I’ve always been a sucker for unconventional mysteries, so when I stumbled upon “Sister Eve and the Blue Nun” by Lynne Hinton, I couldn’t resist. A motorcycle-riding nun who solves crimes? Count me in! As a music journalist, I’m used to exploring the unexpected, and this book promised just that.
From the moment I cracked open the cover, I was drawn into Sister Eve Divine’s world. The third installment in the Divine Private Detective Agency Mystery series, this book throws our habit-wearing heroine into a tangled web of murder, missing manuscripts, and centuries-old secrets. I found myself instantly captivated by the premise: a modern-day nun investigating the death of a researcher studying a 17th-century “Blue Nun.” It’s like “The Name of the Rose” meets “Easy Rider,” with a dash of “Murder, She Wrote” thrown in for good measure.
The story’s strength lies in its unique protagonist. Sister Eve is a breath of fresh air in the often-stale world of detective fiction. Her internal struggle between her calling as a nun and her passion for sleuthing adds depth to what could have been a one-note character. I found myself genuinely invested in her journey, rooting for her as she raced against time to clear her friend Brother Anthony’s name.
However, I must admit, the middle section of the book dragged a bit. There were moments when I felt the pacing could have been tighter, and I found myself wishing for a bit more action. It’s like when a great album has a few filler tracks in the middle – you know there’s gold at either end, but you have to push through the slower bits.
One aspect that really resonated with me was the historical element. As someone who’s spent years writing about music history, I appreciated the way Hinton wove the story of the 17th-century “Blue Nun” into the contemporary mystery. It added a layer of depth and intrigue that kept me turning pages, eager to uncover the connection between past and present.
There’s a passage that stuck with me long after I finished the book. Sister Eve reflects on the nature of faith and doubt, saying, “Sometimes the greatest act of faith is to question everything you believe.” This line hit me like a power chord from a vintage Gibson. It encapsulates not just Eve’s journey, but the essence of what it means to grow and evolve in our beliefs and understanding of the world.
Hinton’s writing style is accessible and engaging, though at times I felt it lacked the gritty edge I usually prefer in my mystery novels. It’s more smooth jazz than punk rock, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just not always my cup of tea. That said, her ability to create vivid characters and weave together multiple plot threads is commendable.
Reading this book made me reflect on the nature of vocation and passion. As someone who’s dedicated their life to music journalism, I could relate to Sister Eve’s struggle to balance her calling with her personal interests. It made me ponder the ways we all navigate the sometimes conflicting aspects of our identities.
Would I recommend “Sister Eve and the Blue Nun” to others? Absolutely, but with a caveat. If you’re looking for a hard-boiled, gritty mystery, this might not be your jam. But if you’re in the mood for a unique protagonist, a blend of historical intrigue and contemporary sleuthing, and don’t mind a bit of spiritual reflection mixed in with your murder, then give it a go.
In the end, “Sister Eve and the Blue Nun” is like an unexpected cover version of a classic song – familiar in its basic structure, but with enough surprising twists to make you sit up and take notice. It may not be everyone’s cup of communion wine, but for those willing to embrace its quirky charm, it’s a heavenly read.