The Whispering Dead of Rewley Abbey

227 pages

4 stars

This book is a wonderful example of a classy historical mystery. Even though I learned the suspect early on, I enjoyed the investigation led by the constabulary, the nun and the lady.

I enjoyed the references to various historical figures such as the Templars and so on. I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes historical mysteries with well-fleshed characters and an intriguing story line.

I want to thank NetGalley and BooksGoSocialfor forwarding to me a copy of this wonderful book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions cited in this review are solely my own.

I liked this novel a great deal. It was a different writing style, pace and format which spoke of great research and historical knowledge, but done in such a way that this reader wasn’t lost with these details, it wore its learning lightly.
There is a list of characters at the beginning that sets out their role in this murder mystery. Each chapter tells you of what the author intends to show you and the arguments for the guilt or presumed innocence of this person, or perhaps a clue to an item or a revelation about a person, that is relevant in some way that is to be determined.
There are references to the Dark Arts, arcane matters of the occult, and scientific discoveries and investigations. Rituals are performed, very similar to the Musgrave Ritual in a Sherlock Holmes story.
There is also medical and forensic knowledge, provided by Sister Agnes, who is a skilled practitioner of herbalism, a healer, nurse and an anatomist, unusual for a Nun in Holy orders, but this helps to create a well rounded female character, who carefully chooses the battles she can win.
We have references to The Knights Templars and their crusades against the Saracens, and their fight to regain the city of Jerusalem. The existence of secret tunnels and a great horde of wealth creates a plausible motive for murder.
Latin is used when trying to perform an exorcism of evil spirits that have infected a possible murderer, luckily, the phrases have been translated.
I loved the reference to the use of hallucinogenic drugs by a Sage, as a retired Nurse, I remember when we used to call Scopolamine the Truth Drug, especially when patients were recovering from anaesthetics following surgery. There were some hilarious confessions to be heard!!
I did guess the killer, but a gentle hint, pay special attention to the spelling of similar names.
A good historical novel, with very likeable central characters. It was a gripping read for an armchair detective, and a promising start to a new series. I am looking forward to the next book.
A five star read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers BooksGoSocial for my ARC, freely given for an honest review.
I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.