Whispers at Painswick Court
By Julie Klassen
Historical Suspense, Romance, Inspirational
Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 368 Pages
December 2, 2025 by Bethany House Publishers
Summary
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?
Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen in this compelling Regency-era novel laced with intrigue, love, and English village charm for fans of historical romance and whodunit mysteries.
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My Review
WHISPERS AT PAINSWICK COURT has a slight Gothic feel to it as the heroine cares for an ailing gentlewoman in a great English house. The heroine is easy to like with some other interesting characters who may or may not be trustworthy. The suspense steadily unfolds with a climatic ending that fans of the genre will enjoy!
There were several little nods to Austen and Northanger Abbey in this story, which I found very fun. Then there was this small group of characters who gave a slight feel of Agatha Christie's style. The mix was interesting and definitely kept me turning the pages. The suspense was fairly steady and underlying for most of the book. The heroine wasn't exactly sure what was happening and if she was imagining sinister intent. Then towards the end, the suspense intensifies with plenty of danger and a few chills.
I liked the characters in this story. Anne is unsure of herself in so many ways, but is an intelligent, responsible woman with her own dreams and expectations. The cousins at the estate, two of which I liked, all have their different personalities and are well drawn. Lady Celia is a bit of a cranky old lady, but she grows on you. Each doctor has his own role to play as does Anne's old family friend and the maid who cares for Lady Celia. There are some complex relationships, some sweet and some not. There is also a budding romance that is weaved throughout the story. I liked that it wasn't the main focus and that Anne coming to her own truths in many ways was. The story felt genuine in Anne's character development and in the sweet ending.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an overall enjoyable suspense, more on the light side but with some intensity towards the end. There's a motley crew of characters, a likable heroine, and sweet romance with a touch of inspirational elements. Recommended to fans of the author and genre.
Content: Some violence but clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
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