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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The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen is a fascinating historical novel. I believe this is Julie Klassen’s best novel yet. The story contains rich, developed characters. The authors vivid descriptions made the characters come alive for me. I enjoyed the depictions of their clothing along with the scenery and homes. I thought Julie Klassen captured the time period. It was fascinating to learn more about the Thames. Living on Belle Island when there are heavy storms is like living in Florida when a hurricane approaches. The water level rises subjecting the inhabitants to flee to the mainland and hope that their homes will still be there when they return. The mystery was fascinating and fun to solve. Someone with access to Percival Norris’s home must have done the evil deed and we get to follow the clues to discover which individual committed the crime. The romance plays out slowly which I liked. Ben is understandably hesitant to trust any woman and Isabel has her own reasons for distrusting men. Julie Klassen’s writing is compelling and drew me right into the story. The pacing is languid which suits the time period and story. The Bridge to Belle Island has romance and mystery in Regency England which is a fabulous combination.
Spending time with these characters was delightful and the murder mystery kept me guessing.
Loved it! I can always count on JK books to give me a mental vacation. Awesome narration on audio.
This book was brilliantly written and imagined, as are all Julie Klassen’s books, but I didn’t like it as much as others she’s written because of the way it was far more focused on the murder mystery/whodunnit than the romance. So, if you like murder mysteries, definitely read it! It is amazing in that aspect with really well-developed characters, believable motives, and a plot which will keep you guessing till the last page. But if murder, intrigue and whodunnits make you queasy, maybe go for something else.
Benjamin Booker has been duped by a beautiful woman and loses a court case as a result. Now he needs to redeem himself at his law firm and sets off to investigate the family of a murder victim in hopes of solving the case. This story has many twists and turns and keeps the reader guessing as to who is responsible and has many exciting adventures along the way.
Victorian setting. A manor house on an island. A mysterious death! What more could you want from a book. I listened to the audio version of this book. I always looked forward to listening. From the first chapter, I was reeled in. I enjoy Julie Klassen books. Her stories always keep me guessing. Anyone who enjoys a good Victorian story/mystery will want to read/listen to this book.
While I like book series, I also really appreciate stand-alone novels where I don’t have to try to keep all the details in my head until the next book is released. Julie Klassen’s latest release, The Bridge to Belle Island, returns to the stand-alone format she has used prior to her Tales from Ivy Hill series. And like all of Julie’s books, her newest book has mystery, romance and a lovely English setting.
I loved the heroine in this book. She is kind and lovely but not perfect. Isabelle Wilder is strong and expresses herself in a way you don’t always see of women in the 1800s. Still single at age 30, she is able to communicate and stand up for herself in a way that is respectful but no nonsense.
Benjamin Booker is a lawyer who comes to Belle Island to figure out if Isabelle is guilty of a murder. Ben is observant, intelligent, and a good man who wants to see justice served. After recently being burned by a beautiful woman, he is especially cautious with Isabelle while he tries to put the pieces of the murder together.
Trying to figure out who was guilty out of the many possibilities kept me guessing. If I was going to criticize one part of the book it is that the romance was a little flat. The last couple of chapters felt like they dragged with the H/h not really moving forward in their relationship. Otherwise, if you like Regency who done-its, this is a good read.
First she pulled me into a haunting, gothic romance and most recently inviting me into a delightful village to save an old coaching inn. For this occasion, she introduces an island estate on the Thames and a mystery tying it to a dark deed done in London driving me to high expectation. Julie Klassen is a deft hand at taking the reader back to the Regency Era with her engaging characters and the gentle flow of story that passes quickly leaving the reader is left well-satisfied, but still wanting more at the end.
Young lawyer, Benjamin Booker, has just experienced a humiliating loss in court when the client he thought innocent had charmed him into risking all to defend her and it turned out she had utterly lied. He feels that he has disappointed his mentor at the firm and took a hard hit to his confidence in reading people and situations. However, he soon has the opportunity to prove himself to his mentor, Mr. Hardy, when Mr. Hardy wants justice for the death of his former colleague at the firm who lately held the position of trustee for the Wilder family and was murdered in their London Town House.
Isabelle Wilder has seen a great deal of tragic death in her family and it has left her with a neurosis that won’t allow her to leave her island family home for years now. She is sorry to miss her niece’s engagement party in London because of her own weakness and has a terrible dream that their skin flint trustee was murdered. Then, a skeptical lawyer from the family firm shows up both to sort their legal matters, but to investigate the death with her as chief suspect. It was a dream, right? She has nothing to hide, she hopes, so welcomes Mr. Booker to Belle Island and invites him into her life there where he starts to mellow until disturbing facts start to come to light leading right to her door.
In my mind, there can be nothing better than a murder mystery paired with the author’s Regency world. The murder mystery drove much of the plot and was a solid, twisting one that had me pointing the finger a few different directions.
But, it is not the only element. The main characters who shared the narration are given sympathetic and flawed backstories that affect the present. Isabelle is confronted by not trusting her safety if she leaves the island as a result of not coming to peace with past loss and Benjamin by his issues of inadequacy because he was never good enough with his father and because he didn’t take up the family medical practice. This is where the inspirational element is strongest as they work through their issues and rely on their beliefs and promises in Scripture to aid them.
The attention to historical background and the island setting was well done as usual. I enjoyed learning about life on the island estate that was on the Thames. The growing of the willow reeds for the basket weaving that was their prime income besides the sheep herd was fascinating, but never tedious. There is also focus on how criminal investigation was handled in those pre-CSI days and on trusteeships and their effect on single gentlewomen.
As to the romance, ah yes, both Isabelle and Benjamin had me hoping. The attraction was there, but also some barriers to make it interesting. Benjamin has stiff competition from Isabelle’s childhood friend, the village doctor, and her former love interest in the past (there is a strong whiff of Jane Austen’s Persuasion with this story thread). At first, they are warily circling one another because Ben doesn’t trust women not to trick him and Isabelle is still a prime suspect. Isabelle feels her issues will keep her single all her life even as she wistfully admires Benjamin who is London born and bred. I enjoyed the halting progress and sweetness of what built between them through harrowing moments and then the time of reflection at the end.
All in all, The Bridge to Belle Island was another winner from an auto-buy author. If you love sweet Regency Romance, but want the spice of a cunning murder mystery, this book is for you.
I have read many of Julie Klassen’s books and I was very excited to start this one. I was surprised to realize it is a murder mystery. This is not my usual genre, but like to read them all the same. I enjoyed this “Who dun’ it”. The characters were all unique and interesting. The plot was good and sound. The attraction between Isabelle and Benjamin was sweet and slow. Overall a good book, but I hope her next one will be back to a regency romance!
The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen is a stand-alone historical novel. Fooled and humiliated by his beautiful client, lawyer Benjamin Booker vows never to trust a beautiful woman again. When the senior law partner asks him to travel to Belle Island to investigate the death of a friend, Ben agrees. The main suspect is beautiful Isabelle Wilder, who hasn’t left the island in ten years. I thought the story started a little slowly. The two lawyers seemed to just wander around to me. About five chapters in the story picked up and I could hardly put the book down. The way that Isabelle protected Rose was so sweet. The love between them was almost a mother/daughter feeling instead of an aunt/niece. The danger level was there in the story but it was subtle, not overbearing. I really enjoyed this book. The island sounds like a beautiful place to take a vacation.
I received this book from the author for my honest review.
Setting: Berkshire, England
Time Period: 1819
I don’t typically read murder mysteries, but when I do, I want them to be just like this one… In “The Bridge To Belle Island,” Julie Klassen took motive, a “Downton Abbey” feel and a little island on the Thames River to give readers a believable, yet magical tale about fear, love and greed. The rich descriptions and deep characters in this book alone make me want to drop everything else on my TBR and read every Julie Klassen book available!
The main character, Isabelle, suffers from extreme anxiety from her parent’s death and can’t leave her home, Belle Island. As soon as her feet touch the bridge, she finds it difficult to breathe and runs back to the safety of her home. But even though she hasn’t left her Berkshire home for 10 years, she’s still a suspect when her legal guardian turns up murdered…in London. Everyone knows that Isabelle doesn’t have the fortitude or heart to be so vile, but when Benjamin Booker arrives on her door to ask questions – will Isabelle, her servants and friends be able to convince him of her innocence before the authorities arrest her?
This book was soooooo goooooood! I couldn’t put it down! Though clearing one’s name is a common theme in novels, this story felt so original and exciting. As far as I’m concerned, the author did everything right in the process of the story – there were clues, but not enough to give away the true criminal. Multiple characters had motive, but you could never figure it out because just when another piece to the puzzle was revealed, something else would pop-up that gave you a gut feeling that that person just wouldn’t have it in them to do something like murder. Then you’re back to square one. Now, I just confessed in the first paragraph that murder mysteries aren’t something I read a lot of, so, I may not be the best judge here…but I loved how the villain was revealed! And most importantly, that it wasn’t obvious. So many other characters had me convinced it was them, but, when the culprit was finally revealed, I was heartbroken, angry and shocked all at the same time! A great, great ending!
Conclusion: This book really reminded me of Christian Downton Abbey setting on an English island. I loved it! The author wove a masterpiece of romance, confusion and mystery together for a story I won’t soon forget. I’m so glad my friend insisted I borrow her paperback version to read – I’m definitely a fan! If you enjoy murder mysteries, Regency England or anything reminiscent of Downton Abbey, I think you’ll be a fan too!
The Bridge To Belle Island by Julie Klassen is a fabulous Christian historical crime novel that I just could not put down.
The action is set in the early nineteenth century in London and on the fictional Belle Island near Maidenhead. The air in the capitol is polluted in both physical and spiritual terms and is in sharp contrast with the fresher air and sunny personalities on Belle Island. Lives live here in community in contrast with the isolation of London.
After crimes are committed, a young lawyer seeks the truth. The truth will always set us free. Lies will imprison us. Sometimes it is the lies we tell ourselves in our minds that build up psychological walls meant to keep us safe but actually trap us.
Events in the past loom large in the present as lives pinpoint backwards to a moment in time. Old insecurities must be faced and dealt with.
There is the theme of forgiveness. If we do not forgive, we risk becoming bitter and carrying a burden that was never meant for us.
The theme of trust looms large. Suspicion lurks around every corner as we wonder who committed the crimes.
A character really wants to trust God. “She did not trust Him (God) with the lives of those she loved… She wanted to trust, but fear and worry… won out.” We need to take a step of faith and trust God, putting our fears and worries aside. When fear and worry darken our lives, we must face them with prayer. “Reminding me not to worry but to pray.” Prayer changes everything.
Julie Klassen has created a marvellous plotline that kept me glued and guessing. I always love her novels and her eclectic mix of characters.
The Bridge To Belle Island is a quintessentially English novel. As I live in England I appreciated the quality of the landscape as well as the artistry of the writing. It was simply marvellous.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Another fabulous read by Julie Klassen; love the historical aspects of the story building. It keeps you intrigued and wanting for a sequel!
I enjoy all the books I have read by Julie Klassen. They are good clean books with wonderful characters involving romance and mystery and I find them entertaining. Belle Island seemed a wonderful place that to spend time learning and enjoying. There was a murder to solve also. Good reading everyone.
I am normally a HUGE Julie Klassen fan, but this one was disappointing. 🙁
I plugged through the first half, wondering what on earth was going on. I found Isabelle and Ben both to be a little unrelatable and stiff. The characters I was most drawn to were Carlota and Evan.
Through the book we’re led on a chase to see who killed Isabelle’s Uncle Percival and as more and more information comes to light, the theories and stories become more and more fantastical and completely unbelievable.
I did enjoy the last 1/3 of the book when action finally happened, but overall I found the story to be too formal and stiff – which I hate to say as I love Ms. Klassen’s other works.
1819 – London
Benjamin Booker, age 31, and an attorney. is humiliated at having lost a case when he was taken in by a beautiful woman. He had believed her story and now finds she had lied to him. Afterward, he and the head of his firm learn of the murder of an old firm member who has been acting as the trustee of the Wilder family and living at their home in London. The man was not liked by the family nor the servants. He was tight fisted with the family money and a drunkard. Benjamin is then asked by the head of the firm to visit the Wilder family’s home in Berkshire called Belle Island.
Upon arrival, Benjamin meets Isabelle Wilder, age 30, who along with her niece Rose, age 19, are the two heirs to the Wilder money. Rose is preparing to be married soon. Isabelle is a lovely woman who has not left the island in many years. Having lost many family members who had left the island, some feel it is cursed and she feels safer staying there.
As Benjamin gets to know Isabelle, he realizes she is a very strong woman and admires everything that she does to keep the local people employed and cared for. The members of her family and other people in the area are well described as they each fit into her world. But there is murder and mystery afoot which tends to point right at Isabelle. Benjamin knows this lovely woman could not be guilty of such, but then again, he has been fooled before by a beautiful woman. Will it happen again?
A really good book written by a favorite author of mine and I believe it is her best one to date. I highly recommend it to all readers. Nice and clean too. Don’t miss it.
Copy provided by Goodreads and the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I have read and enjoyed several of Julie Klassen’s novels, but The Bridge to Belle Island is by far my favorite. This well-written page turner engaged my interest from the beginning and had me “burning the midnight oil” to solve the whodunit! The characters are well-developed and believable. The underlying developing relationship between Benjamin, the “handsome, gentlemanlike” lawyer and Isabelle, the “homebody spinster”, is engaging as the plot twists and turns. The vivid descriptions of the countryside appeal to all the senses and transport the reader to the beautiful, fictional Belle Island in 1819 England. I highly recommend this book
It was slow, characters were predictable and flat.
I’ve been a fan of Ms. Klassen for years, but she has outdone herself with this one. I found it outstanding and wishing Belle Island was real so I could move there. I could identify with Isabelle and her anxiety and loss of family. To see her real life struggles made her strong in my eyes. The murder mystery flowed from one scene to the next like the Thames that flowed by Belle Island sometimes smooth and sometimes roaring. Toss in Benjamin Booker and many lovable lesser characters and you feel like you are home in a community of family. I love the research that goes into Historical Fiction as you have a better knowledge of the times and in this case how the legal system worked. I find it fascinating. I find this one “A Job Well Done” in every aspect. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I’ve just read my first book by Julie Klassen.
And, now I must collect everything she’s ever published!!
I LOVED this book! Just simply loved it!
The Bridge to Belle Island is a well-crafted and perfectly-paced! It’s a story filled with wonderful, vivid characters and imagery. There are so many intriguing layers, twists and turns!
I can’t say much more, because…well…spoilers. But! One thing’s for sure – you won’t want to miss this page-turning mystery at its finest!
The Bridge to Belle Island is available NOW – visit http://www.christianbook.com to purchase yourself a copy of this fantastic book!
I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley, however, a finished print copy I borrowed from the library was read for this review. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
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Review to come!!!
Do NOT miss this book!!