A Murder at Rosemunds Gate

by Susana Calkins

For Lucy Campion, a seventeenth-century English chambermaid serving in the household of the local magistrate, life is an endless repetition of polishing pewter, emptying chamber pots, and dealing with other household chores until a fellow servant is ruthlessly killed, and someone she loves is wrongly arrested for the crime. In a time where the accused are presumed guilty until proven innocent, lawyers aren't permitted to defend their clients, and--if the plague doesn't kill them first--public executions draw a large crowd of spectators, Lucy knows she may never see this person alive again. Unless, that is, she can identify the true murderer.

Determined to do just that, Lucy finds herself venturing out of her expected station and into raucous printers' shops, secretive gypsy camps, the foul streets of London, and even the bowels of Newgate prison on a trail that might lead her straight into the arms of the killer.

In her debut novel, Susanna Calkins seamlessly blends historical detail, romance, and mystery into a moving and highly entertaining tale.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction

351 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, quick read for historical fiction fans. I really enjoyed the author's understanding of social classes and how epidemics challenged those personal relationships. I have to admit that I did not fancy the murder plot details, that was the weak part of the book. Nor did I buy the burgeoning romance. In the future, I think that Susana Calkins could create strong historical fiction without the specific genre elements - just an overall great story. She definitely has the knowledge and the craft.

[Irene Gillespie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met this author at a local book discussion and signing in Arlington Heights, IL. She was so welcoming and friendly. I've read everything she's done since this debut book and I've enjoyed the entire series. Her newer Speakeasy Series is also delightful. If you like Agatha Christie or mystery in general, you will love Susana's books.

[Cindie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book plodded along and then the last chapter went at a break neck speed. I also think it is highly unlikely that the romance that was hinted at, would really occur in the times. Not sure I will read another by this author.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Calkin's fourth book in this series and have just finished this, the first. Calvin's has created an unusual heroine/detective, though here she does not so much detect as have her curiosity and inquiring mind lead her into a dangerous situation in which the murderer reveals him/herself. The other characters minor and major are clearly delineated and by the fourth book fully rounded. This narrative is set in London and during the story we see how Londoners respond to the Great Plague and to the Great Fire. We learn why it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of judges and juries and what life could be like for a servant in an amiable family. Quickly read, this first book presents a charming heroine.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This mystery set in mid 1600s made very vivid a lot of information about the time period that was unknown to me previously, which somewhat made up for the mystery itself being a little lackluster. The suspense is not well built even in scenes where there is some it is not well maintained and fizzles out quickly. Clues are not well followed up on, and things are left hanging for months in the timeline of the story and then we are expected to believe that everything is picked up just where it left off.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this mystery. I loved the setting England. I also liked the main character Lucy, she is a strong, intelligent woman, more than just a regular servant. I liked how this book was about a murder of Lucy's friend, but it became more with the plague and other social injustices of that time. I would recommend this book.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for my mystery book group. It was OK, but a little implausible.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, fast reading mystery. Story kept me interested.