A Cruel Suspicion is a well written and entertaining novel for fans of Historical Romance Fiction by Author Julia Bell. There are hints of the supernatural within the story as the main protagonist, Antheia senses and feels emotions of sadness and despair believed to emanate from the spirit of a deceased relative, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances from her mother’s childhood home, Sedwick Abbey. These emotions spark her curiosity and she begins to dig deeper into the families history. Having arrived at the prestigious family home, Antheia is not sure she will fit in, however she soon charms her Uncle and Cousin’s William and Felix and their friend Joel. However as the four youths become firm friends it is not long before they are separated as William and Felix go off to study and Joel enlists in the Union Army. Missing their companionship Antheia entertains herself with the mystery surrounding her grandmother whilst awaiting for her cousins and Joel to return from war.
With many admirable qualities, Antheia’s compassion, selflessness and personal sacrifices to help others make her a truly endearing and likeable character. I loved the secondary characters in particular the servants / paid help at Sedgwick Abbey that aid make life more bearable around her Aunt and arm Antheia with knowledge, that empowers her to stand against Aunt and circumvent her devious plot to marry Antheia off to the despicable Reverend Longmire, an Antagonist who will make the reader’s skin crawl with his unhealthy obsession for the young woman.
The plot is truly entertaining and moves at a good pace, and the dialogue credible. All of the characters are easy to connect with, especially the children and Mrs Thornborrow who Antheia befriends. I absolutely loved the old crone’s feistiness and how she challenged the Reverend and called him out on his behaviour. I also really enjoyed her Uncle’s character who is kind hearted and quite aware of his wife’s faults. He has no hesitation in contradicting his wife’s wishes which was very satisfying for me as a reader, although I would have loved to have witnessed more of the drama of a direct challenge and war between the couple as they do have quite a strange relationship. The ending did come as a surprise and admittedly I was slightly disappointed at the outcome for her Uncle. Her Aunt got off too lightly in my humble opinion and I would have loved to have seen her humiliated and banished to a life with the cringey Reverend.
The overall outcome for Antheia was satisfying though and Joel’s experience when he finally returned home, a realistic account following the devastating impact of war on veterans. There were no significant issues to detract from the story, and the plot flowed well and had much to keep readers engaged. I really enjoyed and award 4.5 stars.
