Not much of a mystery, more of a history, is found in Aunt Dimity and the King’s Ransom.

Lori is trapped by flooding rains in rural England in Shepney when she meets former Bishop Christopher. When only a supposed haunted attic room is the only area left to sleep, Lori makes the best of it. Her mother’s deceased friend Aunt Dimity contacts Lori by automatic writing in a blank blue notebook. Dimity states there is no ghost in the attic but tells of several in different areas of the King’s Ransom Inn, where Lori is staying. Christopher and Lori hunt for the ghost story’s origin as well as that of the inn’s name.

I’ve never read any books in the Aunt Dimity series before and was disappointed by her extremely small role in this book. I verified that this is marketed as a cozy mystery though the mysteries also seem rather scant. There are no present day crimes in Aunt Dimity and the King’s Ransom at all. It is all smugglers’ gold and 1700’s English history. To be honest, it reminded me of the books and cartoons of my youth like Scooby Doo, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. While the plot wasn’t to my taste, those interested in British history or looking for a non-violent mystery might find it interesting. 3 stars.

Thanks to Viking Books and NetGalley for a copy.

AUNT DIMITY AND THE KING'S RANSOM by Nancy Atherton is a fairly predictable addition to this "cute" mystery series which involves communication with Aunt Dimity's ghost via a journal. Fans will enjoy re-uniting with Lori Shepherd in a small English country village, although [spoiler coming] this mystery is so "cozy" it does not even involve a murder.

lori gets lost (sort of) due to a storm on the way to the hotel she and Bill are getting a weekend away from the kids. However, things aren't quite what they seem at the hotel she ends up at. Aunt Dimity is with her, of course, as well as a new sidekick, Bishop Smallwood. Lots of fun and a few "scares" on the way,

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. When I had to put it down, I couldn't wait to get back to it. It was only after I finished it, that I realized that it really wasn't a typical mystery. It turns out the happy ending is actually a happy ending for everyone. I think this is probably the best written book in the series so far.

Bill and Lori need a break from the routine, so they decide to combine a visit to one of his reclusive clients with a weekend away. Lori drops Bill off at his client's home, but on her way to their destination, a major storm intensifies and leaves her stranded in a small town. She finds accommodations at an ancient inn, where she determines to figure out the source of the strange night noises, the real story behind the name of the inn, and the background of the inn's cook.

This series is one of my favorites, and I look forward to reading the newest book when it's released every year. Although there are seldom murders to be solved, there are always mysteries of some sort to be investigated. I liked the setting of this book, and although I missed the village residents, there were enough 'substitute' characters to make up for their absence. Compared to other books in the series, Lori seemed to be reined in a bit, but is that because she's learning to stop being so compulsive, or because she was out of her comfortable surroundings? I guess only the next book will tell, and I am already anticipating its release!

I always look forward to a new book in the Aunt Dimity series and I thought The Kings Ransom especially good. Bill needs to see a reclusive client at his home so the plan is for Lori and Bill to go on a much needed getaway, with Bill stopping at the clients home and Lori continuing on a few towns over to check into their hotel. Nature intervenes with a cyclone, stranding Lori in a strange village, and Bill at the clients home. Seeking shelter Lori ducks into the church where she meets and befriends a visiting bishop. When they realize they’re not going anywhere for at least several days, Christopher takes her to the full up Kings Ransom inn, where she’s given the last room in an unused dirty attic. Over the course of the next few days Lori and Christopher get to know the villagers, as well as solving a few local mysteries. I highly recommend, and you can read this book as a stand alone without needing to start at book one.

Lori knows she has no reason to be unhappy as, even she, thinks she has the perfect life, but her husband knows what she needs - a change of pace and scenery. They plan a long weekend after Bill finishes with a client but plans change. Bill is stuck with his client as torrential rains start to fall and while Lori has the car and is heading to Rye the ditches are filling up and the rain is coming down in buckets. She ends up in the small village of Shepley where her adventure begins with ghosts, smugglers, and perhaps a case of drug trafficking. . For once Lori doesn't get hurt or need to be rescued, A fine read nevertheless. with some great ideas for flood protection.