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A review by robinlovesreading
Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen
5.0
Rebecca Lane has always been concerned for her brother John’s well-being. Called to his assistance, she finds that she would do anything within her power when it came to his wanting to become a published author. She agrees to spend some time at Swanford Abbey, a hotel where an author will be staying. Her brother had been told that he could no longer approach publishers directly so Rebecca agrees to stay in a hotel that very well may be haunted in order to approach the author with her brother’s manuscript.
Not only is the author soon found dead, mysterious sightings and sounds prove very disturbing to Rebecca. She finds it impossible to not investigate matters herself, even though it means working alongside her former beau, Sir Frederick Wilford. Rebecca soon realizes that feelings that she thought with long ago buried for Frederick quickly rise to the fore. Meanwhile, Rebecca’s worry for John never settles as his erratic behavior grows more concerning. She hopes that if his book gets the attention it deserves that perhaps John might become well.
There were also other matters that helped to explain her brother’s behavior all while a murderer was on the loose. Rebecca and Frederick made a fine team as they worked hard to discover the murderer. The comparison of this book to Agatha Christie and Jane Austen was spot on as this intriguing story wove in a strong gothic vibe. Also, this was a very touching story as it dealt with sensitive issues that were perhaps difficult to identify during the time and setting involved. Julie Klassen was a new name for me and this book could not have been a better introduction to her excellent writing.
Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Not only is the author soon found dead, mysterious sightings and sounds prove very disturbing to Rebecca. She finds it impossible to not investigate matters herself, even though it means working alongside her former beau, Sir Frederick Wilford. Rebecca soon realizes that feelings that she thought with long ago buried for Frederick quickly rise to the fore. Meanwhile, Rebecca’s worry for John never settles as his erratic behavior grows more concerning. She hopes that if his book gets the attention it deserves that perhaps John might become well.
There were also other matters that helped to explain her brother’s behavior all while a murderer was on the loose. Rebecca and Frederick made a fine team as they worked hard to discover the murderer. The comparison of this book to Agatha Christie and Jane Austen was spot on as this intriguing story wove in a strong gothic vibe. Also, this was a very touching story as it dealt with sensitive issues that were perhaps difficult to identify during the time and setting involved. Julie Klassen was a new name for me and this book could not have been a better introduction to her excellent writing.
Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.