Book Club: Book Review of The Burning of Rosemont Abbey

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review or be compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

Who wouldn't love a good murder mystery where the suspense is palatable, but it is not a story filled with gore? Naomi Stephens has succeeded in writing an excellent work of Christian fiction set in 1956. In The Burning of Rosemont Abbey, readers join Louisa Everly on her journey to exonerate her twin brother, Paul Everly. 

About the Book 

In 320 pages, Naomi Stephens introduces a set of characters who live in a quiet English village. These characters come to life under her skillful words and sentences. We first join the story on the night of the fire at Rosemont Abbey. Louisa was alone in the kitchen quite happy one moment, and the next she felt the death of her brother. 

Throughout the novel, we join Louisa as she tries to find out what happened to Paul and whether or not he actually set fire to Rosemont Abbey. She seeks to prove his innocence whether she has to do it by herself or with the help of a recently returned friend of Paul's. Inspector Malcom Sinclair – who had once been Paul's close friend – heads up the investigation. Louise eventually shares the information she has with Malcom. And as readers, we see the pieces fall into place that will help resolve the story.

My Thoughts 

I wasn't sure what to expect when I requested The Burning of Rosemont Abbey to review. While I really enjoy historical fiction, I often prefer those set further back in time than 1956. But this novel was a joy to read. 

The pace of the story was just right. As we uncovered details and clues with Louisa, it was only to be expected that we would want to keep reading. I ended up reading the final third of the book in one night. I needed to see: 

• If Paul was innocent. 
• If David Ashworth really loved Louisa. 
• If Louis's aunt and uncle would support her decisions. 
• If Malcom would figure out who was causing havoc in Wilbeth Green. 

What else did I like about The Burning of Rosemont Abbey? Louisa was a likeable character. She was headstrong but not to the point where I questioned her wisdom. I also loved the way Stephens wrote the book. For example, these sentences are very well crafted: 

"And though Louisa knew he was merely goading Mrs. Watson, she was also struck by the sudden and rather silly notion that she was growing entangled with the kind of boy who had sometimes skipped choir practice." (141) 

"'It really was like a fortress, wasn't it?' she whispered. 'How terrible it is, knowing that such a mighty structure can fall so easily...'" She shivered, her words trailing off. 

The vicar smiled gently. 'God's Word still stands, Miss Everly, and that's enough.'" (244) 

I would recommend The Burning of Rosemont Abbey to those who enjoy Christian fiction, mysteries, suspense, and historical fiction.