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Aunt Dimity Mystery #25
Aunt Dimity and the Enchanted Cottage
In the twenty-fifth installment of the bestselling Aunt Dimity series, when an inscrutable newcomer arrives in Finch, Lori is determined to befriend him--and in the process discovers Finch's own heart-wrenching past.
It's early May in the small English village of Finch and the air is crackling with excitement: a newcomer is about to move into Pussywillows, a riverside cottage with a romantic reputation. Will the cottage's newest resident prove yet again its enchanting ability to match-make? But when Crispin Windle arrives, no one knows what to make of him: seemingly a loner, he repels every welcoming gesture and appears altogether uninterested in being a part of the community. Soon, the townspeople have all but dismissed him.
Only Lori and Tommy Prescott, a young army veteran who recently moved to Finch, refuse to give up. They orchestrate a chance meeting that leads to a startling discovery: a set of overgrown ruins. They are, Aunt Dimity shares, the remains of a Victorian wooden mill that once brought prosperity to Finch.
As the three explore, they stumble upon the unmarked graves of children who died working at the mill. Heartbroken, Lori, Tommy, and Mr. Windle get to work on the seemingly impossible task of identifying the children to give them a proper burial. And as Mr. Windle works tirelessly to name the forgotten children, he slowly begins to open up--giving the romantic cottage a chance to heal his heart, as well.
It's early May in the small English village of Finch and the air is crackling with excitement: a newcomer is about to move into Pussywillows, a riverside cottage with a romantic reputation. Will the cottage's newest resident prove yet again its enchanting ability to match-make? But when Crispin Windle arrives, no one knows what to make of him: seemingly a loner, he repels every welcoming gesture and appears altogether uninterested in being a part of the community. Soon, the townspeople have all but dismissed him.
Only Lori and Tommy Prescott, a young army veteran who recently moved to Finch, refuse to give up. They orchestrate a chance meeting that leads to a startling discovery: a set of overgrown ruins. They are, Aunt Dimity shares, the remains of a Victorian wooden mill that once brought prosperity to Finch.
As the three explore, they stumble upon the unmarked graves of children who died working at the mill. Heartbroken, Lori, Tommy, and Mr. Windle get to work on the seemingly impossible task of identifying the children to give them a proper burial. And as Mr. Windle works tirelessly to name the forgotten children, he slowly begins to open up--giving the romantic cottage a chance to heal his heart, as well.
Audiobook
First published March 3, 2022
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About the author
Nancy Atherton
62 books1,181 followersNancy Atherton is not a white-haired Englishwoman with a softly wrinkled face, a wry smile, and wise gray eyes, nor does she live in a thatched cottage behind a babbling brook in a tranquil, rural corner of the Cotswolds.
She has never taken tea with a vicar (although she drank an Orange Squash with one once) and she doesn't plan to continue writing after her allotted time on earth (though such plans are, as well all know, subject to change without notice).
If you prefer to envision her as an Englishwoman, she urges you to cling to your illusions at all costs -- she treasures carefully nurtured illusions. She also urges you to read no further.
Because the truth is that Nancy Atherton is a dark-haired American with a generally unwrinkled face, a beaming smile, and hazel eyes, who lives in a plain house in Colorado Springs. She comes from a large, gregarious family (five brothers and two sisters!) and enjoys socializing as much as she enjoys solitude.
So if you are looking for her at a convention, don't look for a stately grande dame in a flowery dress. Look for a woman in jeans and sneakers who's bounding around like a hyperactive gerbil.
That'll be her. And she'd love to meet you.
Japanese: ナンシー アサートン
She has never taken tea with a vicar (although she drank an Orange Squash with one once) and she doesn't plan to continue writing after her allotted time on earth (though such plans are, as well all know, subject to change without notice).
If you prefer to envision her as an Englishwoman, she urges you to cling to your illusions at all costs -- she treasures carefully nurtured illusions. She also urges you to read no further.
Because the truth is that Nancy Atherton is a dark-haired American with a generally unwrinkled face, a beaming smile, and hazel eyes, who lives in a plain house in Colorado Springs. She comes from a large, gregarious family (five brothers and two sisters!) and enjoys socializing as much as she enjoys solitude.
So if you are looking for her at a convention, don't look for a stately grande dame in a flowery dress. Look for a woman in jeans and sneakers who's bounding around like a hyperactive gerbil.
That'll be her. And she'd love to meet you.
Japanese: ナンシー アサートン
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
June 11, 2022
3.5
As in most of the other other reviews of Aunt Dimity books (apart from the first few) I've written over the past decades, I'm going to say basically the same thing: I continue to find it frustrating that Atherton does nothing else with Aunt Dimity but allow her to be a kind of placeholder (not sure if that's the word I'm looking for) and that I wish she'd experiment and go somewhere else with it: In some of the novels, Atherton seems to take a step away from the formulaic set-up she has created. In this one, she seems to be challenging the reader to ask some of my questions: On the last page, she has Lori ask
I guess that's no surprise, given that her trillions of fans seem happy with the series as it stands. And as far as that goes, I do find myself looking forward to new instalments and enjoying them. The novels do follow a formula; there is some kind of mystery (not murders: this is 'cozy mystery') which Lori, with the help of Aunt Dimity, solves. There is always a real-world issue that is handled with real humanity and sensitivity (and occasionally with just a touch of preaching, which in this particular case I find completely non-offensive).
