Friday, May 11, 2012

Review - Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch


Title: Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch
Authors: Nancy Atherton
Publisher: Viking Adult (April 26, 2012)
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Source: Library
Series: Aunt Dimity #17

There is something so inviting about Finch and its people that brings me back time and again to wishing that there were more villages where people cared about one another - even if their main source of entertainment is gossiping.

“I’ve lived in Finch far too long to have scruples about minding other people’s business”.

Finch has a new neighbor, Amelia Thistle has purchased Pussywillows, a small home on the green and on moving day, the inhabitants of Finch are gathered in the Tearoom to watch the unveiling of the contents of the moving van. So far, Amelia meets with their approval, but Charles and Grant, the local art aficionados react differently when they see Mrs. Thistle and Lori Sheppard is quick on their heels to find out what is going on.

Amelia has two reasons for appearing on the doorstep of Finch, first she needs a break from her public life, but second and more importantly, she has promised her recently deceased brother that she will finish his research into Gamaliel Gowland’s memoir and Mistress Meg. With the help of her new friends, Amelia is able to unwind the mystery by following the trail left by Gamaliel and in so doing, not only finds out about Finch’s history, but also finds out that local folklore does not tell the whole truth.

“If a secret is worth hiding, it is worth hiding well”

I loved that we found out a little more about Willis, Sr.’s past before Lori showed up in their lives. You see a man very much in love with his wife and the touching story behind a painting of crocuses that she had presented to him on her deathbed. The storyline is very touching and added more depth to a character that was only until now on the fringes of the series.

This was one of my favorite books of the series. Nancy Atherton is slowly stepping away from Aunt Dimity being a central focus; this may not sit well with all readers, but I for one, love the growth of all the other characters. Dimity’s character was one of mentor and as the characters grow, Dimity can sit back and watch her flowers bloom.

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