Sister Agatha of the Gwenafwy Abbey is writing a murder mystery so when Tiffany Reese is found dead just before the Art Festival she thinks things are a bit fishy even though the police rule death by natural causes. Sister Agatha starts her own investigation and eventually convinces the police that more details need to be checked.

Sister Agatha is a great character and when she teams up with Father Selwyn the two make a formidable Holmes and Watson. The background of the nuns and Abbey give the reader a sense of order to offset the chaos of the mystery investigation. Looking forward to the next one! ( )

There were so many things I loved about this book. The setting, the pacing of the story, the writing style. Reading it felt comforting and peaceful. I know that is an odd thing to say about a murder mystery, but I really enjoyed my time reading this.

Learning about life in the Abbey was so interesting. I love the life the nuns have made for themselves there. I enjoyed the mystery too. The last couple chapters I was reading as quick as possible to find out whodunnit. I didn't see the twist coming, but I don't know if there were really any hints as to the true identity of the murderer. Still I found it charming how easily Sister Agatha was to dismiss suspects because she knew them and thought they were nice. Hopefully she is learning that anyone is capable of murder given the right circumstances.

I received a free ARC from the publisher and the Cozy Mystery Review Crew in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )

As Yuletide settles upon Gwenafwy Abbey, the rural Welsh convent’s peace is shattered. Tiffany Reese, president of the Village Art Society, is found dead on the floor of the parish hall. Sister Agatha, whose interests lie more with reading and writing mystery stories than with making the abbey’s world-renowned organic gouda, is not shy about inserting herself into the case. With the not-entirely eager assistance of Father Selwyn, she begins her investigation.

Sister Agatha has no shortage of suspects to check off her naughty-or-nice list, until finally, Tiffany’s half-brother, Kendrick Geddings emerges as the prime suspect. There never was any love lost between Tiffany and Kendrick, and of late they had been locked in a vicious battle for control of the family estate.

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Series: A Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery - Book 2
Author: Jane Willan
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Publishing Date: October 9, 2018

The Hour of Death is Jane Willan’s second book in the "Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery" series. This is a charming story. Ms. Willan has crafted a well written, humorous, thought-provoking story filled with brilliant characters and a lovely location.

Agatha isn’t your usual sleuth or nun for that matter. She has trouble being on time and keeping herself out of police business. Occasionally, she has trouble telling the truth as well. She isn’t just a sometimes mystery writer; she is also, a sometimes detective. But this time, she has a lot of suspects with no evidence, and not much time. Her examination has become more of a guessing game than an investigation and the more she explores possibilities, the more questions she has unanswered.

Father Selwyn is the perfect sidekick. He keeps Sister Agatha on her toes and keeps her from going off the deep end. He is down to earth and sensible. He is kind, caring and very empathetic. The perfect Ying to Agatha’s Yang.

Wales is described lovingly and makes the reader want to pay a visit to see the countryside and meet the people who care deeply for their neighbors, even the ones they don’t like. Christmas in Wales is described in a way that will take readers back to their childhood and put a smile on their face.
When the reader finds out who the murderer is most will be happily surprised. This book keeps the reader guessing and keeps them turning the page. In the end, they will sit back and smile knowing that even if they didn’t solve the mystery, Agatha did!

This new addition to the series is an easy read, highly pleasurable and will take the reader on an escapade to a faraway place. I highly recommend The Hour of Death to readers who enjoy learning about new places, cultures, and who like their nuns filled with vim and vigor, with just enough snooping to keep them entertained. ( )

The Hour of Death by Jane Willan is second story in A Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery series. We return once again to Pryderi, Wales and the nuns who reside at Gwenafwy Abbey. Tiffany Reese, president of Village Art Society, is found dead in the parish hall. The police have not ruled it a homicide and Sister Agatha disagrees with their assessment. Sister Agatha dreams of becoming a mystery writer and investigating real cases will aid her writing. With the assistance of her fellow nuns and Father Selwyn, Sister Agatha sets out to get answers.

The Hour of Death can be read alone if you have not read The Shadow of Death. The backstory for Sisters Agatha and her fellow nuns is provided in the book. I like that Sister Agatha actively investigates the mystery by questioning townspeople and searching for clues. There are quirky characters and a unique abbey. The nuns are encouraged to pursue personal interests (when they reach a certain age) such as Sister Agatha’s desire to write mystery novels. She is the librarian for the abbey as well and aids them in making their gouda when she must (not her favorite pastime). While the book contains good writing, the pace is sluggish. I also felt The Hour of Death was disjointed and rambling. I had a hard time wadding through this cozy mystery. The mystery was interesting with several suspects and misdirection. Sister Agatha’s method come across as bumbling, and I began to wonder if she would ever stumble upon the killer’s identity. The way the story is laid out makes it slightly more difficult to solve, but it can be done long before the solution is revealed at the end. My rating for The Hour of Death is 3 out of 5 stars. I wanted to give this series a second opportunity and, which I did, learned that I am not the right audience for A Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery series. That, though, is the beauty of books. There is something for everyone. ( )

The Hour Of Death is the second book in the A Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery series.

I have loved the first two books in this entertaining series. At Gwenafwy Abbey, the older nuns are also allowed to live their dreams and Sister Agatha’s is to be a mystery writer. Sister Agatha and her investigating partner, Father Selwyn, make a dynamic duo and when Sister Agatha might need to be reined in a bit, Father Selwyn is there to get her to back off. The nuns of Gwenafwy Abbey are there to give her support, too. I particularly enjoy how Sister Agatha, will take time to think what Rupert McFarland, a mystery author whose podcasts Sister Agatha faithfully listens to, would do.

The story starts as Sister Agatha is heading to a meeting in the nearby village of Pryderi for a meeting with fellow librarians when she notices flashing blue lights and becomes concerned that something has happened to Father. But she soon learns that Tiffany Reese has been found dead in the parish hall where she had been putting the final touches on a village art show that would start later that day. But Constable Barnes, who Sister Agatha knows lacks investigative skills, and Dr. Hedin Beese has ruled that Reese has died of a heart attack. What suggests a foul play for Sister Agatha is the fact that the painting that Reese was going to have in the art show is missing.

There is no real evidence that Reese was in fact murdered but, Sister Agatha along with help of Father Selwyn set out to find evidence to prove her right. Sister Agatha soon finds out that Reese wasn’t well liked and that there are quite a few suspects. What with many of residents of the village not sharing all they know make Sister’s work that more difficult. The author provides an exciting ending and the story kept me guessing until the end.

Another wonderful story from Ms. Willan and I’m looking forward to the next book in this enjoyable series. ( )