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Redmond and Haze Mysteries #2
Murder at the Abbey
When the body of a young woman is found near the ruins of a haunted abbey, everyone assumes she died of fright. A postmortem examination tells a different story. Not only was Elizabeth Barrett poisoned, but the lethal dose of cyanide must have been administered by someone close to her—someone she trusted, who may have known her secret.As Captain Redmond and Constable Haze delve into the victim’s seemingly ordinary life, they learn she wasn’t the proper, biddable wife everyone believed her to be. With no clear motive for the murder and no obvious suspects, the trail soon grows cold. But the killer is closer than they imagined, waiting to strike with deadly force should they discover the truth.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2020
1543 people are currently reading
763 people want to read
About the author
Irina Shapiro
85 books1,148 followersTo write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
March 25, 2023
4.25 stars ... I'm enjoying this series immensely! Honestly, the mystery is kinda weak ... I had it figured out well before the halfway point ... but with the wonderful characters and the Victorian rural England setting, I don't even care about that. A quick read and great escapism! 😊
November 12, 2020
Friday, September 7, 1866. Birch Hill, England. Irina Shapiro’s Murder at the Abbey (Redmond & Haze #2) finds Constable Haze and Captain ( actually Lord) Redmond involved in another investigation as one of the villagers discovers the body of Elizabeth Barrett at the local haunted ruins of a Benedictine Abbey. Lord Redmond, a surgeon in the Union Army during America’s Civil War, is contacted by Constable Haze to relay the news of this discovery. Lord Redmond immediately requests if he can perform a postmortem on Mrs. Barrett. Haze agrees which is the correct step to take in order to determine the cause of death because Squire Talbot would just want a quick decision to this ‘problem’. Mrs. Barrett, an artist, enjoyed painting early in the morning at the Abbey. She is not concerned or believed that the Abbey is haunted. The ruins of this 13th c. abbey are a result of Henry VIII’s Dissolutions of the Monasteries to rid England of the Catholic religion in the 1500s. Lord Redmond finds a large amount of cyanide, a quick acting poison, in Mrs. Barrett’s body. Cause of Elizabeth Barrett’s death is poison but who, how, and why? Mrs. Barrett seemed to be liked by everyone, and her husband is/was deeply in love with her. I like the characters especially Redmond & Haze.The author’s writing style flows naturally. As all the villagers believe in the superstitions and that the abbey is haunted, I loved it when the author has Jason thinking “Talking people out of their superstitions was about as effective as trying to turn a wolf into a vegetarian”. What a great line! An intriguing as well as educational mystery. 4.25 stars.
January 3, 2022
Barbara’s rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Series: Redmond and Haze Mysteries #2
Publication Date: 6/2/20
Period: Victorian – September 1866 - Birch Hill, Essex, England
Number of Pages: 266
Davy Brody, owner of the Red Stag in Birch Hill, gets the shock of his life when he is returning home from Brentwood – where he had purchased spirits for his establishment. He always gets the shivers when he passes that old abandoned abbey. There is just something unnerving about it. Now, he’s discovered the body of a beautiful young woman who just looks as if she lay down and went to sleep. Terrified, he races away to the Red Stag so he can send his stable hand, Matty, to inform Constable Haze about the body.
Daniel Haze and his wife Sarah have just returned home from a second honeymoon in Scotland. They needed that time together to mend their broken marriage – and now he is ready to get back to work. He’s missed his new friend, Jason Redmond, and is delighted to see the American surgeon walking up to the location of the body. They’ve already solved one case together, so maybe they can work together on a second.
There doesn’t appear to be any wounds on the body nor any outward signs of struggle. Everything appears to be death by natural causes – until Jason asks if he can examine the body where he discovers she was poisoned by cyanide. There was no mistaking the smell of almonds around her mouth.
They quickly identify the young woman as Elizabeth Barrett, wife of Jonathan Barrett, and set off to the Barrett’s country estate to notify her husband. Upon arrival, they find the victim’s husband and sister who are both devastated by the news. It is now time to delve into the life of this beautiful young woman and find out who poisoned her. She didn’t have a wide range of friends and acquaintances, so their list of suspects isn’t large, but none of them seem to have any real reason for the murder. Yet, she was murdered, and the murderer has to be someone who was close enough to her to persuade her to ingest the food containing the poison.
The investigation moves forward without the excitement of the first book, but it is still a good mystery. You’ll likely guess who the murderer is, but it is still fun to see how they get there.
