Aunt Dimity Down Under (#98) takes Lori Sheperd to New Zealand to track down a long-lost relative of elderly identical twins Ruth and Louise Pym. The twins, who have lived in the village of Finch their entire lives, have taken a "funny turn" after finding a letter to their mother from their banished brother Aubrey announcing the birth of a son. The Pyms had no idea that they had other relatives, and are anxious to make contact before they die. They entrust their neighbor Lori with the task. Since Dr. Finnisterre has made them comfortable but holds out no hope for their recovery, there is no telling how much time Lori will have to carry out their dying wish.
Aunt Dimity, of course, in journal form goes along in Lori's handbag, and proves to be surprisingly knowledgeable about New Zealand and its inhabitants. She, of course, claims to have met Kiwis as part of her war work in London. Seems suspicious to me just how extensive her familarity is, but who knows how Aunt Dimity is spending her time in the other dimension? Lori spends her journey, accompanied by a college friend of husband Bill, determined to make it back home as soon as possible - grumble, grumble. Cameron, in fact, is the one who pushes her to go beyond the surface contact. By the end of the book, she has accomplished her objective, and vows to return for a more leisurely exploration of New Zealand (she's thinking of six months or more - wish I had that kind of time and money!!!) with Bill and her own six year old twins. Nancy Atherton was apparently doing her research for this book while filming was still going on of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, as the text is sprinkled with references to "Ringers", so if you're a Tolkein fan, you'll enjoy this aspect.
I did hate to say goodbye to Louise and Ruth Pym. They've always been an entertaining part of the Aunt Dimity series. Their funeral was particularly touching. It was nicely balanced by a long-awaited wedding, and we know that the Pym's cottage won't be empty in upcoming books.
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