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Aunt Dimity Mystery #4
Aunt Dimity Digs In
Watch out for Nancy Atherton's latest, Aunt Dimity and the King's Ransom , coming in July 2018 from Viking!
The latest in this enchanting and fast-selling series, featuring the beloved ghost Aunt Dimity, opens in a picturesque English cottage where the lovable Lori Shepherd is up to her elbows in pureed carrots and formula bottles, striving to be the perfect mother to twins! Luckily, a beautiful Italian nanny arrives just in time--so Lori can help settle the local civil war stirred up by a visiting archaeologist's excavation. With Reginald, the stuffed pink rabbit and Edmond Terrance, the stuffed tiger in tow, Lori hunts down a missing document, and the archaeologist digs up a lot more than artifacts. It is Aunt Dimity's magic blue notebook that provides the key to buried secrets and domestic malice, and shows all the residents of Finch that even the darkest acts can be overcome by forgiveness.
The latest in this enchanting and fast-selling series, featuring the beloved ghost Aunt Dimity, opens in a picturesque English cottage where the lovable Lori Shepherd is up to her elbows in pureed carrots and formula bottles, striving to be the perfect mother to twins! Luckily, a beautiful Italian nanny arrives just in time--so Lori can help settle the local civil war stirred up by a visiting archaeologist's excavation. With Reginald, the stuffed pink rabbit and Edmond Terrance, the stuffed tiger in tow, Lori hunts down a missing document, and the archaeologist digs up a lot more than artifacts. It is Aunt Dimity's magic blue notebook that provides the key to buried secrets and domestic malice, and shows all the residents of Finch that even the darkest acts can be overcome by forgiveness.
275 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 1998
218 people are currently reading
1128 people want to read
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 272 reviews
April 3, 2022
Lori Shephard wohnt mit ihrem Mann Bill und den vier Monate alten Zwillingen Will und Rob in einem gemütlichen Cottage im Dorf Finch in England. Durch die Ankunft eines Archäologen, der Ausgrabungen im Dorf durchführen möchte, wird der Dorffrieden extrem gestört. Dann verschwindet ein Dokument aus dem Pfarrhaus, und Lori wird vom Pfarrer gebeten, heimlich herauszufinden, wer das Dokument entwendet hat.
* Meine Meinung *
Ein herrlich leichter Krimi, der ganz ohne Blutvergießen, Gewalt und Mord auskommt! Dafür hat das Buch den guten Geist von Tante Dimity und einen ganz besonderen rosafarbenen Stoffhasen zu bieten.
Die Geschichte und die Figuren sind sehr liebenswert, sehr echt und für mich irgendwie auch typisch englisch. Das Buch hat einen ganz besonderen Charme. Es ist sehr leicht zu lesen dank des angenehmen Schreibstils. Besonders anspruchsvoll ist die Story auch nicht, so dass man das Buch in einem Rutsch durchlesen kann.
Ich werde auf jeden Fall noch weitere "Tante Dimity"-Bücher lesen; sie bieten eine angenehme Unterhaltung!
* Meine Meinung *
Ein herrlich leichter Krimi, der ganz ohne Blutvergießen, Gewalt und Mord auskommt! Dafür hat das Buch den guten Geist von Tante Dimity und einen ganz besonderen rosafarbenen Stoffhasen zu bieten.
Die Geschichte und die Figuren sind sehr liebenswert, sehr echt und für mich irgendwie auch typisch englisch. Das Buch hat einen ganz besonderen Charme. Es ist sehr leicht zu lesen dank des angenehmen Schreibstils. Besonders anspruchsvoll ist die Story auch nicht, so dass man das Buch in einem Rutsch durchlesen kann.
Ich werde auf jeden Fall noch weitere "Tante Dimity"-Bücher lesen; sie bieten eine angenehme Unterhaltung!
November 2, 2018
More of a 3.5 star title. As usual with the Aunt Dimity series, nothing terrible happens. Stephen King readers would fall asleep by the third page. However, what saves this series is that characters are kind to each other. Even if they start out angry, you just know somehow they will make up by the end. And the mysteries, unlike virtually all adult mysteries and like virtually all juvenile mysteries, do not involved killing. This one would appeal to bibliophiles: what happened to the old numbered printed pamphlet that the vicar had? It is necessary to find it to set things right and get rid of Dr. Culver before the autumn festival happens and Peggy Kitchen has a fit. Will Lori and Aunt Dimity succeed? To my pleasure, Aunt Dimity is a larger part of this stories than some of the prior titles. The beginning will also get a rueful chuckle out of many new mothers or mothers remembering their initial parenting adventures. Looking forward to the next title....
October 9, 2012
Lori and Bill are now parents to twin infants Rob and Will or as little Rainey says: "WillnRob."
Who stole Cornelius Gladwell's Victorian era pamphlet from the vicarage?
Who are the aliens/ghosts out in the Vicar's meadow at night?
Will Peggy Kitchen's Harvest Festival actually come to fruition?
Will Dr. Culver dig up Scrag End field and in turn destroy Finch?
Will Lori's new nanny fall in love with Dr. Culver?
Is Scrag End Field actually an archaeological hoax?
Will grudges and prejudices amongst a certain group of villagers that go back to WWII be healed?
All these questions and more are answered in this very charming and wonderful 4th book in the Aunt Dimity series.
Although I missed Nell in this book (she is away in France for the summer), little Rainey Dawson (the granddaughter of the lady who owns the village tea shop) adds the perfect amount of childhood sweetness to the book.
Who stole Cornelius Gladwell's Victorian era pamphlet from the vicarage?
Who are the aliens/ghosts out in the Vicar's meadow at night?
Will Peggy Kitchen's Harvest Festival actually come to fruition?
Will Dr. Culver dig up Scrag End field and in turn destroy Finch?
