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C.S. Lewis Investigates #1
The Mystery at Rake Hall
In post-war Oxford, secrets lie behind every door.
In 1947, with rationing still biting and the black market thriving, university don C.S. ‘Jack’ Lewis finds himself pulled into a mystery straight from one of his friend Dorothy Sayers’ novels. Susan Temple, his brightest student, has been hidden away at Rake Hall ― a hostel for unmarried, outcast mothers. But beneath the respectable façade, something sinister festers.
With no experience beyond catching the occasional student plagiarist, Lewis is hardly a detective. Yet, his curiosity piqued and his moral compass tugged – and alongside Susan’s friend Lucy, the daughter of a college servant – he delves into the unsavoury secrets of Oxford’s underbelly…
In The Mystery at Rake Hall, Maureen Paton – whose mother lived at the real-life Rake Hall while pregnant with Maureen – brilliantly recreates a post-war Oxford world, as well as imagining an alternative life for one of its most famous residents.
In 1947, with rationing still biting and the black market thriving, university don C.S. ‘Jack’ Lewis finds himself pulled into a mystery straight from one of his friend Dorothy Sayers’ novels. Susan Temple, his brightest student, has been hidden away at Rake Hall ― a hostel for unmarried, outcast mothers. But beneath the respectable façade, something sinister festers.
With no experience beyond catching the occasional student plagiarist, Lewis is hardly a detective. Yet, his curiosity piqued and his moral compass tugged – and alongside Susan’s friend Lucy, the daughter of a college servant – he delves into the unsavoury secrets of Oxford’s underbelly…
In The Mystery at Rake Hall, Maureen Paton – whose mother lived at the real-life Rake Hall while pregnant with Maureen – brilliantly recreates a post-war Oxford world, as well as imagining an alternative life for one of its most famous residents.
- GenresHistorical
304 pages, Paperback
Published April 10, 2025
5 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 14, 2025
I was really looking forward to reading this mystery, featuring as it does the beloved author C.S. Lewis who's Narnia books were an integral part of my childhood.
However I found that the first 90 pages or so of the book were a bit overloaded with all kinds of information, some pertaining to the "mystery" or the various characters involved as well as just "interesting tidbits". It kind of shifted attention away from the main focus of the book ... its protagonist.
Once past a certain point I was able to get more into the story but I wasn't as invested in any of the characters as I could have been except for C.S. Lewis and probably only then because he was the reason that I was reading the book.
There wasn't much of a mystery to the story either since the reader is pretty much informed about most everything that's going on before Lewis himself has a chance to put things together.
Lots of name dropping too but that's to be expected I suppose. At least in regards to Lewis's fellow Inklings ... and of course one in particular.
I am undecided as to whether I'll continue with this series but I confess that I would like to spend more time with "Jack" Lewis so we'll see.
However I found that the first 90 pages or so of the book were a bit overloaded with all kinds of information, some pertaining to the "mystery" or the various characters involved as well as just "interesting tidbits". It kind of shifted attention away from the main focus of the book ... its protagonist.
Once past a certain point I was able to get more into the story but I wasn't as invested in any of the characters as I could have been except for C.S. Lewis and probably only then because he was the reason that I was reading the book.
There wasn't much of a mystery to the story either since the reader is pretty much informed about most everything that's going on before Lewis himself has a chance to put things together.
Lots of name dropping too but that's to be expected I suppose. At least in regards to Lewis's fellow Inklings ... and of course one in particular.
I am undecided as to whether I'll continue with this series but I confess that I would like to spend more time with "Jack" Lewis so we'll see.
April 13, 2025
The first in a new fictional crime series, C.S. Lewis Investigates. Set in Oxford in 1947 where C.S. 'Jack' Lewis (probably best known for his Narnia series of books) is a university don. He is concerned that one of his students, Susan Temple, has stopped attending lectures so he makes discrete enquiries. The author tells us in her notes that this story was inspired by a very personal story and Lewis being a favourite author of hers, this really does come through in the book.
