by Davis Bunn (Author), Rose Robinson (Narrator), Thomas Nelson (Publisher)

An Audiobook Review by Jackie Houchin

When a grieving and very ill Brian Blackstone finally makes it to the inherited mansion his wife left him, he is confronted with bad news and ill will from every side.

Castle Priory – the crumbling house and the rented outbuildings – is up for auction because he was unaware of and so did not pay the inheritance taxes due. The people of the little village of Oxfordshire around it, are very angry at him for the loss, and at the prospect of what will become of it, and them, in the hands of a greedy developer.

Even the doctor, Cecilia Keeble, nearly refuses to treat his lingering illness and pain. But how can a destitute man come up with over a million dollars in one week?

THE BOOK OF HOURS tells of Brian’s pitiful efforts at raising money, and the gradual winning of the townspeople to him. It seems his wife’s step mother owned the house before she died just after his wife’s death, but left no monetary provision.  But the two women in their last days, planned a fantastical adventure for him in a series of amazing riddles to be solved.  And… could it be… a treasure at the end?

The story of his developing love for the people and the castle (and the doctor), as well as the hope and disappointment as each riddle is solved… and that ticking clock towards the ultimate loss, is almost unbearably suspenseful.

The author knows just how to draw out the tension with promise and perception and infinite possibility and excruciating failure and danger, until the climatic ending.  Yes, I shouted along with the characters!!

I will definitely seek out more books by Davis Bunn!

A solid FIVE STARS.

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