Death by the Book (A Drew Farthering Mystery)

I had some difficulty getting into the story because of the way the characters spoke. I did not read the first book in the series therefore may have missed some key background regarding Drew and Madeline. Once I was a few chapters in, things read more smoothly (or maybe, I just got used to the way the characters talked).

This was a cute mystery that involved local murders whereas Drew helps the lead detective in finding the one/s behind the killings.

The author does a good job of introducing different suspects and how they could be involved. She keeps you guessing until the end.

Although I found this to be a fun read, it seemed to have a rushed ending which didn't go along with the slowness of the rest of the novel. My favorite character was Freddie Bell, the American. He seemed quite charming and was very likeable.

I would recommend this book for anyone who likes a mystery with a little clean romance thrown in.

I received a copy of Death by the Book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.

"Death by the Book" by Julianna Deering is the continuing saga of wealthy and handsome Drew Farthering. Another series of murders is happening in the small village of Farthering St. John, and "Detective" Drew is assisting local law enforcement in solving the mysterious hat-pin murders.

This book is light (for a murder mystery) and I enjoyed the small and subtle ways the author allowed Drew to share his Christian beliefs. I also appreciated that I didn't guess who the murderer was until almost the end.

This is a fabulous book for a sunny afternoon, sitting in the backyard, sipping a glass of iced tea. I'm looking forward to Drew and Madeline's wedding, but am thinking if Farthering St. John has yet another string of murders, there might not be any residents left! (Maybe there will be some sleuthing on the honeymoon???)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book two in this series was just as entertaining as book one. The character development and mystery storyline kept me engaged. I enjoyed picking up the main characters from where we had left off from book one.

The cover art work, for some reason, always makes me think these books will be boring and stiff. The content inside, however, is quite the opposite. I find these mysteries to leave me guessing right along with these amateur detectives. I love when a story is unpredictable and well thought out.

Start with Book One: Rules of Murder. If you like a good, clean mystery, I think you will enjoy these books as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers, but I was not otherwise compensated for this review. All writing, thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is set in 1932. Drew Farthering wants to end the summer being engaged but he finds himself involved in another mysterious case when the family solicitor is found murdered. An antique hatpin with a cryptic message is attached to the victims chest. Then a physician is found murdered with another hatpin attached to his chest. Secret meetings, double lives all add to the puzzle. Drew has to figure out who did it, while trying to get his girlfriend to commit and make her aunt agreeable. Interesting story and part of a series.

I liked Rules of Murder and looked forward to reading more about Drew and Madeline. Death by the Book takes off suddenly, without much back story so I would recommend reading Rules of Murder first. My favorite character was Madeline's Aunt Ruth. Aunt Ruth has come to visit and she is making her case against Drew quite obvious. She definitely livens up the book! But you'll have to read the book to find out if Drew can win her over.

Like Rules of Murder, Death by the Book is set in 1930s England. Though it wasn't crucial to reading the book, I easily became lost in the Shakespeare references. But this shows my lack of knowledge because the Shakespeare element actually makes the book more interesting.

Thanks to Bethany House for giving me this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review.

(Rating on Goodreads was 4.5. They're different because both websites have different rating systems.)

**I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

I did not go into this book expecting to like it. Let me explain...Usually, Christian fiction is churned out one after the other. Very similar plots, very similar characters, and very similar romances. But I loved this book because it wasn't like any other Christian fiction I've ever read! I liked it so much that I'm actually considering buying the first book since this is the second book in a series.

Death by the Book is a historical mystery. That said, it totally rocked the mystery. I didn't guess the villain/murderer. Not even close. I had my doubts about every single person except the right one. The author did an amazing job of pulling my suspicion one way and then pulling it another way. I also felt like the author was being too obvious about the suspects, but it turns out she was weaving a complicated web of "suspects" on purpose that I was oblivious too. The clues weren't obvious or stupid. I was kept guessing the entire book. And the ending. Agh. The ending.

