A Vow of Silence

Sister Joan is yet another religious sleuth. Set in the early 1990s, I think this series now qualifies as a historical mystery. It is a lighter read than my other choices, but one I absolutely loved and, like Cadfael, I dived in and devoured the lot. Vow of Silence is the first and hooked me straight away. The religious life fascinates me and I enjoyed the way the ceremonial routine of the convent was woven into the mysteries. This detail serves to immerse you in the life of Sister Joan, a down-to-earth heroine who drew my admiration. The mysteries unfold… show more.

I’m a big Sister Joan fan. The murders she solves take place within or near the convent where she resides. She’s an artist at heart, and she’s committed to her religious life, but somehow she keeps being reluctantly drawn into murder cases.

This series opens in Cornwall, England in 1988 and spans several years. It has a bit of a historical feeling because of the isolation and traditional customs within the convent community. Sister Joan is a wonderful character. She’s smart, she’s cautious, and she’s strong. I love the small things about her that make her different from the other… show more.