Shadows of Swanford Abbey ~ Review

Shadows of Swanford Abbey

By Julie Klassen

Rebecca Lane has returned home after years away living as a lady's companion to support her brother. But word has reached that her brother's peculiar ways have worsened. But their is no room for her as her brother has spread out his work into her former room. But John has the perfect solution she can stay at Swanford Abbey and while there present his manuscript to Ambrose Oliver in hopes of getting his recommendation.

Reluctantly Rebecca agrees to John's scheme - though residing temporarily in the hotel long rumored to be haunted is the last thing she wants to do. But delivering her brother's manuscript is nigh on impossible and so Rebecca waits (and wastes funds she doesn't have). Soon she begins to see the rumored ghost that she heard tales of in her youth. 

Sir Frederick Wilford has hidden himself away from life since the death of his late wife. A betrayal has made him avoid unnecessary company but when his brother Thomas visits he finds himself agreeing to a stay at Swanford. There he comes upon the daughter of his late tutor. Rebecca Lane is no longer the young girl she was and he finds himself enjoying the chance to renew their acquaintance. 

But when a dark deed is perpetrated in the night questions are raised about all who are staying at the Swanford. And Sir Frederick as magistrate is dutybound to get answers. He knows someone is hiding something but the question is who is hiding what and whether or not it has a bearing on the murder he is investigating. 

 Shadows of Swanford Abbey is Historical Fiction with a good dose of mystery and a touch of romance. I love when books keep one in suspense as to who did it and this book did an excellent job at doing such. There are so many to suspect it is hard to narrow one's focus on who had the most compelling reason to take out Mr. Oliver. Julie Klassen does an excellent job at presenting a engaging and intriguing story. This is a standalone book as as such is an excellent introduction to this author if you have not yet read her. I have never been disappointed in any of Julie Klassen's books. I love how her characters are flawed and are aware of their failings and yet work to overcome the obstacles they have created in their lives. I would recommend this as an excellent book club selection.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations no that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen in this atmospheric Regency tale brimming with mystery, intrigue, and romance.

When Miss Rebecca Lane returns to her home village after a few years away, her brother begs for a favor: go to nearby Swanford Abbey and deliver his manuscript to an author staying there who could help him get published. Feeling responsible for her brother's desperate state, she reluctantly agrees.

The medieval monastery turned grand hotel is rumored to be haunted. Once there, Rebecca begins noticing strange things, including a figure in a hooded black gown gliding silently through the abbey's cloisters. For all its renovations and veneer of luxury, the ancient foundations seem to echo with whispers of the past--including her own. For there she encounters Sir Frederick--magistrate, widower, and former neighbor--who long ago broke her heart.

When the famous author is found murdered in the abbey, Sir Frederick begins questioning staff and guests and quickly discovers that several people held grudges against the man, including Miss Lane and her brother. Haunted by a painful betrayal in his past, Sir Frederick searches for answers but is torn between his growing feelings for Rebecca and his pursuit of the truth. For Miss Lane is clearly hiding something. . . .