A Killing in Retrospect

In Hoover Depression Era Providence, at the Merciful Sister of Mary, fourth grade student Dante Ricci asks his teacher Sister Mary Agnes to uncover the truth about his mother's death. Apparently, Catherine died when her car crashed into a tree on the farm owned by her spouse Vincent, reputed to be the head of the local mob. Unable to say no to her favorite student, Sister Agnes enlists science guru Sister Winifred to help her uncover the truth. The two nuns quickly conclude Catherine was murdered. Soon afterward, maid Kitty Killian is poisoned and other homicides past and present occur and are revealed. Sister Agnes soon concludes the killings are a mob vendetta tied to Dante's paternal grandfather, ailing Donato, who is officially still the head of the family. The second Sister Agnes historical mystery (see A Killing on Church Grounds) is a charming cozy due to the chaotic antics of the heroine as she investigates with courage and fortitude. She makes the tale fun with her pious pronunciations and puns. Although there is too many minor sidebars that enhance the time and place but also detracts from the mystery, fans (except bad guys) will enjoy getting a religious education from Sister Agnes. Harriet Klausner