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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
I was looking forward to reading this book, as I generally enjoy Julie Klassen's books. Unfortunately, I found this was quite slow paced for me. (Maybe it just wasn't the right book for me at this particular time) I started to really enjoy it though, from about 3/4 of the way into the book, which is why I ended up giving it 4 stars.
There was mystery, murder and some romance. Whilst I enjoyed it, I just wished it could have been at a faster pace for me. I wish we knew more about Rose's family earlier in the book, rather than at the end.
There was mystery, murder and some romance. Whilst I enjoyed it, I just wished it could have been at a faster pace for me. I wish we knew more about Rose's family earlier in the book, rather than at the end.
3.5 stars.
Every year I look forward to reading a new Julie Klassen book. While all her books have an element of mystery added to them, her last three books have all featured the mystery element more heavily. I wasn't as crazy about that in the last two books because I felt like the romance part was sacrificed a bit too much. There was a lack of chemistry for some reason in those two. The chemistry between the characters in this one was better, but still not up to par with her romance books.
I liked Sir Frederick a lot and Rebecca as well, although I thought she should have trusted Frederick with the truth long before she finally did. Also the story takes too long to really get going, and I found myself a little bored in the beginning. I liked the setting of the old abbey turned hotel a lot, and the parts when Rebecca ended up exploring a little were some of my favorites, as well as when she and Frederick start to collaborate.
This book had elements that reminded me of several other books I've read. It felt rather like an Agatha Christie novel set in the regency era at times, but not nearly as clever as Christie's novels. The mystery here was pretty easy to figure out, but still enjoyable.
Though not a favorite, overall I liked this book and enjoyed reading it once it got going.
On a side note- I love the covers to Julie Klassen's books and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has noticed that there is always a part in her books where she describes what the main character is wearing and it looks just like what the character is wearing on the cover of the book. It seems like most writers don't have control over what the covers of their books look like, so I'm just wondering how she does this. Does she get to help pick the cover out with this in mind? I'll probably never know the answer to this, but it's just one of those random things that I wondered about.
Every year I look forward to reading a new Julie Klassen book. While all her books have an element of mystery added to them, her last three books have all featured the mystery element more heavily. I wasn't as crazy about that in the last two books because I felt like the romance part was sacrificed a bit too much. There was a lack of chemistry for some reason in those two. The chemistry between the characters in this one was better, but still not up to par with her romance books.
I liked Sir Frederick a lot and Rebecca as well, although I thought she should have trusted Frederick with the truth long before she finally did. Also the story takes too long to really get going, and I found myself a little bored in the beginning. I liked the setting of the old abbey turned hotel a lot, and the parts when Rebecca ended up exploring a little were some of my favorites, as well as when she and Frederick start to collaborate.
This book had elements that reminded me of several other books I've read. It felt rather like an Agatha Christie novel set in the regency era at times, but not nearly as clever as Christie's novels. The mystery here was pretty easy to figure out, but still enjoyable.
Though not a favorite, overall I liked this book and enjoyed reading it once it got going.
On a side note- I love the covers to Julie Klassen's books and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has noticed that there is always a part in her books where she describes what the main character is wearing and it looks just like what the character is wearing on the cover of the book. It seems like most writers don't have control over what the covers of their books look like, so I'm just wondering how she does this. Does she get to help pick the cover out with this in mind? I'll probably never know the answer to this, but it's just one of those random things that I wondered about.
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. Julie managed to give a very Agatha Christie feel while adhering to her typical storytelling style. My only complaint is the awkward comments about Fredrick remembering Rebecca as a 6yo, gave off a “icky” vibe.
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
This was okay. Reminds me of the game, “Clue” with a whodunnit theme throughout as an author is murdered at an old abbey-turned-hotel. Old friends reunite, family secrets are hidden (for a time), and mysterious pasts come to light. It was intriguing, but I didn’t resonate with the characters as much as in her other books.
Story rating: 9/10 Faith rating: 2/3
Shadows of Swanford Abbey is a romantic mystery set in Regency-era England. It follows Rebecca, who is a travelling companion to a lady. She returns to her childhood village to visit her brother, a struggling author. He wants her to pass his latest manuscript to a famous author, staying at the nearby hotel, Swanford Abbey. Whilst Rebecca is there, one of the guests dies, and her childhood crush Frederick is the one who has to solve the mystery.
This book is a genteel murder mystery. All of the guests are hiding secrets. I particularly enjoyed following the side character’s mysteries.
I loved the romance, the slight references to Jane Austen novels, as well as the main characters, Rebecca and Frederick.
The main characters are clearly Christian, but their faith is not the main point of the plot.
Shadows of Swanford Abbey is a romantic mystery set in Regency-era England. It follows Rebecca, who is a travelling companion to a lady. She returns to her childhood village to visit her brother, a struggling author. He wants her to pass his latest manuscript to a famous author, staying at the nearby hotel, Swanford Abbey. Whilst Rebecca is there, one of the guests dies, and her childhood crush Frederick is the one who has to solve the mystery.
This book is a genteel murder mystery. All of the guests are hiding secrets. I particularly enjoyed following the side character’s mysteries.
I loved the romance, the slight references to Jane Austen novels, as well as the main characters, Rebecca and Frederick.
The main characters are clearly Christian, but their faith is not the main point of the plot.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
mysterious
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
A whodunnit mystery!