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Aunt Dimity Mystery #23
Aunt Dimity and the King's Ransom
In the 23rd installment of the bestselling Aunt Dimity series, a dark and stormy night kicks off a ghost chase in rural England
On a dull and dreary October day, Lori Shepherd and her husband Bill set off for the historic town of Rye, in the southeast coast of England, for a quiet weekend together without the kids. Bill must first pay a visit to a reclusive client--but after Lori drops him off, the storm that's been brewing intsensifies so much she ends up stranded in an ancient, rambling inn called the King's Ransom, in a tiny attic room up a creaky (and creepy) set of narrow stairs. When Lori begins hearing footsteps and strange noises in the night, Aunt Dimity reminds her rather tartly the inn is almost certainly haunted, but that not all ghosts have any interest in harming the living, don't you know.
But the longer Lori is stuck at the inn, the stranger things seem. She learns that the inn's name comes from a king's ransom in smuggled goods that passed through the village in ages past, and that the inn's winding hallways connect to a network of smuggler caves and tunnels. And then there's the inn's hulking, grizzled cook, a mute ex-con named Steve who seems to be everywhere at once. Are the noises she hears the spirits of smuggling's past? Or should Lori be more concerned with the living inhabitants of the inn? Joining forces with her new friend Bishop Smallwood, Lori sets out to discover once and for all who--or what--is haunting the King's Ransom.
On a dull and dreary October day, Lori Shepherd and her husband Bill set off for the historic town of Rye, in the southeast coast of England, for a quiet weekend together without the kids. Bill must first pay a visit to a reclusive client--but after Lori drops him off, the storm that's been brewing intsensifies so much she ends up stranded in an ancient, rambling inn called the King's Ransom, in a tiny attic room up a creaky (and creepy) set of narrow stairs. When Lori begins hearing footsteps and strange noises in the night, Aunt Dimity reminds her rather tartly the inn is almost certainly haunted, but that not all ghosts have any interest in harming the living, don't you know.
But the longer Lori is stuck at the inn, the stranger things seem. She learns that the inn's name comes from a king's ransom in smuggled goods that passed through the village in ages past, and that the inn's winding hallways connect to a network of smuggler caves and tunnels. And then there's the inn's hulking, grizzled cook, a mute ex-con named Steve who seems to be everywhere at once. Are the noises she hears the spirits of smuggling's past? Or should Lori be more concerned with the living inhabitants of the inn? Joining forces with her new friend Bishop Smallwood, Lori sets out to discover once and for all who--or what--is haunting the King's Ransom.
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First published July 24, 2018
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About the author
Nancy Atherton
62 books1,181 followersNancy Atherton is not a white-haired Englishwoman with a softly wrinkled face, a wry smile, and wise gray eyes, nor does she live in a thatched cottage behind a babbling brook in a tranquil, rural corner of the Cotswolds.
She has never taken tea with a vicar (although she drank an Orange Squash with one once) and she doesn't plan to continue writing after her allotted time on earth (though such plans are, as well all know, subject to change without notice).
If you prefer to envision her as an Englishwoman, she urges you to cling to your illusions at all costs -- she treasures carefully nurtured illusions. She also urges you to read no further.
Because the truth is that Nancy Atherton is a dark-haired American with a generally unwrinkled face, a beaming smile, and hazel eyes, who lives in a plain house in Colorado Springs. She comes from a large, gregarious family (five brothers and two sisters!) and enjoys socializing as much as she enjoys solitude.
So if you are looking for her at a convention, don't look for a stately grande dame in a flowery dress. Look for a woman in jeans and sneakers who's bounding around like a hyperactive gerbil.
That'll be her. And she'd love to meet you.
Japanese: ナンシー アサートン
She has never taken tea with a vicar (although she drank an Orange Squash with one once) and she doesn't plan to continue writing after her allotted time on earth (though such plans are, as well all know, subject to change without notice).
If you prefer to envision her as an Englishwoman, she urges you to cling to your illusions at all costs -- she treasures carefully nurtured illusions. She also urges you to read no further.
Because the truth is that Nancy Atherton is a dark-haired American with a generally unwrinkled face, a beaming smile, and hazel eyes, who lives in a plain house in Colorado Springs. She comes from a large, gregarious family (five brothers and two sisters!) and enjoys socializing as much as she enjoys solitude.
So if you are looking for her at a convention, don't look for a stately grande dame in a flowery dress. Look for a woman in jeans and sneakers who's bounding around like a hyperactive gerbil.
That'll be her. And she'd love to meet you.
Japanese: ナンシー アサートン
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
July 29, 2019
Staying at a friend's house, I picked up this rather recent Aunt Dimity novel. Nancy Atherton and I were fairly close friends when the series started some decades ago; we've lost touch with one another, but I read Aunt Dimity books when they come my way.
After the first two, I've found them comforting, entertaining, a little formulaic (that's part of what makes them comforting) and a little stilted in places. For good, quick, wholesome reads, they can't be beat.
