Book Review: Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen

 


Shadows of Swanford Abbey - Julie Klassen - 4 Stars 

I am so glad I read Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen last year because this had the perfect atmosphere that reminded me of a good Jane Austen meets Agatha Christie regency story! Very reminiscent of the Northanger Abbey itself - so I loved that! Julie Klassen has the best settings in her stories and this was just a good cozy time for me on a Sunday afternoon. 

In this story, we follow Rebecca Lane who returns to her home village after a few years away. Her brother begs her for a favor to go to Swanford Abbey to deliver his manuscript to an author staying there so he can get published. She agrees to help him but this grand hotel known as Swanford Abbey is rumored to be haunted. She starts seeing strange things there and runs into Sir Frederick - the magistrate, widower and former neighbor who broke her heart long ago..... A famous author is found murdered in the abbey and the mystery goes on from here as feelings start to emerge for Rebecca as Sir Frederick tries to find the truth of who the murderer is.

This was such a great murder mystery that truly put me in the mind of an Agatha Christie story. We can certainly tell our characters are Christian in their faith and I loved Rebecca and Frederick's love story as they became more than friends in their unrequited love story. 

If you love a good cozy, historical mystery with Jane Austen Northanger Abbey vibes, Gothic/Eerie settings and Agatha Christie like story, pick this up. 

The only reason it wasn't quite a 5 star for me is some parts dragged for me a little bit, but I was just enjoying my time with the story overall anyway so that's ok!


Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6196771653
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JWOfa0
Baker:  https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/277327

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on any items purchased from these links.

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