a hit and run driver. The group is sure that Serge, the third of the missing, must have forgotten--he never was very good about remembering social engagements. The others decide to make a night of it--have dinner and maybe see a show, but Sister Joan needs to get back to the convent. She volunteers to stop by Serge's apartment and see if he wants to join the others for the night. She finds that Serge had a really good reason for not appearing at the reunion...he too is dead from an apparent drug overdose.
The coroner's court determined it was a suicide, but Sister Joan meets a Patricia, a current friend of Serge's, who says he didn't do drugs and would never have committed suicide. This is what Sister Joan thinks too. The Serge she remembered loved life too much to mess with drugs or take his own life, even when depressed. But did she ever really know Serge? Or any of her classmates, for that matter. No one seems to be anything like what she remembered. The next thing she learns is that Patricia has been murdered--no question this time, her throat was cut from behind. Sister Joan tells the entire story to her friend Detective Sergeant Mills, but after checking on details about the deaths he tells her it looks like coincidence. But just in case--Sister Joan should be extra careful.
Then all six of Sister Joan's former classmates decide that a retreat is just what they need and they all descend upon the convent. Our dear sister is not sure that is going to be the great idea Mother Dorothy thinks it is. And she's right. A few more deaths break up the peaceful retreat and Sister Joan finds herself next on the killer's list....
As with my previous read of a Sister Joan book, I found this to be an entertaining mystery with a bit more darkness than the usual cozy. This one is even darker (for me) than A Vow of Penance because of a particular thread that involves a subject I have difficulty with. The culprit wasn't quite as easy to spot this time, but even if I had, I definitely wouldn't have come up with the motive. There really weren't any clues that I noticed that would have given that away. ★★ and 3/4 [rounded up here]
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
When the time comes, only six of the other nine former classmates arrive and Sister Joan learns that two have died--one in a fall from a car park, in what seems to have been an accident, and the other killed by a hit and run driver. The group is sure that Serge, the third of the missing, must have forgotten--he never was very good about remembering social engagements. The others decide to make a night of it--have dinner and maybe see a show, but Sister Joan needs to get back to the convent. She volunteers to stop by Serge's apartment and see if he wants to join the others for the night. She finds that Serge had a really good reason for not appearing at the reunion...he too is dead from an apparent drug overdose.
The coroner's court determined it was a suicide, but Sister Joan meets a Patricia, a current friend of Serge's, who says he didn't do drugs and would never have committed suicide. This is what Sister Joan thinks too. The Serge she remembered loved life too much to mess with drugs or take his own life, even when depressed. But did she ever really know Serge? Or any of her classmates, for that matter. No one seems to be anything like what she remembered. The next thing she learns is that Patricia has been murdered--no question this time, her throat was cut from behind. Sister Joan tells the entire story to her friend Detective Sergeant Mills, but after checking on details about the deaths he tells her it looks like coincidence. But just in case--Sister Joan should be extra careful.
Then all six of Sister Joan's former classmates decide that a retreat is just what they need and they all descend upon the convent. Our dear sister is not sure that is going to be the great idea Mother Dorothy thinks it is. And she's right. A few more deaths break up the peaceful retreat and Sister Joan finds herself next on the killer's list....
As with my previous read of a Sister Joan book, I found this to be an entertaining mystery with a bit more darkness than the usual cozy. This one is even darker (for me) than A Vow of Penance because of a particular thread that involves a subject I have difficulty with. The culprit wasn't quite as easy to spot this time, but even if I had, I definitely wouldn't have come up with the motive. There really weren't any clues that I noticed that would have given that away. ★★ and 3/4 [rounded up here]
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
February 18, 2025
I don't know why I keep reading these books
This author is probably laughing all the way to the bank. The stories are weak, the nun is frustrating, and yet I've just read seven books in the Sister Joan series. There is obviously something that compels me to keep reading these books. I suppose it is because they do emit some kind of emotion whether it is positive, negative, or a mixture of both. I guess i do find them oddly enjoyable even though every time I finish one I say to myself 'no more Sister Joan books'. However, they are quick reads and I do have a reading goal to reach. LOL! So, overall, I do recommend giving the series a go!
This author is probably laughing all the way to the bank. The stories are weak, the nun is frustrating, and yet I've just read seven books in the Sister Joan series. There is obviously something that compels me to keep reading these books. I suppose it is because they do emit some kind of emotion whether it is positive, negative, or a mixture of both. I guess i do find them oddly enjoyable even though every time I finish one I say to myself 'no more Sister Joan books'. However, they are quick reads and I do have a reading goal to reach. LOL! So, overall, I do recommend giving the series a go!
July 29, 2018
I inherited a large number of "cozy mysteries" several years ago that I decided to enjoy in retirement. Several "Sister Joan" mysteries were included. I have read two of them, sent both to the recycle bin, and the remaining volumes will be joining them later today. The author, writing under the name Veronica Black, has serious issues about homosexuality. I have read two Sister Joan books, and in each case, the killer was a member of the LGBTQ community. Each was twisted in some way related to sexuality, so what began as an interesting puzzle turned into a grotesque ending. I'm done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2021
I love this series!!
I am enjoying this series of mysteries, set in a convent on the moors of England. Sister Joan is very likable, and her sisters that are in her order, and share living space in the old mansion that is now their convent, are each fleshed out characters, each distinct with her own personality. There are enough red herrings, and twists and turns to keep even the most avid mystery reader guessing!
I am enjoying this series of mysteries, set in a convent on the moors of England. Sister Joan is very likable, and her sisters that are in her order, and share living space in the old mansion that is now their convent, are each fleshed out characters, each distinct with her own personality. There are enough red herrings, and twists and turns to keep even the most avid mystery reader guessing!
September 8, 2022
#7 in the Sister Joan mystery series.
Story revolves around fidelity to one's friends. Sister Joan receives a photo of her art school classmates, reminding her of a reunion pact they made twenty years ago. She goes and only serve attend as she learne that three have died under questionable circumstances. The six taken up the convent's new retreat program and as they gather there, Sister Joan is able able to untangle the mystery.
Story revolves around fidelity to one's friends. Sister Joan receives a photo of her art school classmates, reminding her of a reunion pact they made twenty years ago. She goes and only serve attend as she learne that three have died under questionable circumstances. The six taken up the convent's new retreat program and as they gather there, Sister Joan is able able to untangle the mystery.
Read
March 21, 2021Cute, little book. A nun who gets into situations and ends up helping solve a murder. Bit annoying about how she keeps repeating they weren't friends, but glossing over the reason being she was obsessed about her boyfriend. Anyway, a super fast read, so decent for a $1 or free book, not worth $5.50 !
May 28, 2023
This one was more traditional, starting with the classic after-20-years reunion of old fellows from the Art School. Then they came for a retreat at the convent for no logical reason, other than present sister Joan with a new mystery to solve. But at least no one murders a nun in this one! Brother Cuthbert still has nothing to do, but I don't lose hope.
March 15, 2026
I enjoyed this mystery. It had me guessing to the end. I like that Brother Cuthbert is still around for a while. Sister Joan is on her toes with this mystery that was thrust upon by her former art school classmates. They were an interesting group of characters. The only drawback is that I hate to see children harmed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2021
Seventh in the series. Sister Joan really gets around for a partially-enclosed nun, but then it's hard to solve a mystery without ever leaving the convent! Even Nero Wolfe left the brownstone occasionally and Sister Joan is no Nero Wolfe (and doesn't have an Archie Goodwin to do the legwork).
February 8, 2023
This was better from the point of view that the perpetrator was not obvious, as in the last two offerings. The reasons seem a little confusing but it was clever how it all linked together. On to the next.
March 25, 2018
Very good!
March 27, 2020
The plot was good but almost same lines repeated what seemed like over and over. Made the story seem weak.
May 6, 2021
Disappointed
These books have been coming along so well, the characters growing, etc. Not sure what happened with this book, but it's just bad.
These books have been coming along so well, the characters growing, etc. Not sure what happened with this book, but it's just bad.
May 30, 2021
Cool mystery
Sister Joan meets friends from her past in this mystery. It looks like a tangled mess but she figures it out. This was a very good read.
Sister Joan meets friends from her past in this mystery. It looks like a tangled mess but she figures it out. This was a very good read.
Read
June 24, 2021All books in this series are great!e
I can’t put them down, and I’m now in #8.
Hope they continue!
Lj
I can’t put them down, and I’m now in #8.
Hope they continue!
Lj
August 19, 2021
Another very interesting read. Always enjoyable.
September 15, 2021
Excellent gripping read
September 22, 2021
Friends or Foes
Excellent story line, friends or does you decide, don't take everything as gospel, after 20years do you really know you school pals, did they ever know each other.
Excellent story line, friends or does you decide, don't take everything as gospel, after 20years do you really know you school pals, did they ever know each other.
September 28, 2021
Sister Joan is in danger once again
Another interesting and enjoyable Sister Joan murder mystery. She does put herself in danger though. Luckily by now the police expect it.
Another interesting and enjoyable Sister Joan murder mystery. She does put herself in danger though. Luckily by now the police expect it.
November 12, 2021
loved it
I could not figure out the plot! This one was fantastic.
What’s the next one I’m starting now! Can’t wait!
I could not figure out the plot! This one was fantastic.
What’s the next one I’m starting now! Can’t wait!
June 7, 2022
I have loved all the mysteries so far, but this one wasn't one of my favorites.
October 16, 2022
3.5 stars don’t think this book was quite as good as the others in the series. Still an enjoyable read
October 17, 2023
A great series
Read
February 16, 2025I really enjoyed this series, amd I hope more are coming!
October 24, 2025
Another good mystery. I was stumped!
November 26, 2025
A quick cozy
October 27, 2024
The photograph of art students from 20 years ago is sent to the participants including Sister Joan to remind them of an agreed meeting. But who sent the photographs, is it coincidence that several are dead. The remainers decide to book a retreat at Sister Joan's convent.
An enjoable cozy mystery
An enjoable cozy mystery
April 24, 2021
Karen Black has written another fine book!
A Vow of Fidelity was an intriguing story. All of the nuns now seem like dear friends and the neighboring gypsies like someone i have known! I look forward to the next "Vow" book!
A Vow of Fidelity was an intriguing story. All of the nuns now seem like dear friends and the neighboring gypsies like someone i have known! I look forward to the next "Vow" book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews