I think this is the sixth Aunt Dimity book I've read/attempted. It's definitely on the higher end of the scale when it comes to rating the Aunt Dimitys...but still pretty low on my list of favorites, in general. I've always found this author to be pretty inconsistent quality-wise. In some places, she's brilliant; in others, there are obvious inconsistencies. No one is perfect, I know, but this is such a regular thing for this author that one would think her editor would be more on the ball. One thing I always think of when I read these stories---I wonder if the author regrets writing in children for Lori, because they are always being shoved off on a babysitter.

Still, if one is needing a quick escape (like I was after 800 pages of Tudor history) one could do worse than the Aunt Dimity cozies. They're pretty fun---if a LOT far-fetched. ( )

I think it's interesting that in the most recent books there haven't been actual murders, but rather mysteries. Kind of like the Da Vinci code, but not at pulse pounding.. if you get my drift. ;] ( )

I love this series and have from the first book. These are cozy mysteries, but without any murder. Always a delight to read. :) ( )

There are two plots in this entry. The mystery about the too-good-to-be-true Donovans and the strange goings-on at Fairworth House is nice and saves the book. I hate that stupid old plot where some twit has pretended to be someone of higher status to a person never expected to be seen again -- who is coming to visit.

I wanted to scream at Sally for the way she pushed for greater favors after Lori's father-in-law is gallant enough to help her with her masquerade. The value of the small item Sally tries to get Willis, Sr. let her give the visiting Henrique as a memento made my jaw drop. I hope Sally's did, too. Is the dream man Sally met during her vacation in Mexico for real?

If I'd checked this book out instead of buying it, I'd have returned it to the library after the first couple of chapters. I'm not really sorry I read it, but I wish Ms. Atherton had avoided the "fib fest".

The recipe is for seed cake. The seeds are caraway. ( )

Now, this is the sixteenth book in this series. I do think that the first 5 were Atherton’s strongest, but I do continue to read all of the new books because they just make me feel so good. Another cozy mystery, this book takes a further look into the life of Lori Shepherd, but I love her new look at older characters. We have known Lori’s father-in-law, William Sr., for quite a while, but this book takes a refreshing perspective on his new life in England. The characters are really the reason for reading these books. All cozy mysteries traditionally have a happy ending, so the ending of this book is no surprise. But, I love to see what the crazy inhabitants of Finch will be up to next.

Unfortunately, Emma, Kit, and the rest of the usuals take a backseat in this book, but they will undoubtedly be in Atherton’s future books. If you have never read this series before, I would start with the first book Aunt Dimity’s Death. You will fall in love with these characters from the beginning, and the conflict in Atherton’s earlier books is fresher and more believable. ( )