After realizing the author had previously written time-travel books – where I assume you can make history be whatever you like – I tried to cut some slack with the anachronisms. I assumed she’d do the research and actually begin to have fewer of the Americanisms and anachronisms, but that isn’t the case. Just a quick example of the many anachronisms – there is the reference to the husband’s ‘law firm’. England didn’t have law firms back then, nor do they have them now – that is totally an American thing. In England, a ‘lawyer’ is either a barrister or a solicitor. Then, there is the easy acceptance of different lifestyles – especially homosexuality. While I applaud the character’s easy acceptance, it just wouldn’t have happened. So many of the attitudes are very modern and it almost seemed as if I was reading a contemporary mystery in period dress.
I always need a little romance to go along with a good mystery, and I got that with Sarah and Daniel. However, I’m ready to see something move along one way or another with Jason and Kathleen.
I can definitely recommend the mystery and even the small amount of romance it contains. However, if you, like me, get sucked out of the story by historical inaccuracies, anachronisms, etc. you might have an issue. I love the premise of the local English constable paired with the American surgeon who also happens to have just inherited an English title he doesn’t want. I’ll definitely read the next book in the series to see where it is going – and to see if I can tolerate the historical inaccuracies, Americanisms, etc.
Series: Redmond and Haze Mysteries #2
Publication Date: 6/2/20
Period: Victorian – September 1866 - Birch Hill, Essex, England
Number of Pages: 266
Davy Brody, owner of the Red Stag in Birch Hill, gets the shock of his life when he is returning home from Brentwood – where he had purchased spirits for his establishment. He always gets the shivers when he passes that old abandoned abbey. There is just something unnerving about it. Now, he’s discovered the body of a beautiful young woman who just looks as if she lay down and went to sleep. Terrified, he races away to the Red Stag so he can send his stable hand, Matty, to inform Constable Haze about the body.
Daniel Haze and his wife Sarah have just returned home from a second honeymoon in Scotland. They needed that time together to mend their broken marriage – and now he is ready to get back to work. He’s missed his new friend, Jason Redmond, and is delighted to see the American surgeon walking up to the location of the body. They’ve already solved one case together, so maybe they can work together on a second.
There doesn’t appear to be any wounds on the body nor any outward signs of struggle. Everything appears to be death by natural causes – until Jason asks if he can examine the body where he discovers she was poisoned by cyanide. There was no mistaking the smell of almonds around her mouth.
They quickly identify the young woman as Elizabeth Barrett, wife of Jonathan Barrett, and set off to the Barrett’s country estate to notify her husband. Upon arrival, they find the victim’s husband and sister who are both devastated by the news. It is now time to delve into the life of this beautiful young woman and find out who poisoned her. She didn’t have a wide range of friends and acquaintances, so their list of suspects isn’t large, but none of them seem to have any real reason for the murder. Yet, she was murdered, and the murderer has to be someone who was close enough to her to persuade her to ingest the food containing the poison.
The investigation moves forward without the excitement of the first book, but it is still a good mystery. You’ll likely guess who the murderer is, but it is still fun to see how they get there.
After realizing the author had previously written time-travel books – where I assume you can make history be whatever you like – I tried to cut some slack with the anachronisms. I assumed she’d do the research and actually begin to have fewer of the Americanisms and anachronisms, but that isn’t the case. Just a quick example of the many anachronisms – there is the reference to the husband’s ‘law firm’. England didn’t have law firms back then, nor do they have them now – that is totally an American thing. In England, a ‘lawyer’ is either a barrister or a solicitor. Then, there is the easy acceptance of different lifestyles – especially homosexuality. While I applaud the character’s easy acceptance, it just wouldn’t have happened. So many of the attitudes are very modern and it almost seemed as if I was reading a contemporary mystery in period dress.
I always need a little romance to go along with a good mystery, and I got that with Sarah and Daniel. However, I’m ready to see something move along one way or another with Jason and Kathleen.
I can definitely recommend the mystery and even the small amount of romance it contains. However, if you, like me, get sucked out of the story by historical inaccuracies, anachronisms, etc. you might have an issue. I love the premise of the local English constable paired with the American surgeon who also happens to have just inherited an English title he doesn’t want. I’ll definitely read the next book in the series to see where it is going – and to see if I can tolerate the historical inaccuracies, Americanisms, etc.
