The Murder Farm by Andrea Maria Schenkel

Great story.  Small village about ten years after WWII.  Excellent story line told in the perspective of not only the murdered family and their maid, but several of the villagers. I loved the points of view of  villagers, the wife, daughter and murderer to name a few.  I was surprised when the murderer was revealed.  Completely surprised.  I thought it was someone else!

I’m not sure if I have a favorite character.  I didn’t feel there was enough about any character to help me find a favorite.  As most, I feel sorry for the children because they didn’t do anything to cause them to be treated in this manner.  I felt sorry for the new maid because she just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.  I was confused about how to feel for the mother, she had just given up.  

The characters express the voice and opinions of the times.  One person talks about being called to follow Hitler, while another writes about the feelings the French and Germans held toward each other, even ten years after the war.  The women are expected to be subservient to men and do what is asked without question.

I am left wondering what will happen at the end of the book, we are left with the murderer sitting on the bed with a gun.  Is he going to use it on himself/herself, or will he/she use it on someone else.  It is doubtful there can be a sequel, depending on if there is a murder or a suicide. If there is a sequel I would love to read it!

I am giving the book four stars, only because I would have liked a little more character development.  I will recommend The Murder Farm to my friends who enjoy a short suspense story.