I would like to thank Jane Willan, Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was my first experience with this series and I LOVED it! I enjoyed it so much I intend on reading it again!

This was such a cozy, enjoyable story! Quick read, fun characters. . Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn find themselves amidst another murder, on the church premises! What I really enjoyed was the descriptiveness of the area, Wales. I felt like I was actually there! I am a very visual reader and this was a fun read!

If you are a “cozy mystery” reader, then this one is for you! I plan on picking up a copy of the first book as well!

Enjoy!

The Hour of Death
By: Jane Willan
Crooked Lane Books
4 Stars

The Hour of Death is the second book in the Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn series.

Sister Agatha is content with her life at the Gwenafwy Abbey in Northern Wales. She loves books and is the Abbey’s librarian. Her free time is spent reading mysteries by authors such as Agatha Christie (her namesake), Louise Penny, and Janet Evanovich. Not only does she read mysteries, but she is writing a mystery novel as well. When not busy reading or writing, Sister Agatha spends a lot of time in the village of Pryderi. There she visits the local library, drinks tea at The Buttered Crust, spends time with Father Selwyn, and visits St. Anselm Church. One Saturday during Advent, Sister Agatha is in the village when sirens erupt. She follows the sound of the sirens and finds them stopped in front of St. Anselm Church. Agatha inquires as to what has happened and finds out one of the Church parishioners, Tiffany Reese, is dead. Tiffany Reese was not well like, and Sister Agatha suspects foul play. With the help of Father Selwyn, Sister Agatha sets out to solve the mystery of Tiffany’s death. Around every corner she seems to find another suspect and another secret.

This book was such a great, unique read. There were vibrant characters in an idyllic setting. Each nun introduced in the story has her own unique personality and varied interests. I also love that the nuns are modern and are portrayed as such. They aren’t portrayed the same as Middle Age nuns would be. The story is also very realistic. At one point, Agatha wants to take prints off a teacup, but she abandons the idea because she doesn’t have access to the national database of fingerprints. She must solve this mystery with only the resources available to her. As Agatha uncovers each clue, and moves from suspect to suspect, the reader moves from one possible solution to another. The book left me guessing all the way until the end.

I think anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries will be entertained by this book. For those that love references to other literary texts within a story, this book may be right up your alley. This book also reminded me of the Father Dowling Mysteries from the late 80s. I think fans of that show will like this book as well.

Happy Reading!

Thanks to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC of this book. #NetGalley #TheHourOfDeath

Wow- a cozy set in a Welsh convent with a murder mystery solving nun and priest at the helm! How terrific is that! Willan has created two delightful characters in Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn. Of course no one liked Tiffany- there are lot of reasons for that and therefore just as many suspects in her murder. This one isn't too twisty (unless you count trying to pronounce some of the Welsh). It's light and a quick read. My quibble would be that I'd like more local color (there's a bit but I'd like more a sense of the people of Pryderi). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I read this as a standalone and now I'm looking forward to the next one!

I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. The storyline was clear and concise and the characters were quite likeable, I am excited to read more from this author.

It's Advent in Pryderi, Wales and a homicide is on the calendar. As everybody is busy for the holidays, Sister Agatha should have her thoughts on helping to fill the online orders for the Abby's organic Gouda cheese along with dealing with the choir performance. She is also the Abby librarian and has hope that her mysteries will, one day, be published. The Pryderi Women's Art Society is putting on a gala but death was not in the plans. Tiffany Reese is found dead in the parish hall and the police rule it a natural death. Sister Agatha thinks differently and enlists the help of her long time friend and (a bit reluctant) partner in homicidal investigations, Father Selwyn. Sister Agatha says poison, not natural causes. Why else would a painting have gone missing at the time of Tiffany's death?
As their investigation unfolds it turns out that Tiffany had some skeletons in her closet, one being her half-brother. Not that he is the only one on the "no love lost" list of suspects. It seems that there are more than a few people who had motive to kill Tiffany. Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn will find the killer.
This is the second in this delightful series and it is another wonderful cozy read. I would love to spend time with the people of Pryderi, at the Buttered Crust Tea Shop over Welsh tea and scones, talking mysteries with Sister Agatha. Until I can figure out a way to do that I will be looking forward to the next visit, mug of tea in hand, in my comfy chair.

It is a bit misleading to think that the nuns at Gwenafwy Abbey in a Welsh convent lead only calm, contemplative lives spending their days in prayer. Most of them are hard at work on some project or another. The main character, Sister Agatha, loves mysteries and is better at figuring out that an apparent heart attack is actually murder than the local constable.

The author, Jane Willan, does such a delightful job describing the nuns and other people of the the community, that I would love to be able to spend some time there. It’s hard to believe these are only fictional characters because I feel as if I’ve gotten to know everyone.

The mystery is well-written and nicely wrapped up. There aren’t any sex scenes and no profanity at all which is something I greatly appreciate.

The Hour Of Death is the second book in the A Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery series.

I have loved the first two books in this entertaining series. At Gwenafwy Abbey, the older nuns are also allowed to live their dreams and Sister Agatha’s is to be a mystery writer. Sister Agatha and her investigating partner, Father Selwyn, make a dynamic duo and when Sister Agatha might need to be reined in a bit, Father Selwyn is there to get her to back off. The nuns of Gwenafwy Abbey are there to give her support, too. I particularly enjoy how Sister Agatha, will take time to think what Rupert McFarland, a mystery author whose podcasts Sister Agatha faithfully listens to, would do.

The story starts as Sister Agatha is heading to a meeting in the nearby village of Pryderi for a meeting with fellow librarians when she notices flashing blue lights and becomes concerned that something has happened to Father. But she soon learns that Tiffany Reese has been found dead in the parish hall where she had been putting the final touches on a village art show that would start later that day. But Constable Barnes, who Sister Agatha knows lacks investigative skills, and Dr. Hedin Beese has ruled that Reese has died of a heart attack. What suggests a foul play for Sister Agatha is the fact that the painting that Reese was going to have in the art show is missing.

There is no real evidence that Reese was in fact murdered but, Sister Agatha along with help of Father Selwyn set out to find evidence to prove her right. Sister Agatha soon finds out that Reese wasn’t well liked and that there are quite a few suspects. What with many of residents of the village not sharing all they know make Sister’s work that more difficult. The author provides an exciting ending and the story kept me guessing until the end.

Another wonderful story from Ms. Willan and I’m looking forward to the next book in this enjoyable series.

"Jane Willan’s The Hour of Death will be a Christmas delight for fans of G. M. Malliet, set on an island in Wales.

Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn make sleuthing a work of art. But will they paint themselves into a corner when they investigate the Village Art Society president’s death?

As Yuletide settles upon Gwenafwy Abbey, the rural Welsh convent’s peace is shattered when Tiffany Reese, president of the Village Art Society, is found dead on the floor of the parish hall. Sister Agatha, whose interests lie more with reading and writing mystery stories than with making the abbey’s world-renowned organic gouda, is not shy about inserting herself into the case. With the not-entirely-eager assistance of Father Selwyn, she begins her investigation.

Sister Agatha has no shortage of suspects to check off her naughty-or-nice list, until finally, Tiffany’s half-brother, Kendrick Geddings, emerges as the prime suspect. There never was any love lost between Tiffany and Kendrick, and of late they had been locked in a vicious battle for control of the family estate. But if Sister Agatha thinks she has the case wrapped up, she’ll have to think again.

As the days of Advent tick by, Sister Agatha is determined to crack the case by Christmas in The Hour of Death, Jane Willan’s perfectly puzzling second Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery."

A Welsh Christmas cozy for a cold winter night!

This is my first Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn mystery! Author Jane Willan has really set up quite a mystery in the little village surrounding Saint Anselm's. So many suspects and so little time before Christmas! The clues are in abundance yet seem to take a turn as yet another suspect is added or deleted from Sister Agatha's purple notebook.

