Treasure in a plain brown cover

This hardcover, plain brown with no fancy dust cover, turned out to be fascinating.
I've read some of Janice Kulyk Keefer's short stories and perhaps novels, and I know she has a reputation for good writing. The title, Thieves, gives no indication of what it might be about.
In fact, it is about the life--or biography--of Katherine Mansfield, novelist (of whom I was only distantly aware) and about the scholars who want to know more about her. There is a theft or two, and some kind of mystery, but the mystery is vague and the thefts minor.

What is wonderful about this book is the writing. The descriptions of landscape and emotions immerse the reader very directly. At least 80% of the book charmed me utterly, although towards the end, I was caught myself thinking, "so just die already", because we know she did, and her death is not a mystery.

This book cost me nothing, and gave me lots of food for thought. I think our book club should put it on the list.