Reviews: "Murders in the Abbey" Book Series

5 STARS

Just finished The Witch of Godstow Abbey.

Seems so appropriate to have been released in October. Truly it was my cup tea. What a brew you have made. Anyone who is drawn to medieval times will love this book. In the shadows of Godstow Abbey in the the year 1299,  strange things are happening. A terrifying evil has descended upon the abbey and it will take a small cadre of fearless nuns to uncover the source of the crimes. I have never read a book that reeks of authenticity the way the Witch of Godstow Abbey does. Lady Harriet and her co-author Peter Stephenson really know their stuff. It is totally gripping.

5 STARS

Wonderful plot and historical fiction.

 In this sequel, the authors pulled off their collaboration and transition without a hitch. For a lover of medieval facts, this book doesn’t disappoint, and for a lover of fiction, the characters won me over in the first book, and I was thrilled to reunite with them in the sequel. These are characters one doesn’t forget. Thank you, learned authors, for fulfilling Aristotle‘s principles of writing; spectacle, drama, pity, and fear. And reminding us that everything is constant. 

5 STARS  

Suspenseful historical fiction winner!

An excellent and engrossing read!
I didn't read Book One, but you can easily pick up the series anywhere! I love the collaboration of these two writers and the creativity they spark together. If you're a fan of historical fiction, murder plots, fraternal mysteries and medieval wit, this is for you! Huzzah, huzzah! 

5 STARS

In medieval England, abbey sisters investigate to uncover the dark truth of occult practices and murder.  

The Witch of Godstow Abbey is an enjoyable “page turner” of vivid and fast-paced medieval mystery that drew me easily into 13th-century Oxford.  Lady Harriet and Dr. Peter Stephenson, through their rigorous research and clear and accessible prose, created detailed period scenes which I could effortlessly visualize, making the world of Godstow Abbey feel both authentic and alive. 

The novel’s strength lies in its richly drawn female characters. Here, the protagonists, Sister Agnes, Mother Alice, Lady Beatrix, lay sister Isabel, and Alexis, the physically powerful seer, bravely stand against the pressures of the inquisitor sent directly from the Pope in order to investigate the rumors of heresy. Together, these women pursue truth and resolution through intelligence and collaboration as they confront the accusations surrounding the Abbey: claims of human sacrifice among the sisters, secret worship of ancient Druids, murders by poisonous herbs, attacks from enraged townsfolk, and possible traitors hidden within its walls. There is also a romance, betrayal, and redemption woven into the mystery which made me fully engaged in their emotional reality.
I look forward to what feels like a larger, continuing saga in the near future.

5 STARS

What an amazing weekend it has been, enjoying this book again. 

As before, I have never read a book that brings me so much, into the story, complete with pictures in my mind, that transport me into that time and place. We, as readers, get to enjoy all the history you both have so thoroughly researched. 

Now, the hardest thing is waiting for book 3!

5 STARS

The authors truly have written a mystery book! 

A murder mystery, a mystery of the occult, and the mystery of time travel in a dream state. The character development is interesting with new facets of the characters introduced periodically throughout the book. The authors were able to make one of the protagonists, the Friar, a sincerely hated character at the start and make him into someone moderately liked or tolerated at the end.

The authors were able to develop the story keeping the identity of the arch-criminal secret until the end, although that character had played the role of a good individual throughout the book. All of the protagonists were developed as believable characters. The book is well written and the plot line moved right along. There is a series of protagonists introduced in the preface, and occasionally I had to refer back to the list to get reacquainted with them, who they were, and their skill set or role in the story.

The time travel section was not forced and seemed to flow naturally. I think the authors did a good job using the English language as I imagined it was written and spoken in the 12th and 13th centuries but since none of us were there as actual witness, we have to rely on the written word to use as examples.

It was an enjoyable read, and now that there is a series planned of this case of characters, I look forward to following their lives and adventures.

5 STARS

 Perfect for readers who love a mix of history, suspense, and a touch of the eerie! 

 If you love a good whodunit with a twist of history, The Whispering Dead of Rewley Abbey is a must-read! The sleuthing nun is a brilliant character—sharp, resourceful, and armed with some surprisingly advanced medieval ‘forensics.’ The plot is rich with mystery, the setting brings the abbey to life, and each chapter unfolds with new secrets. Perfect for both young adult and adult readers who love a mix of history, suspense, and a touch of the eerie. Can’t wait for the next book in the series! 

5 STARS

 Exceptional historical content

 This book contains a vast amount of historical research and the details from the time period are worked into the narrative. Very impressive. Right up there with Ken Follett in depth of historical accuracy. The characters, particularly the female sleuths, Sister Agnes and Lady Beatrix, are impressive. Such independent women were rare for their time, but the author makes their situations convincing.
His descriptions of buildings, interiors, roads, gardens, buildings, churches, and university cloisters is remarkable. He puts the reader visually in those places And the layout and design of the book, with its Dramatis Personae, chapter sub-headings, and glyphs/photos that introduce each chapter, all work to give the book the aura of historicity. A great read if you are fascinated by historical mysteries that are well researched and well told. 

