Westminster Abbey

Kindred Spirits #3

by Jennifer C. Wilson

On hallowed ground…

With over three thousand burials and memorials, including seventeen monarchs, life for the ghostly community of Westminster Abbey was never going to be a quiet one. Add in some fiery Tudor tempers, and several centuries-old feuds, and things can only go one chaotic.

Against the backdrop of England’s most important church, though, it isn't all tempers and tantrums. Poets' Corner hosts poetry battles and writing workshops, and close friendships form across the ages.

With the arrival of Mary Queen of Scots, however, battle ensues. Will Queens Mary I and Elizabeth I ever find their common ground, and lasting peace?

The bestselling Kindred Spirits series continues within the ancient walls of Westminster Abbey.

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Read the complete Kindred Spirits

Kindred Tower of London

Kindred Royal Mile

Kindred Westminster Abbey

Coming

Kindred York

Genres: Historical Fiction, Paranormal

279 pages, ebook

First published April 13, 2018

About the author

Jennifer is a marine biologist by training, who developed an equal passion for history whilst stalking Mary, Queen of Scots of childhood holidays (she has since moved on to Richard III). She completed her BSc and MSc at the University of Hull, and has worked as a marine environmental consultant since graduating.

Enrolling on an adult education workshop on her return to the north-east reignited Jennifer’s pastime of creative writing, and she has been filling notebooks ever since. In 2014, Jennifer won the Story Tyne short story competition, and also continues to work on developing her poetic voice, reading at a number of events, and with several pieces available online. Her debut novel Kindred Spirits: Tower of London was published by Crooked Cat Publishing in October 2015.

Reviews

[Michelle Ryles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across Jennifer C. Wilson's 'historical fiction with a difference' series thanks to the North East Authors and Readers group on Facebook. I am passionate about supporting local authors and Jennifer's books really appealed to me as a history lover who loves something that little bit different. The Kindred Spirits series definitely fits that bill: it's history but not as we know it.

In Kindred Spirits: Westminster Abbey you can read about your favourite people from history as you've never seen them before. Jennifer C. Wilson's passion for history, especially Plantagenet history, is very apparent as she effortlessly brings the past into the present. Jennifer C. Wilson breaks the mould that many historical fiction writers fit into; she doesn't just regurgitate our favourite stories from history but rather breathes new life into our favourite historical characters. You just need to take a look at the handy cast list provided in the back of the book to see the impossible made possible as people from different eras become friends and acquaintances in the spectral world: who could ever imagine 16th century Queen Anne of Cleves and 15th century Queen Anne Neville gossiping together like lifelong friends or a poetry competition with Chaucer, Dickens, Kipling and Tennyson? This is all made possible thanks to the amazing imagination of Jennifer C. Wilson.

I loved learning more about the characters as they glide around Westminster Abbey with little bits of information from their past sprinkled throughout the prose like an Easter egg hunt. Even if you don't know anything about history, you will learn things you didn't know before in a fun and almost subliminal way. I know Henry VIII's least favourite wife was Anne of Cleves as he married her based on a less than accurate painting, but I didn't know that he allegedly then named her the 'Flanders Mare'. So how does Jennifer C. Wilson tell us this little historical nugget? By having Anne of Cleves sneaking on to the computer in the abbey's office to take out the reference to 'Flanders Mare' on her Wikipedia page. Brilliant!

There are loads of hidden historical gems in Kindred Spirits: Westminster Abbey and I have probably missed so many of them by reading it so fast, so that's as good an excuse as any to read it again. Well I have two copies after all; after receiving an advance e-copy, I also bought a finished paperback to read at my leisure.

So if you're looking for something different and you're tired of reading the same old historical fiction stories, you must pick up a copy of Kindred Spirits: Westminster Abbey and let Jennifer C. Wilson bring the past to life right in front of your eyes.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I absolutely loved the concept of this book and was really looking forward to reading it - now I have read it I can honestly say I loved it and have downloaded the other two books in the series!!

The book is well written and I loved the whole thing. The setting is great and I loved the thought process that has gone in to this - such a unique idea. Five stars from me for this one, I love historical fiction and this was a brilliant twist to the norm - excellent!!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself drifting down the aisles of Westminster Abbey in the wake of some of the important ghostly personages who appear in this third book, as though, I too, was listening in - yet not one of the living Abbey visitors. And…I got some virtual exercise since there are plenty of notable characters to follow! The refreshing originality of the series continues where we glean snatches of how the ghosts interact with each other, many of them after centuries of benignly haunting the area. There was one ghostly character new to me, so it was a lovely digression to find out about him, and that’s as much as I will divulge since I always avoid spoilers!

[Allison Symes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third volume in Jennifer C Wilson's Kindred Spirits series is a hugely enjoyable addition to her genre-defying stories. I love historical fiction and good ghost stories and Wilson cleverly crosses both of these.

This third book is set in a place which in itself is a monument to British history. You do get a real sense of the past when visiting Westminster Abbey and that is recreated in this fantastic tale.

I was pleased to see Anne Neville play a starring role in this, as I had wondered if she would appear in one of Wilson's novels given Anne's husband, Richard III, is the star of the first Kindred Spirits book. I was also delighted to see another underrated Queen, Anne of Cleves, play a prominent role in this story.

I can't say too much more without giving the plot away, but if you want an imaginative read, love history, and be introduced to some largely now forgotten characters, and find out how Shakespeare and Marlowe really got on, this is the book for you. Enjoy! I read the book in two big sittings and loved every moment.

[J.B (Debbie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book opens with famous faces from history getting together to have a Poet's Corner battle. The ghostly celebrities, which includes Kings, Queens, poets, writers and other historical greats are all buried at Westminster Abbey and have their own special type of afterlife. They have a social life of sorts, they get together for events such as poet's corner and sometimes they even have trips outside of the Abbey. Like every community, there are arguments, friendships, enemies and allegiances. Sometimes the historical events that brought the spirits together in their lives, often intrude on the afterlife and old enemies struggle to maintain an uneasy peace within the Abbey.

This is a very cleverly written book and an absolute must for all you history buffs! There are so many characters in the book and at times my head spun trying to keep up with who they all were, who hated who and which Queen was taking a temper tantrum. Love the image of a famous historical figure having a full blown meltdown! The interactions between the characters was entertaining and I like the idea that the afterlife is a hotbed of rivalries, jokers, friendships and social get togethers. The spirits often mess with the living too, sometimes revealing themselves, creating some great comedy moments.

Jennifer C Wilson has very clearly done a massive amount of research for this book. Her brain must be bursting with historical facts! A fun read for those of you who enjoy seeing their favourite historical figures in a whole new light. I enjoyed the book despite being a bit muddled at times by the massive cast of characters but this and wanting to see the story move a bit quicker would be my only criticisms. Otherwise, a great read!

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindred Spirits: Westminster Abby was a fun book to read. I do have to admit it felt like I started in the middle of a story though. There was no lead in to the story or background. Even the Prologue started mid story. That being said it was not hard to fall into the story.

With well over 4000 people being buried at Westminster Abby and a lot of them being Royalty there just has to be a lot of Ghosts. The book brings a lot of those ghosts out of their tombs for us to enjoy. We get to meet Kings and Queens, Prince's and Princesses, Poets, and more famous people.

The story is fun because you gt to read Queen's acting like spoiled toddlers, Shakespeare laughing and enjoying himself and so much more. You also get a small history lesson as well.

I personally love Ghost stories and history. Jennifer C. Wilson has done a great job bringing us both in the pages of this book.

I received this book as part of a Book tour from Brook Cottage Books. The thoughts are my own though.

[Finuala · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 gusting 3

Yes, yes, I almost never read trashy fiction, but fear not, gentle reader, I am quite well. These last months have been difficult for us all and, alongside my usual non-fiction, I felt the need for something that was the mental equivalent of popcorn to offset my self-imposed and thankless task of science communicator. Besides: Long-dead royalty! Spectral kittens! Family feuds! Amusing hauntings! What's not to like?

