Review: Death by the Book by Julianna Deering

April 24, 2014

Title: Death by the Book
Author: Julianna Deering
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 317
ISBN: 978-0-7642-1096-9
Publication Date: March 4th, 2014

Synopsis:
When the village of Farthering St. John is stunned by a series of murders, Drew Farthering  is drawn again into the sleuthing game.

Drew Farthering wanted nothing more than to end the summer of 1932 with the announcement of his engagement. Instead, he finds himself caught up in another mysterious case when the family solicitor is found murdered, an antique hatpin with a cryptic message, Advice to Jack, piercing his chest.

Evidence of secret meetings and a young girl's tearful confession point to the victim's double life, but what does the solicitor's murder have to do with the murder of a physician on the local golf course? Nothing, it would seem--except for another puzzling note, affixed with a similar-looking bloodied hatpin.

Soon the police make an arrest in connection with the murders, but Drew isn't at all certain they have the right suspect in custody. And why does his investigation seem to be drawing him closer and closer to home?
Review:
If you are someone who likes a smooth talking, charming, English man, Death by the Book is for you! Drew Farthering has a knack for being a smooth talker that will get him out of any situation. I had so much fun getting wrapped up in his world and quick wit. Then you throw in some murders, a bit of mystery, and puzzling notes, you have an exciting book!

This book is a mix of Downton Abby and Agatha Christie. It had the high style with Drew as the wealthy Lord of his sprawling estate, but then thrill of a murder mystery, that seems to have been laid at his feet, unlike how it was in Rules of Murder, the first book in the series.

Drew is not alone in solving the crime, he is accompanied by his friend Nick Dennison and his hopeful finance Madeline Parker. However, his plans for courting Madeline are thrown off a bit when her aunt Ruth shows up unannounced to bring Madeline back home to the US. I have to say, I enjoyed reading about Aunt Ruth, she has a talent for criticism and snark. She also has the best, or worst timing, you can be the judge of that.

The characters were great and worked well together. I enjoyed exploring Farthering St. John. It made me want to visit England all the more. And the mystery...wow! I honestly didn't see it coming. The twist and turns, the suspects that popped up, it kept me guessing who the murderer was till the very end.

I enjoyed this book even more then the first! I can't wait to see what will happen in book three!

Too Read!
5 out of 5

About the Author:
Julianna Deering has always loved British history and literature and is particularly a fan of the classic mysteries written by Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie. She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas and now works for an attorney specializing in wills and estate planning. She lives outside Dallas, Texas, where she loves to quilt, cross-stitch, and watch hockey. Learn more at www.juliannadeering.com.





Thank you to Bethany House, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

4 comments

  1. I love these books so much!! Such fabulous mysteries!

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  2. Ouh! You mention this story giving you the desire to travel to England. Yes!! I'd like to visit England too!!! The accent, language, and land ( I'm guessing) are fascinating!! Definitely something I've frequently been thinking about lately. Anyways :-) sounds like this story was fun for you.

    Wishing you happy birthday, Kate (given your birthday bash giveaway on the side). May Jesus delightfully surprise you and yours .

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  3. Jamie, Completely agree! They are fabulous. Can't wait to see what will happen in the third story. :-)

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  4. Ganise, Stories that make you want to travel are the best. :-) This story was so much fun. It had everything to make it a blast!

    And thank you so much! I do appreciate those wishes. :-)

    ReplyDelete

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