The Shadow of Death cover art

The Shadow of Death

The Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mysteries, Book 1

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The Shadow of Death

By: Jane Willan
Narrated by: Helen Lloyd
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About this listen

A charming and clever traditional mystery debut set at a bucolic Welsh convent, The Shadow of Death introduces Sister Agatha, a mystery loving nun who finds herself in the midst of a real-life murder case.

The sisters of Gwenafwy Abbey have cherished their contemplative life - days spent in prayer, reflection, tending the convent's vegetable gardens and making their award-winning organic cheese, Heavenly Gouda. Life seems perfect, except for Sister Agatha, a die-hard mystery fan who despairs of ever finding any real life inspiration for her own novel. That is, until the abbey's sexton is found dead under an avalanche of gouda. Despite the reservations of the local constable, Sister Agatha is convinced it's murder and the game is afoot.

Armed only with the notes she's scribbled during her favorite podcast, How to Write a Mystery Novel, as well as lessons learned from crime heroes ranging from Hercule Poirot to Stephanie Plum, Sister Agatha leads the nuns of Gwenafwy Abbey (and her unwitting sidekick, Father Selwyn) as they begin a race against time to resolve the death of Jacob, save the abbey, exonerate a beloved postulant, and restore the good name of their cheese.

©2019 Jane Willan (P)2019 Blackstone Publishing Amateur Sleuths Crime Detective Fiction Mystery Traditional Detectives Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Murder Suspense

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All stars
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Obviously written for an American audience, this was nonetheless enjoyable. The narrator did a good job with the various accents. The plot was gently paced and the characters likeable and engaging. Just one small criticism from an Ospreys fan. The Ospreys play rugby union not rugby league. The team home stadium is Swansea not Cardiff.

Gentle paced and engaging

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This would be a great easy listening detective story if it weren't s
aimed so blatantly at the American market who seem unable to figure out what a mobile phone or a rubbish bin is. For a British market the constant references to cell phones etc is jarring and annoying for a story set in Wales when such terms would not be used. If you set a story in the UK use UK terms of reference, likewise in the US.

Why is it full of so many Americanisms?

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brilliant story pity about all the dreadful American terms that ruin a truly British tale. superb performance

Great Listen Terrible Americanisms

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This is not a good story. A thin plot and some unbelievable characters. It was obvious from the beginning that the author was not very au fait with contemporary life in north Wales, the pastiche being unconvincing. A real off-put was the use of American English, which should have been translated (no one says “on the lam” for example). However the poor language did sometimes make me smile. The narrator did a good job with a convincing Welsh accent, struggling through the Americanisms. One thing I couldn’t puzzled was how these “poor nuns” could afford so much tea and cake.

In need of translation

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loved it started next story straight away the narrater is easy to listen to

fantastic

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Good story .... sorry but terribly boring narrator.... one tone syllable... could get to the end ....

like being read by a robot

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This was a nice enough tale but a warning must be put for any Welsh or even British readers. There are so many things that are culturally inaccurate or just plain Americanisms it somewhat spoils the experience.

Story fine - BUT needs input from Welsh proofreader or editor.

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I found a story set in Wales difficult to listen too with so many American words in. Such a shame

Too many American words

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I thought the story was sound and characters were interesting but it drove me nuts all the times some very American cultural thing got inserted in, not because i don’t like basket ball or fire marshals but because the whole point was how welsh the whole thing was suppose to be so you had this odd mix of WELSH almost forced referencing and then blatant lack of welshness

Why do welsh nuns talk about zucchini

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Enjoyed the story and the narration is good. It is just very irritating to keep hearing American words like ‘zucchini’ and ‘diapers’ in a novel that is set in Wales. It makes you question the author’s knowledge and understanding of life in a small Welsh village.

Annoying Americanisms.

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