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The Bells of Westminster
'Delightful and intriguing' - S.W. PERRY
'Wonderfully told and hugely enjoyable' - GUY MORPUSS
London, 1774. The opening of a royal tomb will end in murder...
Susan Bell spends her days within the confines of Westminster Abbey, one of many who live in the grounds of the ancient building. Her father, the kindly but foolish Dean of Westminster, is always busy keeping the many canons and vergers in check, when not being romantically pursued by forceful widows.
Life at the abbey is uneventful, even after the unwelcome arrival of Susan's cousin Lindley and his unusual scientific demonstrations. That is until the Society of Antiquaries come armed with a letter from King George III. They wish to open the tomb of Edward I, each to investigate their own academic interests - whether it be rumours of the royal body's embalmment, an obsession with Arthurian legends or even a supposed Roman temple to Apollo beneath the abbey's undercroft.
However, as the Society prepares to open the tomb, a ghostly figure is seen walking the abbey cloisters, wearing the crown and shroud of the dead king. There is further uproar when one of the Antiquaries is found viciously murdered, and the corpse of Edward I is stolen. With her father's position under threat from the scandal, Susan feels bound to investigate these strange occurrences. Could one of the Society members be harbouring a murderous secret? Or is one of the abbey's own a killer?
The new historical mystery from the bestselling author of Black Drop, Blue Water and Scarlet Town. Perfect for readers of Andrew Taylor, Laura Shepherd-Robinson and S.J. Parris.
'Wonderfully told and hugely enjoyable' - GUY MORPUSS
London, 1774. The opening of a royal tomb will end in murder...
Susan Bell spends her days within the confines of Westminster Abbey, one of many who live in the grounds of the ancient building. Her father, the kindly but foolish Dean of Westminster, is always busy keeping the many canons and vergers in check, when not being romantically pursued by forceful widows.
Life at the abbey is uneventful, even after the unwelcome arrival of Susan's cousin Lindley and his unusual scientific demonstrations. That is until the Society of Antiquaries come armed with a letter from King George III. They wish to open the tomb of Edward I, each to investigate their own academic interests - whether it be rumours of the royal body's embalmment, an obsession with Arthurian legends or even a supposed Roman temple to Apollo beneath the abbey's undercroft.
However, as the Society prepares to open the tomb, a ghostly figure is seen walking the abbey cloisters, wearing the crown and shroud of the dead king. There is further uproar when one of the Antiquaries is found viciously murdered, and the corpse of Edward I is stolen. With her father's position under threat from the scandal, Susan feels bound to investigate these strange occurrences. Could one of the Society members be harbouring a murderous secret? Or is one of the abbey's own a killer?
The new historical mystery from the bestselling author of Black Drop, Blue Water and Scarlet Town. Perfect for readers of Andrew Taylor, Laura Shepherd-Robinson and S.J. Parris.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published October 17, 2024
53 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Leonora Nattrass
17 books46 followersLeonora Nattrass studied eighteenth-century literature and politics, and spent ten years lecturing in English and publishing works on William Cobbett. She then moved to Cornwall, where she lives in a seventeenth-century house with seventeenth-century draughts, and spins the fleeces of her traditional Ryeland sheep into yarn. Black Drop is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 26, 2024
I enjoyed The Bells of Westminster so much! This book has everything I love - a cast of wonderfully unique characters, a beguiling mystery, a beautiful and atmospheric setting, historical accuracy and masterful storytelling. I particularly loved our smart and spirited protagonist, Susan, and the lovable parrot, Cuthbert, absolutely won my heart. An intriguing and amusing read, which I highly recommend!
December 11, 2024
Dead kings and clergymen…
It’s 1774, and Susan Bell is the daughter of the Dean of Westminster Abbey, spending her days with a little maidenly needlework and a lot of unmaidenly nosiness about the affairs of the Abbey and the many people who work there and live in the Abbey’s houses. So when a group of antiquaries get permission from the current King, George III, to open the tomb of Edward 1, Susan makes sure she’s on the spot. And later, when a ghost walks the Abbey (is it Edward Longshanks, objecting to his tomb being disturbed?), Susan is there too. And when later still the body of one of the antiquaries is discovered, violently murdered, Susan is determined to be involved in the investigation. The King has ordered that the investigation be carried out quietly, to avoid scandal, so the Dean is put in charge, but in reality it’s Susan, her cousin Lindley, and one of the antiquaries, Mr Delingpole, who do all the investigating, helped and sometimes hindered by Susan’s talkative parrot, Cuthbert.
This is at the light entertainment end of crime fiction, with the gentle humour being more important than the plot. Susan is a likeable heroine, full of spirit but not so unmaidenly that she feels anachronistic. She accepts that there are only two life paths for her to choose between – marriage or spinsterhood. And while she declares she has renounced marriage, she’s fooling no one, not even herself. The question of who among the male characters will eventually become her husband is part of the fun, with her eyeing each man and judging him as potential husband material, complete with pros and cons.
The plot itself is convoluted, which in this instance is my polite euphemism for messy. It involves lots of the history of the kings of England, though not in any weighty academic way – Susan makes fun of them all, indiscriminately, including the current King who is shown as a kind of egotistical simpleton who uses the language of the more foppish characters in Heyer’s Regency romances. William Blake, the poet, puts in an appearance, grabbing people like the Ancient Mariner and quoting his poetry at them, and several of the other characters are apparently based on real people, though less well known ones. And (to my dismay) the Jacobites show up! (Am I never to escape those pesky people, even in English books??). It’s all quite fun, though I admit that by about two-thirds of the way through I was getting impatient for new twists to stop being added and for elucidation of the very many clues to begin. When this eventually does happen, it takes nearly the last twenty per cent of the book for everything to be explained, mainly by all the characters telling things they’d always known but hadn’t thought to mention until now.
The Abbey itself is a main character in the book, and Nattrass does a great job of showing it as crossover between a kind of royal mausoleum and its real function as a place of worship. Susan describes it as a village and this seems very apt, with all the clergymen and the clerks and the workmen on the never-ending task of keeping the fabric of the building in order. I longed for a floor plan so that I could get a better idea of where all the various chapels and tombs were in relation to each other, and was happy to see in the acknowledgements in my advance copy that there will indeed be a plan in the final version.
There’s also a nod to the contemporary fascination with the new scientific discoveries of the day, and again Nattrass makes this interesting without getting too heavy about it. I still have no idea how electricity works, then or now, and I’m happy to maintain my blissful ignorance on the subject. But Nattrass explained well enough for me to get the necessary gist for understanding the plot.
