The new president, Sister Patricia, has the reputation of coming in and making a clean sweep, especially of the elderly. This makes Mary Helen, who is almost an octogenarian, very nervous and she decides to announce her retirement before she is swept away. A young nun, Sister Anne, suggests that Mary Helen help out at Refuge, a shelter for homeless women that Anne started. Mary Helen falls easily into the routine with the women (many of whom are prostitutes) and the volunteers, including Betsy Dodd, the wife of prominent attorney and gubernatorial hopeful, Richard Dodd.

Mary Helen is in the habit of finding dead bodies, and is nonplused when she finds the body of Melanie Rogers, a very frightened prostitute. Another homeless woman Genie, remembers a drunken Melanie mentioning seeing a man named Dickie and a woman named Amanda the evening before her murder. When Dickie opened his wallet to give Melanie a dollar, she sees Betsy’s picture and recognizes her from the Refuge.

Mary Helen’s friend Detective Kate Murphy and her partner Dennis Gallagher are on the case and warn her to stay away; "thou shalt not butt in" however, is one commandment Mary Helen has a hard time keeping and she’s off and running with Sister Anne as her new side kick.

Requiem at the Refuge is a very warm cozy with an equally warm cast. Even if this is your first Sister Mary Helen mystery, you will immediately warm to the sisters and feel as if you have known them a lifetime. Even the detectives, Kate and Dennis, have a close, comfortable relationship that extends from homicide to the Vice department that they consult as the search for Melanie’s pimp, Andy.

Sister Carol Anne O’Marie provides all the obligatory suspects from Melanie’s pimp, to a prostitute with a grudge, to Richard Dodd. The ending, though not a complete surprise, will harken back to earlier scenes, making it all the more clear.

Requiem at the Refuge is another strong addition to the series full of wonderful characters that will have you eagerly waiting for their speedy return.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry