Devious

Book seven in Lisa Jackson's New Orleans detective series opens with a novice nun found garroted in a bridal gown inside a cathedral — and it only gets darker from there. Detectives Bentz and Montoya dig into a convent full of buried secrets while Camille's sister Val pursues her own investigation. Publishers Weekly called it 'terrifying' and praised its ability to please Jackson's loyal fan base; the gothic New Orleans atmosphere is a genuine strength. Content note for Penny readers: this book contains graphic strangulation murders, sexual scandal within a religious community, and a dark portrayal of Catholic institutional life used for thriller atmosphere rather than faith affirmation. At 439 pages the middle pacing can drag. Solid craft for fans of dark procedural thrillers who go in with eyes open.