A review by stardusted_reader
Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen

3.0

Klassen's Shadows of Swanford Abbey was a quick read, I flew right through it. Her descriptive writing, with more than a few well-written nods to classic novels, combined with a compelling storyline and characters weaved a vivid world. As a lover of the regency era, historical fiction, and romance, I was instantly pulled into the book. However, despite the promising description of the book ("Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen in this atmospheric regency tale, brimming with mystery, intrigue, and romance"), I personally felt a little disappointed in both the mystery and romance aspect of the novel. While the mystery wasn't predictable and had a few, albeit unfulfilling, twists, the ending just didn't satisfy me. After that great worldbuilding and build up of both character history, setting, and tension, I had expected more. It was still entertaining, beautifully written, and well researched, so going on this regency and gothic-inspired ride was amusing.