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Sister Joan Mystery #1-5
Sister Joan Mysteries #1-5: A Vow of Silence / A Vow of Chastity / A Vow of Sanctity / A Vow of Obedience / A Vow of Penance
Sister Joan is thirty-five and a natural rebel. Coming late to her vocation, she still remembers life outside the convent. But having left behind her lover to serve God, she is now committed to her path. When her Mother Superior sends her to the Cornwall House, her loyalties are split — but she knows her ultimate duty is to the truth.
Book 1: A Vow of Silence
The Daughters of Compassion share a chilling secret they cannot confess: Sister Sophia is dead. Another nun is missing. What’s going on with them? It’s up to newcomer Sister Joan to uncover the truth. She’s faced her own demons, but can she save her sisters from theirs?
Book 2: A Vow of Chastity
Evil. Temptation. Mystery. Dark doings are afoot in the sisters’ quiet corner of Cornwall. A teenager vanishes and Sister Joan feels compelled to lead the search to find him. But is it out of duty? Or some other motive that is decidedly less pure of heart?
Book 3: A Vow of Sanctity
Sister Joan heads to the shores of Loch Morag for a retreat. But trouble has a way of finding her, even in the middle of nowhere. After a storm, a body surfaces in the loch. Who was he? The villagers close ranks in the face of Joan’s questions. But she won’t rest until she unearths the truth.
Book 4: A Vow of Obedience
A teen girl vanishes from home in the night. Days on, Sister Joan finds her body in the schoolhouse, dressed in wedding white. A second young girl turns up strangled, and Joan realizes a killer is stalking the moors. Can she catch up to him before more innocent victims die?
Book 5: A Vow of Penance
When the rectory housekeeper is found dead, everyone assumes it’s suicide. But Sister Joan is not so sure. Then a John Doe turns up dead, mutilated — and his killing leads Sister Joan back to a much older crime. What if the key to this mystery lies buried twenty years in the past?
Book 1: A Vow of Silence
The Daughters of Compassion share a chilling secret they cannot confess: Sister Sophia is dead. Another nun is missing. What’s going on with them? It’s up to newcomer Sister Joan to uncover the truth. She’s faced her own demons, but can she save her sisters from theirs?
Book 2: A Vow of Chastity
Evil. Temptation. Mystery. Dark doings are afoot in the sisters’ quiet corner of Cornwall. A teenager vanishes and Sister Joan feels compelled to lead the search to find him. But is it out of duty? Or some other motive that is decidedly less pure of heart?
Book 3: A Vow of Sanctity
Sister Joan heads to the shores of Loch Morag for a retreat. But trouble has a way of finding her, even in the middle of nowhere. After a storm, a body surfaces in the loch. Who was he? The villagers close ranks in the face of Joan’s questions. But she won’t rest until she unearths the truth.
Book 4: A Vow of Obedience
A teen girl vanishes from home in the night. Days on, Sister Joan finds her body in the schoolhouse, dressed in wedding white. A second young girl turns up strangled, and Joan realizes a killer is stalking the moors. Can she catch up to him before more innocent victims die?
Book 5: A Vow of Penance
When the rectory housekeeper is found dead, everyone assumes it’s suicide. But Sister Joan is not so sure. Then a John Doe turns up dead, mutilated — and his killing leads Sister Joan back to a much older crime. What if the key to this mystery lies buried twenty years in the past?
827 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2021
1141 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Black
48 books68 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 61 reviews
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July 1, 2021Joffe Books and Author gift
August 20, 2021
Could have been much better
A reasonably good story spoiled by bad spelling,grammar and typos.
Too much repetition,especially regarding the convent and the ex-boyfriend, but interesting
A reasonably good story spoiled by bad spelling,grammar and typos.
Too much repetition,especially regarding the convent and the ex-boyfriend, but interesting
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October 9, 2021Compelling
Being Catholic myself, I can relate to Sister Joan's spiritual thought line. This has been very good for my own spiritual journey. As for her experiences, each book has kept me spellbound to the end. I hate to see the end. Sister Joan's mysteries are delightful.
