On Flashback Fridays, I will share with you
the books I was not able to review
when they were first released that have been screaming at me
from my To-Be-Read bookshelf.
I was battling breast cancer when this book was released. A recent Kindle malfunction brought this book and the final book in the series to the top of library screen, and I felt it was a definite sign to read them as soon as possible.
Taken Too Soon (Quaker Midwife Mysteries)
Historical Cozy Mystery
6th in Series
Publisher : Beyond the Page Publishing
Publication date : September 8, 2020
Print length : 236 pages
Paperback
ISBN-10 : 1950461548
ISBN-13 : 978-1950461547
Kindle
ISBN-13 : 978-1950461530
ASIN : B088P5YWXQ
Quaker midwife Rose Carroll must turn her investigative skills on her own family when a young woman’s murder stuns a New England community . . .
Following a long betrothal, midwife Rose Carroll and her beloved David are finally celebrating their marriage with friends and relatives, when a most disturbing telegram interrupts the festivities: the young ward of Rose’s aunt has suffered a mysterious death, and Rose’s help is needed urgently on Cape Cod. Reluctantly agreeing to mix her honeymoon plans with murder, Rose embarks on an investigation that will expose family secrets and a community’s bigotry.
As Rose does her best to comfort her aunt in her loss and also learn as much as possible about the poor young victim’s death, she discovers that each new clue points to a confounding list of suspects: a close friend of the victim who may have harbored secret resentments, an estranged brother of David’s with an unsavory reputation, and the son of a Native American midwife who supposedly led the young woman astray. And as Rose grows closer to identifying the perpetrator, the solution will rattle her assumptions about her own family and faith . . .
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Midwife Rose Carroll and Dr. David Dodge are finally married and were celebrating with family and friends when a telegram arrives for Rose’s father from his sister Dru. Rose and David were planning to visit her and her Aunt Tilly the next day but the telegram begs them to come immediately. Tilly’s ward, Frannie Isley has been murdered and they need Rose’s help. It is not the way the newlyweds planned to spend their wedding night, and David’s mother is very upset they are leaving early, but together they decide to hop the next train as quickly as possible.
When they arrive, they find all they can do right away is support and comfort her aunts. Then they need to find out everything they can about Frannie and her death. Soon, they have several suspects but Tilly is focused on one without any real evidence. David’s brother, Currie, whom she just met, may also be involved. Rose puts forth her best efforts and tries to work with the local detective, but she is herself shocked when all is revealed.
Rose Carroll is an outstanding protagonist. A Quaker and, like most members, has a very open mind. They treat everyone as equals regardless of class or standing. She has a huge heart, and being a midwife is her true calling. She has a perfect mate in Dr. David Dodge. He supports her in everything she does and she does the same for him. In this story, we meet a wide variety of characters: David’s brother, Rose’s elderly aunts, their neighbors, a new group of Friends, the local detective, and members of the Wampanoag tribe. All the dialogues fit the time period and are distinctive to each person’s upbringing and life.
Ms. Maxwell also knows how to set a scene. Everywhere that Rose traveled was crystal clear in my mind. She has researched the time period extensively and she uses her descriptive talents to give her readers a bird’s-eye view.
The author has plotted a compelling mystery that really tests Rose. Secrets are revealed that hit close to home, but Rose was determined. I appreciated the quiet time Rose took to center herself and organize the information she had heard and seen. I loved how the last piece of evidence was revealed and that it led to a very satisfying arrest.
Taken Too Soon is a rich story with genuine characters and a well-plotted mystery. It was so easy to escape into this story. I plan to escape into the final book in the series, A Changing Light, soon. Rose may have some trying times ahead.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent
About the Author
Agatha-nominated and Amazon best-selling author Edith Maxwell writes the Quaker Midwife Mysteries and the Local Foods Mysteries, the Country Store Mysteries the Cece Barton Mysteries, and Cozy Capers Book Club Mysteries (as Maddie Day), and the Lauren Rousseau Mysteries (as Tace Baker), as well as award-winning short crime fiction. Maxwell lives north of Boston with her beau and three cats, and blogs with the other Wicked Cozy Authors. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at www.edithmaxwell.com.
I am giving away a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card.
The contest is open to individuals 18 years of age or older.
Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited.
You do not have to be a follower to enter but I hope you will find
something you like here and become a follower.
Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow.
Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Following My Facebook Fan Page.
Subscribe to Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book via Email for 3 Bonus Entries.
Pin this giveaway to Pinterest for 3 Bonus Entries.
If you share the giveaway on Threads, Facebook, etc., you will receive 5 Bonus Entries For Each Link.
The Contest Will End on March 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST
The Winner Will Be Chosen Using Random.org
The Winner will be notified by email and posted here in the sidebar.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways.
You must be logged in to post a comment.