Book Review: The Case of the Wandering Scholar

Title: The Case of the Wandering Scholar
Author: Kate Saunders
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 362
ISBN: 978-1526615985
Source: Publisher

The Case of the Wandering Scholar is a Laetitia Rodd mystery involving the search a nomadic Oxford scholar tied with a series of murders and suspects who seem completely unrelated to each other. Set in mid 19th century with most of the action taking place in the English countryside, this book presents a delightful mystery shrouded with romantic and pastoral pastoral imagery that will stay with you long after you’ve finished the book.

Mrs Rodd is hired by Mr Jacob Welland, who is on his death bed. His last wish is to see and sort out the differences with his brother Joshua, who lives as a wandering scholar. There’s very little that is known about Joshua and his whereabouts, and Mrs Rodd must find him as soon as possible because Mr Jacob Welland has only a few days left with him.

Mrs Rodd leaves for Oxford and finds a good company with her host cum old friends- Arthur and his wife Rachel. Joshua is said to be living in the company of the gypsies. As Mrs Rodd becomes desperate in her search of Joshua, an intricate web of seemingly unrelated lives unravels in the countryside and she is forced to witness events that she little expected to. Just when Mrs Rodd gives up her hunt, there is a murder and things take an unexpected turn.

My Verdict

The best thing about this book is the writing. It is highly atmospheric. The picture of the countryside and its people that Kate Saunders has painted is similar to that of the Bronte sisters. Because of the setting and the writing, I actually felt that I was reading some classic work of literature. This delightful writing combined with the intriguing premise worked really well for me.

I also liked the characterization in the novel. There are a lot of characters and I admit, at times it becomes difficult to make out who is who. But still there are some characters that stand out namely those of Mrs Rodd, Arthur, Rachel, Mr Barton, Daniel Arden and of course Joshua- the wandering scholar, who doesn’t appear till the very end.

This novel is a page-turner. Despite that I had my issues with the plot. The search for Joshua ends in just about 100 pages, in the sense that Mrs Rodd gives it up. It is through the investigation of the murder and what follows it, that Joshua enters the plot again. I felt this was a major weak point in the plot. Nevertheless it was still impressive to see how everything was linked together. But again I was disappointed with the final revelation.

As far as the crime and mystery part goes, this book was disappointing. But the experience that this book provides makes up for that. So it was worth the time. The theme of religious factionalism runs throughout the novel. The christian principle of Confession and the atoning of sins also forms an important part of the narrative. Adultery and homosexuality too feature in this work.

What I admire about the author is that there is no incongruity between the setting and the actions of the characters and themes underlying the novel. Her characters are well rooted in the time to which they belong. There are some literary references too about which the author has talked in the afterword to the novel. I enjoyed these immensely. All in all, this was an enjoyable work for me.

My Rating: **** (3.75/5)

What do you think about this book? Do you enjoy reading books set in the countryside? Do share your thoughts. Thanks.

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*I was kindly sent a copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Views expressed are entirely personal and unbiased.*