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.

Good to the Last Drop by Declan Finn

Marco thought his problems were over when he took on the vampire council, until he gets bit by a werewolf. Will this ruin things with his vampire girlfriend?

Julia’s Gifts by Ellen Gable

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

Life Changing Love by Theresa Linden

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

A Distant Prospect by Annette Young

Lucy has been broken by the horrors of polio and the war for Irish Independence. Can Australia offer her a new life and a new home?

The City Mother By Maya Sinha

She didn’t believe in good and evil, until she became a mother…

A Life Decision by Laurie M. Lamb

When Joe and Peyton find out that their unborn baby may have Down Syndrome, they are faced with a devastating decision.

Making a Better World By Michael Lacoy

Can Oscar be the man he wants to be to his family and friends?

The Book of Jotham by Arthur Powers

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

The Gift Counselor By Sheila M. Cronin

If you’re a fan of Hallmark Channel’s cozy lineup of holiday Rom-coms, this book is definitely for you.

Most Highly Favored Daughter by Janice Palko

Her perfect life hides her city’s darkest secrets. Can Cara face the light of truth and come to understand real love?

The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas

Would you die for a flower? Would you kill for one? Providence, romance, and danger rule in this tense, heart-warming prison romance.

Absence by Kaye Park Hinckley

Absence will chill you with the stark reminder that human beings are not just bodies, but souls whose spiritual influence cannot be suppressed, even when the bodies have gone missing.

Ornamental Graces by Carolyn Astfalk

A great romantic drama about how authentic love can restore life to two people who have been hurt in the past.

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?

Freeing Tanner Rose by T.M. Gaouette

Hollywood Starlet meets Kung Fu Country boy with a God obsession.

Island of Miracles by Amy Schisler

When she finds out her husband had a whole other set of wife and kids Kate starts over in a small beach town.

Infinite Regress by Joshua Hren

Poetic justice when the victim of a predator priest finds freedom from his seducer.

Beneath Wandering Stars by Ashlee Cowles

A young girl goes pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago on behalf of her brother and finds her place in the world.

Relic of His Heart by Jane Lebak

An atheist midwife has no idea what she’s in for when she makes a deal with an angel.

Anyone But Him by Theresa Linden

What if you woke up one day and didn’t recognize the person you were sleeping next to?