I’ve read many mysteries featuring nuns, priests, rabbis,
reverends, and other religiously affiliated protagonists, contemporary and
historical. Amongst all these Sister Eve (Evangeline) still manages to make an
impression. She rides a Harley, has a
need for speed (and the tickets to show for it), collects strays, and even
after twenty years has a problem with authority.
Sister Eve has spent her years in service at the Benedictine
monastery in Pecos , NM Vatican ’s
decision to move the nuns. Eve believes the funds would be better spent
building an animal sanctuary vs new accommodations for the nuns. It’s obvious from the beginning that Sister
Eve has reached a crisis. Not in her faith but her vocation. Will going home
help her decide? Is it apparent to her superiors? Is that why her superior gave
her a two month leave of absence?
Eve thinks she knows her family but she’s been out of the
daily loop for twenty years. As is the case with most families the
relationships are never easy. Eve’s sister, Dorisanne who’s living in Las
Vegas , refuses to come home during The Captain’s
surgery and hospitalization, telling Eve it’s her turn since she took care of
their mother. This is the first in a series of familial surprises for Eve. The
awkwardness and difficulty of trying to see beyond years of misconceptions
surrounding those closest to us is reasonably depicted.
The mystery of who killed Chaz Cheston, Hollywood
director and writer, is mildly interesting. The murder isn’t one readers can
solve before the protagonist, the facts simply aren’t there. Readers have to
solve it along with Eve and the Captain. Mostly it serves as a catalyst to the
Divine’s working out some of their issues.
SISTER EVE, PRIVATE EYE is set in the austerely beautiful
desert landscape of Madrid , Pecos ,
and Santa Fe , New Mexico
Personally I’d like to see a bit more depth to the
characters, a more engaging mystery, and more use of the setting. SISTER EVE,
PRIVATE EYE shows promise.
3 stars
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