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There are currently 39 member reviews
for A Simple Murder
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Leslie D. (Le Roy, NY)
Simple language needed
An interesting premise and unusual setting are marred by cliched language and repetitive phrasing. Better editing could have made this a stronger entry in new mysteries, especially considering that the subject--the simple Shaker life--would work much better with straightforward telling. Readers who like Amish mysteries would be drawn to this for its similarities, so this is an author to watch.
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Judith M. (San Diego, CA)
Simplistic Summer Read
Although the writing and story were somewhat simplistic, I still enjoyed reading this first novel. The characters are now introduced (the ending was a little trite) and are poised to begin what will likely be a series. I'm not sure of the historical integrity, perhaps the author should dig a little deeper into the historical aspect to give it more a feel of authenticity. Overall, it was a quick read and entertaining. I would definitely encourage the author to try a sequel.
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Cheryl K. (East Aurora, NY)
"Shaky" Mystery
I have so much admiration for a first-time novelist, particularly a mystery writer. Unfortunately, I found the story very difficult to follow. The characters could have been more fully-developed, and seemed to use the same phrases repeatedly. The ending was abrupt and almost contrived. I would not recommend this book to book club friends.
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Donna N. (casa grande, AZ)
An interesting start to a new series
I found this to be a light enjoyable mystery with an interesting setting. The story kept my attention and the characters were ones that I found appealing; however, I did think the characters were more modern than historically accurate. In the beginning I felt that some of the writing was not smooth and the dialog somewhat simple. It would not be on my recommended list, but I would like to see a sequel and would read the next book. I think the author's writing will definitely improve.
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Loretta F. (Fountain Inn, SC)
An Unremarkable Mystery
My favorite genre is mysteries and my second favorite is historical fiction, and I found this book disappointing on both levels. I think that the author could have improved the mystery by developing the characters more fully, especially those in the Shaker community. Also, more details about Shaker beliefs, their history, and their place in the community would have added greatly to the setting. I read historical fiction to learn about a certain period in history, and to be transported back in time. Somehow, while reading this book, I did not feel that I was back in the late 1700's.
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Mary Ann B. (Louisville, KY)
A simple Murder
A Simple Murder is a satisfactory story. It has a mystery that needs to be solved, and is, but the story is lacking. I just didn't care about the characters. The story moved at a slow pace, but it was easily predictable on who committed the crimes.
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Barbara E. (rockville, MD)
A Simple Murder
I found this book disappointing and rather superficial. I found the book slow going in the beginning and I didn't really get much of a feeling for the characters, the time or the place. The mystery itself is somewhat interesting, but the setting of a Shaker community in 18th-century New England adds nothing to it. I wanted to know more about the Shakers as a religious community and especially why there was such animosity towards them. When all the suspects are gathered together at the end, a la Agatha Christie, the revelation of the murderer seems to come from nowhere. How Will Rees determines the connection between the victims and the murderer is unexplained. The relationship between Will and Lydia and Will's son, David, was more interesting than the actual mystery itself.
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