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There are currently 29 member reviews
for A Murder at Rosamund's Gate
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Erin J. (Milwaukie, OR)
I found a new historical mystery author to follow
I received a free advance reading copy (ARC) of this book from Bookbrowse.com, and I'm excited to discover a new mystery author to follow, for this is the first in a new series by debut author Susanna Calkins. I really appreciated the Historical Note at the end of the book, detailing how the author worked to make the novel historically accurate aside from some minor tweaks to things like the duties of magistrates and constables, as well as updates to the spelling and phrasing.
There were enough twists and red herrings in the story to keep me from guessing the killer--always a plus. My one quibble is that Adam, the magistrate's grown son, is a bit uneven in characterization, especially related to his actions and treatment of Lucy. Yes, he is drawn toward her, and yes, he feels honor-bound to leave her alone, but his behavior is a pendulum that swings a little too far for plausibility, in my opinion. Still, I have high hopes that their relationship will be better developed over time in subsequent novels.
For readers' advisors: character and setting doorways, primarily, with story secondary. There was no sex and only very mild historical swearing, to the best of my recollection.
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Barbara P. (Hixson, TN)
Good read for debut author.
After a rather slow start, I really enjoyed A Murder at Rosamund's Gate. I love historical fiction but had not read anything during this time period. So l learned quite a bit of the history of England during this era. I enjoyed all the characters although I felt the author could have elaborated more on some of them. I felt the author did an excellent job for her first try and will look forward to reading more of her books.
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Mary Jane D. (Arlington Heights, IL)
Life in 17th Century England
I chose to read Murder at Rosamund's Gate because I like historical fiction. I don't normally read mysteries but the murder mystery made it all the more intriguing. The descriptions of daily life in 17th Century England, Newgate Prison, the court proceedings, horrendous punishments, and the plague were rich and historically accurate. The characters were well developed and believable. I kept trying to guess who the murderer was but didn't figure it out until almost the end. This book is a good read and I look forward to more adventures of Lucy Campion.
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Mary B. (St Paul, MN)
A Murder at Rosamund's Gate
I enjoyed this book The story takes place in mid 1600's London. I liked the historical information woven into the story. Events of the time were part of the plot line--the plague, religious prejudice, class and gender divisions. The main character Lucy, is written as a very strong independent minded woman which I liked.
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Kathleen W. (New Brighton,, MN)
A very respectable debut novel!
I have just finished reading A MURDER AT ROSAMUNDS GATE by Susanna Calkins and overall, I find it to be a VERY respected debut novel. Though representative of 1665-1666, there is much of 2013 about it. Religious hypocrisy, forensics crime solving, the dictates of one's rank in society and relegated gender divisions are all represented here in wondrous historical fashion. Since English history is my passion, I was fascinated by the information of both the Plague year and the Great Fire presented here in story form. Such information, presented often in dry textbookese, was successfully brought to life by Calkins' excellent narrative skills. For example, I now have a much better handle on that abyss known as Newgate Prison and the plight of the Quakers thanks to the author's marvelously atmospheric writing.Since mystery is my preferred choice of reading, I finished this book in record time and am faithfully (eagerly!) awaiting the next. The only issue I have with this book involves the romantic story line. I found it to be somewhat predictable and therefore, not as interesting. Overall, I loved this book and have listed the name "Susanna Calkins" on my preferred author list...and you will too!
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Becky H. (Chicago, IL)
Restoration England in love and murder
I enjoyed this murder mystery with a bit of a love story entwined. The story is engaging with hints dropped carefully without revealing the murderer until the end. I liked the parts about "newspapers" and "police" and thought they added depth and realism to the story. The main character – Lucy, a chambermaid soon elevated to Lady's maid – is interesting with a backstory and a future that may include sequels to this book. The supporting characters are well drawn and add to the story.
The ending may not satisfy all, but does support the notion of sequels. Possible subjects for book groups might include the role of women in society, the lack of education or the ability to read, religious leaders as role models, how catastrophic illness is treated, marriage as political/monetary entity, the power of the press and the power of money and position.
Restoration England (1665 AD) is carefully portrayed with only one glaring "Yuck" (on page 59), a word that was unlikely to be on the lips of a chambermaid in a wealthy home. The everyday life of servants and gentry is clearly shown.
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Barbara C. (Riverside, CA)
Fast moving mystery
Loved the historical accuracy and appreciated the pace of the book... That is often my favorite kind of book. Lucy was an engaging protagonist. And a good friend to have!