I do enjoy a good mystery and this one has a lot to offer. The writing is so descriptive I could easily see myself sitting in the back booth at the Buttered Crust for a cup of Glengettie tea and a cranberry scone. In the end, all is neatly tied, minus the bow on a Christmas package. No spoilers here but I will recommend this book without hesitation to anyone who enjoys a mystery. The setting in Wales at Christmas is just a bonus!

*I would like to thank Jane Willan, Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for providing me with ARC in exchange for an honest review*
The Hour of Death is a delightful novel, both easy and enjoyable, and perfect for the readers who want to spend time solving a mystery together with the protagonists. Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn face another murder, this time of a lady who was not that much popular in the Welsh village. Agatha, a nun who loves mysteries and successfully solved a crime not long ago, smells a rat when Tiffany Reese is found dead on the church premises and starts sleuthing with a little help of Father Selwyn. The plot is really good, but I especially enjoyed lovely descriptions of the life in modern rural Wales. A highly recommendable read for lovers of good old cozy mysteries.

The second in the Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn series is as well written and absorbing as the first. After the murder of Tiffany, Sister Agatha again involves herself in solving the crime, which at first is seen as a natural death. Lucy is visiting from NYC, in Wales and renting a studio from the convent. The question of how Lucy fits into the mystery is perplexing, as Sister Agatha comes closer to the big reveal. Recommended.

This is the second in the Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn series and is a charming book with a excellent mysterious sleuth. I enjoyed the first in series as well and highly recommend both. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.
In this next in series Xmas is approaching and the Gwenafwy Abbey in the small village of Pryderi is very busy with activities. The church is preparing for activities with great anticipation.

When the president of the Village Art Society is murdered in the parish hall, Sister Agatha feels she must investigate to help solve the crime when the police refuse to list the murder as a homicide. The sister and Father Selwyn both work together well as a investigating team as they interview church members and village citizens.
This is such a delightful series and I enjoyed this next in series. The vocabulary , the writing and the charcters are all favorites of mine in this series. I appreciate how the author has so well crafted the sleuth that even this avid mystery reader was unable to decipher the true suspect.

A enjoyable read once again and I look forward to the next in series. Sister Agatha is a fun protagonist !

It's Advent time and Sister Agatha is busy trying to work on her detective novel. But she is sidetracked when a very active member of the the parish - Tiffany Reese - is found dead in the parish hall. Apparently she was viewing the upcoming art exhibition in which her painting figured prominently. Ms. Reese was not a well-loved character. She ran many church and community organizations with an iron fist. The police constable and even the coroner are convinced that Tiffany died of a heart attack but Sister Agatha is suspicious.

She enlists her childhood friend and parish priest Father Selwyn to be be the Watson to her Sherlock Holmes as they look into Tiffany's life to try to find out who murdered her. The village is filled with suspects including Tiffany's brother and other members of the community organizations. A young local artist and the local science teacher also come under suspicion in the course of the investigation.

Of course, Sister Agatha has other things to do too. The abbey's new website has caused their organic cheese business to boom and all the sisters are busy trying to fill all the orders before Christmas. And the local singers are all rehearsing for the cantata. When the organist becomes a suspect, Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn are under even more pressure to solve the case.

Adding to the plot are the upcoming development of land across from the abbey into villas for the well-to-do which is a plan being pushed by a "family values" politician against the wishes of the community. Also their young American artist tenant is being harassed by someone who seems obsessed with The Wizard of Oz.

This was a slow-paced cozy and an enjoyable story. I liked Sister Agatha's reliance on a number of mystery book authors and characters as guides to her detecting. I liked that the story was realistic in terms of the possibilities for detecting afforded to an Anglican nun in her sixties. I liked the different interests and talents of the nuns. This was a fun cozy in a great setting.

amateur-sleuth, cosy-mystery, women-sleuths, Wales

The characters are so clearly presented that I would recognize them at a gathering! Sister Agatha is marvelous and her thought processes are clear and usually on target while Father Selwyn makes a perfect sounding board. The local constable thinks that she is seeing murder where none exists, but there are other malignant things going on as well as all of the Advent fun and an amazing sudden overabundance of orders for the convent's special cheese. No spoilers here! An excellent cosy!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley.

