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De geruchten in Painswick Court
In 'De geruchten in Painswick Court' van Julie Klassen is Anne Loveday, de dochter van een chirurg, de koppelpogingen van haar stiefmoeder meer dan zat; ze wil graag zélf de touwtjes in handen hebben. Daarom besluit ze terug te keren naar Painswick, de plek waar zij en haar zus zoveel mooie zomers hebben doorgebracht. Anne is nog maar net gearriveerd of ze wordt gevraagd om de zieke Lady Celia te verzorgen. Dezelfde Celia die jaren geleden het huwelijk tussen haar neef en Annes zus dwarsboomde… Anne besluit haar wrok opzij te zetten en haar intrek te nemen in het schimmige, oude huis, waar alle inwoners geheimen met zich meedragen. Wanneer een reeks medische incidenten bijna het leven van Lady Celia eist, vermoedt Anne dat er opzet in het spel is. Maar wie zou ziets doen – en waarom? Terwijl ze het mysterie probeert te ontrafelen, komt Anne zélf onder verdenking te staan en wordt haar vaste voornemen vrijgezel te blijven op de proef gesteld door een knappe vreemdeling.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2025
127 people are currently reading
5600 people want to read
About the author
Julie Klassen
39 books6,225 followersJulie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Midwest Book Award, the Minnesota Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award, and been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. She blogs at http://www.inspiredbylifeandfiction.com.
Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
November 25, 2025
I absolutely loved this story! It was very entertaining. There is mystery, murder, a “ghost”, and romance. Anne is a wonderful character. I love her. She is brave, kind and smart. She really cares for others and tries to help them the best she can. She learned medical skills from her father and uses them to help Lady Celia who keeps having close calls with death. There are multiple people living at Painswick Court and one or more of them is a villain, but who is it? I really loved the mystery part of this story. I honestly didn’t guess it. The ghost parts did creep me out a little bit so I had to finish reading in the day time haha. I also really loved the romance part of the story. It was so sweet. There is good Christian content through out. Overall, I thought this a wonderful story and I definitely recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
February 4, 2026
This book features cosy mystery vibes (Agatha Christie, anyone?) set in regency England with a touch of Jane Austen. It's the perfect recipe for a cosy day in with a hot drink. I buddy read this one with @a_brooke_and_her_books and, as always, enjoyed the discussion!
Jane Austen fans will pick up on many subtle references to her own novels, and I, for one, really enjoyed that element! In terms of Julie's books, I do think I enjoyed Shadows of Swanford Abbey a touch more, but this book is up there with my favourites.
4.5 stars ✨
Jane Austen fans will pick up on many subtle references to her own novels, and I, for one, really enjoyed that element! In terms of Julie's books, I do think I enjoyed Shadows of Swanford Abbey a touch more, but this book is up there with my favourites.
4.5 stars ✨
February 2, 2026
Mystery and romance await in Painswick.
Julie Klassen makes every character a part of the story and makes it feel like there are no minor characters, as everyone plays a roll in the story. I was hooked from the beginning and fell in love with the characters, as we followed Anne and her journey.
*thank you to Bethany House for a complimentary copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.
Julie Klassen makes every character a part of the story and makes it feel like there are no minor characters, as everyone plays a roll in the story. I was hooked from the beginning and fell in love with the characters, as we followed Anne and her journey.
*thank you to Bethany House for a complimentary copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.
November 21, 2025
Wow! This book is amazing! I think it's my favorite book by Julie Klassen so far! There's mystery, intrigue, suspense, a "ghost" and a very sweet love story.
The characters are written brilliantly! Each one had some sort of mysterious quality. I was immediately invested in their stories. Anne is a wonderful young woman. She has the gift of being a wonderful nurse but she doesn't believe in herself due to an unfortunate situation. She's compassionate, caring and a protector. Dr Ernest Finch is 😍! He's very mysterious because he's keeping a huge secret. He's also compassionate, caring and treats his patients with tender care. He also turned out to be quite the romantic!!
Lady Celia is very important to the whole plot. Her tenacity and iron grip on her family led many to despise her. Unfortunately for her this led to many people wanting her dead. The actual perpetrator completely surprised me!
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The characters are written brilliantly! Each one had some sort of mysterious quality. I was immediately invested in their stories. Anne is a wonderful young woman. She has the gift of being a wonderful nurse but she doesn't believe in herself due to an unfortunate situation. She's compassionate, caring and a protector. Dr Ernest Finch is 😍! He's very mysterious because he's keeping a huge secret. He's also compassionate, caring and treats his patients with tender care. He also turned out to be quite the romantic!!
Lady Celia is very important to the whole plot. Her tenacity and iron grip on her family led many to despise her. Unfortunately for her this led to many people wanting her dead. The actual perpetrator completely surprised me!
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 7, 2026
The first fifty percent of this book: oh this is a delightful little read. The last fifty percent: OH MY GOSH WHAT IS GOING ON?! It escalated from, “Oh, these secrets are your typical ‘regency’ secrets,” to “that scoundrel!” I also stayed up until 1 AM to finish this book which is a major endorsement since I’m pretty strict about my 10:30 bedtime. And to think, eleven year old me thought Julie Klassen’s books were boring. The perfect mixture of delightful, spooky, and twisty. I will be raiding my local library shelves for all the Julie Klassen I can get my hands on.
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December 4, 2025
3.5 rounded down for Goodreads. The cover is absolutely gorgeous and what made me buy it in the first place. Normally, I don’t love her books. There’s always something that I don’t like. 😂 I really liked the mystery part! That kept
me turning the page and guessing who did it. I will have to say before I start on the characters…there are a lot of characters. I honestly got confused and lost sometimes like who is that? Like they would call them by their first name and then suddenly their last name? I was like where did that person come from? 😂 Anyway, Anne was a good character. I enjoyed her and the way she changed and learned throughout the book. Dr. Finch was interesting and it took me a bit to see them together. The love story wasn’t the greatest or something that I was greatly invested in. Lady Celia was a character! I don’t like the way it ended with her though. Rosa was a sweetheart and I really liked her despite her past mistakes. Jude was disgusting and I wasn’t a fan of him at all. But I don’t like the way it ended with him. Why does there always have to be a guy who seduces all these ladies? On that note, there is an affair, child born out of wedlock and some advances. But nothing was described in detail, thank goodness. I wish there was more faith content. There were a couple sentences that I appreciated, but not enough to be considered Christian fiction in my opinion. Overall, I did like it and enjoyed some parts. It could have definitely been better.
me turning the page and guessing who did it. I will have to say before I start on the characters…there are a lot of characters. I honestly got confused and lost sometimes like who is that? Like they would call them by their first name and then suddenly their last name? I was like where did that person come from? 😂 Anyway, Anne was a good character. I enjoyed her and the way she changed and learned throughout the book. Dr. Finch was interesting and it took me a bit to see them together. The love story wasn’t the greatest or something that I was greatly invested in. Lady Celia was a character! I don’t like the way it ended with her though. Rosa was a sweetheart and I really liked her despite her past mistakes. Jude was disgusting and I wasn’t a fan of him at all. But I don’t like the way it ended with him. Why does there always have to be a guy who seduces all these ladies? On that note, there is an affair, child born out of wedlock and some advances. But nothing was described in detail, thank goodness. I wish there was more faith content. There were a couple sentences that I appreciated, but not enough to be considered Christian fiction in my opinion. Overall, I did like it and enjoyed some parts. It could have definitely been better.
November 30, 2025
Julie Klassen is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. Head and shoulders above many. This was a gentle story. Engaging from the start. Memorable characters. Ms. Klassen’s writing is so descriptive, it’s easy to see the scenes unfold in my mind’s eye. Anne was such a sweet, humble character. Another bonus for me was the lovely, uplifting, light faith content. Highly recommend. Outstanding narration.
I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
December 3, 2025
4.5 stars
Hold on to your reticules because Whispers at Painswick Court kept me uncertain until almost the very end which characters could be trusted… and which characters were hiding dangerous secrets. The tone of this deliciously Gothic romantic mystery by Julie Klassen reminded me (to my great delight) of two of my fave novels by this author – The Tutor’s Daughter and The Secret of Pembrooke Park, so of course I couldn’t put it down. I immediately befriended the tenderhearted-but-practical Anne Loveday, or would have if only she wasn’t a fictional character. Her savvy instincts not only prolong her patient’s life more than once but also keep our suspicions high that someone is trying to hasten Lady Celia’s death prematurely. And when Anne herself is considered a suspect, I was ready to give someone a good reticule-whomping.
Every good romantic mystery needs a house like Painswick Court – the perfect mix of grandiose, creaky, and mysterious – housing more than its share of secrets, grudges, and dysfunctional relationships. I held my breath more than once while Anne moved throughout its halls, as though my own silence was required to keep her presence under wraps when she stumbled upon another hushed conversation or skulking shadow. Whether it was the lady’s maid, one of the nephews, the daughter, the ‘ghost’ of a former king, or a local doctor or two, there always seemed to be someone slinking in or out of Lady Celia’s room – or huddled together elsewhere, exchanging heated words or meaningful glances. Which meant my mind stayed as busy as Anne’s, trying to figure out what we might be misinterpreting (thanks to Klassen’s clever misdirections and red herrings) and what’s exactly as dastardly as it seems. I loved every mysterious minute of it! Not to mention the sweet romance that left me swooning too. As is often the case with Gothic novels, I couldn’t let myself rest easy in a possible HEA until I knew my preferred hero for Anne wasn’t actually a villain. And with Klassen’s skilled storytelling, I wasn’t sure until … well, until I was sure. (How’s that for clarity? LOL) I hoped I was right about how things appeared though and, despite how he tested our trust, my heart still fluttered right along with Anne’s whenever he walked in the room.
Bottom Line: Whispers at Painswick Court by Julie Klassen swept me straight into the atmospheric halls of a sprawling manor full of secrets and kept both my heart and mind engaged (and guessing!) from beginning to end. This master author skillfully paints nearly every character in the story against a backdrop of unease and uncertainty, the only exception being our guileless and courageous heroine (who is so easy to root for and love). Not even the potential romantic heroes are free from suspicion and, while I tried to hold my affections in check until I knew whether or not my fave was hiding murderous plots behind his attraction to Anne, I confess that my swoon-instinct refused to stay completely aloof. The tension stays deliciously ominous, the layers of deception unwind slowly and smartly, and the finale ties everything together perfectly (though not to perfection… because, after all, that’s part of what Anne learns along the way – that life can be beautiful even when it doesn’t turn out exactly the way we’d originally hoped).
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Hold on to your reticules because Whispers at Painswick Court kept me uncertain until almost the very end which characters could be trusted… and which characters were hiding dangerous secrets. The tone of this deliciously Gothic romantic mystery by Julie Klassen reminded me (to my great delight) of two of my fave novels by this author – The Tutor’s Daughter and The Secret of Pembrooke Park, so of course I couldn’t put it down. I immediately befriended the tenderhearted-but-practical Anne Loveday, or would have if only she wasn’t a fictional character. Her savvy instincts not only prolong her patient’s life more than once but also keep our suspicions high that someone is trying to hasten Lady Celia’s death prematurely. And when Anne herself is considered a suspect, I was ready to give someone a good reticule-whomping.
Every good romantic mystery needs a house like Painswick Court – the perfect mix of grandiose, creaky, and mysterious – housing more than its share of secrets, grudges, and dysfunctional relationships. I held my breath more than once while Anne moved throughout its halls, as though my own silence was required to keep her presence under wraps when she stumbled upon another hushed conversation or skulking shadow. Whether it was the lady’s maid, one of the nephews, the daughter, the ‘ghost’ of a former king, or a local doctor or two, there always seemed to be someone slinking in or out of Lady Celia’s room – or huddled together elsewhere, exchanging heated words or meaningful glances. Which meant my mind stayed as busy as Anne’s, trying to figure out what we might be misinterpreting (thanks to Klassen’s clever misdirections and red herrings) and what’s exactly as dastardly as it seems. I loved every mysterious minute of it! Not to mention the sweet romance that left me swooning too. As is often the case with Gothic novels, I couldn’t let myself rest easy in a possible HEA until I knew my preferred hero for Anne wasn’t actually a villain. And with Klassen’s skilled storytelling, I wasn’t sure until … well, until I was sure. (How’s that for clarity? LOL) I hoped I was right about how things appeared though and, despite how he tested our trust, my heart still fluttered right along with Anne’s whenever he walked in the room.
Bottom Line: Whispers at Painswick Court by Julie Klassen swept me straight into the atmospheric halls of a sprawling manor full of secrets and kept both my heart and mind engaged (and guessing!) from beginning to end. This master author skillfully paints nearly every character in the story against a backdrop of unease and uncertainty, the only exception being our guileless and courageous heroine (who is so easy to root for and love). Not even the potential romantic heroes are free from suspicion and, while I tried to hold my affections in check until I knew whether or not my fave was hiding murderous plots behind his attraction to Anne, I confess that my swoon-instinct refused to stay completely aloof. The tension stays deliciously ominous, the layers of deception unwind slowly and smartly, and the finale ties everything together perfectly (though not to perfection… because, after all, that’s part of what Anne learns along the way – that life can be beautiful even when it doesn’t turn out exactly the way we’d originally hoped).
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
January 8, 2026
Dear Reader, this period drama is positively brimming with tea just waiting to be poured! Secrets and scandals. Suspicious accidents in the sickroom and sneaking about shadowy corridors by candlelight.
Fans of Jane Austen’s “Northanger Abbey” will adore this keep-you-guessing, cozy mystery enriched by sincere faith, sweetened by a pinch of romance, and served with Regency era propriety.
If you fancy a manor house inhabited by intrigue, allow Julie Klassen to regale you with the Whispers at Painswick Court!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own honest opinion.
January 23, 2026
The plot was strong, and the mystery kept me interested the whole time.
The narrator was good. Elizabeth Jasicki
The narrator was good. Elizabeth Jasicki
December 1, 2025
A mystery, a murder, a rumored royal haunting, a disgraced officer, and a rake set the tone for this gothic story. Having devoured Klassen’s On Devonshire Shores series, I was glad to be among the first to listen to this audiobook. It carried the wonderful prose I’ve come to expect from her, along with rich descriptions of Painswick Court, the herbal and medicinal remedies of 1821, the characters, and their attire.
The story is a little slow at the start, but the pace quickens once Anne Loveday settles into the house and the sinister mishaps targeting Lady Celia begin. Lady Celia is a spitfire, and I enjoyed watching how each person in her orbit handled her brusque manner. Her daughter works hard to please her. Others try to cajole and steer her toward reason. Jude argues with her outright, and both Anne and Rosa care for her. It felt like observing a wide range of personalities gathered under one roof.
While the romance is lukewarm, the mystery kept my attention.
Listeners familiar with Klassen’s audiobooks will recognize Elizabeth Jasicki. Once again, her performance captures the characters well and is always pleasant to listen to.
A solid 4-star listen.
I received this audiobook from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The story is a little slow at the start, but the pace quickens once Anne Loveday settles into the house and the sinister mishaps targeting Lady Celia begin. Lady Celia is a spitfire, and I enjoyed watching how each person in her orbit handled her brusque manner. Her daughter works hard to please her. Others try to cajole and steer her toward reason. Jude argues with her outright, and both Anne and Rosa care for her. It felt like observing a wide range of personalities gathered under one roof.
While the romance is lukewarm, the mystery kept my attention.
Listeners familiar with Klassen’s audiobooks will recognize Elizabeth Jasicki. Once again, her performance captures the characters well and is always pleasant to listen to.
A solid 4-star listen.
I received this audiobook from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 16, 2026
A lovely story about a young woman who has begun to feel like a third wheel in her father's house and accepts an invitation to visit a friend in the town where her grandparents lived and died. There she's asked to help in a sickroom and she begins nursing crusty Lady Celia, who's dying of a bad heart. Very quickly it's obvious there's something odd going on at Painswick.
I really enjoyed the mystery of who was messing with Lady Celia’s medicines and liked how many potential suspects there were to keep me guessing. So many in the house had a true motive and that definitely upped the stakes for readers.
The romance is understated and more of a subplot, which I liked.
I really enjoyed the mystery of who was messing with Lady Celia’s medicines and liked how many potential suspects there were to keep me guessing. So many in the house had a true motive and that definitely upped the stakes for readers.
The romance is understated and more of a subplot, which I liked.
December 21, 2025
I love a good mystery and this book has that plus more. It is set in the Regency Era with a cast of characters to guess whodunit. The setting the author portrayed left me wanting to get a ticket and cross the pond to visit this historic sight and cast my eyes on the Yew trees. The romance is sweet and the ending is my favorite kind. Happy Ever After.
October 9, 2025
It’s always a pleasure to read a book by Julie Klassen. She expertly weaves a story that both entertains and enthralls. This is a wonderful blend of mystery and romance that will have you turning pages as you try to figure out who is behind the happenings at Painswick Court. With a variety of characters and possible motives the suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat. I love a story that keeps me guessing.
This is a clean read with Christian themes that will leave you uplifted and satisfied. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a great regency mystery.
This is a clean read with Christian themes that will leave you uplifted and satisfied. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a great regency mystery.
February 12, 2026
Julie Klassen has done it again, Whispers of Painwick court is a delightful Regency Romance with an intriguing mystery. it is difficult to know who to like and who to mistrust. Anne Loveday must decide who can be trusted while nursing a woman that she cause to intensely dislike. Anne has decided that she desires to rmain single for life, but now has several possible suiters. Great book!
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
March 4, 2026
I am officially in my Murder Mystery Era 🔎🖤 and honestly? I am loving it. ❤️✨📚
There is something so addictive about trying to outsmart the author 🧠💭. Once you’ve read enough of them, your brain just goes: “Oh no… that’s not an accident. That’s foreshadowing.” 😏🔍📖
Okay but now I need to know — what was the most obvious “THIS IS NOT AN ACCIDENT” moment for you?
There is something so addictive about trying to outsmart the author 🧠💭. Once you’ve read enough of them, your brain just goes: “Oh no… that’s not an accident. That’s foreshadowing.” 😏🔍📖
Okay but now I need to know — what was the most obvious “THIS IS NOT AN ACCIDENT” moment for you?
December 14, 2025
God, the Great Physician, had known it all along. 📚☕
Our main female character was intelligent, kind, and patient - no matter what. I liked that. She was also very sentimental, and I loved that her Grandparent’s very romantic story was a thread throughout the plot.
Our main female character was intelligent, kind, and patient - no matter what. I liked that. She was also very sentimental, and I loved that her Grandparent’s very romantic story was a thread throughout the plot.
I liked the immediate use of humour and sarcasm in the first sentence and sprinkled over it all.
📚 romantic
📚gentle mystery
📚 VERY slow burn
📚highly entertaining
Triggers: rakish behavior, infidelity in the past, illegitimacy
I am blessed to have received an advanced reader copy directly for the December 2nd, 2025 release date, and my opinions are fully my own.
✨📚✨more of an in-depth review on my “Clean Reads” channel soon
February 17, 2026
I love how this author just makes you feel like you are in the book. Her rich descriptions of Painswick Court makes you feel like you are there watching every scene unfold.
Anne Loveday is the main character of this story and comes into the village not setting out to be Lady Celia’s caretaker but that is indeed what she becomes and I’m glad because Lady Celia is a spitfire and somehow Anne knew exactly how to deal with her. The story has a whole lot of characters that some you will love others you will have a very strong dislike to, most of these are out to get Lady Celia and her money. I won’t give too much away let’s just say that I totally did not see the villain coming. The person who it was, is not who I was guessing it to be! There is romance but it’s not the focus of the book so don’t go into thinking this is a full romance type of situation.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I’m glad it is added to my Julie Klassen collection on my shelves!
I received a copy of this book for review. All views expressed are my own.
Anne Loveday is the main character of this story and comes into the village not setting out to be Lady Celia’s caretaker but that is indeed what she becomes and I’m glad because Lady Celia is a spitfire and somehow Anne knew exactly how to deal with her. The story has a whole lot of characters that some you will love others you will have a very strong dislike to, most of these are out to get Lady Celia and her money. I won’t give too much away let’s just say that I totally did not see the villain coming. The person who it was, is not who I was guessing it to be! There is romance but it’s not the focus of the book so don’t go into thinking this is a full romance type of situation.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I’m glad it is added to my Julie Klassen collection on my shelves!
I received a copy of this book for review. All views expressed are my own.
December 9, 2025
“Whispers at Painswick Court” by Julie Klassen is yet another hit by this beloved author! Julie Klassen is one of my favorite authors and always delivers fantastic historical fiction! This is a standalone historical mystery in the vein of Agatha Christie. It is filled with secrets, mystery, and that delicious Gothic feeling. Ms. Klassen delivers great suspense and mystery, which kept me turning the pages and not wanting to put it down until I discovered the answers! I loved the many nods to Austen and other literary characters, especially the nods to “Persuasion” and “Northanger Abbey.” The story has a great spiritual component where the characters struggle with unanswered prayers, being angry with God, feeling unworthy of Him answering their prayers, and feelings of failure. They learn to not give up hope and to embrace God’s plans when their own go awry. God does redeem past mistakes. Anne Loveday, our heroine, learns to see herself as God sees her. There are beautiful moments between family members that I loved, and overall, the characters are memorable. I loved all the historical details and medical knowledge Ms. Klassen adds to the story. I highly recommend this mystery filled with threats, murder, whispers, secrets, and deception!
Content: I give this book a high PG rating. Some examples of the content: mention of a ghost; past infidelity between a married man and unmarried woman; someone is drunk; illegitimate child and people slept together out of wedlock in the past; someone is given an overdose of medication.
TW: loss of a parent; mention of death from childbirth; difficult stepfamily dynamics; past gambling; parental abandonment; speculation of su*cide; attempted assault.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Content: I give this book a high PG rating. Some examples of the content: mention of a ghost; past infidelity between a married man and unmarried woman; someone is drunk; illegitimate child and people slept together out of wedlock in the past; someone is given an overdose of medication.
TW: loss of a parent; mention of death from childbirth; difficult stepfamily dynamics; past gambling; parental abandonment; speculation of su*cide; attempted assault.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
January 29, 2026
Whispers at Painswick Court blends many genres in one story. Anne Loveday starts work as a nurse for an old, odd, wealthy widow. Soon, strange events make her question what she got into. Anne stands out as a kind soul, true to her role.
Some things you'll find in this novel:
-A grumpy old patient facing danger
-Spoiled adult daughter
-Slow burn romance
-The ghost of King Charles haunting the manor
-A Murderer on the loose
-Basement dungeons
-Missing big kitchen knife
-Handsome doctors and old friends
-Twists and a shock ending
The story keeps you on edge with fake clues tossed everywhere. It all pulls together by the finish. There was the perfect amount of romance, intrigue, and family drama. You'll enjoy Whispers at Painswick Court if you're also a fan of Agatha Christie and Jane Austen.
Some things you'll find in this novel:
-A grumpy old patient facing danger
-Spoiled adult daughter
-Slow burn romance
-The ghost of King Charles haunting the manor
-A Murderer on the loose
-Basement dungeons
-Missing big kitchen knife
-Handsome doctors and old friends
-Twists and a shock ending
The story keeps you on edge with fake clues tossed everywhere. It all pulls together by the finish. There was the perfect amount of romance, intrigue, and family drama. You'll enjoy Whispers at Painswick Court if you're also a fan of Agatha Christie and Jane Austen.
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February 10, 2026An apothecary-surgeon’s daughter returns to her home town and lands a nursing gig and a mystery at the local manor house. Julie Klassen weaves history, mystery, inspiration-themes, and romance into a beautiful, suspenseful tale.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy TBA.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy TBA.
December 20, 2025
This story moves softly, almost carefully, as though it knows that some houses hold more than furniture and walls. Painswick Court holds memory, restraint, and unspoken history, and the novel allows those things to breathe instead of rushing past them. I found myself listening with a kind of attentiveness that felt fitting for a place like this.
Anne Loveday is a heroine shaped by usefulness, by watching closely, by learning through years of quiet service. Her medical knowledge is earned through patience and responsibility. I appreciated how her desire to live a meaningful, steady life is neither dismissed nor romanticized. There is a humility to her strength and purpose that felt true to the period and to the story being told.
The mystery unfolds through tension rather than spectacle. Unease settles in slowly. Questions linger. Trust becomes complicated. The fullness of the cast invited careful attention, and the pacing reflected the layered nature of the story. The atmosphere, the setting, the relationships, and the quiet undercurrent of threat held my attention with a steady pull.
As an audiobook, this experience was especially rich. Elizabeth Jasicki’s narration is excellent, engaging, and wonderfully expressive. Her voice work carries emotion with restraint, allowing moments of concern, reflection, and vulnerability to land naturally. She gave clarity to a layered cast and brought warmth to quieter scenes, making the listening experience feel immersive, emotional, and steady.
Faith is present in a gentle, fitting way through conscience, choice, and moral reflection rather than overt declaration. It feels appropriate to the Regency setting and to characters who are learning how to act rightly when clarity is hard to come by.
This was a thoughtful, atmospheric listen. It values patience, observation, and quiet courage, and is one I will continue to savor.
Readers drawn to reflective Regency stories, layered households, capable heroines shaped by service, slowly unfolding mysteries, and audiobooks where narration adds depth will find much to appreciate here. This is a wonderful story that favors mood and moral tension over fast-paced action.
I received a digital version of this book from RBmedia via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review (4.5 stars). My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing, narration, and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Anne Loveday is a heroine shaped by usefulness, by watching closely, by learning through years of quiet service. Her medical knowledge is earned through patience and responsibility. I appreciated how her desire to live a meaningful, steady life is neither dismissed nor romanticized. There is a humility to her strength and purpose that felt true to the period and to the story being told.
The mystery unfolds through tension rather than spectacle. Unease settles in slowly. Questions linger. Trust becomes complicated. The fullness of the cast invited careful attention, and the pacing reflected the layered nature of the story. The atmosphere, the setting, the relationships, and the quiet undercurrent of threat held my attention with a steady pull.
As an audiobook, this experience was especially rich. Elizabeth Jasicki’s narration is excellent, engaging, and wonderfully expressive. Her voice work carries emotion with restraint, allowing moments of concern, reflection, and vulnerability to land naturally. She gave clarity to a layered cast and brought warmth to quieter scenes, making the listening experience feel immersive, emotional, and steady.
Faith is present in a gentle, fitting way through conscience, choice, and moral reflection rather than overt declaration. It feels appropriate to the Regency setting and to characters who are learning how to act rightly when clarity is hard to come by.
This was a thoughtful, atmospheric listen. It values patience, observation, and quiet courage, and is one I will continue to savor.
Readers drawn to reflective Regency stories, layered households, capable heroines shaped by service, slowly unfolding mysteries, and audiobooks where narration adds depth will find much to appreciate here. This is a wonderful story that favors mood and moral tension over fast-paced action.
I received a digital version of this book from RBmedia via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review (4.5 stars). My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing, narration, and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
March 4, 2026
I love Julie Klassens regency world 😊
I enjoyed this story, its characters, and the mystery. Though I wasn’t “surprised” when the mystery was solved, this story let me turning pages through the various twists and turns.
Anne was so sweet. I really liked her character and her servant’s hearts. There were also several wonderful side characters and a mini love story. I also found all the medical history intriguing!
Read this book if you enjoy…
🌳 Northanger Abbey
🌳 nurse FMCs
🌳 “who-done-it” mysteries
🌳 supposed ghosts stories
🌳 family drama
🌳 regency culture
Though The Tutor’s Daughter and Devonshire series are still my favorites by Klassen, I really enjoyed this book, too.
Content: one disturbing scene and attempted murder (ask me for details, I don’t want to give spoilers!)
I enjoyed this story, its characters, and the mystery. Though I wasn’t “surprised” when the mystery was solved, this story let me turning pages through the various twists and turns.
Anne was so sweet. I really liked her character and her servant’s hearts. There were also several wonderful side characters and a mini love story. I also found all the medical history intriguing!
Read this book if you enjoy…
🌳 Northanger Abbey
🌳 nurse FMCs
🌳 “who-done-it” mysteries
🌳 supposed ghosts stories
🌳 family drama
🌳 regency culture
Though The Tutor’s Daughter and Devonshire series are still my favorites by Klassen, I really enjoyed this book, too.
Content: one disturbing scene and attempted murder (ask me for details, I don’t want to give spoilers!)
March 6, 2026
Whispers at Painswick Court is a beautifully written regency era novel with suspense and gothic vibes. The story is full of mystery and has small glimmers of faith woven throughout. I would consider this more of a cozy murder mystery with a touch of slow-burn romance. While the romance in this book was lukewarm, the mystery held my attention until the end.
3.5 🌟 rounded up to 4🌟
Thank you to NetGalley and RBMedia/Recorded Books for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
3.5 🌟 rounded up to 4🌟
Thank you to NetGalley and RBMedia/Recorded Books for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 23, 2025
This wonderful mix of mystery and romance will have you eager to turn pages, trying to unravel who is behind the happenings at Painswick Court. With such a diverse cast of characters and potential motives, the suspense will keep you hooked. It's a clean read with meaningful Christian themes that will leave you feeling uplifted. I love a good Regency mystery. I also appreciated the author's notes and the discussion questions included—such a thoughtful touch that would be great for group discussions or personal reflection.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
#WhispersatPainswickCourt
#regencyhistoricalromance
#faith #regencyromance #regencyfanmichelle
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
#WhispersatPainswickCourt
#regencyhistoricalromance
#faith #regencyromance #regencyfanmichelle
January 1, 2026
4.5. Great mystery! Lots of great characters!
November 29, 2025
This book gave me those warm Regency vibes that feel like settling in with a steamy cuppa! The blend of mystery and romance was lovely. It took me a little while to fully sink in as the opening moves at a gentler pace, laying out the setting and characters, but once the story found its rhythm, I was completely hooked!
(Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC!)
(Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC!)
January 14, 2026
"She expected her return to Painswick would bring memories of the past--not danger and romance."
💭 My thoughts:
Agatha Christie and Jane Austen vibes unite in this regency mystery novel about Anne Loveday! Anne is a capable surgeon’s daughter who wants to live a useful life, not simply get married. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she returns to the picturesque village of Painswick, only to end up nursing the very woman who once shattered her sister’s dreams. Painswick Court is all shadowy halls, rumored hauntings, suspicious “accidents,” and a cast of characters who keep you guessing: handsome nephews, a secretive maid, and whispers that might be ghostly… or something far more sinister! The suspense builds deliciously, the faith elements feel natural and uplifting, and the romance? Slow, tender, and earned. 🥹 I was hooked from Anne's first uneasy night in that old house!
My Rating: 5⭐️ for this page-turner regency mystery. I highly recommend this book!
💕 Read If You Like:
* Friends to more trope
* Whodunit mysteries
* Finding purpose after tragedy
* Selfless and caring main characters
* English village setting
* Gentle regency romance
* Family relationship redemption
(This was my last read of 2025 and I couldn't have chosen a better novel to end the year with! 👏👏)
💭 My thoughts:
Agatha Christie and Jane Austen vibes unite in this regency mystery novel about Anne Loveday! Anne is a capable surgeon’s daughter who wants to live a useful life, not simply get married. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she returns to the picturesque village of Painswick, only to end up nursing the very woman who once shattered her sister’s dreams. Painswick Court is all shadowy halls, rumored hauntings, suspicious “accidents,” and a cast of characters who keep you guessing: handsome nephews, a secretive maid, and whispers that might be ghostly… or something far more sinister! The suspense builds deliciously, the faith elements feel natural and uplifting, and the romance? Slow, tender, and earned. 🥹 I was hooked from Anne's first uneasy night in that old house!
My Rating: 5⭐️ for this page-turner regency mystery. I highly recommend this book!
💕 Read If You Like:
* Friends to more trope
* Whodunit mysteries
* Finding purpose after tragedy
* Selfless and caring main characters
* English village setting
* Gentle regency romance
* Family relationship redemption
(This was my last read of 2025 and I couldn't have chosen a better novel to end the year with! 👏👏)
October 9, 2025
I've often said that Regency-era novels can be a little hit and miss for me, but one thing I have found that the stories that tend to be hits are those that have a little bit of danger and mystery mixed into the story... and Whispers at Painswick Court certainly had just that! This story introduced us to a lot of characters... leaving us a lot of potential options as to who was responsible for all the mysterious happenings going on. If you enjoy Christian Regency-era novels with just the right blend of romance and intrigue, this is absolutely one you'll want to check out!
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
December 3, 2025
Whispers at Painswick Court by Julie Klassen was narrated by Elizabeth Jasicki. I chose to listen to this book, and I loved the narrator. Julie Klassen wrote a beautiful, mysterious tale of “who-dunnit”. Her realistic historical fiction was a delight with all the details I enjoy. I love her writing style and wonderful characters. I felt like I was there. If you’re looking for a good, clean historical novel, this one’s for you.
Thanks, RB Media via NetGalley.
Thanks, RB Media via NetGalley.
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