At the start of O'Marie's delightful new entry in her clerical cozy series (Novena for Murder
, etc.), Sister Mary Helen travels from San Francisco to Ballyclarin, Ireland, "home of the Oyster Festival." Sister Mary Helen and her friend, Sister Eileen, are looking forward to a wonderful week in the peaceful village enjoying all the festivities, from an art contest to a hurling match. Then Sister Mary Helen stumbles on the body of local reporter Willie Ward, who has a reputation for being a gossipmonger, in the ladies' room of the local pub, the Monks' Table. The Irish police order her to stay out of the investigation, but soon Sister Mary Helen is deeply involved through no fault of her own. Miss Marple would admire Sister Mary Helen's good intentions and even more her resolve to find the murderer, whose identity many readers will discover before our heroine. Despite this weakness, a fresh setting with lots of Irish color will keep fans turning the pages. (June)