Atherton sets the scene in each new book the same way, using what I'm pretty sure are exactly the same phrases, describing the town of Finch, Lori's history and family, the prominent townspeople, the 'honey-coloured cottage', the 'blue journal', etc. To me it feels both tiresome and comforting, the way a child's books that keeps repeating the same phrases are meant to be predictable and comforting.
I will still keep reading Aunt Dimity, but I wish, how I wish, that some real magic would re-enter these books!
As in most of the other other reviews of Aunt Dimity books (apart from the first few) I've written over the past decades, I'm going to say basically the same thing: I continue to find it frustrating that Atherton does nothing else with Aunt Dimity but allow her to be a kind of placeholder (not sure if that's the word I'm looking for) and that I wish she'd experiment and go somewhere else with it: In some of the novels, Atherton seems to take a step away from the formulaic set-up she has created. In this one, she seems to be challenging the reader to ask some of my questions: On the last page, she has Lori ask
I guess that's no surprise, given that her trillions of fans seem happy with the series as it stands. And as far as that goes, I do find myself looking forward to new instalments and enjoying them. The novels do follow a formula; there is some kind of mystery (not murders: this is 'cozy mystery') which Lori, with the help of Aunt Dimity, solves. There is always a real-world issue that is handled with real humanity and sensitivity (and occasionally with just a touch of preaching, which in this particular case I find completely non-offensive).
Atherton sets the scene in each new book the same way, using what I'm pretty sure are exactly the same phrases, describing the town of Finch, Lori's history and family, the prominent townspeople, the 'honey-coloured cottage', the 'blue journal', etc. To me it feels both tiresome and comforting, the way a child's books that keeps repeating the same phrases are meant to be predictable and comforting.
I will still keep reading Aunt Dimity, but I wish, how I wish, that some real magic would re-enter these books!
April 26, 2022
I love this series. True, the first time I read one of its books I kept waiting for a murder to happen. Oddly enough, although that didn't happen, I found myself settling into the rhythm of life in Fitch, a place where everyone knows your name and business. Opening with a lovely, peaceful audio tour of Fitch and some of what makes it so special, you feel yourself relaxing, slowing down, enjoying the friendly chatter and gossip of the characters. The town itself seems almost a separate character, in fact, with its scenic beauty and seeming operating motto of "everyone knows...." Instead of feeling oppressed by that knowledge, it's comforting. It allows you to focus on the main thread: Who is the new neighbor and why does he seem so sad?
Narrator Christina Moore does a lovely job of introducing us to the various characters, expertly adapting her voice to each, even main character Lori's daughter's repeated "quacks". I enjoyed the gentle humor as I settled into a comfortable chair on "Windle Watch" with Lori's friends, sipping my tea and rolling my eyes at some of the theories offered up about new resident Crispin Windle. I'd also love to have a mysterious, magical blue tablet that "talked" to me as the late Aunt Dimity does to Lori. That touch of whimsy, rather than intrude, just seems part and parcel of this little town where "it's always been like this" seems a ruling guideline.
As delightful as it is to spend time with friends, of course, there is a mystery. Even as we learn more about Crispin Windle we wonder why he is so focused on seemingly finding one particular landmark in the area. A retired industrial historian, he digs up some of Fitch's past that maybe many would just as rather stay buried. Toss in side-stories of romance, the past impacting the present, and a daughter's perpetual energy and enthusiasm and you've got an idea what is going on. So, set aside all thoughts of murder and mayhem, slip into something comfortable, prepare some tea, and curl up on a cozy chair and enjoy Lori's latest mystery of life. This, the 25th book in the series, shows why it's a continued winner.
Thank you #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for allowing me to drop into Fitch and spend some time sipping tea and listening to the gossip as life goes on in front of me. For a small town where not much happens, big things seem to change in Fitch. Love meeting the new residents as the move in.
Narrator Christina Moore does a lovely job of introducing us to the various characters, expertly adapting her voice to each, even main character Lori's daughter's repeated "quacks". I enjoyed the gentle humor as I settled into a comfortable chair on "Windle Watch" with Lori's friends, sipping my tea and rolling my eyes at some of the theories offered up about new resident Crispin Windle. I'd also love to have a mysterious, magical blue tablet that "talked" to me as the late Aunt Dimity does to Lori. That touch of whimsy, rather than intrude, just seems part and parcel of this little town where "it's always been like this" seems a ruling guideline.
As delightful as it is to spend time with friends, of course, there is a mystery. Even as we learn more about Crispin Windle we wonder why he is so focused on seemingly finding one particular landmark in the area. A retired industrial historian, he digs up some of Fitch's past that maybe many would just as rather stay buried. Toss in side-stories of romance, the past impacting the present, and a daughter's perpetual energy and enthusiasm and you've got an idea what is going on. So, set aside all thoughts of murder and mayhem, slip into something comfortable, prepare some tea, and curl up on a cozy chair and enjoy Lori's latest mystery of life. This, the 25th book in the series, shows why it's a continued winner.
Thank you #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for allowing me to drop into Fitch and spend some time sipping tea and listening to the gossip as life goes on in front of me. For a small town where not much happens, big things seem to change in Fitch. Love meeting the new residents as the move in.
May 25, 2022
Boring, practically no story, lots of repetition. I have read every Aunt Dimity book at least once, many twice. This one is a total pass. A cute ending doesn't change the fact that almost all of the pages were filler. Saddened by this. Have not really been thrilled with last three in the series.
May 30, 2022
Oh how I needed this read - to visit with Lori and Bill and the town of Finch was just glorious. I had forgotten just how much I loved these characters and this fictional town and how much I looked forward to them coming for a "visit" every year or so. And this was well-worth the 3 year wait; it is a story of love, patience, caring and grace. And finding peace in the very turbulence of life and the unexpected curve-balls it throws at us.
Thank you Nancy Atherton for this book and this series. I really hope it isn't the last one, but am grateful for this glorious book and all the feels it gave if it is.
Thank you Nancy Atherton for this book and this series. I really hope it isn't the last one, but am grateful for this glorious book and all the feels it gave if it is.
October 23, 2024
Alas, I am all caught up on Aunt Dimity. What will I read on airplanes now? I have about three brain cells left over after TSA and boarding and the abundant noise, and Aunt Dimity was just right for that. There is really no mystery to this novel, but the "reveal" was interesting and meaningful. A major plot point is more social/romantic than sleuthy. I hope there's at least one more book in the series to wrap things up for Lori and her crew.
October 27, 2024
The residents of Finch are all agog! Pussywillows cottage has been sold at last. On moving day, the villagers stake out their places for the "moving vigil" and... are doomed to disappointment! There's only one truck, no dining room set and no one can read anything on the moving boxes because there isn't any writing! No one seems to know anything about the new neighbor except he's a retired professor, single gentlemen, which delights the handmaidens. Everyone gives up the moving vigil save for Lori who must collect two-year-old Bess from the river bank where she's watching the ducks and playing with Tommy Prescott. When the new neighbor sticks his head out of the cottage, Lori and Tommy catch such a look on the man's face that they fear for their neighbor. Tommy, a veteran, has seen that haunted look before and knows what it means. He's very worried! Lori and Tommy break the three-day rule for barging in on the newest neighbor but it's for a good reason. Crispin Wandle insists he's fine and shuts the door in their faces. When word spreads through the village, everyone takes a watch to make sure their new neighbor doesn't go into the river. Sally dreams of romance in Pussywillows. After all the last two residents found love after moving in but even the handmaidens' attempts at neighborliness and rebuffed. It's up to Lori to break out the secret weapon and get to know the new neighbor- for his own good of course.
Well, we've reached the end of the series for right now. This story was not our favorite. It was very slow and repetitive in the beginning. No one enjoyed reading the same thing over and over. All that could have been summarized succinctly. There wasn't much mystery and the storyline made me go "Oh no!" I WORKED that for 4 years in a museum and finally escaped... not far just to the archives LOL! My book club friends wanted more details on the mysterious thumping noise and the story behind Crispin's hobby. I wanted NO details on how it was done because I've done it and while it does seem very zen, it's not as easy as it looks. I spent every school day teaching elementary school kids and none of them really got it either unless their grandmas taught them. I wanted more mystery. I liked the visit to the archive in the previous book and more investigating in this one would have made me forgive the eye rolling subject matter. Yes Yes. It was bad but worse in England than New England in case any of you were wondering and not every owner was like that, at least that early. The picture is from 100 years later. Most of the story was romantic drama I wasn't into.
Lori is obnoxious as usual. This is the second time she's used her baby to barge in uninvited to be nosy about a new neighbor. This time at least she had a good excuse. There was too much Bess in this one and not enough Aunt Dimity. Dimity didn't have much to do except figure out the thumping noise. Much of the story centers around Bree and her romance with Tommy Prescott. Tommy is a wonderful addition to Finch. He's very kind, caring and sweet. He loves children and adores Bree. He worships Bree and as her partner, he believes he should and can tell her everything and it will stay between them. Bree carelessly reveals a family secret to the whole village and implodes her engagement to Tommy. For once Lori shows remarkable restraint and is incredibly discreet for a change. She knows when it's time to not be worried and when it's time to interfere. I didn't expect Bree to be such a drama queen. She seemed happy and well adjusted in Finch. She's adored by everyone except Peggy Taxman (LOL) and they all look at her as another daughter or granddaughter. Bree hasn't quite caught on yet. Her rough childhood is still there in the back of her mind and her fight or flight response is still flight. Of course Lori could be jumping to conclusions as usual.
We get a closer look at Mr. Barlow and his new wife Tilly. Tilly is sensible, matter of fact and forthright. She's not ashamed to say her menfolk are driving her crazy and she's ready for a break! We've never seen this proud side of Mr. Barlow before. He's very private and a proud man. Therefore, he's unhappy the whole village has learned his secret. I admire him for his perseverance and for trying to keep secrets or believing anything can stay a secret in Finch. His stubborn pride is getting him into trouble with his family and that could be a problem.
I do love Sally Pyne and her optimism. She still believes in magic and love. Why not since her Henry loves her to death even though their relationship got off to an unusual start. She had love once and here she is, older, widowed, in love again. She's very sweet. I don't like Charles and Grant. They're snarky in a mean way. They look at Finch as their own personal theater and sit back and watch the play unfold. Pass the popcorn! I'm sure Peggy has to strongarm them into participating in village activities. They seem to only want to show up for the drama. There's no Peggy drama in this story and we kind of missed it. Mrs. Craven is intelligent, thoughtful and kind. I'm glad she's still alive and living in Finch.
Crispin Windle may be the newest resident of Finch but he's a mystery. The realtor never even met him and he bought the cottage sight unseen! Doesn't he understand what he's getting into moving to a small village? Didn't he think to check if there was a large number of widows/older spinsters? Opal Taylor is eager to get her hooks on the elderly bachelor and she sure can hold a grudge. Millicent Scroggins is not very pleasant either but she tries a little harder and has the good sense to feel embarrassed when her friendly overtures are rejected. Elspeth Binney is the most likable and sensible of the trio. She's practical, sensible and doesn't allow one rejection to harm her pride like her friends do. As always, Lillian Bunting is the moral compass of the village. She's so interesting and knows so much of Finch's history. I was surprised she didn't know what Crispin discovers. I don't see Crispin fitting into village life right now. He looks like a walking scarecrow and doesn't have many possessions. When his story was revealed, I thought he was acting rather silly, like a martyr. No wonder he gets along with Bree!
We didn't try the Bakewell Tart. I know where to buy one though. We did have a repeat of the lemon bars and butterscotch bars. I think the butterscotch bars are everyone's favorite! They're best warm from the oven when they're gooey on the inside. If you let them cool they harden and still taste good but not AS good as warm and gooey.
We still plan to read the next volume of the series whenever it comes out in 2025! We do love visiting Finch but I think Lori needs some new adventures. Maybe she can do her job again. I don't blame her for taking a break since the last time she worked ended up being a traumatic adventure. Now Bess is 2 and Bill is capable of caring for his own children, Lori can go off on her own again. Hopefully she'll bring Bree or Emma or someone else with her again.
Well, we've reached the end of the series for right now. This story was not our favorite. It was very slow and repetitive in the beginning. No one enjoyed reading the same thing over and over. All that could have been summarized succinctly. There wasn't much mystery and the storyline made me go "Oh no!" I WORKED that for 4 years in a museum and finally escaped... not far just to the archives LOL! My book club friends wanted more details on the mysterious thumping noise and the story behind Crispin's hobby. I wanted NO details on how it was done because I've done it and while it does seem very zen, it's not as easy as it looks. I spent every school day teaching elementary school kids and none of them really got it either unless their grandmas taught them. I wanted more mystery. I liked the visit to the archive in the previous book and more investigating in this one would have made me forgive the eye rolling subject matter. Yes Yes. It was bad but worse in England than New England in case any of you were wondering and not every owner was like that, at least that early. The picture is from 100 years later. Most of the story was romantic drama I wasn't into.
Lori is obnoxious as usual. This is the second time she's used her baby to barge in uninvited to be nosy about a new neighbor. This time at least she had a good excuse. There was too much Bess in this one and not enough Aunt Dimity. Dimity didn't have much to do except figure out the thumping noise. Much of the story centers around Bree and her romance with Tommy Prescott. Tommy is a wonderful addition to Finch. He's very kind, caring and sweet. He loves children and adores Bree. He worships Bree and as her partner, he believes he should and can tell her everything and it will stay between them. Bree carelessly reveals a family secret to the whole village and implodes her engagement to Tommy. For once Lori shows remarkable restraint and is incredibly discreet for a change. She knows when it's time to not be worried and when it's time to interfere. I didn't expect Bree to be such a drama queen. She seemed happy and well adjusted in Finch. She's adored by everyone except Peggy Taxman (LOL) and they all look at her as another daughter or granddaughter. Bree hasn't quite caught on yet. Her rough childhood is still there in the back of her mind and her fight or flight response is still flight. Of course Lori could be jumping to conclusions as usual.
We get a closer look at Mr. Barlow and his new wife Tilly. Tilly is sensible, matter of fact and forthright. She's not ashamed to say her menfolk are driving her crazy and she's ready for a break! We've never seen this proud side of Mr. Barlow before. He's very private and a proud man. Therefore, he's unhappy the whole village has learned his secret. I admire him for his perseverance and for trying to keep secrets or believing anything can stay a secret in Finch. His stubborn pride is getting him into trouble with his family and that could be a problem.
I do love Sally Pyne and her optimism. She still believes in magic and love. Why not since her Henry loves her to death even though their relationship got off to an unusual start. She had love once and here she is, older, widowed, in love again. She's very sweet. I don't like Charles and Grant. They're snarky in a mean way. They look at Finch as their own personal theater and sit back and watch the play unfold. Pass the popcorn! I'm sure Peggy has to strongarm them into participating in village activities. They seem to only want to show up for the drama. There's no Peggy drama in this story and we kind of missed it. Mrs. Craven is intelligent, thoughtful and kind. I'm glad she's still alive and living in Finch.
Crispin Windle may be the newest resident of Finch but he's a mystery. The realtor never even met him and he bought the cottage sight unseen! Doesn't he understand what he's getting into moving to a small village? Didn't he think to check if there was a large number of widows/older spinsters? Opal Taylor is eager to get her hooks on the elderly bachelor and she sure can hold a grudge. Millicent Scroggins is not very pleasant either but she tries a little harder and has the good sense to feel embarrassed when her friendly overtures are rejected. Elspeth Binney is the most likable and sensible of the trio. She's practical, sensible and doesn't allow one rejection to harm her pride like her friends do. As always, Lillian Bunting is the moral compass of the village. She's so interesting and knows so much of Finch's history. I was surprised she didn't know what Crispin discovers. I don't see Crispin fitting into village life right now. He looks like a walking scarecrow and doesn't have many possessions. When his story was revealed, I thought he was acting rather silly, like a martyr. No wonder he gets along with Bree!
We didn't try the Bakewell Tart. I know where to buy one though. We did have a repeat of the lemon bars and butterscotch bars. I think the butterscotch bars are everyone's favorite! They're best warm from the oven when they're gooey on the inside. If you let them cool they harden and still taste good but not AS good as warm and gooey.
We still plan to read the next volume of the series whenever it comes out in 2025! We do love visiting Finch but I think Lori needs some new adventures. Maybe she can do her job again. I don't blame her for taking a break since the last time she worked ended up being a traumatic adventure. Now Bess is 2 and Bill is capable of caring for his own children, Lori can go off on her own again. Hopefully she'll bring Bree or Emma or someone else with her again.
May 19, 2022
Village of Finch, Cotswolds, England. Present day. Nancy Atherton’s Aunt Dimity and the Enchanted Cottage (Aunt Dimity #25) has Finch preparing for what Lori and her husband, Bill, called ‘the moving-van vigil’. Lori is dealing with her daughter’s, Bess, terrible twos. Most of Finch is only concerned with who is moving into their village. What is he like? How will his moving boxes be labeled? The author mentions Little Deeping River quite a bit in the first chapter. So it comes as no surprise that Finch newest resident’s cottage, Pussywillows, is located by Little Deeping, but will something else or someone else be connected to the river? Bree is engaged to Tommy, a “young army veteran. The village’s mood is definitely positive. Finally the ‘watch’ begins. The villagers share what info they have unearthed about the newcomer - Name: Mr. Windle. Occupation: retired university professor. Marital status: single. As Mr. Windle arrives, all notice that he looks thin; his moving boxes are not labeled; and he is civil but turns everyone away. Why? Bree shares a secret that she promised not to mention to anyone. Then all kinds of negativeness happens. Will the Enchanted Cottege, Mr. Windle’s new home, turn all back to the positive column? I applaud the author for illuminating two social problems that are growing today. 4.5 stars
May 17, 2022
This is the 25th installment of the Aunt Dimity Mystery Series. I have only read the first book in the series and I have missed a lot. This books stands alone well. The setting is inviting and peaceful. I can envision it easily as I read. The characters in this books are realistic. Each one could be someone I know. The plot moves at a steady pace and keeps you engaged. If you must stop reading (or listening in my case) it is easy to pick up and remember what was happening. Listening to this book as made me want to go back and pick-up where I left off with book 2. I recommend this book.
June 12, 2022
3.5 stars. What can I say about these books? I read them because I’ve read all of them; they’re cozy mysteries (never murder) that I enjoy for what they are - a nice break in the English countryside with lots of tea and baked goods and a reliable cast of characters that I enjoy. But the stories themselves rarely matter; they’re rarely impactful or truly mysterious, or even very clever sometimes. I’ll read the next one, but I’m not really sure I enjoyed this story - it just felt like a visit with people I’ve known for a long time and care about. And that’s enough sometimes.
April 21, 2024
Dies ist nun der 25. Band, den ich aus dieser Reihe lesen durfte. Leider musste ich während des Lesens feststellen, dass er mich nicht so gefangen genommen hatte, wie die anderen Bände zuvor. Stellenweise empfand ich die Geschichte etwas langatmig und ein wenig künstlich zusammengestellt. Mag sein, dass es daran liegt, dass ich dieser Reihe eventuell ein wenig entwachsen bin und meine Begeisterung nach 24 erfolgreichen Bänden nachgelassen hat.
Dennoch empfehle ich jedem, der solche Bücher mag, diese Serie rund um die Bewohner von Finch und Tante Dimity zu lesen.
Dennoch empfehle ich jedem, der solche Bücher mag, diese Serie rund um die Bewohner von Finch und Tante Dimity zu lesen.
May 2, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up
Someone new is moving to Finch, which has the entire village on alert. To their shock and horror, the newcomer keeps to himself and rebuffs any and all visits from his new neighbors. With the help of her 2-year-old daughter Bess, Lori storms the castle and learns where the man is from, why he left his former home, and what he hopes to do in Finch.
I've been reading this series for many years, and now each book is like visiting old friends. This story was ok -- not great, not awful -- and it reminded me of how happy I am not to live in a small town where the lack of labels on my moving boxes would send everyone into a tizzy! I like the idea of neighbors looking out for neighbors, but even that has its limits :)
While the book does contain a mystery of sorts, it's not a traditional mystery, more like the kind you'd find in Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency stories. There's certainly no murder involved, which may disappoint a lot of readers. I liked the solution that was presented to the mystery in the story, and the way the villagers decided to handle said mystery.
As this series has progressed. I've enjoyed watching Lori & Bill's children grow up, and how the village has changed over the years, and I'll continue the series when the next book is released.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Someone new is moving to Finch, which has the entire village on alert. To their shock and horror, the newcomer keeps to himself and rebuffs any and all visits from his new neighbors. With the help of her 2-year-old daughter Bess, Lori storms the castle and learns where the man is from, why he left his former home, and what he hopes to do in Finch.
I've been reading this series for many years, and now each book is like visiting old friends. This story was ok -- not great, not awful -- and it reminded me of how happy I am not to live in a small town where the lack of labels on my moving boxes would send everyone into a tizzy! I like the idea of neighbors looking out for neighbors, but even that has its limits :)
While the book does contain a mystery of sorts, it's not a traditional mystery, more like the kind you'd find in Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency stories. There's certainly no murder involved, which may disappoint a lot of readers. I liked the solution that was presented to the mystery in the story, and the way the villagers decided to handle said mystery.
As this series has progressed. I've enjoyed watching Lori & Bill's children grow up, and how the village has changed over the years, and I'll continue the series when the next book is released.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 22, 2022
May-June
This story involves a wedding, a fairy-tale cottage, and a new resident. The cottage and the newcomer are the focus of the story. The village tries to figure out who he is and why he came there. That is an interesting story. I wasn't expecting it to be what it was. It's sweet. I like the story behind the cottage too. I hope things work out for the two of them. We won't know unless there is another book. I was disappointed by the parts of the story involving the toddler. I don't like that part of the series.
This story involves a wedding, a fairy-tale cottage, and a new resident. The cottage and the newcomer are the focus of the story. The village tries to figure out who he is and why he came there. That is an interesting story. I wasn't expecting it to be what it was. It's sweet. I like the story behind the cottage too. I hope things work out for the two of them. We won't know unless there is another book. I was disappointed by the parts of the story involving the toddler. I don't like that part of the series.
May 16, 2022
I still love this series with its likable characters and the slow pace of its quintessential (although somewhat mythical) English village of Finch. Life moves at such an amazingly slow pace that Lori’s youngest daughter is still two and apparently Lori herself is still in her thirties. Considering Lori’s mother met Aunt Dimity when they were both serving their countries in London during WW II, Lori would have to be well into her 50s if not early 60s by now. And that’s only if her mother had been fertile up until a fairly late menopause — which doesn’t really jibe with what we’ve already learned about Lori’s father dying when she was a baby, leaving her mother a young widowed, single parent. Honestly. WWII ended 77 years ago! But, since Aunt Dimity is a ghost who communicates via a blank journal, I feel a little silly expecting more realism elsewhere in this fictional world. It doesn’t really bother me but for some reason it did jump out at me during the recap of Lori and Dimity’s relationship this time around. I suppose if the rest of time had slowed down, I’d find that weird time warp more believable but it hasn’t. People, including children, text, have laptops, use the internet — the story is obviously occurring in the present. I guess I’m just jealous as Lori and I started out at roughly the same age and apparently she isn’t aging in her fairy tale life! ;-> However, these books do make for a pleasant quick read and I enjoy imagining that there could be places where people so genuinely care about their neighbors and their community, particularly in these divisive times.
June 3, 2022
I will preface this review by saying that I had never read a book by this author before, and I did not know that this was part of a series of books about the same town/characters. That did not affect the reading of this book or the understanding of the plot in any way--each book appears to be a stand-alone even though it is part of a series. I just had a very hard time getting into this book. I found it to be completely uninteresting. It was mainly about this little town in England filled with a bunch of nosy, busybody neighbors (many of whom appeared to be retirees) who have nothing better to do with their time than sit around and spy on other people and speculate on every and any minute detail about those people's lives. Oh, and one of them communicates with a ghost who writes to her in a notebook (of which said writing disappears afterward so that nobody else can see it). The mystery in this story was not really much of a mystery, and the ending left a lot to be desired (a lecture that lasted several pages given by a retired professor in his seventies about the old textile mill in the town). Ho-hum! I just didn't really see the appeal at all in this novel. The only reason I gave it two stars is because I can see where some people may have enjoyed the descriptions of the picturesque little town and it did have a cute cover. I think this book would mainly appeal to older women and retirees.
May 3, 2022
Okay, I’m going to be honest and say I went in blind when starting this book. While I read the synopsis and knew that it was the 25th book in the Aunt Dimity series, I didn’t know much more since I didn’t read the previous books (not that it’s necessary to read the previous ones as I followed along just fine).
While the synopsis was interesting and made it seem like a lot would happen, I was disappointed to realize it was way less exciting than it was made out to be. In truth, this book is about a bunch of nosy neighbors. While that usually appeals to me, this story was about nothing and had little to no substance. While I didn’t expect much going in, I was hoping it would bit a light and entertaining read. Unfortunately, it was not. It was actually quite boring and hard to get through.
In all truth, if I didn’t listen to this as an audiobook, I wouldn’t have finished it (thank goodness for the 2x speed button). Regarding the narrator, I don’t think the voice matched the main character, Lori, at all. The voice was that of an older, matronly woman which confused me at times.
While the synopsis was interesting and made it seem like a lot would happen, I was disappointed to realize it was way less exciting than it was made out to be. In truth, this book is about a bunch of nosy neighbors. While that usually appeals to me, this story was about nothing and had little to no substance. While I didn’t expect much going in, I was hoping it would bit a light and entertaining read. Unfortunately, it was not. It was actually quite boring and hard to get through.
In all truth, if I didn’t listen to this as an audiobook, I wouldn’t have finished it (thank goodness for the 2x speed button). Regarding the narrator, I don’t think the voice matched the main character, Lori, at all. The voice was that of an older, matronly woman which confused me at times.
May 17, 2022
This got off to a pretty slow start, and I wasn't sure it was going to make it past 2.5 stars, but once the story picked up a bit, it was just as entertaining as all the previous books in the series. We had to wait quite awhile for this one due to publishing delays during the last two years, but hopefully it won't be as long before the next one is published. These are relaxing, enjoyable stories about life in a small (fictitious) English village.
May 23, 2022
When I say this book was on the boring side, I mean it culminated in a retired professor giving a town presentation on the history of the local textile industry. However, I would gladly attend that lecture if I could be Lori Shepherd. Hanging out with friendly neighbors in the tearoom eating scones and clotted cream by day, sitting by the fire in my cozy Cotswolds cottage talking to my friendly ghost by night. Living the dream!
June 30, 2023
Reads like a six hour conversation with my mom
May 11, 2022
This newest Aunt Dimity mystery from Nancy Atherton is the 25th in the Aunt Dimity series and follows the residents of Finch, a small fictional town set in the Cotswolds, through the eyes of the narrator Lori, as a newcomer with unclear intentions and an unexpected deep sorrow moves to town. This book was a very quick, cozy read and an absolute pleasure start to finish. The Aunt Dimity books specialize in solving mysteries without murders, an interesting shift in the genre. And while I did miss some of the stakes that come with a major crime or murder mystery, this examination of personality was arguably more enjoyable without it!
With only a few words and a couple lines, each of the uniquely eccentric characters of Finch are introduced and immediately filled out. This was my first Aunt Dimity read, something I didn't realize until I had already jumped in and was quickly hooked, but it was a delightfully easy world to jump into. As a new-comer, I expected to have some challenges following a fairly large cast of pre-established characters but was surprised and thrilled to discover that these characters are so well constructed as to be quite easily followed. Pulling on a combination of small-town English stereotypes and the also stereotypical individuals who disrupt their norms, Atherton creates a lovable collection of recognizable but still unique characters to fill out her world and lend charm and intrigue to the mystery surrounding this potentially magical cottage and it's new resident.
I've already jumped back to read about where it all began, with Aunt Dimity's Death! It's hooked me pretty immediately, and the sense of intrigue that the book builds up around Lori's fate and the absent character of Dimity are wildly engaging, even knowing as I do where the mystery goes. While I don't know if I'll read the whole series, when I was given access to this ARC I was thrilled to jump into Lori and Dimity's charming, and just a bit magical, world.
With only a few words and a couple lines, each of the uniquely eccentric characters of Finch are introduced and immediately filled out. This was my first Aunt Dimity read, something I didn't realize until I had already jumped in and was quickly hooked, but it was a delightfully easy world to jump into. As a new-comer, I expected to have some challenges following a fairly large cast of pre-established characters but was surprised and thrilled to discover that these characters are so well constructed as to be quite easily followed. Pulling on a combination of small-town English stereotypes and the also stereotypical individuals who disrupt their norms, Atherton creates a lovable collection of recognizable but still unique characters to fill out her world and lend charm and intrigue to the mystery surrounding this potentially magical cottage and it's new resident.
I've already jumped back to read about where it all began, with Aunt Dimity's Death! It's hooked me pretty immediately, and the sense of intrigue that the book builds up around Lori's fate and the absent character of Dimity are wildly engaging, even knowing as I do where the mystery goes. While I don't know if I'll read the whole series, when I was given access to this ARC I was thrilled to jump into Lori and Dimity's charming, and just a bit magical, world.
May 15, 2022
Not all mysteries involve a murder, and this novel is a fine example of a mystery where there is no murder. In this small village there is a mystery, and it centers on a newcomer to Finch. Everyone is watching with eagle eyes as the newest resident arrives, but he quite the man of mystery, sneaking in the back door. He hasn’t even labeled his boxes (so the village snoops could see what he has). The village observes an unofficial rule that they won’t try to finagle an invitation to his home for three days, but then all bets are off. Unfortunately for his neighbors, he gratefully accepts their offerings of food and other welcoming gifts, but he invites no one into his cottage. It’s only when Lori arrives with toddler Bess, who with the abandonment of youth, barges through the open door as Lori presents her casserole offering. At last, an invitation in, if only to capture Bess. But who is this gentle man who seems so lost and frail? And what village secret has he come to expose? And who will discover the answers to these questions - and more. Who would have thought life could be so exciting in a sleepy English village? Why, Nancy Atherton, of course! This well written tale peopled with delightful if sometimes quirky characters is highly recommended for cozy readers who enjoy a good mystery without mayhem.
May 21, 2022
Aunt Dimity is an auto-read series for me, because it is charming and sweet, uplifting and inspiring.
This series is set in a small, English town and as with all small English towns it is filled with busy-bodies who are constantly all up in one another's business. Unlike many books with similar settings, however, even though the characters here are indisputably nosy-parkers, these people butt in with love and the absolute best of intentions to help and support their fellow villagers.
Each book has a gentle mystery to be solved by our main character, Lori Shepherd, usually related to a newcomer to Finch (our small English town). At this point - this is book 25 in the series - if you are a lover of this series then I don't need to convince you why you should keep reading, because you probably already are.
If you are new to the Aunt Dimity series, and if you enjoy kind, gentle charming mysteries with a small-town setting and good-hearted but quirky characters, I highly recommend the series to you. Do start with book one, the title of which is Aunt Dimity's Death, and I hope you enjoy this heart-warming lovely series as much as I do.
This series is set in a small, English town and as with all small English towns it is filled with busy-bodies who are constantly all up in one another's business. Unlike many books with similar settings, however, even though the characters here are indisputably nosy-parkers, these people butt in with love and the absolute best of intentions to help and support their fellow villagers.
Each book has a gentle mystery to be solved by our main character, Lori Shepherd, usually related to a newcomer to Finch (our small English town). At this point - this is book 25 in the series - if you are a lover of this series then I don't need to convince you why you should keep reading, because you probably already are.
If you are new to the Aunt Dimity series, and if you enjoy kind, gentle charming mysteries with a small-town setting and good-hearted but quirky characters, I highly recommend the series to you. Do start with book one, the title of which is Aunt Dimity's Death, and I hope you enjoy this heart-warming lovely series as much as I do.
June 3, 2022
A perfect cozy mystery escape !
A newcomer to the Cotswold village of Finch who appears lonely and perhaps depressed is wrapped in caring by the villagers. They bring casseroles, sweets, a lap quilt and more to him as they keep watch from the tea room next to his cottage. But it is the precocious toddler Bess who manages to make entry beyond his doorstep and with her mother Lori begins to learn more about their newest neighbor. Meanwhile Bree and Tommy and his uncle have a major dust up which leads to a broken engagement and broken hearts all around. Why, in the midst of this, is Bree chatting animatedly with the village’s newest resident at the river and why is she I traveling to his former village ? What is his story ? And what does he know about “the Lambs” of Finch ?
Dimity and Reginald keep watch with Lori. And in this 25th series entry the many residents of Finch don’t disappoint as they play their many varied roles. I want to move there immediately !
A newcomer to the Cotswold village of Finch who appears lonely and perhaps depressed is wrapped in caring by the villagers. They bring casseroles, sweets, a lap quilt and more to him as they keep watch from the tea room next to his cottage. But it is the precocious toddler Bess who manages to make entry beyond his doorstep and with her mother Lori begins to learn more about their newest neighbor. Meanwhile Bree and Tommy and his uncle have a major dust up which leads to a broken engagement and broken hearts all around. Why, in the midst of this, is Bree chatting animatedly with the village’s newest resident at the river and why is she I traveling to his former village ? What is his story ? And what does he know about “the Lambs” of Finch ?
Dimity and Reginald keep watch with Lori. And in this 25th series entry the many residents of Finch don’t disappoint as they play their many varied roles. I want to move there immediately !
April 17, 2022
This was a cute little story. I have not read any of the previous stories in this series, but did not feel confused or completely out of the loop.
This was a very cozy little read. Perhaps it's just the norm in a small village for everyone to know everyone's name, where everyone lives and what they do. However, each character has their own quirks and nicknames for one another and believe that they know everyone's secrets...but do they really?
Although this book only takes place over a short time, the way that everything is described seems to make it feel a little more drawn out as having spent more time in the village of Finch. Even with the pace, you do get to see different areas in the village, learn about the history of the area, meet each resident and also get a fun recipe at the end!
This was exactly what I needed to feel a bit relaxed during an otherwise stressful day. The people of Finch are what one would hope for in a neighborhood; not only are they curious about one another, but extremely loving and supportive. You're not just a neighbor in a cottage here, you're family. After finishing the book, I now feel like an honorary member of Finch and would like to return for a visit.
Thank you to the author, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advanced audiobook version of this story!
This was a very cozy little read. Perhaps it's just the norm in a small village for everyone to know everyone's name, where everyone lives and what they do. However, each character has their own quirks and nicknames for one another and believe that they know everyone's secrets...but do they really?
Although this book only takes place over a short time, the way that everything is described seems to make it feel a little more drawn out as having spent more time in the village of Finch. Even with the pace, you do get to see different areas in the village, learn about the history of the area, meet each resident and also get a fun recipe at the end!
This was exactly what I needed to feel a bit relaxed during an otherwise stressful day. The people of Finch are what one would hope for in a neighborhood; not only are they curious about one another, but extremely loving and supportive. You're not just a neighbor in a cottage here, you're family. After finishing the book, I now feel like an honorary member of Finch and would like to return for a visit.
Thank you to the author, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advanced audiobook version of this story!
January 31, 2023
A very cute book! Made me cry in the end there but in a satisfying way. Sweet sad stories always get to me. My first cozy mystery, a light read which was nice to read a few chapters every night before bed. I’m not sure but I don’t think I’ll read other books in this series, while the repetitive structure of the book is helpful for reading small bits at a time, on longer sessions it got a bit old. The author does a good job of knowing this though and summarizing most information. Well written and whimsical. I’m happy I read it.
November 21, 2022
The gossip mill at its finest in the lovely town of Finch. It was so wonderful to visit again with well loved characters. I love that the Aunt Dimity mysteries do not usually involve murders and this one was no exception. These stories about Lori and her paranormal relationship with Aunt Dimity are my comfy slipper stories. I can't wait to settle in a cozy spot and read each one when they come out.
June 29, 2022
The only thing that was disappointing about this book is that it ended! You get to know and love the characters of Finch, as if you are there with them. Each character is lovable even the ones who start out as grumpy. I will be reading the other books in this series.
March 30, 2024
3.5 stars: cute story, but it took longer than I would have liked to reach the climax. I found the last 1/3 of the book to be far more interesting than the start. A good easy read for a vacation though if you want to simply imagine and check out.
November 15, 2022
As usual, Lori has the maturity of a twelve year old. This time she enlists her neighbors to spy on the new resident from the best of intentions but for really dubious reasoning.
It was mildly enjoyable, but this series is always too cute for me.
It was mildly enjoyable, but this series is always too cute for me.
January 23, 2023
Well, this one was not what I expected. It was my first Aunt Dimity book and I just couldn't get into the magical writing that is the conversation with Aunt Dimity. This was also so full of characters, that it was difficult to keep track. Honestly, I skipped around and tried to grasp the meaning of the story that way. I guess this series won't be for me and that's ok.
July 30, 2022
This is my favorite “cozy” series. The small village of Finch has such lovable characters and and a sweet but satisfying plot line.
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