5 STARS

Excellent Book

 Enjoyed the book! The book’ s story line is excellent!
The witting style provides insight to the historic language style; however, it didn’t overwhelm. Closest to writing style can be found in the books by Oliver Pötzsch - "Hangman's Daughter Tales".
Looking forward to the next installment in the book series -  “Murders in the Abbey Series.” 

5 STARS 

Set in the 13th century amongst a Cistercian monastery and an Abbey of Benedictine nuns going Upto the dissolution of monasteries and convents in the 16th century, this story of mystery and murder was a page turner in many ways, just like a story from a more recent vintage.

A murder of a young Brother is the start of the story. It leads to the enquiry why this seemingly harmless young man was brutally murdered. The second death was equally brutal and the lawmakers are left with no clues, whilst peasants and rabble rousers talk of mystical curses and occult practices. Before hysteria strikes the lawmakers call on the help of the Sisters from the convent, well versed in the herbal arts and poisons. Also a logical mind to work out the detection of how and why these men were murdered. A bard who gives clues to the murder, and details of a murder to come in verse, is also murdered and it is to the Lady of the Castle, an authority in the area and Sister Agnes to find out who the murderer is and prevent any further bloodshed.

It was the historical research that had gone into this story, coupled with the detailed descriptions of life in a monastery and abbey that added so much depth and layers to the story. Medieval England was still difficult but the work and knowledge found in the abbeys and monasteries were under estimated.
I found the entire book fascinating. 

5 STARS

 I liked this novel a great deal. 

It was a different writing style, pace and format which spoke of great research and historical knowledge, but done in such a way that this reader wasn’t lost with these details, it wore its learning lightly.
There is a list of characters at the beginning that sets out their role in this murder mystery. Each chapter tells you of what the author intends to show you and the arguments for the guilt or presumed innocence of this person, or perhaps a clue to an item or a revelation about a person, that is relevant in some way that is to be determined.
There are references to the Dark Arts, arcane matters of the occult, and scientific discoveries and investigations. Rituals are performed, very similar to the Musgrave Ritual in a Sherlock Holmes story.
There is also medical and forensic knowledge, provided by Sister Agnes, who is a skilled practitioner of herbalism, a healer, nurse and an anatomist, unusual for a Nun in Holy orders, but this helps to create a well rounded female character, who carefully chooses the battles she can win.
We have references to The Knights Templars and their crusades against the Saracens, and their fight to regain the city of Jerusalem. The existence of secret tunnels and a great horde of wealth creates a plausible motive for murder.
Latin is used when trying to perform an exorcism of evil spirits that have infected a possible murderer, luckily, the phrases have been translated.
I loved the reference to the use of hallucinogenic drugs by a Sage, as a retired Nurse, I remember when we used to call Scopolamine the Truth Drug, especially when patients were recovering from anaesthetics following surgery. There were some hilarious confessions to be heard!!
I did guess the killer, but a gentle hint, pay special attention to the spelling of similar names.
A good historical novel, with very likeable central characters. It was a gripping read for an armchair detective, and a promising start to a new series. I am looking forward to the next book.
A five star read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers BooksGoSocial for my ARC, freely given for an honest review. 

5 STARS 

The Whispering Dead of Rewley Abbey is a spellbinding start to a historical mystery series that masterfully combines intrigue, history, and suspense. 

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of 13th-century England, the novel plunges readers into the shadowy world of Rewley Abbey’s Cistercian monks and Godstow Abbey’s Benedictine nuns, where secrets are as plentiful as prayers.

The story centers on a determined and resourceful nun who steps into the role of an investigator, unraveling the sinister deaths that haunt the abbeys. Her intelligence and tenacity make her a compelling protagonist, and her perspective provides an intimate glimpse into the cloistered lives of medieval religious communities. Through her eyes, readers experience not only the chilling mysteries but also the tensions and power struggles within the abbeys, which are rife with deception and intrigue.

The novel’s greatest strength is its richly detailed setting. The author vividly recreates the medieval world, blending historical accuracy with an atmospheric, almost gothic tone. The looming specter of King Henry VIII’s eventual dissolution of the monasteries adds a layer of dramatic irony, making the abbeys’ secrets feel all the more urgent and fragile.

The mystery itself is tightly plotted, with clues and red herrings artfully woven into the narrative. As the protagonist deciphers cryptic clues and navigates danger, the reader is drawn into a labyrinth of hidden motives and deadly stakes. The novel’s pacing is well-balanced, allowing moments of quiet reflection and character development to contrast with the escalating tension.

Suitable for both young adults and seasoned readers, The Whispering Dead of Rewley Abbey is more than just a historical thriller—it’s a meditation on faith, power, and the human capacity for both good and evil. Fans of Ellis Peters’ Brother Cadfael series or C.J. Sansom’s Shardlake novels will find much to love here. With its memorable characters, gripping mystery, and immersive historical detail, this is a series to watch.