Genre

Fantasy, Mystery, Comedy

Audience

13 & up

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2022

Themes

Music, Mental Health, obsession, dragons, Faerie-Human relations, PTSD, demons, detectives, private investigators, singing, friendship, truth and lies, trauma

 

Reviewed by

Corinna Turner

Vern, the only dragon PI in either the Faerie or Mundane realms, is pretty skeptical when a Faerie nun hires him to investigate an apparently harmless pop song. But the more he investigates, the less certain he is that either the song—or the nun—are quite what they seem. Sister Grace is clearly traumatized, but that doesn’t mean she’s mad. But if she isn’t, why does no one else see anything suspicious about a mere piece of music—not even him?

This hilarious full-length installment in the Vern-verse gives us the back story on the beginning of Vern and Sister Grace’s detective partnership. A must-read for established fans and a great place for new readers to start.

A quick recap for new readers: Vern is a dragon living on the Mundane side of the inter-dimensional gap, a recent rip in space-time that now allows free passage between our world (the Mundane) and the Faerie version of the world (where they have magic). After losing a fight with Saint George centuries ago, Vern must serve the Faerie Church to gradually earn back his draconic powers and abilities. Which he has done ever since, his snark and draconic pride hiding a good heart.

Catholic fantasy fans are probably wriggling in their seats with glee by this point, but Vern’s adventures can be enjoyed by all, religious or secular. The faith elements simply form part of the backdrop and plot without intruding or growing at all preachy.

Despite being laugh-out-loud funny most of the way through, Nun of My Business also touches on the serious theme of PTSD and trauma. Even the strong, it is made very clear, can be overwhelmed by their demons—literal or figurative. The importance of love and support in such circumstances are made very clear. Friendship is also an important theme.

Vern’s draconic point of view allows Fabian to critique human nature in an insightful way. Vern’s frequent mystification and/or exasperation with human behavior are frequent sources of comedy, as are his own draconic habits.

The only small criticism I would make is that a couple of times Fabian introduces one of the minor characters from another book in the series without sufficient explanation as to who they are. In virtually every other respect, this book and the others in this series can be read in any order, since each stands alone.

Readers who are truly allergic to religion, or at least to Catholicism, will not like this book, since the Church and numerous members of the clergy are significant to the plot and usually portrayed positively. All other readers should find this really a fun, light, entertaining ride and may just find themselves hooked. Dragons, Faerie nuns, a mysterious song, laugh-out-loud comedy, and just the right touch of seriousness.

Our Lady of the Roses by Janice Lane Palko

Could Rome spark romance between a fashionista and an inventor-engineer?

Life Changing Love by Theresa Linden

What do when your heart gets broken and your best friend gets an unplanned pregnancy?

Books to Pray With, March: For the New Martyrs

Every month in 2024 Pope Francis has a monthly prayer intention. Every month we will release a book list that will draw your heart and soul deeper into prayer on these topics.

The Book of Jotham by Arthur Powers

Experience Christ through the eyes of Jotham, his disabled disciple.

Saving the Statue of Liberty By Andrea Jo Rodgers

Can John save the Statue of Liberty and keep from getting kicked off the team and out of the Academy?

The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt

A deep, honest story of emotional struggle, temptation, and sacrifice.

Earthquake Weather by Kevin Rush

The mist that settles over San Francisco hides the ugly parts of her world. Can Kristine find the courage to see with unclouded eyes?

Secrets: In Plain Sight By Leslea Wahl

Can an old lodge in the dead of winter and a cute boy help Emerson find her faith?

Revelation by Flannery O’Connor

Flannery O’Connor takes us into the mental experience of one of those people Jesus condemned.

Aurora and God by G.M.J.

After her boyfriend’s death, can Aurora forgive God?

Someday by Corinna Turner

Ordinary schoolgirls face a terrible fate: abuse, forced marriages, and even death at the hands of Islamic extremists.

Julia’s Gifts by Ellen Gable

A story of love and God’s providence in times of war.

The Wistful and the Good by G. M. Baker

Two weeks after the sacking of Lindisfarne, Norse traders aren’t welcome in Northumbria. But they’re here. Does a Viking really have a chance with an English noblewoman?

The River of Life by Diana González Tabbaa

The death of little Anthony’s father shakes his faith until a heaven-sent friend helps him find his way back to God.

The Grace Crasher by Mara Faro

The Grace Crasher is the ecumenical romantic dramedy that everyone who has ever had family members in split churches needs to read.

To Crown with Liberty by Karen Ullo

What must you do when nothing you can do will save those you love?

The Table by Dennis Lambert

A table built by the grandfather of Jesus Christ survives the darkest moment in history to bring peace to a widowed musician

The Blackbird and Other Stories By Sally Thomas

How does the human heart cope and soar from within breakage?

Demons are Forever by Declan Finn

Marco flees from his fears of hurting Amanda by taking a job to train Vampire Hunters in San Francisco. Should be a quiet job right?