Overall I enjoyed this one, although I felt the murder plot was too messy and had a rather unsatisfactory, anti-climactic ending. My own feeling was that it would have worked better as a romance, concentrating more on Susan’s various potential husbands rather than trying to make her into a kind of amateur ‘tec. But that’s a subjective view. I enjoyed the picture of the life of the Abbey, and I became very fond of Cuthbert the parrot who added much to the humour. An entertaining read.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Serpent’s Tail via NetGalley.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
It’s 1774, and Susan Bell is the daughter of the Dean of Westminster Abbey, spending her days with a little maidenly needlework and a lot of unmaidenly nosiness about the affairs of the Abbey and the many people who work there and live in the Abbey’s houses. So when a group of antiquaries get permission from the current King, George III, to open the tomb of Edward 1, Susan makes sure she’s on the spot. And later, when a ghost walks the Abbey (is it Edward Longshanks, objecting to his tomb being disturbed?), Susan is there too. And when later still the body of one of the antiquaries is discovered, violently murdered, Susan is determined to be involved in the investigation. The King has ordered that the investigation be carried out quietly, to avoid scandal, so the Dean is put in charge, but in reality it’s Susan, her cousin Lindley, and one of the antiquaries, Mr Delingpole, who do all the investigating, helped and sometimes hindered by Susan’s talkative parrot, Cuthbert.
This is at the light entertainment end of crime fiction, with the gentle humour being more important than the plot. Susan is a likeable heroine, full of spirit but not so unmaidenly that she feels anachronistic. She accepts that there are only two life paths for her to choose between – marriage or spinsterhood. And while she declares she has renounced marriage, she’s fooling no one, not even herself. The question of who among the male characters will eventually become her husband is part of the fun, with her eyeing each man and judging him as potential husband material, complete with pros and cons.
The plot itself is convoluted, which in this instance is my polite euphemism for messy. It involves lots of the history of the kings of England, though not in any weighty academic way – Susan makes fun of them all, indiscriminately, including the current King who is shown as a kind of egotistical simpleton who uses the language of the more foppish characters in Heyer’s Regency romances. William Blake, the poet, puts in an appearance, grabbing people like the Ancient Mariner and quoting his poetry at them, and several of the other characters are apparently based on real people, though less well known ones. And (to my dismay) the Jacobites show up! (Am I never to escape those pesky people, even in English books??). It’s all quite fun, though I admit that by about two-thirds of the way through I was getting impatient for new twists to stop being added and for elucidation of the very many clues to begin. When this eventually does happen, it takes nearly the last twenty per cent of the book for everything to be explained, mainly by all the characters telling things they’d always known but hadn’t thought to mention until now.
The Abbey itself is a main character in the book, and Nattrass does a great job of showing it as crossover between a kind of royal mausoleum and its real function as a place of worship. Susan describes it as a village and this seems very apt, with all the clergymen and the clerks and the workmen on the never-ending task of keeping the fabric of the building in order. I longed for a floor plan so that I could get a better idea of where all the various chapels and tombs were in relation to each other, and was happy to see in the acknowledgements in my advance copy that there will indeed be a plan in the final version.
There’s also a nod to the contemporary fascination with the new scientific discoveries of the day, and again Nattrass makes this interesting without getting too heavy about it. I still have no idea how electricity works, then or now, and I’m happy to maintain my blissful ignorance on the subject. But Nattrass explained well enough for me to get the necessary gist for understanding the plot.
Overall I enjoyed this one, although I felt the murder plot was too messy and had a rather unsatisfactory, anti-climactic ending. My own feeling was that it would have worked better as a romance, concentrating more on Susan’s various potential husbands rather than trying to make her into a kind of amateur ‘tec. But that’s a subjective view. I enjoyed the picture of the life of the Abbey, and I became very fond of Cuthbert the parrot who added much to the humour. An entertaining read.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Serpent’s Tail via NetGalley.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
October 22, 2024
Susan Bell is the daughter of the Dean of Westminster. At the ripe old age of twenty-three, she is considered a spinster. Not that Susan minds too much. Her life revolves around her father and the abbey. Life is good, if not rather uneventful. Until the Society of Antiquaries arrives with a letter from the King himself. They have his permission to open the tomb of Edward I. This seemingly innocent undertaking sets in motion a whole slew of events. A ghostly figure is seen, there shall be a murder, the corpse of Edward I will be stolen, and scientific demonstrations might just play a bigger part than planned.
Obviously, Susan will have no choice but to investigate all these odd occurrences. Not least because the King has told her father to do so and his position as Dean might very well be under threat. However, Susan knows very well that her father, who comes across as somewhat foolish, is not the right man for the job so it is up to her to figure out what’s going on. In doing so, Susan gives the reader a glimpse of what her life is like as a clergyman’s daughter in the 18th century. Tea parties, sewing, and batting away the unwanted attentions of an admirer seem to fill most of her days. Despite having had a proper eduction and being incredibly intelligent, there are places where a woman isn’t allowed to go. Being underestimated gives her an advantage though, and she hears, sees and knows more than she probably should.
The story is told through Susan’s writings in her diary. She is the most fabulous protagonist ever. It seemed to take a while for her to set the scene, for she has to start at the very beginning after all, but that didn’t bother me at all. I found her incredibly engaging and often delightfully witty. Her writing drew me in immediately, and her descriptions of her surroundings and the various people she meets in the abbey nearly made it feel as if I was right there trying to solve all these mysteries.
These mysteries are intriguing for sure. Who is this ghost wandering around the abbey? Where did the body of Edward I disappear to and, more importantly, who took it and why? What does this murder have to do with anything? And what can Susan do to keep a rather insistent admirer at bay? But far more terrifying is the thought that one of the abbey’s own might just be a killer. I didn’t have a clue about any of it, but I had a great time trying to figure it out.
I very much enjoyed ‘The Bells of Westminster‘. It seemed to me that a whole lot of research went into this one and Leonora Nattrass delivers a lovely blend of fact and fiction. It has the most wonderful and atmospheric setting, a fabulous cast of characters, mysteries to sink your teeth into, a superbly entertaining parrot, and an absolutely amazing protagonist in the name of Susan. Full of delicious dry humour, she and the shenanigans at the abbey definitely kept me entertained.
Obviously, Susan will have no choice but to investigate all these odd occurrences. Not least because the King has told her father to do so and his position as Dean might very well be under threat. However, Susan knows very well that her father, who comes across as somewhat foolish, is not the right man for the job so it is up to her to figure out what’s going on. In doing so, Susan gives the reader a glimpse of what her life is like as a clergyman’s daughter in the 18th century. Tea parties, sewing, and batting away the unwanted attentions of an admirer seem to fill most of her days. Despite having had a proper eduction and being incredibly intelligent, there are places where a woman isn’t allowed to go. Being underestimated gives her an advantage though, and she hears, sees and knows more than she probably should.
The story is told through Susan’s writings in her diary. She is the most fabulous protagonist ever. It seemed to take a while for her to set the scene, for she has to start at the very beginning after all, but that didn’t bother me at all. I found her incredibly engaging and often delightfully witty. Her writing drew me in immediately, and her descriptions of her surroundings and the various people she meets in the abbey nearly made it feel as if I was right there trying to solve all these mysteries.
These mysteries are intriguing for sure. Who is this ghost wandering around the abbey? Where did the body of Edward I disappear to and, more importantly, who took it and why? What does this murder have to do with anything? And what can Susan do to keep a rather insistent admirer at bay? But far more terrifying is the thought that one of the abbey’s own might just be a killer. I didn’t have a clue about any of it, but I had a great time trying to figure it out.
I very much enjoyed ‘The Bells of Westminster‘. It seemed to me that a whole lot of research went into this one and Leonora Nattrass delivers a lovely blend of fact and fiction. It has the most wonderful and atmospheric setting, a fabulous cast of characters, mysteries to sink your teeth into, a superbly entertaining parrot, and an absolutely amazing protagonist in the name of Susan. Full of delicious dry humour, she and the shenanigans at the abbey definitely kept me entertained.
September 11, 2024
The Bells of Westminster is an immersive historical fiction set in 1774 and takes place in the Abbey when the Society of Antiquaries has permission from King George III to open King Edward I's tomb.
The story is narrated by Susan Bell, the daughter of the Dean of Westminster.
There's a murder, a theft, and sightings of Longshanks ghost with a cast of characters that are a mixture of real life and fictional.
I really enjoyed this. There's a few twists and turns that I never saw coming. It's well written, and Susan adds a bit of humour throughout her narrative.
Thank you to Netgalley and publishers for the ARC.
The story is narrated by Susan Bell, the daughter of the Dean of Westminster.
There's a murder, a theft, and sightings of Longshanks ghost with a cast of characters that are a mixture of real life and fictional.
I really enjoyed this. There's a few twists and turns that I never saw coming. It's well written, and Susan adds a bit of humour throughout her narrative.
Thank you to Netgalley and publishers for the ARC.
September 24, 2025
This is such an entertaining mystery from Leonora Nattrass. The historical facts about Edward I and the others buried in the Westminster vaults grabbed me from the beginning - factual and fascinating, their stories really brought the Abbey and its inhabitants ( both living and deceased) to life. The mix between fact and fiction making such a great story.
Susan and her father are introduced to us when the King has authorised the opening of the tomb of Edward I and seeing the events through Susan’s eyes is a great way to tell the story. Witty and humorous, she’s ahead of her time in wanting to better herself in knowledge and awareness and isn’t prepared to be the little demure female. Her back and forth with Lindley is great fun and I love how she’s written as such a strong and brave woman.
Susan and her father are introduced to us when the King has authorised the opening of the tomb of Edward I and seeing the events through Susan’s eyes is a great way to tell the story. Witty and humorous, she’s ahead of her time in wanting to better herself in knowledge and awareness and isn’t prepared to be the little demure female. Her back and forth with Lindley is great fun and I love how she’s written as such a strong and brave woman.
October 24, 2024
I’ve enjoyed all three books in Leonora Nattrass’ Laurence Jago series (Black Drop, Blue Water and Scarlet Town) and was hoping for a fourth, but it seems she’s moved on to other things, at least temporarily. Like the Jago books, The Bells of Westminster is set in the 18th century but is a completely separate story with a new set of characters to get to know.
It’s 1774 and King George III has just given his permission for the Society of Antiquaries to open the tomb of Edward I, who rests in Westminster Abbey. The Society wants to discover whether Edward’s body was embalmed, according to his wishes, and whether he was buried with any valuable artifacts. However, the opening of the tomb sets in motion a series of bizarre events: first, a ghostly figure is seen wearing the dead king’s crown, then one of the Antiquaries is found dead and Edward’s body is stolen. Mr Bell, the Dean of Westminster, is given the job of investigating, but his daughter Susan knows he’s not capable of solving the mystery and it will be up to her to solve it for him.
The novel is narrated by Susan Bell who, at twenty-three, is already considered a spinster. Her father would like her to marry her cousin Lindley, an aspiring scientist who is staying with them at the Deanery, but Susan isn’t sure what she thinks of him – and anyway, she’s quite happy with the company of her talking parrot, Cuthbert. Susan’s narration takes the form of diary entries, through which we see the mystery unfold as well as gaining some insights into life within the confines of Westminster Abbey.
I’ll be honest and say that at first I didn’t think I was going to enjoy this book. I had trouble connecting with Susan’s narrative style, peppered with notes and asides, which seemed to be trying very hard to be clever and witty. It also took a long time for the story to really get started, but once the murder happened about a quarter of the way into the book, I became drawn in. Susan’s narration also grew on me after a while and I found I liked her much more than I thought I would at the beginning.
Nattrass explains in her author’s note which parts of the book are based on fact and which are invented. The opening of Edward I’s tomb in 1774 really happened, for example – although the body wasn’t stolen and a ghost didn’t really appear! The characters are also a mixture of real people and fictional ones (Susan Bell is one of the latter). One thing that’s completely real, of course, is the setting: with the whole book being set within Westminster Abbey and its grounds, there are lots of detailed descriptions of the chapels, arches and galleries as well as the various tombs and shrines.
The eighteenth century was also a time of major scientific developments and Nattrass is able to explore some of these through Lindley’s interest in science. In particular, we see how a knowledge of science can work along with – and sometimes in conflict with – superstitions, religion or fear of the supernatural. This is a fascinating novel, then, and although I would still have preferred another Laurence Jago book, I did enjoy this one once I got past the slow, uncertain start!
It’s 1774 and King George III has just given his permission for the Society of Antiquaries to open the tomb of Edward I, who rests in Westminster Abbey. The Society wants to discover whether Edward’s body was embalmed, according to his wishes, and whether he was buried with any valuable artifacts. However, the opening of the tomb sets in motion a series of bizarre events: first, a ghostly figure is seen wearing the dead king’s crown, then one of the Antiquaries is found dead and Edward’s body is stolen. Mr Bell, the Dean of Westminster, is given the job of investigating, but his daughter Susan knows he’s not capable of solving the mystery and it will be up to her to solve it for him.
The novel is narrated by Susan Bell who, at twenty-three, is already considered a spinster. Her father would like her to marry her cousin Lindley, an aspiring scientist who is staying with them at the Deanery, but Susan isn’t sure what she thinks of him – and anyway, she’s quite happy with the company of her talking parrot, Cuthbert. Susan’s narration takes the form of diary entries, through which we see the mystery unfold as well as gaining some insights into life within the confines of Westminster Abbey.
I’ll be honest and say that at first I didn’t think I was going to enjoy this book. I had trouble connecting with Susan’s narrative style, peppered with notes and asides, which seemed to be trying very hard to be clever and witty. It also took a long time for the story to really get started, but once the murder happened about a quarter of the way into the book, I became drawn in. Susan’s narration also grew on me after a while and I found I liked her much more than I thought I would at the beginning.
Nattrass explains in her author’s note which parts of the book are based on fact and which are invented. The opening of Edward I’s tomb in 1774 really happened, for example – although the body wasn’t stolen and a ghost didn’t really appear! The characters are also a mixture of real people and fictional ones (Susan Bell is one of the latter). One thing that’s completely real, of course, is the setting: with the whole book being set within Westminster Abbey and its grounds, there are lots of detailed descriptions of the chapels, arches and galleries as well as the various tombs and shrines.
The eighteenth century was also a time of major scientific developments and Nattrass is able to explore some of these through Lindley’s interest in science. In particular, we see how a knowledge of science can work along with – and sometimes in conflict with – superstitions, religion or fear of the supernatural. This is a fascinating novel, then, and although I would still have preferred another Laurence Jago book, I did enjoy this one once I got past the slow, uncertain start!
January 12, 2025
3.5⭐️ rounded up
February 14, 2025
3.5⭐️ this was an historical murder mystery based on real events of 1774. Enjoyable story with a couple of twists and all set in the magnificent Westminster Abbey
October 1, 2024
Really beautifully written language wise but to be extremely blunt, it is profoundly boring. I love historial fiction, especially one that revolves around a murder and while the characters were exceptionally well written, the story did not hold my interest.
There is no ‘murder’ until a quarter of the way through, the scenes are largely drawn out and then all of the excitement happens within the last quarter, cobbled together with confusing cross stories from the characters and over-explanations to try and seal the story up. I feel there was no need for the ending to be so convoluted and I looked forward to reaching the end.
It was complicated without being interesting and so I really would not recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
There is no ‘murder’ until a quarter of the way through, the scenes are largely drawn out and then all of the excitement happens within the last quarter, cobbled together with confusing cross stories from the characters and over-explanations to try and seal the story up. I feel there was no need for the ending to be so convoluted and I looked forward to reaching the end.
It was complicated without being interesting and so I really would not recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
August 17, 2024
Susan Bell is the daughter of the Dean of Westminster Abbey. At 23 years old she sees herself as a spinster aunt and lives her live accordingly.
However all that changes one morning with the arrival of Antiquaries who wish to see the tomb of King Edward, known as Longshanks. This begin a series of events which change Susan’s life forever…..
Well written in the first person this is a lively story which I thank NetGalley, the publisher and author for having the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy.
However all that changes one morning with the arrival of Antiquaries who wish to see the tomb of King Edward, known as Longshanks. This begin a series of events which change Susan’s life forever…..
Well written in the first person this is a lively story which I thank NetGalley, the publisher and author for having the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy.
September 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this story although it took me a quick while to acclimatise to it not being a Lawrence Jago novel. This author seems to have a gift for evoking the period she writes about and the characters were fully developed. Leonora Nattrass has become a favourite author for this historical fiction fan! Many thanks to NetGalley for an arc of this book.
October 26, 2024
London 1774, Susan lives in Westminster Abbey with her father the Dean of Westminster. Things take an unexpected turn when the Society of Antiquaries attend on the order of King George III to open the tomb of Edward I. The opening of the tomb leads to a ghostly figure of Edward I walking the Abbey and one of the Antiquaries is found murdered. Can Susan uncover the truth?
When I first heard about this book it was the synopsis that grabbed my attention. I really enjoyed the writing style because from the beginning I was whisked away to the 1700s, to a different Westminster Abbey and to Susan’s life. The story was full of mystery, intrigue and was spooky with a gothic vibe. It's clear from the story and the historical note that the author has done a vast amount of research into what happened at Westminster Abbey during this time and has introduced readers to an event in history that many may not know about. This is definitely a book that I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Susan was a very interesting character. She lives within Westminster Abbey and that’s all that she really knows. I did get the impression that at times being the daughter of the Dean and living at Westminster Abbey was very lonely for Susan. She had few people to interact with despite the Abbey being a big place. It’s clear from the beginning that not only is Susan curious but she’s also really smart. When the Antiquaries arrive and open the tomb of Edward I, she's the only woman present amongst a group of men. Most would be unsure about being present but Susan is curious and fascinated. It did feel like the opening of the tomb wasn’t meant to happen. Although Susan’s father raises his concerns, they are overridden by the Antiquaries. As soon as the tomb is opened the roof caves in and this was an omen of things to come. This is then followed by a ghostly apparition of Edward I, Edward I missing from his resting place and then a murder.
I found myself working alongside Susan to work out what was actually happening at the Abbey. Anyone else would have been scared but not Susan. Instead Susan starts to piece together from the clues that she finds what is going on. I had a few ideas in mind as to where the story might go but then there was a clever plot twist which completely threw me off course.
The perfect autumnal spooky read.
When I first heard about this book it was the synopsis that grabbed my attention. I really enjoyed the writing style because from the beginning I was whisked away to the 1700s, to a different Westminster Abbey and to Susan’s life. The story was full of mystery, intrigue and was spooky with a gothic vibe. It's clear from the story and the historical note that the author has done a vast amount of research into what happened at Westminster Abbey during this time and has introduced readers to an event in history that many may not know about. This is definitely a book that I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Susan was a very interesting character. She lives within Westminster Abbey and that’s all that she really knows. I did get the impression that at times being the daughter of the Dean and living at Westminster Abbey was very lonely for Susan. She had few people to interact with despite the Abbey being a big place. It’s clear from the beginning that not only is Susan curious but she’s also really smart. When the Antiquaries arrive and open the tomb of Edward I, she's the only woman present amongst a group of men. Most would be unsure about being present but Susan is curious and fascinated. It did feel like the opening of the tomb wasn’t meant to happen. Although Susan’s father raises his concerns, they are overridden by the Antiquaries. As soon as the tomb is opened the roof caves in and this was an omen of things to come. This is then followed by a ghostly apparition of Edward I, Edward I missing from his resting place and then a murder.
I found myself working alongside Susan to work out what was actually happening at the Abbey. Anyone else would have been scared but not Susan. Instead Susan starts to piece together from the clues that she finds what is going on. I had a few ideas in mind as to where the story might go but then there was a clever plot twist which completely threw me off course.
The perfect autumnal spooky read.
October 17, 2024
Susan Bell is the narrator, her father is the Dean of Westminster Abbey. He worries about his daughter, his stipend is not great, but her late mother has left her money, she will have a modest income to live upon, but he would prefer her to marry her cousin Lindley, he is rich and has an estate in Leicestershire, and Susan is 23 years old, and in 1774, that qualifies her as old enough to be considered “ left on the shelf.”
Susan is content to have no great expectations in life, she loves living in the environs of the great Abbey. All is peaceful and quiet, until The Society of Antiquities arrive with a letter from The King, giving them permission to open the tomb of King Edward the first, AKA The Hammer of the Scots, so they can check the tomb, the embalming process and to check if the original Crown Jewels are hidden there.
The coffin is opened, the body partially examined, then a shout of panic distracts everyone as they run to safety.
The next day, a different, more recent addition is discovered in the tomb and the original occupant has vanished.
What a cracking start to a detective story! A wonderfully researched piece of historical facts combined with fictional events. There are numerous clues for the budding armchair sleuths, and we are bewildered by strange scientific experiments, thieves, traitors, murders, and all mankind is involved.
The expectations placed upon females at that time are now considered extremely dull and condescending, but Susan is a strong lead character, being well educated, practical and doesn’t suffer fools gladly.
I have never been to Westminster Abbey, but I was so amazed by the descriptions of the Chapels and the Tombstones, that I fully intend to attempt a trip next year. I learnt so much from this wryly amusing and slightly acerbic novel, lighthearted and serious all in one.
A five star read.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Serpent’s Tail, Viper, Profile Books for my advance review copy, freely given in exchange for my honest opinions. I will leave a review to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.
Susan is content to have no great expectations in life, she loves living in the environs of the great Abbey. All is peaceful and quiet, until The Society of Antiquities arrive with a letter from The King, giving them permission to open the tomb of King Edward the first, AKA The Hammer of the Scots, so they can check the tomb, the embalming process and to check if the original Crown Jewels are hidden there.
The coffin is opened, the body partially examined, then a shout of panic distracts everyone as they run to safety.
The next day, a different, more recent addition is discovered in the tomb and the original occupant has vanished.
What a cracking start to a detective story! A wonderfully researched piece of historical facts combined with fictional events. There are numerous clues for the budding armchair sleuths, and we are bewildered by strange scientific experiments, thieves, traitors, murders, and all mankind is involved.
The expectations placed upon females at that time are now considered extremely dull and condescending, but Susan is a strong lead character, being well educated, practical and doesn’t suffer fools gladly.
I have never been to Westminster Abbey, but I was so amazed by the descriptions of the Chapels and the Tombstones, that I fully intend to attempt a trip next year. I learnt so much from this wryly amusing and slightly acerbic novel, lighthearted and serious all in one.
A five star read.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Serpent’s Tail, Viper, Profile Books for my advance review copy, freely given in exchange for my honest opinions. I will leave a review to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.
November 5, 2024
Set in 1774 and inspired by true events, The Bells of Westminster was an energetic and intriguing historical mystery.
When the Society of Antiquaries open the tomb of Edward I in Westminster Abbey, a murder and theft quickly ensues. It is up to Susan Bell, with the help of her cousin, father and parrot Cuthbert to unravel the mystery…
This was the first book I’ve read by Nattrass, and I really enjoyed the pace, characters and location of this story.
Susan, the protagonist and narrator, is a lively, unconventional and independent young woman who writes the events of the story with wit and intelligence. She’s instantly likable and her voice is engaging, helping the reader to get swept up into the plot. Despite witnessing murder, theft and facing novel romantic experiences, she's stalwart and doesn’t fall apart as the 18th century men of the story assume she would, being the weaker sex.
The story takes place within the grounds of Westminster Abbey, from the soaring ceilings to the shady vaults and to the comfort of the Deanery (Susan’s home). Although this novel is set in a confined space, it feels like its own microcosm. I love the power and majesty of cathedrals, so I absolutely loved living in this world and discovering some of the secrets and history to be found in an abbey. The limited setting also enhanced the action and themes of the story such as suspicion and trust, as blame falls on those who live and work within its walls…
The reveal at the end spun out over a few pages, and was heavy with information, rather than driven by action. However, the ending ties up the mysteries of the story coherently, filling in gaps to leave the reader satisfied.
It was fascinating to learn in the author’s note, that this was based on true events of 1774. Nattrass brings awareness to this historical event whilst weaving it into an engaging plot.
Overall, I enjoyed this fast-paced, entertaining and historically fascinating read.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2024
Unusual and quirky 'Whodunnit'. Centred in Westminster Abbey 1774 our Narrator, Susan Bell the 23 year old unmarried daughter of the Dean is compiling her journal with a view to publishing it under a male pseudonym. She writes while quietly observing all that goes on within her enclosed world of the Abbey, her presence unseen and unnoted most of the time.
An antiquarian society gets permission from the King George IV himself to exhume Edward 'Longshanks'' tomb with a view to seeing if he was indeed mummified and discover which if any, Crown jewels he is buried with; much to the Deans discomfort. Will they find Edward the Confessor's crown and sceptre there, having been hidden from Cromwell? But then there's an accident. A body is discovered, and worse!
The King decides the Dean is to furnish the explanation! Luckily it becomes a joint effort and the sources they have to draw on are basic and few and far between, but it is enchanting how they put things together.
There's lots of interesting locations, tombs, people (and a wonderful parrot), chapels, balconies, monks' resting paces and architectural details and it is superbly evocative of the huge, dark Abbey of the 18th Century. Including the 'Ragged Regiment' of past royalty. Also some wonderful early scientific experiments and equipment demonstrated and explained by Susan's cousin Lindley, just returned from Europe and his Grand Tour.
My reason for deducting a star is that in places it is incredibly 'wordy' - mainly due to the 'chatty' nature of Susan's journal which at times was quite hard going. (Plus the king saying 'What, what' after EVERYTHING was so irritating). But overall a fun, unusual read which definitely brought the historical Abbey to life. I enjoyed the author's notes at the end, too.
An antiquarian society gets permission from the King George IV himself to exhume Edward 'Longshanks'' tomb with a view to seeing if he was indeed mummified and discover which if any, Crown jewels he is buried with; much to the Deans discomfort. Will they find Edward the Confessor's crown and sceptre there, having been hidden from Cromwell? But then there's an accident. A body is discovered, and worse!
The King decides the Dean is to furnish the explanation! Luckily it becomes a joint effort and the sources they have to draw on are basic and few and far between, but it is enchanting how they put things together.
There's lots of interesting locations, tombs, people (and a wonderful parrot), chapels, balconies, monks' resting paces and architectural details and it is superbly evocative of the huge, dark Abbey of the 18th Century. Including the 'Ragged Regiment' of past royalty. Also some wonderful early scientific experiments and equipment demonstrated and explained by Susan's cousin Lindley, just returned from Europe and his Grand Tour.
My reason for deducting a star is that in places it is incredibly 'wordy' - mainly due to the 'chatty' nature of Susan's journal which at times was quite hard going. (Plus the king saying 'What, what' after EVERYTHING was so irritating). But overall a fun, unusual read which definitely brought the historical Abbey to life. I enjoyed the author's notes at the end, too.
October 19, 2024
Set in London in 1774, and loosely based on a factual event, this is Susan Bell’s telling of life within the confines of Westminster Abbey where her father is the Dean of Westminster. The normally quiet existence she enjoys is rudely interrupted when the Society of Antiquaries arrive to open the tomb of Edward I ‘Edward Londshanks’ on the orders of the current king, King George III. This one event sets of a chain of events that affect everyone living within the Abbey and others. A slow paced read but I think that’s fits the story perfectly.
Briefly, shortly after opening the tomb there is a ghostly apparition and everyone runs away returning to find the body and shroud missing. Susan meanwhile is being hounded by church deacon Mr Suckling, who has set his cap at her, an odious character if ever there was one and her father seems to be starting up a relationship with a wealthy widow, much to Susan’s chagrin. And on top of all this a body is discovered in the abbey and Susan starts to investigate.
Susan is writing a journal with the intent of publishing it but under a male pseudonym as it would not be seen as proper to publish under her name. I thought she was a good character and I could see how easy it would be for her to hear and see things not meant for her. But my favourite character was Cuthbert - “God save the king. Hear hear!” The story is actually more complex than I at first thought and I was quite surprised by the conclusion. A very enjoyable, entertaining and slightly eccentric historical fiction novel.
Briefly, shortly after opening the tomb there is a ghostly apparition and everyone runs away returning to find the body and shroud missing. Susan meanwhile is being hounded by church deacon Mr Suckling, who has set his cap at her, an odious character if ever there was one and her father seems to be starting up a relationship with a wealthy widow, much to Susan’s chagrin. And on top of all this a body is discovered in the abbey and Susan starts to investigate.
Susan is writing a journal with the intent of publishing it but under a male pseudonym as it would not be seen as proper to publish under her name. I thought she was a good character and I could see how easy it would be for her to hear and see things not meant for her. But my favourite character was Cuthbert - “God save the king. Hear hear!” The story is actually more complex than I at first thought and I was quite surprised by the conclusion. A very enjoyable, entertaining and slightly eccentric historical fiction novel.
September 7, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
Historical crime fiction | Paperback
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
The Bells of Westminster by Leonora Nattrass
I really enjoyed the author’s writing style, it’s witty and funny and kept me turning the pages. I’m looking forward to reading her book Black Drop that has been waiting on my shelf.
Set in 1774 the story revolves around Westminster Abbey. Susan Bell, the daughter of the Dean is our narrator and she writes about the unfortunate events that occurred after the opening of Edward Longshanks tomb. There is theft, murder, ghostly apparitions and a sweet romance. My favourite character was the odious Mr Suckling, who has designs on the lovely Susan Bell but in no way can she consider herself as Susan Suckling 😂
The plot did get a little confusing towards the end but that might have to do with my tiredness rather than the author’s plotting. On the whole I really enjoyed it and desperately want to have a tour around the abbey as I’ve never been.
Oh, and the book has a map of the abbey which was very helpful. I also loved the historical note at the end 🤓
Book gifted by @viper.books and all views are very much my own. @leonoranattrass
#historicalfiction #historicalcrimefiction #thebellsofwestminster #leonoranattrass #paperback #bookreview #arc #viperbooks #bookrecommendations #agoodread #recentlyread
Historical crime fiction | Paperback
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
The Bells of Westminster by Leonora Nattrass
I really enjoyed the author’s writing style, it’s witty and funny and kept me turning the pages. I’m looking forward to reading her book Black Drop that has been waiting on my shelf.
Set in 1774 the story revolves around Westminster Abbey. Susan Bell, the daughter of the Dean is our narrator and she writes about the unfortunate events that occurred after the opening of Edward Longshanks tomb. There is theft, murder, ghostly apparitions and a sweet romance. My favourite character was the odious Mr Suckling, who has designs on the lovely Susan Bell but in no way can she consider herself as Susan Suckling 😂
The plot did get a little confusing towards the end but that might have to do with my tiredness rather than the author’s plotting. On the whole I really enjoyed it and desperately want to have a tour around the abbey as I’ve never been.
Oh, and the book has a map of the abbey which was very helpful. I also loved the historical note at the end 🤓
Book gifted by @viper.books and all views are very much my own. @leonoranattrass
#historicalfiction #historicalcrimefiction #thebellsofwestminster #leonoranattrass #paperback #bookreview #arc #viperbooks #bookrecommendations #agoodread #recentlyread
August 25, 2024
Another triumph from Leonora Nattrass who, in my humble opinion, is fast becoming a master (or mistress, if you prefer) of historic fiction. Perfect immersion in time and place, and not one anachronism in sight, neither in speech, attitudes or mores of the characters. The story was interesting, and definitely kept me guessing until the very end.
The characters were well fleshed out, and Susan Bell was quite a fun character, whose dry wit did seem a bit YA after a while. Susan does tend to make a point of her secondary position in society as a woman, but far from kicking against the traces, her willing and almost enthusiastic capitulation makes a joke of the whole thing and exposes the folly of such conventional restrictions much more than anger and rebellion ever could.
Being acquainted with one of the Honourary Stewards of Westminster Abbey and knowing something of its inner workings, it is difficult to credit the casual way in which the excavation of the various tombs was described as being executed, but a modicum of poetic license can be allowed in the name of fiction.
All in all, a very enjoyable book.
Thanks to the publishers, via Netgally, for a free ARC in return for an unbiased review.
The characters were well fleshed out, and Susan Bell was quite a fun character, whose dry wit did seem a bit YA after a while. Susan does tend to make a point of her secondary position in society as a woman, but far from kicking against the traces, her willing and almost enthusiastic capitulation makes a joke of the whole thing and exposes the folly of such conventional restrictions much more than anger and rebellion ever could.
Being acquainted with one of the Honourary Stewards of Westminster Abbey and knowing something of its inner workings, it is difficult to credit the casual way in which the excavation of the various tombs was described as being executed, but a modicum of poetic license can be allowed in the name of fiction.
All in all, a very enjoyable book.
Thanks to the publishers, via Netgally, for a free ARC in return for an unbiased review.
December 5, 2024
4 🌟
A slow burner of a story weaved around actual historical events in 1774. Our protagonist is the Dean of Westminster's daughter Susan Bell, who narrates the events from a series of diary entries. A vast array of characters are present in the opening of the tomb of Edward I, who is buried in Westminster Abbey. Was Edward embalmed? And were there any treasures in the tomb? But the opening of the tomb triggers ghostly sightings, the death of one of the notable figures, and the misplacement of Edward's body. Slowly, the events are explained, and Susan, her rather intriguing pet parrot Cuthbert, and her cousin Lindley, who is also an amateur scientist, find the culprit.
A map and a list of characters help the reader navigate the intricacies and detailed descriptions of the gorgeous interior of the abbey.
I love Leonora Nattrass' body of work. The way she encompasses and immerses the reader in the times she writes about is pure class. She has a unique storytelling style, and her books broaden your mins to life as it was in those times. I will always look forward to more of her work.
A slow burner of a story weaved around actual historical events in 1774. Our protagonist is the Dean of Westminster's daughter Susan Bell, who narrates the events from a series of diary entries. A vast array of characters are present in the opening of the tomb of Edward I, who is buried in Westminster Abbey. Was Edward embalmed? And were there any treasures in the tomb? But the opening of the tomb triggers ghostly sightings, the death of one of the notable figures, and the misplacement of Edward's body. Slowly, the events are explained, and Susan, her rather intriguing pet parrot Cuthbert, and her cousin Lindley, who is also an amateur scientist, find the culprit.
A map and a list of characters help the reader navigate the intricacies and detailed descriptions of the gorgeous interior of the abbey.
I love Leonora Nattrass' body of work. The way she encompasses and immerses the reader in the times she writes about is pure class. She has a unique storytelling style, and her books broaden your mins to life as it was in those times. I will always look forward to more of her work.
September 13, 2024
A rather unusual book inspired, apparently, by the opening of the tomb of Edward I in Westminster Abbey by the Society of Antiquaries in 1774. Susan Bell, her father the Dean and her cousin Lindley were part of the group who witnessed the opening, but some very strange occurences were taking place around them, leading to a sudden death.
The story is told by Susan, in the form of a diary, and she has a very dry sense of humour, able to poke fun at the restricted demands on womenfolk at that time. She is not seeking a husband, although she does keep an eye open for any likely candidates. And she has an amusing parrot called Cuthbert. Add in the monarch making spot visits and a rich dowager with designs on the Dean, and there is the recipe for an interesting and amusing tale.
I enjoyed it, particularly the forthright character of Susan. Thank you to NetGalley, Serpent's Tail, Viper and Profile Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story is told by Susan, in the form of a diary, and she has a very dry sense of humour, able to poke fun at the restricted demands on womenfolk at that time. She is not seeking a husband, although she does keep an eye open for any likely candidates. And she has an amusing parrot called Cuthbert. Add in the monarch making spot visits and a rich dowager with designs on the Dean, and there is the recipe for an interesting and amusing tale.
I enjoyed it, particularly the forthright character of Susan. Thank you to NetGalley, Serpent's Tail, Viper and Profile Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2024
Loosely based on the true event of the opening of Edward Longshank’s tomb in Westminster Abbey in the late 1700s, this book follows Susan Bell, the Dean’s daughter, telling about her life in the Abbey: “What with the vergers and the clergymen, the sweepers and the gardeners – along with the abbey watchman, the searcher of the sanctuary and the army of workmen who keep the ancient fabric from falling on our heads – Father has the care of what amounts to a large and thriving village.”
The vast cast of characters can sometimes become confusing, but a gentle humour and mild suspense is prevailing and the reader will learn a lot about the many cogs needed to make the abbey’s days run smoothly.
Throw in a mysterious death, a disappearing mummy and the squabbling between the various authorities responsible for the abbey, this is an engaging story with a naïve charm, reminiscent of the old TV series “All Gas and Gaiters”.
The vast cast of characters can sometimes become confusing, but a gentle humour and mild suspense is prevailing and the reader will learn a lot about the many cogs needed to make the abbey’s days run smoothly.
Throw in a mysterious death, a disappearing mummy and the squabbling between the various authorities responsible for the abbey, this is an engaging story with a naïve charm, reminiscent of the old TV series “All Gas and Gaiters”.
December 26, 2024
Good historical whodunnit. After a group of "antiquarians" open Edward I's tomb in Westminster Abbey in 1774, a man is found murdered and a ghostly apparition stalks the halls. The story is narrated by Susan Bell, the high-spirited, unmarried, twenty-three year old daughter of the dean. I enjoyed the narrator and the interesting bits of history, science, architecture, and late-eighteenth-century culture that were interspersed throughout the novel. There is also a solid mystery at the heart of the book.
Unfortunately, I had a difficult time staying interested in the story. The opening of the tomb was fascinating, but then the story slowed down until after page 100 (the murder). Then, the book really slowed down again between pages 200 to 300. Even the reveal just kept going far past where I wanted it to end. Also, as is common with crime novels, there are lots of characters with very little backstory, so it's hard to keep them straight or care about any of them.
Unfortunately, I had a difficult time staying interested in the story. The opening of the tomb was fascinating, but then the story slowed down until after page 100 (the murder). Then, the book really slowed down again between pages 200 to 300. Even the reveal just kept going far past where I wanted it to end. Also, as is common with crime novels, there are lots of characters with very little backstory, so it's hard to keep them straight or care about any of them.
November 12, 2024
I picked this one up on the recommended reads table in the Helston bookshop and it was the synopsis that really swung it for me (posted further down my feed). This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I loved the writing style and pacing - I was transported straight back to Westminster Abbey in 1774 and I found the story fascinating and full of intrigue and, perhaps because of the mystery and location it gave off quite gothic vibes. Inspired by true events surrounding the opening of the tomb of Edward I it is clear the author has done a huge amount of research and this has paid off in the delivery of a very pleasing and energetic historical murder mystery. I liked how the book was set entirely within the confines of Westminster Abbey and narrated by the Deans daughter, Susan Bell in a diary like format. She is a great protagonist and narrator and I was rooting for her throughout. She’s refreshingly intelligent and instantly likeable and her voice is strong and sweeps the reader straight up into the events of the book. The ending could have been a bit less drawn out but it all ties up nicely and I was left feeling like everything was satisfactory and wrapped up well. Overall I did enjoy it a lot and can certainly recommend it but probably not one that I’d re-read again - that’s the only reason I didn’t go to the full five stars.
November 10, 2024
The Bells of Westminster is an entertaining historical mystery that cleverly blends fact and fiction to create an unusual and memorable story.
The story is told in by the likeable character of Susan Bell daughter of the Dean of Westminster. Susan is an unusual and engaging character whose spinsterly life changes when the society of antiquaries arrives with a letter from the King demanding to open the tomb of Edward l. What follows includes murder and ghostly goings-on with some romance thrown in too.
The atmospheric story is loosely based on real events and is very well-researched. The immersion in time and place is impressive.
I have to confess that towards the end, I found it hard to keep up with what became a fairly complex tale, but this didn’t stop me from enjoying the book overall.
With thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC.
The story is told in by the likeable character of Susan Bell daughter of the Dean of Westminster. Susan is an unusual and engaging character whose spinsterly life changes when the society of antiquaries arrives with a letter from the King demanding to open the tomb of Edward l. What follows includes murder and ghostly goings-on with some romance thrown in too.
The atmospheric story is loosely based on real events and is very well-researched. The immersion in time and place is impressive.
I have to confess that towards the end, I found it hard to keep up with what became a fairly complex tale, but this didn’t stop me from enjoying the book overall.
With thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC.
November 18, 2024
The Bells of Westminster by Leonora Nattrass
This book though set in a similar time period to her previous novels introduces a range of new characters. The book is loosely based on a real event when the tomb of Edward Longshanks was opened. The main protagonist is Susan Bell whose father is the eponymous Bell of the title, Dean of Westminster. He is a pleasant but quite ineffectual man and Susan or Nasus as she calls herself in her memoir is left to solve the mystery on her own.
The staory is very well written and the various characters are well described but the way in which the murder actually occurred and other events border on the farcical. I quite enjoyed it but would not say it is a must read as her previous novels have been. Many thanks to the author, the publishers and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book in return for an honest review.
This book though set in a similar time period to her previous novels introduces a range of new characters. The book is loosely based on a real event when the tomb of Edward Longshanks was opened. The main protagonist is Susan Bell whose father is the eponymous Bell of the title, Dean of Westminster. He is a pleasant but quite ineffectual man and Susan or Nasus as she calls herself in her memoir is left to solve the mystery on her own.
The staory is very well written and the various characters are well described but the way in which the murder actually occurred and other events border on the farcical. I quite enjoyed it but would not say it is a must read as her previous novels have been. Many thanks to the author, the publishers and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book in return for an honest review.
September 15, 2024
The play on words of the title sums up the gentle humour enjoyed throughout this book.
The eponymous Bell family consist of father who is the Dean of Westminster and Susan whose journal forms the basis of the story. I thought it was a nice mix of murder, exhumations, missing jewels, ghosts and cutting edge science all in an hisorical setting. Throw into the mix plenty of intersting characters including the King who gets involved in the investigations and it makes a very enjoyable read. Very steady paced until the end when several revelations border on the farcical.
The first book i have read by this author and i will certainly look to read more.
Thanks to NetGalley , Viper, Serpent’s Tail and Profile for the ARC
The eponymous Bell family consist of father who is the Dean of Westminster and Susan whose journal forms the basis of the story. I thought it was a nice mix of murder, exhumations, missing jewels, ghosts and cutting edge science all in an hisorical setting. Throw into the mix plenty of intersting characters including the King who gets involved in the investigations and it makes a very enjoyable read. Very steady paced until the end when several revelations border on the farcical.
The first book i have read by this author and i will certainly look to read more.
Thanks to NetGalley , Viper, Serpent’s Tail and Profile for the ARC
December 10, 2024
Susan Bell is the daughter of the Dean of Westminster, a clever woman but with few prospects except marriage to her disagreeable cousin. When the Society of Antiquarians get permission to open the tomb of Edward I, Susan joins them. However a subsequent murder, the sighting of a ghost, a missing gold sceptre and a worry about her father's proposals to widows mean the peace of Westminster Abbey is shattered.
I've really enjoyed Nattrass' previous books but found this a real change of pace. It's a lightweight and rather fun little trifle. Based on a few true tales of the Abbey, Nattrass has created a lovely little piece of historical fiction which scans authentically and really entertains.
I've really enjoyed Nattrass' previous books but found this a real change of pace. It's a lightweight and rather fun little trifle. Based on a few true tales of the Abbey, Nattrass has created a lovely little piece of historical fiction which scans authentically and really entertains.
January 10, 2025
Susan Bell is fascinated with the activities of the Abbey and jumps at the opportunity to be present at the opening of the tomb of Edward I. She has to be involved when a ghostly apparition appears in the halls and a man is murdered there. Susan, along with her cousin and Mr Delingpole, the official investigator, are determined to solve the mystery of the murder of this poor victim.
Not a bad read, but I got quite bored pretty quickly as I was unconvinced by Susan Bell who was a modern girl in a historical novel. What a shame.
I received a review copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Not a bad read, but I got quite bored pretty quickly as I was unconvinced by Susan Bell who was a modern girl in a historical novel. What a shame.
I received a review copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2024
This book is an absolute triumph. It’s irreverent, funny, creepy, packed with characters and on the face of it, utterly implausible, but it works. It’s based on a real event, but Nattrass, with a keen eye for historical detail, has created a real drama from the opening of a sarcophagus. Events are ably narrated by Susan Bell, the daughter of the Dean of Westminster and right from the start, it’s easy to find clever humour. Even Cuthbert the parrot has a role. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this title, but it’s priced a delight from start to finish. Original and memorable.
September 21, 2024
A cosy 18th century crime thriller here centered around Westminster Abbey. It involves a great cast of characters including the Dean and his daughter, The ghost of Edward the first (Longshanks), a particularly talkative parrot science and a murder. Well written and hugely enjoyable this is a cut above the norm from a seriously talented author. I would like to thank the publisher Viper books, the author and Netgalley for the chance to read and enjoy
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