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Aunt Dimity Mystery #17
Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch
Nancy Atherton's seventeenth in the New York Times bestselling series sees the sleepy village of Finch set aflutter by a bewitching mystery from its past. Watch out for Nancy Atherton's latest, Aunt Dimity and the King's Ransom , coming in July 2018 from Viking! Last year, the otherworldly sleuth's devoted fans secured a place on the New York Times bestseller list for Nancy Atherton's Aunt Dimity and the Family Tree . Now Lori and Aunt Dimity are back on the list—and this time, they're on a witch-hunt. At first glance, the unassuming Mrs. Amelia Thistle is a disappointment to the villagers of Finch, but Lori Shepherd isn't fooled by the new arrival's bland persona. Amelia is a world-famous artist, traveling incognito, and, after unearthing a fragment of a family diary hinting that Mistress Meg, the Mad Witch of Finch, might be one of her ancestors, she's come to Finch in search of the truth.
280 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 26, 2012
108 people are currently reading
1182 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Atherton
62 books1,183 followersNancy Atherton is not a white-haired Englishwoman with a softly wrinkled face, a wry smile, and wise gray eyes, nor does she live in a thatched cottage behind a babbling brook in a tranquil, rural corner of the Cotswolds.
She has never taken tea with a vicar (although she drank an Orange Squash with one once) and she doesn't plan to continue writing after her allotted time on earth (though such plans are, as well all know, subject to change without notice).
If you prefer to envision her as an Englishwoman, she urges you to cling to your illusions at all costs -- she treasures carefully nurtured illusions. She also urges you to read no further.
Because the truth is that Nancy Atherton is a dark-haired American with a generally unwrinkled face, a beaming smile, and hazel eyes, who lives in a plain house in Colorado Springs. She comes from a large, gregarious family (five brothers and two sisters!) and enjoys socializing as much as she enjoys solitude.
So if you are looking for her at a convention, don't look for a stately grande dame in a flowery dress. Look for a woman in jeans and sneakers who's bounding around like a hyperactive gerbil.
That'll be her. And she'd love to meet you.
Japanese: ナンシー アサートン
She has never taken tea with a vicar (although she drank an Orange Squash with one once) and she doesn't plan to continue writing after her allotted time on earth (though such plans are, as well all know, subject to change without notice).
If you prefer to envision her as an Englishwoman, she urges you to cling to your illusions at all costs -- she treasures carefully nurtured illusions. She also urges you to read no further.
Because the truth is that Nancy Atherton is a dark-haired American with a generally unwrinkled face, a beaming smile, and hazel eyes, who lives in a plain house in Colorado Springs. She comes from a large, gregarious family (five brothers and two sisters!) and enjoys socializing as much as she enjoys solitude.
So if you are looking for her at a convention, don't look for a stately grande dame in a flowery dress. Look for a woman in jeans and sneakers who's bounding around like a hyperactive gerbil.
That'll be her. And she'd love to meet you.
Japanese: ナンシー アサートン
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews
August 9, 2012
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
I've been a fan of Aunt Dimity almost as long as the books have been around. Aunt Dimity's Death is one of my comfort novels, the books I turn to when I'm tired, overwhelmed, or feeling blue: the reading equivalent of a nice cup of tea; and several of the sequels (or in one case, a prequel) are nearly as satisfying.
The charm of the series is in part its lightness. Aunt Dimity mysteries never deal in dead bodies, and only rarely in real, physical danger. What makes the early books work is the richness of the (often slightly wacky) characters, the multiple small mysteries, the charm of the main setting (Finch, a small village in England), and the thoroughly likeable narrator, Lori Shepard. Though the books are light from the mystery point of view -- no gore, little violence, not murder mysteries -- early books in the series were warm and textured, like a favorite knitted wool afghan. Sadly, some of the more recent releases have been almost too light, too thin -- verging at times on insubstantial. So it was with some trepidation that I sat down to read Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch.
I was mildly but somewhat pleasantly surprised. While Village Witch isn't nearly as warm and textured as Aunt Dimity's Death, it was an enjoyable read, and felt at least a little more solid than the last few have. The "village witch" of the title refers not to Finch's resident practicing witch (currently out of town) but to "Mistress Meg" or "Mad Maggie", a woman accused of witchcraft in the seventeenth century. Amelia Thistle (a.k.a. the well-known artist Mae Bowen) has come to Finch in search of more information about Meg, whose name and part of whose story appear in a secret journal entry by one of Amelia's ancestors, Gamaliel Gowland. To discover Meg's story, Amelia, Lori, and eventually most of Finch must embark on a treasure hunt to locate the rest of Gowland's journal, the pages of which were secreted in and around the village.
The search is complicated by Amelia's attempts to hide her other identity from the villagers. Mae Bowen's botanical paintings have inspired an unlikely cult whose neo-hippie followers call her "Mother Bowen" and make themselves such nuisances that she has had to hide from them. Here is where this book really fails to live up to its early predecessors. There are suggestions that Myron Brocklehurst, the founder of Bowenism, is not what he purports to be, but the investigation into his motives and background is conducted entirely "off-stage" by Lori's husband (Bill) and her father-in-law (William), and the revelation of his true character comes out of the blue. This would have been a much stronger book if the two investigations had been more closely entwined, and if Lori had been at least informed about, if not involved in, the Brocklehurst mystery.
An additional although minor flaw has to do with continuity. Inconsistencies in details between books in a series really bother me. I know that authors can't always help it; they may not remember a certain detail from a book written years earlier, or the plot of the new book may require a change. In this case, in the first book in the series, it's clear that Bill's mother -- William's wife -- died after being hit by a bus. In Village Witch, she died of pancreatic cancer, giving her time to have commissioned a Mae Bowen picture for William before her death. It's a little thing, and it shouldn't matter, but it does. The "willing suspension of disbelief" required by fiction is easily broken by just such small inconsistencies, and I'm thrown out of the world of the story for a time.
Overall, though, I found Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch a pleasant enough read, though not a book which will tempt me to return to its pages again and again.
FCC disclosure: I borrowed this from the public library.
You can read more of my reviews at The Bookwyrm’s Hoard.
I've been a fan of Aunt Dimity almost as long as the books have been around. Aunt Dimity's Death is one of my comfort novels, the books I turn to when I'm tired, overwhelmed, or feeling blue: the reading equivalent of a nice cup of tea; and several of the sequels (or in one case, a prequel) are nearly as satisfying.
The charm of the series is in part its lightness. Aunt Dimity mysteries never deal in dead bodies, and only rarely in real, physical danger. What makes the early books work is the richness of the (often slightly wacky) characters, the multiple small mysteries, the charm of the main setting (Finch, a small village in England), and the thoroughly likeable narrator, Lori Shepard. Though the books are light from the mystery point of view -- no gore, little violence, not murder mysteries -- early books in the series were warm and textured, like a favorite knitted wool afghan. Sadly, some of the more recent releases have been almost too light, too thin -- verging at times on insubstantial. So it was with some trepidation that I sat down to read Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch.
I was mildly but somewhat pleasantly surprised. While Village Witch isn't nearly as warm and textured as Aunt Dimity's Death, it was an enjoyable read, and felt at least a little more solid than the last few have. The "village witch" of the title refers not to Finch's resident practicing witch (currently out of town) but to "Mistress Meg" or "Mad Maggie", a woman accused of witchcraft in the seventeenth century. Amelia Thistle (a.k.a. the well-known artist Mae Bowen) has come to Finch in search of more information about Meg, whose name and part of whose story appear in a secret journal entry by one of Amelia's ancestors, Gamaliel Gowland. To discover Meg's story, Amelia, Lori, and eventually most of Finch must embark on a treasure hunt to locate the rest of Gowland's journal, the pages of which were secreted in and around the village.
The search is complicated by Amelia's attempts to hide her other identity from the villagers. Mae Bowen's botanical paintings have inspired an unlikely cult whose neo-hippie followers call her "Mother Bowen" and make themselves such nuisances that she has had to hide from them. Here is where this book really fails to live up to its early predecessors. There are suggestions that Myron Brocklehurst, the founder of Bowenism, is not what he purports to be, but the investigation into his motives and background is conducted entirely "off-stage" by Lori's husband (Bill) and her father-in-law (William), and the revelation of his true character comes out of the blue. This would have been a much stronger book if the two investigations had been more closely entwined, and if Lori had been at least informed about, if not involved in, the Brocklehurst mystery.
An additional although minor flaw has to do with continuity. Inconsistencies in details between books in a series really bother me. I know that authors can't always help it; they may not remember a certain detail from a book written years earlier, or the plot of the new book may require a change. In this case, in the first book in the series, it's clear that Bill's mother -- William's wife -- died after being hit by a bus. In Village Witch, she died of pancreatic cancer, giving her time to have commissioned a Mae Bowen picture for William before her death. It's a little thing, and it shouldn't matter, but it does. The "willing suspension of disbelief" required by fiction is easily broken by just such small inconsistencies, and I'm thrown out of the world of the story for a time.
Overall, though, I found Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch a pleasant enough read, though not a book which will tempt me to return to its pages again and again.
FCC disclosure: I borrowed this from the public library.
You can read more of my reviews at The Bookwyrm’s Hoard.
April 29, 2012
All eyes on the village green.
“Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch” is a fun, cozy mystery set in a quaint English Village. Lori is an American homemaker who’s settled in Finch with her husband and twin boys for her husband’s work. When a well known artist comes to town with a mystery to solve Lori throws herself into finding a solution. The artist is Amelia Thistle and she’s recently lost her beloved brother. After his death she finds a piece of parchment that was written by a distant relative…..distant as in he lived in Finch and worked as a clergyman in the 1600’s. The parchment begins a tale of a woman who’s accused of being a witch, a serious charge at that time. The first installment ends with a sigil that points to where the next part of the story can be found. As Lori and Amelia continue their search they quickly pick up other villagers who want to help. This is definitely a feel good novel. It has a slight paranormal aspect to it in the form of Aunt Dimity but even that part seems believable. Don’t hesitate to read it even if you haven’t read other books in the series. It easily stands alone and is lots of fun.
“Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch” is a fun, cozy mystery set in a quaint English Village. Lori is an American homemaker who’s settled in Finch with her husband and twin boys for her husband’s work. When a well known artist comes to town with a mystery to solve Lori throws herself into finding a solution. The artist is Amelia Thistle and she’s recently lost her beloved brother. After his death she finds a piece of parchment that was written by a distant relative…..distant as in he lived in Finch and worked as a clergyman in the 1600’s. The parchment begins a tale of a woman who’s accused of being a witch, a serious charge at that time. The first installment ends with a sigil that points to where the next part of the story can be found. As Lori and Amelia continue their search they quickly pick up other villagers who want to help. This is definitely a feel good novel. It has a slight paranormal aspect to it in the form of Aunt Dimity but even that part seems believable. Don’t hesitate to read it even if you haven’t read other books in the series. It easily stands alone and is lots of fun.
March 2, 2023
"Das kleine Dorf Finch schmiegte sich behaglich in die Biegung des Little Deeping River, eines Nebenflusses, der sich durch den Flickenteppich aus Feldern und sanften grünen Hügeln der Cotswolds schlängelte, einer ländlichen Gegend in den englischen West Midlands."
Ein Tante Dimity Buch aufschlagen fühlt sich an wie nach Hause kommen. Ich fühle mich sofort wohl, die Probleme scheinen groß, werden aber gemeinsam gelöst und am Ende ist vielleicht nicht immer alles gut aber man ist einfach nur zufrieden und glücklich. Ich mag dieses gemütliche Örtchen Finch, ich mag die Bewohner mit all ihren Eigenarten. Und ich mag die Ideen der Autorin, die immer eine starke Geschichte erschafft. Dieses Mal hat mich die Geschichte um die Dorfhexe in ihren Bann gezogen und ziemlich begeistert. Wer Tante Dimity noch nicht kennt, sollte sie schnellstens kennenlernen. Britisch Cosy Crime at its best.
Ein Tante Dimity Buch aufschlagen fühlt sich an wie nach Hause kommen. Ich fühle mich sofort wohl, die Probleme scheinen groß, werden aber gemeinsam gelöst und am Ende ist vielleicht nicht immer alles gut aber man ist einfach nur zufrieden und glücklich. Ich mag dieses gemütliche Örtchen Finch, ich mag die Bewohner mit all ihren Eigenarten. Und ich mag die Ideen der Autorin, die immer eine starke Geschichte erschafft. Dieses Mal hat mich die Geschichte um die Dorfhexe in ihren Bann gezogen und ziemlich begeistert. Wer Tante Dimity noch nicht kennt, sollte sie schnellstens kennenlernen. Britisch Cosy Crime at its best.
September 28, 2019
.
This series offers cozy mysteries with amusing and quirky characters, in the life of Lori and her Aunt Dimity. Each one has been a fun and entertaining read to be sure.
It is appreciated that each book is able to stand on its own and usually concludes with an HEA.
This series offers cozy mysteries with amusing and quirky characters, in the life of Lori and her Aunt Dimity. Each one has been a fun and entertaining read to be sure.
It is appreciated that each book is able to stand on its own and usually concludes with an HEA.
June 17, 2012
Books are often re-read based on different moods and needs. The Aunt Dimity series is like an invitation to sit, chat and - most of all - relax. My favorite Aunt Dimity book is the first book (Aunt Dimity's Death) but Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch is a close second. Despite the titles both books are a relaxing way to spend some quiet time.
In Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch the story unfolds with a new addition to the village of Finch. It is quickly revealed that the new occupant of Pussywillows cottage is a well-known botanical artist who is both seeking a quiet refuge and on a private mission. The artist's seeks refuge from a cult group who have stalked her with fanatic zealotry. Her mission is to complete her recently deceased brother's research of a story of Margaret Redfern (a witch) and Gamaliel Gowland (the church rector) in the 17th century Village of Finch.
The story unfolds in the hunt for the pages Gamaliel Gowland hid in locations near St. George's Church in Finch. The pages were hidden because witchcraft was a dangerous topic in the 17th century yet it was a story that he felt needed to be told. Over time the whole town becomes involved in hunting for the hidden pages.
The story also deals with a leader with ulterior motives who encourage the artist's fans turning misguided attempts of appreciation into cult-like fanaticism. The village quite ably deals with the cultists in their own Finch characteristic ways. The villain is unmasked, the mystery solved and a new romance begins to develop with the introduction of the new resident.
In Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch the story unfolds with a new addition to the village of Finch. It is quickly revealed that the new occupant of Pussywillows cottage is a well-known botanical artist who is both seeking a quiet refuge and on a private mission. The artist's seeks refuge from a cult group who have stalked her with fanatic zealotry. Her mission is to complete her recently deceased brother's research of a story of Margaret Redfern (a witch) and Gamaliel Gowland (the church rector) in the 17th century Village of Finch.
The story unfolds in the hunt for the pages Gamaliel Gowland hid in locations near St. George's Church in Finch. The pages were hidden because witchcraft was a dangerous topic in the 17th century yet it was a story that he felt needed to be told. Over time the whole town becomes involved in hunting for the hidden pages.
The story also deals with a leader with ulterior motives who encourage the artist's fans turning misguided attempts of appreciation into cult-like fanaticism. The village quite ably deals with the cultists in their own Finch characteristic ways. The villain is unmasked, the mystery solved and a new romance begins to develop with the introduction of the new resident.
July 14, 2016
The Aunt Dimity books are consistently fun to read, following Lori Shepherd's life in the Cotswold village of Finch as she communicates with her deceased, but not departed, benefactor and friend Dimity Westwood about the events and mysteries related to Finch. This particular mystery involves a famous artist and her search for missing pages of an ancestor's journal that tell a tale of 17th century witchcraft intrigue. The introduction of Amelia Thistle to the community of Finch, the interaction of the village residents, and the element of witchcraft have served to make this one of my favorite books in the series. Alas, it is also the last one until Nancy Atherton releases her newest Aunt Dimity in 2013. One of the drawbacks to being caught up in a series is the wait for a new one. Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch was the perfect ending to my frenzied reading of the entire series, whetting my appetite nicely for the next tale.
April 29, 2012
Reading the new Aunt Dimity book, Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch, had me feeling as if I was revisiting the quaint English village of Finch. It felt like putting on an old, comfy sweater. Once again Nancy Atherton has written an enticing mystery that carries the reader across the pond as they say. Finding old parchments hidden all over Finch leads to an unique view of the past and opens up a world of understanding concerning world-wide issues as well as issues close to home. As I closed my book I was looking forward to my next trip to Finch. . .
May 6, 2012
I love the Aunt Dimity books for their gentleness--good characters so typical of small-town life, lack of violence (generally), and, of course, Aunt Dimity, herself. No big action heroes, little blood and guts, lots of quirky characters that make me smile. I don't enjoy the books that take place outside of Finch nearly as much but this one was situated in the midst of town and introduced a lovely new character whom we will see in the future, no doubt. I enjoyed revisiting the village of Finch and its citizens in this story.
April 27, 2019
I say this after I read each of these books. However, this had to be my favorite. It took a turn at the very end that I did not expect and was awesome. Love this author and can’t wait to share these books with my daughter when she is older.
March 21, 2023
I think this was my favorite so far. The whole village plays a part in this one. Lots of fun.
July 24, 2024
quick and cute story just not very meaningful
February 14, 2019
A good, old-fashioned treasure hunt. A perfect book for reading on a snowy day, wrapped in a blanket. Plus, unlike so many US authors writing about England, Nancy Atherton is good at getting the details right.
December 28, 2012
My first read by Nancy Atherton. I enjoyed it. Sometimes you just want to relax and that's why they make cozies.
August 14, 2022
3.5/5 stars
This is book #17 in the Aunt Dimity, Paranormal Detective Mystery Series. It’s a really cute series and I like to jump into it now and again; although, the series title is a bit of a misnomer. While Aunt Dimity is on the other side of the veil, she’s not actually the detective. She likes to give out advice and sometimes send Lori Shepherd, who is the main character, off on quests.
In this installment, a new neighbor has moved into the village of Finch. That’s cause enough for excitement, but soon Lori finds out the new resident is not Amanda Thistle, as she claims. She’s a world-famous artist named Mae Bowen, who has her own fanatic fan base that seem to think she’s a spiritual guru. This could spell trouble for Lori’s small town, which is famous for nothing and that’s exactly how its residents like it. But Amanda/Mae hasn’t just moved to get away from her followers, she’s tracking down clues that point to an ancestor from Finch, who might be Mistress Meg, a witch from the seventeenth century.
These novels are really cute and fun. They are cozy mysteries but I’ve yet to read one with a body or a death, unless you count Aunt Dimity and she died off stage before the series started. The problems seem huge, in part because Lori is a busybody (as is the rest of the town) and has a tendency to sensationalize most everything. Enter Aunt Dimity, with her down to earth advice and reassurances, to talk Lori off whatever cliff she’s teetering on. I never really noticed how high strung her character was until this novel; perhaps it was all the talk of witches and misconceptions about them. Regardless, everything is wrapped up satisfactorily with the help of several memorable townspeople and Lori’s family.
While this was not my favorite novel in this series, it was nice to fall back into something lighthearted that didn’t hit me over the head with current social issues. If you need a break as well, you might want to check this series out. The problems are small (although, perhaps not to those involved), the characters are quirky, and I always want to find a small village to live in after I read one of these novels. However, I recommend starting with the first and second books in the series. The first book (Aunt Dimity’s Death) is necessary to set up the relationship between Lori and Aunt Dimity. The second book (Aunt Dimity and the Duke) is just really fun and my favorite thus far.
This is book #17 in the Aunt Dimity, Paranormal Detective Mystery Series. It’s a really cute series and I like to jump into it now and again; although, the series title is a bit of a misnomer. While Aunt Dimity is on the other side of the veil, she’s not actually the detective. She likes to give out advice and sometimes send Lori Shepherd, who is the main character, off on quests.
In this installment, a new neighbor has moved into the village of Finch. That’s cause enough for excitement, but soon Lori finds out the new resident is not Amanda Thistle, as she claims. She’s a world-famous artist named Mae Bowen, who has her own fanatic fan base that seem to think she’s a spiritual guru. This could spell trouble for Lori’s small town, which is famous for nothing and that’s exactly how its residents like it. But Amanda/Mae hasn’t just moved to get away from her followers, she’s tracking down clues that point to an ancestor from Finch, who might be Mistress Meg, a witch from the seventeenth century.
These novels are really cute and fun. They are cozy mysteries but I’ve yet to read one with a body or a death, unless you count Aunt Dimity and she died off stage before the series started. The problems seem huge, in part because Lori is a busybody (as is the rest of the town) and has a tendency to sensationalize most everything. Enter Aunt Dimity, with her down to earth advice and reassurances, to talk Lori off whatever cliff she’s teetering on. I never really noticed how high strung her character was until this novel; perhaps it was all the talk of witches and misconceptions about them. Regardless, everything is wrapped up satisfactorily with the help of several memorable townspeople and Lori’s family.
While this was not my favorite novel in this series, it was nice to fall back into something lighthearted that didn’t hit me over the head with current social issues. If you need a break as well, you might want to check this series out. The problems are small (although, perhaps not to those involved), the characters are quirky, and I always want to find a small village to live in after I read one of these novels. However, I recommend starting with the first and second books in the series. The first book (Aunt Dimity’s Death) is necessary to set up the relationship between Lori and Aunt Dimity. The second book (Aunt Dimity and the Duke) is just really fun and my favorite thus far.
October 31, 2021
Lori's new neighbor, Amelia, is hiding her identity from her crazed art fans, and searching for historical documents about the fate of a witch who lived in their village in the 17th century. Lori will have to go snooping through the church graveyard and into her neighbor's old stone cottages to find the clues. But is there another clue, an affair of the heart, that Lori is missing?
I loved this book so much! This is definitely one of the best books in the series! I especially loved the history that is unfolded in this plot, and we get to learn more about the little village of Finch. I really enjoyed the puzzle aspects of the story!
The plot has many little details that made it fun and engaging. I still think it's hilarious that Aunt Dimity is a ghost who talks to Lori through a journal. I still love Lori's delightfully stubborn character, and her relationships with everyone in her little town. I love seeing Lori meet new people in every book, making friends and enemies, and being her own wild self.
The writing is good, clear, and funny! The characters are adorable and complex.
This book in particular has some really sweet emotional scenes that deal with grief and suicide, and we get to see these characters comforting and encouraging each other in a really meaningful way. It's not all fluff all the time with Aunt Dimity. But there are also some really hilarious scenes. There's an excellent balance of serious subjects with more light-hearted scenes.
I love it all!
I loved this book so much! This is definitely one of the best books in the series! I especially loved the history that is unfolded in this plot, and we get to learn more about the little village of Finch. I really enjoyed the puzzle aspects of the story!
The plot has many little details that made it fun and engaging. I still think it's hilarious that Aunt Dimity is a ghost who talks to Lori through a journal. I still love Lori's delightfully stubborn character, and her relationships with everyone in her little town. I love seeing Lori meet new people in every book, making friends and enemies, and being her own wild self.
The writing is good, clear, and funny! The characters are adorable and complex.
This book in particular has some really sweet emotional scenes that deal with grief and suicide, and we get to see these characters comforting and encouraging each other in a really meaningful way. It's not all fluff all the time with Aunt Dimity. But there are also some really hilarious scenes. There's an excellent balance of serious subjects with more light-hearted scenes.
I love it all!
