 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.
 Reviewer: Marie Edwards Stephens is a new-to-me author, but as usual, I couldn’t pass up a good suspense even though this is categorized as a mystery. The premise sounded far too intriguing to not give it a read. Starting off, Stephens explores the telepathic twin bond between Louisa and Paul. Namely, the moment when Louisa feels him die, which is an hour before the abbey goes up in flames. However, even in 1956, that is still considered “odd.” Not something one would share. She feels this even though they weren’t particularly close, and even quarreled just that day. It is that quarrel that hides a critical clue. Though Louisa doesn’t know it at the time. Not only does her uncle believe that Paul intentionally set the fire, but Paul’s one-time friend, now the investigating inspector—Malcolm Sinclair—is also convinced. Despite Paul’s less-than-reputable background, Louisa cannot believe he intentionally set the abbey on fire. Even though Malcolm warns her not to, Louisa gets involved to clear Paul’s name. The more evidence she finds, the more it looks like Paul is guilty until it doesn’t. But, if not Paul, then who? And why? Stephens takes readers through a tumultuous tale of family drama, sinful secrets, scandals, blackmail, and murder, exploring the minds of those who will go to any lengths to protect those secrets. Some were compelled by nothing more than greed. The eclectic characters span from high society to those of unapologetic ill repute. Yet, even those of ill repute have a heart of gold in some cases. Despite the genre, there were a few moments of humor. The banter between not only Louisa and Malcolm was sweet, but the banter between Malcolm and Mrs. Watson was simply a delight. I loved how the feisty older gal came to Louisa’s rescue without hesitation. Mrs. Watson even butted heads with Louisa’s aunt and uncle as she assisted the girl in finding the truth. Unlike some books, the main culprit is not known to even the reader until nearly the end, thus drawing out the suspense and mystery. This is also the case regarding a budding romance between Malcolm and Louisa. While this is distributed by a primarily Christian publisher, and has some themes of faith in it, there is a questionable word used in it. This wasn’t a big deal to me. However, those looking for a “clean” read might be a tad surprised. Getting past that, I absolutely enjoyed this book and am eagerly awaiting the author’s next novel. For my honest review, I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews.  Reviewer: Billi Varela This book started off strong. I have always wondered if twins could feel things between each other, and Naomi Stephens incorporated this into her story. This is the first book I’ve read by her, and I want to go read her other one now. This felt like a Hallmark Mystery Movie where the female lead becomes the sleuth to solve the crime and leads the detective along. The setting makes it seem more mysterious. I loved the characters. They were all different, adding in their own personalities to strengthen the novel. If you are looking for a mystery novel full of intrigue, mystery, and romance, then this is the novel for you! There is also a second book coming out, so you will want to read this one before that one. This is a clean read. Obviously, this is a mystery book, but there is nothing bad in it. Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Elizabeth Eckmeyer This is the first story I have read by Naomi Stephens and it won't be the last! This mystery was very intriguing. I couldn't put the book down. When I had too I would think of solving the mystery. I made it until the end of the story to figure out who did it and that is impressive! Paul and Louisa are twins. They lost their parents early in their teens and were raised by their aunt and uncle. Paul has vanished out of existence as Louisa feels his death. Even though her family and friends including an old friend; inspector Malcolm feel that she is to closely involved in finding out that truth she continues to work hard to find out that happened to her brother. This story is full of mystery and a who done it! It will keep you turning page after page to figure it out. Not only is it a mystery but it has comedy and seriousness. It is definitely worth the read! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany Publishing House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Adriann Harris Naomi Stephens transports her readers to 1956 England in this compelling fast-paced who-done-it mystery that I could not put down! An Agatha Christie type story where every character is a suspect, and the mystery gets more complex from beginning to end, will keep you guessing throughout. Phenomenally plotted, The Burning of Rosemont Abbey, is a fast-passed novel with an ending you will never see coming, making it a must read! I have identical twin brothers who can finish each other’s sentences, have felt each other’s pain when they broke a bone, when young switched classes in school at test time, and even switched places on girlfriends on April Fool’s Day. So Louisa, feeling Paul’s traumatic death, was not a surprise to me. Louisa, trying to convince others of Paul’s death, without sounding crazy, adds to the tension in this engaging story. Filled with compelling characters, which Stephens brings to life with her vivid writing in this game of Clue, is filled with a secret romance, suspense, deceit, blackmail, and murders, which all come to light during the investigation of the burning of the abbey. Being a mystery lover, I often pride myself in figuring things out, but I have to tip-my-hat to Naomi Stephens as she truly stumped me, and I cannot wait for what mystery she pens next for us to read. I highly recommend The Burning of Rosemont Abbey for readers who love a great mystery with Christian undertones. You definitely will not be disappointed once you start reading this enthralling book! A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not obligated to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own. 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. 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. Leave a Reply. |
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