I truly wanted to like this. I found the writing lovely and lyrical, but I just couldn't get into the story. Sorry for the delay in posting reviews, I'm attempting to catch up my netgalley backlog.

Description
Perfect for fans of Charles Todd and Susanna Calkins, comes Nancy Herriman’s second bewitching tale of herbalist Bess Ellyott who uncovers the sinister underbelly of Elizabethan England.

The dark shadows of Elizabethan England envelop a bucolic village when a brutal murder reveals a viper’s nest of resentment, fear—and the haunting specter of black magic.

Autumn has fallen on the small English village of Wiltshire, but as the air grows crisp and the trees turn a resplendent gold, a sinister presence arrives in the form of a horrifying murder. Bartholomew Reade, a player in a traveling troupe, has been found stabbed, sprawled on a low mound outside the village, a reed pen jabbed into his throat.

On the night of the murder, a bleeding woman collapses at the doorstep of herbalist Bess Ellyott desperately seeking help. Could she have a connection to the dead man? As Bess seeks answers, Constable Kit Harwoode is busy assembling his own lengthy list of suspects. Reade had many enemies, including the leader of the troupe, who resented his ambitions as a playwright, and his fellow players, who bristled at his arrogance—just to name a few.

As if the case weren’t thorny enough, the hill where the dead man was found is reputed to have once been the site of a Druid temple. And recent reports of diseased sheep and sick children, supposedly the work of a witch, have the townspeople terrified. As the shadows lengthen, Bess races to discover the truth before darkness descends inA Fall of Shadows.

My Review
A Fall of Shadows set in Elizabethan England is a very well written mystery novel. The characters are well written and the plot is a great historical mystery you will definitely enjoy.

Book 2 of A Fall of Shadows has healer and herbalist Bess under suspicion of murder. As the body count grow, Bess and Constable Kit try to figure out who the real killer is before more people die.

Overall this is quite enjoyable and I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good historical mystery.

Bess Ellyott is a widowed herbalist in late-Elizabethan Wiltshire. As historical fiction readers will foresee, this means she’s an easy target for suspicion when misfortunes befall her neighbors. Her brother Robert’s status as a prosperous merchant provides protection, as does the friendship of Constable Kit Harwoode, but Bess also has a stubborn curiosity that gets her into trouble.

One autumn evening while Robert’s away in London, two odd events take place, and Bess finds herself entangled in determining what happened. A traveling actor and playwright is found stabbed to death atop a druid’s mound just outside the village, and a young woman collapses near Bess’s back gate after suffering an apparent miscarriage. A drunk vagrant is quickly arrested in the actor’s murder, but Kit finds that solution much too convenient. The suspects are numerous, from the man’s jealous fellow players to enemies he’d made after returning to town; the dead man had been a local farmer’s son who left to make his fortune on the stage. Bess uncovers a possible connection between the two incidents, too.

In this second of the Bess Ellyott mysteries, Herriman has taken admirable care in re-creating her characters’ historical world, from the folk beliefs and accoutrements of the period to the Shakespearean-flavored dialogue. The plot is that of a classic English village mystery, with characters from various walks of life mingling, gossiping, and creating dramas amongst themselves. As a relative newcomer to town, Bess really should know better than to be so forthright about asking questions – her approach isn’t subtle – and she has substantial unfinished business from the first book that new series readers may stumble over. This entry is still recommended for the historical atmosphere alone, especially for Tudorphiles wanting time away from the royal court and its usual personalities.

I found the story interesting A traveling show comes to Wiltshire and one of the actors is murdered. He had been a resident of the town prior to his acting career. A young woman with possible romantic ties to the actor is also killed in a farm accident. Coincidence or murder? though I found the pace a little slow I do recommend for mystery lovers

Such an atmospheric, edge of your seat novel, set in Elizabethan England that is superbly written and my only complaint is that I didn't read book 1 first! This is a terrific story that has the reader transported to this era. Definitely anyone looking for a mystery but who likes the historical setting, this book is for you. I will also be looking for the previous book and future novels by this author.

#AFallOfShadows #NetGalley

I didn't read book number 1 and I know I am missing out on a great read! This was very similar in style to Charles Todd, whom I adore reading. Bess was a wonderfully strong and vivid character that took this reader into the pages of the mystery and had me sleuthing right alongside her. I love the 17th-century setting and how much research the author must have done in order to bring the setting to life as accurately as possible. Intriguing and mysterious, this book had me at the edge of my seat with suspense!

A wonderful Elizabethan Period setting, fluid dialogue, a compelling mystery, and intriguing characters make A FALL OF SHADOWS a superb read, suitable for any fan of historical mysteries or fiction.

In this second book in the series, healer and herbalist Bess Ellyott continues to find herself an outsider and under suspicion of her village. She lands in the middle of a murder investigation when traveling troupe member (and one-time local boy) Bartholomew Reade is found stabbed at what was once a Druid mound and a bleeding, obviously ill, dairy owner’s daughter Ellyn arrives at Bess’s door. As the body count rises and the superstitions of the villagers become dangerous, Bess does all she can to assist Constable Kit Harwoode.