July 19, 2024
I love how Nancy Atherton works in a message about women’s right into this story, as well as a thundering defense of the heroism of dealing with mental illness. Atherton has taken a mystery of the cozy sub genre of all things and used it to send a message about tolerance of the different, being genuine about the environment, and as mentioned, the sheer misery of mental illness. I highly recommend this but as always I also suggest you read in order so the backstory makes sense! On to the next!
January 10, 2022
October-November
This story involves a new resident, a secret identity, a lost manuscript, and a scavenger hunt. I enjoyed the search for the manuscript. I didn't like how many people ended up involved. I was let down by the ending. I was expecting and hoping for something more dramatic.
This story involves a new resident, a secret identity, a lost manuscript, and a scavenger hunt. I enjoyed the search for the manuscript. I didn't like how many people ended up involved. I was let down by the ending. I was expecting and hoping for something more dramatic.
January 6, 2022
An enjoyable trip through village history, with a few crazed characters and a new love thrown in.
November 2, 2023
An enjoyable installment in the series, ideal light reading for autumn.
November 9, 2024
Lori and Aunt Dimity help an artist investigate an ancient witch story in Finch.
January 31, 2024
The entire village of Finch gathers at Sally Pyne's tea shop to spy on their newest neighbor, Amelia Thistle, as she moves into her cottage. It's Charles and Grant who first discover something important about their new neighbor and Lori who ferrets out the secret first. Amelia Thistle is none other than the extraordinary botanical artist Mae Bowen. Lori discovers her father-in-law, Willis, Sr., is a big fan of Mae Bowen's art, or at least one painting in particular gifted to him by his late wife, Jane. Lori becomes the first to meet Amelia Thistle long before the customary waiting period and earns the ire of the village women when they discover Willis, Sr.'s interest in Ms. Thistle. Amelia has come to the village for two reasons: one, to get away from the acolytes from a hippie cult who thinks she's some kind of spiritual guide who will tell them how to live. Her second and primary reason is to discover the whereabouts of the pages of the diary her ancestral great-grand uncle, Gamaliel Gowland wrote in the 17th-century and fulfill her late brother's last wish. Can Amelia escape the cult members? Will she find the journal pages and does she really want to know the ending to the story of the village witch?
This is one of my top favorites of the series. I enjoyed the hunt for the missing manuscript pages very much. I especially liked how the entire village pitched in to help Amelia with both her problems. The modern storyline of the cult AND the 17th-century witch hunt plot were both very timely. If only real life were as simple as these stories! The subplot about Amelia's brother was also handled sensitively and very well done. It's been covered before but not quite as empathetically.
Aunt Dimity doesn't have a lot to do but she gets into the story and tries to help figure out the clues. She gives Lori a helpful idea of how to locate the first page. Now Lori's husband Bill is hot, her roving eye is roving no more. Of course she hasn't encountered too many new men but she restrained herself in New Zealand so I think she's turned over a new leaf. Lori manages to be wise, take charge and be helpful. She does meddle in her father-in-law's life but with good intentions. She seems to have inherited Aunt Dimity's matchmaking propensities. Bill and the twins even get a chance to help a bit. It's fun to imagine Bill having an adventure of his own off page. The twins don't speak until nearly the end of the book and then, as usual, their one line is so hysterically funny it made me laugh and caused my book club members to want a spinoff series from the POV of the twins. Maybe some short stories of their impressions of the funny things that Mummy and Daddy do and say? Plus some about their odd little friends. First vampires, then quaffling and wenching and now weeing LOL! Personally I think Lori overreacted to their news and it was a funny story and didn't deserve a lecture.
Willis, Sr. is once again a main character. His heart was irreparably broken about 30 years ago when his beloved wife died of... pancreatic cancer. Did you think she got hit by a bus? The author acknowledges the "oops" on her website FAQs. The day before she died, Jane presented William with a beautiful watercolor of crocuses in winter symbolizing something special about her. Now the artist has come to the village and is need of a knight in shining armor and Willis, Sr. is just the one to perform that role, or so Lori thinks. Willis, Sr. is used to being hunted by the village ladies who do not take kindly to his interest in the newcomer. Amelia Thistle doesn't seem to have any romantic interest in Willis, Sr. and that's an unusual position for him to be in. That was a different and refreshing plotline but I have a feeling Amelia is going to fall for William anyway.
Lillian Bunting also takes center stage. She is strong, capable and reminds her husband to remind his flock of certain lessons as she reads and translates the story of the 17th-century witch hunt. Lillian is very wise. We need Peggy Taxman to come sort out the world's problems. They needed her in Finch in the 17th-century too. She scares me and I think she scares everyone else too but she's devoted to Finch and will protect it any way she can, including ... telling lies! *GASP*! Her story made me laugh because it's Peggy who is the scary one in the relationship. Poor Jasper! Does he know what is expected of him? I also liked getting to know Henry a lot better. He fits right in and seems content with village life. I'm happy Sally is happy and taking things a little more slowly than it seemed initially. I adore Bree. She's a breath of fresh air and the best thing that happened to Finch. She's tough and sassy. Bree enjoys testing people and pushing the limits. She's also very thoughtful, caring and has become a true inhabitant of Finch. However, I was hoping her aunties would have provided her with some information on the history of the village and this witch story. Maybe Aunt Dimity fashion?
Elspeth Binney, one of the so-called "handmaidens" turns out to be not so bad for the most part. She wants to feel included and of use. She was once a history teacher at the village school and is eager to participate in the hunt for the 17h-century manuscript as much as she is eager to help Willis, Sr. Opal Taylor, on the other hand, is awful. She's nosy, jealous and proprietary even if Willis, Sr. is not there. Millicent is another catty woman who fights with Opal. UGH. It was nice to check in with Kit and Nell. He seems to be healed from all of his past trauma and demons. Nell is still ethereal. Another continuity error: Did Emma quit her job in IT and give up gardening to run the riding school or does she have three jobs?
Amelia Thistle is nice but she's a bit scatterbrained and damsel in distress-ish for me. She's grieving though and that's her excuse. She lost her husband and her only brother in a short amount of time. Then she gave up the home she loved and the security of that home for a cottage in an obscure Cotswolds village. She's friendly, open and honest but also a but naïve. She learns everything there is to know about the neighbors right away but doesn't pick up on the undercurrents of tension between the unmarried ladies and herself. Amelia is focused only on herself and her needs.
