Shadows of Swanford Abbey

By: Julie Klassen

Narrated by: Elizabeth Jasicki

Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen in this atmospheric Regency tale brimming with mystery, intrigue, and romance.

When Miss Rebecca Lane returns to her home village after a few years away, her brother begs for a favor: Go to nearby Swanford Abbey and deliver his manuscript to an author staying there who could help him get published. Feeling responsible for her brother's desperate state, she reluctantly agrees.

The medieval monastery turned grand hotel is rumored to be haunted. Once there, Rebecca begins noticing strange things, including a figure in a hooded black gown gliding silently through the abbey's cloisters. For all its renovations and veneer of luxury, the ancient foundations seem to echo with whispers of the past - including her own. For there she encounters Sir Frederick - magistrate, widower, and former neighbor — who long ago broke her heart.

When the famous author is found murdered in the abbey, Sir Frederick begins questioning staff and guests and quickly discovers that several people held grudges against the man, including Miss Lane and her brother. Haunted by a painful betrayal in his past, Sir Frederick searches for answers but is torn between his growing feelings for Rebecca and his pursuit of the truth. For Miss Lane is clearly hiding something....

©2021 Julie Klassen (P)2021 Recorded Books

Believable Settings and Characters

Julie Klassen has created a suspenseful novel that had me intrigued from the beginning. The characters are well-rounded and the setting descriptions are vivid. Elizabeth Janice's narration enhanced my enjoyment of the novel.

Better ending than beginning

I found the beginning of this book to drag. I had to bring the speed up to 1.6 in order for it to keep my interest but it got better as it went along the ending was pretty good.

Great Book by one of my favorite Authors!

Great book, great narration. Haven’t yet found a book by Julia that I don’t like. Please write many books!

Good story, but a little bit slow

I enjoyed this story, but it did drag a bit at times. The reader was excellent, but I think I would have preferred to read this book over listening to it since I could have jumped past the slow parts more easily. Despite of the slower parts, I thought this book was interesting and I would recommend it.

Enjoyable Story

The narrator-artist was excellent making the book much more enjoyable. The mystery was just enough to create intrigue as a backdrop to the romance. Each of the characters were interesting and woven into the tapestry of the story.

Shadows of Swanford Abbey

This story was suspenseful and fun. As always the narrator’s voice, Elizabeth Jasicki can make each character in the story have their own voice. Loved the ending too!

Slow story but ending got more exciting

This was a little slow going of a story in the beginning, but as the story progressive got more exciting I enjoyed it in the end and I’m glad I listen to it 

Enjoyed the story but dragged on some

I love this author and have listened to almost all of them. This one was good but not as enjoyable as others. It dragged on in several areas. But was still fun trying to figure out who did the murder. I had it down to 2 people but could not figure out how. Lots of missing pieces but it all wrapped up nicely in the end.

"...it was definitely worth the wait."

Oh my! This was a twisty mystery with a bit of romance, drama and murder mixed in.
I loved the sightings of the Abbess and Rebecca's somewhat reluctant eagerness to follow her.
A bit wounded from his past, Sir Frederick was still a good hero. Strong, always there to help, and fair.
I enjoyed all the characters in this story, especially Rose.

Not her best

I usually like Ms. Klassen's stories, but I really struggled to stay interested in this one. I restarted it three times.