Before I started reading Susanna Calkins’ A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate, I knew that it would be historically accurate. I knew this because Calkins has her doctorate in British History, and teaches at Northwestern University – which is no small feat! Calkins has attached an “Historic Note” at the very end of this mystery explaining any liberties she took in order to ensure the reader a pleasurable mystery read.
I would definitely label Calkins’ A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate as an historical Cozy Mystery. While it does deal with adult themes (it is written for adults) there is no graphic language or sex, and it is also lacking in excessive gore. I am hoping that the Agatha Awards’ new Historical Novels category has this book listed as one of this year’s best!
A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate follows Lucy Campion, a chambermaid in the London home of a 17th century magistrate. As a chambermaid, Lucy’s time is not her own. She is fortunate to work for a particularly kind magistrate; however she still has to perform the daily chores those times dictated she perform.
Calkins’ London is not a sugar-coated version; there is poverty, sickness, and over-crowding outside of the magistrate’s house. Lucy knows she is lucky to work in a fair man’s home, and tries not to jeopardize her job – which forces her to find clever ways to follow the mystery’s clues.
Calkins’ characters are three-dimensional and very believable. She not only introduces us to her very likeable Lucy, but also to Lucy’s family, coworkers, and friends. Even the secondary characters in A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate are people I look forward to seeing again.
Lucy’s sleuthing makes perfect sense in the context of the story. It is not simply an interest that this very busy and (more than likely) tired young chambermaid devotes her time to. There’s a reason Lucy wants to solve this mystery. (I don’t want to say too much and give away any of the plot, so that others can enjoy the book.)
Calkins shows us how the British class system in the 17th century dictated every aspect of a Londoner’s life – including the way he/she would be treated by the judicial system. Calkins is able to weave London’s 17th century judicial system into the mystery in a way that piqued my interest.
Susanna Calkins‘ A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate has plenty of red herrings, a delightful young sleuth, a very solid mystery, and very enjoyable easy-to-read writing. (I was so interested in the characters and plot that I actually read this 357 page book in three days, which is a record for me!)
I hope Susanna Calkins will be releasing the second book in the Lucy Campion Mystery Series soon. I am definitely looking forward to spending more time with Lucy Campion as she solves many more mysteries.
P.S. I liked this book so much that I bought another copy as a gift for my adult daughter. (That’s a first for me for Kindle books!)
If you’re interested in reading more of these brief revisits of some of the more popular Cozy Mystery Series that I’ve written in the past, you can find them at the Most Recommended Cozy Mystery Series page on my site.
LindaG says
Thanks for the head’s-up on this one! I generally listen to books on audio, so I’m hoping to see it offered soon on Audible! Sounds like this author might be in the Jacqueline Winspear /Anne Perry genre, both of whom I like very much!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
LindaG, I try not to be too effusive about authors or their books, but every once in a while, I can’t help myself!
Lynn T. says
I enjoyed A Murder At Rosamund’s Gate this month too. It was a fast read for me as it held my interest and I wanted to find out what was going to happen next. It started out in 1665 and contained interesting information about the time. Information was given about the courts, legal system, prisons, some cleaning methods, historical events and even what one person used for a deodorant.
Lucy was a very likable character and one couldn’t help but rooting for her. I have not read many historical mysteries before this book. I haven’t read any that went this far back in history. I think one of the biggest compliments one can give a book, is that now I am interested in seeking out other historical mysteries books after enjoying this book. I am looking forward to Susanna’s next book.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lynn T, looks like you enjoyed A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate as much as I did. I don’t want to say too much >>> but what about that legal system?!?
"Auntie" says
Thank you for another great sounding suggestion!
“Auntie”
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Auntie, I sure did enjoy it.
"Auntie" says
Oh and I love it, that one can figure it to be historically accurate. Yes!!!!
“Auntie”
Patti S. says
Thanks for this recommendation. It sounds like a wonderful book!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Patti S, I’m already looking forward to the second mystery in this series.
Ann says
This one sounds like one I would like – it’s going on my list – thanks for posting.
Ann
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ann, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Susie says
Thank you Danna! I appreciate your kind words about my book and I’m honored that you are giving it to your daughter too. LindaG, I think I was influenced by Jacqueline Winspeare, Anne Perry, Rhys Bowen etc, because I love those authors. I will ask my publisher about Audible; as a new author, I’m still learning a lot about the business!
Someone asked me a few years ago if I thought my book could be a ‘cozy,’ and I remember studying Danna’s definition on her website, and I thought ‘well, it’s cozy-ish’ at least.’ 😉 I know some reviewers have found it a bit gritty, because I wanted to be true to the difficulties of being a 17th century servant, but the main crimes (murders) of the book occur off-scene and are mostly told through ballads and other penny press (sort of the National Enquirer of the day).
Thank you again!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susie, I truly did enjoy your novel, and am looking forward to the next one’s release.
There have been just a few authors who I have recommended to my daughter, since she doesn’t have a lot of free time to read. I know she will enjoy this book.
Patty H says
Just finished reading this wonderful period mystery. Glad that it showed up as a recommendation on your great site!