The Case of the Missing Novice

Sisters of the Last Straw #2

by Karen Kelly Boyce, Sue Lynn Anderson (Illustrator)

Meet the Sisters of the Last Straw, a community of Sisters trying hard to overcome their bad habits. Join these lovable misfit nuns as they learn to love God and forgive one another. A new puppy and a nasty neighbor make trouble for the Sisters and then their new Sister-in-training, Kathy, vanishes! (For young readers aged 6-12)

Genres: Mystery, Religion, Childrens

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Karen Kelly Boyce rediscovered her love of writing and reading when she retired from nursing. She has been published in Canticle and Soul magazines. Karen's written four novels and three children's books. She lives on a farm with her retired husband. Karen has two grown children and two grandchildren. She enjoys farming and raises Nigerian Dwarf goats, chickens, turkeys, and horses. Karen and her husband Mike love camping and road trips. She enjoys visiting her grandchildren and is the leader of the Jackson Writer's group, Co-chair of the CJCCWG, and a member of the Catholic Writer's Guild.

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy]

Note this book was originally published as The Case of the Missing Novice and has since been republished as The Case of the Vanishing Novice. With each book I read in this series, I appreciate it more. Late last year I read the fifth book in this series, The Case of the Christmas Tree Capers, a Christmas story. I enjoyed it and appreciated the concept. Last week I read The Cause of the Haunted Chapel, I previously stated that the series reminds me of Tales of a Magic Monastery by Theophane the Monk. And that feeling grows with each volume. These are fun reads. But they also have good lessons. Lessons that kids will pick up on and lean from, but also lessons that we as adults can appreciate and be challenged by. I have picked up the rest of the books in the series, and plan on reading 1 a week until I have finished the series. I am prereading them prior to reading them with my youngest two children. Another great story in an entertaining series.

In this volume we find out more about Sisters of the Last Straw. We seem them end up in a few more awkward circumstances. They still have a grouchy neighbour. And in this story, we meet Novice Kathy who has yet to make final vows. And as the title hints at goes missing.

The sisters in this story are fun, and the tale is often funny. The sisters are:

Sister Krumbles
Sister Shiny
Sister Lovely
Sister Wanda
Sister Lacy
Mother Mercy

The black and white illustrations by Sue Anderson Gioulis continue to add to the story. The book teaches us about human nature, about living the gospel, and about trusting God. It also teaches us about the different strengths and weakness in different characters, and how to live in community. The nuns seem to end up in a lot strange situations, but with faith, hope, and prayer they usually come to a solution. From the chapter titles you always have a preview of what is about to happen next:

Stepping in It
Hammer & Nails
Whistles and Books
A Trip to Town
The Big Search
A Barking Miracle
A Wild Ride
Part of the Family

The fowl incident is especially humorous. And the end of this story leads directly into the next volume. The nun's and those around them seem to learn lessons in each adventure. These lessons can and do serve as examples to us, especially living in larger families. There are excellent lessons for the young readers of the series for whom it is written for, and also for us older folks who might read it with or to them. Or even just on our own. It is another fun story in an excellent series. And we look forward to reading the rest of the stories, and hope there are yet more to come.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Karen Kelly Boyce.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Dhanaraj Rajan]

I love children's literature. But this was too much of a 'kid story' for me. A small kid would have had a great time with this one. I was not that entertained.

Other facts related to the book:

The author is a Catholic and the protagonists are Catholics (Catholic nuns with some funny characteristics). This book was a gift from a friend (a Catholic priest). So, the conclusion is that it is a lovely story book for Catholic kids (between the ages 3 and 6/may be 8 as well).

Lesson Learnt:

Do not expect every children's book to be in the lines of Heidi, The Secret Garden and A Little Princess.

[Barb]

This mystery book for young readers is set apart by its convent setting and its cast of characters, each with her own flaw that she is working hard to correct. So often, clergy and religious are presented in fiction as perfect people with no faults, and this novel is refreshing in its departure from that convention.
The Sisters encounter mysteries as they go about their daily lives, helping the poor and needy in their community. This book would make a great classroom read-aloud for students in grades 1 through 4.

[Judy Lessard]

Very cute kids book. Gave to my younger daughter to read too. I enjoyed it I am sure she will too!

[Magen]

Another fun adventure with the sisters! I’m enjoying reading this series with my girls over the summer!

[Prince Cad Ali Cad]

Fun, quick, simple read. The work seems to "talk down" to the audience (children) at times, stunting dialogue and such to put it on "their level" (whereas the best children's lit always treats children as capable and willing to make efforts to understand - and children understand much more than we think).

Some bathroom humor is present, which was surprising.

The idea of having nuns with strengths and weaknesses (Sister Lovely is charitable, but smokes like a chimney; Sister Shiny is a hard worker yet very vain; Sister Lacey is easy-going yet swears like a sailor (but makes attempts not to)) is a fun idea. The illustrations are also very nice.

[Cassandra Ulrich]

"Sisters of the Last Straw: The Case of the Vanishing Novice by Karen Kelly Boyce is funnier than the previous book. I found it a pleasant page turner and I'm sure middle school students will enjoy the mystery and hysterical antics of the nuns. It doesn't hurt to have a puppy in the mix to liven things up. Just when Mother Mercy and Sisters Shiny, Krumbles, Lacey, Lovely thought things had settled down, they lost Kathy, the new novice in training. Will they ever find her?

[Sara]

This may not be high art in terms of literature, however, it really delivers on its promise. It is appropriate that this book is published by Chesterton press. This is a sweet and funny and moral mystery story pitched at young readers. The Catholic values are excellent. The inside look of a convent is wonderful.

[Monique]

Received a copy of the book through Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

Fabulous book! Absolutely enjoyed reading the books you sent, and so excited to share therm with my students at school. I know they will enjoy them!

[Stephen Kahofer]

Ms. Boyce has found a recipe for success- a story children will enjoy, beautiful writing, and a message parents want to give their kids. She is a writer I highly recommend.

[J]

What a fun little book! It got me out of my reading doldrums and brought a ray of sunshine into my life.

I read this is less than an hour. It is a charming story about bumbling and humble nuns with personality flaws who persevere together while striving for holiness and solving little mysteries. It was mostly just funny with bits of reverence and an undertone of striving for holiness. Really joyful and fun!

It was striking to me how down to earth the nuns were in the story. They were like a family that bumps into each other and wears down each other's rough edges. They displayed flaws, frustrations and affection. It was very relatable. It challenged my image that nuns are holy people on a remote hill whose holiness comes in part from their removal from ordinary life. It helped me understand how I am called to holiness, even in my lay life.

Suitable for all ages. I discovered after reading it that it is a children's book aimed at grades 1-4. LOL! Maybe that is my speed now a days. I enjoyed it as an adult. And I will definitely pass it along to my own children.

I would love to read more in this series, but I'm not sure I can bring myself to pay $12 plus shipping for an 80 page book. Unfortunately, it was not available through the public library or any of my free sources. I've also only seen it available for sale online vs. in-person books stores. I got this book on a $5 sale... plus $10 shipping and tax. :-/

[Jacquie Stricklind]

A new person, Kathy wants to become a nun and join their order, she brings her dog Gracie with her which causes all kinds of problems. Then one day, while all the nuns and Kathy are delivering food to needy people, Karen disappears. Who will find her and will she continue to want to stay at the convent? Also, the neighbor wants Gracie the dog taken away. Read the book to find out what happens.

[Debra]

The Sisters of the Last Straw get a new novice, who comes with a dog, which may not be that great of an idea. The goats were trouble enough.
This story was hilarious. What a bunch. Love these little books.

[Michelle Rogers]

Another fun Sisters of the Last Straw. My little girls and I have enjoyed our time reading these together!

[Jeannette]

The sisters have another series of misadventures which lead to their newest members disappearing. It's silly fun, but with a sweet center. I enjoy sharing these with my daughter.

[Melissa]

This is a really cute kids book. My daughter reads them to me and she adores the series. I can't wait to see what these nuns get into in the third book.