The Bowenists are a weird, hippie cult. Their leader, Charles Brocklehurst, encourages them to stalk Amelia and beg for her to tell them how to live. Charles is egotistical. As the founder of Bowenism, he thinks he can tell everyone else what to do. He's a well-dressed, charismatic leader but absolutely a shady character. I picked up on the type of car he drives right away and knew he had to be a phone. Bree picked up on his clothing and hair. Obviously I can't see that and I have to infer from the text or trust Bree. Either way he's up to no good but the Bowenists can't see it. All they can see is their NEED for Amelia to share her wisdom with them. Before they can reach her, they have to encounter the good citizens of Finch. Daffodil Deeproots is about the ditziest of them all and the most dedicated.
In the 17th-century we meet Gamaliel Gowland, rector of St. George's, Finch's parish church. Gamaliel Gowland is living in a tumultuous time when the temptation of Satan is all around and women are tortured and hanged as witches. His diary tells the story of Margaret Redfearn or Mistress Meg, an unconventional woman for her day. She was an herbal healer, a goat farmer, a midwife and nurse but not much of a church goer, upsetting Gamaliel Gowland. When dark days come to Finch, one of the neighbors turns on Mistress Meg and sets a witch finder on her. This causes a dilemma for the rector. Lori, who sees romance everywhere, believes the rector was in love with the witch. Was he or was he trying to redeem her? Did he turn on her or protect her? The hunt for his hidden journal pages will reveal all. Mistress Meg was turned into a bogeywoman for the children of 20th-century Finch. Aunt Dimity and Kit both reveal stories they heard about an evil witch. How did Mistress Meg become the village bogey? Her story could not have ended well for that story to have been passed down in that way.
Amelia Thistle's brown bread is a hit in the book and in real life. Serve warm with butter and jam.
This is one of my top favorites of the series. I enjoyed the hunt for the missing manuscript pages very much. I especially liked how the entire village pitched in to help Amelia with both her problems. The modern storyline of the cult AND the 17th-century witch hunt plot were both very timely. If only real life were as simple as these stories! The subplot about Amelia's brother was also handled sensitively and very well done. It's been covered before but not quite as empathetically.
Aunt Dimity doesn't have a lot to do but she gets into the story and tries to help figure out the clues. She gives Lori a helpful idea of how to locate the first page. Now Lori's husband Bill is hot, her roving eye is roving no more. Of course she hasn't encountered too many new men but she restrained herself in New Zealand so I think she's turned over a new leaf. Lori manages to be wise, take charge and be helpful. She does meddle in her father-in-law's life but with good intentions. She seems to have inherited Aunt Dimity's matchmaking propensities. Bill and the twins even get a chance to help a bit. It's fun to imagine Bill having an adventure of his own off page. The twins don't speak until nearly the end of the book and then, as usual, their one line is so hysterically funny it made me laugh and caused my book club members to want a spinoff series from the POV of the twins. Maybe some short stories of their impressions of the funny things that Mummy and Daddy do and say? Plus some about their odd little friends. First vampires, then quaffling and wenching and now weeing LOL! Personally I think Lori overreacted to their news and it was a funny story and didn't deserve a lecture.
Willis, Sr. is once again a main character. His heart was irreparably broken about 30 years ago when his beloved wife died of... pancreatic cancer. Did you think she got hit by a bus? The author acknowledges the "oops" on her website FAQs. The day before she died, Jane presented William with a beautiful watercolor of crocuses in winter symbolizing something special about her. Now the artist has come to the village and is need of a knight in shining armor and Willis, Sr. is just the one to perform that role, or so Lori thinks. Willis, Sr. is used to being hunted by the village ladies who do not take kindly to his interest in the newcomer. Amelia Thistle doesn't seem to have any romantic interest in Willis, Sr. and that's an unusual position for him to be in. That was a different and refreshing plotline but I have a feeling Amelia is going to fall for William anyway.
Lillian Bunting also takes center stage. She is strong, capable and reminds her husband to remind his flock of certain lessons as she reads and translates the story of the 17th-century witch hunt. Lillian is very wise. We need Peggy Taxman to come sort out the world's problems. They needed her in Finch in the 17th-century too. She scares me and I think she scares everyone else too but she's devoted to Finch and will protect it any way she can, including ... telling lies! *GASP*! Her story made me laugh because it's Peggy who is the scary one in the relationship. Poor Jasper! Does he know what is expected of him? I also liked getting to know Henry a lot better. He fits right in and seems content with village life. I'm happy Sally is happy and taking things a little more slowly than it seemed initially. I adore Bree. She's a breath of fresh air and the best thing that happened to Finch. She's tough and sassy. Bree enjoys testing people and pushing the limits. She's also very thoughtful, caring and has become a true inhabitant of Finch. However, I was hoping her aunties would have provided her with some information on the history of the village and this witch story. Maybe Aunt Dimity fashion?
Elspeth Binney, one of the so-called "handmaidens" turns out to be not so bad for the most part. She wants to feel included and of use. She was once a history teacher at the village school and is eager to participate in the hunt for the 17h-century manuscript as much as she is eager to help Willis, Sr. Opal Taylor, on the other hand, is awful. She's nosy, jealous and proprietary even if Willis, Sr. is not there. Millicent is another catty woman who fights with Opal. UGH. It was nice to check in with Kit and Nell. He seems to be healed from all of his past trauma and demons. Nell is still ethereal. Another continuity error: Did Emma quit her job in IT and give up gardening to run the riding school or does she have three jobs?
Amelia Thistle is nice but she's a bit scatterbrained and damsel in distress-ish for me. She's grieving though and that's her excuse. She lost her husband and her only brother in a short amount of time. Then she gave up the home she loved and the security of that home for a cottage in an obscure Cotswolds village. She's friendly, open and honest but also a but naïve. She learns everything there is to know about the neighbors right away but doesn't pick up on the undercurrents of tension between the unmarried ladies and herself. Amelia is focused only on herself and her needs.