As Yuletide settles upon Gwenafwy Abbey, the rural Welsh convent’s peace is shattered. Tiffany Reese, president of the Village Art Society, is found dead on the floor of the parish hall. Sister Agatha, whose interests lie more with reading and writing mystery stories than with making the abbey’s world-renowned organic gouda, is not shy about inserting herself into the case. With the not-entirely eager assistance of Father Selwyn, she begins her investigation.

Sister Agatha has no shortage of suspects to check off her naughty-or-nice list, until finally, Tiffany’s half-brother, Kendrick Geddings emerges as the prime suspect. There never was any love lost between Tiffany and Kendrick, and of late they had been locked in a vicious battle for control of the family estate.

--

Series: A Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery - Book 2
Author: Jane Willan
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

The Hour of Death is Jane Willan’s second book in the “Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery” series. This is a charming story. Ms. Willan has crafted a well written, humorous, thought-provoking story filled with brilliant characters and a lovely location.

Agatha isn’t your usual sleuth or nun for that matter. She has trouble being on time and keeping herself out of police business. Occasionally, she has trouble telling the truth as well. She isn’t just a sometimes mystery writer; she is also, a sometimes detective. But this time, she has a lot of suspects with no evidence, and not much time. Her examination has become more of a guessing game than an investigation and the more she explores possibilities, the more questions she has unanswered.

Father Selwyn is the perfect sidekick. He keeps Sister Agatha on her toes and keeps her from going off the deep end. He is down to earth and sensible. He is kind, caring and very empathetic. The perfect Ying to Agatha’s Yang.

Wales is described lovingly and makes the reader want to pay a visit to see the countryside and meet the people who care deeply for their neighbors, even the ones they don’t like. Christmas in Wales is described in a way that will take readers back to their childhood and put a smile on their face.
When the reader finds out who the murderer is most will be happily surprised. This book keeps the reader guessing and keeps them turning the page. In the end, they will sit back and smile knowing that even if they didn’t solve the mystery, Agatha did!

This new addition to the series is an easy read, highly pleasurable and will take the reader on an escapade to a faraway place. I highly recommend The Hour of Death to readers who enjoy learning about new places, cultures, and who like their nuns filled with vim and vigor, with just enough snooping to keep them entertained.

ARC provided by Netgalley

2nd Installment in the Sister Agatha an Father Selwyn series. I did not read the first in this series and although the story can stand on its own I think I would have preferred to have the first book. The body of a Tiffany Reese, president of the art society, if found in the parish hall. Sister Agatha, has lots of suspects and there are a lot of red herrings thrown into this story. I enjoyed and will go back and purchase the first in the series to read the first one so I am fully caught up when the next installment comes out.

This was a delightful cozy mystery read! The characters were lovely and likable. I thought the storyline was interesting and suspenseful with a great twist at the end. A modern-day whodunit set in the idyllic country of Wales.

Finding Tiffany dead was a shock. They call it a natural death thinking it was a heart attack but Sister Agatha doesn't agree. She thinks a toxicology test should be done. But no one is listening to her.

Crooked Lane Books and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It will be published October 19th.

Sister Agatha does some snooping to see if she can find suspects. There's no problem with that. She's passing off beautiful paintings of birds as hers when another woman has painted them. Everybody who saw her dead just stepped over her to get what they wanted. She didn't get any sympathy from anyone.

Sister knows she must be getting close because she got a threatening note and someone ran her off the road, totaling their van. None of the sisters were hurt but they could have been. This is getting serious now.

It comes to standoff between the murderer and Sister. He has a gun.

You'll have to read the book to see who won the standoff.

This was my first novel from this author. I enjoyed both the characters and plot. It was well written, fun, and interesting. I look forward to reading more from this author. I highly recommend!

A wonderful mystery in a close knit town. So many people were suspects and so many side stories play into why they are suspects. I thought the book was wonderful and totally enjoyed Sister Agatha and Father. His crazy driving was a cute relief from the pressures of solving the mystery. I look forward to reading more antics of this pair.