Aunt Dimity and the Enchanted Cottage (Aunt Dimity Mystery #25,) by Nancy Atherton (Dreamscape Audio)

 

I love this series. True,  the first time I read one of its book I kept waiting for a murder to happen. Oddly enough, although that didn't happen, I found myself settling into the rhythm of life in Fitch, a place where everyone knows your name and business. Opening with a lovely, peaceful audio tour of Fitch and some of what makes it so special, you feel yourself relaxing, slowing down, enjoying the friendly chatter and gossip of the characters. The town itself seems almost a separate character, in fact, with its scenic beauty and seeming operating motto of "everyone knows...." Instead of feeling oppressed by that knowledge, it's comforting. It allows you to focus on the main thread: Who is the new neighbor and why does he seem to sad?

Narrator Christina Moore does a lovely job of introducing us to the various characters, expertly adapting her voice to each, even main character Lori's daughter's repeated "quacks". I enjoyed the gentle humor as I settled into a comfortable chair on "Windle Watch" with Lori's friends, sipping my tea and rolling my eyes at some of the theories offered up about new resident Crispin Windle. I'd also love to have a mysterious, magical blue tablet that "talked" to me as the late Aunt Dimity does to Lori. That touch of whimsy, rather than intrude, just seems part and parcel of this little town where "it's always been like this" seems a ruling guideline.

As delightful as it is to spend time with friends, of course, there is a mystery. Even as we learn more about Crispin Windle we wonder why he is so focused on seemingly finding one particular landmark in the area. A retired industrial historian, he digs up some of Fitch's past that maybe many would just as rather stay buried. Toss in side-stories of romance, the past impacting the present, and a daughter's perpetual energy and enthusiasm and you've got an idea what is going on. So, set aside all thoughts of murder and mayhem, slip into something comfortable, prepare some tea, and curl up on a cozy chair and enjoy Lori's latest mystery of life. This, the 25th book in the series, shows why it's a continued winner.

Thank you #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for allowing me to drop into Fitch and spend some time sipping tea and listening to the gossip as life goes on in front of me. For a small town where not much happens, big things seem to change in Fitch. Love meeting the new residents as they move in.