Being Catholic myself, I can relate to Sister Joan's spiritual thought line. This has been very good for my own spiritual journey. As for her experiences, each book has kept me spellbound to the end. I hate to see the end. Sister Joan's mysteries are delightful.
December 24, 2021
I never expected to enjoy this series but definitely did!
I'm not sure why I even chose this series because I'm no longer a practicing catholic, or any religion for that matter. But I found it surprisingly enjoyable. The characters, the stories, the mysteries - all were very believable, varied and interesting. Sister Joan herself is complicated and delightful. You'd think I'd be tired of her after reading 5 books in a row, but while I may take a break for a book or two, I definitely intend to get the next box set, and am very much looking forward to it.
I'm not sure why I even chose this series because I'm no longer a practicing catholic, or any religion for that matter. But I found it surprisingly enjoyable. The characters, the stories, the mysteries - all were very believable, varied and interesting. Sister Joan herself is complicated and delightful. You'd think I'd be tired of her after reading 5 books in a row, but while I may take a break for a book or two, I definitely intend to get the next box set, and am very much looking forward to it.
May 19, 2022
Enjoyable series
I quite liked this series. It was interesting discovering the ways the nuns kept their rules and their faith while finding ways to function in the outside world. A few things seemed farfetched but I enjoyed all the characters and the mysteries kept me guessing. I appreciated the interaction between the different people groups, and how they respected Sister Joan when she treated them with respect.
Some of the wit and humor made me giggle, and the locations were clearly described and beautiful.
I quite liked this series. It was interesting discovering the ways the nuns kept their rules and their faith while finding ways to function in the outside world. A few things seemed farfetched but I enjoyed all the characters and the mysteries kept me guessing. I appreciated the interaction between the different people groups, and how they respected Sister Joan when she treated them with respect.
Some of the wit and humor made me giggle, and the locations were clearly described and beautiful.
August 26, 2021
Even though I am not Catholic, I have very much enjoyed these first 5 books about Sister Joan
These books have given me a slight insight as go what a Nuns life could be like. Sister Joan seems to find herself Involved in unsavory happenings, works well with the town detective, even though she is a Nun. My congratulations to the author of this series. Unhappy occurrence handled with dignity!
These books have given me a slight insight as go what a Nuns life could be like. Sister Joan seems to find herself Involved in unsavory happenings, works well with the town detective, even though she is a Nun. My congratulations to the author of this series. Unhappy occurrence handled with dignity!
December 2, 2021
I am done with the first book of the series. It was ok. Moved on to other books; not sure if I'll come back for the nest one. I think Ms. Black evoked the solitude and separateness of the sisters, matched by the writing. I didn't connect with the main character (uh, what was her name again?), and questioned the juxtaposition of her stated devotion to her calling and defense of the strict rule-bound life, and ability to break the rules so easily.
August 16, 2021
Interesting characters, good mysteries
Sr Joan, despite her best intentions, is a nun in a semi-cloistered order. Somehow she gets involved in a series of murders. Det Malone, an agnostic, is in awe of her sleuthing, and confused by her religious vows and the discipline of all of the nuns.
Sr Joan, despite her best intentions, is a nun in a semi-cloistered order. Somehow she gets involved in a series of murders. Det Malone, an agnostic, is in awe of her sleuthing, and confused by her religious vows and the discipline of all of the nuns.
August 27, 2021
Sister Joan is Wonderful
Just finished first five books in the series. Sister Joan is a great amateur detective, trying to balance her religious life with the secular which just happens to be in her way every move she makes.
Excellent stories, characters, locations.
Ms. Brown is a great writer, thinking up situations quite possible to have happen.
I'm ready for book 6.
Just finished first five books in the series. Sister Joan is a great amateur detective, trying to balance her religious life with the secular which just happens to be in her way every move she makes.
Excellent stories, characters, locations.
Ms. Brown is a great writer, thinking up situations quite possible to have happen.
I'm ready for book 6.
September 12, 2021
Sister Joan detects again
Being of the same religion as the main character, the life of the nuns has always made me curious. I think the author either is a nun, or was studying to be a nun at one time, or has done her research well! The author pairs that with the excitement solving crimes and it makes for a compelling series of murder mysteries. I enjoyed these books immensely.