Drew Farthering is the main character and throughout the book he's trying to solve murders. I wasn't too crazy about him for a small part of the book's first half. I thought that the way he reacted to the murder was callous and cold. And it was. He was thinking about getting a new mystery novel right after seeing a dead body. SO I was sort of thinking "What's wrong with you?"

But as I read more, I found out that in the previous book (which I didn't read) *spoilers* His dad and mom had been murdered so he had a reason to shut out the murders and not get involved. After that, I liked the story more and more as I read on. Drew is drily sarcastic and confident. He was also very good at persuasive conversation which helped him in his investigations ;) His friend Nick made me snicker so many times. Nick added humor and animation to Drew's sophisticated suave. Some other people like Drew's fiance and her aunt were also nice additions to the cast. That said, I didn't extremely love the characters so much that I wanted to stuff chocolate in their faces and hug them for eternity. They were nice characters, even interesting or funny. But I didn't have an instant connection with them.

The setting is fairly interesting too. It's set in the 1930s which is a decade or so before my grandmother was born so I have perspective. ;) One of the interesting things I liked (unique to the era) was learning more about etiquette as related to women. How women were supposed to be treated, how a bachelor had to have a hostess for parties (Yeah. I didn't know that either.). I don't know why it was necessary but it was interesting. :)

I would recommend this book to people who like mysteries, historical fiction, the 1930s, and irritable aunts.

Death by The Book, the second installment in the Drew Farthering Mystery Series, is a murder mystery set in England of 1932. Now I have not read the first book in the series, but was still able to enjoy and understand the book without knowing anything about the first book (although the beginning was slightly confusing because of the lack of details given from the first book).

I thought it was really cool how the writer wrote this book, I felt like I was reading a story that was actually written in 1932, but with a modern writing style. If that makes any sense.
This is what some people would call a cozy mystery, not much violence or gore or anything like that. It’s what I would call an easy read.

For me, it felt like it was a shorter mystery stretched across a longer story. There really wasn’t much to the mystery and the writer didn’t give very many clues to the reader so that they could try and figure it out. It seemed a little mediocre and slow until the last few chapters where everything became fast paced and exciting. I wished the writer could have made the mystery more exciting, meatier, and more intricately webbed. Now don’t get me wrong, it was still an interesting mystery that I enjoyed. But for me, it definitely wasn’t a sit at the edge of your seat, wondering what was going to happen next. Like I said, an easy read, a cozy mystery.

I enjoyed the characters and immediately liked the smooth talking charmer, Drew Farthering. But the reader isn’t given a whole lot of information about them, and I didn’t feel connected to them or to the story very much. The writer could have done a better job at adding more emotion, evoking a reaction from the reader. This could be because I haven’t read the first book, but I still would have liked more information about each main character.

Now it may seem like I am bashing the book and maybe I am, but somehow I actually liked this book. I loved the 1932 English feel of it. It is a nice read that still gets your mystery wheels turning a little bit. I also felt like she did a great job with keeping everything in line with what year it was, I could tell that she knew her history.

So with all of that said, Death by the Book is a fun, light and fluffy murder mystery that has a whole lot of old timey charm.

Another enjoyable Drew Farthering mystery. Wonderfully quirky characters abound and the mystery is afoot! If it weren’t for the murders, solving the case would be fun for Drew. I enjoyed following him as he worked with the police to solve yet another mystery that has landed in his lap. Full review at my website.

If you like mysteries, you'll enjoy this one. In true fashion of another Drew Farthering mystery, Rules of Murder, this one was full of red herrings and more of the characters we were introduced to in the first book along with a few additions. These books remind me of a good mystery meeting the setting of Downton Abbey. This one, just like the first, has you thinking the suspect is one person and then turns around with evidence that it could be someone else. In the end, it is someone that the reader would never guess as the real suspect. It is full of red herrings and keeps you thinking as you read. I like that and the fact that these books are definitely not predictable! Happy sleuthing!

I received a complimentary copy of Death by the Book by Julianna Deering from Bethany House Publishers.

