Step into the shadowy lanes of late 18th-century Maine, where Will Rees, a Revolutionary War veteran turned weaver, unravels mysteries as tangled as the threads he spins! Eleanor Kuhns’s Will Rees Mysteries series is a delightful blend of historical fiction and cozy whodunits, perfect for readers who love a good puzzle wrapped in rich historical detail. With its vivid portrayal of a young America and a hero wrestling with justice and family, this series hooks you from the first page.
Centered on Will Rees, a reluctant detective with a knack for stumbling into murder cases, the series captures the grit and hope of post-Revolutionary America. Its unique Shaker community settings and deep dives into themes like redemption and morality make it a standout in historical mysteries. Ready to explore this hidden gem? Let’s dive in!
How Will Rees Began
Eleanor Kuhns, a librarian with a passion for history, launched the Will Rees Mysteries with her debut novel, A Simple Murder, which won the 2011 Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel competition. Inspired by her love for historical fiction and the intricate lives of early Americans, Kuhns crafted Will Rees as a flawed yet relatable hero—a weaver haunted by his past, seeking to mend his fractured family. Her meticulous research into the Federalist era and Shaker communities brought authenticity to the series, setting it apart in the mystery genre.
The Heart of Will Rees
The series kicks off with A Simple Murder (2012), where Will arrives at a Shaker community in 1796 to find his runaway son, only to be drawn into solving the brutal murder of a young Shaker woman. Death of a Dyer (2013) sees Will back on his Maine farm, investigating the killing of a childhood friend, while Death in Salem (2015) takes him to the murky world of Salem’s shipping trade to untangle a merchant’s murder. Murder on Principle (2021) tackles the moral dilemma of a slaveholder’s death, blending social issues with suspense.
Kuhns weaves themes of justice, family reconciliation, and personal growth through each book. Will’s strained relationship with his son, David, and his evolving bond with Lydia, a former Shaker, ground the mysteries in emotional stakes. The Shaker settings add a layer of intrigue, with their strict communal rules clashing against the era’s individualism. Kuhns’s prose is gentle yet gripping, balancing cozy mystery vibes with the darker edges of human nature, all set against the rustic beauty of Maine’s frontier.
The series’ historical accuracy shines, from weaving techniques to the tensions of a nation grappling with slavery and independence. Each book feels like a time machine, immersing readers in an era where horse-drawn wagons and candlelit nights shaped daily life. Fans of historical mysteries will savor the blend of cerebral sleuthing and vivid world-building.
Why Will Rees Resonates
The Will Rees Mysteries have carved a niche among historical mystery fans for their authentic portrayal of early American life and their introspective hero. Kuhns’s ability to weave social issues—like slavery and women’s rights—into compelling whodunits has earned praise from critics and readers alike. The series’ focus on the Shakers, a lesser-known religious sect, adds a fresh perspective, making it a treasure for those seeking stories off the beaten path.
With 11 books and counting, the series has built a loyal following, with fans on Goodreads lauding its immersive settings and Will’s growth as a character. Its critical acclaim, including the prestigious First Crime Novel award, underscores its impact. For readers craving mysteries with heart and history, Will Rees delivers a timeless adventure.
- First Book: A Simple Murder (2012)
- Latest Book: Murder, Sweet Murder (2021)
- Number of Books: 11
- Award: 2011 Minotaur Books/MWA First Crime Novel
Grab A Simple Murder and dive into Will Rees’s world of secrets, Shakers, and suspense—your next favorite historical mystery awaits!