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The Shadow of Death

The Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mysteries, Book 1

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The Shadow of Death

By: Jane Willan
Narrated by: Helen Lloyd
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About this listen

A charming and clever traditional mystery debut set at a bucolic Welsh convent, The Shadow of Death introduces Sister Agatha, a mystery loving nun who finds herself in the midst of a real-life murder case.

The sisters of Gwenafwy Abbey have cherished their contemplative life - days spent in prayer, reflection, tending the convent's vegetable gardens and making their award-winning organic cheese, Heavenly Gouda. Life seems perfect, except for Sister Agatha, a die-hard mystery fan who despairs of ever finding any real life inspiration for her own novel. That is, until the abbey's sexton is found dead under an avalanche of gouda. Despite the reservations of the local constable, Sister Agatha is convinced it's murder and the game is afoot.

Armed only with the notes she's scribbled during her favorite podcast, How to Write a Mystery Novel, as well as lessons learned from crime heroes ranging from Hercule Poirot to Stephanie Plum, Sister Agatha leads the nuns of Gwenafwy Abbey (and her unwitting sidekick, Father Selwyn) as they begin a race against time to resolve the death of Jacob, save the abbey, exonerate a beloved postulant, and restore the good name of their cheese.

©2019 Jane Willan (P)2019 Blackstone Publishing Amateur Sleuths Crime Detective Fiction Mystery Traditional Detectives Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Suspense
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This novel is set in a small village on Wales. I enjoyed it but the glaring inclusion of Americanisms really undermined the quality. If the author reads this review, a comment from me: if you want to create authentic characters and settings, please do your research first. In UK English, the past tense of fit is fitted. The people of the British Isles say biscuits not cookies. Celsius not Fahrenheit. Pavements not sidewalks. And so on.
The performer was perfect. Her Welsh accent was divine.

Spoiled by Americanisms

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Found this to be quite light-hearted ,made me smile and chuckle to myself. narration fine.

light-hearted.

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A really Lovely Book narrator was good can’t wait for the next book you would not think nuns could be so witty sorry it’s a a great story

Really enjoyed this

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Loved this book, great narrator.

Good old fashioned murder & mystery, which kept you wondering til the end who done it & why.

If you like midsummer murders or Agatha Christie, Father Brown who done it's you'll enjoy this.

Interesting backdrop for story being nuns & a Abbey, lots of characters, looking forward to next book.

Very Enjoyable

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