When I began reading author Dorte Hummelshoj Jakobsen’s latest short stories, I wasn’t sure what I would encounter (other than an intriguing read) since the title referred to a kitten and a well.What I found was a charming and suspenseful story that brought smiles and a touch of heartache. It’s a story easily read in a short time that leaves you wanting more.
Ursula Abbott is an elderly lady with a good number of cats living on the farm of Vernon Alnwick in the village of Knavesborough, Yorkshire. When Rev. George Gershwin visits with her, she seems to think she will soon be evicted from her house. Believing in Alnwick’s kindness, the good reverend thinks nothing else about it.
Days later Ursula’s son comes and removes all the cats from his mother’s home due to complaints of the smell. Within days, Ursula is discovered dead in her bed of an apparent heart attack.
When the kitten belonging to the reverend’s daughter goes missing, a search turns up nothing. A short time later, a smell fills their house and a handyman has to be called in to discover the cause of the odor.
As Rev. Gershwin puts the pieces together, a chilling discovery is made.
DING DONG BELL, THE KITTEN IN THE WELL is a fast read that draws you in quickly. The characters are refreshing and well-developed.
The author’s descriptions and eye for detail places the reader in the middle of the action. The setting is a charming English countryside that envelops the reader transporting them to a different place and era. The author weaves a tale of suspense with humor for a well-balanced story.
This is a fast-moving story you don’t want to miss.
Ding Dong Bell, The Kitten in the Well by Dorte Hummelshoj Jakobsen, A Gershwin and Penrose Mystery, Candied Crime, @2014, ASIN: B00JHMN7B6, Digital Download, 995 KB, 20 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you’re having a great week. What’s on your reading list for this week?
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I guess if someone has a soft spot for cats, this might not be the book for her if the cats all wind up dead...
ReplyDeleteAlex, you have a point but it's not as bad as it sounds.
DeleteWhat a detailed review this is. It certainly sounds like a good read. I have a friend who has 17 cats. I'll have to tell her about it.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, thanks for the kind words. It was a fun story to read.
Deleteoh, my, poor kittens!
ReplyDeleteDez, I know how you feel.
DeleteHer writing is amazing - I love her books, especially as she is from Denmark and English isn't her first language.
ReplyDeleteAnn
Ann, you are so right. Her writing is amazing and I enjoy the fact that her writing reflects that she's from Denmark. I learn new things each time I read her books.
DeleteMason - Oh, you're talking about one of the bloggers/writers I like best! Folks do try her writing. You won't regret it.
ReplyDeleteMargot, well said. Dorte's work is a delight to read and I always look forward to her next book or short story.
Delete:( But it doesn't sound like the cats are killed, just taken away - cept for the missing one - which is down the well, right? :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a cute title!
ReplyDeleteI love cats, but would hate to read about anything bad happening to them. The book does look intriguing, though.
ReplyDelete