“The Trust” - M. H. Eccleston

(Astrid Swift book 1)

🖼️ This novel opens on London-based art restorer Astrid Swift experiencing a couple of terrible, horrible, no good, terrible, horrible days. It’s one personal catastrophe after another - to the point that it’s almost comical. When she learns of her Uncle’s unexpected bequest in Dorset, she quits what she thought was her dream job and takes off. She quickly takes on a job at Sherborne Hall, a National Trust owned stately home. She makes a grisly discovery on day 1 of her new job, and the plot takes off. Alongside Astrid, we find ourselves in a modern, cozy English village mystery.

🖼️ Add to the fact that Astrid is the unlikeliest of sleuths, we see her evolve personally and make unlikely friendships and even take on new hobbies in her new village incarnation. Her ex - Simon - is a detestable worm. I read his comeuppance through twice; it was so satisfying.

🖼️ TT gives readers two puzzles to sort: the murder at Sherborne Hall, and what Astrid’s Uncle Henry intended for her with his mysterious bequest.