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Aunt Dimity Down Under (An Aunt Dimity Mystery #15)
The original supernatural sleuth is back in the latest cozy Aunt Dimity mystery
A shock wave rocks Lori Shepherd's world when she hears that her beloved neighbors, Ruth and Louise Pym, may be dying. Bracing herself for a final farewell, Lori instead receives a request from the eccentric sisters: Find their long-lost brother before it's too late. Aubrey Pym is a wicked sc...more
A shock wave rocks Lori Shepherd's world when she hears that her beloved neighbors, Ruth and Louise Pym, may be dying. Bracing herself for a final farewell, Lori instead receives a request from the eccentric sisters: Find their long-lost brother before it's too late. Aubrey Pym is a wicked sc...more
Hardcover, 224 pages
Published
February 18th 2010
by Viking Adult
(first published February 4th 2010)
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Lori has been called many things in her life, but diplomatic is not one of them - she loses her temper easily, speaks hastily, and isn't too concerned when facts get in the way of a good theory. So why has she been chosen by the Pym sisters for a task that may need "the utmost" diplomacy"? Because the Pym sisters see her traits in a different light - they think she's "strong-willed, determined, and naturally inquisitive", and they want her to go to New Zealand in search of their long-lost nephew...more
Although I am a mystery reader, for some reason I've never read any Aunt Dimity books. I recently returned from a Red Carpet Tour of New Zealand. The tour operators mentioned to me that Nancy Atherton had been on the tour and had written a book set in New Zealand after her experiences. (The book is dedicated to Vic and Raewyn James, the people behind Red Carpet Tours.)
I find that mystery series usually are at their best a few books into the series, then start to decline sometime around the 10th...more
I find that mystery series usually are at their best a few books into the series, then start to decline sometime around the 10th...more
To me the Aunt Dimity series is one of those rare gems that should go on and on forever. I love coming back to Finch each year and meeting up with old friends and just peeking in on what Lori and her family are up to. You really have to read these books in order to see Lori for all her flaws and loyalties. She loves her family and friends and will do anything for them. Even if it means traipsing to the end of the earth to bring a final happiness to two dearly loved friends.
Devastating news has h...more
Devastating news has h...more
Aunt Dimity Down Under is the fifteenth book in the paranormal cozy mystery "Aunt Dimity" series and the FIRST novel in a cozy mystery series that has ever brought tears to my eyes.
Lori Shepherd and the entire town is abuzz with the preparation for the wedding between Nell and Kit; the most beautiful couple in all of Finch. However, the wedding is put on hold when Finch's notorious elderly twins -- the Pym sisters Ruth and Louise -- are suddenly on their death-bed. Because Lori is well-known fo...more
Lori Shepherd and the entire town is abuzz with the preparation for the wedding between Nell and Kit; the most beautiful couple in all of Finch. However, the wedding is put on hold when Finch's notorious elderly twins -- the Pym sisters Ruth and Louise -- are suddenly on their death-bed. Because Lori is well-known fo...more
Notes from about 3/4 of the way through: So far its a bit disappointing, as many of the last Aunt Dimity books have been. Its more like a travelogue. Lori (our heroine) is once again just running from place to place to place. And here's a question - why is Lori always in the company of a man (referring to her guide)? Most of these men are interchangeable. Why couldn't the charactor of the guide in this book, Cameron, have been written as a woman? Lori has tons of men friends. In previous books s...more
Mar 13, 2010
Sue
added it
Life-long residents of Finch, the elderly Pym sisters, Ruth and Louise, are dying, so they ask their neighbor Lori Shepherd to find their long lost brother Aubrey who was banished from the family in their youth. Lori discovers that Aubrey relocated to New Zealand, so she and Aunt Dimity travel there to find out what has become of him. Lori, along with companion Cameron Mackenzie (a native New Zealander and an old school friend of her husband), learns that Aubrey is dead; but his teenaged grandda...more
If I weren't already interested in a trip to New Zealand, Atherton's description would have me googling frantically and buying guidebooks galore.
Lori's mission takes the form of a wild chase up and down the country, arriving in each new locale only to discover her quarry has just left.
A pain in the ass for our traveler, but lovely for us as Atherton takes the opportunity to familiarize us with New Zealand's scenery, attractions, and Maori traditions. Though it's all done with a rather light tou...more
Lori's mission takes the form of a wild chase up and down the country, arriving in each new locale only to discover her quarry has just left.
A pain in the ass for our traveler, but lovely for us as Atherton takes the opportunity to familiarize us with New Zealand's scenery, attractions, and Maori traditions. Though it's all done with a rather light tou...more
Have read the whole cozy mystery series and, to tell the truth, it's kinda running out of steam. For some reason, though, I want to finish the series, I guess, because I still enjoy foremost reading of the English countryside, where the main character and her family live in the quintessential English country house (at least to this American)and where several of the stories take place.
Having now finished the book, it's one of my favorites of the series. Lori Shepard travels to New Zealand to find...more
Having now finished the book, it's one of my favorites of the series. Lori Shepard travels to New Zealand to find...more
I love this series, especially the eccentric characters in the small English village of Finch. I have grown quite attached to some of them, so this book actually brought tears to my eyes. If you like books set in charming English country villages, historical detail (or travelogue as in this book) and a nice "cozy," mystery, start with the first book in the series, "Aunt Dimity's Death." These books need to be read in order or you miss out on important details and the introdution of new character...more
This final mystery (to date) in the Aunt Dimity series was set in New Zealand. There were several descriptions of Lori which I quite enjoyed...
Aunt Dimity tells Lori"...you're demanding, tenacious, and inquisitive." Lori replies, "In other words...I'm bossy, bullheaded, and nosy." (pg. 36)
Later Mr. Makepeace says that the Pym sisters described Lori as "strong-willed, determined, and naturally inquisitive" to which Lori replies under her breath--"bossy, bullheaded, and nosy." (pg. 48) Reminds me...more
Aunt Dimity tells Lori"...you're demanding, tenacious, and inquisitive." Lori replies, "In other words...I'm bossy, bullheaded, and nosy." (pg. 36)
Later Mr. Makepeace says that the Pym sisters described Lori as "strong-willed, determined, and naturally inquisitive" to which Lori replies under her breath--"bossy, bullheaded, and nosy." (pg. 48) Reminds me...more
Mar 18, 2010
Barbara
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Aunt Dimity fans; fans of cozy mysteries
Shelves:
mysteries
LOVED IT!!! The latest installment in a cozy, charming "mystery" series...with the added bonus (in my book) of whisking me off to New Zealand (always a great idea even it's only between the pages).
As usual, our heroine, Lori Shepherd, is given a puzzle to solve, one that involves (as they often have in this series) finding someone and restoring a relationship or connection or purpose. In this case, almost all of these. The dithery elderly Pym sisters may be dying and they ask Lori to find their...more
As usual, our heroine, Lori Shepherd, is given a puzzle to solve, one that involves (as they often have in this series) finding someone and restoring a relationship or connection or purpose. In this case, almost all of these. The dithery elderly Pym sisters may be dying and they ask Lori to find their...more
Feb 04, 2010
Gmr
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
fiction, and mystery fans...good for all ages
Recommended to Gmr by:
Viking Press
A story steeped in the beauty of nature with a mission straight from the heart. The eldest twins of Finch are reaching their time lines end. They are much loved and love much, but there is one loose end they wish to tie up prior to their departure. Imparted in a passing whisper to Lori Shepherd, they know it is in good hands. Lori however feels differently. Will she be able to keep the promise she made to the twins? Combine one part search for a lost soul with one part supernatural side kick and...more
A disappointing entry in the series, for me. It felt as though the author had taken a tour of New Zealand, and not wanting to waste her travelogue, figured out a story that would take her characters where she herself had travelled so that she could describe them. She is good at description and the setting is indeed interesting, but the plot is almost non-existant, and there was no mystery that I could find. Reading the description, it sounded as though there would be a good mystery of long-kept...more
This book was more a traveloge than anything else. We headed 23 hours from England to New Zealand where we learned some Maori phrases, saw Auckland, some of Wellington, ChristChurch and some costal areas, the volcanic portion of the country with a native guide. Aunt Dimity was knowledgeable about the country but she didn't really have too much to add, and really the only reason we heard so much about the country was that we were chasing a young girl all around the place. NZ native, Cameron and o...more
I enjoy these mysteries (cozy) very much. The story always keeps my attention, I find the characters believeable, and they make me want to travel to England and now New Zealand. I was surprised too, that this one made me weepy. You'll have to read it to find out why.
In this one Lori Shepard travels to New Zealand at the request of the Pym tiwns to find a long-lost relative. It seems that they have lived a full life and it is drawing to an end. Lori races around both islands in search of Lousie a...more
In this one Lori Shepard travels to New Zealand at the request of the Pym tiwns to find a long-lost relative. It seems that they have lived a full life and it is drawing to an end. Lori races around both islands in search of Lousie a...more
Kit is about to marry Nell but the Pym sisters are seriously ill. Lori agrees to go on a hunt for their brother which takes her to the land "down under" and a journey which traverses the country at the same time as the Tolkien fans are ecstatic at the filming of the film trilogy. The story is almost a scavenger hunt with beautiful descriptions of the fascinating country of New Zealand and its peoples. Lori depends on the advice of the disembodied Aunt Dimity to help her through this difficult ti...more
Lori Shepherd inherited a cottage in England (many books ago)where she lives with her twin sons and her husband. Lori is upset to find out that her two neighbors are dying and want to find their last living relative in New Zealand. She goes to find him in New Zealand and after a long search with many fun people gets to where she wants to be. I don't want to spoil it. Aunt Dimity is a ghost who makes herself known to Lori by writing in a journal. There is also a pink stuffed .rabbit that always i...more
In this installment, the Pym sisters are dying, and they ask Lorie to "Find Aubrey." Aubrey is their ne'er-do-well brother, banished from the family at a young age. Lori promises and finds herself in New Zealand in her quest for Aubrey's kin. This is a gentle story and was a welcome break after some of the heavier reading I've been engaged in. Lori discovers the beauty of New Zealand, and accomplishes her quest in a different way than she envisioned, all the while guided by her husband's Kiwi fr...more
I hate to start a series on book 15 but that's the one I needed for a challenge (a book set in New Zealand) so that's where I began. I really liked it and will definitely be starting the series at book 1 to familiarize myself with Lori and her family as well as, the Pym sisters when they were healthy and presumably fun.
On their deathbed, the Pym sisters ask Lori Shepherd to find Aubrey. Now you ask WTH is Aubrey? Well that's Lori's question as well and when she finds out that he is in New Zealan...more
I've read all the Aunt Dimity books and I have to say Lori is getting on my nerves a bit. Not much mystery in this one either - more a case of just following someone round New Zealand. But it maybe it's worth reading for that. It's almost a mini travel guide to the country. From Auckland to Queenstown, Lori flies around, taking in a few tourist sights on the way.
There are irritations - I certainly don't know any real Kiwis who'd spontaneously explain the history of the island, or complex meanin...more
There are irritations - I certainly don't know any real Kiwis who'd spontaneously explain the history of the island, or complex meanin...more
Nancy Atherton's delightful Aunt Dimity series is one of my favourites and while this was a bit of a departure from the norm, I still enjoyed it.
When Finch learns that the beloved Pym sisters are dying, everyone is deeply saddened. But when Lori receives a summons to the the sisters' bedside, she never dreams their last request will require her to go - literally - to the ends of the earth to do what they ask of her.
Asked to locate the last relative the sisters never knew they had, Lori heads to...more
When Finch learns that the beloved Pym sisters are dying, everyone is deeply saddened. But when Lori receives a summons to the the sisters' bedside, she never dreams their last request will require her to go - literally - to the ends of the earth to do what they ask of her.
Asked to locate the last relative the sisters never knew they had, Lori heads to...more
I enjoyed this 15th entry in the Aunt Dimity series more than I had expected to. I haven't been terribly fond of all of these stories taking place abroad and away from the cozy village. I felt they lacked a lot of the charm the ones that stuck closer to home had. But this one, despite being set in New Zealand for the most part, I really enjoyed. I loved how well Atherton gave you a feel for the majority of the island, having us chase all over the country to and fro. It made it part mystery and p...more
#15 in the Aunt Dimity mystery series set in small town rural England near London. Not a mystery in the usual sense of this series. The oldest living members of the Finch community, the twin Pym sisters, are dying and they ask Lori to track down their nearest living relative who lives in New Zealand. The story traces the twists and turns in Lori's quest to find the relative.
The story has the usual lightness and humor of the various novels in this series.
The story has the usual lightness and humor of the various novels in this series.
The ancient Pym sisters are on their death bed and they send Lori off in search of their long lost brother whose last known address is in New Zealand.
This book didn't hold the since of real mystery as earlier books in the series. However, does work well as a high-point travel guide to New Zealand and marketing for the Lord of Ring film trilogy. I did enjoy the book as casual weekend read, and would recommend it to anyone following the series.
This book didn't hold the since of real mystery as earlier books in the series. However, does work well as a high-point travel guide to New Zealand and marketing for the Lord of Ring film trilogy. I did enjoy the book as casual weekend read, and would recommend it to anyone following the series.
This is my first Aunt Dimity book. I received it from a book RAK on Ravelry. I must say, I greatly enjoyed it. I found Lori a tad bit annoying in her lack of an adventurous spirit, but otherwise she's a delightful character.
I think what I liked most about the book is the description of New Zealand. I've always wanted to visit NZ. This book made that desire increase astronomically. I'm now in love with New Zealand.
I also loved the LoTR references.
I think what I liked most about the book is the description of New Zealand. I've always wanted to visit NZ. This book made that desire increase astronomically. I'm now in love with New Zealand.
I also loved the LoTR references.
Oh, the dangers of writing in a series. I loved the first one or two in this series but now Atherton has settled down into her formula and doesn't have her characters grow. The most interesting character in this book is New Zealand. Atherton uses the characters' wanderings to take us on a tour of N.Z. with accompanying travelogue. It was quite effective on that level. I'd love to see New Zealand and might take this along as a guide book.
It's been awhile since I was first introduced to Aunt Dimity and have read any books about her. This one I really enjoyed. A lot of the plot takes place in New Zealand, where Lori travels to from England to find a long lost relative of the elderly Pym sisters, who are dying. I loved the descriptions of all the places Lori has to visit around the country as she tries to fulfill the dying wish of the Pyms. Sounds like a beautiful place!!
This book is in the cozy mystery genre but seems to be mostly a travelogue of New Zealand. Since I've never visited there, I found the descriptions of the locations, traditions, and lifestyle fascinating. The story was a logical continuation of the series and contained the usual characters plus those encountered in New Zealand. There have always been happy endings in this series and this book is no exception.
This is the first book of the series I have read and it was totally enjoyable. One of the back cover reviewers commented "Aunt Dimity" is perfect for Nancy Drew fans, and I suppose I fall into that category. No blood, no gore, no actual murders in fact. Plus the dearly departed Aunt Dimity helps the heroine via communiques from the other world. This is my kind of mystery series and I will be back!
This is just a silly and enjoyable mystery. Although a series, you can easily start with any title, as I did here. Alot of pedagogy thrown in though "Aunt Dimity" about Down Under which can at times be too contrived as a travel guide. Not much substance to the characters and the plot is predictable, but it you want a break from anything taxing, this is it! http://www.aunt-dimity.com/
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Nancy Atherton is not a white-haired Englishwoman with a softly wrinkled face, a wry smile, and wise gray eyes, nor does she live in a thatched cottage behind a babbling brook in a tranquil, rural corner of the Cotswolds.
She has never taken tea with a vicar (although she drank an Orange Squash with one once) and she doesn't plan to continue writing after her allotted time on earth (though such pla...more
More about Nancy Atherton...
She has never taken tea with a vicar (although she drank an Orange Squash with one once) and she doesn't plan to continue writing after her allotted time on earth (though such pla...more
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Jan 01, 2010 01:38am