Not having read the first book in the Bess Ellyott Mystery series, I had no trouble jumping right into the story and quickly felt like I had known these characters for a long while. It can definitely be read as a standalone novel, just know that there are some spoilers for the first book, SEARCHER OF THE DEAD, within its pages. I like Bess; she is levelheaded, intelligent, and genuinely cares for her patients and neighbors, even when they are mistrustful of her. My favorite part of the book is the interactions between Bess and Kit. They sparkle with attraction, trust, and respect. Kit makes an admirable match for Bess as he is detailed and thorough in his investigations, and his primary focus is finding the truth and justice. Bess’s maid, and her relationship with Bess, is also noteworthy. They are dedicated to each other.

The mystery of Bartholomew’s death is complex with enough red herrings to keep me guessing throughout. The clues fit together seamlessly to tell the tale of murder, jealously, love, and theft with finesse, and the pace of the book is steady. I really enjoyed A FALL OF SHADOWS and highly recommend it.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.

It was a light and fast read, immersive in Elizabethan England, in which characters who breathed the same air of Shakespeare were moving. Two things I liked most of all: The protagonist is a herbologist and the action takes place in theatrical environment. The fact that Bess is a doctor is a cause for concern for the reader and for those who live near her, as being a herbalist and being a witch is roughly the same thing in those days. The fact that the dead belongs to the theater's environment is just as dangerous, because the actors lie, and they are better Actors if they know lie more than others. Many characters revolve around the matter and not everything is what it seems. The narrative style is captivating and the historical reconstruction of the English village is very good. Recommended!

Bess Ellyott is in hiding after her husband is murdered. Now she and Joan, her maid have taken shelter in the home of Bess's older brother, Robert, a widower. Bess not only fears being found by her husband's killer, she also has to be cautious while practicing as an herbalist. It would be very easy for the word witchcraft to attach itself to her and it could mean her death at the hands of superstitious villagers. Her brother has to go to London to take care of business and admonishes her to stay out of trouble, seriously. When a woman is found collapsed and covered in blood, Bess comes to her aid. At the same time the body of a young traveling actor is found dead in an area that the villagers stay well clear of, it's a very forbidding place. Are the two events connected? When another murder occurs, Bess becomes deeply involved with the investigation, working with Constable Kit Harwoode to uncover the killer.
I read these books in reverse order and had no trouble enjoying each as a stand alone. While I do read a lot of cozies, I read historical mysteries as well - even though they tend to be a bit dark. The descriptions of Bess's world are vivid and the characters are very well developed. As for the mystery, I thought I had it figured out a couple of times but I was wrong. For me that is a good thing, the sign of a satisfying mystery. I will definitely read the next book in the series.

Murder and witchcraft!

Once again murder stalks the Elizabethan village of Wiltshire. This time it seems to be accompanied by a whiff of witchcraft and dark magic. The fearful villagers close ranks.
A man is found foully murdered near the Druids mound--a dark place to be avoided.
A woman covered in blood collapses at healer Bess Ellyott's door.
Life in the village is disrupted. Constable Kit Harwoode has his hands full with the murdered man, an old harmless vagrant being accused of murder, a dead servant girl, and the mysterious blood covered woman given refuge by Bess. Meanwhile the villagers are claiming it's all the work of those aligned with the black arts. Suspicious happenings keep piling up. These play into the villagers' fears finding its outlet through mob harassment and worse as those targeted as black magic practicers are besieged. All is a puzzle! At one time Kit exclaims to his cousin Gibb Hardwoode, "mark that [death] as the first of many irregularities in this tragedy."
Healer Bess sails close to the wind as suspicion turns to her. A "poppet " (an effigy designed to cast a spell or ill wish a person) is found near a farm that Bess had visited. This earns her a call from the puritanical churchwarden Master Enderby who charges her with having made the abomination. After all Bess is “a stranger in this town ... Someone not well known by those ... who have lived [their] lives [in the village] . A woman who dabbles with herbs.” In saving the collapsed woman, Bess comes under unwelcome and dangerous scrutiny. To be accused of witchcraft is a dreaded thing. As the elderly healer Mother Fletcher warned Bess, "Women like us … we are to be suspected. Strangers. Healers. At one moment we are salvation. At the next, we are accursed."
Throughout these troubles we learn more of Bess, of her concept of a healer's duty towards all comers despite the danger it brings her. I don't know if Bess is courageous, stubborn or foolish as she goes about her duties and her clandestine investigations.
As the bodies continue to pile up Kit and Bess seek for answers which are a long time coming.
Meanwhile Bess is still haunted by the possibility that Laurence, the villain who caused her beloved husband Martin's death will find her. I too dread what will happen then.
As Kit and Bess' regard for each other continues to develop we are treated to another intricately evolving murder mystery, combined with a fascinating foray into the darker sides of Elizabethan life.
An absorbing read!

