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There are currently 39 member reviews
for A Simple Murder
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Marion H. (Los Angeles, CA)
Simply Great
No DNA, no finger prints, no video cameras - utterly no technology is used in the solution of a murder mystery which takes place in 1796 America. Boring? Definitely not! In her first novel Eleanor Kuhns demonstrates nuanced character development and complex plot lines that engage the reader to the very last page of this novel. Kuhns' itinerant weaver-detective, William Rees' skills closely align to Sherlock Holmes', where extraordinary common sense and thoughtful insight solve the crime. And because Kuhns' good writing skills enable you to take this journey with Rees, you will need to find more than a few hours to complete the whole book.
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Robert F. (Charleston, IL)
An impressive first novel
I like mysteries, especially procedurals, and I like historical novels, and this book satisfied me on both counts. The setting (1796 in a Shaker settlement in Maine) puts some interesting constraints on the procedure for solving the crime, but it also sets up the intriguing twists and subplots that fill out the main narrative. The central character, Will Rees, is the perfect "detective" for this situation; he's likable and credibly motivated. His relationship with his son, who has run away to join the Shakers, adds a warm human counterpoint to the attempts to solve the mystery--and it's not just tacked one; it's an integral part of the story. The other characterizations (especially those of Lydia Jane Farrell and Sheriff Coulton) are equally engaging, and persuasively woven into the plot. The storyline becomes complicated--a bit too much, I think--but the unraveling of the crimes is clear and satisfying: I didn't feel cheated or fooled. I suspect that Will and Lydia Jane appear again in a sequel or two. I hope so.
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Barbara S. (Glen Ellyn, Illinois)
A Simple Murder
The mystery, A Simple Murder by Eleanor Kuhns was utterly captivating from the first paragraph to the last. The Shaker settlement in Maine was the setting for a deep mystery, involving Shakers, a detective and family members. It was very enlightening to see the life style of the Shakers in this book. I could not put it down. I highly recommend this story and look forward to other books published by Eleanor Kuhns.
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Anna R. (Oak Ridge, TN)
Outstanding!
Last week when I went to a doctor's appointment I took "A Simple Murder" with me. When I was called back to see the doctor I was so upset because I wanted to sit and read this book! It has a great plot, believeable characters, and an unusual setting. 1796 in a Shaker community is not where you would expect a murder mystery to be placed.Having visited a Shaker village in Kentucky helped in "seeing" the community in the story. Also, I was interested in the weaving because a good friend of mine is a weaver. This is a great book. I loved it and hope there will be more stores about Will Rees solving mysteries.
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Marsha S. (Nags Head, NC)
A Simple Murder
This one has it all - a whodunit in a historical setting, family drama, interesting characters, unusual setting, an almost-love story. Devoured in 2 evenings, and I can't wait for more. This book should appeal to a wide range of readers, men and women alike, and be of interest for book club discussion because of the human aspect in the father-son relationship. Hope the promise of a series comes true, I can see Rees as a character to follow.
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Loren B. (Appleton, WI)
interesting historial mystery
Hard to believe this was a first novel - well written and researched (historical facts were part of the story and not a separate "lecture" as so many authors make the mistake of doing). The characters were three dimensional and the plot kept me guessing as to "who-done-it"
I would recommend this novel to anyone who likes both mysteries and historical fiction.
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Marie D. (Waretown, NJ)
Good, but left me wanting to know more
I was intrigued with the opportunity to learn more about the Shakers and more about life in 1796 America. While "A Simple Murder" did provide me a some insight into both, I found the pace a bit too slow moving. All the ingredients are there for a good read, but the character of Will Rees was off-putting. Lydia, on the other hand, was fascinating, a strong woman torn between two worlds and showing the capability of creating a life for herself in either. There are other characters in the book who are better delineated and more interesting than Mr. Rees.
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