Briefly, Susan has taken herself to a home for unwed mothers after getting pregnant following a drunken encounter. However, having been told Susan has left the home, Rake Hall, Lucy Standen, Susan’s friend and Lewis start digging deeper as Susan is missing. Their investigations turn up a terrible, illicit activity being run from the home. The police are also taking an interest.
A very evocative book with some detailed descriptions of life in Oxford post WWII for both ‘town and gown’ making it almost a character in itself. I was also interested in The Inklings, (google it, I did!) I love it when I learn from fiction. A good plot and I savoured the characters, if like me you love the Narnia books you will probably recognise some of the character names used. An enjoyable and entertaining read and I’ll look out for book 2.
Briefly, Susan has taken herself to a home for unwed mothers after getting pregnant following a drunken encounter. However, having been told Susan has left the home, Rake Hall, Lucy Standen, Susan’s friend and Lewis start digging deeper as Susan is missing. Their investigations turn up a terrible, illicit activity being run from the home. The police are also taking an interest.
A very evocative book with some detailed descriptions of life in Oxford post WWII for both ‘town and gown’ making it almost a character in itself. I was also interested in The Inklings, (google it, I did!) I love it when I learn from fiction. A good plot and I savoured the characters, if like me you love the Narnia books you will probably recognise some of the character names used. An enjoyable and entertaining read and I’ll look out for book 2.
April 24, 2025
The setting is 1947, in a post World War II Oxford, where university don C.S. ‘Jack’ Lewis finds himself pulled into a mystery straight from of his friend Dorothy Sayers’ novels. And those two names are not your only bookish references! Names you recognise will make continue to make you smile as you turn the pages.
What is the mystery you ask! One of Lewis’ brightest student Susan disappears all of a sudden and her absence troubles the academic as it seems most out of character. When Susan’s friend Lucy (see! I told you there are names, which will transport you to other books and make you smile with recognition!) approaches the don, the two of them decide to investigate nasty rumours about Rake Hall, a place for unmarried, pregnant women. What is happening behind the closed doors of Rake Hall? And is the Hall holding a more personal secret than Lucy can ever imagine?
This book is so easy to read and whilst this book is a work of fiction, sadly we know all too well that the imagined secrets, which Rake Hall hides in the story, did happen at other institutions and it’s so important that these continue to be highlighted. The author brings 1940s Oxford very much to life, both the good and the darker side of it, the beautiful architecture and the narrow alleys and I felt that good prevailed in the end, which is always a nice feeling to be left with.
What is the mystery you ask! One of Lewis’ brightest student Susan disappears all of a sudden and her absence troubles the academic as it seems most out of character. When Susan’s friend Lucy (see! I told you there are names, which will transport you to other books and make you smile with recognition!) approaches the don, the two of them decide to investigate nasty rumours about Rake Hall, a place for unmarried, pregnant women. What is happening behind the closed doors of Rake Hall? And is the Hall holding a more personal secret than Lucy can ever imagine?
This book is so easy to read and whilst this book is a work of fiction, sadly we know all too well that the imagined secrets, which Rake Hall hides in the story, did happen at other institutions and it’s so important that these continue to be highlighted. The author brings 1940s Oxford very much to life, both the good and the darker side of it, the beautiful architecture and the narrow alleys and I felt that good prevailed in the end, which is always a nice feeling to be left with.
April 23, 2025
🌺I was utterly absorbed in this novel from the moment I started reading it until the end!
Set in post war Oxford, the novel walks us deliciously through academic university life with detailed descriptions of everyday life, juxtaposed with a darker hidden scene and a heinous home for unwed pregnant women.
We see ‘Jack’, C. S. Lewis, a prolific author and academic become increasingly concerned about the absence of one of his bright female students, Susan. Approached by Lucy, Susan’s friend, who knows that Susan has entered Rake Hall, they both team up in an attempt to discover the mystery of where Lucy has disappeared too.
