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The Cornish Widow
Connie Maxwell has a secret. Though broken in body, her spirit runs free. Dreamwalking might be useful if only she could control it. But it's one thing roaming the Cornish Coast and quite another witnessing a murder - especially when she can't influence the outcome. Annie Hearn has absconded after the suspicious death of her neighbour, and the authorities are about to pounce. But in a county of people hell-bent on bringing her to justice, Connie alone believes in her innocence. With time running out, a chance encounter brings evil to Connie's door. Nobody is who they seem, and Connie's background is an ever-changing mystery. Who is Connie? And is saving Annie the reason for her burdensome gift? A gripping Golden Age historical series perfect for those who like a touch of psychic suspense with their mysteries.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2021
112 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Beard
43 books117 followersJacqueline lives in Gloucestershire with her husband, son & delinquent border terrier.
She spends her free time writing, researching her extensive East Anglian Family History and rambling through Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside with border terrier in tow.
She spends her free time writing, researching her extensive East Anglian Family History and rambling through Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside with border terrier in tow.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 29, 2023
Intriguing and heartfelt, a different take on astral projection. Beard has crafted a sensitive and empathic story around a true life historical figure, weaving an exciting plot and creating a new heroine in Connie Maxwell. I found her mystery gripping and exciting, she brought her main character to life with the many doubts and fears that Connie felt and I really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to more from this new-to-me author.
March 9, 2022
I just found a few too many odd little loose ends. Why did Dolly mysteriously become ill? Why was Roxy so rude to Connie, our heroine? What became of Oliver Fox? Who is Mrs Ponsonby? What secret does she share with Coraline?
What happened in Connie’s past that has left her with a damaged leg and little energy? Etc.
Connie is a young woman whose past is unknown. She lacks self confidence and this makes her angry at real and supposed slights. She has a ‘carer’ for whom she cares little and worries that this Mrs P, may be her mother.
Connie can dreamwalk and with support from Oliver Fox (who she comes across in the nearby hotel) learns to use this gift through choice rather than let it just happen.
Her friend Peter gets her interested in a trial being held at Plymouth. A woman dies of arsenic poisoning. Was it her husband or her helpful neighbour who did the dastardly deed? Connie finds herself drawn to the case and feels a strong connection. As a dream walker she can move like a ghost from place to place, even to another time and can see things but cannot help or interfere, feel things or move them. Also there is another dream walker out there, more malevolent, who scares Connie.
Connie sees out the final trial and through dream walking, learns the truth and there it ends.
The book was quite enjoyable and an easy read though I found the ending a bit abrupt.
What happened in Connie’s past that has left her with a damaged leg and little energy? Etc.
Connie is a young woman whose past is unknown. She lacks self confidence and this makes her angry at real and supposed slights. She has a ‘carer’ for whom she cares little and worries that this Mrs P, may be her mother.
Connie can dreamwalk and with support from Oliver Fox (who she comes across in the nearby hotel) learns to use this gift through choice rather than let it just happen.
Her friend Peter gets her interested in a trial being held at Plymouth. A woman dies of arsenic poisoning. Was it her husband or her helpful neighbour who did the dastardly deed? Connie finds herself drawn to the case and feels a strong connection. As a dream walker she can move like a ghost from place to place, even to another time and can see things but cannot help or interfere, feel things or move them. Also there is another dream walker out there, more malevolent, who scares Connie.
Connie sees out the final trial and through dream walking, learns the truth and there it ends.
The book was quite enjoyable and an easy read though I found the ending a bit abrupt.
March 15, 2025
Odd, But Enjoyable
I enjoyed this book, despite a lot of "hanging chads". There are so many things left unresolved by the end of the book. What made Dolly so ill? What happened to cause Constance's leg to be so badly damaged that she is partially lame? Why on earth is she age 25, but still not allowed to be in charge of her own life and person? Some of these questions seemed more unlikely than that of her out-of-body experiences.
Nevertheless, the book was well-written and the mystery as twisty and unexpected as any I have ever read. I did genuinely enjoy it.
I enjoyed this book, despite a lot of "hanging chads". There are so many things left unresolved by the end of the book. What made Dolly so ill? What happened to cause Constance's leg to be so badly damaged that she is partially lame? Why on earth is she age 25, but still not allowed to be in charge of her own life and person? Some of these questions seemed more unlikely than that of her out-of-body experiences.
Nevertheless, the book was well-written and the mystery as twisty and unexpected as any I have ever read. I did genuinely enjoy it.
March 21, 2025
Very interesting story
This mystery is based on a bizarre premise. Constance Maxwell is an orphan living with her guardian. She has no information on her background nor does she know anything about her very strict guardian. Despite Connie's feelings, her guardian does appear to care about her. Connie , through her friend Peter, becomes interested in a murder trial. She also learns she is capable of traveling outside her body. And it leads to an unusual perspective on the trial and the determination of innocence or guilt.
This mystery is based on a bizarre premise. Constance Maxwell is an orphan living with her guardian. She has no information on her background nor does she know anything about her very strict guardian. Despite Connie's feelings, her guardian does appear to care about her. Connie , through her friend Peter, becomes interested in a murder trial. She also learns she is capable of traveling outside her body. And it leads to an unusual perspective on the trial and the determination of innocence or guilt.
June 27, 2021
An enjoyable read and thoroughly recommended
The author took me back in time with a wonderfully crafted tale of murder.
The added dimension of dreamwalking was such an intriguing way to have the lead character learning details of the case that I can't wait for the next Constance Maxwell Dreamwalker Mystery.
The author took me back in time with a wonderfully crafted tale of murder.
The added dimension of dreamwalking was such an intriguing way to have the lead character learning details of the case that I can't wait for the next Constance Maxwell Dreamwalker Mystery.
April 28, 2023
Such an enjoyable read
I was enraptured with all aspects of this book and subsequent sequels. I liked the time period and who doesn't adore Cornwall-soaking up all the descriptions of the heroines environment. Entwined with I belive real life events of the time. A different take on a Miss esc page turner. Well done.
I was enraptured with all aspects of this book and subsequent sequels. I liked the time period and who doesn't adore Cornwall-soaking up all the descriptions of the heroines environment. Entwined with I belive real life events of the time. A different take on a Miss esc page turner. Well done.
May 12, 2025
Not my sort of book
Found this book not to my liking, struggled to read it and understand the content. Put it down and came back to it several times but still couldn't get to grips with the story
Found this book not to my liking, struggled to read it and understand the content. Put it down and came back to it several times but still couldn't get to grips with the story
June 23, 2021
A excellent mystery story with some unexpected twists. With the authors tilt on historical information and records. As well as paranormal experience. All ready a waiting the next book in the series.
November 6, 2021
Interesting main character. i would have liked if the mystery of her family was resolved. i enjoyed reading about her OBE moments. The setting of 1930s England and the story plot blend flawlessly.
January 24, 2023
I really enjoyed this book thoroughly
March 22, 2025
I was interested in the dream walking and astral travel aspects of the book but found Connie to be an unlikable character and I will not read more in this series.
November 14, 2021
Well constructed with characters that engaged this reader. When it comes however,to astral projection, I disengage.
July 6, 2021
A delightful, imaginative story that will keep you turning the pages from cover to cover.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews