Death by the Book by Julianna Deering (Review)

• Series: A Drew Farthering Mystery
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 4, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-0764210969

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?


 My Review:

I thought this was a good second Drew Fartherling mystery book. It is a series so I recommend reading the first book too for background on the characters as they are the same. The mystery plots are not connected. I really enjoyed the English aspect of the book. It is set in England in the early 1930s. Drew Fartherling is the main character and has a habit of stumbling upon murder cases. He does not really have a full time job since he comes from money so he has extra time on his hands. The local police chief is not always happy to have his help although he is good at it. There are other great characters too including his best friend Nick, girlfriend Madeline, and her aunt Ruth from the USA. The author does a good job developing characters and the mystery plot. It kept my attention from beginning to end. The plot and characters are interesting and unique. Drew's Christian faith is woven into the book perfectly. This was a good cozy Christian mystery book. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Recommended.






Julianna Deering is the creator of the acclaimed Drew Farthering Mystery series. She has always loved British history and is a particular fan of the writings of Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie. She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in Business Administration and spent several years as a Certified Public Accountant. She lives outside Dallas, Texas. Learn more at www.juliannadeering.com.  

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.