In her latest novel, bestselling author Julie Klassen transports readers to the hauntingly beautiful village of Painswick, weaving together Regency romance, classic whodunit intrigue, and rich historical atmosphere. Inspired by a spontaneous stay at an old English manor, Julie brings to life a story filled with mystery, heart, and a heroine whose journey is as compelling as the setting itself. I had the pleasure of chatting with Julie about the origins of her story, the influences behind its Gothic charm, and what she hopes readers will carry with them long after the final page.
Jen: What first inspired you to write this novel? Was it a character, a setting like Painswick Court, or the idea of blending Regency romance with a whodunit mystery?
Julie: For this book, the setting inspired me. My husband and I first visited Painswick in England a few years ago and were both charmed by the village and especially by its beautiful churchyard. In a moment of spontaneity, we ventured into the old manor house adjacent to the church, which was at that point acting as a B & B and asked if they had any rooms available. That stay helped inspire this novel. The manor has since been sold back into private ownership, so we were so glad we’d stayed there while we could!
Jen: Anne Loveday is such a compelling heroine. How did her character take shape for you, and did she surprise you in any way as you wrote her story?
Julie: Thank you. Anne is rather unusual for the time period, in that she is more interested in helping others than in finding a husband. After suffering through her stepmother’s matchmaking attempts and witnessing her sister’s unhappy marriage, Anne is determined to live a single life of service, using the skills she’s acquired by assisting her surgeon-father. She has also struggled with feelings of failure since her mother’s death and doubts God hears and answers her prayers. I wouldn’t say she surprised me, exactly, but I enjoyed writing her developing character as she learns to find forgiveness, confidence, and even love.
Jen: Your book has strong Agatha Christie and Jane Austen vibes. What elements from classic mysteries and Regency romances influenced your storytelling the most?
Julie: My husband and I read and watch a lot of Agatha Christie mysteries, and I’ve incorporated classic whodunit elements like giving several characters reasons to dislike the victim, which means there are multiple suspects. But since the novel takes place in the late Regency period (before the creation of a modern police force as we know it today) there isn’t a sleuth or detective involved, so Anne is on her own to figure out who to trust and who’s guilty, all while finding herself attracted to someone despite her best efforts to guard her heart.
Jen: The atmosphere at Painswick Court is wonderfully eerie. Did any real-life locations, legends, or historical anecdotes inspire the house or its rumored haunting?
Julie: Yes, King Charles I is believed to have stayed at the Court House in Painswick, and ghost sightings of the king and his men have been widely reported in the house and adjoining
Churchyard for years. Such stories are delicious fodder for a Gothic romantic mystery, so I could not resist including them. There is also a rich store of folklore surrounding Painswick’s famous churchyard with ninety-nine yew trees and many legends, which I enjoyed incorporating as well.
Jen: If your book were adapted for film or television, which actors could you imagine playing Anne Loveday, the enigmatic nephews, and the other key characters?
Julie: That’s a tough one, since as an author I can “time travel” and cast younger versions of favorite actors in my mind to help me visualize characters as I write. In reality, most would be too old to cast in a present-day movie. I do enjoy seeing other’s dream casts for this book, however, like this one: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRunsGGjuuj/?img_index=6
Jen: The holidays often shape our creative rhythms. Do you have any personal holiday traditions that influence your writing or help spark inspiration this time of year?
Julie: This holiday season will be one of rest and rejuvenation, thankfully, since it’s been a busy year with 3 books releasing, and I’ve already turned in my manuscript for next year. In previous years, I have taken advantage of the lovely holiday atmosphere to work on a Christmas novella or two.
Jen: What’s currently on your TBR stack? Any historical fiction, mysteries, or romance authors you’re especially excited to read next?
Julie: I am looking forward to reading A Very English Christmas by Carrie Turansky, Marguerite Gray, and Carole Lehr Johnson, as well as a Regency romance by Sarah Eden, Echoes of the Sea.
Jen: This book blends danger and heart beautifully. What do you hope readers feel or take away after turning the final page?
Julie: Along with mystery and romance, the novel also addresses topics like not giving up hope, and embracing God’s plan when our own best-laid plans go awry. I hope readers will take away a renewed appreciation for grace and second chances.
Jen: For readers who want to stay connected, where can they follow your work on social media, in newsletters, at events, or for upcoming releases?
Julie: Readers can stay connected with me on Facebook or by joining the Inspirational Regency Readers group, Instagram, or my website.
WHISPERS AT PAINSWICK COURT by Julie Klassen
Narrator: Elizabeth Jasicki
Historical Regency Romance and Mystery Set in England for Fans of Agatha Christie and Jane Austen
Anne Loveday, a surgeon’s daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year.
Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sick-room nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne’s sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia’s spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady’s maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own. As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her determination to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real killer—and protect her heart—before it’s too late?
Acclaimed Regency author Julie Klassen marries the best of historical romance and mystery in a novel full of English village charm, intrigue, and love.
Mystery | Christian | Romance Historical [ Bethany House Publishers, On Sale: December 2, 2025, Paperback / e-Book / audiobook, ISBN: 9780764244865 / eISBN: 9781493451265 ]
Anne Loveday, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?
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About Julie Klassen
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane – Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. Her book, THE SILENT GOVERNESS, was also a finalist in the Minnesota Book Awards, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Awards, and Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.
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About Jennifer Vido
Jennifer Vido writes sweet romances set in the Lowcountry, earning acclaim as the award-winning author of the Gull Island series. Her debut novel, “Serendipity by the Sea,” secured the prestigious Best First Book award from the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest. In 2024, Vido’s talent garnered further accolades, with Baltimore Magazine readers naming her Best Local Author in their annual Best of Baltimore poll, while the Baltimore Sun acknowledged her with an Honorable Mention in their Best of 2024 Author category. When not writing fiction, she interviews authors for her weekly Jen’s Jewels column, leads water exercise classes, and directs a legal nonprofit. Currently residing in Maryland, she and her husband are proud parents to two grown sons and a rescue dog named Fripp.
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