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Sister Nun Mystery #1
They Still Call Me Sister
How are you reinventing your life to support who you are today?
Former nun Kathy Carpenter is comfortable in her role as a wife and practicing psychologist when a new patient from her past takes her down a journey that proves to be professionally and emotionally challenging. When the patient is found dead and it’s claimed a suicide she knows that something is off. Enlisting the help of her gregarious sister in Atlanta, she sets out to prove her patient was murdered. But with the only suspect a shadowy figure whom she only knows by a nickname, the answers seem well out of reach. As Kathy gets closer to the truth, political intrigue begins to surround her, and her own life begins to be in danger. Can she find the killer—or will she be a victim herself?
Former nun Kathy Carpenter is comfortable in her role as a wife and practicing psychologist when a new patient from her past takes her down a journey that proves to be professionally and emotionally challenging. When the patient is found dead and it’s claimed a suicide she knows that something is off. Enlisting the help of her gregarious sister in Atlanta, she sets out to prove her patient was murdered. But with the only suspect a shadowy figure whom she only knows by a nickname, the answers seem well out of reach. As Kathy gets closer to the truth, political intrigue begins to surround her, and her own life begins to be in danger. Can she find the killer—or will she be a victim herself?
368 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2011
4 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Plummer Bussey
9 books29 followersAlso publishes under Deborah L. Plummer.
Deborah Plummer is a psychologist, university professor and diversity thought leader. She currently serves as Chief Diversity Officer at UMass Medical School and UMass Memorial Health Care.
Her groundbreaking and timely book, Some of My Friends Are…The Daunting Challenges and Untapped Benefits of Cross Racial Friendships (Beacon Press) examines how cross-racial friendships work and fail within American society. She is editor of the Handbook of Diversity Management (Rowman and Littlefield) and author of Advancing Inclusion: A Guide for Effective Diversity Council and Employee Resource Group Membership (Half Dozen Publications), and award-winning Racing Across the Lines: Changing Race Relations through Friendships (Pilgrim Press).
She has written for Diversity Executive, Boston Globe Magazine, authored several book chapters and published numerous journal articles for the professional academic community. Her essay “The Girl from the Ghetto” is published in the anthology All of the Women in My Family Sing: Women Write the World, Essays on Equality, Justice and Freedom (NBTT Press). Her work has been featured in several media outlets and she served for many years as an expert commentator. Deborah has been named by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the Top 15 Chief Diversity Officers to Know.
Debbie is most passionate about creating inclusive organizations and building peaceful communities. She is a proud board member of GrubStreet, one of the nation's leading writing centers, and cherishes her work with the Facing History and Ourselves, an organization that empowers students to think critically about history and to understand the impact of their choices.
Deborah Plummer is a psychologist, university professor and diversity thought leader. She currently serves as Chief Diversity Officer at UMass Medical School and UMass Memorial Health Care.
Her groundbreaking and timely book, Some of My Friends Are…The Daunting Challenges and Untapped Benefits of Cross Racial Friendships (Beacon Press) examines how cross-racial friendships work and fail within American society. She is editor of the Handbook of Diversity Management (Rowman and Littlefield) and author of Advancing Inclusion: A Guide for Effective Diversity Council and Employee Resource Group Membership (Half Dozen Publications), and award-winning Racing Across the Lines: Changing Race Relations through Friendships (Pilgrim Press).
She has written for Diversity Executive, Boston Globe Magazine, authored several book chapters and published numerous journal articles for the professional academic community. Her essay “The Girl from the Ghetto” is published in the anthology All of the Women in My Family Sing: Women Write the World, Essays on Equality, Justice and Freedom (NBTT Press). Her work has been featured in several media outlets and she served for many years as an expert commentator. Deborah has been named by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the Top 15 Chief Diversity Officers to Know.
Debbie is most passionate about creating inclusive organizations and building peaceful communities. She is a proud board member of GrubStreet, one of the nation's leading writing centers, and cherishes her work with the Facing History and Ourselves, an organization that empowers students to think critically about history and to understand the impact of their choices.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 28, 2013
Kathy Carpenter wears many hats: ex-nun, wife, sister, daughter, psychologist, friend, and sleuth. She straddles different worlds, including the black community, the white community and the wider Catholic community.
