The Case of the Missing Novice - Karen Kelly Boyce and Sue Anderson Gioulis - Sisters of the Last Straw Book 2

The Case of the Vanishing  Novice
The Case of the Missing Novice
Sisters of the Last Straw Book 2
Karen Kelly Boyce
Sue Anderson Gioulis (Illustrator)
TAN Books
ISBN 9781505111873
eISBN 9781505111880
ASIN B07DKTCZCF
ASIN B00CXAQTAU

Note this book was originally published as The Case of the Missing Novice and has since been republished as The Case of the Vanishing Novice. With each book I read in this series, I appreciate it more. Late last year I read the fifth book in this series, The Case of the Christmas Tree Capers, a Christmas story. I enjoyed it and appreciated the concept. Last week I read The Cause of the Haunted Chapel, I previously stated that the series reminds me of Tales of a Magic Monastery by Theophane the Monk. And that feeling grows with each volume. These are fun reads. But they also have good lessons. Lessons that kids will pick up on and lean from, but also lessons that we as adults can appreciate and be challenged by. I have picked up the rest of the books in the series, and plan on reading 1 a week until I have finished the series. I am prereading them prior to reading them with my youngest two children. Another great story in an entertaining series.

In this volume we find out more about Sisters of the Last Straw. We seem them end up in a few more awkward circumstances. They still have a grouchy neighbour. And in this story, we meet Novice Kathy who has yet to make final vows. And as the title hints at goes missing.  

The sisters in this story are fun, and the tale is often funny. The sisters are:

Sister Krumbles
Sister Shiny
Sister Lovely
Sister Wanda
Sister Lacy
Mother Mercy

The black and white illustrations by Sue Anderson Gioulis continue to add to the story. The book teaches us about human nature, about living the gospel, and about trusting God. It also teaches us about the different strengths and weakness in different characters, and how to live in community. The nuns seem to end up in a lot strange situations, but with faith, hope, and prayer they usually come to a solution. From the chapter titles you always have a preview of what is about to happen next:

Stepping in It  
Hammer & Nails   
Whistles and Books  
A Trip to Town   
The Big Search   
A Barking Miracle   
A Wild Ride  
Part of the Family

The fowl incident is especially humorous. And the end of this story leads directly into the next volume. The nun's and those around them seem to learn lessons in each adventure. These lessons can and do serve as examples to us, especially living in larger families. There are excellent lessons for the young readers of the series for whom it is written for, and also for us older folks who might read it with or to them. Or even just on our own. It is another fun story in an excellent series. And we look forward to reading the rest of the stories, and hope there are yet more to come.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Karen Kelly Boyce:
A Bend in the Road: A Year's Journey Through Breast Cancer
Down Right Good
According to Thy Word
Into the Way of Peace
In the Midst of Wolves
…

Sisters of the Last Straw Series:
The Cause of the Haunted Chapel
The Case of the Missing Novice
The Case of the Stolen Rosaries
The Case of the Flower Phantom
The Case of the Christmas Tree Capers
The Case of the Easter Egg Escapades
The Case of the Campground Creature

The Case of the Missing Maps

The Case of the Mixed-Up Marathon

…

The Hope Trilogy:

Jenna's Journey

…