The Bowenists are a weird, hippie cult. Their leader, Charles Brocklehurst, encourages them to stalk Amelia and beg for her to tell them how to live. Charles is egotistical. As the founder of Bowenism, he thinks he can tell everyone else what to do. He's a well-dressed, charismatic leader but absolutely a shady character. I picked up on the type of car he drives right away and knew he had to be a phone. Bree picked up on his clothing and hair. Obviously I can't see that and I have to infer from the text or trust Bree. Either way he's up to no good but the Bowenists can't see it. All they can see is their NEED for Amelia to share her wisdom with them. Before they can reach her, they have to encounter the good citizens of Finch. Daffodil Deeproots is about the ditziest of them all and the most dedicated.
In the 17th-century we meet Gamaliel Gowland, rector of St. George's, Finch's parish church. Gamaliel Gowland is living in a tumultuous time when the temptation of Satan is all around and women are tortured and hanged as witches. His diary tells the story of Margaret Redfearn or Mistress Meg, an unconventional woman for her day. She was an herbal healer, a goat farmer, a midwife and nurse but not much of a church goer, upsetting Gamaliel Gowland. When dark days come to Finch, one of the neighbors turns on Mistress Meg and sets a witch finder on her. This causes a dilemma for the rector. Lori, who sees romance everywhere, believes the rector was in love with the witch. Was he or was he trying to redeem her? Did he turn on her or protect her? The hunt for his hidden journal pages will reveal all. Mistress Meg was turned into a bogeywoman for the children of 20th-century Finch. Aunt Dimity and Kit both reveal stories they heard about an evil witch. How did Mistress Meg become the village bogey? Her story could not have ended well for that story to have been passed down in that way.
Amelia Thistle's brown bread is a hit in the book and in real life. Serve warm with butter and jam.
June 15, 2012
Yay! Nancy Atherton does not disappoint lovers of the tiny British village of Finch. This novel stays firmly entrenched in the environs of its lovely and untouched Cotswold setting.
Aunt Dimity has a larger role in this book than lately although (mild spoiler) I wondered why she didn't use her "other side" connections to help out a bit. Lori, though still impetuous, seems to be maturing enough to look and consider before jumping into a situation. It's nice to see the character arc.
Although, as usual, the premise is a bit outlandish and the action moves too quickly for believability, this series is still an enjoyable alternative to the darker village cozies.
I have wondered before why Atherton doesn't make better use of the wonderfully strong female supporting characters she has created. The final scenes of this book serve to underscore that failure.
Perhaps in the future Atherton can also explore the delightful Harris family, first introduced in the often overlooked Aunt Dimity "prequel" Aunt Dimity and the Duke. The Harris' are also featured in Aunt Dimity Takes a Holiday. These are wonderful characters who have been banished to the background as child-minders and the occasional research assistant. Emma, Derek, and Peter Harris and Nell and Kit Smith have effectively vanished from the scene. I've always thought that Atherton has overlooked a rather adventurous character in Peter and perhaps newcomer Bree could provide an interesting twist.
Atherton includes a few gentle morality tales about the environment, mental illness and personal responsibility almost as an afterthought. The novel is really about loyalty and friendship and the villagers of Finch come shining through.
Aunt Dimity has a larger role in this book than lately although (mild spoiler) I wondered why she didn't use her "other side" connections to help out a bit. Lori, though still impetuous, seems to be maturing enough to look and consider before jumping into a situation. It's nice to see the character arc.
Although, as usual, the premise is a bit outlandish and the action moves too quickly for believability, this series is still an enjoyable alternative to the darker village cozies.
I have wondered before why Atherton doesn't make better use of the wonderfully strong female supporting characters she has created. The final scenes of this book serve to underscore that failure.
Perhaps in the future Atherton can also explore the delightful Harris family, first introduced in the often overlooked Aunt Dimity "prequel" Aunt Dimity and the Duke. The Harris' are also featured in Aunt Dimity Takes a Holiday. These are wonderful characters who have been banished to the background as child-minders and the occasional research assistant. Emma, Derek, and Peter Harris and Nell and Kit Smith have effectively vanished from the scene. I've always thought that Atherton has overlooked a rather adventurous character in Peter and perhaps newcomer Bree could provide an interesting twist.
Atherton includes a few gentle morality tales about the environment, mental illness and personal responsibility almost as an afterthought. The novel is really about loyalty and friendship and the villagers of Finch come shining through.
February 16, 2024
Book 17 of the Aunt Dimity series
Cozy mystery at its best no m√rder just mystery. A famous botanical artist comes to Finch. Hiding under her married name to avoid a group that is decided she is some sort of guru, she is trying to solve the mystery of clues left by an ancestor that her brother started looking into before his death. Lori Shepherd figures out who she is almost right away and being Lori besides to help with the mystery. But the clues are all glyphs of things around town and they're very very confusing. Can Lori and of course the ever helpful Aunt Dimity figure it out? Well of course they can it wouldn't be a cozy if they didn't but how they do it and the things they learn about the town and the people within it may for a very good read.
Cozy mystery at its best no m√rder just mystery. A famous botanical artist comes to Finch. Hiding under her married name to avoid a group that is decided she is some sort of guru, she is trying to solve the mystery of clues left by an ancestor that her brother started looking into before his death. Lori Shepherd figures out who she is almost right away and being Lori besides to help with the mystery. But the clues are all glyphs of things around town and they're very very confusing. Can Lori and of course the ever helpful Aunt Dimity figure it out? Well of course they can it wouldn't be a cozy if they didn't but how they do it and the things they learn about the town and the people within it may for a very good read.
July 29, 2013
This is the latest I've read in this so-nice series of cozy mysteries about deceased Aunt Dimity, who corresponds with Lori, the protagonist, from the great beyond by writing in a special journal. Dimity can hear Lori speak, and responds in script, which then disappears. Dimity then assists Lori solve the many mysteries Lori finds around her.