July 11, 2020
Fresh from solving his first murder, life seems to be looking up for Parish Constable Daniel Haze. He and his wife Sarah have reconciled and his budding friendship with Jason Redmond is going from strength to strength now that the Captain has decided to stay on in Birch Hill rather than return to America.
When the body of a young woman is discovered near the grounds of a supposedly haunted abbey, our unlikely duo team up once more to ascertain the manner of her death. The post-mortem reveals that not only was Elizabeth Barrett poisoned, but the lethal dose of cyanide was administered by someone who was close to her - someone she trusted who may have known her secret.
Further investigation into the victim’s seemingly ordinary life reveals that she wasn’t the proper, biddable wife that everyone thought she was and the closer the duo get to unmasking her killer, they fail to see that the culprit is right under see their noses until it’s too late...
Murder at the abbey is the second instalment of the Redmond and Haze Mysteries. While I cottoned quite early as to who the culprit was, this is no way lessoned my enjoyment of watching Jason and Daniel put the pieces together.
While the first book highlighted class discrimination, this book reflects on the restrictions placed on women during the 19th century. It was also interesting to read about the new advancements in policing that were beginning to emerge with regards to fingerprints and photographing the scene of the crimes.
The author has once again done a great job of creating characters that seemingly come alive with a plot that moved fluidly along. Another breezy page turner which was perfect for willing away a couple of hours.
I received an advanced free audible copy of Murder at the Abbey and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Wendy Wolfson’s clear and concise narration never ceases to impress as she always captures the characters so well.
When the body of a young woman is discovered near the grounds of a supposedly haunted abbey, our unlikely duo team up once more to ascertain the manner of her death. The post-mortem reveals that not only was Elizabeth Barrett poisoned, but the lethal dose of cyanide was administered by someone who was close to her - someone she trusted who may have known her secret.
Further investigation into the victim’s seemingly ordinary life reveals that she wasn’t the proper, biddable wife that everyone thought she was and the closer the duo get to unmasking her killer, they fail to see that the culprit is right under see their noses until it’s too late...
Murder at the abbey is the second instalment of the Redmond and Haze Mysteries. While I cottoned quite early as to who the culprit was, this is no way lessoned my enjoyment of watching Jason and Daniel put the pieces together.
While the first book highlighted class discrimination, this book reflects on the restrictions placed on women during the 19th century. It was also interesting to read about the new advancements in policing that were beginning to emerge with regards to fingerprints and photographing the scene of the crimes.
The author has once again done a great job of creating characters that seemingly come alive with a plot that moved fluidly along. Another breezy page turner which was perfect for willing away a couple of hours.
I received an advanced free audible copy of Murder at the Abbey and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Wendy Wolfson’s clear and concise narration never ceases to impress as she always captures the characters so well.
June 22, 2021
Don't look for my review of the first book in the REDMOND & HAZE MYSTERIES because I didn't read it. Instead I delved right into #2, and am now reading #3.
I enjoyed the characters and the plotting. And as it turns out I didn't need to read the first book as the author drops all the hints you need to know why Captain Redmond and his charge are now in England and how they ran across Constable Haze.
The main characters are all 'nice' but not so perfect (talking to you MURDER IN BELGRAVIA, Mayfair 100 series) that you have to hold your nose, wishing that you hadn't got stuck in a Disney sitcom. In fact, in book #3, MURDER AT THE MILL, I'm quite unhappy with Capt. Redmond's questions to a witness. But that's getting ahead of things.
MURDER AT THE ABBEY falls into the cozy mystery category. And besides the characters it has some decent plotting. I like that the author plays her cards close to her chest. We are given the clues, but then again, we are given reasons that the clues don't mean much, so it can remain up in the air as to the who and how.
4 Stars for this book in the Free, Cozy Mystery category.
September 23, 2020
Its close to home
This story was pretty much what you expect in a murder mystery until it wasn't! Happy that Constable Haze mends his marriage but Lord Redmond has the slowest romance ever! The victim was called Selfish, beautiful, cunning and ungrateful! The victim sister is not what or who you think!! The victim husband loves his wife unconditionally as it should be! How this murder happens and events leading up to it almost made me cry! But its a great read couldn't put it down!