In this one, our heroine Lori Shepherd finds herself stranded by an "extratropical cyclone" in a small town on a hill in rural England. Because too many other people are stranded with her, she ends up staying in an unattended attic at the top of an inn. Before she goes to bed the first night, the young daughter of the innkeeper warns her about "the lady who died in your bed" who comes into the attic at night. Lori is no stranger to ghosts: Aunt Dimity of all the titles is a ghost herself, and Lori's closest confidante. Nonetheless, she's a little nervous about going to sleep, until Dimity calms her down.
Old overcrowded inns are full of strange noises, and this one is also full of mysterious happenings. I was quite surprised when the plot seemed to turn to drug-dealing (which is quite off the Dimity track). However, Lori's investigations bring the story to a comforting close, and of course the book ends with a recipe referenced in the story, because that's an Aunt Dimity trademark.
After the first two, I've found them comforting, entertaining, a little formulaic (that's part of what makes them comforting) and a little stilted in places. For good, quick, wholesome reads, they can't be beat.
In this one, our heroine Lori Shepherd finds herself stranded by an "extratropical cyclone" in a small town on a hill in rural England. Because too many other people are stranded with her, she ends up staying in an unattended attic at the top of an inn. Before she goes to bed the first night, the young daughter of the innkeeper warns her about "the lady who died in your bed" who comes into the attic at night. Lori is no stranger to ghosts: Aunt Dimity of all the titles is a ghost herself, and Lori's closest confidante. Nonetheless, she's a little nervous about going to sleep, until Dimity calms her down.
Old overcrowded inns are full of strange noises, and this one is also full of mysterious happenings. I was quite surprised when the plot seemed to turn to drug-dealing (which is quite off the Dimity track). However, Lori's investigations bring the story to a comforting close, and of course the book ends with a recipe referenced in the story, because that's an Aunt Dimity trademark.
August 3, 2018
Not much of a mystery, more of a history, is found in Aunt Dimity and the King’s Ransom.
Lori is trapped by flooding rains in rural England in Shepney when she meets former Bishop Christopher. When only a supposed haunted attic room is the only area left to sleep, Lori makes the best of it. Her mother’s deceased friend Aunt Dimity contacts Lori by automatic writing in a blank blue notebook. Dimity states there is no ghost in the attic but tells of several in different areas of the King’s Ransom Inn, where Lori is staying. Christopher and Lori hunt for the ghost story’s origin as well as that of the inn’s name.
I’ve never read any books in the Aunt Dimity series before and was disappointed by her extremely small role in this book. I verified that this is marketed as a cozy mystery though the mysteries also seem rather scant. There are no present day crimes in Aunt Dimity and the King’s Ransom at all. It is all smugglers’ gold and 1700’s English history. To be honest, it reminded me of the books and cartoons of my youth like Scooby Doo, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. While the plot wasn’t to my taste, those interested in British history or looking for a non-violent mystery might find it interesting. 3 stars.
Thanks to Viking Books and NetGalley for a copy.
Lori is trapped by flooding rains in rural England in Shepney when she meets former Bishop Christopher. When only a supposed haunted attic room is the only area left to sleep, Lori makes the best of it. Her mother’s deceased friend Aunt Dimity contacts Lori by automatic writing in a blank blue notebook. Dimity states there is no ghost in the attic but tells of several in different areas of the King’s Ransom Inn, where Lori is staying. Christopher and Lori hunt for the ghost story’s origin as well as that of the inn’s name.
I’ve never read any books in the Aunt Dimity series before and was disappointed by her extremely small role in this book. I verified that this is marketed as a cozy mystery though the mysteries also seem rather scant. There are no present day crimes in Aunt Dimity and the King’s Ransom at all. It is all smugglers’ gold and 1700’s English history. To be honest, it reminded me of the books and cartoons of my youth like Scooby Doo, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. While the plot wasn’t to my taste, those interested in British history or looking for a non-violent mystery might find it interesting. 3 stars.
Thanks to Viking Books and NetGalley for a copy.
August 12, 2018
This was an amazing read. And a first in that it was a cozy mystery with no body. I've been an Atherton fan from day one and have enjoyed each book more and more.
July 30, 2024
Can't help but think this would have been more fun if Bill was along for the ride. Pleasant enough to pass the time but not very memorable, and (for me at least) this one lacked the warm heart I look for in this series. Points for the bishop, though.
July 31, 2018
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
The Aunt Dimity series has been one of my favorites for a long time, and this 23rd book in the series did not disappoint. I have always enjoyed reading about Lori's home in the small village of Finch, even more so since I visited the Cotswolds a few years ago. However, in this book Lori and her husband, Bill, had a weekend getaway planned, so instead of reading about further interactions among the Finch villagers, I learned about a different area of England as Lori found herself in Shepney in Sussex in the midst of a powerful storm. One of my favorite parts of the book was reading about the many ways in which the town pulled together to deal with an emergency, taking care of the elderly, displaced families, stranded tourists, and livestock. Nancy Atherton has a gift of making a small English village seem like a home anyone would dream of finding. I'll be looking forward to her next book!
The Aunt Dimity series has been one of my favorites for a long time, and this 23rd book in the series did not disappoint. I have always enjoyed reading about Lori's home in the small village of Finch, even more so since I visited the Cotswolds a few years ago. However, in this book Lori and her husband, Bill, had a weekend getaway planned, so instead of reading about further interactions among the Finch villagers, I learned about a different area of England as Lori found herself in Shepney in Sussex in the midst of a powerful storm. One of my favorite parts of the book was reading about the many ways in which the town pulled together to deal with an emergency, taking care of the elderly, displaced families, stranded tourists, and livestock. Nancy Atherton has a gift of making a small English village seem like a home anyone would dream of finding. I'll be looking forward to her next book!
August 12, 2018
Lori needs to get away from the Mom routine. In Nancy Atherton’s Aunt Dimity & the King’s Ransom
(Aunt Dimity #23) Bill, Lori’s international lawyer husband, picks up on Lori’s doldrums and suggests a getaway for only the two of them. Lori packs almost immediately & definitely packs too much, but with kids safely stowed away, Lori & Bill head for the Southeast of England and internationally known inn. ‘All good things ......’ A massive storm hits Southeast England and affects Lori & Bill’s plans in an amazing number of ways! I found this one of the most informative ‘Aunt Dimity’ adventures. I learned all kinds of info about the area of Southeast England which is Lori & Bill’s destination. The ending I found to be extremely touching. “Let each of you not only see to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” 5 stars.
(Aunt Dimity #23) Bill, Lori’s international lawyer husband, picks up on Lori’s doldrums and suggests a getaway for only the two of them. Lori packs almost immediately & definitely packs too much, but with kids safely stowed away, Lori & Bill head for the Southeast of England and internationally known inn. ‘All good things ......’ A massive storm hits Southeast England and affects Lori & Bill’s plans in an amazing number of ways! I found this one of the most informative ‘Aunt Dimity’ adventures. I learned all kinds of info about the area of Southeast England which is Lori & Bill’s destination. The ending I found to be extremely touching. “Let each of you not only see to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” 5 stars.
August 7, 2018
I love this non-mystery mystery! England is such a cool place and even everyday life can have mysteries!
August 26, 2018
Change of pace for me, entering the world of positivity. I had the privilege of reading my first Aunt Dimity cozy "mystery" rather far down the road, it being the 23rd installment. Overall I found it to be amusing, and you even get rewarded at the end with a receipt for apple crumble.
The center stage holds Lori, a young mother of 10-year old boys and one baby girl and her husband Bill (both Americans), an estate attorney happily living in the Cotswolds in a cottage Lori inherited from her mother's best friend. Said friend is the Aunt Dimity of the series who communicates with Lori via magically appearing script in a blue book Lori has conferences with.
In this adventure Lori and Bill are meant to have a love-nest break in Rye, but a cyclone interferes after Lori drops her husband off at a wealthy client's estate. She apparently has the gift to make friends wherever she lands and quickly partners up with an old Bishop to help all and sundry during the storm...stranded in Shepney, the only high ground around. The mystery exists in Lori's active imagination and suspected ghosts in the King's Ransom Inn turn out to be something quite different.
Will I read another? I don't buy inspirational quotes to hang on my walls, so probably not. But - maybe?
The center stage holds Lori, a young mother of 10-year old boys and one baby girl and her husband Bill (both Americans), an estate attorney happily living in the Cotswolds in a cottage Lori inherited from her mother's best friend. Said friend is the Aunt Dimity of the series who communicates with Lori via magically appearing script in a blue book Lori has conferences with.
In this adventure Lori and Bill are meant to have a love-nest break in Rye, but a cyclone interferes after Lori drops her husband off at a wealthy client's estate. She apparently has the gift to make friends wherever she lands and quickly partners up with an old Bishop to help all and sundry during the storm...stranded in Shepney, the only high ground around. The mystery exists in Lori's active imagination and suspected ghosts in the King's Ransom Inn turn out to be something quite different.
Will I read another? I don't buy inspirational quotes to hang on my walls, so probably not. But - maybe?
February 7, 2025
Not my favorite one of the series, but it was super cute as usual. We are outside Finch for this installment and meet a whole new cast of fantastic characters. New lessons and new wild theories to check out.
August 8, 2018
#23. One of the best ones yet. Loved the details of a flooded small village coming together to take care of everyone, human and animal alike, with a well-thought and enacted emergency plan that accounts for everyone, providing secure accommodation and feeding for all. Retired Bishop Christopher Wyndham takes Lori under wing and convinces the innkeepers to let her stay in a dusty attic room of the King’s Ransom when she is stranded in the flooded village. Both Lori and Christopher are awakened at 2:30 am by footsteps, screeching and sounds of children laughing, as is the 7 year old daughter of the owners of the inn. Mystery upon mystery to unwind keep Lori and Christopher busy discovering the smuggling history of East Sussex.
Wish the recipes for parsnip soup had been included as well as for porcini risotto and mushroom soup.
Wish the recipes for parsnip soup had been included as well as for porcini risotto and mushroom soup.
August 15, 2018
Not the best Aunt Dimity Mystery I have read but after 23 books in the series, they can't all be stellar. Nancy Atherton's cozy mystery are unique in they don't involve a murder or crime unless they are part of a historical question the protagonist is trying to solve. Sometimes a bit saccharine, the plots are always interesting and well conceived. Atherton brings us back to rural England and a smuggler's Inn to once again sleuth her way to understanding the past and the present. (Although the present in this edition is rather mundane.) Aunt Dimity's ghostly ramblings are sparse in this book and considering that they are an exclusive part of the Aunt Dimity series, the book suffers slightly for their scarcity. All in all, a fair read, and hope for the better in the future.
August 9, 2018
On her way to meet her husband for a romantic weekend away from the kids, Lori Shepherd is stranded at the King's Ransom Inn by a horrific storm. She learns that the inn used to be a haven for smugglers, and apparently some of them are still hanging around causing mischief. She is not the only one to hear and see mysterious things in the night and eventually joins with another guest and a local boy to explore and solve the mystery.
These books are always enjoyable and relaxing to read. The characters are likable, if not lovable, and the stories are fun. Each volume is always a welcome escape!
These books are always enjoyable and relaxing to read. The characters are likable, if not lovable, and the stories are fun. Each volume is always a welcome escape!
July 27, 2018
A non-bloody, no body, non-violent mystery! Good for the soul to have something different!
August 2, 2018
Lori and Bill set off for a get away weekend but first Bill has to stop off to see a client. Lori drives on to the hotel. A huge storm sets in leaving both stranded. She finds refuge in a hotel The King’s Ransom an ancient rambling inn. Lori hears noises in the night and with the help of a bishop she meets they set out to find the sorce of the noises and the reason for the Inn’s name. Aunt Dimity shares her wisdom.
January 23, 2022
2.5 stars. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't expecting a MYSTERY which this just is not. Sweet (super sweet) atmospheric English village, neighbors come together in a weather crisis. Visitors get curious and learn some local history.
August 28, 2024
Lori is bored with the usual routine and in need of a break. When Bill books a romantic getaway at the historic Mermaid Inn in Rye in East Sussex, everyone is excited. The children and Stanley will be well looked after (spoiled) by their grandparents and Lori and Bill will be alone together for the first time in months. There's only one catch- Bill has to meet with a wealthy, reclusive client ten miles from Rye. His client won't allow strangers in his home so Lori will have to continue on alone to Rye and Bill will join her when he's done. No problem... except for the drizzle which soon becomes a downpour and then a subtropical cyclone leaving Lori stranded in the village of Shepney with an entire area of refugees and displaced tourists! At the church where she takes shelter, Lori meets the charming, elderly Bishop Christopher Wyndham and he asks her to join him at the King's Ransom inn. There's no room at the inn but the owners promise Lori she could have a bed in the attic but there's nowhere to sleep as they only use the attic for storage! No problem. Lori will clean the attic herself. When mysterious noises wake her in the middle of the night and young Jemima Hancock tells Lori of the lady who died in her bed, Lori is terrified. She enlists the aid of Aunt Dimity who reassures Lori the ghosts are nowhere near her room. Still, Lori is curious about the history of the inn and an argument she overheard in French between a guest and the cranky chef. Could there be a connection to the inn's past, the present and the mysterious nighttime noises?
I really liked this story and stayed up late to finish. While I sort of missed Finch and the quirky characters, there were plenty of new characters to enjoy and an engaging plot. Some of the history I knew and sometimes that history was just dumped in a long-winded way but I didn't mind so much. I also really liked the effective, efficient disaster plan. This story made me want to book a stay at a historic inn and go ramble around in it. I would get lost for sure.
Lori is still immature sometimes and Aunt Dimity has to tell Lori what to do BUT this time I think Lori had the right of it. First of all, who wouldn't be scared of a stranger opening their hotel room door at night? Second, the noises were a little weird too. Third, I would have jumped to the same conclusions as Lori in her situation. My book club members agreed that we all would have assumed the same thing in her position. Of course I know this is a cozy series so it had to be a reasonable explanation but if I were Lori or in the same situation, I would think the same thing. I didn't like her moralizing about telling the children ghost stories but she wisely let the Hancocks and Philip parent their own children and told Christopher to back off. She was sweet with Jemima and Mr. Pigg but really? Jemima is 7. Where do you think she heard about ghosts? Where did Lori's twins hear about vampires? Do you really want to take the word of a 7 year old? Aunt D doesn't have a lot to do. I wanted a little more elaboration on how she knew about the ghosts and whether she could interact with them. Others concurred, CAN AD interact with other ghosts? Her ghostliness is very mysterious. The other ghosts sound more interesting and colorful and I'd like to meet them!
The inhabitants of Shepney are such wonderful people. They reminded me of the villagers in Newfoundland that hosted stranded travelers on 9/11 Come From Away: Welcome to the Rock: An Inside Look at the Hit Musical. The rector, Philip, is a nice man. He does a lot of jobs to support the village and his family. He's bashful and worshipful of the humble Bishop (just call him Christopher) but he gets over it. He's a good dad, trying hard to raise his son with the values of the church. Trevor, age 10, is a rascal. He would get along famously with Lori's twins. The three of them would be so much trouble! He's trying hard to prove he's not a goody goody - a little too hard. He's pulled pranks in the past that were not so funny but he's handy in a crisis. Trevor MAY have told a ghost story to 7 year old Jemima though and Lori doesn't find that funny. Oh come on! Her twins would have hung on every word an older boy had to say and I'm sure perfect little Bess will too when she's old enough to hang out with the big kids. A better kid is Kenneth, a student at Winchester College home for the weekend, marooned by the storm. He's helpful when necessary and Lori is good with teen boys too. She's able to draw him out and get him talking to learn more about him and his passions. Like Lori, I think he will be successful because he's passionate and he's kind.
At the King's Ransom we meet the Hancock family. They're wonderful. Jean is resourceful and unflappable. I get the sense she runs the inn and Gavin does whatever is necessary. He's kind and considerate. They have two young children, 7-year-old Jemima who is sweet but scared of her new home and Nicholas who is only 5 1/2 and shy. Jemima is a serious child but sweet and generous. Steve, the cook, is cranky and mysterious. He looks like a pirate and doesn't seem to like having anyone in his kitchen. When Lori hears about Steve's past, she is curious and worried. The Hancocks trust him around their children and he even makes them amazing apple crumble as a treat. Perhaps he was coerced into doing something he didn't want to do or was offered and declined. What is he mixed up in and what will the Hancocks do when they find out? Steve is not a well-developed character at first but he gets there in the end. Like Lori I have a lot of compassion for him.
At the in is a group of French tourists on a bus tour stranded by the storm. The only employee who speaks enough French to deal with them is Tessa whose parents have a holiday home in Provence. Poor Tessa! These people are super cranky and I don't blame them. I would be too. If I were the Hancocks I would have come up with a different sleeping arrangement. Sorry no single rooms available for the duration. Everyone has to double up. Making people sleep in the parlor is plain rude. Especially rude and cranky is Mr. Renault. He comes across as arrogant and rude. He's inconsiderate at best and a criminal at worst. After this trip, if all he is is inconsiderate, he'll be lucky to make it back to France alive. Everyone else will want to flay him!
I absolutely adore the bookshop in the village and want to go there right now! Horatio Best is the best bookseller. He's quite a colorful character. He relishes sharing the history of the village and can even tell his staff where any type of book is. He does get long winded and off track sometimes but he has a wealth of knowledge to share. Lori should know all this since she lived in Boston (John Hancock did the same thing) and surely her mother would have taught her about the causes for the Revolutionary War.
I even enjoyed Shepney's eldest and crankiest residents. The author nailed the congregate care crowd. They DO act like bickering children/Junior High mean girls! Their arguments were funny but would drive me batty if I were Christopher. Rebecca is amazing for shutting them down. I guess since her mother is one of them, she learned about managing unruly children from her mother and is using the same tactics against her. Joe Turner with the rat catching terriers is very friendly and apparently he must do something to convince them to hunt because I have found it's hit or miss when it comes to terriers hunting INDOORS. Critters outside are another story... I don't think a house terrier would know what to DO if they saw a rat LOL! I think because Joe has a farm, these are working farm dogs and not pampered pets. All these people feel like friends because they're so well developed.
This series keeps getting better and better. The secondary characters are better developed and the plots have stopped being so over-the-top. We missed Bree sleuthing with Lori but hopefully the dynamic duo will be back investigating again soon.
The apple crumble truly is delicious and one of my favorite fall treats. The evenings are cool now and a cup of tea and apple crumble hit the spot.
I really liked this story and stayed up late to finish. While I sort of missed Finch and the quirky characters, there were plenty of new characters to enjoy and an engaging plot. Some of the history I knew and sometimes that history was just dumped in a long-winded way but I didn't mind so much. I also really liked the effective, efficient disaster plan. This story made me want to book a stay at a historic inn and go ramble around in it. I would get lost for sure.
Lori is still immature sometimes and Aunt Dimity has to tell Lori what to do BUT this time I think Lori had the right of it. First of all, who wouldn't be scared of a stranger opening their hotel room door at night? Second, the noises were a little weird too. Third, I would have jumped to the same conclusions as Lori in her situation. My book club members agreed that we all would have assumed the same thing in her position. Of course I know this is a cozy series so it had to be a reasonable explanation but if I were Lori or in the same situation, I would think the same thing. I didn't like her moralizing about telling the children ghost stories but she wisely let the Hancocks and Philip parent their own children and told Christopher to back off. She was sweet with Jemima and Mr. Pigg but really? Jemima is 7. Where do you think she heard about ghosts? Where did Lori's twins hear about vampires? Do you really want to take the word of a 7 year old? Aunt D doesn't have a lot to do. I wanted a little more elaboration on how she knew about the ghosts and whether she could interact with them. Others concurred, CAN AD interact with other ghosts? Her ghostliness is very mysterious. The other ghosts sound more interesting and colorful and I'd like to meet them!
The inhabitants of Shepney are such wonderful people. They reminded me of the villagers in Newfoundland that hosted stranded travelers on 9/11 Come From Away: Welcome to the Rock: An Inside Look at the Hit Musical. The rector, Philip, is a nice man. He does a lot of jobs to support the village and his family. He's bashful and worshipful of the humble Bishop (just call him Christopher) but he gets over it. He's a good dad, trying hard to raise his son with the values of the church. Trevor, age 10, is a rascal. He would get along famously with Lori's twins. The three of them would be so much trouble! He's trying hard to prove he's not a goody goody - a little too hard. He's pulled pranks in the past that were not so funny but he's handy in a crisis. Trevor MAY have told a ghost story to 7 year old Jemima though and Lori doesn't find that funny. Oh come on! Her twins would have hung on every word an older boy had to say and I'm sure perfect little Bess will too when she's old enough to hang out with the big kids. A better kid is Kenneth, a student at Winchester College home for the weekend, marooned by the storm. He's helpful when necessary and Lori is good with teen boys too. She's able to draw him out and get him talking to learn more about him and his passions. Like Lori, I think he will be successful because he's passionate and he's kind.
At the King's Ransom we meet the Hancock family. They're wonderful. Jean is resourceful and unflappable. I get the sense she runs the inn and Gavin does whatever is necessary. He's kind and considerate. They have two young children, 7-year-old Jemima who is sweet but scared of her new home and Nicholas who is only 5 1/2 and shy. Jemima is a serious child but sweet and generous. Steve, the cook, is cranky and mysterious. He looks like a pirate and doesn't seem to like having anyone in his kitchen. When Lori hears about Steve's past, she is curious and worried. The Hancocks trust him around their children and he even makes them amazing apple crumble as a treat. Perhaps he was coerced into doing something he didn't want to do or was offered and declined. What is he mixed up in and what will the Hancocks do when they find out? Steve is not a well-developed character at first but he gets there in the end. Like Lori I have a lot of compassion for him.
At the in is a group of French tourists on a bus tour stranded by the storm. The only employee who speaks enough French to deal with them is Tessa whose parents have a holiday home in Provence. Poor Tessa! These people are super cranky and I don't blame them. I would be too. If I were the Hancocks I would have come up with a different sleeping arrangement. Sorry no single rooms available for the duration. Everyone has to double up. Making people sleep in the parlor is plain rude. Especially rude and cranky is Mr. Renault. He comes across as arrogant and rude. He's inconsiderate at best and a criminal at worst. After this trip, if all he is is inconsiderate, he'll be lucky to make it back to France alive. Everyone else will want to flay him!
I absolutely adore the bookshop in the village and want to go there right now! Horatio Best is the best bookseller. He's quite a colorful character. He relishes sharing the history of the village and can even tell his staff where any type of book is. He does get long winded and off track sometimes but he has a wealth of knowledge to share. Lori should know all this since she lived in Boston (John Hancock did the same thing) and surely her mother would have taught her about the causes for the Revolutionary War.
I even enjoyed Shepney's eldest and crankiest residents. The author nailed the congregate care crowd. They DO act like bickering children/Junior High mean girls! Their arguments were funny but would drive me batty if I were Christopher. Rebecca is amazing for shutting them down. I guess since her mother is one of them, she learned about managing unruly children from her mother and is using the same tactics against her. Joe Turner with the rat catching terriers is very friendly and apparently he must do something to convince them to hunt because I have found it's hit or miss when it comes to terriers hunting INDOORS. Critters outside are another story... I don't think a house terrier would know what to DO if they saw a rat LOL! I think because Joe has a farm, these are working farm dogs and not pampered pets. All these people feel like friends because they're so well developed.
This series keeps getting better and better. The secondary characters are better developed and the plots have stopped being so over-the-top. We missed Bree sleuthing with Lori but hopefully the dynamic duo will be back investigating again soon.
The apple crumble truly is delicious and one of my favorite fall treats. The evenings are cool now and a cup of tea and apple crumble hit the spot.
August 17, 2018
A short and sweet cozy mystery, where Lori takes shelter from a bad storm, and is trapped in an unfamiliar town. The inn she finds refuge in is old, and a warren of rooms and history. The mystery is drawn out by a string of coincidences that stretch the odds, but it's an enjoyable mix of history and ghost story.
September 16, 2018
The Aunt Dimity books seem to be all over the place. The reader will adore one book and the next will lay flat only making you wonder if you should continue only to find out the next book is back on track and the rollercoaster begins again.
From past experience we know Lori is a bit challenged when it comes to driving so when a harsh storm forces her off the road, she takes refuge in a small village church. With the rain not letting up and a busload of travelers taking all the rooms at the local inn, Lori’s only option is the unused attic of The King’s Ransom. Hearing stories of death and haunting, it is no surprise Lori hears doors creaking and children laughing. Needing a bit of comfort, she opens up her journal and begins a conversation with Aunt Dimity (if you have not read the series from the beginning, Aunt Dimity, and her story, will be a treat). With the help of a retired bishop, Lori sets out to find the origin of the inn’s name and more importantly, where the sounds are coming from that keeps her up at night.
There is no convoluted who-done-it in this book and thankfully Lori is not in her usual mode of helicopter parent. I did miss the usual goings on in Finch, but like Lori, it was nice to take a vacation and to get a new perspective on people and places.
From past experience we know Lori is a bit challenged when it comes to driving so when a harsh storm forces her off the road, she takes refuge in a small village church. With the rain not letting up and a busload of travelers taking all the rooms at the local inn, Lori’s only option is the unused attic of The King’s Ransom. Hearing stories of death and haunting, it is no surprise Lori hears doors creaking and children laughing. Needing a bit of comfort, she opens up her journal and begins a conversation with Aunt Dimity (if you have not read the series from the beginning, Aunt Dimity, and her story, will be a treat). With the help of a retired bishop, Lori sets out to find the origin of the inn’s name and more importantly, where the sounds are coming from that keeps her up at night.
There is no convoluted who-done-it in this book and thankfully Lori is not in her usual mode of helicopter parent. I did miss the usual goings on in Finch, but like Lori, it was nice to take a vacation and to get a new perspective on people and places.
August 4, 2018
This was a very enjoyable, classic Aunt Dimity book. Too many lately had been focused on Lori’s kids; this one was all Lori and much the better for it. It was a lovely tale of new friends.
September 24, 2018
I like these stories, and even though there isn't a deep mystery, as such, I enjoy reading about the characters and what they are doing. This is still one of my favorite series!
July 7, 2019
I call mysteries like this my “book candy” - fun & fast to read. Lori is still jumping to conclusions, but things turn out fine in the end. Still a fun series. (Library)
October 11, 2019
What an amazing book! I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway. Being the first Aunt Dimity book I read but the twenty third written, I was hesitant to start it. I felt certain I wouldn’t be able to enjoy as I would if I knew some about it. I set it aside with the intention of reading a couple of earlier books. Then life took over as it tends to do. I came across recently and knew I must read it without the planned earlier books and hope for the best. I’m delighted to report that I believe wherever you are when you pick up an Aunt Dimity book, it is where you can start! Twenty two books before mine and I wasn’t lost at all! I’m not even going to attempt a lie and say I don’t care about the other twenty two. I do care. I care, though, because this book thrilled me so that I must read the others! If you have never read Aunt Dimity books, whichever one you come across, read it. Immediately! Don’t be foolish as I was and wait.
For the benefit of anyone who hasn’t read any of Aunt Dimity, she is a ghost! Our main character is Lori a wife, (to Bill), and mom to three children. Lori is an American living in England. Aunt Dimity was her mom’s closest friend. Now she watches over Lori extending her friendship to the daughter of her best friend. Isn’t that amazing? What a testimony to the power of friendship. In the King’s Ransom, Lori and Bill are off on a small getaway. However things don’t go as planned. Mother Nature had plans of her own. Lori and Bill are forced to spend their getaway, apart. Lori spends hers as a guest at The King’s Ransom Inn and it is there the adventure begins.
I love the characters and the world building. I was swiftly taken from my chilly, windy and rainy Juneau home to a chilly and wet Shepney. How delighted I was that my weather matched, somewhat, the weather in the book! It made it so much easier to slip into place. I spent the most delightful time there! I do so want to tell you all of it but the fear of telling too much, and spoiling it for you, is great. You simply must read this book! Do make time to read it properly. Perhaps start it on a weekend when you’ve nothing planned or are on a long vacation ride. Once you begin, you will lose track of time as you are transported to England. As for me, I’ll be looking for the beginning of these books. I must know how Aunt Dimity and Lori came to be acquainted. I have so many questions that no doubt will answered by the beginning. Read, dear friend, whichever Aunt Dimity you have picked out but expect to be left wanting to go back to the beginning. Aunt Dimity and The King’s Ransom is a most tantalizing choice. Enjoy it!
*Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and Penguin Books for the opportunity to become acquainted with Aunt Dimity. It has be delightful. I am not required to leave a review. I leave my thoughts because I want you to be transported as I was. I want you to enjoy a deliciously spooky yet immensely entertaining vacation in Shepney at the King’s Ransom Inn. Tell the Hancocks hello and I hope you enjoy some of Steve’s delicacies. I do hope you enjoy the Bishop’s company!
For the benefit of anyone who hasn’t read any of Aunt Dimity, she is a ghost! Our main character is Lori a wife, (to Bill), and mom to three children. Lori is an American living in England. Aunt Dimity was her mom’s closest friend. Now she watches over Lori extending her friendship to the daughter of her best friend. Isn’t that amazing? What a testimony to the power of friendship. In the King’s Ransom, Lori and Bill are off on a small getaway. However things don’t go as planned. Mother Nature had plans of her own. Lori and Bill are forced to spend their getaway, apart. Lori spends hers as a guest at The King’s Ransom Inn and it is there the adventure begins.
I love the characters and the world building. I was swiftly taken from my chilly, windy and rainy Juneau home to a chilly and wet Shepney. How delighted I was that my weather matched, somewhat, the weather in the book! It made it so much easier to slip into place. I spent the most delightful time there! I do so want to tell you all of it but the fear of telling too much, and spoiling it for you, is great. You simply must read this book! Do make time to read it properly. Perhaps start it on a weekend when you’ve nothing planned or are on a long vacation ride. Once you begin, you will lose track of time as you are transported to England. As for me, I’ll be looking for the beginning of these books. I must know how Aunt Dimity and Lori came to be acquainted. I have so many questions that no doubt will answered by the beginning. Read, dear friend, whichever Aunt Dimity you have picked out but expect to be left wanting to go back to the beginning. Aunt Dimity and The King’s Ransom is a most tantalizing choice. Enjoy it!
*Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and Penguin Books for the opportunity to become acquainted with Aunt Dimity. It has be delightful. I am not required to leave a review. I leave my thoughts because I want you to be transported as I was. I want you to enjoy a deliciously spooky yet immensely entertaining vacation in Shepney at the King’s Ransom Inn. Tell the Hancocks hello and I hope you enjoy some of Steve’s delicacies. I do hope you enjoy the Bishop’s company!
December 13, 2018
Maybe after 23 books in this series I am just weary of the concept? This one just didn't do much for me. The biggest mystery Lori is trying to solve is the reason why the King's Ransom Inn is called the King Ransom's Inn. I didn't find that particularly interesting or enthralling.
I tend to judge Lori harshly (she seems like she has a pretty perfect life...I'm just jealous, I know) and in this book, she discovers that a chef at the inn did a stint in prison. She seems a bit fixated on this and investigating the guy's history. It seems to me that he served his time, has a fresh start at this inn, and should be left alone. The town doesn't know about his past, so Lori shouldn't be the one to bring it up and start rumors about him. At least Aunt Dimity gives Lori that sage advice and Lori listens.
Just not my favorite book. But if you are looking for mysteries that aren't always MURDER mysteries, this is a good series for that.
I tend to judge Lori harshly (she seems like she has a pretty perfect life...I'm just jealous, I know) and in this book, she discovers that a chef at the inn did a stint in prison. She seems a bit fixated on this and investigating the guy's history. It seems to me that he served his time, has a fresh start at this inn, and should be left alone. The town doesn't know about his past, so Lori shouldn't be the one to bring it up and start rumors about him. At least Aunt Dimity gives Lori that sage advice and Lori listens.
Just not my favorite book. But if you are looking for mysteries that aren't always MURDER mysteries, this is a good series for that.
September 27, 2019
I would call this one a hystery rather than a mystery. It is quaint and sweet, as the Aunt Dimity stories should be but it is also filled with fun history and wonderful characters. It was rather refreshing to read a "mystery" without a death involved and still be intrigued. It was delightful and Atherton gets extra marks for mentioning both Boudicca and the Venerable Bede in the same short novel.
November 15, 2019
This was fun cozy mystery. It takes place in England and had no deaths in it. The mystery involves a hurricane, a flood, an old inn, and a ghost. The main character is separated from her husband by the storm and works with a local to solve the mysteries. It was interesting to see how the stories came together in the end.
October 15, 2018
A favorite author and a much loved series! I enjoyed this new book in the series!
October 24, 2018
Quick and charming. Easy read
November 5, 2018
I love these books so much. I cannot give a good review tonight while it is all swimming around in my head so a review will be forthcoming.
July 8, 2019
Susan, Central patron, July 2019, 3 stars:
A fun & fast mystery read. Check out this series if you enjoy light cozy mysteries.
A fun & fast mystery read. Check out this series if you enjoy light cozy mysteries.
February 22, 2021
this series is nice as long as you aren't expecting suspense, or even murder. it's so cozy it could not possibly GET any cozier, IMO.
but I, at least, need to read about a place where the small villages are all full of people who are taking care of each other and getting things done.
but I, at least, need to read about a place where the small villages are all full of people who are taking care of each other and getting things done.
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