What do you think?
Rate this book
Will Rees Mysteries #5
The Devil's Cold Dish
In the next 1790s historical mystery from MWA Award winner Eleanor Kuhns, Will Rees' small farm town begins to suspect his wife of murder by witchcraft
Will Rees is back home on his farm in 1796 Maine with his teenage son, his pregnant wife, their five adopted children, and endless farm work under the blistering summer sun. But for all that, Rees is happy to have returned to Dugard, Maine, the town where he was born and raised, and where he's always felt at home. Until now. When a man is found dead - murdered - after getting into a public dispute with Rees, Rees starts to realize someone is intentionally trying to pin the murder on him. Then, his farm is attacked, his wife is accused of witchcraft, and a second body is found that points to the Rees family. Rees can feel the town of Dugard turning against him, and he knows that he and his family won't be safe there unless he can find the murderer and reveal the truth...before the murderer gets to him first.
Will Rees is back home on his farm in 1796 Maine with his teenage son, his pregnant wife, their five adopted children, and endless farm work under the blistering summer sun. But for all that, Rees is happy to have returned to Dugard, Maine, the town where he was born and raised, and where he's always felt at home. Until now. When a man is found dead - murdered - after getting into a public dispute with Rees, Rees starts to realize someone is intentionally trying to pin the murder on him. Then, his farm is attacked, his wife is accused of witchcraft, and a second body is found that points to the Rees family. Rees can feel the town of Dugard turning against him, and he knows that he and his family won't be safe there unless he can find the murderer and reveal the truth...before the murderer gets to him first.
322 pages, Hardcover
First published June 14, 2016
21 people are currently reading
2191 people want to read
About the author
Eleanor Kuhns
21 books1,261 followersEleanor is a lifelong librarian. She wrote her first story at the age of ten and hasn't stopped since. She lives with her husband and dog in New York State.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 5, 2016
After reading the 5th in the series, I want to read the earlier books. In doing so, I have not connected as I should but I am intrigued with Rees and his family. He now stands accused of murder and his wife is accused of witchcraft. During this time, it was easy to accuse others and make a living hell of ones life and that is the case with Rees. He is determined to get to the truth while protecting his wife and children. He has a history of this community doing the right thing and has made enemies along the way, including his sister. Who would go to great lengths to set up his family? He is a man that vulnerable but strong. A great read of historical fiction.
A Special Thank You to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A Special Thank You to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
August 28, 2016
Lacked pacing, interesting characters, decent plot, engaging writing... An author I will avoid in the future.
June 12, 2023
Another good addition to this series by Eleanor Kuhns. Will and his wife are on the outs with members of the town and he has to find out who it is. I would strongly suggest reading the last book (book #4) before reading this one.
October 2, 2017
1700s mystery series featuring unique historical issues , views, and responses of the era. Fascinating reading, Ms Kuhns' research intrigues.
February 3, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
The Devil’s Cold Dish
A Will Rees Mystery #5
By Eleanor Kuhns
ISBN#9781250093356
http://www.eleanor-kuhns.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
In the next 1790s historical mystery from MWA Award winner Eleanor Kuhns, Will Rees’ small farm town begins to suspect his wife of murder by witchcraft
Will Rees is back home on his farm in 1796 Maine with his teenage son, his pregnant wife, their five adopted children, and endless farm work under the blistering summer sun. But for all that, Rees is happy to have returned to Dugard, Maine, the town where he was born and raised, and where he’s always felt at home. Until now. When a man is found dead – murdered – after getting into a public dispute with Rees, Rees starts to realize someone is intentionally trying to pin the murder on him. Then, his farm is attacked, his wife is accused of witchcraft, and a second body is found that points to the Rees family. Rees can feel the town of Dugard turning against him, and he knows that he and his family won’t be safe there unless he can find the murderer and reveal the truth…before the murderer gets to him first. (Goodreaads)
Review:
The Devil’s Cold Dish is a study in just how destructive envy and anger can be to a family’s livelihood and well being. Suspenseful, well paced, and full of historical detail, it is an interesting and enjoyable trip back in time to post-Revolutionary War Maine.
Weaver Will Rees has returned to his childhood farm in Dugard, Maine, with hopes of settling into a regular routine with his pregnant wife Lydia, sixteen-year-old son David, and five adopted younger children. He is a wanderer at heat and is quickly bored with the monotony of farm work. Things heat up when a local man is murdered and all eyes turn to Rees as the perpetrator. Rees, who has some anger issues, is guilty of fighting with Ward before he died, but he certainly did not kill him. Additionally, rumors are swirling that Lydia is a witch. To make things worse, his sister will not leave him alone wanting him to support her and her family. When a second man is murdered and the scene staged to look like black magic is at play, Rees decides that Lydia is in real danger and ferries his family off, hopefully to safety. Rees stays behind with intentions of finding out who has it in for him and unmask the true murderer. When a third man is killed on Rees’s own property, he is in for the fight for his life to clear his name.
The Devil’s Cold Dish is the fifth book in the Will Rees Mystery series but the first book that I have had the opportunity to read. Since I do not know all of the characters’ back stories, I had a hard time warming up to them all. I cannot decide if I like Rees very much, but he is an intelligent man and seemingly devoted to his new family. His family members and the town’s residents are anything but boring, and I am particularly curious to find out more about David. The relationships are all complex making them realistic and believable. Rees’s sister Caroline is the nastiest character in the book. I had the urge to slap her in every scene in which she appeared.
The mystery itself is well executed, and I like that it is such a personal endeavor for Rees. His vested interest adds suspense. He has obviously rubbed most of the town residents the wrong way so there are plenty of people to suspect of having it out for him. I did guess who is behind it all about midway through the book, but the danger to Rees and wanting to know the how and why of things kept me reading, rushing to get to the end.
The Devil’s Cold Dish is a well written historical mystery. I confess that I enjoy the historical aspects more than the actual mystery this time around. I will definitely go back and read this series from the beginning. Though the book can be read as a standalone, I think reading from the start of the series would enrich the experience. I recommend this to fans of historical literature, especially those interested in the early days of America.
The Devil’s Cold Dish
A Will Rees Mystery #5
By Eleanor Kuhns
ISBN#9781250093356
http://www.eleanor-kuhns.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
In the next 1790s historical mystery from MWA Award winner Eleanor Kuhns, Will Rees’ small farm town begins to suspect his wife of murder by witchcraft
Will Rees is back home on his farm in 1796 Maine with his teenage son, his pregnant wife, their five adopted children, and endless farm work under the blistering summer sun. But for all that, Rees is happy to have returned to Dugard, Maine, the town where he was born and raised, and where he’s always felt at home. Until now. When a man is found dead – murdered – after getting into a public dispute with Rees, Rees starts to realize someone is intentionally trying to pin the murder on him. Then, his farm is attacked, his wife is accused of witchcraft, and a second body is found that points to the Rees family. Rees can feel the town of Dugard turning against him, and he knows that he and his family won’t be safe there unless he can find the murderer and reveal the truth…before the murderer gets to him first. (Goodreaads)
Review:
The Devil’s Cold Dish is a study in just how destructive envy and anger can be to a family’s livelihood and well being. Suspenseful, well paced, and full of historical detail, it is an interesting and enjoyable trip back in time to post-Revolutionary War Maine.
Weaver Will Rees has returned to his childhood farm in Dugard, Maine, with hopes of settling into a regular routine with his pregnant wife Lydia, sixteen-year-old son David, and five adopted younger children. He is a wanderer at heat and is quickly bored with the monotony of farm work. Things heat up when a local man is murdered and all eyes turn to Rees as the perpetrator. Rees, who has some anger issues, is guilty of fighting with Ward before he died, but he certainly did not kill him. Additionally, rumors are swirling that Lydia is a witch. To make things worse, his sister will not leave him alone wanting him to support her and her family. When a second man is murdered and the scene staged to look like black magic is at play, Rees decides that Lydia is in real danger and ferries his family off, hopefully to safety. Rees stays behind with intentions of finding out who has it in for him and unmask the true murderer. When a third man is killed on Rees’s own property, he is in for the fight for his life to clear his name.
The Devil’s Cold Dish is the fifth book in the Will Rees Mystery series but the first book that I have had the opportunity to read. Since I do not know all of the characters’ back stories, I had a hard time warming up to them all. I cannot decide if I like Rees very much, but he is an intelligent man and seemingly devoted to his new family. His family members and the town’s residents are anything but boring, and I am particularly curious to find out more about David. The relationships are all complex making them realistic and believable. Rees’s sister Caroline is the nastiest character in the book. I had the urge to slap her in every scene in which she appeared.
The mystery itself is well executed, and I like that it is such a personal endeavor for Rees. His vested interest adds suspense. He has obviously rubbed most of the town residents the wrong way so there are plenty of people to suspect of having it out for him. I did guess who is behind it all about midway through the book, but the danger to Rees and wanting to know the how and why of things kept me reading, rushing to get to the end.
