Alibis & Angels — Olivia Matthews

Giving up murder for Lent won't be easy...

With the Lenten season fast approaching, Sister Louise “Lou” LaSalle looks forward to a final day of indulgence before giving up her favorite sweets. But one Briar Coast resident won't get the chance to repent. Opal Lorrie, the mayor's director of finance, was just found in the parking lot of the Board of Ed--with a broken neck.

The sheriff's deputies are calling the apparent slip-and-fall a freak accident. But Opal was driving her boss's car and wearing her boss's red wool coat. Mayor Heather Stanley has been receiving threatening letters and is clearly the real target. Offering her sanctuary could put the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Hermione of Ephesus at risk, but how can Sister Lou turn her back on a neighbor in need? Aided by her loyal sleuthing partners -- her well-connected nephew Chris and reporter Shari Henson -- Sister Lou must confront the mayor's myriad detractors during this critical election year. And as the first day of April nears, it's up to her to unmask an unrepentant killer who has everyone fooled.