One of her patients commits suicide. Kathy suspects foul play. When she decides to conduct her own private investigation, worlds she normally keeps separated, begin to collide, and she finds herself pulled into an underworld filled with corrupt politicians and other shady characters. This sets the backdrop for an interesting whodunit.
The writing itself is superb. The author has skillfully created a believable and likable protagonist, a person I care about, a person I want to see succeed. I loved the scenes with her family, especially her flamboyant sister, Tina, who is full of life, and constantly forces Kathy out of her comfort zone, which results in awkward and sometimes amusing situations.
I would classify this as a character-driven whodunit. Personally, I prefer plot-driven with a lot of action, so I found myself growing impatient with the parties, dinners and social visits. Some of the flashbacks to her earlier years as a nun didn't help to move the plot forward, further slowing the pace. These are my only complaints, and they are more like personal preferences, rather than faults in the book.
For once it was refreshing to have a female lead concentrating on solving the case, meeting danger head on, who has more important things to worry about than pining over the guy back home or fostering a new romance. Her husband was barely mentioned, and that bothered some readers, but not me. Go, Kathy!
The book lacks the intensity of an edge-of-your-seat thriller, but it is a solid and enjoyable mystery. If you like Murder She Wrote, Father Dowling's Mysteries, or the character of Miss Marple, I think you will really enjoy They Still Call Me Sister.
One of her patients commits suicide. Kathy suspects foul play. When she decides to conduct her own private investigation, worlds she normally keeps separated, begin to collide, and she finds herself pulled into an underworld filled with corrupt politicians and other shady characters. This sets the backdrop for an interesting whodunit.
The writing itself is superb. The author has skillfully created a believable and likable protagonist, a person I care about, a person I want to see succeed. I loved the scenes with her family, especially her flamboyant sister, Tina, who is full of life, and constantly forces Kathy out of her comfort zone, which results in awkward and sometimes amusing situations.
I would classify this as a character-driven whodunit. Personally, I prefer plot-driven with a lot of action, so I found myself growing impatient with the parties, dinners and social visits. Some of the flashbacks to her earlier years as a nun didn't help to move the plot forward, further slowing the pace. These are my only complaints, and they are more like personal preferences, rather than faults in the book.
For once it was refreshing to have a female lead concentrating on solving the case, meeting danger head on, who has more important things to worry about than pining over the guy back home or fostering a new romance. Her husband was barely mentioned, and that bothered some readers, but not me. Go, Kathy!
The book lacks the intensity of an edge-of-your-seat thriller, but it is a solid and enjoyable mystery. If you like Murder She Wrote, Father Dowling's Mysteries, or the character of Miss Marple, I think you will really enjoy They Still Call Me Sister.
February 16, 2012
-- Original review at Books Are Magic.
"They Still Call Me Sister" is a psychological thriller and one of those picked-up-unexpectedly-and-
got-surprised-because-I-liked-it type of book. When I first started to read this book, I felt like I have picked a wrong book. It felt like Christian fiction..and I am not into those genre books. But, I was really wrong about it all. Its not Christian fiction and its not at all boring (if you don't consider the first 20% of it). I am glad, that I didn't stop reading this book in the middle. It totally paid off in the end.
The novel starts with Kathy Carpenter joining the convent to lessen their family burden and also, if she joins, the convent will take care of her educational needs. Kathy becomes a black nun psychologist in the convent and later some time in life, comes out of the convent and leads her own life. Chanelle, who Kathy knew from her time as nun, a smart and beautiful woman, comes for treatment to Kathy. Unexpectedly, after some days of treatment, Chanelle is found dead and the authorities decides it to be a suicide. But, Kathy suspects it to be a murder and starts digging for some information around Chanelle. Kathy, along with her sister Tina, when investigates about her death, soon stumbles into politician's and drug dealer's paths and their life is also in danger.
This book captures well the intentions and fears of the characters. The psychologist, nun and the Sherlock part in Kathy is interesting to read. Even though she knew that she is treading the path, where she has no knowledge or experience, her belief and intuitions keep her going. Her relationship with her husband and her sisters are adorable.
Readers can guess who is the murderer, well before Kathy finds out. But what is unexpected is, how she handles it. And when we think all is well and good, the author gives a shock again. The book was made enjoyable and its a talent of the author that makes a simple story.
