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A Simple Murder by Eleanor Kuhns

A Simple Murder

by Eleanor Kuhns

  • Critics' Consensus (1):
  • Published:
  • May 2012, 336 pages
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There are currently 39 member reviews
for A Simple Murder
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  • Mary S. (Bow, NH)
    A Shaker murder mystery
    As someone who has lived near a Shaker community for many years of my life, I was very interested to read A Simple Murder. I found the book to be historically accurate as well giving a good portrayal of Shaker life. Overall I thought the book was well written, moved at a good pace, and had enough twists so that I stayed interested and couldn't solve the mystery right away.

    The only part that I found tedious was the constant "washing up," and description of same, of the main character. While I appreciate good hygiene, I don't need to read about it 3 and 4 times in a chapter.
  • Prella M. (Lafayette, IN)
    Murder or Murders??
    Ms. Kuhns spins her tale gradually as she reels in the reader. She combines a murder in a Shaker community with life in 1796. As a lover of mysteries and history this book appealed to me. I confess it about 50 pages to truly interest me but for the last 75 I could not put it down. It would make a good beach read this summer.
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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!

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