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lisg's review against another edition
4.0
I was really excited to be the winner of this book in a giveaway here on Goodreads. I had already been looking forward to reading it. Personally, this story just became my favorite in the series so far. Lori is in need of a break from her perfect life and her husband Bill plans the perfect romantic getaway for them. Along the way, Lori and Bill's trip takes a wrong turn quite literally and they end up stranded in separate towns. Lori's path takes her to Shepney where she meets a town full of new characters that she and you will want to come back to visit.
rsopher's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
dmturner's review against another edition
3.0
A charming cozy without much of a mystery, and with only occasional appearances by Aunt Dimity. It was worth reading for the history, the interesting architecture, and the food, but if you’re looking for suspense even of the tamest sort, I suggest you look for it elsewhere. I enjoyed reading it nonetheless.
sarahluclaire's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
indyfoodgal2023's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
rosemariew's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
bookwyrm_lark's review against another edition
4.0
Excerpted from my full review on The Bookwyrm's Hoard blog:
For my money, Aunt Dimity and the King’s Ransom is one of the best Aunt Dimity books in several years, full of warmth and gentle humor and mysteries that, while they pique the reader’s interest, are neither deadly nor particularly dangerous. ‘Aunt Dimity’ is the cozy series to end all cozy series. This book, while not as involved as the early novels in the series, has all the comfort and charm of a cup of tea and a generous plate of scones. Lori’s attic room, the cyclone (hurricane) that strands her, the villagers’ friendliness and Christopher’s warmth, even the ghost stories, all contribute to the overall feeling of having found a safe and welcoming shelter from the storms and stresses of life.
The way the villagers pull together to help not only their neighbors from the low-lying farms, but also Lori and a busload of French tourists stranded by the rising waters, is a lesson in community and a reminder of the essential goodness of (most) people—a reminder emphasized by another of the story’s subplots, and by several incidents throughout the book.
The village bookstore and its history-loving proprietor offer another treat for booklovers. As a former bookseller myself, I chuckled appreciatively at Horatio’s ability to locate a book on any requested subject. “Mongolian throat singing?” asks his assistant. “Travel. Third shelf from the top. Beige cover, black type.” It felt so familiar, as did the descriptions of the bookshop itself.
I doubt that English village life today is quite as, well, cozy as that of Shepney, and modern England is far more diverse than the one pictured in the Aunt Dimity books. For all their charm, Atherton’s bucolic, idyllic English villages are not a realistic portrayal of Britain today. But when I recently found myself craving the bookish equivalent of a warm chair by the fire, a hot cup of tea and a tasty scone, Aunt Dimity and the King’s Ransom proved to be just the treat I needed.
*****
A final note: My favorites in the series remain books 1 and 2, though they are really book 1 and its prequel: Aunt Dimity’s Death and Aunt Dimity and the Duke. Those two in particular have been among my most frequently reread “comfort books” for nearly two decades.
For my money, Aunt Dimity and the King’s Ransom is one of the best Aunt Dimity books in several years, full of warmth and gentle humor and mysteries that, while they pique the reader’s interest, are neither deadly nor particularly dangerous. ‘Aunt Dimity’ is the cozy series to end all cozy series. This book, while not as involved as the early novels in the series, has all the comfort and charm of a cup of tea and a generous plate of scones. Lori’s attic room, the cyclone (hurricane) that strands her, the villagers’ friendliness and Christopher’s warmth, even the ghost stories, all contribute to the overall feeling of having found a safe and welcoming shelter from the storms and stresses of life.
The way the villagers pull together to help not only their neighbors from the low-lying farms, but also Lori and a busload of French tourists stranded by the rising waters, is a lesson in community and a reminder of the essential goodness of (most) people—a reminder emphasized by another of the story’s subplots, and by several incidents throughout the book.
The village bookstore and its history-loving proprietor offer another treat for booklovers. As a former bookseller myself, I chuckled appreciatively at Horatio’s ability to locate a book on any requested subject. “Mongolian throat singing?” asks his assistant. “Travel. Third shelf from the top. Beige cover, black type.” It felt so familiar, as did the descriptions of the bookshop itself.
I doubt that English village life today is quite as, well, cozy as that of Shepney, and modern England is far more diverse than the one pictured in the Aunt Dimity books. For all their charm, Atherton’s bucolic, idyllic English villages are not a realistic portrayal of Britain today. But when I recently found myself craving the bookish equivalent of a warm chair by the fire, a hot cup of tea and a tasty scone, Aunt Dimity and the King’s Ransom proved to be just the treat I needed.