Now that I have covered all the positives about this book, it also has some minor issues. There is too much information on all the characters and I felt that's not too much of unnecessary information. It makes the book more lengthy and the Sherlock in the readers starts sleeping. Then, the first 20% of the book..its not impressive, yes, and most readers lack the patience to cross that much pages to understand what the book is all about.
An interesting mystery novel! Readers, cross the first 40% of the book with patience, and then decide whether you like it or not. I hope you will like the book, I did!
"They Still Call Me Sister" is a psychological thriller and one of those picked-up-unexpectedly-and-
got-surprised-because-I-liked-it type of book. When I first started to read this book, I felt like I have picked a wrong book. It felt like Christian fiction..and I am not into those genre books. But, I was really wrong about it all. Its not Christian fiction and its not at all boring (if you don't consider the first 20% of it). I am glad, that I didn't stop reading this book in the middle. It totally paid off in the end.
The novel starts with Kathy Carpenter joining the convent to lessen their family burden and also, if she joins, the convent will take care of her educational needs. Kathy becomes a black nun psychologist in the convent and later some time in life, comes out of the convent and leads her own life. Chanelle, who Kathy knew from her time as nun, a smart and beautiful woman, comes for treatment to Kathy. Unexpectedly, after some days of treatment, Chanelle is found dead and the authorities decides it to be a suicide. But, Kathy suspects it to be a murder and starts digging for some information around Chanelle. Kathy, along with her sister Tina, when investigates about her death, soon stumbles into politician's and drug dealer's paths and their life is also in danger.
This book captures well the intentions and fears of the characters. The psychologist, nun and the Sherlock part in Kathy is interesting to read. Even though she knew that she is treading the path, where she has no knowledge or experience, her belief and intuitions keep her going. Her relationship with her husband and her sisters are adorable.
Readers can guess who is the murderer, well before Kathy finds out. But what is unexpected is, how she handles it. And when we think all is well and good, the author gives a shock again. The book was made enjoyable and its a talent of the author that makes a simple story.
Now that I have covered all the positives about this book, it also has some minor issues. There is too much information on all the characters and I felt that's not too much of unnecessary information. It makes the book more lengthy and the Sherlock in the readers starts sleeping. Then, the first 20% of the book..its not impressive, yes, and most readers lack the patience to cross that much pages to understand what the book is all about.
An interesting mystery novel! Readers, cross the first 40% of the book with patience, and then decide whether you like it or not. I hope you will like the book, I did!
February 10, 2013
Deborah Plummer Bussey is an intelligent writer. Since intelligence is something I admire and respect, it was so nice to see it in her book: They Still Call Me Sister. The novel follows an ex-nun/psychologist as she tries to uncover the murder of one of her patients. Deborah achieved this with a wonderful writing style, and I feel she has mastered one of the important parts of being a good writer. That being said, her novel was not a page turner. The back story of her character's time as a nun is long, and I did not feel it to be deserving of so much attention relative to the main focus of the novel. Certainly it helped for character development, but a basic summary of how she became the person that she is would have sufficed. Throughout the book Deborah had many references to TV shows, designer clothing and their costs, as well as highend cars. These came with such regularity that it started to seem like name dropping, and the story would loose my attention at that point. The ending doesn't have much red meat to it. I wouldn't say that her character solved the mystery as much as the murderer was exposed by their own actions. I would have liked it better if there had been a real Columbo moment at the end.
I look forward to seeing Deborah fine tune her plot skills so she can captivate her reader more. She's already well on her way to being an intriguing writer.
I look forward to seeing Deborah fine tune her plot skills so she can captivate her reader more. She's already well on her way to being an intriguing writer.
March 21, 2013
Nuns’ leaving their convent isn’t something you hear about often. Kathy Carpenter had followed God’s call, removing social barriers, by becoming an African-American nun. When she decides it’s time to depart, she settles on becoming a therapist. Successful & now married, she’s living a good life.
Out of the blue, she’s approached by the mother of a young girl she mentored while at the convent. Channelle is depressed, she’s told, & needs help. After reconnecting with her though, Channelle is killed. Deciding that she must find answers, Kathy acts on the few clues that are available. Can she achieve justice for Channelle?