Will Lori's new nanny fall in love with Dr. Culver?
Is Scrag End Field actually an archaeological hoax?
Will grudges and prejudices amongst a certain group of villagers that go back to WWII be healed?
All these questions and more are answered in this very charming and wonderful 4th book in the Aunt Dimity series.
Although I missed Nell in this book (she is away in France for the summer), little Rainey Dawson (the granddaughter of the lady who owns the village tea shop) adds the perfect amount of childhood sweetness to the book.
July 1, 2019
I like this series! Lori Shepherd inherited a cottage in the Cottswolds from her mother's best friend, Dimity, and along with that she acquired a blue journal that Dimity writes in and communicates with Lori. In this edition, some archaeologists have come to Finch and caused an uproar when it rumor says the new Harvest Festival might be impacted. When a pamphlet is stolen that claims the dig site is a hoax, strange things start happening. Lots of old prejudices and feuds come to the surface, along with a side romance. The story was cute and entertaining. 3.5 stars.
August 19, 2017
.
This series offers cozy mysteries with amusing and quirky characters, in the life of Lori and her Aunt Dimity. Each one has been a fun and entertaining read to be sure.
It is appreciated that each book is able to stand on its own and usually concludes with an HEA.
This series offers cozy mysteries with amusing and quirky characters, in the life of Lori and her Aunt Dimity. Each one has been a fun and entertaining read to be sure.
It is appreciated that each book is able to stand on its own and usually concludes with an HEA.
July 3, 2022
A lively installment in the series. Rather complex and character-heavy for a Dimity novel, but quite good fun. A better sense of redemption and conciliation than the last one.
January 17, 2022
"It's easy to live in a place. It takes hard work to belong. I assume you're ready for some hard work?"
The first Dimity novel was really great and the next two were fine, but I was missing the coziness if the first novel and Aunt Dimity Digs In delivered. It's very cozy and sweet and wise. I loved the depictions of the village and all of the quirky and complicated townspeople. These novels are always very simple and everyone always resolves conflict in the end, which I like.
The first Dimity novel was really great and the next two were fine, but I was missing the coziness if the first novel and Aunt Dimity Digs In delivered. It's very cozy and sweet and wise. I loved the depictions of the village and all of the quirky and complicated townspeople. These novels are always very simple and everyone always resolves conflict in the end, which I like.
October 18, 2021
These books are adorable and easy. Nice if you like cozy mysteries and silly characters.
November 16, 2022
Lori Shepherd has been busy as an overprotective new mom to twin boys and going crazy in the process. Bill confers with Aunt Dimity and it is decided Lori needs help! Aunt Dimity sends the Pym sisters with Francesca Schiparelli to help with housework and twin duty. Francesca's help frees Lori to assist the vicar with a little problem. There's a civil war brewing in the village between the domineering Peggy Kitchen who plans to hold a harvest festival come hell or high water and some outsiders; archeologists come to dig up Scragg's End in search of Roman ruins. Half the village hopes the search for Roman artifacts will bring tourists to the village. The other half thinks the village is fine as is and doesn't need an influx of outsiders. The only person who has evidence the archeological site is a hoax is ... someone unknown. The vicar claims to have had an obscure Victorian era pamphlet explaining the hoax but someone stole it from his desk. He wants Lori to use her rare books expertise to discreetly ask around and find the pamphlet to put a stop to the tension. Lori's search introduces her to an eclectic bunch of villagers from a domineering old lady planning to revive Finch's historic traditions to a lonely little girl in need of a friend. Aunt Dimity helps things along by playing matchmaker again, this time for Francesca. Francesca, not knowing about AD, seems resistant to the plan and Lori isn't going to force the issue. Could AD be wrong for a change?
I loved this story! It's my favorite of the series so far. I'm a sucker for a cozy English village story. This one doesn't feature a murder, just a search for a missing pamphlet, but it's a real mystery. I thought I knew who took the pamphlet but I was totally wrong. I was completely surprised by the identity of the thief. They were not on my radar. The story made me laugh out loud in spots but it was also poignant and sad. Since it's set in the ;ate 1980s/early 1990s, WWII is still very much present in people's memories and the shadows loom large over Finch. The historical story broke my heart. The technology details date this story and made me chuckle a bit. I studied abroad in London back then and almost no one had home internet back then. I know Emma is a tech person so it makes sense for her but it would still be dial up using the phone line and very slow! (My host dad had it for his business so I think Bill should have it too).
I adored the secondary characters but not so much Lori. I'm kind of lukewarm on her. I'm not a mother so I can't relate to her struggles but I haven't clicked with her before. She says she loves Bill but she doesn't really seem to love him as much as he loves her. Of course he had a head start, falling in love with her as a child. They're still getting to know each other and learning to be parents now. Bill is a sweet, caring husband and father. He's a good egg to cave in and do Morris dancing and it was lovely of him to consult Dimity on his own with how to help Lori. I don't know many fathers who would recognize their wife was struggling let alone ask a ghostly "aunt" for help. Aunt Dimity has less of a role in this book. She pops up here and there but Lori is trying to keep the journal a secret from Francesca and so Aunt Dimity is kept on the down low. The twins are babies and totally uninteresting. Reginald appears in a few scenes and plays a role in the matchmaking. Emma Harris is around but doesn't move the story forward. She's far more appealing than Lori though. Nell and Peter are both away. Lori's old mentor, Stan, appears in two scenes via phone call. He's crude, crass and rude. If he has children, his ex-wife took them far, far away! He knows his books but to him, they're something to be bought and sold. I don't think he has any reverence for them.
The vicar is a dear. He's an absentminded sort with a messy desk and unlocked doors. Is it possible the pamphlet just got lost or blew away? He'll never find it in the jungle outside but maybe Emma will. His wife is lovely and intelligent. She keeps her husband in order the best she can and helps interpret his confusing backwards stories. They're a nice couple. Francesca, in spite of her name, was born and raised on a farm outside the village. She's like a genie- able to care for small children and cook, clean and sew! It's like she was heaven sent! (Was she?) She's very, very stubborn and proud. Sometimes she lets her pride get in the way and she doesn't want to listen. Her communication skills need work. Her father sounds like he was a loving Papa who taught his children to respect their culture and their ancestors, to love the land and to be industrious workers. He went above and beyond to turn the other cheek when people were mean and let bygones be bygones. He sounds like a saint! Their family story was a big shock and really tragic.
The one thing I hate about village and small town books is how gossippy and small minded everyone is. Peggy Kitchen is the village bully. She is loud and in charge and wants Lori on her side. Who would dare cross Peggy Kitchen? She's terrifying. She has singlehandedly made Finch into the very model of Ye Olde English Village with revived old traditions. Now she is determined to get her harvest festival come hell or high water and no one better stand in her way OR ELSE! Yikes! Her minion, Jasper Taxman, seems to be so besotted with her that he'll do anything for her. He doesn't talk much but he's very kind. I guess opposites attract? Dimity knows something about Peggy that makes her more realistic and Dimity's story serves as a reminder not to judge people until you've heard their story, to have compassion for people who may be hurting underneath the fierce exterior.
Peggy's rival is Sally Pyne who runs a tea room. Sally is busy renovating her tea room, dealing with an active, energetic granddaughter and whatever fad diet she decides to take on next. Sally is pro-archeology and hopes to make money off tourists. This puts her at direct odds with Peggy. I do not envy Sally. Sally is the village's biggest gossip and if she gets ahold of information, it spreads through the village in 5 minutes. She has a big motivation to steal that pamphlet! Sally's granddaughter, Raine, is a preocious, energetic 9 year-old in need of a friend. She's staying with her grandmother because Mummy has a new baby. No one really knows how to deal with Raine, except maybe Emma. While Raine is the opposite of Nell and Emma lacks maternal instict, Emma's passion for gardening fills Raine with enthusiasm and occupies the child. Then Raine decides archeology is her passion. Both outdoor activities keep her busy, active and outdoors where she likes to be. She's not a bad kid, but as usual with ADHD kids, no one really knows what to do with them.
Dr. Culver, a young archeology professor, is leading the expedition in Finch. He falls in love with Francesca at first sight and becomes a dithering idiot. He seems way too sweet and naive to be the evil villain Peggy Kitchen makes him out to be. He brings along some students, Simon and Kristina. Simon is kind of bland and boring but Kristina is tough. She worships Adrian and certainly has a crush on him. She's crazy intense and making up theories as she goes along just to prove her ideas are right and continue the project. She's too tough and singleminded for me. I'm not sure she'd break into the vicar's study but I suspect she knows about the pamphlet and if she didn't take it, she knows who did.
Christine Peacock is my favorite of the villagers. Her description of what she saw Sunday night made me laugh out loud. I love her plans for the pub - it will never go down there though. However, her constant longing for her son was sad and made me hate the man for not connecting with his parents too often. I'm sure his military career keeps him busy but he could come home once in awhile more often than 20 years! Christine reminded of of Miriam Brindsley in the 1940s period drama Home Fires. Her husband seems sensible and nice but he can't stop his wife's crazy plan. Their hound is a hoot.
I also liked Mr. Weatherhead, one of the newcomers to Finch and an eyewitness to the robbery. He doesn't know what he say and his explanation is hilarious. His secret is not so shameful. His hobby is shared by lots of men and Lori's suggestion is a good one. It's sweet of her to help him get out more and make new friends, to become a part of village life. Mrs. Morrow, another newcomer, is a hoot. She's unashamed, unabashed and totally kooky. She's also an eyewitness to the robbery, maybe, and her explanation made me laugh out loud.
Annie Hodge is the vicarage cleaning lady. She seems unpleasant and uninterested in anything but herself and her job. She sounds anti-archeologist but doesn't get involved in the civil war. I don't think she took the pamphlet because she could have done it at any time but what about her husband? Did he steal the pamphlet? He doesn't seem in favor of the archeologists but he's always watching them from afar? Is he secretly hoping they'll stay, find something cool on his farm and make him a fortune?
This book features a recipe for lemon bars. I do not like lemon so I have not tried them.
Trigger warnings:
Fat shaming/slightly rude adjectives to describe a big boned person
wartime traumatic experiences in the past
prejudice against "the enemy" from WWII based solely on ethnicity.
I loved this story! It's my favorite of the series so far. I'm a sucker for a cozy English village story. This one doesn't feature a murder, just a search for a missing pamphlet, but it's a real mystery. I thought I knew who took the pamphlet but I was totally wrong. I was completely surprised by the identity of the thief. They were not on my radar. The story made me laugh out loud in spots but it was also poignant and sad. Since it's set in the ;ate 1980s/early 1990s, WWII is still very much present in people's memories and the shadows loom large over Finch. The historical story broke my heart. The technology details date this story and made me chuckle a bit. I studied abroad in London back then and almost no one had home internet back then. I know Emma is a tech person so it makes sense for her but it would still be dial up using the phone line and very slow! (My host dad had it for his business so I think Bill should have it too).
I adored the secondary characters but not so much Lori. I'm kind of lukewarm on her. I'm not a mother so I can't relate to her struggles but I haven't clicked with her before. She says she loves Bill but she doesn't really seem to love him as much as he loves her. Of course he had a head start, falling in love with her as a child. They're still getting to know each other and learning to be parents now. Bill is a sweet, caring husband and father. He's a good egg to cave in and do Morris dancing and it was lovely of him to consult Dimity on his own with how to help Lori. I don't know many fathers who would recognize their wife was struggling let alone ask a ghostly "aunt" for help. Aunt Dimity has less of a role in this book. She pops up here and there but Lori is trying to keep the journal a secret from Francesca and so Aunt Dimity is kept on the down low. The twins are babies and totally uninteresting. Reginald appears in a few scenes and plays a role in the matchmaking. Emma Harris is around but doesn't move the story forward. She's far more appealing than Lori though. Nell and Peter are both away. Lori's old mentor, Stan, appears in two scenes via phone call. He's crude, crass and rude. If he has children, his ex-wife took them far, far away! He knows his books but to him, they're something to be bought and sold. I don't think he has any reverence for them.
The vicar is a dear. He's an absentminded sort with a messy desk and unlocked doors. Is it possible the pamphlet just got lost or blew away? He'll never find it in the jungle outside but maybe Emma will. His wife is lovely and intelligent. She keeps her husband in order the best she can and helps interpret his confusing backwards stories. They're a nice couple. Francesca, in spite of her name, was born and raised on a farm outside the village. She's like a genie- able to care for small children and cook, clean and sew! It's like she was heaven sent! (Was she?) She's very, very stubborn and proud. Sometimes she lets her pride get in the way and she doesn't want to listen. Her communication skills need work. Her father sounds like he was a loving Papa who taught his children to respect their culture and their ancestors, to love the land and to be industrious workers. He went above and beyond to turn the other cheek when people were mean and let bygones be bygones. He sounds like a saint! Their family story was a big shock and really tragic.
The one thing I hate about village and small town books is how gossippy and small minded everyone is. Peggy Kitchen is the village bully. She is loud and in charge and wants Lori on her side. Who would dare cross Peggy Kitchen? She's terrifying. She has singlehandedly made Finch into the very model of Ye Olde English Village with revived old traditions. Now she is determined to get her harvest festival come hell or high water and no one better stand in her way OR ELSE! Yikes! Her minion, Jasper Taxman, seems to be so besotted with her that he'll do anything for her. He doesn't talk much but he's very kind. I guess opposites attract? Dimity knows something about Peggy that makes her more realistic and Dimity's story serves as a reminder not to judge people until you've heard their story, to have compassion for people who may be hurting underneath the fierce exterior.
Peggy's rival is Sally Pyne who runs a tea room. Sally is busy renovating her tea room, dealing with an active, energetic granddaughter and whatever fad diet she decides to take on next. Sally is pro-archeology and hopes to make money off tourists. This puts her at direct odds with Peggy. I do not envy Sally. Sally is the village's biggest gossip and if she gets ahold of information, it spreads through the village in 5 minutes. She has a big motivation to steal that pamphlet! Sally's granddaughter, Raine, is a preocious, energetic 9 year-old in need of a friend. She's staying with her grandmother because Mummy has a new baby. No one really knows how to deal with Raine, except maybe Emma. While Raine is the opposite of Nell and Emma lacks maternal instict, Emma's passion for gardening fills Raine with enthusiasm and occupies the child. Then Raine decides archeology is her passion. Both outdoor activities keep her busy, active and outdoors where she likes to be. She's not a bad kid, but as usual with ADHD kids, no one really knows what to do with them.
Dr. Culver, a young archeology professor, is leading the expedition in Finch. He falls in love with Francesca at first sight and becomes a dithering idiot. He seems way too sweet and naive to be the evil villain Peggy Kitchen makes him out to be. He brings along some students, Simon and Kristina. Simon is kind of bland and boring but Kristina is tough. She worships Adrian and certainly has a crush on him. She's crazy intense and making up theories as she goes along just to prove her ideas are right and continue the project. She's too tough and singleminded for me. I'm not sure she'd break into the vicar's study but I suspect she knows about the pamphlet and if she didn't take it, she knows who did.
Christine Peacock is my favorite of the villagers. Her description of what she saw Sunday night made me laugh out loud. I love her plans for the pub - it will never go down there though. However, her constant longing for her son was sad and made me hate the man for not connecting with his parents too often. I'm sure his military career keeps him busy but he could come home once in awhile more often than 20 years! Christine reminded of of Miriam Brindsley in the 1940s period drama Home Fires. Her husband seems sensible and nice but he can't stop his wife's crazy plan. Their hound is a hoot.
I also liked Mr. Weatherhead, one of the newcomers to Finch and an eyewitness to the robbery. He doesn't know what he say and his explanation is hilarious. His secret is not so shameful. His hobby is shared by lots of men and Lori's suggestion is a good one. It's sweet of her to help him get out more and make new friends, to become a part of village life. Mrs. Morrow, another newcomer, is a hoot. She's unashamed, unabashed and totally kooky. She's also an eyewitness to the robbery, maybe, and her explanation made me laugh out loud.
Annie Hodge is the vicarage cleaning lady. She seems unpleasant and uninterested in anything but herself and her job. She sounds anti-archeologist but doesn't get involved in the civil war. I don't think she took the pamphlet because she could have done it at any time but what about her husband? Did he steal the pamphlet? He doesn't seem in favor of the archeologists but he's always watching them from afar? Is he secretly hoping they'll stay, find something cool on his farm and make him a fortune?
This book features a recipe for lemon bars. I do not like lemon so I have not tried them.
Trigger warnings:
Fat shaming/slightly rude adjectives to describe a big boned person
wartime traumatic experiences in the past
prejudice against "the enemy" from WWII based solely on ethnicity.
February 21, 2022
I do enjoy this series; it is engaging but relaxing because the mysteries are seldom true mysteries of murder or dangerous events. Instead, I can spend a bit of time in a village in the Cotswolds and see how human beings muddle things up and then figure them out. This book landed on my door step yesterday and I couldn't resist it. I got to learn more about Francesca and about the history of Finch and all my favorite characters, including Reginald the bunny and a tiger named Edmund Terrance.
(2022) When another copy of this book crossed my path, I was sure I had not read it. Once I cracked it, though, I knew that I had read it because some elements were familiar, but I could not recall how everything turned out. So I had to re-read it and I enjoyed the story all over again. The archaeological dig is not all that it seems, but many of the "natives" of Finch are not what they seem either, and everything gets muddled until it gets figured out.
(2022) When another copy of this book crossed my path, I was sure I had not read it. Once I cracked it, though, I knew that I had read it because some elements were familiar, but I could not recall how everything turned out. So I had to re-read it and I enjoyed the story all over again. The archaeological dig is not all that it seems, but many of the "natives" of Finch are not what they seem either, and everything gets muddled until it gets figured out.
March 28, 2012
Although number 4 in the series, this was my introduction to the Aunt Dimity books.
I enjoyed it so well I am now starting another (earlier) one.
Being the first time mother of twins takes a lot of getting used to, even with a supportive hands-on husband. So the addition to the household of someone who seems to be the perfect housekeeper and nanny is just what this family needs. Lori, the mother, now has time to take care of herself. That is, until she finds herself in the middle of small town politics and what begins as a small time burglary. What evolves is a mystery with twists and turns as we get to know the local personalities.
As motives for a burglary are explored much more is discovered.
I found myself caring for the characters including one who is not even actually in the book, or is she the one MOST in the book?
I enjoyed it so well I am now starting another (earlier) one.
Being the first time mother of twins takes a lot of getting used to, even with a supportive hands-on husband. So the addition to the household of someone who seems to be the perfect housekeeper and nanny is just what this family needs. Lori, the mother, now has time to take care of herself. That is, until she finds herself in the middle of small town politics and what begins as a small time burglary. What evolves is a mystery with twists and turns as we get to know the local personalities.
As motives for a burglary are explored much more is discovered.
I found myself caring for the characters including one who is not even actually in the book, or is she the one MOST in the book?
August 23, 2010
I was greatly disappointed by this book. I'm really begining to not like Lori and I definitely did not like one of the themes in this book: that it's ok to be a bully as long as your past was awful. I was really bothered by the fact that the villages go along with signing a xenophobic petition strictly because the person petitioning would be obnoxious to them if they didn't. Why does no one stand up and say that that's not right? It's very reminiscent of fascism of the Third Reich, only not quite as extreme.
December 30, 2017
The Aunt Dimity books are really hit and miss for me. I've really enjoyed a couple, I've totally despised a couple, but most of them are sorta, "meh". This one was on the lower side of "blah" and I gave it up after about 150 pages. I just don't like Lori at all, Dimity didn't make much of an appearance, and the mystery wasn't all that interesting. Oh well. I think it's time I gave up on Dimity.
November 8, 2009
Another easy read, nothing spectacular but comfort food for the mind.
August 21, 2018
I actually finished this book a couple weeks ago, so it didn't take me 6 weeks to read it, but it did take me about a month. After a while, I found it hard to pick it up again and keep reading.
The book started off fine--interesting premise and characters and Aunt Dimity, a ghost who communicates through a diary. I've read earlier Aunt Dimity mysteries and enjoyed them, but this one seemed to have pacing problems. I felt like the middle of the book was spent waiting for something to happen--something besides scenes of domesticity concerning twin babies and visiting villagers. The solution, when it finally showed up, was unsatisfying. There just wasn't much more plot to this book than to a short story.
The book started off fine--interesting premise and characters and Aunt Dimity, a ghost who communicates through a diary. I've read earlier Aunt Dimity mysteries and enjoyed them, but this one seemed to have pacing problems. I felt like the middle of the book was spent waiting for something to happen--something besides scenes of domesticity concerning twin babies and visiting villagers. The solution, when it finally showed up, was unsatisfying. There just wasn't much more plot to this book than to a short story.
November 24, 2021
Besser als der Vorgänger, zumindest weiss die Hauptfigur diesmal zu schätzen wie unglaublich sich alle ein Bein für sie ausreissen. Die Geschichte an sich dümpelt vor sich hin, bringt aber einen netten Einblick in das Leben in einem englischen Dorf. Hätte mir fast noch ein bisschen mehr Schrulligkeit für die Bewohner gewünscht.
July 17, 2021
A Good Story
While this isn't a mystery of any type, it is a nice story. Ms Atherton gives us another glimpse into the lives of the people of Finch. Aunt Dimity plays match maker again and the Harvest Festival brings the book to a good conclusion. And the recipe for the blue ribbon lemon bars is a sure winner
While this isn't a mystery of any type, it is a nice story. Ms Atherton gives us another glimpse into the lives of the people of Finch. Aunt Dimity plays match maker again and the Harvest Festival brings the book to a good conclusion. And the recipe for the blue ribbon lemon bars is a sure winner
July 20, 2025
This book hooked me at the beginning, but as the story progressed, I gradually lost interest. Too many characters and a mystery that I didn't care about. And Rainey acted more like a preschooler than a nine-year-old.
My biggest problem, though, and the reason for the very low review, comes from a scene mid-book when Lori discovers two middle-aged neighbors exercising under the cover of night. She then asserts that no middle-aged person in their right mind would ever dare exercise during daylight because physical fitness for older people is nothing but laughable and a mockery. This premise infuriates me! Our country suffers from an obesity epidemic, and yet this author asserts that physical fitness is something that older adults should be ashamed of? I admire the older adults who walk, jog, and cycle around our neighborhood--in fact, I lost nearly 20 pounds by breaking that stereotype. That mindset, alone, made me want to throw the book in the trash.
My biggest problem, though, and the reason for the very low review, comes from a scene mid-book when Lori discovers two middle-aged neighbors exercising under the cover of night. She then asserts that no middle-aged person in their right mind would ever dare exercise during daylight because physical fitness for older people is nothing but laughable and a mockery. This premise infuriates me! Our country suffers from an obesity epidemic, and yet this author asserts that physical fitness is something that older adults should be ashamed of? I admire the older adults who walk, jog, and cycle around our neighborhood--in fact, I lost nearly 20 pounds by breaking that stereotype. That mindset, alone, made me want to throw the book in the trash.
March 22, 2021
An entertaining read. I haven't read many of these, but the spirit of Aunt Dimity is keeping very busy looking out for everyone. An archeologist, whose sister found a Roman spear point near the town, has come to check things out. He has brought several students with him. The vicar has allowed him to store his equipment in the old school house, which infuriates Peggy Kitchen because she was going to use it for the harvest festival. The vicar's wife had found an old pamphlet which stated the previous vicar had gotten tired of friends sending him things from the explorations and buried it all in the nearby field to trick future archeologists. The previous vicar had stated all this in his pamphlet. The current vicar was going to show this to the archeologist when it disappeared. Things are getting worked up nicely in the village.
July 4, 2016
Another romp with the indomitable Aunt Dimity Westwood! She gets involved with her extended family and has her finger on the pulse of village life in Finch, England. Did I mention that Aunt Dimity is dead? She communicates with her niece, Lori, via a blue notebook in which she writes. In this particular installment, Mrs. Kitchen is up in arms about an archaeological dig taking place too close to the village and the fact that the vicar has given permission for the expedition to be housed in the old schoolhouse. Whatever will become of the fair? Misunderstandings and hilarity ensue. Complete with Reginald, the pink bunny and a new stuffed tiger friend as well as all the eccentric villagers, 'Digs In' is a joy to read.
June 21, 2017
I like cozy mysteries. I read them in between more intense books. I enjoy the Aunt Dimity series, but this one, #4, was disappointing. There were way too many characters, I couldn't keep them all straight. The storyline wasn't as engaging as the first three books in the series. I hope the others will be better.
February 6, 2010
Imagine yourself sitting in a lovely english garden in a summer evening so beautiful in makes you believe in god, the smells and sounds of everything right surrounding you and making you feel at peace with yourself and world...that what Atherton does to me, she gives me fuzzy blanket of feeling...
May 20, 2021
Still going strong, 4 1/2 stars
January 21, 2025
Avec Tante Dimity et le chantier maudit, troisième tome de la série à succès Les Mystères de Tante Dimity, Nancy Atherton nous invite à une nouvelle escapade dans l’envoûtant village de Finch, où les mystères se tissent avec la douceur des paysages anglais. L’autrice parvient une fois encore à capturer l’essence du cosy mystery en livrant une intrigue aussi intrigante que réconfortante.
Lori Shepherd, jeune mère débordée et héroïne attachante, lutte pour concilier sa vie familiale mouvementée et les énigmes inattendues qui surgissent dans son quotidien. Lorsque des fouilles archéologiques menacent l’harmonie de Finch et réveillent des tensions enfouies, Lori se retrouve plongée dans une enquête mêlant secrets locaux et découvertes historiques. Le récit, savamment rythmé, alterne entre les moments de réflexion, les péripéties rocambolesques et les interactions pleines de charme avec les habitants du village.
Nancy Atherton excelle dans l’art de camper des personnages hauts en couleur. Entre les jumelles excentriques (que l’on ne croise qu’un bref instant à mon plus grand regret), la redoutable Peggy Kitchen, et la mystérieuse Francesca Sciaparelli, chaque protagoniste enrichit l’intrigue par son unicité et ses motivations parfois troubles. Lori, quant à elle, incarne un mélange parfait d’humour, de sensibilité et de pragmatisme, rendant ses dilemmes et ses réflexions profondément humains.
L’atmosphère feutrée du village est un personnage à part entière, avec ses cottages en pierre, ses jardins soignés, et ses traditions locales parfois aussi lourdes qu’un héritage familial. Les descriptions immersives d’Atherton plongent le lecteur dans ce cadre bucolique, tout en laissant percer une tension subtile qui donne au récit sa dynamique captivante.
Le fantastique, élément clé de la série, est ici distillé avec parcimonie mais efficacité. Les conseils et observations bienveillants de Tante Dimity, transmis à travers son journal magique, ajoutent une dimension surnaturelle qui équilibre la légèreté du quotidien avec le mystère de l’inconnu.
Mais ce tome n’est pas seulement une enquête. À travers l’intrigue, Nancy Atherton aborde des thèmes universels : la maternité, le besoin d’appartenance et l’art de trouver son équilibre au milieu du chaos. Le personnage de Lori, tiraillée entre ses responsabilités maternelles et son désir d’aider les autres, résonnera avec beaucoup de lecteurs.
La résolution de l’énigme s’accompagne d’un dénouement empreint de sagesse et d’émotion, où l’harmonie collective l’emporte sur les conflits individuels. Atherton réussit à offrir une conclusion satisfaisante, tout en laissant des portes ouvertes pour de nouvelles aventures dans ce petit village où tout semble possible.
Ce troisième opus est une pépite pour les amateurs de cosy mysteries, mêlant avec brio l’humour, la tendresse et le suspense. Nancy Atherton confirme son talent pour transformer les petites histoires du quotidien en récits captivants, où chaque page est une invitation à revenir à Finch, ce havre de paix où le mystère n’est jamais loin.
Benjamin L. Urbanski – Le Parfum des Mots
21 janvier 2025
Lori Shepherd, jeune mère débordée et héroïne attachante, lutte pour concilier sa vie familiale mouvementée et les énigmes inattendues qui surgissent dans son quotidien. Lorsque des fouilles archéologiques menacent l’harmonie de Finch et réveillent des tensions enfouies, Lori se retrouve plongée dans une enquête mêlant secrets locaux et découvertes historiques. Le récit, savamment rythmé, alterne entre les moments de réflexion, les péripéties rocambolesques et les interactions pleines de charme avec les habitants du village.
Nancy Atherton excelle dans l’art de camper des personnages hauts en couleur. Entre les jumelles excentriques (que l’on ne croise qu’un bref instant à mon plus grand regret), la redoutable Peggy Kitchen, et la mystérieuse Francesca Sciaparelli, chaque protagoniste enrichit l’intrigue par son unicité et ses motivations parfois troubles. Lori, quant à elle, incarne un mélange parfait d’humour, de sensibilité et de pragmatisme, rendant ses dilemmes et ses réflexions profondément humains.
L’atmosphère feutrée du village est un personnage à part entière, avec ses cottages en pierre, ses jardins soignés, et ses traditions locales parfois aussi lourdes qu’un héritage familial. Les descriptions immersives d’Atherton plongent le lecteur dans ce cadre bucolique, tout en laissant percer une tension subtile qui donne au récit sa dynamique captivante.
Le fantastique, élément clé de la série, est ici distillé avec parcimonie mais efficacité. Les conseils et observations bienveillants de Tante Dimity, transmis à travers son journal magique, ajoutent une dimension surnaturelle qui équilibre la légèreté du quotidien avec le mystère de l’inconnu.
Mais ce tome n’est pas seulement une enquête. À travers l’intrigue, Nancy Atherton aborde des thèmes universels : la maternité, le besoin d’appartenance et l’art de trouver son équilibre au milieu du chaos. Le personnage de Lori, tiraillée entre ses responsabilités maternelles et son désir d’aider les autres, résonnera avec beaucoup de lecteurs.
La résolution de l’énigme s’accompagne d’un dénouement empreint de sagesse et d’émotion, où l’harmonie collective l’emporte sur les conflits individuels. Atherton réussit à offrir une conclusion satisfaisante, tout en laissant des portes ouvertes pour de nouvelles aventures dans ce petit village où tout semble possible.
Ce troisième opus est une pépite pour les amateurs de cosy mysteries, mêlant avec brio l’humour, la tendresse et le suspense. Nancy Atherton confirme son talent pour transformer les petites histoires du quotidien en récits captivants, où chaque page est une invitation à revenir à Finch, ce havre de paix où le mystère n’est jamais loin.
Benjamin L. Urbanski – Le Parfum des Mots
21 janvier 2025
February 3, 2019
Lori Shepherd is a new mom of twins. After three months her husband feels she could use some help and get a little of her own life back. The Pym sisters come to the rescue by introducing Lori to Francesca Angelica Sciaparelli, who is not only a fantastic nanny but also excellent at helping with the house!
This change is great, but Lori then finds herself caught up between Mrs. Kitchen and her upcoming Harvest Festival, and Dr. Adrian Culver and his archaeological digs in Scrag End field. Mrs. Kitchen was planning to use the old school house for some of her activities, but the Vicar had let Dr. Culver use it to store and analyze his findings. Both activities at about the same time. Mrs. Kitchen was making life miserable for almost every one.
There had been rumours that there really weren't any antiquities to be found in Scrag End field, that it was a hoax. The Vicar had a pamphlet regarding this, but it suddenly turned up missing. Lori sets out to find out who stole it and why.
Along the way, she uncovers histories and secrets of the residents of Finch. Not just where they may have come from but the underlying story regarding the longest running feud between two of the ladies.
The Dimity series takes place in a small English village. There are usually not bodies, no murders, no blood, but there is mystery and secrets. A different type of cozy...one that is nice to read on a very wet, rainy day.
This change is great, but Lori then finds herself caught up between Mrs. Kitchen and her upcoming Harvest Festival, and Dr. Adrian Culver and his archaeological digs in Scrag End field. Mrs. Kitchen was planning to use the old school house for some of her activities, but the Vicar had let Dr. Culver use it to store and analyze his findings. Both activities at about the same time. Mrs. Kitchen was making life miserable for almost every one.
There had been rumours that there really weren't any antiquities to be found in Scrag End field, that it was a hoax. The Vicar had a pamphlet regarding this, but it suddenly turned up missing. Lori sets out to find out who stole it and why.
Along the way, she uncovers histories and secrets of the residents of Finch. Not just where they may have come from but the underlying story regarding the longest running feud between two of the ladies.
The Dimity series takes place in a small English village. There are usually not bodies, no murders, no blood, but there is mystery and secrets. A different type of cozy...one that is nice to read on a very wet, rainy day.
February 5, 2023
(3.75 rounded to 4.0)
Lori Shepherd inherited a fortune including an English cottage. She also inherited a blue journal with blank pages that Aunt Dimity uses to communicate from the other side. This is the fourth book in this series.
Lori and Bill are new parents trying to adapt to the needs of 3 months old twins. And the twins are winning. Just when Lori is about to give up, Bill arrives with a voluptuous nanny who in short order has dinner simmering, the room tidied, the twins’ faces washed. With the help of the nanny, Lori is recruited by the Pym sisters to moderate a village disagreement that is threatening the Village Fair and an archaeology project vying for space. There has been a theft from the Vicar’s desk. Tempers are ready to flare between the owner of the local tea shop whose granddaughter is visiting and seems to find some problems dealing with others.
I have enjoyed the Aunt Dimity novels I have read. Nothing monumental happens, there are no grizzly murders, violence or horror, etc. It is just a simple description of some of the happenings in daily lives and Village events. In this one Lori begins to unravel the strands with which the villagers have managed to tie themselves in knots. Recommend to readers of cozy mysteries, paranormal stories, adult literary, fantasy, ghosts, and British literature.
