Whispers at Painswick Court
Anne
Loveday, a surgeon's daughter, is determined to live a single, useful
life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation
from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place she and her sister
spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year.
Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sick-room nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne's sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia's spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady's maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own. As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her determination to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real killer--and protect her heart--before it's too late?
Acclaimed Regency author Julie Klassen marries the best of historical romance and mystery in a novel full of English village charm, intrigue, and love.
Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sick-room nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne's sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia's spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady's maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own. As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her determination to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real killer--and protect her heart--before it's too late?
Acclaimed Regency author Julie Klassen marries the best of historical romance and mystery in a novel full of English village charm, intrigue, and love.
My Review: 8/10
I always know I can expect quality with Julie
Klassen. Her characters are layered, not simply good or bad. And the
relationships can be understandably complicated, which makes for a more
interesting read.
This one had gothic vibes, as we think there is a threat lurking. If you don’t want spoilers, stop here. It builds momentum slowly, but is worth it.
Spoilers -
There were minor and major mysteries. I guessed the culprit(s)/ situation before the reveal but not entirely from the beginning, but I wasn’t certain. Everyone was acting suspiciously.
Dalby and the Dr had the strongest motives (except Kat, but she also had the strongest deterrent). And they also acted the most *suspiciously.* At times I suspected Rosa because of her temper and feelings. It was a good red herring. Though I guessed the situation with her child very early on.
I was surprised by the deaths and saddened. And I appreciated the complex feelings the characters had about Dalby. Though in the end, I didn’t share them. He murdered someone who loved him, possibly the only stable adult in his life who had always been there for him, for a mystery (small) inheritance. He really must have been desperate. Seemed like he really didn’t try all that hard to find an alternative. I don’t know. I didn’t have sympathy for him.
I had tons of sympathy for Miss Lottie however. One of her best friends and romantic interest… a calculated killer. Vengeful. Oof. I can’t imagine the shock of it and the heartbreak.
The end was a little anticlimactic, the way they parted and came back together later. But I actually appreciated that from a messaging perspective. Realistically, she had some unfinished business to take care of.
This one had gothic vibes, as we think there is a threat lurking. If you don’t want spoilers, stop here. It builds momentum slowly, but is worth it.
Spoilers -
There were minor and major mysteries. I guessed the culprit(s)/ situation before the reveal but not entirely from the beginning, but I wasn’t certain. Everyone was acting suspiciously.
Dalby and the Dr had the strongest motives (except Kat, but she also had the strongest deterrent). And they also acted the most *suspiciously.* At times I suspected Rosa because of her temper and feelings. It was a good red herring. Though I guessed the situation with her child very early on.
I was surprised by the deaths and saddened. And I appreciated the complex feelings the characters had about Dalby. Though in the end, I didn’t share them. He murdered someone who loved him, possibly the only stable adult in his life who had always been there for him, for a mystery (small) inheritance. He really must have been desperate. Seemed like he really didn’t try all that hard to find an alternative. I don’t know. I didn’t have sympathy for him.
I had tons of sympathy for Miss Lottie however. One of her best friends and romantic interest… a calculated killer. Vengeful. Oof. I can’t imagine the shock of it and the heartbreak.
The end was a little anticlimactic, the way they parted and came back together later. But I actually appreciated that from a messaging perspective. Realistically, she had some unfinished business to take care of.
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