Right off the bat, I’ll say that I appreciate that they were no disparaging remarks about the Church. Catholic Churches have had issues & it’s nice to see an author highlight the good that they do. All of the convent scenes were realistic & tasteful.
I enjoyed Kathy’s character very much. Her humble beginnings to adulthood were well-done with a lot of humor. This book had everything a reader could want- humor, mystery, suspense- you name it.
Without a doubt, Kathy could head up a series in Miss Marple-style. Every bit of this novel is enjoyable & a great 5 star read. I highly recommend it.
Out of the blue, she’s approached by the mother of a young girl she mentored while at the convent. Channelle is depressed, she’s told, & needs help. After reconnecting with her though, Channelle is killed. Deciding that she must find answers, Kathy acts on the few clues that are available. Can she achieve justice for Channelle?
Right off the bat, I’ll say that I appreciate that they were no disparaging remarks about the Church. Catholic Churches have had issues & it’s nice to see an author highlight the good that they do. All of the convent scenes were realistic & tasteful.
I enjoyed Kathy’s character very much. Her humble beginnings to adulthood were well-done with a lot of humor. This book had everything a reader could want- humor, mystery, suspense- you name it.
Without a doubt, Kathy could head up a series in Miss Marple-style. Every bit of this novel is enjoyable & a great 5 star read. I highly recommend it.
April 18, 2018
Kathleen Carpenter is a former nun turned psychologist. When one of her patients is found dead and suicide is deemed the cause, she sets out to prove that her patient was murdered. The closer Kathy gets to discovering the truth, the closer she comes to putting her own life in danger. Can she find the killer before she becomes the next victim?
As the novel unfolds, two stories parallel each other. We see the path the led eighteen year old Kathleen to take her vows and become a nun in the first place, what lead her to leave that life and reenter the world and become a psychologist.
Although the story started out slow, once it got going it was hard to put down. The characters were well written and believable. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
As the novel unfolds, two stories parallel each other. We see the path the led eighteen year old Kathleen to take her vows and become a nun in the first place, what lead her to leave that life and reenter the world and become a psychologist.
Although the story started out slow, once it got going it was hard to put down. The characters were well written and believable. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
October 2, 2018
Read Harder Challenge 2018 - Task 21 - A mystery by a person of color or LGBTQ+ author.
I really liked this story, but there were lots of typos (or were they grammatical errors?) that meant I was re-reading to see if I missed something.
I really liked this story, but there were lots of typos (or were they grammatical errors?) that meant I was re-reading to see if I missed something.
February 25, 2012
While I thought, the title of the book would be something that would interest me I did not realize how much until I started actually reading. This book is about, family, being Catholic, a former Nun, being an African-American, a psychologist, and so many other things. This book will show the reader that anything is possible with work, patience, not only does the author takes the reader on a journey in time she also takes the reader on a journey where some Caucasian people know nothing about. Yes, I was one of those people. I will admit that I do not know a lot about being Catholic, but after reading this book I have a better understand about how Catholic's worship especially a funeral or wake.
The story starts out with Kathy Carpenter and her family. Kathy is a young 17 year old that is going to be a nun. She was one of the first African-American to join the Parish to be a nun. Kathy grew up on one of those families that is poor, but did not know it because they were rich in so many other things in life. Kathy does not talk about being poor she talks about all the wonderful things that she had as a child growing up. The family, the friends, and the well-being of having parents that loved her.
After several years as a nun Kathy, asked to be released from her vows. Why does she ask this? I will leave this for the reader to decide. It is something that truly makes the reader realize that there is more to life than just trying to help others while being Christ-like.
Kathy becomes one of the top psychologists in the Cleveland area. She is known for her discretion's in helping others that are always in the public eye. Somehow, she has gotten to be famous in her area. This is not discussed in the book, but from the little that is discussed the reader is aware of how she became such a wonderful psychologist. The author actually makes Kathy sound gifted and in some ways, she actually is gifted. She understands how to help them.
Kathy has struggle when she loses a patient. The patient is one she knew in her former life as a nun. She was once a mentor to the female but became a more of a friend over the years. Chanelle is a young female that when looking at her a person would think she has everything. Great looks, great job, a promising career, everything a person could ask for. She is described as the type of female that all other females love to hate. I wondered when reading this if Chanelle looked to Kathy more of a mother figure than a mentor. Kathy was someone young Chanelle could talk with about any and everything.
