Sister Agatha mysteries by Aimee and David Thurlo

One subgenre of mysteries which I have always enjoyed are those featuring nuns or priests as the sleuth. The Sister Agatha mysteries by Aimee and David Thurlo are among the best I have ever come across.

Sister Agatha belongs to a small community of cloistered nuns, the Our Lady of Hope Monastery, in New Mexico. She is one of two extern sisters that form the community's connection to the outside world, as well as being its mistress of novices. Sister Agatha is an intriguing character: a strong self-sufficient woman who rejoices & finds fulfillment in submitting her will to that of her order and her faith. As she seeks to solve mysteries involving her monastery--in the first book a priest drops dead during mass--Sister Agatha also must deal with the local sheriff who, as a former beau, has difficulty accepting her vocation. The books also have their share of humor; for instance, the nuns refer to the monastery's old car as the "Anti-Chrysler."

So far there are two books out in this series: Bad Faith (2002) and Thief in Retreat (2004) . A third entry, Prey For a Miracle is due to be released on June 13 this year.

I also highly recommend a similar series by Veronica Black, the Sister Joan mysteries.