Being of the same religion as the main character, the life of the nuns has always made me curious. I think the author either is a nun, or was studying to be a nun at one time, or has done her research well! The author pairs that with the excitement solving crimes and it makes for a compelling series of murder mysteries. I enjoyed these books immensely.
January 1, 2022
I enjoyed reading these books because of the unique setting inside a convent in Cornwall. Sister Joan doesn’t quite fit in with the other nuns, still struggling and not yet ready to put her past behind her. It is that trait that kept me reading. The mysteries are fun whodunnits along the lines of Agatha Christie.
March 30, 2022
Hard going
These books are not really crime thrillers but an excuse to repeatedly tell you how to be a nun at every turn quite a struggle to get through totally NON GRIPPING. Go there at your own peril.
Wouldn't want to read any more of these books
Got these cheap thank goodness.
Wouldn't waste money or time
These books are not really crime thrillers but an excuse to repeatedly tell you how to be a nun at every turn quite a struggle to get through totally NON GRIPPING. Go there at your own peril.
Wouldn't want to read any more of these books
Got these cheap thank goodness.
Wouldn't waste money or time
July 30, 2022
This great little set - 5 books bound as one - turned out to be well written and, after a slightly slow start, a group of well-crafted mysteries. Sister Joan is a bit of a female Father Brown, unintentionally getting involved in a series of crimes and turning out to be a sharp witted and clever young woman, in spite of her cloistered life. Not quite a cozy series and a great summer read!
November 12, 2022
Hard start but keep reading!
The subtitle of, "totally gripping . . ." is very accurate, and mysteries they are to the very end - not easy to figured out before hand. The setting is totally non-conventional with nuns and police all mixed up. Funny. Serious. Horrid. Creepy, and more but totally riveting.
The subtitle of, "totally gripping . . ." is very accurate, and mysteries they are to the very end - not easy to figured out before hand. The setting is totally non-conventional with nuns and police all mixed up. Funny. Serious. Horrid. Creepy, and more but totally riveting.
January 4, 2023
Great box set
Even though I don't know anything about sisters or nuns and what they go through becoming one, I enjoyed reading this box set. I liked how Sister Joan helps the local police solve the murder mysteries, she becomes involved with. I would recommend this box set to anyone who enjoys reading murder mysteries.
Even though I don't know anything about sisters or nuns and what they go through becoming one, I enjoyed reading this box set. I liked how Sister Joan helps the local police solve the murder mysteries, she becomes involved with. I would recommend this box set to anyone who enjoys reading murder mysteries.
May 11, 2023
Different but very enjoyable
Most often there is a romantic aspect to female crime solvers and good looking male detectives but not in this series. A little undercurrent perhaps but not much. Being raised, and still a practicing Catholic, I get a lot of the traditions and routines expressed in this series. I enjoyed the twists and turns and often unexpected endings.
Most often there is a romantic aspect to female crime solvers and good looking male detectives but not in this series. A little undercurrent perhaps but not much. Being raised, and still a practicing Catholic, I get a lot of the traditions and routines expressed in this series. I enjoyed the twists and turns and often unexpected endings.
September 11, 2021
Enjoyable and intelligently written.
The turn of phrase used by the author was a pleasant surprise in this cleverly written set of small mysteries. I may find more by this writer.
The turn of phrase used by the author was a pleasant surprise in this cleverly written set of small mysteries. I may find more by this writer.
November 9, 2021
Enjoyed Bunches
Twisty turning and lots to visualize. Hoping Sister Joan is an example of nun''s interests and devotion in this day and age. Author's accurate descriptions and knowledge very good.
Twisty turning and lots to visualize. Hoping Sister Joan is an example of nun''s interests and devotion in this day and age. Author's accurate descriptions and knowledge very good.
November 29, 2021
The Lord works in mysterious ways
These five stories were surprisingly gripping. Sister Joan is a conscientious nun who is exceptionally curious and self restrained. Alert and modest, she complements the local police in identifying and solving crimes....a real page turner!
These five stories were surprisingly gripping. Sister Joan is a conscientious nun who is exceptionally curious and self restrained. Alert and modest, she complements the local police in identifying and solving crimes....a real page turner!
December 3, 2021
Sister Joan knows human nature
Enjoyable mysteries with a look at convent life thrown in. Explains why a modern woman might feel a vocation. Characters become fully developed as you read thru the stories.
Enjoyable mysteries with a look at convent life thrown in. Explains why a modern woman might feel a vocation. Characters become fully developed as you read thru the stories.
December 23, 2021
good read
I like a mystery notpeppered with sexually explicit paragraphs and profanity BUT FOCUSEDon development of characterandPLOT! I totally enjoyed the series and hope to see more of Sister Joanie the future.
I like a mystery notpeppered with sexually explicit paragraphs and profanity BUT FOCUSEDon development of characterandPLOT! I totally enjoyed the series and hope to see more of Sister Joanie the future.
January 1, 2022
Good author, story, characters
Veronica Black is an interesting author. Her characters are beliveable and well-written. Book #5 seemed more stunted than the previous 4, but really didn’t need any more action to complete it. Easy to follow and solve, but not unenjoyable.
Veronica Black is an interesting author. Her characters are beliveable and well-written. Book #5 seemed more stunted than the previous 4, but really didn’t need any more action to complete it. Easy to follow and solve, but not unenjoyable.
January 26, 2022
Very Enjoyable
I really enjoyed reading the books in this set. The realities of convent and rural life complicated by mysteries and murders was well written. The setting and characters were interesting.
I really enjoyed reading the books in this set. The realities of convent and rural life complicated by mysteries and murders was well written. The setting and characters were interesting.
February 2, 2022
Such fun reads!
The characters are great. Pleasant, interesting and fun to read. The stories are great and very interesting without being over the top in violence. Just great books with a great deal of imagination and honesty about feelings.
The characters are great. Pleasant, interesting and fun to read. The stories are great and very interesting without being over the top in violence. Just great books with a great deal of imagination and honesty about feelings.
March 2, 2022
Old fashioned detective story
If you like detective,murder,mystery stories that are easing reading but at the same time you don't want to put the book down, then these are
The books for you. It also gives an extra insight with the nuns involved.
If you like detective,murder,mystery stories that are easing reading but at the same time you don't want to put the book down, then these are
The books for you. It also gives an extra insight with the nuns involved.
March 14, 2022
mysterious
While no longer a Catholic I do remember many of the teachings probably due to reinforcement from the fact that I currently live in a predominantly Catholic community. Glad to see that the Sister is able to use her gifts in so many ways.
While no longer a Catholic I do remember many of the teachings probably due to reinforcement from the fact that I currently live in a predominantly Catholic community. Glad to see that the Sister is able to use her gifts in so many ways.
July 28, 2022
Mostly set I Cornwall where I have deep roots but haven't visited. Now that I've read all 9 books in the series, I hope she'll write more soon. I find it timely that the community lives simply and frugally. I even got a few gardening tips from Sister Margaret.
September 18, 2022
Wonderful fun
Just what I expected. A nice mystery with familiar characters. Just enough suspense but not too much. I got involved and tried to figure out the vi!lain. A lot of fun.
Just what I expected. A nice mystery with familiar characters. Just enough suspense but not too much. I got involved and tried to figure out the vi!lain. A lot of fun.
December 15, 2022
A n Unusual Nun.
I really enjoyed every story about Sister Joan. It was a book very difficult to put down. I would recommend it to all the girls who have been fortunate to have studied in a Convent, because they would appreciate the stories even more.
A wonderful read!
I really enjoyed every story about Sister Joan. It was a book very difficult to put down. I would recommend it to all the girls who have been fortunate to have studied in a Convent, because they would appreciate the stories even more.
A wonderful read!
December 19, 2022
The Sister Joan Mysteries books 1-5
A gripping series of books that are highly recommended if you like murder mysteries. These are further involved as they describe many aspects of the life of a nun.
A gripping series of books that are highly recommended if you like murder mysteries. These are further involved as they describe many aspects of the life of a nun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews