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A review by beckymmoe
Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen
4.0
Shadows of Swanford Abbey is a lovely and atmospheric whodunit set in a gorgeous location with a sweet romance thrown in for flavor.
There's been a murder most foul at Swanford Abbey. So many suspects! Such a dastardly victim! (We think he's a bit of a lout for most of the book, but what we think we know pales in comparison to the truth we actually discover in the end. To say he had it coming pretty much sums it up, IMO) Ms Klassen drew upon many inspirations when she wrote Shadows according to her author's note, and it shows--there's just as many Jane Austen touches here as there are Agatha Christie--and the novel comes out a cohesive whole in the end, all of the different elements blending together nicely.
The setting of a hotel allows for a lively assortment of characters, and I especially loved all of the family relationships Ms Klassen wove into her tale. The bonds between siblings are significant--and complicated!--here for many of her characters, as they are in real life as well, heartbreaking and hopeful in equal measure.
And the delicious slow burn romance between Rebecca and Frederick...happy sigh <3
This was my first book from [a:Julie Klassen|928415|Julie Klassen|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1438099690p2/928415.jpg], but it definitely won't be my last!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
There's been a murder most foul at Swanford Abbey. So many suspects! Such a dastardly victim! (We think he's a bit of a lout for most of the book, but what we think we know pales in comparison to the truth we actually discover in the end. To say he had it coming pretty much sums it up, IMO) Ms Klassen drew upon many inspirations when she wrote Shadows according to her author's note, and it shows--there's just as many Jane Austen touches here as there are Agatha Christie--and the novel comes out a cohesive whole in the end, all of the different elements blending together nicely.
The setting of a hotel allows for a lively assortment of characters, and I especially loved all of the family relationships Ms Klassen wove into her tale. The bonds between siblings are significant--and complicated!--here for many of her characters, as they are in real life as well, heartbreaking and hopeful in equal measure.
And the delicious slow burn romance between Rebecca and Frederick...happy sigh <3
This was my first book from [a:Julie Klassen|928415|Julie Klassen|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1438099690p2/928415.jpg], but it definitely won't be my last!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.