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kailey_luminouslibro's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
Lori's father-in-law, William, has just moved into his newly-renovated ancient home, where he discovers an old painting of some sort. He sends it to be restored, and a family tree is discovered hiding under years of grime. But the painting is stolen before any names can be identified on the family tree. Meanwhile, Lori's neighbor, Sally Pyne, is in desperate need of help and she turns to William, hoping that his expertise as a lawyer will help her out of a pickle. But the whole family gets involved in helping Sally to lie to the entire village! Lori is also very suspicious of William's new housekeeper and groundskeeper. Could they be hiding something nefarious? Lori will need Aunt Dimity's wisdom every step of the way!
I enjoyed this book so much! I especially loved the history that is unfolded in this plot, and we get to learn more about the little village of Finch. I really enjoyed the puzzle aspects of the story!
The plot has many little details that made it fun and engaging. I still think it's hilarious that Aunt Dimity is a ghost who talks to Lori through a journal. I still love Lori's delightfully stubborn character, and her relationships with everyone in her little town. I love seeing Lori meet new people in every book, making friends and enemies, and being her own wild self.
The writing is good, clear, and funny! The characters are adorable and complex.
This book in particular has some really sweet emotional scenes that deal with falling in love and family connections, and we get to see these characters comforting and encouraging each other in a really meaningful way. It's not all fluff all the time with Aunt Dimity. But there are also some really hilarious scenes. There's an excellent balance of serious subjects with more light-hearted scenes.
I love it all!
lizpetretti's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
soniapage's review against another edition
3.0
This was much better than the last in the series and I enjoy having Willis, Sr., as a major new character.
deidrelj's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cholderly's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
sarahcoller's review against another edition
3.0
I think this is the sixth Aunt Dimity book I've read/attempted. It's definitely on the higher end of the scale when it comes to rating the Aunt Dimitys...but still pretty low on my list of favorites, in general. I've always found this author to be pretty inconsistent quality-wise. In some places, she's brilliant; in others, there are obvious inconsistencies. No one is perfect, I know, but this is such a regular thing for this author that one would think her editor would be more on the ball. One thing I always think of when I read these stories---I wonder if the author regrets writing in children for Lori, because they are always being shoved off on a babysitter.
Still, if one is needing a quick escape (like I was after 800+ pages of Tudor history) one could do worse than the Aunt Dimity cozies. They're pretty fun---if a LOT far-fetched.
Still, if one is needing a quick escape (like I was after 800+ pages of Tudor history) one could do worse than the Aunt Dimity cozies. They're pretty fun---if a LOT far-fetched.
debjazzergal's review against another edition
2.0
Aunt Dimnity helps solve mysteries in a very unusual way. I typically really enjoy this series. This one was, in my opinion, just okay. Others in the series are a lot better. Still it was an okay read.
gracenow's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic Aunt Dimity book!!! One of my favorites. Just read it for the second time. What a hoot! Lori was her usual jump to conclusions gal. Dimity was wonderful. Complex story, for Aunt Dimity books, but never confusing. We see a lot of Bill's dad, William Sr. in this one. Great character. Ending was totally awesome. I would highly recommend it.
alissabar's review against another edition
4.0
It's quite refreshing to read a mystery that doesn't include a dead body! Several parts of this book made me laugh out loud. If you love the Aunt Dimity series, you'll enjoy this one.