Cover Image: Aunt Dimity and the Widow's Curse

Aunt Dimity and the Widow's Curse

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I love this series! While there is sometimes a dead body, Nancy Atherton has found a way to have a nice mystery without killing someone in every single book. This series is a quick but fun read. I always like learning more about the small village of Finch and the people that keep moving in. And hearing from Aunt Dimity is always a nice addition.

Was this review helpful?

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

In the 22nd Aunt Dimity book, Lori is enjoying time with her little girl while her husband takes her twin boys camping. When a member of the village suggests a quilting bee, then shares an impossible story with Lori, she.is quickly roped into another mystery.

Traveling to a new village, Lori and her friend Bree are told of the widows curse that follows her elderly friend, but cannot believe the stories. Of course Lori cannot stop asking questions, especially of her deceased Aunt Dimity, until she finds the truth.

I enjoyed this book a lot, more than some of the other Aunt Dimity books I've read. The end was surprising, and I always enjoy the stories about village life.

Was this review helpful?

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

Twenty-two books into this long running series, Aunt Dimity and the Widow’s Curse is sure to please fans of the series. The epitome of cozy, protagonist Lori, with Aunt Dimity’s guidance, travels to a nearby village in hopes of finding out the truth about Annabelle Craven’s first husband’s death.

Annabelle Craven is a well respected resident of Finch known for her extraordinary quilts. When she requests help finishing one last big project, her neighbors do not hesitate to participate in the quilting bee. Lori is troubled when, as they chat over their sewing, Annabelle confesses to killing her first husband. Faced with the ethical dilemma of confiding in her solicitor husband or keeping the secret to herself, she decides to ferret out the truth herself, taking her toddler Bess and friend Bree along for the journey. Lori has her work cut out for her when she finds the residents of Cowerton fit into two distinct camps – those who do not think for a minute that Annabelle could possibly have committed such a crime, and those who claim that a “widow’s curse” afflicts all who get close to Annabelle.

The Aunt Dimity books are exceptionally docile reads. The whole tone of Aunt Dimity and the Widow’s Curse is mild-mannered and serene. Lori never finds herself in any dangerous situation. There is not much humor or crazy antics. Village residents may have definite opinions about Annabelle and the fate of her beaus, but no one lies or double crosses anyone. Atherton’s words will lull you to sleep if you are not careful. I do not mean this as a criticism; the style is even-keel. It precariously balances the line between sweet and saccharine, and it can become overly sentimental. The unraveling of the truth is interesting, the characters quirky, and I found the reason behind Annabelle’s confession a heartbreaking commentary on the predicament our aging friends often face. The characters, recurring and new to this book, are all likable, even the ones whose outer layer are unpleasant.

So…brew yourself a nice cup of tea, get comfortably cozy with your favorite quilt, and spend some time with Lori and Aunt Dimity.

Was this review helpful?

This author never disappoints. Her stories are engaging...light, but not mindless fluff. I find this author and her series delightful.

Was this review helpful?

Nancy Atherton has done it again!!!! I've been a fan since the first book in the Aunt Dimity series, and I'm always delighted to see what adventures Lori and Aunt Dimity will have.. Atherton's ability to continue creating engaging mysteries for a main character who lives in a really small English village is truly impressive. Her humor and realistic portrayals of both family and village life simply add to one's reading pleasure. I especially enjoyed Bree Pym as Watson to Lori's Sherlock. At the same time, the antics of Lori's toddler Bess kept me smiling. The lighter side of this book balanced well with its accurate portrayal of many of the challenges faced by the elderly both in and out of assisted living. Any discussion group will have lots to talk about. Thanks to Penguin and Net Galley for providing access to the electronic ARC prior to publication!

Was this review helpful?

I just love this series. The mystery itself is different but still well written and a couple of twist along the way

Was this review helpful?

This is my first Aunt Dimity story, though 22nd in the series. A sweet little mystery reminiscent of M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin stories and the BBC's Rosemary & Thyme television show. The book is full of villages with tiny cottages, beautiful gardens and lots of tea parties. The mystery is simple but intriguing enough to keep me reading. AND I got a recipe for some delicious sounding cookies in the deal!

Was this review helpful?

Very cute - the characters are super fun! But there's not really much of a mystery there.

Was this review helpful?

I received a Netgallery copy for an honest review. Enjoyed this latest in the Aunt Dimitry series. As a quilter, I loved the bits around quilting. I enjoy my trips to Finch and getting back in touch with the residents. It also dealt with gossip and how sometimes what you know isn't the whole story so keep an open mind for the other side of the story.

Was this review helpful?

Nancy Atherton enshrines classic Aunt Dimity cozy plotting in Aunt Dimity and the Widow's Curse. Annabelle Craven, the village's best quilter, confesses to murdering her long gone husband to Lori.. Naturally Lori has to go to the scene of the "crime" in another village. Be sure to read how Lori unravels the true story and ensures a well plotted ending Highly recommended .

Was this review helpful?

A lovely read with a touch of the otherworldly in Aunt Dimity and a stuffed rabbit named Reginald who is a life long friend to the main character. In this 22nd installment Lori's husband and twin sons are off on a camping trip leaving her daughter Bess and her up to their own devices. While attending the village affairs committee meeting local Mrs. Craven speaks up asking for help with an unfinished quilt. The village jumps right in to help Mrs. Craven and a quilting bee is formed. During the bee Lori has a moment alone with Mrs. Craven who tells her a shocking secret, surprised Lori doesn't know what to do. After speaking with Aunt Dimity, Lori, with the help of her friend Bree decide to take a girls weekend and research whether Mrs. Cravens secret is truth or mere fiction. After speaking with several groups of people where does the truth lay? Come along with Lori and Bree as they follow the clues to solve the mystery and find out just that. I'm forever entertained by Nancy's style of writing, this series and its characters never get old, it always feels fresh. I look forward to more adventures from Lori and Aunt Dimity.

Was this review helpful?

AUNT DIMITY AND THE WIDOW'S CURSE by Nancy Atherton is the latest in a cozy mystery series featuring Lori Shepherd and the residents of Finch, England. On this holiday weekend, it was fun to reunite with Lori's family as well as the colorful characters like the mayor, vicar, tearoom owner and local handyman of Finch, although they had relatively minor roles in this mystery. The main focus is on a relatively new resident, an elderly and talented quilter named Annabelle Craven who confesses a crime to Lori.

Unable to resist investigating, Lori is soon headed to another local village, Old Cowerton. Accompanying her are baby Bess and their adventurous friend Bree Pym. This book has plenty of references to the beauty of the Cotswolds and the Lake District and the close-knit communities there. In fact, gossip and friendship play a key part in the mystery which continues to unravel revealing multiple deaths associated with a widow's curse. Aunt Dimity stories are delightful and fun – what else can one expect when a favorite "ghost" offers detecting advice?

Was this review helpful?

This was such a satisfying book to read, and a lot of fun as well. The mystery swings back and forth from guilty to not guilty to guilty and back and forth. I didn't figure out the answer until it comes out at the very end. I am so glad I had the chance to read this book.

Was this review helpful?

Yet another charming Aunt Dimity novel. Exciting and fun and full of good-feeling.

Was this review helpful?

I featured this book here: http://www.bethfishreads.com/2017/05/10-books-to-read-in-may.html

Was this review helpful?