Kathy takes a journey through the nightclubs in Atlanta to help her discover why or how she loses Chanelle. Throughout the journey, Kathy learns so much and is consider native by friends and family. To me it is not naïve in not knowing it just shows that she has been blessed in not having to live or experience some of the bad parts of drugs, alcohol or other problems in life.
This book will take the reader on a journey from the 1950’s to present day. There is some going back and forth from the present to the past. It actually helps to understand the book so much more. It explains and helps to understand Kathy that much more.
While it is in the last few pages of the book that Kathy learns how and why she loses Chanelle it is something that keeps the reader wondering throughout the book. Many people would say this is a psychological thriller book, but I did not get that feeling.
One of the things I wish was talked about more in this book is how Kathy married a Caucasian male. All the reader knows is that she is married to Andrew. We do not know how it happened. I would have like to know more of the background in this. The other thing is I do not understand why the author kept stating what make and model of the vehicle Kathy drove. After stating, what the vehicle was once was enough. It did not need to be stated everything Kathy got into the car to drive.
This is one of those books that when you start reading it is hard to put down. You will become obsessed with reading and finishing the book. You keep reading to find out what happens next to find out if Kathy founds out on the next pages if her journey has been completed. When starting this book has several hours put aside to read this book in one setting because if not you will wish you had.
The bunnies and I give this book 4 Carrots
The story starts out with Kathy Carpenter and her family. Kathy is a young 17 year old that is going to be a nun. She was one of the first African-American to join the Parish to be a nun. Kathy grew up on one of those families that is poor, but did not know it because they were rich in so many other things in life. Kathy does not talk about being poor she talks about all the wonderful things that she had as a child growing up. The family, the friends, and the well-being of having parents that loved her.
After several years as a nun Kathy, asked to be released from her vows. Why does she ask this? I will leave this for the reader to decide. It is something that truly makes the reader realize that there is more to life than just trying to help others while being Christ-like.
Kathy becomes one of the top psychologists in the Cleveland area. She is known for her discretion's in helping others that are always in the public eye. Somehow, she has gotten to be famous in her area. This is not discussed in the book, but from the little that is discussed the reader is aware of how she became such a wonderful psychologist. The author actually makes Kathy sound gifted and in some ways, she actually is gifted. She understands how to help them.
Kathy has struggle when she loses a patient. The patient is one she knew in her former life as a nun. She was once a mentor to the female but became a more of a friend over the years. Chanelle is a young female that when looking at her a person would think she has everything. Great looks, great job, a promising career, everything a person could ask for. She is described as the type of female that all other females love to hate. I wondered when reading this if Chanelle looked to Kathy more of a mother figure than a mentor. Kathy was someone young Chanelle could talk with about any and everything.
Kathy takes a journey through the nightclubs in Atlanta to help her discover why or how she loses Chanelle. Throughout the journey, Kathy learns so much and is consider native by friends and family. To me it is not naïve in not knowing it just shows that she has been blessed in not having to live or experience some of the bad parts of drugs, alcohol or other problems in life.
This book will take the reader on a journey from the 1950’s to present day. There is some going back and forth from the present to the past. It actually helps to understand the book so much more. It explains and helps to understand Kathy that much more.
While it is in the last few pages of the book that Kathy learns how and why she loses Chanelle it is something that keeps the reader wondering throughout the book. Many people would say this is a psychological thriller book, but I did not get that feeling.
One of the things I wish was talked about more in this book is how Kathy married a Caucasian male. All the reader knows is that she is married to Andrew. We do not know how it happened. I would have like to know more of the background in this. The other thing is I do not understand why the author kept stating what make and model of the vehicle Kathy drove. After stating, what the vehicle was once was enough. It did not need to be stated everything Kathy got into the car to drive.
This is one of those books that when you start reading it is hard to put down. You will become obsessed with reading and finishing the book. You keep reading to find out what happens next to find out if Kathy founds out on the next pages if her journey has been completed. When starting this book has several hours put aside to read this book in one setting because if not you will wish you had.
The bunnies and I give this book 4 Carrots
January 6, 2013
"They Still Call Me Sister" by Deborah Plummer Bussey is a Fictional novel, in which Main character Kathy Carpenter is trying to prove a murder which is being allegedly called as Suicide. Author, Deborah Bussey's writing is exceptionally lucid, which makes "They Still Call Me Sister" a great read.