The Devil’s Cold Dish is a well written historical mystery. I confess that I enjoy the historical aspects more than the actual mystery this time around. I will definitely go back and read this series from the beginning. Though the book can be read as a standalone, I think reading from the start of the series would enrich the experience. I recommend this to fans of historical literature, especially those interested in the early days of America.
October 26, 2024
Jealousy is a terrible, powerful emotion. In The Devil’s Cold Dish, Eleanor Kuhns shows us just how destructive that emotion is. Will Rees has just returned from business in Salem, but is unable to settle into a routine. His pregnant wife is the object of rumors that she’s a witch. His sister and brother-in-law will not stop plaguing him for support. His son resents his absences. And then, a man who Will brawled with one morning is later found shot to death. The Devil’s Cold Dish is the fifth novel featuring Will Rees, but even though I haven’t read the other four, I had no problem diving into the book...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
December 10, 2016
Thanks St. Martin's Press and netgalley for this ARC.
Great as always! I like this series because of the down to earth way they are written and the mystery solved. It's hard to describe the appeal of Will Rees.
Great as always! I like this series because of the down to earth way they are written and the mystery solved. It's hard to describe the appeal of Will Rees.
December 3, 2017
Less is more. The amount of detail is astonishing and unnecessary. It felt like we were grasping at frayed rope trying to accuse Caroline, goodness and then it was actually Charlie which seemed so out of character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2017
This post Revolutionary war mystery brings the political and social customs of the time to life. Will Rees is a weaver by trade, but he also has a farm in Dugard, Massachusetts. He hates farm life, so after first his wife dies, he leaves his son, David, with his sister and her family who are suppose to take care of the farm while he hires out to do weaving jobs around the country. When he returns home, with a new, pregnant wife, he finds out that his sister’s husband had beat his son, and they had run his farm into the ground.
Most of the people in the town of Dugard, where Will lives and grew up, hate him because he has, over the years, slighted them in one way or another. His sister Caroline, who has a vicious tongue, blames him for all her problems because she is poor and he has so much more than she, spreads rumors that his pregnant wife, Lydia, is a witch. When two men who live in their area are murdered, Lydia is accused of killing them via her witchy deeds, and Will is suspected of helping her. When he goes to town to look for allies, he has few, if any.
This is the story of a man who is trying his best to protect his family and homestead, and to investigate murder in a time when vigilantes came after private citizens, laws were pretty much up to the current magistrate, superstitions ran rampant, and accusations of witchcraft resulted in arrest and hanging.
This novel is rich with historical detail and diverse characters. Oh, and did I mention—it’s a page-turner.
Most of the people in the town of Dugard, where Will lives and grew up, hate him because he has, over the years, slighted them in one way or another. His sister Caroline, who has a vicious tongue, blames him for all her problems because she is poor and he has so much more than she, spreads rumors that his pregnant wife, Lydia, is a witch. When two men who live in their area are murdered, Lydia is accused of killing them via her witchy deeds, and Will is suspected of helping her. When he goes to town to look for allies, he has few, if any.
This is the story of a man who is trying his best to protect his family and homestead, and to investigate murder in a time when vigilantes came after private citizens, laws were pretty much up to the current magistrate, superstitions ran rampant, and accusations of witchcraft resulted in arrest and hanging.
This novel is rich with historical detail and diverse characters. Oh, and did I mention—it’s a page-turner.
July 19, 2017
FTC: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.
The Devils Cold Dish by Eleanor Kuhns was a great historical fiction book. I loved this book, and for the first time in a while, I didn’t get bored while reading a historical fiction book. This the 5 book in the series but you have to read them in order because this is the first book I read, and I had no problem following along with what is going on in it. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I can’t wait until I have the time to check out her other books. She wrote in such a way that I forgot from time to time that I was reading a historical fiction book. I loved that she was able to do that because it made the book fly by and I was able to read in just a few days. If you aren’t the biggest fan of historical fiction books than I would tell you to give this book a shot because I think it is one that most people would enjoy even if this isn’t their favorite genre to read.
The Devils Cold Dish by Eleanor Kuhns was a great historical fiction book. I loved this book, and for the first time in a while, I didn’t get bored while reading a historical fiction book. This the 5 book in the series but you have to read them in order because this is the first book I read, and I had no problem following along with what is going on in it. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I can’t wait until I have the time to check out her other books. She wrote in such a way that I forgot from time to time that I was reading a historical fiction book. I loved that she was able to do that because it made the book fly by and I was able to read in just a few days. If you aren’t the biggest fan of historical fiction books than I would tell you to give this book a shot because I think it is one that most people would enjoy even if this isn’t their favorite genre to read.
December 30, 2024
I typically like this series but I really hated this book. If I didn't already have book 6 on my shelves I probably would have DNF'd the book and not continued with the series about midway through this book.
I felt like Will was acting extremely out of character in this book and it really irritated me. Also, he had some epiphanies last book about treating his sister better and that all just went out the window.
I didn't like how the whole book Will just wants to pin the murders on his sister so bad just because she started a rumor about Lydia.
I didn't entirely buy the whole town turning on Lydia the way they did either for the reasons they did (even though there is some historical precedence.)
I really hated the resolution to the mystery. I know what was done is fairly common and mystery and thrillers but I generally find it problematic and this one was very problematic in my opinion.
This just as a whole felt like a heavy-handed way to make the big plot thing at the end happen so the next books could proceed in a different direction.
I am hoping book 6 is amazing because I just don't know if I want to keep going with this series anymore.
I felt like Will was acting extremely out of character in this book and it really irritated me. Also, he had some epiphanies last book about treating his sister better and that all just went out the window.
I didn't like how the whole book Will just wants to pin the murders on his sister so bad just because she started a rumor about Lydia.
I didn't entirely buy the whole town turning on Lydia the way they did either for the reasons they did (even though there is some historical precedence.)
I really hated the resolution to the mystery. I know what was done is fairly common and mystery and thrillers but I generally find it problematic and this one was very problematic in my opinion.
This just as a whole felt like a heavy-handed way to make the big plot thing at the end happen so the next books could proceed in a different direction.
I am hoping book 6 is amazing because I just don't know if I want to keep going with this series anymore.
October 7, 2019
In the next 1790s historical mystery from MWA Award winner Eleanor Kuhns, Will Rees' small farm town begins to suspect his wife of murder by witchcraft
Will Rees is back home on his farm in 1796 Maine with his teenage son, his pregnant wife, their five adopted children, and endless farm work under the blistering summer sun. But for all that, Rees is happy to have returned to Dugard, Maine, the town where he was born and raised, and where he's always felt at home. Until now. When a man is found dead - murdered - after getting into a public dispute with Rees, Rees starts to realize someone is intentionally trying to pin the murder on him. Then, his farm is attacked, his wife is accused of witchcraft, and a second body is found that points to the Rees family. Rees can feel the town of Dugard turning against him, and he knows that he and his family won't be safe there unless he can find the murderer and reveal the truth...before the murderer gets to him first.
A very good book. This one was more of a page turner than some of the others. Excellent!
Will Rees is back home on his farm in 1796 Maine with his teenage son, his pregnant wife, their five adopted children, and endless farm work under the blistering summer sun. But for all that, Rees is happy to have returned to Dugard, Maine, the town where he was born and raised, and where he's always felt at home. Until now. When a man is found dead - murdered - after getting into a public dispute with Rees, Rees starts to realize someone is intentionally trying to pin the murder on him. Then, his farm is attacked, his wife is accused of witchcraft, and a second body is found that points to the Rees family. Rees can feel the town of Dugard turning against him, and he knows that he and his family won't be safe there unless he can find the murderer and reveal the truth...before the murderer gets to him first.
A very good book. This one was more of a page turner than some of the others. Excellent!
April 20, 2020
This is the 5th book in the Will Rees series. Will is a traveling weaver but he lives in Dugard Maine with his pregnant wife, Lydia, their adopted children and Will's son from his first marriage.
This book picks up just a few weeks after Will and Lydia return from Salem (book 4). After they have returned home and settled back into farm life, Will is accused of murder and Lydia is accused of being a witch. Will starts investigating and then a 2nd body turns up. Things start happening at the farm and Will and Lydia learn that things had been happening even while they were in Salem. Will fears for Lydia's safety and the safety of the children so he contemplates sending them to the Shaker community where Lydia once lived. Will is forced into hiding so he can investigate the murders and who is behind setting him up.
This book picks up just a few weeks after Will and Lydia return from Salem (book 4). After they have returned home and settled back into farm life, Will is accused of murder and Lydia is accused of being a witch. Will starts investigating and then a 2nd body turns up. Things start happening at the farm and Will and Lydia learn that things had been happening even while they were in Salem. Will fears for Lydia's safety and the safety of the children so he contemplates sending them to the Shaker community where Lydia once lived. Will is forced into hiding so he can investigate the murders and who is behind setting him up.
May 6, 2017
This is, for now, the last in the Will Rees series, which makes me sad as I enjoy this series. Like my 7th, 8th, and 9th great grandfathers Will Rees is a weaver in colonial New England. He solves mysteries but in this story he is also the accused along with his new wife being accused of witchcraft. Although it's been 100 years since the Salem witch trials those found guilty of witchcraft are still punished by death, it's a serious charge. Who is the real murderer and why is Will being made to look like it's him?
The author is a librarian in Goshen, New York. I don't know if she plans another book in this series but I hope so.
The author is a librarian in Goshen, New York. I don't know if she plans another book in this series but I hope so.
July 6, 2017
This 1790's historical fiction mystery series hits a home run this time around.
Traveling weaver Will Rees is happy to be home in Dugard, Maine, with his pregnant wife, his son and his five adopted children. (He was as tired of being in Salem for the previous book as I was of having him there, apparently.)
But it's not a welcome home. First he is accused of murder. Then his wife is accused of murder and witch craft. And Will can only clear their names with his usual clever investigation of the deaths.
The characters continue to grow, their relationships mature and the plot leaves much to b e addressed in the next installment.
Traveling weaver Will Rees is happy to be home in Dugard, Maine, with his pregnant wife, his son and his five adopted children. (He was as tired of being in Salem for the previous book as I was of having him there, apparently.)
But it's not a welcome home. First he is accused of murder. Then his wife is accused of murder and witch craft. And Will can only clear their names with his usual clever investigation of the deaths.
The characters continue to grow, their relationships mature and the plot leaves much to b e addressed in the next installment.
December 18, 2017
I accidentally came into this series for the first time.........by reading the 5th book in the series. Oops. As a standalone novel, it was decent. It had good moments of suspense and confusion, twists and turns like any mystery. However, I think because I hadn't read the previous ones, a lot of the smaller details were left unanswered and had be confused in some parts of the book. The writing itself was ok, it could sometimes drag on a bit too much and almost as if she likes to over explain things. Overall, though, it was good and it made me want to read the previous four at another time.
August 6, 2022
I love historical fiction, however, I found the plot thin. The author was not only repetitive ad nauseam, but also had many redundancies in her phrases. Sometimes I felt like she was concentrating to much on creating a metaphor or simile, than telling the story
I did not find the characters true to the era. They did not sound like people from the 1790s.
I have not read any other of her books but this one has made me choose not to.
I did not find the characters true to the era. They did not sound like people from the 1790s.
I have not read any other of her books but this one has made me choose not to.
September 13, 2022
I hate to say this but this was boring. I kept reading, hoping it would pick up but even with 3 murders in tow, the pace is slow, turning around on itself, banal scenes focusing on the turmoiled emotions of the main characters, which are recurring too often to add anything to the plot. Did the author run out of ideas but needed to churn out another book for contractual or financial reasons? I didn’t read any of her other books but I don’t think I will.
March 3, 2021
Will Rees has returned home to Dugard, Maine--only to discover that most of the townspeople he grew up with hate him and consider his wife Lydia a witch. Accidents and murders begin and he and Lydia are accused of them. Will sends Lydia back to the Shaker settlement of Zion and goes into hiding while trying to find who is begin these murders.
June 6, 2021
I wish it was not so difficult to find the books in this series. I really liked #3, "Cradle to Grave," and I enjoyed this one even more. In addition to having a fascinating and realistic historical background, it is exciting and suspenseful right down to the very last page. Sympathetic and believable characters too.
April 5, 2024
Will finally has an excuse to leave the farm he never really wanted and the town he felt superior to. This book was a filler. None of the characters were true to other story lines, except for Caroline. The only villian to receive justice was a child who was manipulated by his parents. The sheriff and magistrate get off scot free. A really poor installment in this otherwise well-written series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2022
I find this series un-put-down-able!
Sometimes, the story seems to drag a bit, partly due to the era involved, but the author manages to grab me and hold me in, until I finish.
Highly recommended!
Sometimes, the story seems to drag a bit, partly due to the era involved, but the author manages to grab me and hold me in, until I finish.
Highly recommended!
November 14, 2022
I did not actually enjoy this book because terrible things kept happening to our protagonists, but that does not mean it's a bad book - it means I like them enough based on the previous books to be upset on their behalf. But it was not fun.
December 8, 2017
Started slow but finished strong.
March 3, 2018
A mystery with a twist.
April 28, 2018
A exceptionally detailed historical whodunit with twists and turns. Great ending and plot.
I won this book for free on the Good reads giveaways.
I won this book for free on the Good reads giveaways.
June 28, 2018
I love this series!
September 17, 2018
quick story, surprise ending!
August 18, 2019
Read pre Goodreads.
March 9, 2021
This was good. And it was nice to read a mystery in a different setting for once.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews