The Killing at Crowswood Castle: A haunted-castle cosy mystery of coded paintings and unearthed remains

by Fran Smith

A vicious master. A cruel injustice. A secret long-held.

When Vita and her aunt stay at the notoriously haunted Crowswood Castle, they find a vivacious new owner who laughs at its gloomy traditions. The ancient castle's renovation will be complete when a new portrait replaces that of the unhappy previous mistress of the house.

But when the old painting reveals a hidden message and workmen unearth human remains in the castle grounds, Vita's curiosity draws her into investigating Crowswood's darkest mystery of all.

Genres: Historical, Mystery

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2023

Reviews

[Valerie]

It is exactly what it says it is- a cozy historical mystery. I think if it was any longer I would have been disappointed at its simplicity, but it was just right.

[Mark Beer]

A very similar review to the other books in this series, despite this one feeling on a very different tact to the others. It’s a lovely easy read, with likeable characters, a decent enough plot line and a nice fast paced story. I would say that as with the others there is lots going on but it’s relatively predictable and not a great deal of suspense when you can see what’s happening. I still enjoy all these books in the series though and would happily read another.

[cheryl allen]

Fabulous series of a girl determined to be a doctor

Enjoyed all of these books as Vita Carew tries to study at Cambridge to become a doctor. The times she lives in doesn't encourage women in education so she has a hard time becoming accepted and finding the finance. Living with her aunt who is an artist he!ps. This book has Vita going to Crowswood Castle well known for it's ghosts and gloomy atmosphere. She becomes ill while there and has ghostly visits or is it just her high temperature and illness? Enjoyable yarn with an alls well that ends well finish I look forward to the next one now that Vita has secured some finance to continue her education including the dreaded maths and physics

[KathleenWH]

Superb, and a very different book

Ms Smith metaphorically flexes her narrative skills in this work and gives us a delightfully different work.

Away from the grind of her studies at Cambridge and her work for in the mortuary, Vita travels to Norfolk and is plunged into a world quite foreign to her - an old drafty castle/manor house with a violent past and eerie comings and goings in the night.

And, of course, wrongs to right and murders to solve.

I enjoyed it immensely and I recommend it highly.

[Grace]

This one is about killing long time ago. Vita with the help of the butler Wagstaff piece together the sordid stories, and put everything back in order.

In the end, there are more than one possible owners for that castle, the long ago given up baby found his mother, how The Lady got away from the asylum, and Vita will have more funds to continue her studies and try to figure out the mystery of one of the skeleton in the ice house.

nice read, the story line did not take too much time to unravel.

[danabutts]

I hope there's more to come!

I happened to find Fran Smiths Vita Carew novels and have read all five in two weeks.
I'm an avid reader and appreciate the fresh story lines and especially Vista's character.
I generally find an author read all there work straight through. Please continue this series as I want more of Vita ,Louisa and the whole gang. Thank You for these entertaining stories .

[Sheila D.]

Great storytelling!

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Ms Smith’s books! Her stories are very entertaining, but also I found myself emotionally involved with the characters and their lives. I read all the books too quickly, so cannot wait for the next book! If you enjoy historical novels, you will enjoy these stories!

[Mrs A Nicholson]

superb!

I’ve now read all five books with Vita Carew as the central character, and each has been a thoroughly satisfying read. I’m hoping not to wait too long for the next book by this author, who also writes period romances, also very good, under a different name. I don’t know why it took me so long to discover her.

[Mark J. Sauer]

Great Book

Love the book! I love that Vita has her ups and downs. That she works hard but at times fails like we all do; and we have to pick ourselves up and go at it again!
Love the mysteries!!

[Anne]

5th in a series

I have enjoyed this series. This fifth book took an interesting approach including a woman driven mad by her evil husband and ghosts living side by side with the husband's heiress. The heiress helps to restore happiness to the estate in a nicely told tale.

[Mary K. Brazzle]

Fun Read

I am sad to say that I have finished reading the 5 Vita Carew Mysteries and they have left me wanting more. I cannot wait to see if Vita makes it thru medical school, so please hurry up with book 6.
Kathy B

[danica b]

4.0
another historic little mystery. when you’re reading, you kind of suspect what is happening, but the whole book is about proving it. it’s such an easy, short read. perfect to read to if you’re in a slump!

[poetdeluxe]

4 1/2 stars for the excellent pacing.

[A.J. Fotheringham]

Great series— hard to put down. I enjoyed all 5 and hope there are more. The characters, setting and plot were excellent.

[pauline ewen]

I really enjoyed this book and this series so far, and I hope there is another book on the horizon.

[Karen]

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