True, there's not much plot and the language can be a little clunky, plus obviously there's no way such ghosts would all speak modern English or even be able to understand each other particularly well; the Great Vowel Shift principally occurred between the late 14th and mid 15th centuries which cuts through our dramatis personae like a hot knife through butter. Thing is, it doesn't matter. This isn't great literature and it doesn't pretend to be. It's just popcorn: sweet, moreish and pleasant on a wet afternoon.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who has an interest in Royal families, British history, or ghost stories... this was a fun read. Death is not the end, it seems. Competitive spirits, the desire to be proven superior or have ones talents appreciated, all survive long past the grave. And while it may be an honor to be interred at Westminster Abbey, is it more fun to haunt the Tower of London?
As these historically significant figures await their chance to enter the famous bright, white light, how do they wile away the hours and days? It made me laugh when they would get worked up over new books in the gift shop or discuss how many places claimed so-and-so had slept there.

As happens whenever quantities of family visit, tensions rise. It seems some encounters do replay over and over forever after. Entertaining to watch from the sidelines. A fun concept and very well presented.

[Laure Estep · Rating 4 out of 5]

Royal ghost story

The story was utterly charming, engrossing and enjoyable. The cast of royal and noble, notable ghosts who make their home in Westminster Abbey interact, form friendships, rivalries and bicker. While the characters were well presented, the enjoyment might have been enhanced by a stronger knowledge of the Tudor era personalities. It's a few hundred years later than my usual era of interest. But I am inspired to look up and learn more about these fascinating personalities.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favourite of the Kindred Spirits series. Not only is there a mix of monarchs, including some from the previous books, but there are also famous writers such as Dickens, Shakespeare, and Marlowe. As usual, there is great interaction among the many characters, and the author is very skilled at bringing history to life and making it interesting! This is a great series that I recommend.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs

"This wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, but once I realised the concept, I thought what a brilliant way of bringing as many famous people together from various ages in one place, one era, all interacting with one another in a fun amusing way."

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much fun

To read and wonder who will appear next. Word of caution....think in this life because apparently grudges aren't forgotten. From famous poets to writers and to monarchs alike this is a book which makes reading a joy.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Love these books love the way they all come together my favourite one if the kindred spirts of the tower now going to read the next one

[Helene Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review - Another great novel from Jennifer Wilson. I absolutely adore this series, and I'm really hoping for a book eventually set around Windsor with Henry VIII, Jane Seymour, Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville. I think that would be great. This one focuses on the kings and queens, and literary and scientific minds buried or commemorated at Westminster. I loved the developing relationship between Richard III and Henry VII and I understand that this is explored more in the fourth book in the series based in York. As for the relationship between Mary I and Elizabeth I, I can imagine that this is actually how the two would have been in real life had they been raised as siblings rather than rivals for the throne. All siblings argue and fight, but these two took it to the next level. Well-written and worth a read for anyone with an interest in historical fiction.

Genre? - Historical / Paranormal

Characters? - Henry VII / Elizabeth of York / Anne Neville / Anne of Cleves / Kit Marlowe / Edward the Confessor / James I / Margaret Beaufort / Richard III / Mary I / Elizabeth I / Edward III / Edward I / Geoffrey Chaucer / Charles II / Catherine of Valois / William Shakespeare

Setting? - London (England)

Series? - Kindred Spirits #3

Recommend? – Yes

Rating - 18/20

For a full review see my blog at https://bookbloggerish.wordpress.com/...

[Susan Roebuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Westminster Abbey is the third in Ms Wilson’s Kindred Spirits series – the others being set in the Tower of London and The Royal Mile.

This is such a fun series, which doesn’t have to be read in order. It recounts tales of the ghosts that haunt these places. In Westminster Abbey we meet umpteen royals as well as Shakespeare (who really does have a quick wit), Kit Marlowe (ditto), Charles Darwin, Stephenson, Isaac Newton – the list goes on. They all haunt the Abbey and continue their feuds left over from life but Edward the Confessor is there to keep his eye on things.

The characters are loveable (mostly), written with Ms Wilson’s unique, quirky style that I’ve come to love, having read the other books. I particularly love the trips the ghosts make around London – going on the London Eye, for example – and Elizabeth I’s tantrums, as well as her excursion into the Tower to urge the ghosts there to go on their usual Halloween extravaganza on the London Underground.

This is the perfect ghost story for me – it’s not frightening, gruesome or creepy, but sheer fun and pure entertainment. If you’re in Westminster Abbey and see a statue’s book’s pages turn, then know it might be Oscar Wilde having a bit of haunting fun.

I’m no history buff, but I did learn quite a bit about who was who in the long royal line. I’m now looking forward to the next book!