If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, Judge Thee Not, it's an absolute gem that deserves every one of its five stars. With its charming small-town setting, and during characters, and intriguing whodunit, this book is the perfect blend of suspense and comfort. The author’s storytelling prowess shines through as they skillfully weave together clues, red herrings, and surprising twists, keeping readers engaged and guessing until the satisfying reveal period from the delightful amateur sleuth to the quirky supporting cast, each character feels like a beloved friend, adding depth and warmth to the narrative. With its cozy atmosphere clever plot and satisfying resolution, Judge Thee Not is a must-read for anyone seeking A delightful escape into the world of cozy mysteries.

JUDGE THEE NOT by Edith Maxwell
The Fifth Quaker Midwife Mystery

Over the years Rose Carroll has come across her fair share of prejudice. Not only is she a Quaker, she is a midwife who runs her own business in the 1880s. Rose is still surprised when Mayme Settle won't allow the postmistress to serve her. While Bertie's lifestyle is nontraditional, what does it have to do with buying some stamps? When one of Rose's clients tells her that Mrs. Settle is not only dead, but murdered, Rose can't help but wonder who killed her. Could it be her henpecked husband, who Rose saw give a look that could kill after she berated him in front of the Ladies Circle? Or perhaps her gardener who blames her for his daughter's death? There's also the banker who had a run in with the woman, and who may have killed before. It's certainly not her friend Bertie, who police consider a prime suspect. Rose is not about to let Bertie get railroaded merely because of her proclivities, so between caring for her pregnant clients and pondering her upcoming marriage, she decides to make some discrete inquiries. Will she be able to discern the truth, or will prejudice win the day?

Edith Maxwell once again pens a historical novel that is as relevant today as the year in which it takes place. Sadly, prejudice and bigotry still exist in our world. Fortunately, there are people like Rose Carroll today, who continue to speak up against it!

I really appreciate Rose's style of investigation. She still went about her daily business, caring for her pregnant clients, planning her upcoming wedding, and dealing with concerns in both of those matters, all the while keeping her eyes and ears open, as well as he mind, as she sleuthed. This case was incredibly complex, yet woven into Rose's life seamlessly.

JUDGE THEE NOT is an expertly crafted mystery with social significance. It is also a fun read with a surprising conclusion that kept me engaged from the start.

I had not read any books by Edith Maxwell, but I found out she writes as Maddie Day as well, and I have read a couple books (which I love) under that name. I LOVED this book. It was so unique as the heroine was both Quaker and a midwife. The main characters are so well developed. I loved Rose, the heroine. She really lived her faith and was a blessing to so many people. I also liked that she turned information over to the police as soon as she discovered it. Kudos to the author for giving us the correct pronunciations to Gaelic and Polish names. I also liked that I did not figure out who the murderer was. This series is now on my must read list. Thank you to Netgalley and Beyond The Page Publishing for the copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Another excellent edition to a wonderful series! Full of twists and turns that leaves you wanting more and enjoying each moment until the end when the killer is caught!

Judge Thee Not is the 5th Quaker Midwife mystery by Edith Maxwell. Released 10th Sept 2019, it's 327 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is an interesting premise for a cozy series. Protagonist Rose Carroll is a 19th century midwife who's a Quaker. As a midwife, she comes into intimate contact with families in her duties as a healthcare professional. She also encounters secrets which sometimes people would prefer remain hidden.

I read this one as a standalone, and as an introduction to the characters and setting, it worked well. I had no problems following the plot or keeping track of the characters and their relationships. The plotting was unhurried and the book was long enough that the author could develop the tension arc at her leisure. I found my interest wandering somewhat with this book (though I wasn't tempted to skim through it).

The thing which detracted a fair bit of enjoyment for me was that the main character, as a Quaker, used the second person 'thee' for both nominative and oblique forms, without holding to the other declensions apart from the possessive form (thine). This is, as far as I have been able to find out without a huge effort, actually historically accurate to New England Quakers in the 19th century. They actually didn't say 'thou'. I winced every time the main character said (nominative form) 'Thee shall do'... 'Perhaps thee would prefer'... etc. That's not the author's fault, but it did yank me out of the story every time.

She took some license with the societal and medical mores and knowledge of the time, but it wasn't terribly egregious.

The language is clean and there is no direct sexual content (a few chaste kisses between an affianced couple, and a referral to a historical rape in the protagonist's distant past). The murder and assaults are relatively bloodless and occur off scene.

Three and a half stars. I would recommend these to fans of historical cozies.

Judge Thee Not by Edith Maxwell is the fifth entry in the Quaker Midwife Series and as usual let us know that may of today's problems were yesterday's problems as well. Maxwell handles them in a level-headed, even-handed manner that makes the reader wonder what all the fuss is about, both then and now. The setting is enticing, late 1800's, a small town in Massachusetts, a Quaker home. Many of us are ignorant of what Quakers believe, but this Quaker family has many of the problems a modern family might have: bickering siblings, a single parent, loss of patience... Rose Carroll, the Quaker Midwife in question is caring, open-minded, loving, sympathetic, and the list goes on. Her friend, Bertie Winslow lives with another woman in and "inappropriate" relationship, yet does her job and lives her life quietly. For some people this is not enough. But, as so often happens, the citizen who is judgmental and not very nice, gets what's coming to her. The question is, who is the killer. There are so many that have reason.

Judge Thee Not is a nicely written mystery with an extremely likable heroine. Rose has depth to her: she has opinions, she cares deeply for others, she is in loves and hopes to marry her betrothed. She is not a goody-two-shoes, however. She tries to help as best she can, but things anger her, although she tries to control her anger. Many of the other characters are written with less depth but as they are supporting cast members, that is acceptable. Read this book. You will enjoy it. Read the others in the series, as well. I recommend them.
I received a free ARC of Judge Thee Not. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
#netgalley #judgetheenot

Judge Thee Not is the fifth installment from Edith Maxwell's exciting series, Quaker Midwife Mystery. Even though it is part of a series, I felt it can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed this book. It has a lot of what I like in a story: history, mystery, and suspense. Then throw in a Quaker community, I am all for it .
I am giving Judge Thee Not five stars. I would love to read the other books from the Quaker Midwife Mystery series.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

“Judge Thee Not” earns 5+/5 Judgments & Justice...Engaging and Entertaining!

Another absorbing tale! Hard to put down! Edith Maxwell has penned a compelling fifth book in her Quaker Midwife Mystery series! Rose Carroll is shocked to witness the rude treatment of her friend Bertie by society matron Mayme Settle who recently learned of Bertie’s “inclinations,” loudly protesting Bertie is “a danger to all proper ladies.” Bertie Winslow is “cohabitating” with a young female lawyer. Prejudices are foreign to Rose who holds strongly to the “live and let live” ideals of her Quaker faith, but it seems Mrs. Settle makes it a daily habit. This, of course, is important to Detective Donovan when Mrs. Settle is found murdered, and a witness with their own intentions comes forward to place Bertie near the crime scene casting doubt on her not being involved. Bertie is a prime suspect. Of course, Rose disagrees and sets out to prove it. Edith shines a bright light on prejudice and ill-advised judgments with a clever murder mystery, well-defined characters, and a surprise, yet satisfying, conclusion that validates Karma’s intervention. This series is brilliant depicting various fascinating aspects of nineteenth century life with such realism incorporating historical references, description of fashions and style, discussions on medical issues, and her portrayal of the role of women and issues with childbirth are a testament to her level of research. Beyond the entertainment value of her work, I always learn something fascinating: Quaker culture, the midwife techniques, and medical practices. But, this story easily translates to the present with the contemporary topics she tackles: the LGBTQ community, misjudging the physically-challenged, and the role of immigrants. Edith’s writing style is very entertaining with descriptive language and dialogue that illustrates well the tone, emotion, and different personalities. Each book is a stand-alone making it easy for newbies to start here, but I highly recommend this series...all of it!

Dollycas’s Thoughts

I am so happy this series found a new home so quickly. I love these characters!

Again, Ms. Maxwell takes on a hot topic in 1889 and still a hot topic for some today. As a midwife, she willing discusses everything with her patients, from diet, birth control, and even rape. Rose Carroll is a Quaker and like most members has a very open mind. They treat everyone as equals regardless of class or standing. She is truly taken by surprise when society matron Mayme Settle makes her feelings known publically about postmistress and Rose’s friend Bertie’s nontraditional lifestyle, – a “Boston marriage” to attorney and partner Sophie. Soon after Mayme Settle makes her declarations she is murdered and a witness places Bertie near the scene of the crime. Rose is positive her friend had nothing to do with the death and she is going to do everything she can to prove it and pass along all the information she can to her friend police detective Kevin Donovan.

In addition to the characters we have met over the course of this series, the author also introduces us to two of Rose’s patients that really captured my heart. First, Jeanette Papka, a tall woman “with long dark hair and a delightful smile.” Sadly a childhood illness has left her blind. Amazingly it doesn’t hold her back. Jeanette speaks several languages fluently and works at the Second District Court in Amesbury as a translator. We also meet Sissy Barkley, the young wife of banker Irvin Barkley. He prefers his wife see a medical doctor but Sissy insists on seeing midwife Rose. She is nervous that her husband will send her back to her family is she doesn’t fulfill his wish to be a father. She evolves within these pages.

On Rose’s homefront, her relationship with David is moving along as is Frederick’s relationship with Winnie. The children are growing and one loves to cook and bake. I really enjoy the way Ms. Maxwell blends a terrific mystery with normal daily life including Rose’s prenatal and postnatal visits while giving readers a bird’s eye view of interesting things from that time, from medical discoveries to fashion and more. With each story, I also learn more of the Quaker faith.

There is so much packed into this story, and I enjoyed every step of the journey. The mystery was very well-plotted and the pace was comfortable. The title fits the story perfectly. I always try to slow y reading speed down because for me my visits to Amesbury always end way too soon.

I am waiting with bated breath for the next book in this series!

As always, I recommend reading this series in order for maximum enjoyment.

I was so glad to see that Edith Maxwell is continuing Rose's story with a new publisher, Beyond the Page. Rose, I hope, still has many more mysteries to solve. Here she is in her fifth mystery and a new set of challenges confront her. Besides dreaming of the day she can marry her beloved David, she has a new client, a very young second wife of an older man, a man who wants children. His first wife failed him and has died. His second wife fears that is she, too, fails him, she will be sent back to her mother to live, in shame at her failure. The challenge becomes very serious when Rose discovers twins are coming and that is very risky. Then, when she goes to the post office, she is witness to the horrible behavior of Mayme Settle, a woman of means and a mean spirit. She refuses to let Bertie wait on her and makes her reasons clear - she disapproves of Bertie's relationship with another woman and says that she will be making a complaint to the powers that be. Mayme is known for her blunt outspokenness and she isn't stopping with her opinion of Bertie's life style. She later turns her nastiness on Jeannette, one of Rose's clients, a young, talented blind woman who works at the courthouse as a multi language translator for new immigrants. When Mayme is found dead in her bed and it's declared a homicide, Bertie is seen as a prime suspect. Not if Rose has any say in the matter.
Suspects abound because Mayme was known to just about everybody and had cross words for most of them. Working with police detective Kevin Donovan again, Rose is determined to find the killer. Which motive on the list was the one that moved the person to become a killer? I found myself staying up way into the night to finish the mystery. Time spent with Rose, her family, David and her friends is always a pleasure. The historical information and the setting are, for me, perfect. I'm looking forward to book #6.

Amesbury Quaker midwife Rose Carroll witnesses Mayme Settle publicly snub her good friend postmistress Bertie for her nontraditional lifestyle. After attending a knitting circle at Mrs. Settle's home, Rose learns that the nasty woman was murdered. When a credible witness says Bertie was seen near the Settle house that fateful evening, police detective Kevin Donovan has to seriously consider her as their prime suspect. But Rose is certain that Bertie is innocent and does her own sleuthing to help Kevin find the killer. With the help of her new client, blind interpreter Jeannette Papka, Rose uncovers plenty of motives for Mayme's murder including revenge, blackmail and possible illicit doings involving Mayme's downtrodden husband Merton. Meanwhile, Rose also has her midwifery duties to tend to, including a difficult case with a first-time mother having twins, as well as setting a wedding date with her fiance, Dr. David Dodge.

The title of this book is appropriate since Rose encounters plenty of bias and blind assumptions about several key characters in this story. Another well-written and entertaining chapter in the Rose Carroll midwife mystery series.

I received an eARC from Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

Midwife Rose Carroll is surprised to step into the Amesbury, Mass., post office one June afternoon and find Mayme Settle complaining loudly about postmistress Bertie Winslow. The problem isn’t poor service but Bertie’s untraditional lifestyle, specifically that she lives with another woman. Mrs. Settle doesn’t feel this is proper, and is making her feelings known. While Rose is upset for her friend, Bertie is more than willing to let the slight go. However, one morning Mrs. Settle is found dead in her bed, and the police are quick to rule it murder. Unfortunately, they are just as quick to focus on Bertie as their prime suspect. Can Rose help the police find the truth?

The mystery is good with several viable suspects; however, I felt the pacing was off. It was a bit too slow in the beginning and a bit rushed at the end. While it wraps everything up, we get a lot of information thrown at us rather quickly to do so. It is always fun to spend time with Rose, and I love her friends. There were some interesting developments with her family in this book, which I enjoyed. The suspects were strong, but I felt the victim was a bit of a cliché, needing more time alive to become more real to me. My feelings on the victim also plays into my issues with the theme. As the title suggests, we get a few passages that look at how humans judge others. The problem was I felt these were too modern for a book set in the 1880’s. Mind you, I haven’t done the research, so maybe I’m the one judging too harshly. Other viewpoints were certainly not shown as anything other than wrong, and Rose comes off as almost judging others a few times herself. The title comes from a version in Matthew 7 in the Bible, and is taken out of context, as it usually is. These issues pulled me out of the book (and certainly bothered me) when they popped up, but the focus of the book was mostly on the mystery. Those who have enjoyed previous books will want to pick up this book and judge it for themselves. Most will probably be glad they did.

I enjoyed this novel very much! The mystery and its solution is intriguing, the underlying premise a challenge the world has faced since the Garden of Eden, that of judging – or better, not judging – others. The characters are beautifully three-dimensional; Carrie and her friends, old and new, and family are engaging and likable. The historical details of 1889 New England reflect many advances we have seen in just 130 years!

Most of us tend to judge people who are different from us. Mayme Settle is a vociferous example, first by her refusal to let Bertie, the postmistress, serve her at the Post Office, her reaction to Jeanette, a brilliant blind woman, and the unwed mothers at Alms Farm. Rose Carroll, the delightful young midwife who has helped the local police solve several murders, even witnesses how rude Mayme can be to her husband when he interrupted the Ladies’ Circle at her home.

Rose was stunned the following day to hear that Mayme was found dead in her bed by her poor maid that morning. Unfortunately, Kevin Donovan, the police detective who has become, with his wife and genius son, Rose’s friend, is questioning her friend Bertie. Bertie, as postmistress in Amesbury, has been the subject of several people’s dislike because of her “Boston marriage” to attorney and partner Sophie. It was only the day before that Mayme publicly aired her disgust at Bertie’s living arrangements. Later that evening the banker, Irvin Barclay, claims to have seen Bertie at the Settle’s home during the time frame that she could have been murdered.

Barclay brings his young wife, Sissy, to Rose’s home that day to oversee her pregnancy. An opinionated man, he doesn’t understand why Sissy would see a midwife instead of a doctor. Sissy is less than half his age, but is very clear that she wants a midwife, not a male doctor. The sweet young woman is pregnant with twins and afraid of being sent back to her family should she lose them. His first wife was unable to bear children and died mysteriously. Barclay is as opinionated as Mayme, attested to by Jeanette, another client of Rose’s. Jeanette is blind, fluent in English, French, and Polish, and works at the court as a verbal interpreter for immigrants who have yet to learn English.

It seems that everyone Rose meets knows something about Mayme Settle; she has aggravated many with her opinions and judgements. Some, like Jeanette, take her words with a grain of salt while others have much bigger heartaches. When trying to understand who would benefit from her death, there are some who could sate their desire for revenge, and at least one who might benefit financially.

I was captivated by this novel from the start. Learning more about real historical people such as John Whittier, a bit about being blind in those years, the knowledge Rose has as a midwife, and fashions that make life more accessible, such as the split skirt, is interesting. Studying the clues, especially of those judged harshly, and trying to arrive at who the real killer was a true challenge! I was quite surprised at the ending and satisfied with the resolution! I highly recommend this to fans of the author and Quaker Midwife series and those who like well-written historical cozy mysteries. And those who might want to challenge themselves to Judge Thee Not!

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Judge Thee Not is the fifth book in the Quaker Midwife Mystery series.

I love this series and was so happy when I learned that it had found a new home. It is one of my favorite historical mystery series. One can learn a little of life was in the late 1800s and the opportunity to learn about the Quaker religion and midwifery.

The story starts with Rose Carroll stopping by the post office where she sees her friend and postmistress, Bertie, being snubbed by Mrs. Settle. Mrs. Settle doesn’t approve of Bertie lifestyle. The next morning the lifeless body of Mrs. Settle is found. When a credible witness volunteers that Bertie was seen walking by Settle house that evening. Kevin Donovan police detective has little choice but to consider Bertie the prime suspect. Rose is determined to clear Bertie’s name and proceeds to help Kevin with his investigation.

