The Shadow of Death

The Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mysteries, Book 1

De: Jane Willan

Narrado por: Helen Lloyd

A charming and clever traditional mystery debut set at a bucolic Welsh convent, The Shadow of Death introduces Sister Agatha, a mystery loving nun who finds herself in the midst of a real-life murder case.

The sisters of Gwenafwy Abbey have cherished their contemplative life - days spent in prayer, reflection, tending the convent's vegetable gardens and making their award-winning organic cheese, Heavenly Gouda. Life seems perfect, except for Sister Agatha, a die-hard mystery fan who despairs of ever finding any real life inspiration for her own novel. That is, until the abbey's sexton is found dead under an avalanche of gouda. Despite the reservations of the local constable, Sister Agatha is convinced it's murder and the game is afoot.

Armed only with the notes she's scribbled during her favorite podcast, How to Write a Mystery Novel, as well as lessons learned from crime heroes ranging from Hercule Poirot to Stephanie Plum, Sister Agatha leads the nuns of Gwenafwy Abbey (and her unwitting sidekick, Father Selwyn) as they begin a race against time to resolve the death of Jacob, save the abbey, exonerate a beloved postulant, and restore the good name of their cheese.

©2019 Jane Willan (P)2019 Blackstone Publishing

I love these characters!

I was a little disappointed in how the mystery wrapped itself up but you know what? It's Sister Agatha's first case! I'm sure the mysteries will get better. I love the characterization - these people are very real. I also love the references to other Murder Mystery icons- brilliant! I ordered a box of Welsh Brew before I even finished the book. Looking forward to #2!

Loved the setting and the characters interaction!

Really enjoyed the plot and how we got to know the characters. The narrator was outstanding!

A Mystery a minute!

Reminiscent of Chesterton’s father brown, sister Agatha seems to find herself entangled in a plethora of mysteries, puzzles, riddles, and enigmas, dovetailing neatly into the denouement, And convenient saving! Surprises abound! A bit long, but highly entertaining!

*The poets have been mysteriously silent on the subject of cheese.
-GK Chesterton

Characters are wonderful, love the narration.

loved listening to this book, I've actually listened to the series twice. Characters are a hoot and the story is cozy and fun.

Great

Totally enjoyed this audiobook and the reader. Will be listening to the next book soon

A relief to find a good cozy

Liked this a lot. Some dynamics to the plot without getting grungy. Good people with some sass and spark.

Lovely and charming cosy mystery!!!

I wasn't sure what to expect from the group of characters in this story. I was pleasantly surprised though, how wonderful the storyline, setting and main characters became as the book progressed. I absolutely adore this book and shall be reading the next in the series!!

Enjoyed in spite of a few lulls in pace and setting errors

I loved the narrator and characters, also the references to other mystery writers, like Louise Penny, who is one of my favorites. There were a few parts that were a bit of a slog to get through and even as an American, I recognized some cultural errors in vernacular and behavior. Overall, though, I enjoyed the listen and will check out the next book on the series.

Bit too cute

Clever plot but the characters are not very attractive and got on my nerves. The ending was largely predictable.

Very Good Characters

I really enjoyed listening to this story because Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn make a great pair of volunteer detectives and are good characters. I liked how Sister Agatha refers to a character in one of Janet Evanovich's books (one of my favorite author's). I look forward to listening to the next audiobook in the future.