A review by jennifleur
Aunt Dimity's Death by Nancy Atherton

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

AUNT DIMITY’S DEATH by Nancy Atherton ⭐️⭐️⭐️

A quick and easy read; I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it, but spoilers ahead. ⚠️ 

The premise of the story had so much potential but the emotional state of the protagonist is unbelievably all over the place, especially in the beginning. Her unreasonable responses to his rather mundane actions took me spiraling up and out of the story to focus on the mediocre writing. 

Things that bothered me the most might just have to do with the cultural norms from when this was written (early 1990’s) and the dynamics between the men and women at that time. The old “saved by the handsome millionaire who falls madly in love with her” trope was used on a character who was initially written as very independent but also very broke. Of course as soon as she realizes she likes this guy she can magically bake soufflés and cookies like a five star chef whereas when she was single she’d been known to burn water. Wading through those parts felt exhausting. 

I did however like some of the ideas behind the story even if they were confused. (Am I reading a murder mystery, a ghost story or a romance?) The stories within stories was interesting and I wish the author had explored that more. The way they sussed out clues had merit too and I’m also down for the spooky vibes of a helpful (but not too helpful) ghost. The imagery was great - I could clearly see in my mind’s eye all the wonderful places and endearing and charming characters they met throughout their adventures and I wished a bit I could go there myself. 

Will I read the next one? Maybe, maybe not. If I do I’m in no hurry.