This story was pretty much what you expect in a murder mystery until it wasn't! Happy that Constable Haze mends his marriage but Lord Redmond has the slowest romance ever! The victim was called Selfish, beautiful, cunning and ungrateful! The victim sister is not what or who you think!! The victim husband loves his wife unconditionally as it should be! How this murder happens and events leading up to it almost made me cry! But its a great read couldn't put it down!
August 9, 2020
2.5 stars for this second in the Redmond/Haze series. I don't think I will continue with any future books. Everything was clear from the beginning, so there was no mystery as to who the murderer was. The group of characters did interest me initially in the first book but this book bored me as I could predict all.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
May 9, 2023
I really liked the first book in this series and was looking forward to reading this next book. Happily, I was not disappointed. Although the books are set shortly after the end of the US Civil War, they’re set in England, so we don’t get all the usual Reconstruction and slavery issues that comes with books set in America.
The MC, Jason Redmond, is an American who has inherited his family home in England, so he brings a unique perspective to the whole English peerage system, which causes a lot of consternation among his titled new neighbors. I like how level headed he is about life in general, and how he uses his skills as a surgeon to help local law enforcement solve crimes. He isn’t afraid to apply some of the new theories (like fingerprinting) to his investigations, which generates a fair amount of skepticism.
The murder victim in this story was a well-liked young woman, so there weren’t a lot of suspects to consider. As Redmond and Constable Haze questioned people and started following clues, one character began to stand out in my mind as the most likely killer, and that turned out to be correct. Given that person’s identity, the motive made sense.
The last few lines of this story immediately set up the next book in the series, which I look forward to reading soon.
The MC, Jason Redmond, is an American who has inherited his family home in England, so he brings a unique perspective to the whole English peerage system, which causes a lot of consternation among his titled new neighbors. I like how level headed he is about life in general, and how he uses his skills as a surgeon to help local law enforcement solve crimes. He isn’t afraid to apply some of the new theories (like fingerprinting) to his investigations, which generates a fair amount of skepticism.
The murder victim in this story was a well-liked young woman, so there weren’t a lot of suspects to consider. As Redmond and Constable Haze questioned people and started following clues, one character began to stand out in my mind as the most likely killer, and that turned out to be correct. Given that person’s identity, the motive made sense.
The last few lines of this story immediately set up the next book in the series, which I look forward to reading soon.
April 8, 2022
When I elected to read this I was looking for something a bit paranormal with lots of atmosphere and a little mystery thrown in for the fun of it.Unfortunately, I was disappointed.While there was quite a lot of mystery there wasn't much paranormal or atmosphere about it.On the plus side I really liked that it took place in nineteenth century in England and involved old ruins and a murder.I liked the writing and thought there was a good pace to it even though half way through I had figured out the culprit.It definitely was a little involved and I think I would have been better off reading the first book in this series so it's not a stand alone but ultimately I'll be trying another in the future.
March 26, 2022
A very enjoyable book. Recommended
May 4, 2024
This series gets better and better: glad I decided to keep reading! There’s always a twist to the mystery, and I enjoy the characters and the setting.
January 27, 2024
Ratings- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 17, 2025
Really enjoyed this historical mystery.
January 28, 2023
finished this within the day because i just love the premise of this series so much. i love how captain redmond and constable haze are collaborating on the case but most of the time, they are tackling it separately in their own way; haze has a more professional take to it by properly interviewing suspects and using his authority to get his way, whereas redmond has a more 'friendly' approach whereby he makes himself acquainted with people and casually converses about suspects and victims in a less interrogatory way.
i also like the realistic progression of friendships. there's a hint of romance but its not being rushed at all and the author clearly understands english etiquette and whatnot that constantly cockblocks captain redmond.
to be honest i knew who the killer was right away, but irina shapiro still wrote it in a way that made me doubt my suspicions multiple times throughout the book by throwing in some red herrings or characters with potential motives that would later be debunked. ugh i just love this series and i cant wait to read the whole thing. it's just so entertaining because the pacing is perfect and there's also that drama and action that doesn't make it too quiet and tame to read. i normally dont like series but this one is a winner.
i also like the realistic progression of friendships. there's a hint of romance but its not being rushed at all and the author clearly understands english etiquette and whatnot that constantly cockblocks captain redmond.
to be honest i knew who the killer was right away, but irina shapiro still wrote it in a way that made me doubt my suspicions multiple times throughout the book by throwing in some red herrings or characters with potential motives that would later be debunked. ugh i just love this series and i cant wait to read the whole thing. it's just so entertaining because the pacing is perfect and there's also that drama and action that doesn't make it too quiet and tame to read. i normally dont like series but this one is a winner.
October 11, 2022
Quite good.
June 29, 2025
In this second book of the Redmond and Haze mystery series, a beautiful young woman is found dead in the ruins of what the locals consider to be a haunted abbey. It took a great deal of courage for the local tavern owner, out with an early morning delivery to investigate the strange white object lying on the grass. Elizabeth Barrett had gone early to the abbey to paint. But her session was cut short and she was lying on her back...
...her fair hair spread about her head like a golden halo. At first Davy thought she was asleep, but as he drew closer, he noticed her eyes were open, her gaze seemingly fixed on the lone bird wheeling above the stone arch. Her arms were outstretched, and a paintbrush was held loosely in her right hand, her elegant fingers still wrapped around the polished wood.
Constable Haze is called to the scene as is (Lord) Captain Redmond. The captain serving in the capacity of police surgeon. He soon discovers that the death is not as peaceful as it appears. Elizabeth Barrett was poisoned with cyanide. Someone who knew her well must have administered it.
But as Haze works through the investigation, it seems that everyone liked Elizabeth. Her husband adored her. Her sister talks about her in glowing terms. Her art tutor speaks of her great talent and her friends in the art world also believe she was very good. But someone wanted her dead...is it possible she had a secret. Perhaps an affair with the tutor...or a fellow artist? And if so, perhaps her husband found out? She's found to be with child--was it his? Or perhaps his brother didn't want an heir to decrease his chances of eventually scooping the pot? Or maybe there's a motive the investigation just hasn't brought to light yet?
I enjoyed the second in this series. I enjoyed watching the recurring characters settle in with each--the continuing relationship between the constable and the captain. The growing relationship between Redmond and the vicar's daughter. It was nice to get more insight into the more periphery characters. But the mystery isn't quite as mystifying as the debut in the series. Though Shapiro tries to give us plenty of suspects, there really wasn't much in the way of good, solid motives running around for the red herrings. Once we learned a certain tidbit about a certain person, it was pretty clear to me who did it and what the motive was. I think Shapiro is still finding her footing in the mystery genre and I have every hope that future installments will be have a bit more challenge in the mysteries.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
...her fair hair spread about her head like a golden halo. At first Davy thought she was asleep, but as he drew closer, he noticed her eyes were open, her gaze seemingly fixed on the lone bird wheeling above the stone arch. Her arms were outstretched, and a paintbrush was held loosely in her right hand, her elegant fingers still wrapped around the polished wood.
Constable Haze is called to the scene as is (Lord) Captain Redmond. The captain serving in the capacity of police surgeon. He soon discovers that the death is not as peaceful as it appears. Elizabeth Barrett was poisoned with cyanide. Someone who knew her well must have administered it.
But as Haze works through the investigation, it seems that everyone liked Elizabeth. Her husband adored her. Her sister talks about her in glowing terms. Her art tutor speaks of her great talent and her friends in the art world also believe she was very good. But someone wanted her dead...is it possible she had a secret. Perhaps an affair with the tutor...or a fellow artist? And if so, perhaps her husband found out? She's found to be with child--was it his? Or perhaps his brother didn't want an heir to decrease his chances of eventually scooping the pot? Or maybe there's a motive the investigation just hasn't brought to light yet?
I enjoyed the second in this series. I enjoyed watching the recurring characters settle in with each--the continuing relationship between the constable and the captain. The growing relationship between Redmond and the vicar's daughter. It was nice to get more insight into the more periphery characters. But the mystery isn't quite as mystifying as the debut in the series. Though Shapiro tries to give us plenty of suspects, there really wasn't much in the way of good, solid motives running around for the red herrings. Once we learned a certain tidbit about a certain person, it was pretty clear to me who did it and what the motive was. I think Shapiro is still finding her footing in the mystery genre and I have every hope that future installments will be have a bit more challenge in the mysteries.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
May 1, 2025
This is the second in a series I recently discovered. It features a 'parish constable' in rural England -- Essex I think -- and a local lord who's also a surgeon, American, and veteran of the recent American civil war. The first book set everything up, of course; in this second entry, there's another murder and they again work together to get to the bottom of it.
Constable Haze is hampered by the fact that he has no real authority and the local magistrate isn't interested in the truth, only in getting it resolved so that he doesn't have to think about it. Lord Redmond has the medical experience to make conclusions from a post mortem but family members are generally not in favor of him doing so. He also has his 11 year old ward Micah to keep in line.
