The Burning of Rosemont Abbey

Author: Naomi Stephens
Genre: Historical Mystery
Pages: 336
Release Date: October 15, 2024
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Everyone in Wilbeth Green has something to hide, but she's about to uncover their secrets.

1956: In a quiet English village, the smoldering ruins of Rosemont Abbey have set the residents' tongues wagging, and everyone is quick to accuse troublemaker Paul Everly of the crime of arson. Paul has vanished without a trace, leaving only his plucky twin sister, Louisa, certain of his innocence. Fueling her conviction is an inexplicable connection--she felt her twin's death an hour before the abbey went up in flames.

Armed with nothing but her wit and her keen sense of intuition, Louisa embarks on her own investigation, challenging the dubious townspeople and the disdain of her aunt and uncle. Even Inspector Malcolm Sinclair, once Paul's closest friend, warns Louisa to abandon her pursuit. But Louisa is determined to solve a murder no one else believes was committed, even if it means unraveling secrets that could shake Wilbeth Green to its core.

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Reviewer: Katie Slocum

Naomi Stephens is a new-to-me author who is now on my must-reads list. From the gripping first chapter to the jaw-dropping ending, this story keeps you guessing until you finally find out what really happened at Rosemont Abbey.

For a book focused on solving a suspicious death, I loved that the author always balanced that with the fact that death has no sting for the believer, and those who stand on the Rock of Christ will not fall, no matter what happens all around. I loved that the main characters are twins, and how their connection, or lack thereof, was portrayed. The shock, grief, and regret all rang very true. I did have a hard time remembering it was the 1950s. The description of the house, grounds, and clothing at times felt like 1900 or earlier. 

All the ingredients for a perfect mystery are here: realistic characters, a suspenseful whodunit, and an unpredictable yet satisfying ending. A very enjoyable read that I highly recommend! I look forward to more from this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

This is my first time to read a book by Naomi Stephens and it will not be my last! The Burning of Rosemont Abbey was masterfully told with character conflicts and plot twists that kept me reading until the wee hours. I could not put this book down!

The interesting twist of having a twin feel what the other twin is going through, in this case, his death, had me immediately engaged with this story. As the police and most of the community are convinced that Louisa’s brother Paul burned down the abbey and then took off, Louisa is convinced that Paul is dead. But who can she trust enough to divulge her belief, without them thinking she is crazy?

As Malcolm Sinclair investigates the fire, he warns Louisa to stay out of his way, but she is not one to sit idly by while the whole town is gossiping about her brother.

I love a good murder mystery and this book kept me guessing. There were so many suspects. I loved how the author puts the reader in Louisa’s shoes as she investigates each one and the surprise at the end blew me away!

If you like murder mysteries, you will love The Burning of Rosemont Abbey. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley for my honest review.

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