A NetGalley ARC

16th Century England could be a real stew of things. Bess Ellyot, a widowed herbalist, moved to Wiltshire to live with her brother and try to right her life. Little did she expect that she would become involved in solving not one but two murders. Geez, she didn't expect to find murders at all! Working with the local constable Kit Harwoode, she discovers the undertones of the small town. There's witchcraft (or is there?), there's lots of gossip, and there's missing information. This has good characters (love Bess) and a mystery that's just twisty enough. The setting- both the time period and the environment- were a plus for me. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I missed the first book and this was fine as a standalone. I'm looking forward to more.

A very good book, entertaining and engaging.
I loved the plot, the well researched historical background and the fleshed out characters.
The mystery was solid and it kept me guessing till the end.
I'm happy I requested this book because I discovered an amazing series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

An excellent read; well researched; keeps you hanging until the end. Nancy Harriman is such a good writer. I look forward to reading more of her work. Keep them coming,

I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. A Fall of Shadows is the second title in the Bess Ellyott series; it can be read as a standalone but there is a backburner storyline that carries over from the previous book. Bess recently moved from London to a small town to live with her widowed brother and is working to find her place after the death of her husband. She has some herbal skills that she uses to help locals who can't afford a doctor. When a young woman shows up covered in blood, Bess immediately assists her. On the same night and approximately at the same time, a body is discovered. The local Constable,Kit Harwoode is called in and the body is identified as the son of a local family who had left several years ago and joined a group of traveling players. Who killed the young man and why? Between bad blood with a prominent local family, a missing play, shifting motives for the murder, Kit has his work cut out for him if he is going to bring the murderer to justice.

The mystery is well done and kept me guessing until the reveal; several times I thought I knew who and why, but then new information convinced me I was wrong. Ms. Herriman has written a mystery rich in historical detaills of the late Tudor time period and gives the reads a strong sense of what it was like to live during the time period including the difficulties single women faced including fear of witchcraft accusations and constant suspicion; one false step could result in arrest/death. I can't wait for the next title in the series.

Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the free review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I read the first book in the series and enjoyed meeting Bess Elliott and learning more her life and work in Elizabethan England. I was looking forward to this next in the series and hoping to find out more about her. However, I found that while the mystery was engaging, Bess herself didn’t really develop any further. And due to that I didn’t enjoy this one as the first. Having said that I will still reach for the third in the series when it come out.

Bess and Joan have been living in hiding for over a year, fearing the evil they ran from would catch up to them and that fear blossom a bit more when Bess received a threatening note from the said individual. To top it off a spate of killings in the village almost caused pandemonium, with a few villagers crying witchcraft as the villain and now all healers are at risk of being burn as witches. Is it witchcraft or just a smart way for the murderer to hide their murderous actions. Constable Harwoode had a hard time sifting through the clues as the villains try their best to hide behind the villagers superstitious fear of witchcraft. He was a determine and vigilant investigator who did not give up until he caught his man or woman, even though Bess almost made a colossal mistake, justice still prevailed and of course their budding attractions to each other. A captivating and intriguing read.

I enjoyed this book. The Widow Ellyot is living in her brother's house, hiding from her husband's killer and attending to sick people in the village. When a traveling actor is found dead, and a young woman shows up on her doorstep bleeding and with no memory, Bess Ellyot decides she needs answers.

A mixture of mystery, Elizabethan history, and supersticious townspeople make this an enjoyable mystery. I found myself getting nervous that our intrepid heroine was destined to be accused of witch craft, but in the end, with her possible future love interest, Constable Kit Hargoode, she continues to insert herself in the investigation. I would love to read more of Bess Ellyot's adventures with her maid Joan.

In 16th century England, women were treated as less than nothing. A Fall of Shadows is a good example. A man is killed. The same night a woman covered in blood passes out in the street. Guess who did it? The woman of course! Seriously? The heroine, Betsy,must use her detective skills to find the actual killer. It's an intriguing mystery, and it's a little darker than I expected. This did not detract from the story, though. The dark works well. It's a well written story. The characters are engaging. It's a good read if you like historical mystery. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

A mystery set In the Elizabethan era. Slightly darker than I was expecting, but certainly not in a bad way! A variety of characters who are well developed and excellent historical details and plotting made this book an interesting read for me. I didn't read the first book and this book makes me want to go back and read that to get more background on these characters and their experiences previously. Great of read if you like historical "detective" books.

A detective story from the late 16th century. Set in Wiltshire in a small town, one of a travelling troupe is murdered and some of his possessions found next to a sleeping vagrant. The villagers are already paranoid about witches following a spate of animal deaths and child sickness so the vagrant is swept up as guilty. The local Constable is more realistic and sets about questioning the locals, seeking evidence and so on. The heroine, Bess, is a young widow living with her brother who is largely absent. She is a herbalist and at least her female servant has concerns that she will be accused of witchcraft. The same day that the murder occurred a young woman collapsed on Bess' doorstep having recently lost a baby. Her links with the dead man, a local farmer family and their servants, the bullying gentry all add to both Bess' and the Constable's investigations into the murder. The vagrant is then murdered as is one of the farmer's servants. Plenty of red herrings, likeable characters (mostly) and excellent descriptions of the poverty, conditions and hard times of the mostly peasant locals involved make this a good read, Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review.