Review of the Sister Lou Mystery Series by Olivia Matthews

Most mysteries are a hit or miss for me, because I'm not normally a fan of them, but this one so far has become one of my favorites.  The series is penned by Olivia Matthews, a pen name for Patricia Sargeant, and it follows the antics of Sister Louise “Lou” LaSalle, of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Hermione of Ephesus, in Briar Crest, NY as she voluntary and sometimes involuntary helps to solve murders.  

Title:  Mayhem and Mass, Book 1

Author: Olivia Matthews

Genre:  Coz Mystery

Rating:  💜💜💜💜💜

https://amzn.to/2UhJgp5

Book 1 is our introduction to Sister Lou, and her unofficial team, which includes her nephew Chris, as well as local newspaper reporter Shari.  In book one, Sister Lou's longtime friend, Marcus Johnson, Who's religious speeches makes him seem a little controversial, comes to speak to the church congregation, but is found murdered in his hotel room the morning of.  It's up to Sister Lou and her team to find out the real murderer.  I have to say I really enjoyed reading this book, and I especially loved how Sister Lou was so diplomatic, not letting a certain person run her ragged (Those that have read it I'm sure will know what I'm talking about).  I'm sure I can take a lesson or two from Sister Lou on how not to let those types get under your skin, because I am totally not there yet

Title:  Peril and Prayers (A Sister Lou Mystery Book 2)
Author: Olivia Matthews
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Rating: 💜💜💜💜💜
https://amzn.to/2NE4Kd4

Now, in book 2, Sister Lou has the task of proving that one of the church's most irritating person, Sister Marianna was not the murder.  During the Advent season, the Church is having their annual retreat, and for the food is using Autumn Tatum, who is co owner of a local resort.  When Autum is found dead, and a scarf that has possibly belonged to Sister Marianna is the suspected Murder weapon, It's up to Sister Lou and her team to again solve the Case.  One thing I really liked about this book is the subtle beginnings of a relationship between Chris and Shari.

Title:  Alibis and Angels (A Sister Lou Mystery Book 3)
Author: Olivia Matthews
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Rating:  💜💜💜💜💜
https://amzn.to/2XzPTVO

In books 1 and 2, Sister Lou ends up investigating the murders because someone she knows is connected in some way.  Not the case in book 3.  Sister Lou, during the Lenten season is asked to investigate the murder of Opal Lorrie, director of finance by Mayor Heather Stanley.  Opal is murdered after attending a meeting  that she was asked to attend in place of Mayor Stanley.  Not only is someone worried that someone is out to kill the mayor, the mayor is receiving threatening letters to her office threatening her if she decides to re run for office.  Sister Lou is tasked with trying to find out who the culprit is  from a long list of suspects.  I am truly a fan of the author's writing skills in this series, and this book was no exception.  I hope there are more books to the series, although I realize people have to die for that to happen.  Although I read the series in order, I don't think it's mandatory, I'm just glad I did to see the exchanges and growth between all of the characters (I received a copy of book 3 in exchange for an honest review.)

Great job in this series, and I am waiting for the next read from this author.