This cosy crime mystery was a delight to read. Beautifully written with well drawn out characters that we walk along side in their plights for justice and freedom.
The novel explores the harsh vulnerability of pregnant women during this time and the horrendous way in which they were treated. It also shines a light on a community that should have been protecting these women, but were instead accomplices in selling their babies.
What drew me to the title was ‘C. S. Lewis’.
Being familiar with the works of C. S. Lewis for me, the most interesting aspect of this story was seeing how the author attempted to authentically depict him in this novel. I felt that Paton portrayed this beautifully.
I particularly liked the names she chose for some of the characters, names from Lewis’ well loved children’s book. Also his well known friendship and weekly meetings with Tolkien!
I thoroughly enjoyed this literary mystery and I look forwards to more in this series. 🌺
Thank you to Anne from @ for inviting me to take part in this tour.
@swiftpress @maureenpaton
For writing this delightful novel.
C. S. Lewis Investigates ‘The Mystery At Rake Hall’ is out 24th April
Set in post war Oxford, the novel walks us deliciously through academic university life with detailed descriptions of everyday life, juxtaposed with a darker hidden scene and a heinous home for unwed pregnant women.
We see ‘Jack’, C. S. Lewis, a prolific author and academic become increasingly concerned about the absence of one of his bright female students, Susan. Approached by Lucy, Susan’s friend, who knows that Susan has entered Rake Hall, they both team up in an attempt to discover the mystery of where Lucy has disappeared too.
This cosy crime mystery was a delight to read. Beautifully written with well drawn out characters that we walk along side in their plights for justice and freedom.
The novel explores the harsh vulnerability of pregnant women during this time and the horrendous way in which they were treated. It also shines a light on a community that should have been protecting these women, but were instead accomplices in selling their babies.
What drew me to the title was ‘C. S. Lewis’.
Being familiar with the works of C. S. Lewis for me, the most interesting aspect of this story was seeing how the author attempted to authentically depict him in this novel. I felt that Paton portrayed this beautifully.
I particularly liked the names she chose for some of the characters, names from Lewis’ well loved children’s book. Also his well known friendship and weekly meetings with Tolkien!
I thoroughly enjoyed this literary mystery and I look forwards to more in this series. 🌺
Thank you to Anne from @ for inviting me to take part in this tour.
@swiftpress @maureenpaton
For writing this delightful novel.
C. S. Lewis Investigates ‘The Mystery At Rake Hall’ is out 24th April
July 5, 2025
This is set in Autumn 1947 and involves C.S. Lewis becoming involved in the investigation into one of his students who has gone missing.
Susan Temple is one of the best students in Lewis's tutorial, so when she suddenly disappears, he is surprised. However, she has informed Lucy Standen of where she is and, when things go wrong, Lucy turns to Lewis for help.
This had an interesting setting, with a post-war Oxford University and, of course, Rake Hall, a home for unmarried mothers. There is a lot of social history in this novel, perhaps more history than mystery. The plot is fairly straightforward and I found it quite difficult to motivate myself to pick this up. Had I not received a copy from NetGalley for review, I might have abandoned this one.
As I felt obliged to get the end, I managed to do so, and found it a mixed read. It was interesting to learn more about C.S. Lewis - I loved Narnia as a child, so he has a special place in my heart. Perhaps if the author continues the series and doesn't base the mystery on a real place, it will allow her to be more imaginative. Overall, I would rate this at 3.5..
Susan Temple is one of the best students in Lewis's tutorial, so when she suddenly disappears, he is surprised. However, she has informed Lucy Standen of where she is and, when things go wrong, Lucy turns to Lewis for help.
This had an interesting setting, with a post-war Oxford University and, of course, Rake Hall, a home for unmarried mothers. There is a lot of social history in this novel, perhaps more history than mystery. The plot is fairly straightforward and I found it quite difficult to motivate myself to pick this up. Had I not received a copy from NetGalley for review, I might have abandoned this one.
As I felt obliged to get the end, I managed to do so, and found it a mixed read. It was interesting to learn more about C.S. Lewis - I loved Narnia as a child, so he has a special place in my heart. Perhaps if the author continues the series and doesn't base the mystery on a real place, it will allow her to be more imaginative. Overall, I would rate this at 3.5..
April 30, 2025
I'm very fond of a period mystery - and this is a belter!
Susan Temple is an Oxford student - and one of the very brightest - so when she suddenly goes missing, her tutor, university don C. S. 'Jack' Lewis finds himself drawn into finding out what's going on. He's not used to solcing mysteries - that's more the work of his friend Dorothy Sayers, but Susan's friend Lucy enlists his help and together they discover that she seems to be in nearby Rake Hall. Why? And how do they get her back?
This is a terrific read, true to the period with lots going on and it had me hooked from the beginning right through to the very last word. An excellent read, all the more so because it has a personal connection for the author who has obviously done her research. Highly recommended to all lovers of a truly good mystery, and easily worthy of all five stars.
Susan Temple is an Oxford student - and one of the very brightest - so when she suddenly goes missing, her tutor, university don C. S. 'Jack' Lewis finds himself drawn into finding out what's going on. He's not used to solcing mysteries - that's more the work of his friend Dorothy Sayers, but Susan's friend Lucy enlists his help and together they discover that she seems to be in nearby Rake Hall. Why? And how do they get her back?
This is a terrific read, true to the period with lots going on and it had me hooked from the beginning right through to the very last word. An excellent read, all the more so because it has a personal connection for the author who has obviously done her research. Highly recommended to all lovers of a truly good mystery, and easily worthy of all five stars.
April 8, 2025
C. S. 'Jack' Lewis finds himself part of a mystery when his favourite student stops attending classes. When her concerned friend, Lucy, comes to him with news she had moved into a hostel for unmarried pregnant women and is now missing, Jack knows he must intervene to find out what is going on at Rake Hall.
I struggled to get into this book straight away because there were so many characters and perspectives. But once I got my head around everyone I found myself enjoying the mystery. I loved the real life details spread throughout this book and felt like I actually learned something while reading. As much as Jack was the main character, I found Lucy to be the real hero of the story. She was confident and unafraid to stand up for the people she loved.
I struggled to get into this book straight away because there were so many characters and perspectives. But once I got my head around everyone I found myself enjoying the mystery. I loved the real life details spread throughout this book and felt like I actually learned something while reading. As much as Jack was the main character, I found Lucy to be the real hero of the story. She was confident and unafraid to stand up for the people she loved.
April 21, 2025
This is set in post-war Oxford and features C S Lewis - known as Jack - getting drawn into a mystery after one of his brightest pupils stops coming to her tutorials. Susan it turns out is at Rake Hall, a seemingly respectable hostel for unmarried mothers. But there's more to it than meets the eye and along with Lucy, one of Susan's friends and the daughter of a college servant, Jack starts to investigate. I don't know a lot about the real C S Lewis, but this is a good mystery in a great setting. I love Gaudy NIght, and that world of scouts and bulldogs is very much still in evidence here a decade or more after Sayers' novel - and Sayers herself makes an appearance here too.
*****Copy from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.*****
*****Copy from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.*****
January 13, 2025
After a confusing beginning the story becomes much more interesting and the second half of the novel is definitely much better than the first. The strength of this novel does not lie in the mystery or detective storyline but in the description of post war Oxford and the lives of its people. Taking a real writer as a protagonist is always risky, but the author does pull it off because the character remains credible at all times. The feisty female characters also contribute to the enjoyment of the story. What I like about this kind of fiction is that I find out all kinds of real details about what life must have been like then, so if you enjoy that sort of thing, this may be a book for you.
November 11, 2025
Not so much a detective story as an homage to post war Oxford, this was not what I had been expecting but I found it quite an interesting read. I love Oxford with its dreaming spires and hundreds of bicycles everywhere and this book was full of descriptions of the Oxford of the late 1940’s . I am not sure why the author thought to use C.S.Lewis in the story as any Oxford don would have served as an amateur sleuth.
The plot itself was quite interesting and the book is, on the whole, well written. It was an entertaining read with a mystery to solve and I did enjoy it.
The plot itself was quite interesting and the book is, on the whole, well written. It was an entertaining read with a mystery to solve and I did enjoy it.
May 14, 2025
This book was brilliant: clever, witty, exciting and atmospheric. It involves the writer and theologian CS Lewis in a fictional tale of crime in post-war Oxford, reminding the reader that even though the war had been won the situation wasn't easy, with the people of Britain suffering shortages of the most basic supplies; a situation which encouraged the growth of black market activities.
March 13, 2025
A little bit complicated for me, a lot of characters - probably a few unnecessary ones.
But I read it quickly, it's a short book and there were some fun bits in there. A unique storyline and one I couldn't pre-empt as I was reading.
But I read it quickly, it's a short book and there were some fun bits in there. A unique storyline and one I couldn't pre-empt as I was reading.
November 12, 2025
Two and a half stars really. Original idea but not well handled: the climax could have been exciting but wasn't. It made no sense to me why the amateur protagonists had to get involved towards the end when the police operation would have done the job. Won't read any more from this author.
February 1, 2026
The scene setting is great, and the research into mother and baby homes - and the horrors they inflicted - is first rate. But as a novel, it isn't well written. It's reads as if the author had used a thesaurus indiscriminately.
I really wanted to like this, but I couldn't.
I really wanted to like this, but I couldn't.
April 13, 2025
Its 1947 in post WW2 Oxford. C.S. 'Jack' Lewis (author of many religious works as well as The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe is teaching and has become concerned because one of his brightest students, Susan Temple, has ceased attending lectures and for the last few lectures she looked 'different'. Ever wary of being seen to take an interest in young women whilst being a single man, Jack makes discreet inquiries.
Meanwhile, Susan, who is pregnant after being taken advantage of while drunk, has decided to enter Rake Hall, a local home for unwed mothers. She has taken Lucy Standen into her confidence. Lucy's father Alfred is a Scout (sort of servant) at Oxford and didn't report Susan when he saw her leaving a gentleman's rooms after curfew. When Susan allegedly leaves Rake Hall without notifying Lucy she is concerned and reaches out to Jack. Together they uncover a black-market trade in adoption of babies.
I recently read a murder mystery featuring Virginia Woolf and it didn't really work for me. Strangely, although this follows a similar premise, a famous real-life writer solving a mystery, I liked it much better. Although I felt it a bit obvious with some of the inferences that events/thoughts influenced C.S. Lewis' Narnia series (just look at the names of the other characters) - which reminded me of that advert way back suggesting that George Lucas based his Star Wars characters on people he saw on campus while at college, I really enjoyed it.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
Bumped for release.
Meanwhile, Susan, who is pregnant after being taken advantage of while drunk, has decided to enter Rake Hall, a local home for unwed mothers. She has taken Lucy Standen into her confidence. Lucy's father Alfred is a Scout (sort of servant) at Oxford and didn't report Susan when he saw her leaving a gentleman's rooms after curfew. When Susan allegedly leaves Rake Hall without notifying Lucy she is concerned and reaches out to Jack. Together they uncover a black-market trade in adoption of babies.
I recently read a murder mystery featuring Virginia Woolf and it didn't really work for me. Strangely, although this follows a similar premise, a famous real-life writer solving a mystery, I liked it much better. Although I felt it a bit obvious with some of the inferences that events/thoughts influenced C.S. Lewis' Narnia series (just look at the names of the other characters) - which reminded me of that advert way back suggesting that George Lucas based his Star Wars characters on people he saw on campus while at college, I really enjoyed it.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
Bumped for release.
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