*****
A final note: My favorites in the series remain books 1 and 2, though they are really book 1 and its prequel: Aunt Dimity’s Death and Aunt Dimity and the Duke. Those two in particular have been among my most frequently reread “comfort books” for nearly two decades.
mickjen's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't expecting a MYSTERY which this just is not. Sweet (super sweet) atmospheric English village, neighbors come together in a weather crisis. Visitors get curious and learn some local history.
wulfwyn's review against another edition
5.0
What an amazing book! I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway. Being the first Aunt Dimity book I read but the twenty third written, I was hesitant to start it. I felt certain I wouldn’t be able to enjoy as I would if I knew some about it. I set it aside with the intention of reading a couple of earlier books. Then life took over as it tends to do. I came across recently and knew I must read it without the planned earlier books and hope for the best. I’m delighted to report that I believe wherever you are when you pick up an Aunt Dimity book, it is where you can start! Twenty two books before mine and I wasn’t lost at all! I’m not even going to attempt a lie and say I don’t care about the other twenty two. I do care. I care, though, because this book thrilled me so that I must read the others! If you have never read Aunt Dimity books, whichever one you come across, read it. Immediately! Don’t be foolish as I was and wait.
For the benefit of anyone who hasn’t read any of Aunt Dimity, she is a ghost! Our main character is Lori a wife, (to Bill), and mom to three children. Lori is an American living in England. Aunt Dimity was her mom’s closest friend. Now she watches over Lori extending her friendship to the daughter of her best friend. Isn’t that amazing? What a testimony to the power of friendship. In the King’s Ransom, Lori and Bill are off on a small getaway. However things don’t go as planned. Mother Nature had plans of her own. Lori and Bill are forced to spend their getaway, apart. Lori spends hers as a guest at The King’s Ransom Inn and it is there the adventure begins.
I love the characters and the world building. I was swiftly taken from my chilly, windy and rainy Juneau home to a chilly and wet Shepney. How delighted I was that my weather matched, somewhat, the weather in the book! It made it so much easier to slip into place. I spent the most delightful time there! I do so want to tell you all of it but the fear of telling too much, and spoiling it for you, is great. You simply must read this book! Do make time to read it properly. Perhaps start it on a weekend when you’ve nothing planned or are on a long vacation ride. Once you begin, you will lose track of time as you are transported to England. As for me, I’ll be looking for the beginning of these books. I must know how Aunt Dimity and Lori came to be acquainted. I have so many questions that no doubt will answered by the beginning. Read, dear friend, whichever Aunt Dimity you have picked out but expect to be left wanting to go back to the beginning. Aunt Dimity and The King’s Ransom is a most tantalizing choice. Enjoy it!
*Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and Penguin Books for the opportunity to become acquainted with Aunt Dimity. It has be delightful. I am not required to leave a review. I leave my thoughts because I want you to be transported as I was. I want you to enjoy a deliciously spooky yet immensely entertaining vacation in Shepney at the King’s Ransom Inn. Tell the Hancocks hello and I hope you enjoy some of Steve’s delicacies. I do hope you enjoy the Bishop’s company!
For the benefit of anyone who hasn’t read any of Aunt Dimity, she is a ghost! Our main character is Lori a wife, (to Bill), and mom to three children. Lori is an American living in England. Aunt Dimity was her mom’s closest friend. Now she watches over Lori extending her friendship to the daughter of her best friend. Isn’t that amazing? What a testimony to the power of friendship. In the King’s Ransom, Lori and Bill are off on a small getaway. However things don’t go as planned. Mother Nature had plans of her own. Lori and Bill are forced to spend their getaway, apart. Lori spends hers as a guest at The King’s Ransom Inn and it is there the adventure begins.
I love the characters and the world building. I was swiftly taken from my chilly, windy and rainy Juneau home to a chilly and wet Shepney. How delighted I was that my weather matched, somewhat, the weather in the book! It made it so much easier to slip into place. I spent the most delightful time there! I do so want to tell you all of it but the fear of telling too much, and spoiling it for you, is great. You simply must read this book! Do make time to read it properly. Perhaps start it on a weekend when you’ve nothing planned or are on a long vacation ride. Once you begin, you will lose track of time as you are transported to England. As for me, I’ll be looking for the beginning of these books. I must know how Aunt Dimity and Lori came to be acquainted. I have so many questions that no doubt will answered by the beginning. Read, dear friend, whichever Aunt Dimity you have picked out but expect to be left wanting to go back to the beginning. Aunt Dimity and The King’s Ransom is a most tantalizing choice. Enjoy it!
*Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and Penguin Books for the opportunity to become acquainted with Aunt Dimity. It has be delightful. I am not required to leave a review. I leave my thoughts because I want you to be transported as I was. I want you to enjoy a deliciously spooky yet immensely entertaining vacation in Shepney at the King’s Ransom Inn. Tell the Hancocks hello and I hope you enjoy some of Steve’s delicacies. I do hope you enjoy the Bishop’s company!