Rose Carroll has two new expectant ladies in this book. Sissy Barclay. Sissy is expecting twins and Rose is worried about her pregnancy. Her other patient is Jeannette Papka. Jeannette is blind and works as an interpreter for the local court. We learn about some of the misunderstandings that people have about people who are blind. But Jeannette’s blindness works to Rose’s advantage as Jeannette can gather the information that proves very valuable to Rose’s investigation.

Once again Edith Maxwell provides the reader with a well-written and plotted story with believable and well-developed characters.

I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this very interesting series.

This is the first time that i have read any books by Edith Maxwell and cannot wait to read more. I really enjoyed reading 'Judge Thee Not' despite it being the fifth book of a series. A great historical fiction mystery and one that i can recommend.

My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review, freely given.

A fantastic fifth mystery in this superb series, full of period details and so very enjoyable!

As a friend, Rose Carroll has a fine moral compass; she believes in accepting everyone as they come so when disparaging comments are made about her friends she finds it quite offensive, and regards the accusers with disdain. Going about her normal midwifery duties, it's not long before she hears of another murder in the small town of Amesbury and despite trying to avoid being sucked in, soon finds herself pondering on who and why . . .

I love this series! The details are limitless and reflect the impeccable research which the author obviously undertakes. Perfect for the period it's set in, I never fail to be mesmerised with life in the 19th century and Rose's forward thinking Quaker ways. I'm rather fascinated with the religious details, and love learning more about the faith. As well as a murder to solve and the continuation of Rose's midwife practice, we are also privy to how her relationship with her betrothed, David, is progressing and it all adds up to a very exciting and interesting read! A fine addition to the Quaker Midwife Series, and I do hope there are more to come; I feel as if I know Rose, her family and friends rather well now and would like to extend my acquaintance! I also follow this author's writing as Maddie Day, and can highly recommend all her novels. This is a fabulous five star read!

My thanks to publisher Beyond The Page for my copy via NetGalley. This is, as always, my honest, original and unbiased review.

Rose Carroll's marriage plans are moving at a glacial pace, but the midwife has several patients that can take her mind off her upcoming (she hopes) marriage. In Judge Thee Not by Edith Maxwell, among Rose's patients is the very young second wife of the local banker Irvin Barclay. When the very judgmental Mrs. Settle is found dead in her bed, the police jump to accuse Bertie Winslow, a woman who lives an alternative lifestyle. Another terrific addition to the Quaker Midwife Mystery series.

This is not the first Edith Maxwell book I have read, however, it is the first one in this series. I love a good historical fiction mystery and yet I wasn't sure if the Quaker part would be a good fit for me. I should never have doubted Ms. Maxwell. 

Rose Carroll is a Quaker midwife living in the small town of Amesbury. It may be small but prejudices and judgy attitudes are alive and well. Especially with Mayme Settle. She is not nice and disapproves of everyone. Including Rose's friend Bertie and her partner.

When Mayme is found dead, a sketchy witness points the finger at Bertie. With her friend the main suspect in a murder, Rose gets down to business and opens a pandora's box of long-held grudges, money troubles, and some hanky panky. For this one, Rose is going to have to pull out all the stops to get her friend out of trouble!

For me, one chapter into the book I felt such a calm. Rose's character is just a calm, good person and I felt so much respect for her. I also learned a lot about the attitudes of men and some women towards the female gender. I am extremely glad I didn't give birth back then!

Now I shall go read the other 4 books!

NetGalley/September 10th, 2019 by Beyond the Page

An enchanting and well-researched murder story set in late 19th century Amesbury, MA. Although the fifth in a series this is the first one that I've read and there was sufficient back story to bring me up to date with the characters. The heroine is a Quaker and a midwife with her fiance a local doctor. She acts as an amateur detective when a local society lady of nasty character is found murdered as she sees sides of society kept otherwise private and people talk to her. There are plenty of suspects, motives and red herrings and the murder story is delightful. On top of this there is plenty about midwifery at this period, much making me very glad that I had my twins in the late 20th century. Other social aspects are introduced - the bias against lesbians, the role of women and general hypocrisy to name but three and all set against a heroine with a strong and sensible faith. I look forward to reading future stories in the series and might well seek out the earlier stories too. Thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Another great installment of the fascinating Rose Carroll series by Edith!

Rose, still engaged, still trying to get married, but also still living her independent life as a midwife in Amesbury, MA. This time, the death of the town busybody draws her into yet another investigation, especially when her best friend, postmistress Bertie is accused. The book follows many twists and turns and the ending is completely satisfying. Rose and David finally set a date, and they begin to look at moving out of her brother's house and starting her own midwife practice elsewhere. I love how this series grows with time. I can't wait to read the next one!