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.

Misshelved Magic by S.R. Crickard

A non-magical librarian and a student mage discover the secrets of a magical library.

Shadow of the Bear by Regina Doman

An intriguing story that will enchant with a sweet romance and take you on a thrill ride through the Gothic version of modern-day New York City.

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.

Everything Old: Love in Anadauk Book 1 by Amanda Hamm

Two youth group leaders rekindle their friendship and find love with each other along the way.

Life Changing Love by Theresa Linden

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

A Hero for the People by Arthur Powers

Stories from the front lines of the Church’s mission to protect Brazilians farmers from theft and greed.

Messina: Book 1, The Casa Bella Chronicles By Liz Galvano

Romance blossoms in the midst of chaos. A historical romance set in 1901 Italy as a young American doctor proves herself to the haughty Italian lord who has forgotten his faith.

680 Miles Away By Tara J. Stone

Will Evie run away for good, or will she fight for Finn?

Unclaimed, Nameless, & Vanished by Erin McCole Cupp

Jane Eyre re-imaginged in a world where cloning, and genetic manipulation have returned us to a class system.

Bread from Home by Fr. Stephen Siniari

We all hunger for the same food from heaven. A collection of short stories exploring an Albanian Orthodox church community, their Catholic and Evangelical neighbors, and the hunger for heaven that unites them all.

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 Academy Saga: Book 1 By C.J. Daly  

A thrilling, yet clean, high school romance.

A Changing of the Guard; Three Last Things Book 2 by Corinna Turner

A priest to Death Row inmates, Fr. Jacob must face the earthly consequences of ‘love thy enemy’

Big in Heaven by Fr. Stephen Siniari

In this inner-city Orthodox parish, there are no easy answers—only the transformative power of God’s love.

Gifts Visible and Invisible

If you are looking for a cozy read to get into the Christmas cheer, this collection has it all.

How Sweet the Sound by Courtney Guest Kim

Annette makes all the wrong decisions for her love life—but through Grace finds true wisdom.

Summer at West Castle By Theresa Linden

Is God really leading Caitlyn to bad boy Jarret?

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.

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.

Shooting At Heaven’s Gate, by Kaye Park Hinckley

How does an ordinary boy become a mass murderer?