The Story kicks off with Main character moving out of her house leaving her friends, family, and her life behind to joins Convent. In other words, "She leaves all things behind to follow Christ”. The whole book is like a big puzzle and various chapters are its pieces, as reader unravels more and more pieces the picture becomes clearer and clearer. The Story highlights, Kathys life when she was in Convent, how even after living in Convent for almost 14 years she was unable to connect with her life as Nun. Increasing chaos between what to do and what should be done, she finally ask, her release form vows. Later Kathy continues to work as a professional Psychiatrist. A girl named Chanelle who is beautiful, smart, simple and well paid but depressed comes to Kathy. Chanelle and Kathy know each other from Kathys days as nun, and they share a mutual bond like a mother and daughter. One day Chanelle is found dead. Kathy knows better than to call it a suicide and thus Tina (Kathys sister) and Kathy, starts search of the killer. What they found in their research of Mystery death is the bad face of the Social life, few poor choices and whole life down the drain.
The story starts in the year 1977 and suddenly second chapter talks about year 2005, so it was a bit confusing for me as to what is happening. But as I read along within few minutes it all started to make sense. Easy readability of story is one thing that many authors lack as they use lot of unnecessarily weighted words just to sound know-it-all but that's not the case with Deborah, her writing is as natural as two friends conversation, simple and sweet.
The book shows diversifying aspects which includes Psychology, Mystery, Death, Homicide, Suicide, Drugs, Convent, Sleuths Sisters, these aspects guides us to do something better with our life and not to waste it like some of the character in the book did.
This book surely is a nice read. You will not only be finishing a great book with this but might also learn a lesson for a life time. This book is deserving 4 out of 5 star candidate.
The Story kicks off with Main character moving out of her house leaving her friends, family, and her life behind to joins Convent. In other words, "She leaves all things behind to follow Christ”. The whole book is like a big puzzle and various chapters are its pieces, as reader unravels more and more pieces the picture becomes clearer and clearer. The Story highlights, Kathys life when she was in Convent, how even after living in Convent for almost 14 years she was unable to connect with her life as Nun. Increasing chaos between what to do and what should be done, she finally ask, her release form vows. Later Kathy continues to work as a professional Psychiatrist. A girl named Chanelle who is beautiful, smart, simple and well paid but depressed comes to Kathy. Chanelle and Kathy know each other from Kathys days as nun, and they share a mutual bond like a mother and daughter. One day Chanelle is found dead. Kathy knows better than to call it a suicide and thus Tina (Kathys sister) and Kathy, starts search of the killer. What they found in their research of Mystery death is the bad face of the Social life, few poor choices and whole life down the drain.
The story starts in the year 1977 and suddenly second chapter talks about year 2005, so it was a bit confusing for me as to what is happening. But as I read along within few minutes it all started to make sense. Easy readability of story is one thing that many authors lack as they use lot of unnecessarily weighted words just to sound know-it-all but that's not the case with Deborah, her writing is as natural as two friends conversation, simple and sweet.
The book shows diversifying aspects which includes Psychology, Mystery, Death, Homicide, Suicide, Drugs, Convent, Sleuths Sisters, these aspects guides us to do something better with our life and not to waste it like some of the character in the book did.
This book surely is a nice read. You will not only be finishing a great book with this but might also learn a lesson for a life time. This book is deserving 4 out of 5 star candidate.
March 27, 2012
Searching Soul Sister!
** I received this book for free from the Bookplex **
Dr. Kathleen Carpenter is a former nun, current psychologist and aspiring detective. She winds her way through They Still Call Me Sister initially at a snail’s pace and eventually hurtles towards the climax at break neck speed. Two stories parallel each other as the novel unfolds. We are offered insight to the journey of an eighteen year old Kathleen approaching the novitiate, building composure in her religious calling and ultimately recognizing her need to leave the cloister, accompanied by her reentry to the layman’s life, managing a growing counseling practice and solving a patient’s murder. Add her wild sister, elevated politicos and a mystery man with peculiar peccadilloes and you have the recipe for an entertaining and surprising hunt for a killer.
