Anne Loveday, a surgeon apothecaryβs daughter, is unhappy with her life at home, and travels to Painswick Court, a place where she spent happy times in her childhood. She soon takes on the task of assisting Lady Celia, who is extremely ill. What Anne doesnβt count on is the shadowy and unscrupulous inhabitants that traverse the halls and concoct devious plans for the lady's demise in WHISPERS AT PAINSWICK COURT by Julie Klassen. Β Anne, who first had reservations about Lady Celia, who had a hand in her sisterβs broken heart, comes to respect the lady and tends to her alongside a lady's maid named Rosa. Two doctors also regularly visit Lady Celia: Dr. Marsland and his apprentice, Dr. Finch. The remaining members of the household include Lady Celiaβs daughter, two handsome nephews, and the staff. As incidents start to occur that threaten Lady Celiaβs life, Anne starts to wonder who in the household wants Lady Celia dead.
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WHISPERS AT PAINSWICK COURT is an entertaining trip back to 1821 England and Painswick Court. The haunted mansion is filled with deceitful characters and the ghost of King Charles I. Anne is a smart, inquisitive young woman who enjoys tending to the ill, although her confidence has been lacking since the death of her mother. She is determined to prove her worth and protect Lady Celia, when the incidents start to occur β poisoned tea, bees in the flowers, broken vases, and medication overdoses. Someone is stalking the halls and hoping to inherit their money at the cost of Lady Celiaβs life. Who is the culprit? The mystery transports readers with rich historical details and perfect pacing that builds suspense, crafts multi-faceted characters, and shows the budding romance between Dr. Finch and Anne. Lady Celia has a wry wit and Anne has her own sense of wicked humor that lightens the story. From scheming family members, secret relationships, a King Charles ghost, a churchyard chase, an arrow through a housemateβs neck, hidden dungeons, and multiple attempted poisonings, Anne has her work cut out for her in this well-done, immensely enjoyable historical mystery, WHISPERS AT PAINSWICK COURT.Β
Anne Loveday, a surgeon's daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year.
Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sick-room nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne's sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia's spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady's maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own. As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her determination to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real killer—and protect her heart—before it's too late?
Acclaimed Regency author Julie Klassen marries the best of historical romance and mystery in a novel full of English village charm, intrigue, and love.
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