Lori Shepherd inherited a fortune including an English cottage. She also inherited a blue journal with blank pages that Aunt Dimity uses to communicate from the other side. This is the fourth book in this series.
Lori and Bill are new parents trying to adapt to the needs of 3 months old twins. And the twins are winning. Just when Lori is about to give up, Bill arrives with a voluptuous nanny who in short order has dinner simmering, the room tidied, the twins’ faces washed. With the help of the nanny, Lori is recruited by the Pym sisters to moderate a village disagreement that is threatening the Village Fair and an archaeology project vying for space. There has been a theft from the Vicar’s desk. Tempers are ready to flare between the owner of the local tea shop whose granddaughter is visiting and seems to find some problems dealing with others.
I have enjoyed the Aunt Dimity novels I have read. Nothing monumental happens, there are no grizzly murders, violence or horror, etc. It is just a simple description of some of the happenings in daily lives and Village events. In this one Lori begins to unravel the strands with which the villagers have managed to tie themselves in knots. Recommend to readers of cozy mysteries, paranormal stories, adult literary, fantasy, ghosts, and British literature.
May 13, 2017
Aunt Dimity Digs In by Nancy Atherton is the 4th book of the Aunt Dimity series set in contemporary England. Lori is the proud mother of twins, ecstatic with joy, but exhausted with baby care and worries about their safety. Her husband hires a nanny with Aunt Dimity's approval. The nanny is a wonder woman - almost instantly, the house is immaculate, the babies well cared for, and Lori is free to go about the town in her usual busybody way. The town has missed Lori; a feud is underway between a visiting archaeology professor and the town's bossiest woman. She feels his 'dig' will interfere with her Harvest Festival, and she implores Lori to stop him. The vicar and his wife know from old records that the 'dig' is a hoax, but the professor doesn't believe them, and the proof has been stolen. In Lori's efforts to find the stolen document, or another copy, she uncovers many secrets in the past histories of town residents. With Aunt Dimity's help, Lori also sparks a romance. This is a very cozy mystery - no murders at all, and hardly any crime. Pleasant light reading, if you don't mind the supernatural touch. A happy ending with everyone much better off than at the start.
June 6, 2017
Accidentally picked up #4 and read these out of order, but I didn't realize it until just now so obviously it didn't affect story continuity. Now will have to go back and read #3. This is a cozy, cozy mystery with nothing too nefarious happening besides a stolen pamphlet, but lots of fun characters and atmosphere to enjoy. An archaeologist comes to town to dig up Roman artifacts, Bill & Lori get a nanny due to Dimity's help, Emma & Derek are here, new villagers are discovered, and some village history is uncovered. Lots of calm and peaceful fun to enjoy.
My favorite quote: Bill tells Lori he knows she hates it when knights in shining armor fall off their steeds, referring to another character. Later she realizes that her intense work with the new twins has caused her to neglect her husband somewhat and when she cooks a fine meal, there's this: "With a guilty twinge I realized exactly how much he'd missed my cooking, and I blessed him for not mentioning it sooner. I watched him take his plate into the kitchen and felt my heart swell even as my throat constricted. Some handsome princes, I thought, knew had to stay in the saddle."
My favorite quote: Bill tells Lori he knows she hates it when knights in shining armor fall off their steeds, referring to another character. Later she realizes that her intense work with the new twins has caused her to neglect her husband somewhat and when she cooks a fine meal, there's this: "With a guilty twinge I realized exactly how much he'd missed my cooking, and I blessed him for not mentioning it sooner. I watched him take his plate into the kitchen and felt my heart swell even as my throat constricted. Some handsome princes, I thought, knew had to stay in the saddle."
July 30, 2022
I absolutely love this series by Nancy Atherton.
Americans transplanted to a sleepy town of Finch. Or an apparently sleepy English town, but as with all small places with an a tiny populations everyone watches one another, and gossip is rife. People watching is just a fact of life and though neighbors often interpret things seen incorrectly they are not bad people. Wrongs are but to right. The past misdeeds are brought to light and laid to rest.
The main characters are Lori Sheppard the American who has inherited an amazing home of golden local queried stone from her dead mother's best friend...and that friend herself is dead but not. She is able to communicate somehow with Lori and together they solve mysteries effecting their beloved town and watch together goodness grow in leaps and bounds.
If you want a book that is funny, interesting, teaches facets of English country life that do actually ring true. And an interesting mystery to solve as well. This series is for you.
Americans transplanted to a sleepy town of Finch. Or an apparently sleepy English town, but as with all small places with an a tiny populations everyone watches one another, and gossip is rife. People watching is just a fact of life and though neighbors often interpret things seen incorrectly they are not bad people. Wrongs are but to right. The past misdeeds are brought to light and laid to rest.
The main characters are Lori Sheppard the American who has inherited an amazing home of golden local queried stone from her dead mother's best friend...and that friend herself is dead but not. She is able to communicate somehow with Lori and together they solve mysteries effecting their beloved town and watch together goodness grow in leaps and bounds.
If you want a book that is funny, interesting, teaches facets of English country life that do actually ring true. And an interesting mystery to solve as well. This series is for you.
August 9, 2018
I realized after completing this book that it meets the 2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge prompt “A book with characters that are twins” – Yay! Every time I go back to this series, I have a momentary stumble because the pacing and feel of these sort-of cozy mysteries is so different than any other series. Life moves a different pace in Finch and this town and its residents charm me to bits every time. The central dilemma (for I feel it is a dilemma more than a mystery) involves past fueds and a new archeological discovery in town. Oh what drama ensues. We have lies and misunderstandings and even a theft, but we also have plotting and first love and an ever-growing menagerie of adorable stuffed animals who all seem to speak with their owners and each other. I still love this series so much. *happy sigh*
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