Despite the molasses-like start, once engrossed, the lure of the resolution takes over and one is easily hooked-determined to reach the unbelievable conclusion. Peppered throughout is current music, hip attitudes and designer fashions. A family-centric theme pervades and amplifies the role of faith as the exposition unfolds. This is the right combination of God and gumption.
If you’re looking for good, clean, interesting, mystery reading, They Still Call Me Sister is for you. Be prepared, it could be habit forming (no pun intended). But, don’t worry. Something tells me that we’ll see ‘Sister K’ again!
** I received this book for free from the Bookplex **
Dr. Kathleen Carpenter is a former nun, current psychologist and aspiring detective. She winds her way through They Still Call Me Sister initially at a snail’s pace and eventually hurtles towards the climax at break neck speed. Two stories parallel each other as the novel unfolds. We are offered insight to the journey of an eighteen year old Kathleen approaching the novitiate, building composure in her religious calling and ultimately recognizing her need to leave the cloister, accompanied by her reentry to the layman’s life, managing a growing counseling practice and solving a patient’s murder. Add her wild sister, elevated politicos and a mystery man with peculiar peccadilloes and you have the recipe for an entertaining and surprising hunt for a killer.
Despite the molasses-like start, once engrossed, the lure of the resolution takes over and one is easily hooked-determined to reach the unbelievable conclusion. Peppered throughout is current music, hip attitudes and designer fashions. A family-centric theme pervades and amplifies the role of faith as the exposition unfolds. This is the right combination of God and gumption.
If you’re looking for good, clean, interesting, mystery reading, They Still Call Me Sister is for you. Be prepared, it could be habit forming (no pun intended). But, don’t worry. Something tells me that we’ll see ‘Sister K’ again!
April 1, 2012
They Still Call Me Sister begins with a young, black woman, Kathy Carpenter, heading off to join a convent. She comes from a poor family where the bills can’t always be paid and the car doesn’t always work. On the day of entering she ignores numerous signs to not enter the convent. The story soon changes to 2005 and Kathy Carpenter is in her 40’s, a married woman and a psychologist. The reader enters some of her clients lives including the one who Kathy is trying to find evidence that she was not a murderer. The story continues to connect the twelve years Kathy spent in the convent and her struggles there to what is happening in her life now as she tries to find out the truth of the supposed murder of Chanelle Trout. I think the connections made in the story are really well done. The relationships that Kathy has with her biological sisters are fantastic and helps the story seem more realistic. Kathy’s investigation into the murder of Chanelle is not as intriguing as I hoped it to be. The naiveté that Kathy’s character has is played upon but doesn’t seem completely real as she has been out of the convent for some time. Her life after the convent could have been developed more. By the end, the story comes together and overall there is no huge surprises.
June 11, 2013
This is the story of a little girl who grows up and joins the Convent and becomes a Nun. Not unusual, but this little girl was black, and at the time that was unusual. Some of the things she talks about while in the Convent are really funny. Of course, if you died there they gave you a free funeral...wow!
Years later when she leaves the convent and becomes a Psychologist, she is confronted with the horror of loosing a young woman. This girl she has known since she was a youngster, and then had seen her as an adult and patient. When Kathy finds out that Chanelle has died from a drug over dose....she does not believe she took her own life.
Now Sandra is begins playing detective in a dangerous world. She goes to Atlanta and enters her Sister Tina's world. We sure do meet some interesting characters. The Sister's act like Sisters do, we love each other, but we are fair game. Her sister [not the Convent type] are there for her, loved the extended family. As for her Convent Sister...some parts are hysterical.
Get lost in a really good mystery, and some seedy sides of life, and some definitely different ways of living. You have to read to the end to find the "Who Done It"!
I received this book through Orangeberry Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Years later when she leaves the convent and becomes a Psychologist, she is confronted with the horror of loosing a young woman. This girl she has known since she was a youngster, and then had seen her as an adult and patient. When Kathy finds out that Chanelle has died from a drug over dose....she does not believe she took her own life.
Now Sandra is begins playing detective in a dangerous world. She goes to Atlanta and enters her Sister Tina's world. We sure do meet some interesting characters. The Sister's act like Sisters do, we love each other, but we are fair game. Her sister [not the Convent type] are there for her, loved the extended family. As for her Convent Sister...some parts are hysterical.