Between them, of course, they work things out, with the assistance of local villagers who are beginning to accept that Lord Redmond is different to most English titled gentry and becoming more willing to call on him for medical assistance, and answer his questions about the crime. I'd sort of guessed the culprit fairly early on, but the how was a bit out there -- if there was an earlier clue, it was pretty obtuse, though there was an eventual explanation. Still, I'll definitely be continuing the series.
Be aware the last 8% or so is the first bit of the follow on book -- so the 'end' is actually at 92% on kindle.
Constable Haze is hampered by the fact that he has no real authority and the local magistrate isn't interested in the truth, only in getting it resolved so that he doesn't have to think about it. Lord Redmond has the medical experience to make conclusions from a post mortem but family members are generally not in favor of him doing so. He also has his 11 year old ward Micah to keep in line.
Between them, of course, they work things out, with the assistance of local villagers who are beginning to accept that Lord Redmond is different to most English titled gentry and becoming more willing to call on him for medical assistance, and answer his questions about the crime. I'd sort of guessed the culprit fairly early on, but the how was a bit out there -- if there was an earlier clue, it was pretty obtuse, though there was an eventual explanation. Still, I'll definitely be continuing the series.
Be aware the last 8% or so is the first bit of the follow on book -- so the 'end' is actually at 92% on kindle.
January 21, 2025
It wasn't who I thought!
It is a great read and addition to the series. I thought I had it figured out, but it was wrong! This book delved a little deeper into Jason and Daniel's personal lives, connecting you to them more than you had previously. Looking forward to book 3 and watching them grow both on a personal and professional level.
My only complaint is the development of Ms. Talbot and Jason's relationship. It's painfully slow, even for the time period.
It is a great read and addition to the series. I thought I had it figured out, but it was wrong! This book delved a little deeper into Jason and Daniel's personal lives, connecting you to them more than you had previously. Looking forward to book 3 and watching them grow both on a personal and professional level.
My only complaint is the development of Ms. Talbot and Jason's relationship. It's painfully slow, even for the time period.
June 19, 2020
i knew who it was
but i was still,quite impressed by how they got there. of course, daniel happened to be in the right place at the right time in the end (this is not a spoiler. it will be obvious. and the whois already solved by that point). seems to be a thing with HOW to catch the bad guy with these books. very well done though.
but i was still,quite impressed by how they got there. of course, daniel happened to be in the right place at the right time in the end (this is not a spoiler. it will be obvious. and the whois already solved by that point). seems to be a thing with HOW to catch the bad guy with these books. very well done though.
September 20, 2020
This was a good read despite the fact that I guessed who the murderer was. A well-written book with interesting characters can overcome some faults, but a poorly written book with boring, mean-spirited characters is a waste of time. Looking forward to book #3.
August 31, 2024
Another good story in this series
July 17, 2025
Going to keep on with the series at least for now. I find that sometimes there are random bits of detail added that don’t really enhance the story or advance the plot. This kind of writing will have red herrings in it, but some of this randomness is less about being misled as to the culprit and more just filler. I still quite like the main characters. There are also things that seemed out of place. Like a C-section? With only laudanum? And a quick alcohol swipe for infection.
June 3, 2020
Wonderful
What a great series! It has everything you could want in a good murder mystery. Appropriate for all.
WRITE. FASTER. PLEASE!
What a great series! It has everything you could want in a good murder mystery. Appropriate for all.
WRITE. FASTER. PLEASE!
February 2, 2021
I'm truly enjoying this series. Someone else mentioned being able to figure things out early, but I still want to see how they come to the conclusion. I'm completely invested in Jason Redmond's backstory also. These first 2 were quick, light reads and I'm pretty sure I will read this entire series.
August 31, 2025
Murder at the Abbey is the second entry into the Redmond and Haze mysteries and I thought it was a worth follow-up to the first book. I enjoyed learning more about the recurring characters introduced in the first book and seeing how their relationships evolved and developed. I was especially interested in the relationship between Redmond and the vicar's daughter as she is slowly becoming one of my favourite characters. She seems meek and subservient, but I enjoy how she actually manipulates her father and does things that suit her despite his demands which shows how strong of a personality she actually is, so I am curious to see how that will turn out.
