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Aunt Dimity Mystery #11
Aunt Dimity and the Deep Blue Sea
The eleventh cozy mystery featuring everyone's favorite phantom-detective
Nancy Atherton's Aunt Dimity novels have enchanted thousands of readers, and this new addition to the series is likely to broaden the spell. A series of death threats sends Lori Shepard to a remote island off the Scottish coast and to a fabulous castle restored by an eccentric friend of her husband's. But she finds herself drawn into an elaborate whodunit that may involve smuggling- or worse. Why has a human skull washed up on the beach? Is a desolate island really the best place to hide from a murderer? As Lori draws once more on Aunt Dimity's supernatural aid, Atherton whips equal measures of whimsy and suspense into an irresistible confection.
322 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
70 people are currently reading
1045 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Atherton
62 books1,183 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 174 reviews
October 5, 2020
I love Nancy Atherton’s series for its pure mystery originality. I have given six novels five stars. I love Nancy’s wit and highbrow language. The quality and unique plots are topnotch. “Aunt Dimity And The Deep Blue Sea”, 2006 was headed for five stars for the unusual premise of needing to avoid a stalker of Bill’s. Lori, Will, and Rob take a helicopter with Sir Percy, one of their fun and resourceful friends and spend the novel in a Scottish Isle castle!
It is not frequented by tourists and indeed, a seal survey that Lori’s dear neighbour, Peter, is on is being dissuaded from having an application approved for exploration thereabouts. It is an unusually wealthy island of residents for the clothing income they claim to produce and there are monastery ruins with ghost legends. Well, that raised my interest assuredly and there is ample time for Lori and her bodyguard to do sleuthing. The fear of her husband’s stalker accosting them makes the tone more serious than it normally is and they wonder if the pursuits of residents might not be nefarious too.
My main criticism is that in a series highlighting the paranormal but never having much of it, it is a pity if a legend produces none. I was particularly annoyed about Lori acting scared of the possibility of seeing them, when she communicates with one daily! Her realistic profile would be a confident, comfortable demeanour with spirits.
It was a gimmick to corner Lori, Will, and Rob on a restricted island, in a monitored castle, when their bodyguards were occupied; come on! Targeting Bill for an unrelated family motive made no sense. The environment was enthralling most of the time and I can’t believe this is novel #11. I’ll go west in the next one!
It is not frequented by tourists and indeed, a seal survey that Lori’s dear neighbour, Peter, is on is being dissuaded from having an application approved for exploration thereabouts. It is an unusually wealthy island of residents for the clothing income they claim to produce and there are monastery ruins with ghost legends. Well, that raised my interest assuredly and there is ample time for Lori and her bodyguard to do sleuthing. The fear of her husband’s stalker accosting them makes the tone more serious than it normally is and they wonder if the pursuits of residents might not be nefarious too.
My main criticism is that in a series highlighting the paranormal but never having much of it, it is a pity if a legend produces none. I was particularly annoyed about Lori acting scared of the possibility of seeing them, when she communicates with one daily! Her realistic profile would be a confident, comfortable demeanour with spirits.
It was a gimmick to corner Lori, Will, and Rob on a restricted island, in a monitored castle, when their bodyguards were occupied; come on! Targeting Bill for an unrelated family motive made no sense. The environment was enthralling most of the time and I can’t believe this is novel #11. I’ll go west in the next one!
February 7, 2017
This was such a delightful mystery without a murder even taking place!
I love the setting in a castle on an island off the coast of Scotland.
I also really loved all the mysteries surrounding the old monastery and the monks and their treasure from the 8th century! My kind of stuff!
Oh and I adore Lori's wise little five year old gentlemen twin boys Will and Rob!
I love the setting in a castle on an island off the coast of Scotland.
I also really loved all the mysteries surrounding the old monastery and the monks and their treasure from the 8th century! My kind of stuff!
Oh and I adore Lori's wise little five year old gentlemen twin boys Will and Rob!
February 24, 2023
This one got a bit wild plot-wise for a Dimity book but, as always, serves as a good palate cleanser. My literary pleasure (about which I never feel guilty) is and the Hebrides setting made it even more fun. Also, I continue to rejoice that Lori's wandering eye has taken a rest. It made her relationship with Damien much more interesting. It was also a delight to see again, and I hope he returns in the future.
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.