Death By The Book (A Drew Farthering Mystery) by Julianna Deering definitely kept my attention. In this book, we are brought back into the world of Drew Farthering. After the experience of the murders on his land, Drew was happy to finally have things settle down and hopefully announce his engagement.

Things did not go as Drew expected... another murder takes place. It seems that despite his best efforts, Drew is drawn into helping solve the murders that take place.

What I loved about this book is that it kept me guessing. Typically, I can figure out the plot of a book fairly quickly. That was not the case with this book and it was amazing to be kept in suspense! However, as much as I loved this book, I was not fond of the ending. I felt like the author couldn't figure out how to end and just rushed the ending. With that being said, I would still want to read the next book in this series!

I received Death By The Book (A Drew Farthering Mystery) complimentary from Baker Publishing Group. This review is strictly my views.

Death by the Book
By Julianna Deering

I enjoyed this book the moment I started reading. I loved the characters and the storyline. this book kept me on my toes. I would think I had the mystery solved and than another fun twist would happen and I would be wrong. It was an easy fun read.

Drew was the character that held the plot together but I loved Aunt Ruth. She was a character. Always disapproving but yet you could tell she wanted the best for her niece and than at the very end how she opened up about her life. Ruth really loved her niece and just wanted the best for her.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

To read more about this book check out here:
[...]

And yes, I received this book for free from Bethany House for this review. But I told the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!

Death by the Book by Julianna Deering is the second book in the Drew Farthering series. I really enjoyed the first book, Rules of Murder and couldn't wait to read this one. I wasn't as thrilled with Death by the Book as I was with Rules of Murder but I did like it a lot. I wasn't that impressed with the ending but I think overall that if you enjoyed the first book in the Drew Farthering series you'll also enjoy Death by the Book. What I loved most was the return of the same fun banter between the characters that was present in the first book.

4 out of 5. This Afternoon Snack was pleasant to munch on.

I got a free review copy of Death by the Book from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.

With the complexity of Conan Doyle, the charm of Miss Marple, and the panache of P.G. Wodehouse, Julianna Deering's second installment in the Drew Farthering series builds upon the characters and events of RULES OF MURDER to bring us an even richer, funnier, bloodier new mystery to solve. Skillful writing and flawless period detail combine to create a highly enjoyable story that is perfectly at home in its cozy genre while delighting readers with authentic history, sweet romance and spine-tingling suspense. The next book cannot be released soon enough for me!

A full review of this book is available on my website.

Death by the Book was an enjoyable first book that I have read by this author. Although it is the second in a series,A Drew Farthering Mystery, it was certainly enjoyable being read alone. Drew is an amateur mystery solver and becomes involved in solving the murder of the family solicitor. The book reminds me of the old mystery novels with frequent twists and turns.You never really knowing who the killer is until the very end. I definitely will go back and read the first book and any further books this author writes.
I recieved this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for a honest opinion.

**NO spoilers**

Summary of the author's job~
First things first: I loved this book. I have never read a book by Julianna Deering, and so requesting to read this book from NetGalley was taking a huge leap for me. I do not like requesting books to review unless I know it'll most likely be a good book. If it's not, then I am trying to push through, so I meet my every-other-Tueday review deadline. I am very thankful for the quality of the grammar, the classy style of Deering's writing and the Biblical theme that ran through this book.

Pros~
This book was a true mystery. I think that's what takes the cake for me. It has been a long time since I have read a true mystery. One of the reasons why I was so hesitant to request this book is the fact that authors and publishers call suspenseful stories mysteries. If I am to read a mystery, then I don't want to know who the villain is until the very end-- or at least close to it. Boy was I excited when I no idea who the murderer was! I didn't even know Deering's style to guess properly if she'd reveal the villain subtly or shockingly.

