Leonora Nattrass has written a wonderful standalone novel with such an original plot line. The Bell family are complex, loveable and intriguing. The book contains a cast of characters which would make for a great TV/film adaptation. Susan Bell is a truly unique protagonist who is used cleverly to explore a range of themes and relationships within the novel. The opening of Edward I's tomb is a brilliant starting point for what ends up being a thrilling murder mystery. So far, this is one of my favourite historical fiction books of the year! I hope to see more of Susan Bell!

Susan Bell is the daughter of the Dean of Westminster Abbey. At 23 years old she sees herself as a spinster aunt and lives her live accordingly.

However all that changes one morning with the arrival of Antiquaries who wish to see the tomb of King Edward, known as Longshanks. This begin a series of events which change Susan’s life forever…..

Well written in the first person this is a lively story which I thank NetGalley, the publisher and author for having the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy.

I really enjoyed this entertaining historical crime fiction mystery. It has kings, ghosts, murder, a bit of humour and lots of gumption and that equals a marvellous read!

I particularly loved Cuthbert the parrot who exclaims at the most opportune moments Good God preserve us!
Susan is a great character, she has a good sense of humour and the aforementioned gumption! Her father the Dean, is a very sweet character, he feels a bit like Mr Harding in Trollope’s The Warden who is one of my favourite ever characters in fiction so Nattrass is onto a winner with me! And also a little nod that Susan Bell is in fact a character in one of Trollope’s stories too.

Westminster Abbey itself acts as a main character too; all the details, the nooks and crannies and history of the place are woven with care through the narrative. I had to keep stopping to google!

There are multiple threads to this mystery that Susan narrates for us in the form of her journal and although I thought I had figured it out, I was pleased to be found wrong and the solution to the puzzle was satisfyingly multifaceted and clever to boot!

A really entertaining read!

Well drawn characters and a page turning tale as well. I couldn't ask for anything better than a really engaging book. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the novel.