Get lost in a really good mystery, and some seedy sides of life, and some definitely different ways of living. You have to read to the end to find the "Who Done It"!
I received this book through Orangeberry Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
July 9, 2013
The storyline was light and funny, not an intense thriller. I enjoy both types, but I think it's good to know ahead of time which type of mystery you are beginning. This fictitious novel follows the main character, Kathy, a former nun turned psychologist. Kathy was the first African American in her parish to enter nun-hood, which gives the story a unique back story, that I found quite interesting.
As a psychiatrist, Kathy questions the death of one of her patients that has been ruled a suicide. She is convinced that the death is a murder, and takes it upon herself to sleuth around and find out the truth, and turn over the evidence to the police. As someone who grew up in the South myself, I loved that the story was set in Cleveland and Atlanta, and showed that there ARE some darker, seedier ways of life that are more prevalent than many of us like to think about, but wasn't so heavy that it made you depressed to read the story.
If you too enjoy lighter mysteries, I would definitely recommend this one.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary PDF copy of this book to facilitate this review, all thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.
As a psychiatrist, Kathy questions the death of one of her patients that has been ruled a suicide. She is convinced that the death is a murder, and takes it upon herself to sleuth around and find out the truth, and turn over the evidence to the police. As someone who grew up in the South myself, I loved that the story was set in Cleveland and Atlanta, and showed that there ARE some darker, seedier ways of life that are more prevalent than many of us like to think about, but wasn't so heavy that it made you depressed to read the story.
If you too enjoy lighter mysteries, I would definitely recommend this one.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary PDF copy of this book to facilitate this review, all thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.
March 9, 2013
They still call me sister - is a well written book with a main character being strong, intelligent and brave female. It was pretty easy to read.
There was one problem the though...
The thriller part was very interesting - trying to find the killer was the part which I as a reader was intereseted it. I wanted to see what happens next, guess who was the killer and see how the plot will develop. So in terms of creating interest and keeping it along the way the writer did a good job ... but... it seems that the thriller part was slowed down and suffered a bit because the writer periodically came back to heroine's past. Although I can imagine that it was done in order to make sure that the reader sees better who the character is - I think it could have been made in better way. The snapshots from the past only irritated me and wanted to skip them in order to get back to the main plot.
Otherwise it was a nice read. Thanx.
There was one problem the though...
The thriller part was very interesting - trying to find the killer was the part which I as a reader was intereseted it. I wanted to see what happens next, guess who was the killer and see how the plot will develop. So in terms of creating interest and keeping it along the way the writer did a good job ... but... it seems that the thriller part was slowed down and suffered a bit because the writer periodically came back to heroine's past. Although I can imagine that it was done in order to make sure that the reader sees better who the character is - I think it could have been made in better way. The snapshots from the past only irritated me and wanted to skip them in order to get back to the main plot.
Otherwise it was a nice read. Thanx.
June 30, 2013
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. Kathy Carpenter, a former nun turned psychologist, is known for her celebrity clientele. Unfortunately, Kathy reconnects with a young woman, Chanelle Trout, whom she mentored until she began college. Their reconnection has brought forth dark secrets with political connections that could destroy many lives.
This was a fantastic journey as we travel from past to present, to see where Kathy was coming from. This was quite the page turner as we try to uncover the truth. I thought it was that Kathy has a supportive family. Even after Tina was run off the road, she still assisted her sister. Kathy also had great strength, she trusted God in all ways. This was great book throughout and you’re certainly left guessing until the final piece of the puzzle!
This was a fantastic journey as we travel from past to present, to see where Kathy was coming from. This was quite the page turner as we try to uncover the truth. I thought it was that Kathy has a supportive family. Even after Tina was run off the road, she still assisted her sister. Kathy also had great strength, she trusted God in all ways. This was great book throughout and you’re certainly left guessing until the final piece of the puzzle!
May 1, 2012
I REALY LIKED THIS BOOK!!!!!!
WHILE READING IT, I WASN'T AWARE WHAT WAS HAPPENING AROUND ME, I WAS THAT INTO THE BOOK
WHILE READING IT, I WASN'T AWARE WHAT WAS HAPPENING AROUND ME, I WAS THAT INTO THE BOOK
February 9, 2016
wasn't that good of a read so quit
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