In this book, an excellent artist who specializes in realistic nature scenes moves to Finch, which is the quintessential English village where Lori and her family live. Amelia herself is a mysterious figure and she is there to solve a genealogical mystery of her own: is she related to a witch of yore? As she and Lori follow clues, the plot follows in neatly organized segments. These books never needed added organization, but seeing it here sets the volume apart from the others.
I would give this 3.5 instead of 4 stars because I miss the more interesting characters who don't figure prominently here, and although one I particularly like, Lori's father in law, is very present, it wasn't to my Perfect Liking!
This series is great... but start with number 1!
In this book, an excellent artist who specializes in realistic nature scenes moves to Finch, which is the quintessential English village where Lori and her family live. Amelia herself is a mysterious figure and she is there to solve a genealogical mystery of her own: is she related to a witch of yore? As she and Lori follow clues, the plot follows in neatly organized segments. These books never needed added organization, but seeing it here sets the volume apart from the others.
I would give this 3.5 instead of 4 stars because I miss the more interesting characters who don't figure prominently here, and although one I particularly like, Lori's father in law, is very present, it wasn't to my Perfect Liking!
This series is great... but start with number 1!
May 5, 2012
The English Cotswold village of Finch, where Lori Shepard and family reside has a new resident. This resident comes with a secret or two. Lori being Lori can not resist finding out the truth, especially after Grant and Charles disclose one of the secrets even before the new villager settles in.
Guiding her path, is our favorite spirit, Aunt Dimity. In this volume Aunt shows her own curiosity and that adds to the fun.
We find out Mrs. Thistle is more than she appears and that she is also on a treasure hunt of sorts to find out answers about an ancestor as a tribute to her Brother whom has recently passed away.
We are treated to secrets, a hunt throughout the village (involving the entire village,) a mystery from the seventeenth century, a cult following, and a burgeoning romance.
This book was entirely satisfying to me. Lori actually took a more backseat role and allowed the other characters to come out. I found I really enjoyed this approach more than the last few in the series.
A great book to read.
Guiding her path, is our favorite spirit, Aunt Dimity. In this volume Aunt shows her own curiosity and that adds to the fun.
We find out Mrs. Thistle is more than she appears and that she is also on a treasure hunt of sorts to find out answers about an ancestor as a tribute to her Brother whom has recently passed away.
We are treated to secrets, a hunt throughout the village (involving the entire village,) a mystery from the seventeenth century, a cult following, and a burgeoning romance.
This book was entirely satisfying to me. Lori actually took a more backseat role and allowed the other characters to come out. I found I really enjoyed this approach more than the last few in the series.
A great book to read.
May 5, 2012
I'm a big fan of urban fantasy, but the Aunt Dimity series is one of my guilty pleasures. When I need a break for non-stop intense action, I can find it in Lori Shepherd's quaint little town of Finch, with its nosy neighbors, Lori's unabashed curiosity, and the ghost of Dimity. It's the perfect setting for murder. "Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch" veers from the previous books in the series: No murder (in the present) with a mystery set in Finch's distant past. Was there a witch hunt or wasn't there? The woman seeking this information is an artist trying to shake an army of stalker/followers...in a sort of reverse witch hunt (more of a witch find?). We get to see a different side of the people of Finch and it's refreshing. Small town pettiness redirected against a common enemy and in search of a common goal can bring out the best in people, and make for a fun story as individual idiosyncrasies play out.
March 4, 2012
My first Aunt Dimity book and I don't know how I missed this series before. Very readable English cozy set in the Cotswolds. I was provided with an advanced copy through Net Galley and I really enjoyed it.
There is something about an English village that just brings on thoughts of mysteries and secrets. I felt right at home with the characters even though this was the first book I've read in the series. There is a slight paranormal aspect to the book in the character of Aunt Dimity. I usually cannot stand anything paranormal but this seems to fit right in. Probably because Aunt Dimity is helpful, resourceful and intelligent.
This was a quick and full satisfying read. I really enjoyed the story and am looking forward to reading more of Nancy Atherton's series. And the brown bread recipe included sounds delicious.
There is something about an English village that just brings on thoughts of mysteries and secrets. I felt right at home with the characters even though this was the first book I've read in the series. There is a slight paranormal aspect to the book in the character of Aunt Dimity. I usually cannot stand anything paranormal but this seems to fit right in. Probably because Aunt Dimity is helpful, resourceful and intelligent.
This was a quick and full satisfying read. I really enjoyed the story and am looking forward to reading more of Nancy Atherton's series. And the brown bread recipe included sounds delicious.
August 7, 2013
Overall this series is good first time reading the series, aunt dimity. The niece offers to help the mysterious trail of clues of her new artist neighbor. The artist has a trail of clues to follow on her ancostor who is the village witch.
The nosy neighbors drove me crazy wanting to know everything while a select few helpful friends willing to help on this mystery finding out the various places and history of town. Aunt dimity communicates by writing on blue diary on the updates on the mystery and offer suggestions to her niece. There is a nice suprise ending to the story.
This is a nice cozy mystery to relax after a tough day or week. I will recommend to others who enjoy cozy mysteries and read other dimity series. :-)
May 20, 2012
The quest is afoot...and the loonies are on the path..a bit of romance on the air....thus begins this 17th tale of Aunt Dimity Paranormal Detective.
I enjoyed this entry as I have the others before it.
The usual main character, Lori took a lesser role in this story and let the light shine on the town of Finch and it's quirky residents.
Add a well known artist who is incognito, the Elder Willis smitten by her and a quest to find the story of a 17th century "witch" and it goes from there.
It was relaxing and interesting to catch up with old friends. Even the Handmaidens!
April 23, 2018
I read this series years and years ago, then stopped because after a while stories start to feel the same to me. I needed a book to fulfill the prompt to read a ghost story, so I decided to read the next book. It was better than some of the other books in the series. I like the story in this one and felt it had the feel of some of the earlier stories. These are light reads set in a quaint English village. The first book in the series, Aunt Dimity's Death, is charming and makes you smile with satisfaction at the end.
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