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Polly
, February 13, 2022
(view all comments by Polly)
Julie Klassen captivates me with her Regency, English settings and well drawn characters.
Lady’s companion, Rebecca Lane, and Sir Fredrick Wilford were childhood friends. They meet up again at the mysterious Swanford Abbey which has been made into a grand hotel. While staying there, a murder occurs. Sir Fredrick, as magistrate, officiates the investigation. Ms. Klassen did a great job of giving us plenty of suspects to choose from. To flesh out the story, we are treated to lovely descriptions of all things English. I especially liked Sir Fredrick and his use of a chessboard as a tool to figure out the would be culprit.
While Fredrick is sorting out his feelings for his dead wife, Rebecca is trying to help her brother navigate poor choices, rescue his living as an author, and regain his self respect. Then there is the person in a Nun’s habit who seems to pop up unexpectedly. Could this be the person who murdered Mr. Oliver?
An interesting character was Dr. Fox who seemed a humane doctor to the mentally ill. He was knowledgeable, godly and compassionate. I also like Lady Fitzhoward , the employer of Rebecca. She was a puzzle to figure out.
This story was suspenseful, complex and spoke of justice and forgiveness.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
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