After a humiliating mistake, lawyer Benjamin Booker resolves to never again trust a beautiful woman. When an old friend is killed, the senior partner isn’t satisfied with Bow Street’s efforts and asks Benjamin to investigate. Eager to leave London for a while, Benjamin agrees. Evidence takes him to a remote island on the Thames, a world unto itself, shrouded in mist and mystery. Soon he finds … himself falling for the main suspect–a woman who claims not to have left the island in ten years. But should he trust her?
On Belle Island, Isabelle feels safe and leads a productive life, but fear keeps her trapped there. When Mr. Booker arrives with news of her trustee’s murder in London, Isabelle is stunned. She has not left the island, yet she has a recurring dream about the man’s death. Or is it a memory? She had been furious with him, but she never intended . . . this.
When a second person dies and evidence shockingly points to her, Isabelle doesn’t know who to trust: the attractive lawyer or the admirer and friends who assemble on the island, each with grudges against the victim. Can she even trust her own mind? While they search for the truth, secrets come to light and danger comes calling.
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Set on a beautiful island, off the Thames River in London The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen is a delightful who-dun-it style suspense novel. Throughly enjoyable, marvelous characters and a storyline very well written. I truly enjoyed the descriptive parts about Belle Island and wish it was a real island I could visit.
While I would like to visit, knowing full well I would leave to return home, Isabelle Wilder trapped by her own fears. As beautiful as the island is, despite her love for the island, Isabelle longs to leave so she can attend her beloved niece’s upcoming wedding.
When she learns her trustee in the city has been murdered, she is quite puzzled and somewhat grieved. Delivered by one Mr. Booker, a lawyer of the same law firm, the news of the the trustees demise is followed by the news that the death was suspicious. Mr. Booker has been instructed to remain on the island for an extended visit to investigate, Isabelle. His investigation stirs up trouble and soon yet another suspicious death occurs.
Julie Klassen is a wonderful writer and I highly recommend The Bridge to Belle Island.
Julie Klassen is a masterful storyteller— deliciously serving up novels reminiscent of the great Brontë sisters, Victoria Holt, and Jane Austen. The Gothic ambience, descriptive imagery of Belle Island, and colorful characters all intermingle to create another fan favorite, ‘The Bridge to Belle Island’!
I found this novel to be a bit slower at first than Ms. Klassen’s previous novels and was more mystery than romance. The romance didn’t really “do” it for me, because even though I dearly loved the kind-hearted heroine and the handsome hero, I didn’t feel their chemistry much throughout the book—except for the fact they seemed to like one another a bit and there was an attraction.
Things began to liven up, however, as suspect after suspect came forward and I didn’t know who to trust! The author bravely and with dignity to the sufferers, incorporated the little-known subject of agoraphobia, anxiety attacks, and also vertigo. With many a twist and turn and memorable characters…be sure to put ‘The Bridge to Belle Island’ on your wish list!
I was given a complementary copy of this novel by Bethany House publishing in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review.
When it comes to Regency Era fiction, Klassen is at the top of my list. She never disappoints, and this latest book is no exception.
There is always a hint of mystery in Klassen’s books, but the intrigue took a more focal point in this one. I loved the suspense and how the characters developed throughout the story. Klassen expertly penned a tale that stirred my imagination every step of the way. Though I have greatly enjoyed all of Klassen’s books, this one ranks as one of my favorites. The setting, characters, and complexity of plot drew me in with a magnetic pull. I was caught off guard more than once and spellbound until the end.
This book definitely marks one of my favorites of the year. I highly encourage you to give it a chance!
I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars
“Stay at home! Stay safe!”
Her mother’s last words . . . . forever etched in her brain; compelling Isabelle Wilder to remain tethered to her beautiful home on Belle Island. And now, unfortunate suspicions are swirling about her trustee’s untimely death; murder they say . . . . . and somehow she is connected, albeit impossible, because she never travelled to London on that fateful night. However, she does remember having a troubling dream.
Attorney Benjamin Booker has been assigned to investigate the Wilder case; the murder of Percival Norris leads him directly to Belle Island, where a lovelier-than-expected young woman turns out to be his person of interest. The case poses so many unanswered questions and supplies so many people who refuse to answer them that Ben finds it hard to truly suspect anyone, unless he suspects everyone. The longer he remains a guest of the island, the harder it becomes to think that Isabelle Wilder is capable of inflicting harm on anyone, but regrettably Ben has been wrong about attractive women before.
Beautifully written, the author creates a scenario swirling with intrigue and curiosity, before placing all the pieces of the puzzle in exactly the right places; carefully allowing her readers to savor a slow burn romance, while carefully tucking in valuable faith lessons that will undoubtedly outlast the pages of her book.
“State what you suspect as fact with confidence, and nine times out of ten people will believe you in possession of the evidence and respond accordingly.”
After a humiliating mistake, lawyer Benjamin Booker resolves to never again trust a beautiful woman. When an old friend is killed, the senior partner isn’t satisfied with Bow Street’s efforts and asks Benjamin to investigate. Eager to leave London for a while, Benjamin agrees. Evidence takes him to a remote island on the Thames, a world unto itself, shrouded in mist and mystery. Soon he finds himself falling for the main suspect–a woman who claims not to have left the island in ten years. But should he trust her?
On Belle Island, Isabelle feels safe and leads a productive life, but fear keeps her trapped there. When Mr. Booker arrives with news of her trustee’s murder in London, Isabelle is stunned. She has not left the island, yet she has a recurring dream about the man’s death. Or is it a memory? She had been furious with him, but she never intended . . . this.
When a second person dies and evidence shockingly points to her, Isabelle doesn’t know who to trust: the attractive lawyer or the admirer and friends who assemble on the island, each with grudges against the victim. Can she even trust her own mind? While they search for the truth, secrets come to light and danger comes calling.
Lelt me start by saying this book had a good mystery. I had a little trouble getting into the romance of the book. There was a lot of back story that had to be told to actually get to the romance. At times it seemed like more that one romance was going on. I also had a little trouble keeping the characters straight. The book dealt with Benjamin’s lack of faith in himself after a sound defeat in his last trial. Isabelle can not physically leave Belle Island. She gets a panic attack every time she steps foot on the bridge to get off the island.
I would still recommend this book because it was a good mystery. There was several surprises that I didn’t see coming.
I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
What an interesting book…..A lone island with only a bridge linking it to the mainland. The owner, a woman who is ruled by fear that crossing the bridge will surely bring death to her. Even though the one dearest to her is to be married and she longs to be there for her, she cannot overcome her panic…..Then things get very complicated, her uncle is murdered and she is the number one suspect, even though she has not crossed the bridge in years. She could not possibly have done the murder…..Enter a young lawyer who comes to the island to see what he can learn about the heiress and for evidence that she really did commit murder….All in all a great read filled with suspense, intrigue and romance. Klassen has certainly written one that will hold your interest to find out who the culprit is. It will surprise you…….I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen is a Regency Mystery Romance. While the story centers around Belle Island, the story actually focuses on the hunt for a murderer and the idea of Isabella Wilder and her ability to not be able to leave the island. Isabella Wilder has a kind heart, just like most heroines in this period are written. She is afraid to leave the island since the death of her parents on the main land. The story starts with a dead body collapsing on a desk in an office. The rest of the story continues for the hunt for who killed the man. Since it isn’t a modern story, the foresenics isn’t up-to-date as readers are used to. It was more of paying attention to details and finding clues to hunt for the murderer. The way a mystery should read. Even though the story reads like a Regency novel complete with the setting and the characters, I really enjoyed the mystery element Klassen threw in. It sparked my mystery-loving mind. As for the spiritual elements, I can’t really recall anything that stood out to me. The transformation of Isabella was the most memorable thing about the characters. Overall, The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen fits right into the Regency Romance category with a hint of an overarching mystery. The mystery is subtle but just enough for fans of cozy, safe mysteries. Fans of Klassen’s previous works or Sarah E. Ladd pick enjoy this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Julie Klassen’s The Bridge to Belle Island is a suspense-filled Regency romance, but for me, it wasn’t the Klassen I’m used to. Not to say that the book isn’t good. But it did take me a bit to get into. I pushed myself to continue reading, though, and I think it was well worth it.
Klassen did a great job of slowly revealing clues and building suspense. I would be certain I knew who the murderer was, but then Klassen would throw a curveball that left me second-guessing. With twists and turns and plenty of suspects, The Bridge to Belle Island will keep you turning pages. For me, though, it took about a third of the novel before I was truly invested.
The romance itself is nicely done, but it’s more of a subplot. The main story is in Isabelle’s anxiety and Benjamin’s search for redemption. Both are good stories and worthy of exploration, but they didn’t create the romantic tension I expected. If anything, they seemed to slow the story down a bit. And at times I found the leads to be a bit dry at times, though Isabelle became a bit more sympathetic when I learned more of her backstory.
That being said, I do still recommend the book. Julie Klassen may not write action-packed reads, but she knows how to weave a mystery while exploring the human condition. I liked the way she explored how fear can control our lives, whether it’s fear of repeating past mistakes or fear of stepping out of your comfort zone. And just as she did with her Tales from Ivy Hills trilogy, Klassen has crafted a book perfect for a relaxing afternoon with a cup of tea.
A beautiful heiress is implicated in a shocking murder, while a lawyer who vowed never to trust a beautiful face is the only one who can help her clear her name.
Isabelle loves her home on Belle Island, but fears keep her from spreading her wings and going beyond it’s familiar comfort. She is shocked at the accusations, but she cannot with clarity say that she did not commit the crime.
Benjamin took a different path than was laid out for him, carving out a career in law. He seeks to live his faith, and has a compassionate heart. He can’t help but want to believe in Isabelle’s innocence, even when all the clues point to her.
A regency era gothic novel of murder, deceit, mystery, and betrayal. A compelling mystery, no one knows who to trust, even the suspects themselves are questioning if they could have done it. Benjamin is drawn to Isabelle despite his reservations he sees in her someone one who understands him like no one else, yet everything seems to lead to her. The mystery kept me guessing, along with the full cast of characters with secrets of their own. This is a wonderfully complex read, with good elements of mystery, faith, and characters that I loved cheering for the entire way through, with their vulnerabilities making them more real and relatable.
A riveting and highly enjoyable read from beginning to end, with a mystery that kept me guessing and wonderful world building. Highly recommend this fantastic read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The author kept me guessing, almost to the end, and thankfully a wonderful job is done to totally complete this read.
Greed and Pride, and maybe more, but these come in to play, and end with murder, but who wanted this lawyer dead? When the facts begin to fall, the list grows, and really surprises abound.
The setting sounds so ideal, a beautiful island on the Tames, made me want to live there!
If you like a book that is filled with action, most you won’t see coming, intrigue, and mystery, and natural disaster, this one won’t leave you wanting!
I received this book through Net Galley the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
One of the best Julie Klassen books I’ve ever read outside of Pembroke Hall. But this one is my favorite by hers.
It’s quite a bit different from what I’m used to reading by her but it’s all good.
The setting of this story is just right for what goes on in the book. The way Julie writes I pictured myself there perfectly.
I enjoyed reading about Isabelle. Her struggles with anxiety reminds of of someone else I know.
We lived by a creek. I’ve seen that creek when it’s flooded and the bridge we crossed wasn’t solid like Isabelles was. This was a swinging wooden bridge that we had to cross everyday no matter what. It was really scary so I prayed every time we had to cross it. I got dizzy when I looked down at that swirling water!
I had some sneaky suspicions throughout the book on who it was and I was right!! Sometimes people seem one way and then they disappoint you. I’ve been there many times.
Like Isabelle I’ve finally learned to put my trust in God. Oh yes, I’m still struggling with that for it’s not easy because we think we can handle things on our own. Not so!!
There’s a verse that I love and it’s written as a choral hymn. Our choir sang it once and it’s stuck with me.
God is our Refuge and Strength in times of trouble. Though the mountains will fall we will not fear something like that.
Benjamin is my favorite! I love that he’s flawed and along the way he too finally learns to listen and trust. Listening especially isn’t easy. Too many times we have to learn the hard way just like Benjamin did. I’m just glad he didn’t learn it too late.
Life is fragile. We never know from one day to the next where it will take us. It’s why we should tell our loved ones that we love and appreciate them while they’re here.
I know because all of my immediate family has passed away and like Isabelle I’m the only one left. When I lost my dad it was like I was out in limbo for a while. Some days I still feel like that until I remember my Heavenly father who truly loves me for who I am.
I didn’t find anything wrong with this book at all. To me, it was written perfectly.
Even the cover is gorgeous. I love it. It’s a wonderful hint as to what or whom the book might be about.
I highly recommend this book!
NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own.
It’s been way too long since I’ve read a Julie Klassen book. The Bridge to Belle Island reminded me of what a master she is in this genre. The romance, the setting, the characters, the intrigue, the historical detail, the dialogue. So good!
The mystery was superb. Everyone was a suspect and had plenty of motive to do the deed. I was constantly left guessing and trying to figure out what was going on and who the most likely suspect was. I was shocked when the reveal finally came.
The pacing was a little inconsistent at times and dragged in a few places, especially the end, but other than that, I really enjoyed reading it. It’s sure to delight fans of regency mysteries.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Very interesting and intriguing book.
It captivated my attention from the very first line till the end.
A lot of tragedies had happened in the life of Isabella to earn her isolating herself in her lovely island. But her time out comes to an end when her life is once again treated at it’s foundations. Despite her fears I enjoyed reading about her sweet spirit and her love for people. As a homebody myself I could relate with her.
Ben had been bitten before by a pretty woman and he had set his heart on not to be deceived by a pretty face again but the face of Isabella caught him smack down.
Together they were a force to be reckoned with. The story shoved and threw them in different paths but they always found a way to make it work.
Things became very complicated and complex but I loved how the author showed how God can untangle the complexities of life and walk through it with us if we ask for help and trust him. I enjoyed most how things began to turn when the characters started to pray and read God’s word.
The suspense and build up of the story will keep you glued.I received a copy of the book from Netgalley for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed here are mine.
This book is a bit different than the other books I’ve read by Julie Klassen. This is a murder mystery. It is also a historical fiction with a bit of romance thrown in. I did enjoy the book. The characters were very well developed and the story flowed well. I do admit I was suspicious of whom the actual murder was about 3/4 of the way through. But, that did not detract from the story in any way.
The ebook I received was an ARC and it did have a few errors both grammatical and spelling. A couple of times this caused me to have to re-read the sentence and figure it out but hopefully that will all have been addressed at final editing.
I would recommend this book and give it a 4 out of 5-star rating. This review is my own opinion and freely given. I was given an ARC copy of this book through Netgalley.
A quaint, rather remote island in the Thames River sets the stage for Julie Klassen’s latest Regency tale! Suspense, intrigue, and romance add to the essence of this captivating story. After getting rather publicly humiliated during a trial, Benjamin Booker gladly accepts the challenge of going to the country and investigating Ms. Isabelle Wilder, purported to be a possible suspect in the death of her guardian, Mr. Norris, the senior partner at Mr. Booker’s law firm.
Benjamin finds himself drawn into life on the island, making his investigation a bit more challenging than he planned. As the story unfolds and more details come to light, the suspect list develops as do the motives. The main characters each have their own distinct issues to deal with adding to the complexity of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot twists that added depth to the intrigue. There were definitely a couple of things I didn’t see coming!
A great read that will draw you in at the beginning and keep your interest all the way through. An intriguing little mystery that will surprise you, followed by a delightful ending filled with family, faith, and romance.
This ARC copy was received from Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley.com. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
#TheBridgetoBelleIsland #NetGalley
‘Did she believe God was loving? She wanted to trust, but fear and worry all too often won out.’
I have been a Julie Klassen fan since her very first book, which I have read several times. Her Regencies are perfect and the mystery she throws in completes them. I was drawn in immediately here and continually kept trying to find the culprit. Her characters are great and the plot was also the same and the build up to the ending was superb! Recommended.
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a preview copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.