I didn't find the mystery as compelling as the first book, and I pretty much figured out the culprit from the beginning, but I did enjoy watching to see how the others would get to their conclusions. Although there were twists and turns, I didn't find them to be particularly great so I don't think the mystery was all that strong. Overall though, this was a fun entry to the series and now I'm off to read the third book.
I didn't find the mystery as compelling as the first book, and I pretty much figured out the culprit from the beginning, but I did enjoy watching to see how the others would get to their conclusions. Although there were twists and turns, I didn't find them to be particularly great so I don't think the mystery was all that strong. Overall though, this was a fun entry to the series and now I'm off to read the third book.
June 17, 2023
Abbey!
I am thoroughly enamored with Irina Shapiro's Redmond and Haze mysteries. This one even made me tear up a time or two. On to the third.
I am thoroughly enamored with Irina Shapiro's Redmond and Haze mysteries. This one even made me tear up a time or two. On to the third.
July 25, 2021
While the story was typical of its kind and by no means the worse for that, my real problem with the book was the Author's clear lack of in-depth knowledge of English history and culture. She made constant reference to one of the characters' business as a 'law firm'. Such a thing was not known in England, either back then, nor now. A lawyer in England is a Barrister or a Solicitor, and neither's practice is known as a 'law firm'. This is decidedly American.
And the author, although having chosen to set her book in rural England, seems to be also having a pop at the English. There was one reference in the book where she has one of the main characters, an American who mentions the desire to 'make learning fun' for his young ward, imply most definitely that this concept is something that the English would not comprehend. This is decidedly below the belt, since at that time, Americans would not have either. Also, one does get somewhat tired of hearing women rail constantly against their lot in life. This seems to be the underlying theme of every new novel these days, and enough is enough. The casual acceptance of one character's homosexuality is also not at all typical of the period, thus we get modern attitudes, values and mores dressed in period costume, and called a historical novel. Again, this is a failing of much recent writing within this genre.
And the author, although having chosen to set her book in rural England, seems to be also having a pop at the English. There was one reference in the book where she has one of the main characters, an American who mentions the desire to 'make learning fun' for his young ward, imply most definitely that this concept is something that the English would not comprehend. This is decidedly below the belt, since at that time, Americans would not have either. Also, one does get somewhat tired of hearing women rail constantly against their lot in life. This seems to be the underlying theme of every new novel these days, and enough is enough. The casual acceptance of one character's homosexuality is also not at all typical of the period, thus we get modern attitudes, values and mores dressed in period costume, and called a historical novel. Again, this is a failing of much recent writing within this genre.
September 7, 2020
I couldn't stop reading until I finished it.
This is the second book in the series, and I liked it better than the first one . The story starts with a woman's body being found in a field by some ruins she was painting. There was no evidence of foul play, so the man who found her rode in to town to get the constable. The constable brought Captain Redmond to the scene and he determined the girl was poisoned with cyanide. The rest of the story follows the constable and the captain as they solve the mystery murder. All of the people from the first book are back and they are a pretty likable group except for the boy (Micah), who is acting like a brat. Maybe in the next book he will get a tutor who will teach him some manners!
This is the second book in the series, and I liked it better than the first one . The story starts with a woman's body being found in a field by some ruins she was painting. There was no evidence of foul play, so the man who found her rode in to town to get the constable. The constable brought Captain Redmond to the scene and he determined the girl was poisoned with cyanide. The rest of the story follows the constable and the captain as they solve the mystery murder. All of the people from the first book are back and they are a pretty likable group except for the boy (Micah), who is acting like a brat. Maybe in the next book he will get a tutor who will teach him some manners!
October 25, 2023
Very Good Mystery Series!
I highly recommend this interesting mystery series. The two male protagonists are men of valor, integrity, and while Haze is happily married, Captain Redmond is trying to court the local vicar's daughter, Katherine. This was a good murder mystery, why was a young married woman murdered, pretty, artistic, and very much loved by her husband, who wanted her dead? It is up to Haze and Redmond to find out.
I highly recommend it.
carolintallahassee
I highly recommend this interesting mystery series. The two male protagonists are men of valor, integrity, and while Haze is happily married, Captain Redmond is trying to court the local vicar's daughter, Katherine. This was a good murder mystery, why was a young married woman murdered, pretty, artistic, and very much loved by her husband, who wanted her dead? It is up to Haze and Redmond to find out.
I highly recommend it.
carolintallahassee
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