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Sister Joan Mystery #4
A Vow of Obedience
Sixteen-year-old Valerie vanishes from home in the small hours clad only in her robe and slippers. Three days later, Sister Joan finds her body abandoned in the convent's little Moor Schoolhouse. The dead girl is dressed in wedding white. A garland of leaves encircles her head and a thin red line runs round her neck. Valerie has been strangled.
Then a second young Catholic girl, also dressed in white, turns up dead.
Sister Joan is once again torn between her religious duties and helping Detective Sergeant Mill’s inquiries . . .
BUT TIME IS RUNNING OUT.
The threat of violence moves closer to the convent with sightings of a skulking figure and Sister Hilaria found unconscious outside the gates — the victim of a hit-and-run.
MEET SISTER JOAN, A REBEL NUN WHO VOWS TO FIND OUT THE TRUTH.
Then a second young Catholic girl, also dressed in white, turns up dead.
Sister Joan is once again torn between her religious duties and helping Detective Sergeant Mill’s inquiries . . .
BUT TIME IS RUNNING OUT.
The threat of violence moves closer to the convent with sightings of a skulking figure and Sister Hilaria found unconscious outside the gates — the victim of a hit-and-run.
MEET SISTER JOAN, A REBEL NUN WHO VOWS TO FIND OUT THE TRUTH.
190 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
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 44 reviews
March 24, 2017
I gave this book 4.2 ****
This is book # 4 of the Sister Joan series.
As usual, it goes a little slow at the beginning,
but it speeds up after a few chapters.
As a wanna-be nun, I love these books. The
detail of the "cloistered" life has always fascinated
me, the more detail the better. Even if I know that
no real cloister would allow their nuns to run around
solving crimes, let alone allowing one person all the
latitude shown here, it is a nice relaxing read. I must not
be as I used to be because I haven't been able to figure
out a head of time who the killer is, but that makes
it even more fun now.
This is book # 4 of the Sister Joan series.
As usual, it goes a little slow at the beginning,
but it speeds up after a few chapters.
As a wanna-be nun, I love these books. The
detail of the "cloistered" life has always fascinated
me, the more detail the better. Even if I know that
no real cloister would allow their nuns to run around
solving crimes, let alone allowing one person all the
latitude shown here, it is a nice relaxing read. I must not
be as I used to be because I haven't been able to figure
out a head of time who the killer is, but that makes
it even more fun now.
October 5, 2021
As always, good prose, good characterization, good world building. A mess of a story that required an additional chapter of explanations. No theme.
A weaker entry in the series.
A weaker entry in the series.
August 2, 2021
I enjoyed this fourth book in the Sister Joan series. Sister Joan returns from her retreat to Scotland to find that the little moor school where she was teaching has been closed. Now she is a temporary lay sister in charge of the kitchen. Luckily she has the help of Sister Teresa because Joan is not a cook. Unfortunately for Sister Joan, she is once again dragged into helping the police when she discovers the body of a young girl in the abandoned schoolhouse. A second girl is soon found, both of them having been dressed as young brides with flower wreaths on their heads. The solution is quite simple, but interesting in how it was discovered. Now on to book 5.
February 22, 2021
Another Great Sister Joan Mystery
This series is very special. Each unique murder mystery can be a stand alone read, yet they also gain much in being read in order as some characters carry over throughout the series.
Sister Joan is priceless! What a character and what curious situations find her....yes, she is spunky but she needs her spunk to survive the events she gets embroiled in. Please take a chance and get yourself involved in her escapades. You won't regret it.
This series is very special. Each unique murder mystery can be a stand alone read, yet they also gain much in being read in order as some characters carry over throughout the series.
Sister Joan is priceless! What a character and what curious situations find her....yes, she is spunky but she needs her spunk to survive the events she gets embroiled in. Please take a chance and get yourself involved in her escapades. You won't regret it.
October 8, 2021
#4 in the Sister Joan mysteries about an Order of the Daughters of Compassion nuns living in the Cornwall house of the order. Sister Joan is a nun with detective abilities who has helps unravel and solve mysteries while she struggles with adjusting to life as a nun. She is also pretty flagrant at breaking various rules, etc. of the convent to pursue her investigations. She is 36 years old, a natural rebel and been a nun for 6 years. As usual in this type of series, the protagonist withholds vital information from the police viewing themselves as the sole arbiter to determine when they deem the information is relevant. In her case, Sister Joan knowingly breaks both civil law and the rules of her order in doing so.
Within hours of her arrival back at the Cornwall Convent after being away in Scotland on a 6 weeks spiritual rejuvenation retreat, Sister Joan discovers the body of a missing 16 year old girl. The dead girl is dressed in wedding white. Then a second young Catholic girl, also dressed in white, turns up dead. A sister is found unconscious outside the gates — the victim of a hit-and-run - and the convent itself is being menaced.
