Sumerford's Autumn (Historical Mysteries Collection #4) by Barbara Gaskell Denvil

Sumerford's Autumn (Historical Mysteries Collection #4) Reviews

• 
  DelSheree

  All of England sits back warily as the turmoil between the Plantagenets and Tudors continues in the form of young men claiming to be the rightful heirs to the throne and Henry the VII plotting ways to be rid of the supposed usurpers. The temperature inside Sumerford castle is no less tumultuous, though they have no kings and renegade prices to battle. Instead they are faced with mental instability, criminal activity, dangerous revolutionary ideals, and a young maid servant who manages to completely disrupt Ludovick Sumerford’s entire life.
  
  The best part of this book for me was the characters. Every single player had depth and personality, an interesting history, and a questionable future. The uncertainty of the future each of them seemed to carry around on their shoulders made me anxious to keep reading. The three youngest brothers had a great dynamic. At times you really couldn’t tell whether they despised one another or loved each other, and always there were secrets. The father was an enjoyable character as well. He had some unpleasant qualities, but I felt like I understood his reasons for being the way he was and I still found him interesting to read about. Watching this family move through trials and tragedy is an emotional journey. Ludovick, the main character, changes significantly, but the others do as well. Even Alysson, the female lead, is quite a different person at the end of the book. Her naiveté cannot last long in the Sumerford household. Denvil did a great job of not letting any of her characters remain static. The fact that they did grow and change helped to bring their story to life. This was definitely a character driven story.
  
  The love story between Ludovick and Alysson is another very enticing aspect of this book. I had been concerned at first that the Earl’s son and the chambermaid was not going to be terribly inspired, but Denvil added her own twist to a commonly used plot element to make it unique. Alysson’s youth and rather sheltered life leaves her uncertain and hesitant when it comes to Ludovick’s attentions. And she isn’t helped by Jenny, the oldest son’s new wife, who fills her head with ideas and expectations about Ludovick that aren’t exactly chaste or welcome. It was very entertaining to go back and forth between the two characters, being in each person’s mind, but knowing they were frequently misunderstanding each other. Denvil managed to keep the tension going between them through the entire book, and although I didn’t love the last chapter, I was satisfied with how their relationship turned out.
  
  Sumerford’s Autumn is a beautifully written book as well. Denvil brought an air of believability to the story with the language and atmosphere, and also her attention to detail. I felt like she captured the time period very well with her descriptions of the land, castles, clothing, and foods. Denvil is a very descriptive writer, which does help tremendously to build a scene and get readers acquainted with the era, but it does need to be kept in check. Through the first half I enjoyed knowing how everything looked, and what people wore. As I got further into the book, though, I felt like the description impinged on the story. Detailed descriptions of the clothing worn or the drapes in a room bogged down the action of the story at times. I already had a visual of how they dressed and what the buildings looked like by this point. Later in the book I wanted to get into the excitement more than read long passages of description. The pacing through the first half was great, but I wanted the story to move more quickly during the second half and build up to the climax. Instead there were short bursts of activity punctuated by long periods of dialog or description toward the end of the book.
  
  There was one other area I struggled with a bit. There’s a bit of a spoiler here, so feel free to skip this paragraph. At one point Ludovick is visited by a blue phantasm that speaks to him. I was surprised Denvil chose to include this aspect of supernatural, but I was interested to see where she would take it. I had hopes that it would play a significant role in the story. The identity of this ghost and what it wanted with Ludovick was a mystery I was interested in seeing solved. However, I felt rather disappointed when this aspect of the book didn’t develop into anything terribly significant. Toward the end of the book the ghost’s identity is revealed and the reason for his presence is explained. Ludovick didn’t uncover the information, or puzzle it out, it was simply given, and in the end it had very little bearing on the story at all. I was disappointed that the ghost didn’t have more impact on the story.
  
  As a whole, the book was enjoyable. I cared about the characters and was invested in them pretty early on. The family’s activities and the mystery surrounding what each brother was doing and how it would turn out also kept my attention throughout the book. I did have issues with the pacing in certain parts, but overall I did like the book.
  
  Would I recommend this book? Yes, but it’s not for everyone. The heavy descriptions and slower pacing through parts will be a struggle to those used to fast paced action and adventure. The romance was not intense enough for serious romance readers. Those looking for an in depth mystery novel probably won’t be satisfied because many of the mysteries are solved either quickly, or with little exploration from the characters. In some cases the answer was presented to the reader straight out, although learning what Brice’s true business involved was an exception.
  
  Who would I recommend this book to? I don’t think this is a book that will very easily entice readers from other genres, but I think historical fiction readers will love it. There is a great deal of interesting history presented, thorough descriptions that seemed very accurate, and very good attention to detail. I had no trouble at all believing the characters were a part of this time period.
  
  You can check out my other reviews at
  http://www.theediblebookshelf.blogspo...
• 
  Heather

  This is the third book I have read by Barabara Gaskell Denvil. All three were great....but by far this is my favourite!! The Earl of Sumerford's sons are great characters, but of course Ludovic is my favourite!! Set at the start of the Tudor era, this book keeps you wondering about what will happen next to one of the Earl's sons. The plot is very exciting and I could not put the book down.
  Barbara Gaskell Denvil is definitely a great storyteller.........her scenes are so vivid...I could almost feel myself there. I could see a sequel to this book as I definitely want more!!
  
  This book is a definite 5 STARS!!
  
  If you haven't read any of Barbaras' books....check them out. (Fair Weather, Satin Cinnabar and Sumerford's Autumn)
• 
  Catherine Meyrick

  Sumerford’s Autumn begins in 1497, twelve years after Henry VII won the crown of England by defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth. The Earl of Sumerford, who fought on the wrong side, has been doing his best ever since to rehabilitate the family name and keep his family below notice of the king. He has four adult sons, the eldest is Humphrey, his heir, simple and newly married to Jennine, an attractive woman who does not quite behave as the Lady she is supposed to be. His second son, Brice, is secretive with inexplicable access to money. Then there is Gerald with his barely hidden sympathies for Perkin Warbeck, whom he believes to be Edward IV’s son, Richard, Duke of York who is now in Henry’s custody. Finally, Ludovic, the youngest, who has few prospects so has to find his own way in the world. He also appears to have a sense of chivalry not quite worn off since his knightly training. Into this world of secrets comes Alysson Welles, an orphaned young woman who has sunk into poverty. Her brother, a groom at Sumerford castle, has recently been kicked to death by the Earl’s charger. Angry about the Sumerfords’ callous treatment of her family, Alysson accidentally shoots Ludovic when he is out hunting (she only wanted to scare him). Alysson tends to his wounds and Ludovic, for reasons he cannot quite explain himself, rather than hand Alysson over to have her due punishment, finds her a position as a waiting woman to Jennine. Alysson is drawn into the intrigues of this family where everyone has secrets and no one is exactly as they seem. Her relationship with Ludovic develops slowly as the whole family is eventually drawn into Gerald’s political intrigues.
  
  This book springs to life from the very first page. Each character is well developed with a unique voice, instantly recognizable . The family interactions are enthralling, amusing and realistic. The tight, intricately crafted plot involves treason, betrayal, piracy, smuggling and even torture and execution. Denvil creates intense moments of fear, suspense and genuine terror. She presents late 15th century life realistically with vividly described squalor and brutality, alongside stunning descriptions of the countryside.
  
  One minor element did not quite work for me. Although the spirit that haunts Ludovic serves to spur him to action and, in the end, allows a complete resolution, it seemed at odds with the realism of the rest of the novel. As there are no other supernatural elements, this pulled me out of the story as I puzzled over what it ‘really’ was. This is a very small quibble in an otherwise lush and spellbinding book.
  
  Sumerford’s Autumn is thoroughly enjoyable historical fiction in the best traditions of the genre. It is certainly my favourite style with fictional characters and their activities seamlessly interwoven into an accurate historical timeline peopled with those we know were there.
  
  Other reviews and more at
  https://catherinemeyrick.com
• 
  InD'tale Magazine

  What an amazingly told story!! This one is intricate, it is rich, it is flawlessly researched and it is extraordinarily written!
  
  Read full review in the
  2012 July/August issue of InD’tale Magazine.
• 
  Almaz Lebdeh

  
  Now, words cannot do this book justice. This book was one of THE best I have ever read and has definitely solidified historical fiction being my favourite genre.
  
  I found this gem at an op shop for just $2 and I honestly did not expect to enjoy is as much as I did! I must admit I left it on the shelf for quite a while but once I picked it up I read it in a few days, unable to put it down.
  
  The way Denvil has made every little detail connect and link until the very end just has me in awe of her writing.
  
  The more I read, the higher my expectations became of my future husband 😂. Ludovic is a dangerously charming and respectful character and men like him must exist out there “I demand it.”!!!!
  God Alysson you lucky woman 🙄
  
  The way Jenny was written oh my goodness the anger and contempt I feel for that women at every chapter she was in…. But she was written well at that
  
  While reading some weird place in my mind pictured Humphrey to look like Prince Harry which has completely and forever ruined my view on Prince Harry as Humphrey is something else! It’s the constant mention of red hair and a red beard and how none of the other brothers really had it like him 😅 that had me thinking “HARRY” 😭
  
  I mustn’t let myself get too carried away or I’ll end up spoiling everything but please give it a good read and treasure this book!
• 
  Cindy Woods

  Pretty good!
  
  I have to give my opinion as mostly positive with this book. I love the characters, and the plot is very well done with the exception of one small area. I think this would be a five-star read but for the strange addition of the light that comes to whisper to Ludovic. I understand the author was attempting to bring clarification to the story via the history, but that almost ruined it for me.
  As to the historical content, it was very informative and a very sad side to the very controversial subject of who truly was next in line to the throne of England after Henry VII took the throne. It was obviously a bloody reign.
  The four brothers were uniquely different and all very well described as was the earl's family structure.
  This is only the second book I've had the pleasure to read by this author, and I'm mostly favorably impressed with her style. I would recommend to readers of historical fiction romance, and personally plan to read more by this author.
• 
  ChillwithabookAWARD With

  Sumerford's Autumn by Barbara Gaskell Denvil has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award.
  
  www.chillwithabook.com
  
  "Excellent book, the author took you through the sights and smells of Tudor England where everything hinged on your reputation, and that hinged on what others thought and said."
  
  "This is a truly fabulous book. It has everything! Ms.Denvil certainly has an in-depth understanding of the dark side of those days (torture, execution, pirate behavior etc.). Such amazing graphic descriptions- as if she had been there herself!"
  
  Pauline Barclay
  Founder of Chill with a Book Awards
• 
  Karen Bartlett

  Set at the end of 15th Century England when the first Tudor king ascended the throne, this has a bit of everything...political intrigue, war, poverty, graphic violence and bloodthirsty torturing and executions, a 'pretender' to the throne, and all balanced out with some romance.
  A fast paced Medieval thriller, this one had me hooked from the start and kept me interested all the way through, with a few twists and turns along the way.
• 
  Helen Hollick

  This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
  
  Helen Hollick
  founder #DDRevs
  
  "the plot is tight, well crafted and tied up neatly with no loose ends. Each of the major characters are deliciously irreverent, the settings evocative, from the beauty of Somerset to the torture chambers in The Tower and the entire book convinces you that you are indeed in the late 15th Century."
• 
  Stephanie

  A stunning historical novel
  
  I really enjoyed reading., about Ludivic and a
  Allyson, and their gentle love in spite of the brutality and betrayal that surrounded them. A timely reminder of the fate of the last Plantagenet princes, and the bitter Tudor King who so feared them.
• 
  Nancy

  Most Interesting
  
  Lots of twists and turns and a bit of Gore to make it at times terribly morbid. I do like that these novels in this series can be read in any order. I set a goal to read a lot of goals this year but need to start to consider length also.
• 
  suzanne adams

  Darker
  
  Darker than the others I've read do far but truly seems to give the geelings that many must have felt after Henry stole a country. Again, well-written and flowing and a masterful story.
• 
  Darlene Williams

  Meet the meaning of dysfunctional family in Sumerford's Autumn. Four brothers, 3 of whom actively dislike one or the other or all, and one with limited mental capacity and anger management issues. Throw in parents who hate each other, really don't seem to care much for their younger sons and there isn't anyone that sees eye-to-eye.
  
  The younger brothers all hide their personal lives from each other for various reasons; one for a cause he believes in and the other 2 with unknown business affairs earning substantial mysterious money.
  
  Enter innocent, naive village girl who gets swept up into the heir's wife's malicious conspiracies, meanwhile falling in love with the youngest of the clan.
  
  Secrets abound in Sumerford's Autumn. There is plenty of action, however the latter part of the novel dragged somewhat.
  
  I had difficulty with the supernatural aspect. It could have been left out as it had no added value.
  
  Also, characters (brothers) constantly referring to each other as "my dear", "my beloved" was tedious.
  
  Finally, character personalities changed in such a way as to make the reader wonder why they morphed into another being. There was no gradual buildup. It just happened.
  
  
• 
  Jülie ☼♄ 

  
  I received this copy of Sumerford's Autumn by Barbara Gaskell Denvil from The Reading Room and Simon & Schuster Australia, in exchange for a fair revue.
  
  *I shared this book with my sister who was very keen to get it from me to read first..this is her review....
  
  Sumerford's Autumn by Barbara Gaskell Denvil
  
  Historical fiction has long been among my favourite genre of book, and I
  enjoyed this one immensely.
  
  In the first couple of chapters I found Gaskell Denvil's writing style just
  a little too flowery, and although the phrasing is lovely, it tended to distract
  me from the storyline. However, after that I became engrossed in the story
  and the characters, and there were times when I just couldn't put it down.
  
  I particularly enjoyed the way the author drew her characters, making each
  one come alive with their own voice, personality and idiosynchracies,. I
  thoroughly enjoyed the wry humour exchanged between father and sons. I
  also liked that it was told from the perspective of a minor Earl's family,
  rather than from within the royal House. This gave a whole new twist to
  the life and times of Henry VII.
  
  A must read for lovers of historical fiction. I shall definitely be looking
  out for more from Gaskell Denvil. 4 1/2 stars.
  
  
  
  
• 
  Leah

  Set during the reign of King Henry Vll. The Princes in the Tower make an appearance, one as a voice that comes to Ludovic and one who is imprisoned as an impostor. Ludovic and Alysson take you on a journey as they face treachery, secrets, torture, and pure dysfunction within a family that leads one to believe it's a madness inherited. All that and love too. Every page takes you deeper into a maze of plots and surprises that will have you hating to place it down for any reason until you turn that last page. Ludovic and his three brothers live their lives, each in different directions. I encourage you to pick this book up and follow them as they lead you down four roads, with only one bringing a happily ever after.
• 
  Michelle

  This book was unexpected since I got it free for my Kindle. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the novel despite its poor editing throughout. It was a bit gruesome in a few parts but held my attention until the end. I really like reading books that take place during the Tudor time period
• 
  Sallyann Van leeuwen

  Story of four Sumerford brothers all making their way in the world. We mainly follow Ludovic,the youngest son who finds love and all its trials and tribulations. Some good plot twists but a bit over dramatic for me.
• 
  Amanda

  A beautifully and well written book true to it's time period.
  
  Anyone who loves English historical fiction will love this book and I always respect an author who brings such an historically correct story to the table.
  
  I loved every aspect of this story!!
• 
  Lynette

  I would have given the book five stars if reading it didn't get tedious in a few spots. It bogged down the flow of the book.
• 
  TJ

  Read this review in InD'Tale magazine:
  
  http://indtale.com/reviews/sumerfords...
• 
  Magpie

  Sharon 2015
• 
  Annemarie Groves

  Wow, what a book, one of the longest I've ever read. The author did an astounding job of bringing the sights, sounds and smells to life without getting bogged down in endless description. The plot kept twisting and turning, woven into historical fact. Set in a era where everything was hinged on your reputation and that was dependant purely on the words of others. The characters were personable and believable, you rooted for the good and you hated the bad. It is well worth the time it took to read.