By: Anna Dean
Genres: Mystery
Posted: December 28, 2013
A PLACE OF CONFINEMENT by Anna Dean delivers an engaging mystery with Austen-like prose in this delightful historical mystery. From the very first words, Dean draws them into the world and mind of a spinster in 1807. This is the first Dido Kent mystery I've read, but Dean's prose style feels so familiar and comforting to me that I slipped effortlessly into this world and into the fantastic mind of her main character. I love how Dean manages to blend the historical concerns of the day with a lead female character who shows remarkably modern sensibilities. Dido doesn't feel like she's a modern character transplanted into a historical setting. She's truly a product of her time while she doesn't quite fit the mold of that time.
In the best traditions of the female amateur detective, Miss Dido Kent's curiosity and intelligence allow her to see the world as others don't. She understands the importance of personal relationships and the at times illogical actions triggered by strong emotion.
A PLACE OF CONFINEMENT is a fantastic addition to the historical mystery genre. Dean's confident and lyrical prose coupled with the richly detailed setting make her an author I will continue to follow.
Book Summary
The inquisitive Miss Dido Kent returns in A Place of Confinement to elucidate the mysterious disappearance of a young woman in the fourth installment of Anna Dean’s charming Regency era series
The dependably sharp Miss Dido Kent is suffering her sister- in-law’s attempts to marry her off to the ghastly clergyman Doctor Prowdlee. Dido, however, is determined to refuse him, as well as his abominable side whiskers. As punishment she is sent to accompany her hypochondriac—and quite wealthy— Aunt Manners on a trip to Charcombe Manor. The family hopes that revisiting her childhood home will keep Aunt Manners in good spirits, and Dido in her good graces.
However, upon their arrival it’s clear to Dido that there is much more at stake than her aunt’s favor. The rich heiress Letitia Verney has disappeared while visiting Charcombe, and Mr. Tom Lomax is suspected of abducting her. Dido is inclined to believe in his innocence, but how is she to explain by what method a young lady could enter through the front door and not appear on the other side? And this isn’t the only enigma that the Elizabethan manor holds: there is a deserted wing in which lights mysteriously appear at night, a crying ghost which keeps visitors awake, and memories of old family quarrels.
When the senior Mr. Lomax comes to town to defend his son, the mystery intensifies—and so does Dido’s romantic life. With lives and reputations on the line, it’s up to Dido to put the pieces together to save the Lomaxes and find the vanished young Miss Verney. In this captivating fourth installment of the Dido Kent series, readers will find more of the rich characters, meticulous historical detail, and masterful suspense they’ve come to expect from Anna Dean.
by: Anna Dean
Dido Kent Mysteries Minotaur Books
August 1, 2013
On Sale: August 6, 2013
Featuring: Dido Kent
416 pages
ISBN: 1250029678
EAN: 9781250029676
Kindle: B009LRWW8G
Hardcover / e-Book