Whispers at Painswick Court

Author: Julie Klassen
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 368
Release Date: December 2, 2025
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

She expected her return to Painswick would bring memories of the past--not danger and romance.

Anne Loveday, a surgeon's daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place where she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year.

Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sickroom nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne's sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia's spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady's maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own.

As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her resolution to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real culprit--and protect her heart--before it's too late?

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Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

Whispers at Painswick Court is a refreshingly different type of historical mystery with the perfect blend of romance and suspense. I was captivated from the very first words and finished it in one day.

Anne’s character was engaging, interesting, and someone I would have wanted to be friends with had I lived during that time period. Her skill as a nurse/doctor’s assistant is only surpassed by her crime-solving instincts and compassion for others. 

The other characters lent their own value to the story as they interacted with Anne and with one another. They were all uniquely different yet somehow complemented one another and drove the story forward.

This is one of the best historical novels I’ve read this year. No rehashed ideas, but a truly refreshing book I will read again. I highly recommend it. 

I received a copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion of the book.

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Reviewer: Ewurabena Wilson

Another beautiful masterpiece from one of my favourite authors!

Julie Klassen has a way of engaging readers with her novels. From plots that keep you glued to her work and well-crafted characters, there is never a dual moment when reading her writings. Whispers at Painswick Court, the latest novel from this cherished author, does not fail to deliver.

The novel is set in the Gloucestershire County where Anne Louise Loveday leaves home to visit her deceased mother’s friend, Ms Charlotte Newland. Anne, who has been helping her father, a physician, is encouraged by two doctors and Charlotte to take up a role as a nurse to the ailing Lady Celia Fitzjohn, the owner of Painswick Court.

All is not as it seems at Painswick Court as someone is intent on killing Anne’s ward. Is it Dr Ernest Finch, Lady Celia Fitzjohn’ young physician? Or the relatives of Lady Celia who have gathered at Painswick Court? The suspense and growing romance kept me engaged with this novel until the end.

Julie Klassen, you have done a brilliant job. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who wants a dish of mystery served with romance on the side.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

I knew this book was gonna be good when I opened it. I found a quote right off that I got to thinking about.

“Do you really think there is only one path to happiness? God is bigger and life is more complicated than that. You waste so much time pining for what you can’t have that you miss—even scoff at—other excellent opportunities right in front of you.” How true this is!

I was excited when I saw this. I knew I had to have it right away. I love Klassen’s books. They never disappoint. I flew through this one because it was so good!

I loved Anne Loveday. She was so good to the grumpy old lady. I didn’t like the old lady at first. She made me kind of mad at her, but I found myself liking her as I read on.

I loved the mysterious figures, and that’s what kept me turning the pages to see what they were up to.

I really enjoyed staying at Painswick Court. My visit there was awesome. Imagine the stories that mansion could tell! I didn’t want to leave.

Klassen made this story so delightful and realistic that I felt like I was really there!

There were a few characters that I didn’t like, of course, but they are what made this book in my opinion.

Five stars for keeping me turning the pages and a job well done!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

" . . . . someone in Painswick could use your help, though I hesitate to name the person, for fear it will put you off coming here."

Stifled by her stepmother's near constant romantic machinations, Anne Loveday takes advantage of an invitation to visit one of her mother's dearest friends in Painswick. Upon arrival she realizes that Miss Lotty's invitation carries a strong suggestion to utilize her bedside nursing skills to benefit an esteemed member of the local community, with whom her family, her sister in particular, had formed a less than positive impression.

Arriving at Painswick Court, Anne not only encounters a myriad of curious circumstances but fears that someone close within the household wishes deadly harm upon her patient. Establishing an informal friendship with one of the doctors in attendance, Anne enjoys sharing treatments and remedies from years of experience assisting her own father, yet Anne often gets the sense that even Dr. Finch is harboring secrets.

Shadowy figures, ill-tempered family members, and inexplicable accidents all combine to create an aura of mystery between every page of this entrancing historical romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews.

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