Amazing First Novel
A Simple Murder is the first published book by Eleanor Kuhns and I had the good fortune of receiving a First Impressions copy. The book is terrific – an amazing first effort and even better, promises a series. I became so enthralled with the characters, the locale and the mystery, I read the book over a period of two days! The story is set in 1796 when widower William Rees, a weaver by trade, returns to his farm from a round of travels, only to discover his 14-year old son, left in his sister’s keeping, has left home to join the Shakers. Rees travels to the Shaker community to bring his son home and is requested to solve the murder of a Shaker sister. This was the book’s one soft spot – the implausibility of why both the town sheriff and the Shaker elder would approve of an outsider to solve the crime, and Rees’ son’s recommendation that his father be considered for the task. The younger Rees is full of recrimination for his father’s abandonment at the hands of his aunt who packs him off so she and her nasty husband can assume wrongful ownership of Rees’ farm. In addition to Rees’ work to solve the murder, there are many dynamics at work in the book and many characters that can be a bit tricky to track. The Shaker village setting is most compelling and the selfless devotion to community an interesting counterpoint to the greed that serves as the backdrop of the book. I enjoyed learning a bit more about the Shakers and found the language and descriptions to be quite authentic. The resolution was terrifically satisfying and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I am a fan!
Rated of 5
by Anna S. (Auburn, AL)
A Not-So-Simple Murder
I enjoyed the story and learned a great deal about the Shakers, and I really wanted to be able to rate the book higher. There were two things that I found off-putting. First, I found the dialog and general sensibility more typical of the 21st Century than the 19th, and second, there were too many loose ends left hanging.
Rated of 5
by Mary B. (St Paul, MN)
A Simple Murder
The story is very interesting with the events taking place in 1796. A variety of characters add to the sense of mystery. I would like to see several of the central characters continue their adventures!
Rated of 5
by Valerie C. (Chico, CA)
A good historical fiction/mystery
The setting is the Northeastern US in the late 1700's, the plot involves a series of murders all somehow connected to a Shaker community, and a traveling weaver becomes involved in it all. An easy, pleasurable read with enough complexity and character development to hold interest. I have already passed my copy on to a friend to read - definitely recommended for those with an interest in historical fiction and/or mysteries.
Rated of 5
by Lisa E. (Cincinnati, OH)
A Good First Effort
This murder mystery takes place in a Shaker settlement during the late 18th century. The setting makes the story interesting and out-of-the-ordinary, and the solution is both surprising and believable. The writing is slightly awkward, but this is a first novel, and the author will undoubtedly improve as she brings her engaging detective, weaver Will Rees, back for more mystery-solving.
Rated of 5
by Brenda S. (Grand Rapids, MN)
A Fun Read
Eleanor Kuhns did enough research to make this historical thriller believable and fun to read. The subplots worked well together and kept the story flowing...it was easy to read several chapters without pause. The only criticism was giving some of the secondary characters more than one name. However, the mystery was so intense, I had to cheat and read the ending...well worth knowing as a person completes the book. I loved it!
Rated of 5
by Pam L. (Indialantic, FL)
A Simple Murder
Just a good old fashioned murder mystery. It kept my interest throughout. Loved that it took place in 1796 among the Shakers. I want ot know what will be Will Reese's next mystery to solve and where that will take place. Bravo, Eleanor Kuhns.
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of 5
by Paula K. (Cave Creek, AZ)
