Book Review: Requiem at the Refuge

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Requiem at the Refuge     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Sister Carol Anne O'Marie
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth   Senior Sleuths   Religious Fiction
Series: Sister Mary Helen # 9
St. Martin’s, Mar 2000, $23.95, 288 pp.

After Sister Cecilia, dies in her sleep, Sister Patricia replaces her as the president of San Francisco’s Mount St. Francis College. Sister Patricia has a reputation for bringing in new blood. This frightens eighty-year old Sister Mary Helen who is not ready to retire. Rather than wait to be fired, Sister Mary Helen resigns and begins working at The Refuge, a center for battered and homeless women. The manager of the Refuge, Sister Anne strongly feels that her friend Sister Mary Helen can contribute.

Everyone in the convent knows that where Sister Mary Helen goes, homicides follow. The Refuge proves that theory as Sister Mary Helen finds the murdered corpse of a prostitute, Melanie. A few hours earlier, Melanie blurted out the names of people who she feared. Detectives Gallagher and Murphy begin to investigate knowing full well that Sister Mary Helen will do her own sleuthing.

Sister Carol Anne O’Marie proves she is a talented writer. Her elderly protagonist uses humor as she has the habit (pardon the pun) of meddling in homicide investigations. The story line deals with the social issues of prostitution and its effect on the women who peddle their bodies, the plight of the homeless, and the contribution of the elderly. Narrated from multiple points of view, REQUIEM AT THE REFUGE is an enjoyable cozy starring a memorable character.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner