York

Kindred Spirits #4

by Jennifer C. Wilson

In the ancient city of York, something sinister is stirring... What do a highwayman, an infamous traitor, and two hardened soldiers have in common? Centuries of friendship, a duty to the town, and a sense of mischief – until they realise that someone is trying to bring chaos to their home. Joining forces with local Vikings, the four friends keep an eye on the situation, but then, disaster strikes. Can peace be restored both inside and out of the city walls?

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2019

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

[Helene Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review - This one was definitely darker than the previous books in the series, but I thought it was really good. The previous books in the series never really tackled how a new ghost is accepted into the ghostly community and how that is dealt with, so that was interesting, as was the method of her death (without giving too much away!). I also liked the idea that ghosts could still be harmed and fade out of existence, I hope that's dealt with further in other books in the series. I loved the camaraderie between Richard Duke of York, Henry Hotspur Percy, Dick Turpin and Guy Fawkes - characters that I wouldn't have put together but provided a lot of the drama as well as comedy in this story. More please, Jennifer!

Genre? - Historical / Paranormal

Characters? - Dick Turpin / Guy Fawkes / Richard Plantagenet Duke of York / Harry Hotspur Percy / Margaret Clitherow / Richard III / Henry VII / Anne Neville / Elizabeth of York / Awen / Xanthe / King Oswald / Philippe

Setting? - York (England)

Series? - Kindred Spirits #4

Recommend? – Yes

Rating - 18/20

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

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Kindred Spirits: York" by Jennifer C Wilson

More supernatural hijinx, this time in the city of York. The spirits of York have a good thing going, the city being said to be the most haunted in England. The spirits like to have their fun but they keep their haunting on the gentle side and they’d like to keep it that way. Unfortunately, someone is trying to give the place a bad name and it’s up to famous highwayman Dick Turpin, Medieval nobleman and rebel Harry “Hotspur” Percy, a couple Roman emperors, and some Vikings to keep things from getting out of hand.

My favorite part of the book came at the beginning, though. Two ghostly couples decide to get away from London for a bit and visit York – Richard III and his wife, Anne Neville; and Henry VII and his wife, Elizabeth of York. Yes, the guys have decided to at least try and bury the hatchet. After all, everyone’s been dead for centuries; no need to keep bearing grudges! And there are some interesting family dynamics here as Richard is Elizabeth’s uncle.

There’s also an awkward reunion once the group reaches York, where Richard meets his father, the Duke of York (and also named Richard) for the first time in…a long time. The Duke of York was slain in battle when Richard was only 8 years old, and can’t figure out why his son would want to hang around with Henry Tudor!

A lot of history, and a lot of fun.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

More fun and ghostly antics, and some more serious moments too, this time with different characters in York. It was great to see Dick Turpin and Guy Fawkes in there as well!
I've read all the books in the series and enjoyed them - they have wonderful story lines and are filled with interesting facts that keep you entertained all the way through.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

"This book came as a surprise to me. I understand it is one of a series that has gathered many followers and my first impressions are that the concept is interesting, amusing and unusual."

[Kathy Foens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better Than Kindred Spirits - Tower of London

Read the Tower of London edition and didn't enjoy it. Not being British and not read much about the main characters, I had no preconceived notions. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it.

[Pam Keevil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this as much as some of her other books. I felt it needed a sub plot and a stronger showcase of the city of York to create a real sense of place. I did like the introduction of Xanthe as a modern day newcomer to the spirit world and hope to come across her in the future.

[Sally Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and light hearted

I enjoyed this light hearted book mainly because it was set in my home city so I knew all the places and the history of most of the people.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good who done it

Was fun to read and was written as more of a mystery. I preferred the other books more but still glad I read as I do enjoy this author.

[E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

Thought it was nicely written but did not appeal to me as much. I was not as invested as I am more a Tudor age fan. Not the author's fault on that point.