A new book in the Agatha Award-winning series by Edith Maxwell!Quaker midwife Rose Carroll must turn her investigative skills on her own family when a young woman’s murder stuns a New England community . . .Following a long betrothal, midwife Rose Carroll and her beloved David are finally celebrating their marriage with friends and relatives, when a most disturbing telegram interrupts the … festivities: the young ward of Rose’s aunt has suffered a mysterious death, and Rose’s help is needed urgently on Cape Cod. Reluctantly agreeing to mix her honeymoon plans with murder, Rose embarks on an investigation that will expose family secrets and a community’s bigotry.As Rose does her best to comfort her aunt in her loss and also learn as much as possible about the poor young victim’s death, she discovers that each new clue points to a confounding list of suspects: a close friend of the victim who may have harbored secret resentments, an estranged brother of David’s with an unsavory reputation, and the son of a Native American midwife who supposedly led the young woman astray. And as Rose grows closer to identifying the perpetrator, the solution will rattle her assumptions about her own family and faith . . .Praise for the Quaker Midwife Mysteries: “Through Quaker Rose Carroll’s resourceful sleuthing—and her midwifery—we are immediately immersed in the fascinating peculiarities, tensions and secrets of small-town life in late-19th-century Amesbury.” —Susanna Calkins, author of the award-winning Lucy Campion Mysteries and the Speakeasy Mysteries“Edith Maxwell’s latest Quaker midwife mystery teems with authentic period detail that fascinates as it transports the reader back to a not-so-simple time. A complex, subtle, and finely told tale, Judge Thee Not ’s sensitive portraits and vivid descriptions, along with Rose Carroll’s humanity, intelligence, and—yes—snooping, make this a sparkling addition to a wonderful series. A sublimely delightful read.” —James W. Ziskin, author of the award-winning Ellie Stone Mysteries“The historical setting is redolent and delicious, the townspeople engaging, and the plot a proper puzzle, but it’s Rose Carroll—midwife, Quaker, sleuth—who captivates in this irresistible series . . .” —Catriona McPherson, Agatha-, Anthony- and Macavity-winning author of the Dandy Gilver series “Not only is it a well-plotted, intelligent mystery, it also shines light on how women were treated—and, in many cases, mistreated—by people they trusted for help in desperate situations. Highly recommended.” —Suspense Magazine“Clever and stimulating novel . . . masterfully weaves a complex mystery.” —Open Book Society“Riveting historical mystery . . . [a] fascinating look at nineteenth-century American faith, culture, and small-town life.” —William Martin, New York Times bestselling author of Cape Cod and The Lincoln Letter “Elegant and well-crafted, rich in period detail, Edith Maxwell’s latest foray is a stunner!” —Susanna Calkins, author of the award-winning Lucy Campion Mysteries and the Speakeasy Mysteries, on Judge Thee Not
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I was pleasantly surprised with Taken too Soon by Edith Maxwell. I read a lot of cozy mysteries, but not many Quaker or Amish ones. I had read an Amish cozy a few months back and some of the reasons it was off putting to me was how sickly sweet everyone was, the protagonist was passive-aggressive to her boyfriend, and the murder was super easy to solve.
While the murder was easy for me to solve in Taken too Soon, no one was overly sweet, the protagonist realized there are evil people in the world, and Rose treats her husband with respect and love.
I was actually really pleased at how competent and intelligent Rose came across. In other cozy mysteries the sleuth will not even speculate about people and their motives, only discovering a clue when it practically trips her. Rose was theorizing about children out of wedlock and nasty men who molest and rape (although that word is never mentioned) young girls. I was so taken aback by this that I even mentioned it to my husband.
And it was really strange that while reading Taken Too Soon I felt myself slow down and get more peaceful. I don’t know if it was the Thees and other types of speech that I’m not accustomed to reading or the beautiful descriptions and great character development, but I didn’t feel myself reading quickly through this book, and yet it was a fast paced story.
I am so happy I read Taken Too Soon and look forward to more books in the Quaker Midwife Mystery series. If you haven’t read any in the series yet, you may want to start with book one, Delivering the Truth, although Maxwell writes so well that you won’t be lost if you start with a book later in the series.
I admit I have not made a point to read many historical cozy mysteries like I do historical fiction. I accidentally found this series not long ago and have fallen in love with Rose. Her tenacity is admirable.
I keep saying I need to back and read the ones I have missed and have yet to do that. I’m very interested to see how Rose started out.
Taken Too Soon has quite a bit of romance but one would expect that with Rose getting married. I am excited to see how the marriage progresses.
Reader beware it is written with a lot of “thee” and “thou” but once you get used to it you don’t notice the antiquated way of speaking. I appreciate the author in keeping with the time period. It makes the story real.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
TAKEN TOO SOON by Edith Maxwell
A simple, elegant, pleasant celebration of marriage doesn’t seem to be too much to ask, but Rose and David’s “best-laid plans” are derailed first by his mother’s insistence on a formal reception, with the happy couple kept separate at a “table of honor” while they long to mingle and enjoy their guests, and then by the dramatic and tense appearance of David’s long-estranged brother. That should have been enough disruption for any couple, but no, there’s also a telegram from Rose’s aunt, requesting her immediate assistance to help investigate the death of the aunt’s young ward Frannie . . . and there go all the plans for a luxurious honeymoon, but her aunts need her, justice must be served, and love will find a way.
The twists and turns of this “murky and tangled” case would try anyone’s patience, but Rose gives her best efforts and enlists allies, including detective Edwin, watchful friends and neighbors, and midwife Zerviah, a skilled midwife who, with her family, faces prejudice, that “peculiar form of ignorance” directed against the Wampanoag people. There is danger and confusion as “The plot thickens” (line from THE REHEARSAL by George Villiers).
I love a book that teaches while captivating with a compelling plot and characters. I won’t give “spoilers” but here are some details to appreciate:
The moments of silent contemplation provide insights and direction. (In a bit of synchronicity, SMITHSONIAN just featured an article on the benefits to mental and physical health derived from silence).
The inspiring story of John Woolman, who, living his values, refused to write a will bequeathing slaves and thereby convinced the client to free them instead.
A lovely detail, watching the sun set over water, due to peninsula and islands, reminded me of the Delta Queen cruise on the winding Ohio River, when a new friend was watching for sunrise at the front of the boat, and I hurried to tell her to go to the stern. 😉
A sweet and humorous detail, Rose feeling uneasy about her “revealing” bathing suit. <3
The ironic and hurtful detail of Rose being excluded from her Meeting for marrying out of the faith, a problem to be solved in a future book, I hope.
This is book 6 in a series, though it could be read alone.
Taken Too Soon earns 5/5 Picnics at the Beach…Compelling & Entertaining Drama!
Edith Maxwell’s sixth book is another compelling drama in her Quaker Midwife Mystery series, but this time a change in the setting and several fascinating new characters. During the Rose’s and David’s wedding reception, a telegram arrives from Rose’s septuagenarian Aunt Drusilla pleading that Rose come immediately…there’s been a murder! The newlyweds had planned to spend their honeymoon on Cape Cod since her two aunts were unable to attend the nuptials. However, Aunt Tilly’s sixteen-year-old ward Frannie Isley has been found dead. Rose’s new mother-in-law Clarinda is, of course, critical of their early departure, David will miss catching up with his long lost brother Currie, and both are disappointed about foregoing their anticipated wedding night for a train ride, but David fervently supports his wife. Off they go…
Edith Maxwell’s drama is well rooted in the nineteenth century with its fashion, transportation, and absence of modern conveniences, but one can still easily identify with teenage angst, family disfunction, racial discrimination, “Me Too” issues, and the seedy side of the West Falmouth community. The characters are realistic and engaging from Rose’s spinster aunts to a new detective seeking Rose’s involvement and from another group of “Friends” ranging from devout to pretentious to non-Friends including members of the Wampanoag tribe. Maxwell’s writing style in a delightful first-person narrative is entertaining, well-researched, and filled with “thee-s” and thou-s” for authenticity. Her descriptive language colors well the setting and character appearances, and the dialogue illustrates the emotions and distinctive personalities. Along with the absorbing drama and a satisfying karmic ending, readers are given insights into more of Rose’s and David’s family exposing secrets, and although Rose is away from her female clients, midwifery does find itself into the story. Organized in delightfully short chapters, it is easily read and a stand-alone easy for newbies to start here. However, I highly recommend this book, this series…all of it!
TAKEN TOO SOON by Edith Maxwell
The Sixth Quaker Midwife Mystery
Despite many delays and conflicts midwife Rose Carroll and Doctor David Dodge have finally wed. A quiet Quaker service at her parents’ meetinghouse is followed by a large reception David’s mother Clarinda’s insistence. The festivities are interrupted, however, by the surprise arrival of David’s estranged brother and a telegram. Rose’s two elderly aunts request that she come to them immediately. Tilly’s young ward has been murdered and they want Rose’s help.
I was worried the day would never arrive and I am so happy that Rose’s wedding went off without a hitch. Now the reception was another story, but that’s OK since Rose didn’t want the lavish affair Clarinda demanded anyway. While her honeymoon wasn’t exactly what she and David envisioned, they were together. I love their relationship and how they compliment each other, but each is able to go off and do their own thing. Rose continues to be a capable, independent woman who knows her own mind, even after marriage.
I really enjoyed the mystery, and was led astray by various red herrings. I especially appreciate the modern themes that run through this historical mystery proving that though times may change, people and their motives rarely do.
TAKEN TOO SOON is a thoughtful mystery that highlights the many ways in which people love, both positively and negatively. The Quaker Midwife series never fails to entertain, enlighten, and engage me and its sixth entry is no exception. I look forward to seeing how Rose and David adjust to married life and how they’ll happen upon another murder to investigate in their next adventure.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
Taken Too Soon by Edith Maxwell, is another in the Quaker Midwife series and opens with Rose and David’s long-awaited wedding. Everything goes smoothly until a telegram is delivered requesting Rose to come immediately. Her aunt Tilly’s ward, Frannie has been murdered and her aunt Drucilla is requesting her help. Of course, she and David set off right away. They arrive to find an oddly muted situation with Tilly not even at home and Drucilla on her way out so that Rose and David can have privacy for their wedding night. It turns into a complicated investigation with many players and some issues one might assume only occur in modern times, i.e. pedophilia. Rose finds a policeman open to her assistance, and another midwife, although this one is Wampanoag Indian.
Rose is such a good character, with her Quaker ways and her open and honest way of dealing with the world. Impediments are thrown in her way and she works through them in a simple, straightforward way that gains her victory every time. She is stalwart and courageous and never lets anything get her down. The story is complicated with different family relationships complicating matters. People will be people and no one knows that better than Maxwell, and Rose. This is an interesting and entertaining book, giving the reader insight into the times as well as our own. The plot is good. The setting is amazing. The characters are real and moving. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Taken Too Soon by Net galley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #takentoosoon
To me, Taken Too Soon is head and shoulders above the previous books in this series. While I have enjoyed the previous novels about Midwife Rose Carroll, I truly enjoyed this one the most. The characters are defined with excellence, and historical references and inclusions such as Helen Keller are seamlessly noted as part of this 1889 setting. The vocabulary of the day is used, and even the weather is indicative of the general mood of the mystery. The mystery itself was not easy to solve, and I struggled between two “pet” suspects.
Rose Carroll and David Doge have had a longer engagement than most couples for various reasons, but their day has finally arrived. It was delightful to read about the joys of their special day as conducted at the Lawrence Friends Meeting House where her parents live. They will soon be leaving for their wedding night before they go to visit Rose’s elderly aunts, Tilly and Dru, who were unable to travel. One of their surprises is that David’s estranged brother Currie arrived at the reception. He now lives nearby where they will be staying for their honeymoon.
Their second surprise was not a delight at all. A telegram arrived from Aunt Dru. Aunt Tilly’s ward, Frannie, was found dead, murdered, that day, and Rose’s presence was needed as soon as possible. Their wedding night plans immediately changed to getting on the next train out. Such a terrible tragedy, a 16-year old girl with much to look forward to, Taken Too Soon from this life!
Rose helps the local police detective much the same way as she does for Kevin Donovan in Amesbury. Or at least she tries. Rose asks questions, learns some things she would rather not know, secrets in both her family and David’s family. It is hard to pick out just one person as a suspect! Whoever planned this murder did so in such a way to put Aunt Tilly as a suspect. Others blame the young man who she had been dating.
The plot was very well executed, with just the right amount of twists and surprises. I was surprised at some of the seemingly little, but well-researched, details such as how quickly Special Delivery mail went through, the express trains, and the wildlife in the area around Falmouth. The resolution delivered surprises, including one very positive one. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy well-written historical mysteries, fans of the series and author, and the Quaker lifestyle.
From a thankful heart: I received an eARC of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
As this book opens our beloved Rose is finally married to David and we are enjoying the reception. Yes, David’s mother is here and we meet more of his family, a brother.
Of course, being with Rose you know a body will appear, and sadly this time it is family. So we journey with this new, finally married, couple down to the coast. Falmouth Massachusetts, and are honeymooning and now helping solve the murder of her sixteen year old cousin.
We meet new Friends, member’s of her Aunt’s church, and all the while we are wondering whom is responsible. A sweet sharing midwife and her family, whom are Indians, a wayward brother and burlesque, an older Quaker, a former girlfriend and liar, the list grows and there are more, but a young woman lies dead, and we are with Rose to find the culprit!
I have enjoyed this series of books, and this one is no exception.
I received this book through Net Galley and Beyond the Page Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review
Taken Too Soon is the sixth book in the Quaker Midwife Mystery series.
Rose and David have just gotten married and are attending their reception at the Central House Hotel. They were expecting to spend their first night married life at the hotel and leaving for Cape Cod the next day. Shortly after the reception begins, the newlyweds have a couple of surprises to deal with. First, David’s brother, Currie, estranged from his family, shows up, then minutes later, Rose’s father receives a telegram from Rose’s Aunt Dru, demanding that the newlyweds immediately come to West Falmouth. The telegram goes on to say that Aunt Tilly’s teenage ward, Frannie, has been killed. The newlyweds were planning to stop in and visit with Rose’s aunts, tomorrow, and then head to Cape Cod. They catch the last train today and will proceed on their honeymoon after seeing what help they may be the aunts.
Upon arrival, Rose and David head for the aunt’s home to learn what had happened to the ward, Jenny. The only thing that Rose learns from Aunt Dru is that Jenny was found in the water and probably drowned. Rose and David begin by interviewing friends and neighbors of Jenny and the aunts. They will soon learn that one of Jenny’s close friends have had a falling out.
Most of the people Rose talks with automatically look to Rueben, a Native American, that has befriended Jenny. Even Rose’s brother-in-law becomes a person of interest. There will also be some family secrets revealed that will surprise Rose.
I love this series, and this is a wonderfully written and informative book. As always, the characters are well-developed and completely believable.
It may not have been the honeymoon that Rose and David had planned, but at least they are happy that they were able to give closure to Aunt Tilly and Aunt Dru.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.