Through a Darkening Glass

A Novel

By: R.S. Maxwell

Narrated by: Eilidh Beaton

A mesmerizing World War II mystery about a Londoner who flees the city to write a novel and finds a truth stranger than fiction.

England, 1940. Literature student Ruth Gladstone evacuates Cambridge University for Martynsborough, a tiny English village with a shadowy history. For Ruth, retreating to a forgotten corner of the country is more than a safety maneuver; it’s an opportunity to end an undesirable engagement and begin writing her first novel.

But upon her arrival, Ruth learns of a ghostly wraith haunting the villagers after decades of silence. Although Ruth is enthralled by the legend, the locals are less charmed by the wraith’s return. They blame the evacuees—and among them, Ruth—for stirring up restless spirits.

Undeterred, Ruth joins forces with Malcolm, an injured soldier, to unravel the mystery of the wraith. As Ruth and Malcolm draw closer to the truth, they’ll unearth long-buried secrets that could threaten them both…even as they craft a forbidden love story of their own.

©2023 R. S. Maxwell (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Eilidh Beaton performs this charming, slow-moving, somewhat dark ghost story set during the blackouts in England in 1940.… Beaton ably voices the broad-accented Martynsborough inhabitants, contrasting them sharply with the wartime transplants from London. Beaton uses a soft, melodic voice for the lengthy descriptions of the quiet village and its environs, while enlivening conversations and relationships.”—AudioFile Magazine

“A deftly crafted novel…World War II era themed literary fiction at its best. Now brought to vivid life by the narrative talents of Eilidh Beaton…especially and unreservedly recommended.”—Midwest Book Review

“This intriguing historical with mystery, romance, and gothic overtones will keep readers thoroughly engaged while putting a surprising spin on the English village story.”—Booklist

The right amount of twists

I liked the speaker and the story had just enough mystery to keep you wondering. Enjoyed it a lot.

meh

I finished it just to see where it turned out, but was bored by the end.

Light and fun

I enjoyed the way it was written, it was bubbly with a dark tone. And the narrator managed the script beautifully.

meh

Disappointing when authors weave mysterious subplots only to clumsily resolve them in final chapters

I had high hopes but it didn’t amount to much.

I had high hopes but this storyline did not amount to much. I was bored and kept hoping for more action or better mystery. Let down.