"The eagerly anticipated sixth installment in the Grantchester Mysteries series, now a major PBS television series as well. The sixth book in the James Runcie's much-loved Granchester Mystery series, which has been adapted for Masterpiece's Grantchester starring James Norton, sees full-time priest, part-time detective Sidney Chambers plunged back into sleuthing when he discovers a body in a bluebell wood. It is May 1971 and the Cambridgeshire countryside is bursting into summer. Attending to his paternal duties, Archdeacon Sidney Chambers is walking in the woods with his daughter Anna and their aging Labrador, Byron, when they stumble upon a body. Beside the dead man lies a basket of wild flowers, all poisonous. And so it is that Sidney is thrust into another murder investigation, entering a world of hippies, folk singers, and psychedelic plants, where love triangles and permissive behavior seem to hide something darker. Despite the tranquil appearance of the Diocese of Ely, there is much to keep Sidney and his old friend, Detective Inspector Geordie Keating, as busy as ever. An historic religious text vanishes from a Cambridge college; Sidney's former flame, Amanda Richmond, gets a whiff of art-world corruption; and his nephew disappears in the long, hot summer of 1976. Meanwhile, Sidney comes face to face with the divine mysteries of life and love while wrestling with earthly problems--from parish scandals and an alarmingly progressive new secretary to his own domestic misdemeanors, the challenges of parenthood and a great loss."

Yeah Sidney! I'm ALWAYS ready for more Sidney!

This is the latest in the Sidney Chambers Grantchester mysteries, and I felt a bit lost because I had only read the very first book some years ago, and then have watched the PBS Masterpiece series, which is based on the books. But this new book takes us into the 1970s, so I have missed pretty much all the backstory since the 1950s. Even so I was able to catch up rather easily. For a proper British mystery featuring an Anglican cleric, this is pretty good. It's actually several stories that are loosely interrelated, proceeding chronologically, so there's a series of mysteries, some deadly, some not so sinful. In fact, the resolution of one mystery was rather simply offered in an almost offhand manner in a later chapter/story. (Is this the modus operandi in Runcie's books?) That said, it was a pleasant read on vacation (particularly for an Episcopal priest like myself; thankfully no one has been murdered in my parish, yet), certainly nothing earthshaking, but then that would rattle the tea china, wouldn't it? Accept it for what it is and enjoy.

James Runcie involves Archdeacon Sidney Chambers in multiple mysteries of murder, theft, and daily mishaps while he administers love and support to parishioners and friends in Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love. James Runcie writes with warmth and humor about the vagaries of life; enjoy the episodic life of Sidney Chambers. Well worth reading.

Thank you, Netgalley, for this arc.

Grantchester is a favorite show of mine, and I have enjoyed getting to know Sidney, Amanda, Hildegard, Leonard, and others through the books. I liked this sixth (and final?) installment of this mystery series - cozy, British, with a splash of whiskey, these mysteries are not creepy or chilling, as I prefer my mysteries to be, but instead they're homespun with heartfelt emotion. I've enjoyed peering over Sidney's shoulder as he interacts with humanity to find anything from a lost book to a lost nephew; as he plays backgammon with Geordie; or spends time with Hildegard, Anna, and Byron.

The last story in this collection overwhelmed me with sadness at a life taken far too soon. And yet, I feel like it ended full of hope, as you know without a doubt that Sidney and Geordie will continue to ride off into the sunset together.

Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love by James Runcie is the sixth beautifully written book in The Grancester Mysteries series. Originally, I met the main character, Sidney Chambers, an Anglican priest and part time detective, through watching the series Grantchester on PBS. I have enjoyed the series (author Runcie is a filmmaker as well as the author of nine other books) and the books equally and in quite different ways. On screen, some changes have been made in the characters, sometimes the plots have been slightly different, and they are chronologically not as far along. But they have been so well done! The books, however, are full of so much more characterization, and, of course, so many more details, that they have been a joy to read. This sixth book, and the last story in this volume, has been the best of all of them I think. IF, you have not enjoyed watching the series or read one of the earlier books., however, I would recommend that you do so before reading this volume. This one could be read first, but you will enjoy it so much more if it is preceded by some of the others. This volume, sadly, although I very much hope not, may be the last one in the series. It is set in the years 1971-1976, and reflects the turbulence of those times. There are six novellas: "Bluebell Wood" begins with glorious descriptions of spring and its beautiful plants which Sidney and his daughter Anna are collecting for a school project, and segues into Sidney becoming embroiled in the deaths of some local hippies. "Authenticity" contains two mysteries: someone is embezzling from the church’s collection plate and Sidney’s dear friend Amanda goes into debt purchasing a painting at an auction that she is certain is an unknown masterpiece by a famous painter that is sure to make her rich and famous. In “Insufficient Evidence,” Sidney and his detective friend Geordie support journalist Helena Mitchell, when she’s raped by a colleague and disbelieved by the justice system. I, of course, LOVED "Ex Libris,” in which a priceless medieval volume from a Cambridge library is stolen just before it is needed for a ceremony with the Archbishop of Canterbury. Sidney’s teenage nephew, Louis, disappears from his home during “The Long Hot Summer." Finally, in the most eloquent of all of the stories, " The Persistence of Love," tragedy strikes in an unexpected way. I highly recommend the latest volume in this series, and thank Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC and allowing me to review this book.

Thanks Bloomsbury USA and netgalley for this ARC.

Sidney Chambers needs no introduction- he's a institution all on his own. You'll be crying at the end of this one which makes it all the more powerful to me. I'm looking forward to reading the next in this series with open arms.

In the sixth book to feature the philosophizing Archbishop Sidney Chambers, Sidney does, indeed, explore love in its many manifestations: romantic love, marital fidelity, the special love between longtime friends, love of children, jealousy, even the loves of traditions books. But the six interrelated novellas of Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love aren’t as thoughtful or poignant as the ones in previous books. Sidney has always had his head a bit too much in the clouds and a tendency to overthink matters — his imperfections were part of what made him endearing — but here is much more out at sea and some of the stories seem a bit pointless. The messages — good can come of evil, communication is more important than the misguided protection of people, young people always rebel — seem exceedingly trite. In addition, Sidney seems beset with cheap nostalgia and unjustified jealousy, emotions that don’t ring true but are included in a misbegotten notion to make weak points. But the book has some amazing redeeming features (more on that later).

In Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love, Archbishop Chambers investigates the murder of a bohemian folk singer, an auction for a painting that may — or may not be — a Goya, a rape, the theft of a sixth century book (The Gospel of St Augustine, the oldest surviving Latin illustrated Gospel, actually exists at Cambridge’s Corpus Christi College), a runaway, and an unexpected natural death. The book takes place in the 1970s, and Sidney seems overwhelmed with the prospect of women priests and the changing status of women in general. While he won’t admit it, Sidney tends to think that he should have more privileges than his wife, and he seems immersed in musings of what might have been: if he’d married Amanda rather than Hildegard, if he’d never taken that first fateful step toward sleuthing, if he’d not befriended Inspector Geordie Keating, if, if, if…. On the other hand, author James Runcie provides an excellent window into the changes of that revolutionary decade in which society’s attitudes toward women (including ordaining them), rape, and authority began shifting.

But most importantly, in the final story of the collection, the titular “The Persistence of Love,” marks a return to the usual Sidney Chambers fare: perceptive, honest, thoughtful and guaranteed to remain with the reader for a long, long time. If nothing else, the book is well worth your while for this novella alone, worth an extra star all by itself.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA in exchange for an honest review.

In many ways this is a perfect pre-Easter book for adults, especially those who are fans of the series. The book takes place YEARS after the events on the show, so the first chapter can be a bit off feeling at first, but all the characters you know and love are there, and really there is no surprise as to who Sidney ultimately marries. Sidney is to be a classic vicar/priest, he very much embodies the vicar I had when I first converted to Episcopalian, so I've always related to him with glee, as watching him is like seeing that vicar's past!

This book deals with death and how it affects Sidney, both personally and professionally, echoing the death of Christ this Easter season, and how we deal with our grief and ultimately move on, with memories. It's a great book to examine the ultimate truth-we all die, and the human condition, and I can't recommend it enough!

I have to admit I didn't realize there WAS a book series, so I do have to run out and read the previous 5 books! For any fan of the series, I highly recommend doing so, as so much more of the characters come out in the books! Start with this one if you'd like, and then go back and start at the beginning and work your way through!

The Granchester Mysteries is my favorite series. I have read the books a number of times and each time come away feeling a little better equipped to handle the world.

Persistence of Love follows Sidney as he navigates aging, and parenting, and the new demands placed on his time, with wisdom and hope.

This bok, the sixth, has been billed as the last of the series, but I can only hope James Runcie will have a change of heart.

Princess Fuzzypants here:
As a fan of the tv series, Granchester Chronicles, it was interesting to read one of the books from which it was taken. Even though the stories are set well in advance of where the current series is set, the characters come alive as faces are put to names. Sydney has advanced well in his career and his hobby of crime fighting. Much has happened in the lives of the characters not the least of which is Sydney's marriage and fatherhood.
He is well meaning but not always the most effective person with those closest to him. His disintegration in the last story of the book brought his failings into view only too clearly. He has tried to straddle all the things in his life. It is only when he is forced to recognize what he has lost that he truly looks at the price that has been paid.
I suspect this book would resonate even more for the readers who have come along on Sydney's journey through life. The first stories in the book are Sydney doing what he does best: solving mysteries. It is this last story where he becomes highly introspective as he weighs decisions he has made and will need to make in the future.
I did enjoy the book although I think it might be best to catch up on the previous outings before reading this one. I still give it four purrs and two paws up.

An excellent instalment in what has proved to be a very enjoyable series!

The mysteries were interesting, and I thought the character of Geordie was much improved as compared to previous books (it has always bugged me how Geordie pressures Sidney to get involved in these mysteries and then criticises him for doing so!) as here he proves to be sympathetic and supportive and the friendship between Sidney and him is more one of equals.

I love Runcie's writing, particularly the manner in which he effortlessly intersperses the text with the realities of life at the time (the ladybird swarms and the three day week that defined the early and mid 1970s for many are just two examples).

In many ways this has proved to be the darkest book in the series to date, however the writing and characterisation of Sidney in particular have a depth that tempers this and had me eagerly turning the pages.

I very much look forward to reading the next (and I believe last?) book in the series.

* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review *

This series remains as fantastic as always. Highly recommended!

James Runcie never, ever disappoints with a Sidney Chambers book-it's not possible. They are filled with such good mysteries and so many good, thoughtful lines that make me want to remember them afterward. I am so glad that the ITV/PBS series introduced me this series because it is wonderful reading.