Shadows of Swanford Abbey

Title: Shadows of Swanford Abbey

Author: Julie Klassen

Publisher: Bethany House

Genre: Historical Fiction,

Source: Publisher provided

My Review:

I love the cover of this book and its attention to detail. I enjoyed the mystery element as well. The story had a slow build and picked up quite a bit toward the middle. 

While it's been a while since I have read a lot of Agatha Christie, Shadows of Swanford Abbey has a slight Christie vibe with murder and quite a few suspects. 

There is so much to love about this story. From a "haunted" abbey to being located in England, nuns, secrets, mystery, madness, love, heartache, swoon-worthy scenes, there is something for everyone.

Thank you to Bethany House for the opportunity to review this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

★★★/5

Synopsis (from Amazon):

Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen in this atmospheric Regency tale brimming with mystery, intrigue, and romance.

When Miss Rebecca Lane returns to her home village after a few years away, her brother begs for a favor: go to nearby Swanford Abbey and deliver his manuscript to an author staying there who could help him get published. Feeling responsible for her brother's desperate state, she reluctantly agrees.

The medieval monastery turned grand hotel is rumored to be haunted. Once there, Rebecca begins noticing strange things, including a figure in a hooded black gown gliding silently through the abbey's cloisters. For all its renovations and veneer of luxury, the ancient foundations seem to echo with whispers of the past--including her own. For there she encounters Sir Frederick--magistrate, widower, and former neighbor--who long ago broke her heart.

When the famous author is found murdered in the abbey, Sir Frederick begins questioning staff and guests and quickly discovers that several people held grudges against the man, including Miss Lane and her brother. Haunted by a painful betrayal in his past, Sir Frederick searches for answers but is torn between his growing feelings for Rebecca and his pursuit of the truth. For Miss Lane is clearly hiding something. . . .