Book Review: "A Simple Murder" by Eleanor Kuhns

I'm not going to lie to you but when I say I don't judge a book by its cover, I definitely sometimes do. This was one of those cases in which the cover I saw for this book was one I couldn't quite figure out. After a long time of staring at the cover, I moved on to the blurb and was equally capitvated. There was something about the book cover that looked unsettling, kind of off and as though there was something not quite right. So, as I introduce you to this book I spent a couple of days reading, please forgive the fact that I did in fact, judge a book by its cover...

Will Rees is a deep character whose past experiences shape his actions and decisions throughout the novel. A veteran of the Revolutionary War, Rees carries the emotional scars of combat and the loss of his wife, leaving him estranged from his teenage son, David. His trade as a weaver requires him to travel between rural communities, reinforcing his sense of rootlessness and outsider status. Rees’s character is defined by his intelligence, curiosity, and strong moral compass. These qualities make him an effective investigator, even though his forays into solving crimes are unorthodox. Honestly, the character was probably the best thing about the entire book. Learning about his past is really interesting and the writer engages in a tug-of-war with what is legally right and what is ethically right as they aren't always the same thing.

The murder that propels the story takes place in a Shaker community in Maine, where Rees’s friend Lydia Ferrell resides. The Shakers, known for their strict communal living, pacifism, and celibacy, provide a unique and atmospheric backdrop for the mystery. Kuhns skillfully captures the rhythms of Shaker life, depicting their shared work, rituals, and values with a sense of authenticity. This historical context enriches the story, offering insight into a religious sect that was both admired and misunderstood in its time.

However, the Shaker community is not portrayed as a monolithic utopia. Kuhns delves into the tensions and conflicts that arise within such a rigid social structure. Resentments simmer beneath the surface, and not everyone living among the Shakers fully embraces their way of life. These complexities create a fertile ground for secrets, lies, and ultimately, murder. I love a good folk horror and so, looking towards folk-mystery is also not a problem. Sometimes some of the stuff I was reading about the Shakers seemed a bit far fetched, but it still brought the story together.

There's a discovery of a young woman’s body in the Shaker community, her death quickly ruled a murder. Rees is drawn into the investigation when Lydia asks for his help, trusting his intelligence and discretion. The victim, Sister Chastity, was a troubled figure within the Shaker group, and her death exposes a web of hidden relationships, rivalries, and secrets.

As Rees delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a range of potential motives, from jealousy and betrayal to more pragmatic concerns such as land disputes. The investigation is complicated by the Shakers’ reticence to involve outsiders in their affairs, forcing Rees to navigate their insular world carefully. I mean for there to be dodgy things happening within a commune there must be people who are keeping a guarded secret about the death and now you see that there is something a bit more predictable about the story. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy it though, I'm simply saying that there was room to do more than what everyone already knows.

All in all, A Simple Murder masterfully weaves historical fiction with mystery, delivering an engaging whodunnit set against the richly detailed backdrop of post-Revolutionary America. Eleanor Kuhns’s skillful characterisation, intricate storytelling, and vivid portrayal of the Shaker community elevate the novel within its genre. At its heart is Will Rees, a nuanced and relatable protagonist whose personal struggles bring emotional depth and resonance to the narrative. The author thoughtfully explores universal themes of community, isolation, and the quest for truth, ensuring the novel’s appeal extends far beyond fans of historical mysteries. With its evocative storytelling and immersive setting, A Simple Murder is a captivating and rewarding read that invites readers into a complex and turbulent period of history.