A Novena for Murder

Rating:
Summary: A very gentle cozy
Review: Septuagenarian Sister Mary Helen is sent to retire and do research at the Mount St. Francis College for women. Her expected peace is disturbed when an unpopular professor is murdered during an earthquake. She assists the bemused police department in solving the crime and meanwhile helps a confused young police officer sort out the moral issues of her personal life.

The book is gentle and prim almost to the point of doddering, despite the fact that Sister Mary Helen is a Very Modern Nun. The violence happens neatly offscreen and mysteries are solved without much fuss. Well-written for what it is and could be just the right thing if you're in the mood.