Taken Too Soon

Edith Maxwell

Sep 2020 · Quaker Midwife Mysteries Book 6 · Beyond The Page

About this ebook

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

Ratings and reviews

The latest book in one of my very favourite series - and it's a terrific addition and a fantastic read! At long last, Rose Carroll and her beloved David Dodge are tying the knot and looking forward to their week's honeymoon. However, their reception is interrupted by a telegram from Cape Cod where the ward of Rose's aunt has unexpectedly died and, knowing Rose's reputation in investigating such things, she pleads for her help. Rapidly deciding to combine their honeymoon with this sorry turn of events, Rose and David set out to assist in which ever way they can. This is the delightful sixth book in The Quaker Midwife series, and it's thrilling to find Rose actually tying the knot at long last - they make such a great couple! This book sees Rose out of her usual setting where she knows everyone and everything that is going on, but it doesn't take her long to get be acquainted with the friends and neighbours of her two aunts - along with several others. It's rather exciting to find out lots of information about a new area - Edith Maxwell's research is second to none and her acknowledgements are always well worth a read! The mystery itself is quite intricate with plenty of suspects and following the Quaker way of life and worship is a means of keeping Rose calm and focused on her mission. There's something very soothing about the meeting house scenes and all put together this is another cracking mystery which kept me riveted from first to last. I hope this series continues for a long time to come - I look forward to them so much and they leave me with a real sense of peace. Wonderfully enjoyable and absolutely worth all five sparkling stars.

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.

About the author

Agatha Award-winning author Edith Maxwell writes the Amesbury-based Quaker Midwife historical mysteries, the Lauren Rousseau Mysteries, the Local Foods Mysteries, and short crime fiction. As Maddie Day she writes the Country Store Mysteries and the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries. 

 

A long-time Quaker and former doula, Maxwell lives north of Boston with her beau, two elderly cats, and an impressive array of garden statuary. She blogs at WickedAuthors.com and KillerCharacters.com. Read about all her personalities and her work at edithmaxwell.com.