Discussing Hard-Boiled Fiction, Queer Themes, and the Unconventional Sleuthing Nun Character: Interview with Margot Douaihy
Veteran Author Margot Douaihy: Sister Holiday Series Resonates Due to Originality, Authenticity, and Compelling Characters
New York - The chain-smoking nun detective character Sister Holiday from author Margot Douaihy's series has garnered significant attention for her captivating and relatable nature. In an exclusive interview, Douaihy delved into the examination of personal journeys, faith, and queer identity, and shared insights about her upcoming novel, Divine Ruin, due for publication in January 2026.
Asked about the appeal of Sister Holiday's character, Douaihy explained that the series protagonist feels authentic and relatable due to her vulnerability and contradictions. With addiction issues, a propensity for violence, and a deep faith, Sister Holiday experts readers in her exploration of life's complexities.
"For a sleuth, Sister Holiday is, in many ways, a mystery to herself," Douaihy said. "She's selfless and ruthless...Her PI work and her permanent vows as a Sister of the Sublime Blood are two pillars of the same gate, an extreme path to duty and service."
Conveying the themes of the series through Sister Holiday's character, Douaihy delved deeper into the exploration of humanity's questions and personal journeys. By providing a female character capable of breaking rules and defying expectations, the author experimented with the idea of "selflessness and ruthlessness."
New Orleans, with its unique blend of extremes, innovation, and tradition, serves as a rich backdrop for Douaihy's novels. The city's culture and history enable the author to craft a world full of twists and surprises.
Discussing the upcoming Divine Ruin, Douaihy revealed that the plot would explore themes of addiction, decay, and the night garden. Sister Holiday takes on a drug ring targeting her school in this installment, while battling her inner demons and wrestling with her faith.
Douaihy made it clear that she aims to challenge and redefine the hardboiled detective genre by incorporating queer themes and characters. With Sister Holiday, the author seeks to offer a fresh perspective on traditional tropes and characters, shattering expectations and blurring the lines between the sacred and profane.
Intrigued by Douaihy's secondary characters, fans can anticipate continued character development as the series unfolds. The author remarked that each character is crucial and deserves their own spin-off stories, as they each offer unique perspectives and serve as a foil for Sister Holiday.
With a long-term plan for Sister Holiday's character arc, Douaihy revealed that she wants to keep the protagonist surprising her as she tracks a complex and evolving trajectory in the final installment of the series. Despite knowing Sister Holiday's ultimate fate, Douaihy cannot resist the detective's ongoing unpredictability.
The Sister Holiday series is commended for its strong character development, original storytelling, and compelling exploration of complex themes. Douaihy's unique and captivating narratives keep readers invested and eagerly awaiting the next installment, Divine Ruin, set to release in early 2026.
In the Sister Holiday series, hardboiled detective Sister Holiday's dynamic character embodies fashion-and-beauty contrasts, as she wrestles with addiction and faith, proving a fascinating blend of selflessness and ruthlessness. Margot Douaihy's forthcoming novel, Divine Ruin, delves deep into the world of books, exploring themes of addiction, decay, and the night garden, while continuing to push boundaries in the entertainment industry by redefining traditional hardboiled detective genres with queer themes and characters.
