Bad Faith

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 28 OCT 2002

Have you ever wondered what life in a convent would be like? Welcome to New Mexico's Our Lady of Hope Monastery, home to a small community of cloistered nuns in this beguiling new series opener by the authors of the popular Ella Clah series (Changing Woman, etc.). Sister Agatha is one of the extern sisters, the convent's link to the outside world. She is also the novice mistress, responsible for the spiritual formation of two young women who aspire to the convent's religious life, which revolves around the celebration of Mass and the singing in chapel of the divine office every three hours, day and night. The sisters' peaceful routine is shattered when, at the most solemn moment of the Mass, their chaplain, Father Anselm, drops dead. Summoned with the ambulance, the local sheriff, whom Sister Agatha dated in her pre-convent days, confirms that the priest was poisoned, and the entire cloister is suspect. A former investigative journalist, Sister Agatha is enjoined by her superior to find the murderer. Luckily, she can turn for help in her quest to a retired police dog who adopts her for help in her quest. Lay Catholics curious about convent life will find the details ring true, while even non-Catholics will find themselves caught up in the orderly round of work and prayer. FYI:The Thurlos, a husband-and-wife team, are also the authors ofSecond Sunrise: A Lee Nez Novel, the first of a vampire mystery series due later this fall.