Within hours of her arrival back at the Cornwall Convent after being away in Scotland on a 6 weeks spiritual rejuvenation retreat, Sister Joan discovers the body of a missing 16 year old girl. The dead girl is dressed in wedding white. Then a second young Catholic girl, also dressed in white, turns up dead. A sister is found unconscious outside the gates — the victim of a hit-and-run - and the convent itself is being menaced.
February 14, 2021
A Vow of Obedience
Sister Joan returns to her convent in Cornwall after her Scottish retreat only to be told the school she taught at has been closed. On visiting the building she finds the body of a girl who has gone missing a few days previously. Soon Sister Joan is plunged into another mystery.
I do so.love this series of books. Sister Joan is an instantly likeable character that is well written and well defined. I couldn't put this book down as I had to know what happened next as it drew me in from the very beginning.
Highly recommended.
Sister Joan returns to her convent in Cornwall after her Scottish retreat only to be told the school she taught at has been closed. On visiting the building she finds the body of a girl who has gone missing a few days previously. Soon Sister Joan is plunged into another mystery.
I do so.love this series of books. Sister Joan is an instantly likeable character that is well written and well defined. I couldn't put this book down as I had to know what happened next as it drew me in from the very beginning.
Highly recommended.
February 18, 2021
Please don't stop, Veronica Black!
I have thoroughly enjoyed MS. Black's "Nun Series." Although I am Protestant, I loved learning about the life of nuns almost as much as I did the stories, which is saying a lot! I was fascinated by the intrigue and mystery and surprised by the outcome. All of the stories were exciting and entertaining. I was much gratified that the respect and spirituality of the church as the body of Christ was never in doubt. I really hope this is not the last we see of Veronica Black!
I have thoroughly enjoyed MS. Black's "Nun Series." Although I am Protestant, I loved learning about the life of nuns almost as much as I did the stories, which is saying a lot! I was fascinated by the intrigue and mystery and surprised by the outcome. All of the stories were exciting and entertaining. I was much gratified that the respect and spirituality of the church as the body of Christ was never in doubt. I really hope this is not the last we see of Veronica Black!
April 9, 2022
I believe that the point of these books is to contrast the life of a strict Catholic order of Nuns with the incongruity of solving murders that somehow keep revolving around the area in which the order is cloistered. However, the sheer depravity of the types of murderous events is not just a contrast it makes it a little unbelievable. I have enjoyed listening to the first five of the series while I do other activities and they are completed relatively quickly. I'm not sure how these mysteries would come across if I was reading them. I will have to find out.
May 15, 2021
Obedience can be deadly...
Another adventure with The Daughters of Compassion, a group of nuns living in a Cornish convent that requires following the rule of obedience. Sister Joan, the convent’s newly appointed lay sister, tries to figure out a way to be both obedient and follow her own conscience. You’ll need to read A VOW OF OBEDIENCE to see how well she carries out this balancing act as she helps the local police solve another murder.
Another adventure with The Daughters of Compassion, a group of nuns living in a Cornish convent that requires following the rule of obedience. Sister Joan, the convent’s newly appointed lay sister, tries to figure out a way to be both obedient and follow her own conscience. You’ll need to read A VOW OF OBEDIENCE to see how well she carries out this balancing act as she helps the local police solve another murder.
February 7, 2021
Very enjoyable;
I have read all four of this series about Sister Joan and have found them delightful. I think perhaps the author has extended the amount of freedom most sisters would have but it has just served to make Sister Joan more interesting. Looking forward to more of Sister Joan in the future. Fingers crossed!
I have read all four of this series about Sister Joan and have found them delightful. I think perhaps the author has extended the amount of freedom most sisters would have but it has just served to make Sister Joan more interesting. Looking forward to more of Sister Joan in the future. Fingers crossed!
March 5, 2021
Thrilling Read
Sister Joan returns from Scotland , where she had been at a retreat. Joan is an astute woman who has knack of noticing clues that others tend not to notice. I like that she attempts to solve puzzles, especially when there are murders committed. This book is skilfully crafted so that the clues are skilfully crafted and combine to an enthralling climax.
Sister Joan returns from Scotland , where she had been at a retreat. Joan is an astute woman who has knack of noticing clues that others tend not to notice. I like that she attempts to solve puzzles, especially when there are murders committed. This book is skilfully crafted so that the clues are skilfully crafted and combine to an enthralling climax.
March 10, 2021
Absolutely wonderful
This series is interesting, smart, the characters are well written, it has grown to be a special read.
I highly recommend that you begin at the first book, it's rather important for many reasons. The mystery in each book is quite different and trust me, you really won't know "who's done it" until the author wants you to, which is basically at the end.
This series is interesting, smart, the characters are well written, it has grown to be a special read.
I highly recommend that you begin at the first book, it's rather important for many reasons. The mystery in each book is quite different and trust me, you really won't know "who's done it" until the author wants you to, which is basically at the end.
May 26, 2023
Actually, I enjoyed it just as much as the previous volumes, but I do think the mystery was a bit over the top, and, unfortunately, so was sister Joan's behavior, especially in the end. I mean, she is not very believable as a nun, to begin with, but here we see her playing actively a detective in a very reckless way (and going away with it, which is still more unbelievable).
February 16, 2021
I enjoyed this - well written - likeable and real characters and a well thought out plot. The rhythm of the community of Sisters is painted with insight and positivity. I was a bit disappointed to pick up some typos - maybe get a new editor !
March 14, 2021
Another Great Sister Joan Mystery
The horrific murder of two young local girls occurs almost immediately after Sister Joan returns from retreat in Scotland. Engrossing and almost impossible to put down!
The horrific murder of two young local girls occurs almost immediately after Sister Joan returns from retreat in Scotland. Engrossing and almost impossible to put down!
April 14, 2021
Sister Joan Mysteries
I really like Sister Joan. She has a sense of humor and is very intelligent. The books go by quickly and I find myself gobbling them up. I wish there were more than six but I am happy there are that many.
I really like Sister Joan. She has a sense of humor and is very intelligent. The books go by quickly and I find myself gobbling them up. I wish there were more than six but I am happy there are that many.
May 3, 2021
Good Read!
I cannot believe I didn't happen upon this series years ago! I love the character, Sister Joan, and her penchant for finding bodies! Sad that there are only a few books left!
I cannot believe I didn't happen upon this series years ago! I love the character, Sister Joan, and her penchant for finding bodies! Sad that there are only a few books left!
June 17, 2021
Excellent!
I have not been able to ration out these books because I have enjoyed them so much and soon l'll run out and be bored for a while. Veronica you've a great skill at creating and telling a story
I have not been able to ration out these books because I have enjoyed them so much and soon l'll run out and be bored for a while. Veronica you've a great skill at creating and telling a story
August 10, 2021
Number 4 in the Sister Joan series. I've decided to ignore the "Cabot Cove" disbelief about a nun in a small village being involved in so many murder mysteries and to simply enjoy the mysteries and the backstory. I will continue to read this series.
April 14, 2022
I truly enjoyed this fourth Sister Joan story. The plot was entertaining and the dialogue of the nuns was very much like the sisters that I grew up with in school all the way up to university. Ha! Those were some of the best days of my life!
February 10, 2021
A lovely story.
I enjoy the Sister Joan series, the characters are all likeable and easy to connect with. I hope there are more in this series.
I enjoy the Sister Joan series, the characters are all likeable and easy to connect with. I hope there are more in this series.
February 11, 2021
The four sister Joan books
I enjoyed all four books a change from other books.
One I am a Catholic girl
married to a Jewish boy for 47 years
I enjoyed all four books a change from other books.
One I am a Catholic girl
married to a Jewish boy for 47 years
February 20, 2021
Excellent
Very well written, intriguing, with fascinating characters, not to mention some surprises from those already known, with a sweet ending.
Very well written, intriguing, with fascinating characters, not to mention some surprises from those already known, with a sweet ending.
May 27, 2021
Excellent cozy mystery!
I'm thoroughly enjoying these books about sister Joan. I think they keep getting better! I'm sold now and I'll read them all.
I'm thoroughly enjoying these books about sister Joan. I think they keep getting better! I'm sold now and I'll read them all.
June 12, 2021
Sister Joan does it again!
Love this series. It gives insight to the lives of Nuns as it turns to the unexpected incidents that tend to occur. On yo book 5!
Love this series. It gives insight to the lives of Nuns as it turns to the unexpected incidents that tend to occur. On yo book 5!
June 26, 2021
Excellent. Gripping read
July 30, 2021
3.5 stars
August 10, 2021
I truly enjoy this author’s writing style. A good mystery with charming characters.
September 28, 2021
Wonderful
A Vow of Obedience. This was another wonderful book in this series. Now on to the next, book 5. Very enjoyable .
A Vow of Obedience. This was another wonderful book in this series. Now on to the next, book 5. Very enjoyable .
April 15, 2022
This novel is the best of the series so far. The ending wasn't obvious and the pacing is quick. I still wish the author had an editor, though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews