A Changing Light

This exciting, heartwarming seventh in the Quaker Midwife Mystery series in some ways takes us back to the start of the series, to the world-renown carriage manufacturers of Amesbury. As in the earlier novels, I enjoyed reading about the historical period in late 1800’s New England. We revisit one of the famous residents, John Greenleaf Whittier and see the potential future of the carriage industry. As I enjoy historical fiction and cozy mysteries, this is a double winner. The characters are personable, and relevant backstory is provided for anyone who hasn’t read earlier novels. Spring 1890 was memorable for Rose Carroll Dodge and her husband, David. Married the autumn before, they are expecting their first child in mid-summer. Her beloved midwife mentor, Orpha, and John Whittier, part of the Amesbury Quaker Meeting House and Rose’s friend, are older and frailer. It is hard for her to see the changes in two people she loves dearly. Many people have contracted tuberculosis and pose a risk to everyone in town. Rose has been a midwife for a few years with an excellent reputation. Annie, the young woman she has mentored, is ready to go out on her own. Instead, Rose gives Annie the opportunity to be her midwife and become her business partner. It is the annual Spring Opening held for the carriage industry. It draws representatives of companies from as far away as Australia with promise of new excitement that could change the industry beyond their dreams. Ned Bailey, from one of the top carriage factories, introduced Rose to Justice and his wife, Luthera, representing Luthera’s father’s carriage company in Ottawa. Much later that night, Justice was found murdered, shot in the back. Kevin, now acting police chief, has always received good information from Rose and asked for her input. When he sees she has a “wee bun in the oven”, he is hesitant to see if she will let him know if she hears anything. Many people know Rose has helped solve several murders and come to her with what they hear or see. Unfortunately, one of the things she hears is that the night watchman saw someone running from where the body was later found, someone tall like the husband of Rose’s niece Faith. Zeb would never hurt anyone, but Kevin must question him. Rose learns about at least two other suspects and continues to ask around and listen. We see glimpses of some of our favorite characters such as Jeanette, and new friend Mary Chatigny, a physician who specializes in treating TB. I enjoyed how much in love Rose and David are, and how far Annie and Faith have come since first meeting them. I did miss seeing Rose and David’s parents and Emmaline, Kevin’s wife. The story held my attention throughout. I appreciated seeing Rose experience for the first time some of the events her patients were familiar. I also appreciated the Author’s Note about historical events. The murder had a complication, yet despite some of the evidence, I had a good idea whodunit. The solution presented itself at incredible risk, yet the novel ending was very satisfactory. I highly recommend this novel to fans of historical cozy mysteries of late 1800’s America, the series itself, and appreciation of medical and technological changes of the era. From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Another excellent mystery in this fine series! As the nineteenth century draws to a close, changes are afoot in Amesbury as progress is unstoppable. With the annual Spring Opening occurring, when the town's carriage manufacturers attract visitors from all around the world, it's an exciting time. When one of the visiting dignitaries is murdered and it is discovered that revolutionary plans for a horseless carriage have gone missing, Rose finds herself wondering if this is a double crime? I adore this series, and have done from the very first. The amount of research carried out by Edith Maxwell is staggering and I enjoy discovering all about it. She always creates a clever mystery entwined with the lives of the population of Amesbury. I particularly find the references to the Quaker faith illuminating and consider their manner of worship both peaceful and soothing, especially admiring that Rose practices her faith 24/7 and is constantly trying to be a better person. Another cracking mystery along with the delights of catching up with how Rose's life is progressing. I really hope this is a series with a lot of life left in it as I enjoy it so much. Thoroughly entertaining and highly enjoyable, it comes with my recommendation and 4.5*.