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It's 1883 in northern California. A young Dominican nun is dragged from her convent, accused of seducing and murdering her cousin, Antonie. He suffers from syphilis and has written a pile of erotic fantasies, spinning her into a flamenco dancer and incriminating her for the crime. More than a century later, Gina Rinaldi, a writer suffering from depression, finds herself literally immersed in the story.
Gina's link to Sister Renata is an old Mexican housekeeper, SeƱora Ramos, who lures Gina back to the past with a plea to save the nun from the twin monsters that are her cousin and the men-only courtroom. Is Gina as delusional as Antonie, or is she living a past life, reincarnated as the nun? Is she whisked back through time on a mission to save her soul and the nun, or has she begun to unravel? How will writing the nun's story heal her? Sister Mysteries is a murder mystery that doubles as a #MeToo tale. It zeros in on the power of men, and their fantasies, to dominate and destroy women.
Beautifully written, the novel's many secrets make it a page-turner. Told in three voices, the book's poetic language and haunting images guarantee a delightful and memorable read.
Reviews
Amazon 5-Star Review
Captivating, Brave, Unique!
I just finished Sister Mysteries—Bravo! The multiple narratives keep the intertwined stories moving and provide an exciting and unusual read. I love the Flamenco music throughout; it gives the beautiful cover an added intensity.
The ending is satisfying—not a small feat for such a complex and intricate story. My favorite parts were with Kitty and the little circle of warmth she provided. Kudos to Claudia Ricci! Sharon Flitterman-King, Ph.D.