An Engaging Historical Mystery

‘Agony Hill’ by Sarah Stewart Taylor introduces readers to a compelling new historical mystery series set in the summer of 1965. The novel’s setting in Bethany, Vermont, during a pivotal time in American history, provides a rich backdrop for the plot. With the Vietnam draft intensifying, the debut of Detective Franklin Warren, a former Bostonian seeking refuge in this quiet town, takes a dramatic turn with the mysterious fire that claims the life of Hugh Weber.

Complex Characters and Intricate Plot

Detective Warren is a multi-faceted character, haunted by personal tragedy and searching for solace in Bethany. His first case, involving the fiery death of the contentious Hugh Weber, thrusts him into a web of town secrets and suspicions. Weber, known for his public drunkenness and controversial letters to the local newspaper, left behind a young, seemingly simple wife, Sylvie, and four children. As Warren investigates, he encounters a range of intriguing characters, each with their own potential motives and secrets, from Weber’s estranged brother to the enigmatic man in the woods.

Strong Sense of Place and Community

Sarah Stewart Taylor’s ‘Agony Hill’ stands out for its vivid depiction of 1960s New England and its community dynamics. The author’s knack for creating a strong sense of place and intricate community relationships enriches the narrative. The resolution of Weber’s death is both compelling and thought-provoking, leaving readers reflecting on the broader implications. Taylor’s established reputation, with nominations for the Agatha Award and Dashiell Hammett Prize, underscores her skill in crafting intricate mysteries that resonate with contemporary issues.

‘Agony Hill’ is a promising start to Sarah Stewart Taylor’s first historical series, featuring thoughtful and complex characters against a backdrop of a small town full of secrets. Readers will find themselves engrossed in the mystery and its resolution, which is as satisfying as it is insightful.