An enchanting and well-researched murder story set in late 19th century Amesbury, MA. Although the fifth in a series this is the first one that I've read and there was sufficient back story to bring me up to date with the characters. The heroine is a Quaker and a midwife with her fiance a local doctor. She acts as an amateur detective when a local society lady of nasty character is found murdered as she sees sides of society kept otherwise private and people talk to her. There are plenty of suspects, motives and red herrings and the murder story is delightful. On top of this there is plenty about midwifery at this period, much making me very glad that I had my twins in the late 20th century. Other social aspects are introduced - the bias against lesbians, the role of women and general hypocrisy to name but three and all set against a heroine with a strong and sensible faith. I look forward to reading future stories in the series and might well seek out the earlier stories too. Thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Another great installment of the fascinating Rose Carroll series by Edith!

Rose, still engaged, still trying to get married, but also still living her independent life as a midwife in Amesbury, MA. This time, the death of the town busybody draws her into yet another investigation, especially when her best friend, postmistress Bertie is accused. The book follows many twists and turns and the ending is completely satisfying. Rose and David finally set a date, and they begin to look at moving out of her brother's house and starting her own midwife practice elsewhere. I love how this series grows with time. I can't wait to read the next one!

Judge Thee Not is another book in the quaker midwife series. Rose has her hands full with the pending birth of twins and murder to be solved. Lots of twists that will keep you guessing. An enjoyable read.

This is the second book I have read in the series and I really need/want to read the ones I have missed. Rose is a spitfire whose escapades I enjoy.

I find I not only learn about midwifery and how people lived in the 19th century but I also learn about the Quaker faith. The Quakers are very interesting and I have high respect for how they stood up to others to stay true to their faith.

Maxwell is not afraid to touch on themes such as lesbianism and rape. She handles them with such poise. I like how she includes them but does not feel the need to make it the focal point.

The Quaker Midwife series is a noteworthy addition to the genre of cozy mysteries.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Beyond the Page, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing.

.I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Set in 1889 about a Quaker midwife and the biases of the culture and time. That they must deal with their own prejudices but that others who are handicapped by being less than perfect.

Showcase a midwife who has to clear her friend name for a crime as she uses her solving abilities to solve the case. An enchanting read.

I absolutely love this series! This series that feature an amateur Quaker detective have been one of the my favorite mystery series! Being the fifth novel in this series, this novel is just as good as it’s predecessors and does not seem to be losing steam! Rose is a loving and compassionate person that has a thirst for justice. She is a faithful and loyal friend! Overall, I recommend this to those that love small town cozy mysteries!

I love this series and I'm happy I was able to read a new installment.
It's a fascinating and well written story, the historical background is well researched as usual, the cast of characters likable and the mystery is engaging and entertaining.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

There’s so much to love in Edith Maxwell’s JUDGE THEE NOT that I stayed immersed in Rose Carroll’s world and MIA in the “real” world as problems and puzzles swirled and mystified.
Explanations of the difficulties and dangers of twin births reminded me of the wonders of modern options we may take for granted. I gave thanks that my friend’s three-months-early daughter is thriving, thanks to the many available options, and remembered being told at the Eugene Field House of the custom of naming a baby only after the completion of the treacherous first year of life.
In addition to the demands of midwifery, Rose deals with small-minded attacks on her friend Sophie’s “lifestyle” — could she lose her position of postmistress? When the most mean-spirited critic is murdered, the finger of suspicion points wildly . . . including toward Sophie. So many lies, and so many motives . . . can Rose help Kevin sort out the “case . . . as complex . . . as I can ever recall bing confronted with”?
In the contest between hypocrisy and greed vs. gentle simplicity and loving honesty . . . Rose Carroll sets an example I’d hope to follow. Avoiding the traps of ostentatious and unbridled consumption and staying true to one’s promises is a sensible approach to a happy life. Also admirable is Rose’s patient but firm way of dealing with conflicts, including with teenage nephew, curmudgeonly brother-in-law, and “difficult” future mother-in-law.
If you like to read in order, this is book five in the series that began with Delivering the Truth.

The fifth book in the Quaker Midwife mysteries covers how people who have disabilities and different a lifestyle than the normal are treated.
We meet Jeanette Papka, a blind woman interpreting language for the court and learned her story. Bertie is being attacked for her life style and when the accuser is found murdered Bertie becomes the main suppect. The woman Rose is attending is Mrs Styles who is having twins. Rose can only hear one heart and the first baby is a girl. He brother comes out later. Frederick has asked Winnie to marry him. The date of Rose'swedding is set for ninth month in her family association. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.

Disclosure: Thanks to Beyond The Page Publishing for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

“For all those who are wrongly judged.”

Rose Carroll is a Quaker midwife. She lives in a New England factory town, Amesbury, Massachusetts, in the year 1889. I don’t mean to make Rose sound stuffy or boring. She is a good friend, a compassionate medical person, and a loving presence for her beloved fiancé. She investigates wrongdoing when she is compelled to do so, and has been in some harrowing incidents because of her crime-solving skills.

This is the fifth book in the Quaker Midwife Mystery series. I must find the time to read the first four books, as I bonded with Rose and her small town, faith-filled life. This is a calm, and sedate cozy mystery, which I enjoyed because it was so lovely and slow-paced. I felt like I was with Rose: riding my bicycle, stopping to visit with friends, including the poet John Whittier, and watching as she tended to her antenatal patients. The peace and tranquility of the book was so comforting and the well-drawn mystery presented just enough excitement.

“I’d learned how important it was to remain calm and be a strong, quiet presence when helping a laboring woman.”

I admired Rose and her willingness to treat everyone fairly, when other people didn’t. I will continue to follow this series as I want to “be there” when Rose gets married! Thanks to Netgalley and Beyond the Page publishing for a digital review cop. This is my honest review.

This book is well written, but it just wasn't for me. I know this is fiction but some things was just not believable. I just can't believe how the police acted. Please don't let my review stop you from trying this book, you might love it. Thank you Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley for theARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.