June 27, 2023
3.5 stars
When a psychopath ex-client of Bill's threatens the family, Lori and the twins (Reg and Aunt Domity too) are whisked away by Sir Percy's helicopter to his remote Scottish island of Erinskil where they will reside in his castle Dundrillin with bodyguards until the threat is gone. While the twins enjoy playing knights on the battlements with their bodyguard/manny Andrew, Lori, never one to sit quietly at home doing nothing, is eager to explore the unexpected and spooky light she saw coming from Cieran's Castle, the site of an ancient monastery that was destroyed in a Viking raid. There are numerous rumors are Cieran's Castle being haunted and as there are no tourists on Erinskil or Cieran's Castle, what could the light be? Lori's bodyguard, Damian, finds it a bit puzzling but before he can figure it out, Lori stumbles across a new mystery with the help of an old friend. Sir Percy claims the islanders are self-sufficient because they manufacture tweed the old-fashioned way. What if the tweed mill is a front for something else? Something more dangerous? Will Lori and her family be safe on Erinskil after all?
This story takes a lot darker tone than the previous books. On the plus side, it's an actual mystery, mystery with a villain, a plot and mysteries to solve and not just Lori poking around being nosy. I both liked and didn't like that aspect. I'm used to lighter stories and did not enjoy the psychopath coming to murder Bill's family. The last chapter was way too dark for me. I was worried the secondary mystery would be too dark but the bright cover illustration gave me a clue that for once, Lori was right. The setting is magnificent. I really felt like I was there in the wind and rain (well it WAS lighting outside my window last night so I really was there!) and I enjoyed the local legends so much. The secondary plot was far-fetched and the third plotline was REALLY dumb but it brought back a previous character so that was good.
Aunt Dimity isn't as active in this investigation as the previous one. She does one bit of checking on something and then just listens to Lori recap her adventures. Finally AD chimes in with some sage advice. She lived through the worst period of evil anyone had known up to that point so she of all people should know how to fight it. Reg is on hand too, to comfort Lori when needed. We don't meet any more of his cousins in this book but there are seal pup plush animals for the twins.
Lori is much more likable in this book! She's actually spending time with her twins, playing with them, getting to know them and not being such a helicopter mom. She still worries about them because they're rambunctious and get into everything and because they're being hunted by a villain but she's OK with letting someone else take control even in the face of danger. She comes through with her motherly instincts when needed and the twins obviously trust and adore Mummy. For once Lori isn't flirting with a man who is not her husband. She finally explains that she just has a sense of humor and is trying to ease tension by cracking jokes and being lighter than she feels. She sees the good in everyone and everything and that's Dimity's influence. All those Aunt Dimity stories really helped Lori look on the positive side. Also, she's not trying to fix a broken man, at least not until the very end of the story. She ALMOST made it without the usual "he's sad/broken/hurt/attractive I must fix him!" plot. It's dialed back quite a bit though.
The twins finally enter the plot. They were present in the previous book but didn't really take part in much of the action or have any dialogue. They're thankfully used sparingly but they're old enough to have personalities and interests and be a part of the story. They're charming! I really liked them in the very end. They're sweet and empathetic when they're not being rambunctious. They're Mummy's boys and adore Lori and have every faith that she's looking after them and will protect them.
Sir Percy is so much fun! He's a jovial "hail fellow, well met!" Englishman, although new money. He's a kid at heart and hasn't grown up. His castle is like make believe for him and a source of enjoyment for his business associates. The name is hysterical and shows his sense of humor. I was a bit worried he would turn out to be an accomplice in the secondary mystery but the way it was handles was delightful even if sometimes his sense of humor is sometimes a bit perverse.
Andrew and Damian are the bodyguards. Andrew is the oldest of NINE boys and he's great with the twins, just don't call him a nanny. Damian is Lori's bodyguard and he's all business. He lacks a sense of humor or any sort of levity at all. He's very, very serious, as he should be! Like a previous character, he beats himself up for making mistakes on the job. He's only human and you can't predict what other people will do. How was he to know what was going on?
It was great to have a previous character pop up. I quite liked Cassie. She's tough and not easily frightened. She's not a ditzy socialite wasting time and money. She has meaningful purpose to her life and she will forge her own path unhindered by expectations and family name. I admire her a lot. As a romantic subplot though, it fell flat for me. I didn't buy it.
Abadaddon seems to be a religious fanatic of some sort. Who on earth can he be? Well why don't the police trace the IP address on the e-mails? Bill could do that himself. Even a public computer will trace to a general location and that could help narrow down the suspect pool a bit. Maybe? This guy is a total psychopath, criminally insane probably and a super creepy villain. I wonder if it is a case of mistaken identity? Does he think Bill is a barrister? Maybe there's a barrister with a similar name who helped put this creep behind bars and now the creep is after the one who ruined his life? This subplot bothered me when all was revealed. It was far too dark for this sort of cozy book.
The locals on Erinskil are not super friendly. They don't seem to like visitors. Mrs. Muggoch at the pub is delightful though. She'd fit right in in Finch with all the gossips. She enjoys telling tales about the island's history to spook people and seems to like watching their hair stand on end. Yet she's also motherly and caring towards her young guests and astute enough to realize something they don't yet realize about themselves.
