A Woman of Consequence (Dido Kent Mysteries Book 3) Kindle Edition

First Sentence: My dear Eliza, I promised yesterday that just as soon as I had leisure for writing should send you a full and satisfactory account of Penelope Lambe's accident at Madderstone Abbey; and so I shall begin upon it.Unconscious after Penelope Lambe falls down stone steps in the ruin of Madderstone Abbey, it is thought she saw the ghost of the Grey Nun. Miss Dido Kent is skeptical and believes the cause was more corporal than spiritual. When a skeleton, identified as Elinor Fenn, governess, is found within a lake being drained on the property, the verdict is self-murder. A friend does not believe Miss Fenn would have committed suicide and, in order to save her being buried in unconsecrated ground, asks Did to investigate.Beginning with a wonderful opening, I am reminded how much I enjoy the voice of Anna Dean and, therefore, her character Dido Kent. With shades of Jane Austen and her own delightful, wry humor, we are transported back to Georgian England..."I believe that every family which has any claim at all to grandeur should have a ghost. I consider it a kind of necessary which should be attended to as soon as the fortune is made and the country estate purchased." Ms. Dean writes her books in both third person narrative and first person through letters from Dido to her sister. While some may find this annoying, for me it is an interesting and amusing way of conveying relevant information without slowing down the story. It allows us to see both all the events and be privy to Dido thoughts at the same time.At 36 years old, Dido is considered a spinster yet is anything but shy and retiring. She has a logical mind and approach to solving problems by investigating the clues. The secondary story of her relationship with Mr. Lomax provides an interesting look at relationships and social mores of the time. Mr. Lomax discomfort at Dido discussing "unsuitable" subjects, including the vulnerability of women, and the proprietary of the interactions between them are both delightful and most honest representations I have read.Ms. Dean has written a mystery of twists and turns, of relationships and unexpected revelations. I was intrigued by some of the history, particularly the doctor trying to determine the cause of asthma. With more substance than a cozy, this was a very good traditional mystery. I anxiously await her fourth book.A WOMAN OF CONSEQUENCE (Hist Mys-Miss Dido Kent-England-1806/Georgian) - VGDean, Anna - 3rd in seriesAllison & Busby, ©2010, UK Hardcover - ISBN: 9780749008192

This is the third book I've read by Anna Dean. I've enjoyed all of them thoroughly. One would think that Anna Dean lived with Jane Austen and decided she would be the mystery writer while Jane was the writer of romance. Both with fine minds and sound writer's instincts. Anna Dean's mysteries are perfect. They slowly unfold as facts come to life and the lovely heroine uses her obviously highly intelligent and curious mind to unravel the truth. Ms. Dean knows her historical period very well and it comes to life on every page. As do the characters. Every one of them distinct and clearly drawn. I am particularly intrigued by the developing romance between Dido and Mr. Lomax. It is realistic for the period and yet Dido won't give up her independence of spirit, mind and soul for a safe marriage. Mr. Lomax struggles with her independence and yet is intrigued by it. It is a story not only for the period but for now. If I had a daughter, I'd want her to read these books as Dido is a woman I think would be an excellent role model. She is real and you love her for it. You want her to be your friend and you want her to find you interesting. I hope Anna Dean is writing right now and will not stop as I am hungering for the next book and the next.

An excellent copy of this book, The author does an excellent job taking youback to the time, making you feel like you were there. It is quite interestingin how she explained what the role of women was during that time.

Great read!

Jane Austin meets Agatha Christie. Need I say more? Anyone in love with both of these classic and fun writers will love the combo of English play on manners and an old fashion who-done-it. Get your self a cup of tea , curl up and enjoy!

Unlike many writers of romances about bygone England, this author knows her stuff. She uses historical language, the pace is mellow in synch with the horse and foot travel of the era, and conversations are intelligent and witty. I really enjoyed the old fashioned charm of an age when interpersonal boundaries were greatly respected. Her heroine is likeable and spunky, and well worth following. Oh and yes, it is a romance disguised as a mystery. How very nice...