Murder at Penwood Manor
The Harwood Mysteries Book 5
by Antony Barone Kolenc
Pub Date 24 Oct 2023 | Archive Date 31 Dec 2023
Loyola Press
Christian| Historical Fiction| Teens & YA


Loyola Press and Netgalley sent me Murder at Penwood Manor to review:


Xan and Christina reunite with Lucy and Joshua at Harwood Abbey for Easter. When a brutal murder happens at nearby Penwood Manor, all the evidence points to Laurence, a Crusader just back from the Holy Land. Xan and his friends must act fast to solve the crime, unconvinced of the man's guilt.


Who could have committed such a horrible act, and is anyone safe?


Is Laurence haunted by demons or something else?


Is Xan's life forever changed by Lucy and Christina's choice? 


Five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I as an adult could not get into this book so I had my teenage son read it. He thought it was ok. The girl that the boy decides to marry at the end was 'flaky'. She did not deserve him. They were only 14. Which my son was way too young to get married. I did explain that the was historical and those things were common. Over all it was not a book that he would read again and would not read more from this author. However, I might have my teenage daughter read it and see what she thinks.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Or my sons in this case. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.

Teenagers Xan and Christina are off on a new adventure as they journey to Harwood Abbey where old friends await them. On route, they get pulled into a mystery that Xan is encouraged to investigate.

While this is the fifth title in a series, you do not need to read the others to enjoy it. I have read 2 of the other titles and had no issue digging into the story. Upper elementary into middle school-aged kids could enjoy this title between the mysteries and learning more about a different time.

A returning crusader suffering from signs of PTSD, his girlfriend is still in love with him, while jealousy eats away at another. A tangled web indeed, but not as exciting as I wanted. It was a dreary read, filled with mild intrigue and excitement. I wasn’t too impressed with this Christian cozy mystery.

I'm happy I read it because I discovered this entertaining historical mystery series. Well plotted, entertaining, and fast paced: a solid mystery and an intriguing story
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The story takes place in the 12th century of the Middle Ages, so you will encounter Crusaders, monks, nuns and class hierarchies.
A small group of young people are involved in solving a murder mystery near an abbey.
Xan, Christina, his boss Uncle William, and Father Philip are on their way to Harwood Abbey when they are asked to help a possessed Crusader knight, Laurence and his friend Robert. Laurence is having a fit and yelling "Daemonium" and he suddenly calms down and comes to his senses.
The party arrives at Laurence's brother Rolfe's house and Rolfe tells him that his fiancé' Muriel has been bothered by Roger the blacksmith.
Laurene tells Roger to keep his hands off of Muriel or he will meet up with is sword - the next day Roger is found with Laurences sword through his chest!

"Murder at Penwood Manor" is a middle grade mystery set in 1187 in England. This was the fifth book in a series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but some of the relationships between the characters weren't entirely clear, so it might be better to read the stories in order. Also, be warned that this book ended with a cliff-hanger: will Xan marry the girl he proposed to or the one that he's long cared for? Yes, a 14-year-old boy is not only running a merchant business but going to get married by the end of this book. And there's another cliff-hanger, but I won't spoil that one.

Xan asked some good questions after the murder was discovered. But then he got sidetracked into looking into who had motives rather than first narrowing it down to people who could have done it. I guessed whodunit about halfway through and the gathered clues kept pointing in that direction, but there were other possibilities to keep readers guessing. It seemed like the adults who didn't believe Laurence killed the man were a little dense not to suspect, though. Everyone seemed a little dense, actually, which is why I didn't give the story a better rating.

The theme of the story was envy and the stupid things people (including Xan) do due to envy. Xan frequently prayed to God to guide him in his decision-making. The was no sex or bad language.

Good plot, well thought-out characters, very well written! I recommend this, if you like quality, and is in the need for a good book to heat you up, as we venture into summer.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!

This book is a good book of historical children’s fiction that includes mystery and a modern aspect that will have kids loving the mystery aspect of it as well as getting some history as well!