Poor Bill is stressed out in London. Away from his family he's unable to protect them and is working hard to find the villain. He never gets to have any fun! I hope he gets to assist with the mystery soon.
The recipe is for Sir Percy's Favorite Sticky Lemon Cake. I do NOT like lemon so I will not be trying this one.
When a psychopath ex-client of Bill's threatens the family, Lori and the twins (Reg and Aunt Domity too) are whisked away by Sir Percy's helicopter to his remote Scottish island of Erinskil where they will reside in his castle Dundrillin with bodyguards until the threat is gone. While the twins enjoy playing knights on the battlements with their bodyguard/manny Andrew, Lori, never one to sit quietly at home doing nothing, is eager to explore the unexpected and spooky light she saw coming from Cieran's Castle, the site of an ancient monastery that was destroyed in a Viking raid. There are numerous rumors are Cieran's Castle being haunted and as there are no tourists on Erinskil or Cieran's Castle, what could the light be? Lori's bodyguard, Damian, finds it a bit puzzling but before he can figure it out, Lori stumbles across a new mystery with the help of an old friend. Sir Percy claims the islanders are self-sufficient because they manufacture tweed the old-fashioned way. What if the tweed mill is a front for something else? Something more dangerous? Will Lori and her family be safe on Erinskil after all?
This story takes a lot darker tone than the previous books. On the plus side, it's an actual mystery, mystery with a villain, a plot and mysteries to solve and not just Lori poking around being nosy. I both liked and didn't like that aspect. I'm used to lighter stories and did not enjoy the psychopath coming to murder Bill's family. The last chapter was way too dark for me. I was worried the secondary mystery would be too dark but the bright cover illustration gave me a clue that for once, Lori was right. The setting is magnificent. I really felt like I was there in the wind and rain (well it WAS lighting outside my window last night so I really was there!) and I enjoyed the local legends so much. The secondary plot was far-fetched and the third plotline was REALLY dumb but it brought back a previous character so that was good.
Aunt Dimity isn't as active in this investigation as the previous one. She does one bit of checking on something and then just listens to Lori recap her adventures. Finally AD chimes in with some sage advice. She lived through the worst period of evil anyone had known up to that point so she of all people should know how to fight it. Reg is on hand too, to comfort Lori when needed. We don't meet any more of his cousins in this book but there are seal pup plush animals for the twins.
Lori is much more likable in this book! She's actually spending time with her twins, playing with them, getting to know them and not being such a helicopter mom. She still worries about them because they're rambunctious and get into everything and because they're being hunted by a villain but she's OK with letting someone else take control even in the face of danger. She comes through with her motherly instincts when needed and the twins obviously trust and adore Mummy. For once Lori isn't flirting with a man who is not her husband. She finally explains that she just has a sense of humor and is trying to ease tension by cracking jokes and being lighter than she feels. She sees the good in everyone and everything and that's Dimity's influence. All those Aunt Dimity stories really helped Lori look on the positive side. Also, she's not trying to fix a broken man, at least not until the very end of the story. She ALMOST made it without the usual "he's sad/broken/hurt/attractive I must fix him!" plot. It's dialed back quite a bit though.
The twins finally enter the plot. They were present in the previous book but didn't really take part in much of the action or have any dialogue. They're thankfully used sparingly but they're old enough to have personalities and interests and be a part of the story. They're charming! I really liked them in the very end. They're sweet and empathetic when they're not being rambunctious. They're Mummy's boys and adore Lori and have every faith that she's looking after them and will protect them.
Sir Percy is so much fun! He's a jovial "hail fellow, well met!" Englishman, although new money. He's a kid at heart and hasn't grown up. His castle is like make believe for him and a source of enjoyment for his business associates. The name is hysterical and shows his sense of humor. I was a bit worried he would turn out to be an accomplice in the secondary mystery but the way it was handles was delightful even if sometimes his sense of humor is sometimes a bit perverse.
Andrew and Damian are the bodyguards. Andrew is the oldest of NINE boys and he's great with the twins, just don't call him a nanny. Damian is Lori's bodyguard and he's all business. He lacks a sense of humor or any sort of levity at all. He's very, very serious, as he should be! Like a previous character, he beats himself up for making mistakes on the job. He's only human and you can't predict what other people will do. How was he to know what was going on?
It was great to have a previous character pop up. I quite liked Cassie. She's tough and not easily frightened. She's not a ditzy socialite wasting time and money. She has meaningful purpose to her life and she will forge her own path unhindered by expectations and family name. I admire her a lot. As a romantic subplot though, it fell flat for me. I didn't buy it.
Abadaddon seems to be a religious fanatic of some sort. Who on earth can he be? Well why don't the police trace the IP address on the e-mails? Bill could do that himself. Even a public computer will trace to a general location and that could help narrow down the suspect pool a bit. Maybe? This guy is a total psychopath, criminally insane probably and a super creepy villain. I wonder if it is a case of mistaken identity? Does he think Bill is a barrister? Maybe there's a barrister with a similar name who helped put this creep behind bars and now the creep is after the one who ruined his life? This subplot bothered me when all was revealed. It was far too dark for this sort of cozy book.
The locals on Erinskil are not super friendly. They don't seem to like visitors. Mrs. Muggoch at the pub is delightful though. She'd fit right in in Finch with all the gossips. She enjoys telling tales about the island's history to spook people and seems to like watching their hair stand on end. Yet she's also motherly and caring towards her young guests and astute enough to realize something they don't yet realize about themselves.
Poor Bill is stressed out in London. Away from his family he's unable to protect them and is working hard to find the villain. He never gets to have any fun! I hope he gets to assist with the mystery soon.
The recipe is for Sir Percy's Favorite Sticky Lemon Cake. I do NOT like lemon so I will not be trying this one.
August 7, 2017
This is definitely one of the betters in the series. This one actually had a real mystery! With a real bad guy! And things that weren't just in Lori's mind! Yay!
The origin of the name of Dundrillin Castle cracked me right up...guess I was just in the mood for really bad humor---ha!
I especially like what Aunt Dimity said at the end when Lori talked about tearing down landscaping to keep her home more safe. Aunt Dimity said we don't fight evil by destroying life. Instead, we do life-giving things and we "defeat evil every time we commit an act of kindness." Yes, Ma'am---that's good stuff!
The completion of this book also allowed for the completion of my yearly goal of reading 50 books...and it's only August! Yay me!
The origin of the name of Dundrillin Castle cracked me right up...guess I was just in the mood for really bad humor---ha!
I especially like what Aunt Dimity said at the end when Lori talked about tearing down landscaping to keep her home more safe. Aunt Dimity said we don't fight evil by destroying life. Instead, we do life-giving things and we "defeat evil every time we commit an act of kindness." Yes, Ma'am---that's good stuff!
The completion of this book also allowed for the completion of my yearly goal of reading 50 books...and it's only August! Yay me!
April 25, 2019
Another fun mystery with Lori, The Twins and of course Aunt Dimity, although I was a bit distressed by the story this time with a death threat but as always a grand adventure and a delightful series .
August 17, 2020
Aunt Dimity and the Deep Blue Sea by Nancy Atherton is one book in a long series, so I thought I should see whether or not I liked them. It is what I guess I would call a "fantasy" cozy. "Aunt Dimity" is a ghost that the protagonist Lori Shepherd talks to and she answers by writing in a journal. Some people might think the ghost is the fantasy, but no, the real fantasy is Lori's life. She is a wealthy social English woman with two marvelous children (who spend a lot of time in the nursery with someone to watch over them) and a handsome intelligent lawyer husband. She has fabulous meals of crab and caviar several times a day, goes on luxurious vacations, has people to clean her clothes, house and stuff and wait on her anytime she needs anything. Now that life is fantasy. More people talk to ghosts than lead a life like hers.
For entertainment, she solves crimes. In this case it is fairly threatening. One of her husband's former clients is apparently a psychopath and wants to "get even" with him by killing his wife, children and finally himself. He stays in London to research who it can be, and she and the two children are whisked off to a remote island off the coast of Scotland. Even on the island there is another mystery--how can all the villagers be so well off? The plot is fairly well-done; the reader is kept searching for answers to the situations they encounter. And the setting is fabulous; yes, I would love to be there and live the life. But it is so unreal. And Lori herself is a nitwit. It is hard to relate to any of the characters, but yes, the setting is cozy! If you want to envision a luxurious vacation, you might enjoy it. And the action is pleasant enough with just a touch of suspense. I can almost see why these novels are popular.
For entertainment, she solves crimes. In this case it is fairly threatening. One of her husband's former clients is apparently a psychopath and wants to "get even" with him by killing his wife, children and finally himself. He stays in London to research who it can be, and she and the two children are whisked off to a remote island off the coast of Scotland. Even on the island there is another mystery--how can all the villagers be so well off? The plot is fairly well-done; the reader is kept searching for answers to the situations they encounter. And the setting is fabulous; yes, I would love to be there and live the life. But it is so unreal. And Lori herself is a nitwit. It is hard to relate to any of the characters, but yes, the setting is cozy! If you want to envision a luxurious vacation, you might enjoy it. And the action is pleasant enough with just a touch of suspense. I can almost see why these novels are popular.
February 11, 2018
I'm rounding up about half a star.
This installment in the series has pluses and minuses in comparison to those that came before. A plus: Nancy Atherton avoids one of the two tropes that have become so familiar as to be formulaic. A minus: the resolution has some elements of deus ex machina, though at least we get a bit of a scientific explanation.
The story is more intense than usual, in a way that works. There are actually several mysteries, coincident in time rather than interwoven. As usual, we have a mix of familiar and new characters, and the latter cover quite a spectrum.
Aunt Dimity's role is less significant than in some of the books.
This installment in the series has pluses and minuses in comparison to those that came before. A plus: Nancy Atherton avoids one of the two tropes that have become so familiar as to be formulaic. A minus: the resolution has some elements of deus ex machina, though at least we get a bit of a scientific explanation.
The story is more intense than usual, in a way that works. There are actually several mysteries, coincident in time rather than interwoven. As usual, we have a mix of familiar and new characters, and the latter cover quite a spectrum.
Aunt Dimity's role is less significant than in some of the books.
January 16, 2016
I really like this series and this installment was well done and somewhat different from the others I have read. Usually there is a mystery which turns out to be not nearly as sinister as it seems and some interesting characters. This one had those elements, but also included a true bad guy who was a threat to our heroes. I enjoyed the chance to spend time with Lori, Dimity, and Reginald again, and found that the addition of a genuine villain was a bonus.
October 16, 2017
Another Aunt Dimity Adventure
It's been awhile since I've read an Aunt Dimity book. I enjoyed reading this book as I have each one. Some I have liked more than others. This is one I like more!
I know that each Aunt Dimity book will have a good ending but it's fun to read and see how they play out. I especially like the descriptions of the places she, Lori and the family visit that the author gives.
It's been awhile since I've read an Aunt Dimity book. I enjoyed reading this book as I have each one. Some I have liked more than others. This is one I like more!
I know that each Aunt Dimity book will have a good ending but it's fun to read and see how they play out. I especially like the descriptions of the places she, Lori and the family visit that the author gives.
February 6, 2016
"We defeat evil every time we commit an act of kindness. When necessary, we hit it with a rock."
- Aunt Dimity
- Aunt Dimity
March 5, 2022
Atherton managed the highly unlikely task of combing a cosy mystery with a thriller and still have it be basically a cosy! Lori and the twins are swept into hiding by a client furious at Bill’s will for the client. Bill calls in Scotland Yard and a friend, Sir Percy, to hide his family while he and Scotland Yard went through his files then started interviewing clients. In the meantime Lori and the boys were having a wonderful time at Sir Percy’s island. Until they weren’t. Story within story but somehow Atherton managed to combine a thriller and a cosy. She bent the rules some but it’s allowed for Cosy’s to have some danger or no one would read them. This was quite the page turner. I read it straight through. Highly recommended to readers of this series. It might be a touch confusing for others.
November 28, 2020
For years, I have heard of the Aunt Dimity cozies but had never read one. I picked this one up in Goodwill, even though I knew it wasn't the first in the series. I liked it-- I thought Lori was a good character. I am interested enough that I want to go back to the first book and see how Aunt Dimity first introduced herself to Lori.
October 7, 2021
Another great magickal mystery for the family. A feel good mystery story with a little paranormal is just what we needed.
October 23, 2025
Another fun one!!!
April 3, 2021
A darker tone than the usual Aunt Dimity fare, and a far-fetched yet engrossing tale.
December 24, 2018
I'm starting to feel a fondness for this series, and I'm not actually into mysteries. But the writing is as comfortable as a blanket after being out in Scottish weather. And I liked this book particularly with how it ended over all. It managed to keep up the suspense with some deceptive villains (who aren't) and a totally evil villain who's fate is incredibly satisfying. All in all, it was a great read on a rainy, chilly autumn day.
October 1, 2019
This book is considered a “cozy mystery” which means it’s not high literature. It’s a random book from a series I’d never even heard of. However, it involved a relatable modern heroine, an old Scottish castle on a tiny island in the Hebrides, plenty of red herrings, and a not-quite-predictable ending (for me). I’m giving it 3 stars but I enjoyed it 5-stars’ worth on this busiest weekend of my work year. It was just what I needed!
September 28, 2012
Ugh. As far from a cozy mystery as you could get. Far-fetched, forced, and really not much fun or very interesting. Not sure why this author wanted to tell this sort of story, but it seems like it should have been told with different characters or not within this particular series. I just didn't enjoy it.
July 20, 2020
One of those mystery novels that doesn't leave a sordid effect. It was a delightful read and really set my mind guessing the possibilities. The characters were natural fits to the story , they were mild and comfortingly predictable.
Makes you want to explore remote islands completely isolated from mainstream living.
Makes you want to explore remote islands completely isolated from mainstream living.
February 12, 2018
This series is so enjoyable! It is like having a warm bowl of oatmeal with sweet berries atop on a cold winter day- nutritious, comforting and enjoyable. An example of a perfect comfort read (food).
February 5, 2016
I liked this better than some of the others but honestly I find Lori irritating. I loved the addition of Damien and the boys.
March 10, 2015
Love Lori and Aunt Dimity!
October 6, 2025
Thus far, this has been my favorite Aunt Dimity book. From attempted murder to a conspiracy of drug smuggling in Scotland, this book had a lovely adventure to take its audience on. Although it is still a simple read like the other books, Atherton's skill at writing has obviously improved. The story is more exciting than the others I have read so far despite it keeping its 'cozy mystery' feel. While the other books I have read in the series (ones that have predated this one) were nice to read, this one kept my interest to the point that I craved to know what happened next. This shows that Atherton is learning her craft the more she writes which is great to see from any author.
*Spoilers*
One of the issues I have with it, though, is similar to an issue I had with a previous book: her main character's supposed faith is wishy-washy and unbiblical. Lori Shepherd is supposed to be a Catholic woman who - according to previous books - seems to enjoy what scripture says. At the end of the book, the main villain is struck by lightning, preventing him from accomplishing his goal. I was completely ecstatic to see Atherton had written nearly all the characters to give glory to God for this perfectly timed, saved-the-day lightning event...then was disappointed to see Lori think it may have had something to do with pistol acting as a lightning rod that explained the events. The other characters did not seem to share this doubt of God as Lori did, and - with Lori's previous statements in previous books - seems to point to Lori being only a Catholic culturally but not one biblically or by faith. Which brings about the question: is Atherton, too, only a Catholic because of the culture or because she chose to be Catholic after having accepted Christ.
Another issue I have is how Lori's twins are written. When the characters are just the adults, the story is beautiful. When the story involves the twins, there is something lacking. For example, when the twins are kidnapped, Lori - without thought - chases after them with no thought to her own safety. It is a greatly written reaction; any caring mother would probably do the same. However, after the traumatic events occur, the twins supposedly have absolutely no traumatic symptoms even though Lori herself was plagued by nightmares for weeks afterwards. Atherton tries to explain this away, stating because their mother was there to rescue them, all their fears or bad memories of the events faded away. Unfortunately, that is not how it really works. Yes, Lori saved them, but their trauma would be equal to, if not greater than Lori's due to their age. I understand the story needed to be wrapped up and it is a fictional tale, but a simple summary of the weeks following on how the trauma truly affected the boys as Atherton had done with Lori would have sufficed nicely and would not break the immersion of the reader.
Again, aside from these two issues I had with it, it was the greatest Dimity book I have read thus far.
*Spoilers*
One of the issues I have with it, though, is similar to an issue I had with a previous book: her main character's supposed faith is wishy-washy and unbiblical. Lori Shepherd is supposed to be a Catholic woman who - according to previous books - seems to enjoy what scripture says. At the end of the book, the main villain is struck by lightning, preventing him from accomplishing his goal. I was completely ecstatic to see Atherton had written nearly all the characters to give glory to God for this perfectly timed, saved-the-day lightning event...then was disappointed to see Lori think it may have had something to do with pistol acting as a lightning rod that explained the events. The other characters did not seem to share this doubt of God as Lori did, and - with Lori's previous statements in previous books - seems to point to Lori being only a Catholic culturally but not one biblically or by faith. Which brings about the question: is Atherton, too, only a Catholic because of the culture or because she chose to be Catholic after having accepted Christ.
Another issue I have is how Lori's twins are written. When the characters are just the adults, the story is beautiful. When the story involves the twins, there is something lacking. For example, when the twins are kidnapped, Lori - without thought - chases after them with no thought to her own safety. It is a greatly written reaction; any caring mother would probably do the same. However, after the traumatic events occur, the twins supposedly have absolutely no traumatic symptoms even though Lori herself was plagued by nightmares for weeks afterwards. Atherton tries to explain this away, stating because their mother was there to rescue them, all their fears or bad memories of the events faded away. Unfortunately, that is not how it really works. Yes, Lori saved them, but their trauma would be equal to, if not greater than Lori's due to their age. I understand the story needed to be wrapped up and it is a fictional tale, but a simple summary of the weeks following on how the trauma truly affected the boys as Atherton had done with Lori would have sufficed nicely and would not break the immersion of the reader.
Again, aside from these two issues I had with it, it was the greatest Dimity book I have read thus far.
April 5, 2024
I picked up this book at a used book store because it was the only one available that was paperback by this author. The other two were hardback, and more expensive. I recognized the bunny instantly although not exactly the sleuth. I had a vague memory of enjoying the books in the series around the turn of the century.
Back then I would have been a young mother about the same age as our main character Lori. I too, had already lost my mother by then. I dunno, maybe I was attracted to the way that Lori could just open up the journal and communicate with Aunt Dimity whenever, where ever. Even if your mother is still alive it's a pretty neat trick to have one that is available 24/7 and always happy to hear from you. I had less memory of what Reginald the pink bunny did in the story, but he's on every cover art so you can recognize a book in the series at first glance.
Based on the copyright date I do not believe I ever read this particular story. As the book opened I was struck by how extraordinarily wealthy Lori and her husband seem. I guess in the halcyon days before the housing market crash I didn't notice. Now that I'm older I just can't even imagine. It's not just a fully paid off house, she has servants! Ponies for her kids (yes ponies plural) ! Hobnobs with titled aristocrats! It's all a bit more extravagant than I remembered. That's neither here nor there as far as the story goes, but if you are a young mother, exhausted with small children, this book is bit of a fun fantasy. You can imagine having Lori's life, it's very cozy and escapist and at the end of the book is fun recipe.
If you are new to the series this is not the book to start with. There's no mystery. We're kind of promised one in chapter one when we hear about Abbandon, but don't get too attached to that idea. There's no development on that front. Two thirds of the way through there's a false tension with an episode that takes up about two chapters and then resolves, followed immediately by a second episode of false tension, neither of which have anything to do with Abaddon. It's more of an adventure book than a mystery because the Abaddon story is just lumped onto the end of the book and the beginning like a pair of bookends with no plot developing in the middle.
But, if you already enjoy the characters and setting here's another adequate installment. You can inhale this book in a day or a day and half while sipping on a warm mug of cocoa or eating an indulgent piece of cheesecake. The characters in this book spend quite a bit of time eating and all the food is lusciously described. As opposed to reading about white people and their problems, here's a book about wealthy people and their food! Their houses! Their toys! Their travels! The life I will never know, lol
Back then I would have been a young mother about the same age as our main character Lori. I too, had already lost my mother by then. I dunno, maybe I was attracted to the way that Lori could just open up the journal and communicate with Aunt Dimity whenever, where ever. Even if your mother is still alive it's a pretty neat trick to have one that is available 24/7 and always happy to hear from you. I had less memory of what Reginald the pink bunny did in the story, but he's on every cover art so you can recognize a book in the series at first glance.
Based on the copyright date I do not believe I ever read this particular story. As the book opened I was struck by how extraordinarily wealthy Lori and her husband seem. I guess in the halcyon days before the housing market crash I didn't notice. Now that I'm older I just can't even imagine. It's not just a fully paid off house, she has servants! Ponies for her kids (yes ponies plural) ! Hobnobs with titled aristocrats! It's all a bit more extravagant than I remembered. That's neither here nor there as far as the story goes, but if you are a young mother, exhausted with small children, this book is bit of a fun fantasy. You can imagine having Lori's life, it's very cozy and escapist and at the end of the book is fun recipe.
If you are new to the series this is not the book to start with. There's no mystery. We're kind of promised one in chapter one when we hear about Abbandon, but don't get too attached to that idea. There's no development on that front. Two thirds of the way through there's a false tension with an episode that takes up about two chapters and then resolves, followed immediately by a second episode of false tension, neither of which have anything to do with Abaddon. It's more of an adventure book than a mystery because the Abaddon story is just lumped onto the end of the book and the beginning like a pair of bookends with no plot developing in the middle.
But, if you already enjoy the characters and setting here's another adequate installment. You can inhale this book in a day or a day and half while sipping on a warm mug of cocoa or eating an indulgent piece of cheesecake. The characters in this book spend quite a bit of time eating and all the food is lusciously described. As opposed to reading about white people and their problems, here's a book about wealthy people and their food! Their houses! Their toys! Their travels! The life I will never know, lol
February 23, 2022
For an Aunt Dimity cozy, the premise is very different.
Lori Shepherds’ husband has been getting some very serious death threats against him and his family. An unusual occurrence for an attourney in the field of estate law.
To protect Lori and their twin boys, they are sent to stay at a castle of a friend off a remote off Scotland. The property has all the latest in security systems, along with hired security staff. The island, itself, isn’t easily accessible. Meanwhile, Bill, Lorie’s husband stays home to work on finding possible leads as to who is making the threats.
While on the island, a human skull washes up on the beach. There are also stories of the island’s past history involving smuggling.
A couple of young people turn up on the island. One is someone Lori knows well from home, but is travelling under an assumed name. The two people are studying the bird population of the island, but things observed by the two people makes Lori wonder if the island’s past of smuggling isn’t still going on.
With a set of very active twins, a mother with a very active and inquisitive mind and threats against the family there is a recipe for possible, or rather inevitable danger.
Aunt Dimity proves to be a source of history and some sensibility, even if she is available in the pages of a journal.
The Dimity series is a fun read with highs and lows. Dimity seems to be the steering rudder for Lori in her sleuthing. Something Lori needs to curb her vivid and wide ranging mind at times.
Lori Shepherds’ husband has been getting some very serious death threats against him and his family. An unusual occurrence for an attourney in the field of estate law.
To protect Lori and their twin boys, they are sent to stay at a castle of a friend off a remote off Scotland. The property has all the latest in security systems, along with hired security staff. The island, itself, isn’t easily accessible. Meanwhile, Bill, Lorie’s husband stays home to work on finding possible leads as to who is making the threats.
While on the island, a human skull washes up on the beach. There are also stories of the island’s past history involving smuggling.
A couple of young people turn up on the island. One is someone Lori knows well from home, but is travelling under an assumed name. The two people are studying the bird population of the island, but things observed by the two people makes Lori wonder if the island’s past of smuggling isn’t still going on.
With a set of very active twins, a mother with a very active and inquisitive mind and threats against the family there is a recipe for possible, or rather inevitable danger.
Aunt Dimity proves to be a source of history and some sensibility, even if she is available in the pages of a journal.
The Dimity series is a fun read with highs and lows. Dimity seems to be the steering rudder for Lori in her sleuthing. Something Lori needs to curb her vivid and wide ranging mind at times.
May 14, 2023
I read and enjoyed many Aunt Dimity novels a few decades ago, so it was nice to visit with her and Lori once more. The books are very cozy, cozy mysteries, though not cutesy (no crafts or recipes or bookshop owners stumbling around while doing amateur sleuthing badly). But I haven't read one of Aunt Dimity's that have an actual murder in them. Still, the mysteries and storytelling are good and the characters likeable.
There IS a ghost in each (Dimity herself) and a bit of supernatural (Reginald does seem to have a mind of his own). In this book especially, there's a bit of a Gothic feel to the Scottish setting, which I loved. Deep Blue Sea feels a little darker than the previous novels and Atherton had me wondering where exactly she was going with that and with the sullen, brooding "hero." And that kept me reading.
One problem I did have was with the big dump of info at the end that the reader should have been told chapters sooner. The solution to the main mystery was in no way fair to the reader, or even to the protagonist. For the plot alone, I wouldn't give it more than 1 star.
But I much enjoyed revisiting the characters and a little vacation to the remote Scottish coast.
There IS a ghost in each (Dimity herself) and a bit of supernatural (Reginald does seem to have a mind of his own). In this book especially, there's a bit of a Gothic feel to the Scottish setting, which I loved. Deep Blue Sea feels a little darker than the previous novels and Atherton had me wondering where exactly she was going with that and with the sullen, brooding "hero." And that kept me reading.
One problem I did have was with the big dump of info at the end that the reader should have been told chapters sooner. The solution to the main mystery was in no way fair to the reader, or even to the protagonist. For the plot alone, I wouldn't give it more than 1 star.
But I much enjoyed revisiting the characters and a little vacation to the remote Scottish coast.
May 23, 2021
The plot line of the villagers keeping all tourists away sounds very familiar from another book I read a few years back, but I can't remember the title. (It may actually have been Number 2 in this same series, Aunt Dimity and the Duke. Recycling a plot line 5 volumes later is rather Agatha Christie of her.) It also reminded me strongly of the movie "Local Hero"--which was much better.
As for this book--cheese dog. Pure and unadorned. That ending--geh. While it is better than the Christmas-themed monstrosity in this same series that I read, it was too Modesty Blaise Meets Nancy Drew for me.
I should remember that cosy mysteries-mit-recipe-in-the-back tend to be heavily larded with cheese. I like Stilton and cheddar well enough, but this book was Velveeta.
As for this book--cheese dog. Pure and unadorned. That ending--geh. While it is better than the Christmas-themed monstrosity in this same series that I read, it was too Modesty Blaise Meets Nancy Drew for me.
I should remember that cosy mysteries-mit-recipe-in-the-back tend to be heavily larded with cheese. I like Stilton and cheddar well enough, but this book was Velveeta.
January 21, 2022
After swearing off Aunt Dimity books, for some reason I picked this one up at a Little Free Library. Guess I wanted to torture myself. But actually this one wasn't too bad. I almost put it in the pile to give away but noted that this one might be set somewhere else than the main character's hometown. I recalled that I did enjoy the first Aunt Dimity I read because much of it was a travelogue to New Zealand. And I did enjoy the parts about Scotland in this book. I could easily envision myself there with them.
But I still hate Lori. Someone in the book called her infuriating. That is exactly what she is. And there really wasn't much of Aunt Dimity in this one. I really could do without those two. I wish Bill would find a less judgmental annoying wife to have adventures with! Overall the book was an easy read and I was invested in finding out how everything turned out in the end. Read in one sitting.
But I still hate Lori. Someone in the book called her infuriating. That is exactly what she is. And there really wasn't much of Aunt Dimity in this one. I really could do without those two. I wish Bill would find a less judgmental annoying wife to have adventures with! Overall the book was an easy read and I was invested in finding out how everything turned out in the end. Read in one sitting.
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