Anne Loveday, a surgeon apothecary’s 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 doesn’t 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.   Anne, who first had reservations about Lady Celia, who had a hand in her sister’s 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 Celia’s daughter, two handsome nephews, and the staff. As incidents start to occur that threaten Lady Celia’s life, Anne starts to wonder who in the household wants Lady Celia dead.

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 – 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 Celia’s 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 housemate’s 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.