The first in a series featuring itinerant weaver Will Rees. This is set in 1795, and there's no shortage of historical detail, but for some reason I didn't feel immersed in the period. Maybe it suffered because I'm also reading the amazing historicals by P.F. Chisholm? Or the language wasn't quite right...so too bad about that, but there's lots to like here anyway. The mystery is complicated; not only are there multiple family ties involved but there are a couple different crimes going on. We're told that Rees apparently has a lot of experience in investigating murders, but we don't know how that came about, kind of fun to speculate. And I liked how it's structured more like a "classic" mystery: the story is almost completely focused on the murder, with lots of suspects being questioned, looking at evidence, and the detective pondering the problem alone in his room. There's a sub-plot about Rees' relationship with his son, and their farm, plus a hint of romance, but it doesn't become central to the story. Nice ending with the time-honored technique of gathering all the suspects in a room and telling the story to point out the accused. It's been a while since I've read one like that, very enjoyable.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