The hero, heroine and sidekick were so likable and those who were not, were written very well! I was amazed! I was not bored in the least by Nick, who was Drew's sidekick. Normally, if it's not the hero, I get quite bored because the sidekick really plays very small roles. However, even though Nick didn't play a huge role, he was Drew's best friend and they matched each other's wit and brain so well. Madeline was another enjoyable character. She aided Drew just as much as Nick, and the romance between her and Drew--Well, that's another pro-paragraph. ;) Madeline's grandmother was not likable, but appropriately so. Her character was supposed to be annoying and, oh boy, was she annoying. However, Julianna Deering did not write her in so often that it would bother her readers to the extent of closing the book. In fact, all of the characters, though I cannot name them all, were very well written.
What I loved about Deering's story, too, was that everyone was under suspicion. During the entire mystery, she didn't narrow it down to just a few suspects. She made sure you were thoroughly confused until the book started tidying up-- and then, even then, how could we even be sure? ;) I just want to laugh.

On to the romance... In the first chapter, the reader is not given a whole lot of information about the relationship between Drew and Madeline. I haven't read the first book (although, I intend to), so I was clueless as to how in love Drew was with Madeline. It seemed to me, from the first chapter, that they had feelings for each other, but I could not tell anything beyond that until Drew saw Madeline. Julianna Deering added such a sweet romance between Drew and Madeline that my heart literally skipped a beat.... at several times while I was reading the book. Drew's patience and timing with Madeline was one of the sweetest things about this book. His love for her made me want to go and read the first book! So, so sweet.

Cons~
Truly, there were only a couple things I disliked about this book. One of the negatives being that Julianna Deering named the bad guy from her first book in this second book of the series. I was so extremely disappointed. Throughout the book, I kept holding my breath because she came so close to naming the bad guy a couple times, and I was thinking, "Noooo! I want to read the first book!" Yet, she didn't, so I kept on reading-- until two-thirds of the way in, she named the bad guy. Since mysteries are meant to be... well, a mystery, then I don't know if I'm going to go and buy the book so soon now. I'm probably going to have to wait a while to buy the first book, actually, and that makes me so sad. So I do recommend that you start with the first book before you read this book.

I did find only a few of the side characters to be a bit of a drag, but I believe that happens in every book. They add to the story, and I think I was just eager to move on with Drew's contemplation over the mystery and ideas or his romance with Madeline. I didn't find that there was enough of Nick (Drew's best friend). I know he wasn't the hero, but I truly did enjoy his humor and helpfulness. I hope, if the next book is set in the same city, there will be more scenes with Nick helping Drew out.

Recommendation~
I believe this book is one of a kind. I definitely recommend this book to anyone out there who wants a good mystery, sweet romance, witty humor and intelligent thinking. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars! If I can't get a hold of her other books somehow, I am definitely going to consider using my pocket money for Deering's books!

Hardy Boys Meet Sherlock Holmes in 1930s. Campy and fun -- full of droll wit and intrepid mystery along with a light romance. Following the clues and trying to solve the case before Drew does kept me on my toes. And a few unexpected twists and turns made sure I was just as surprised as poor Drew! Great sequel to the first book in the series, Rules of Murder. Death by the Book reads well as a standalone, though it does refer briefly to the previous mystery. I think the books read best in order.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Death by the Book
By Julianna Deering

I enjoyed this book the moment I started reading. I loved the characters and the storyline. this book kept me on my toes. I would think I had the mystery solved and than another fun twist would happen and I would be wrong. It was an easy fun read.

Drew was the character that held the plot together but I loved Aunt Ruth. She was a character. Always disapproving but yet you could tell she wanted the best for her niece and than at the very end how she opened up about her life. Ruth really loved her niece and just wanted the best for her.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

To read more about this book check out here:
[...]

And yes, I received this book for free from Bethany House for this review. But I told the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!

Death by the Book by Julianna Deering is the second book in the Drew Farthering series. I really enjoyed the first book, Rules of Murder and couldn't wait to read this one. I wasn't as thrilled with Death by the Book as I was with Rules of Murder but I did like it a lot. I wasn't that impressed with the ending but I think overall that if you enjoyed the first book in the Drew Farthering series you'll also enjoy Death by the Book. What I loved most was the return of the same fun banter between the characters that was present in the first book.

4 out of 5. This Afternoon Snack was pleasant to munch on.

I got a free review copy of Death by the Book from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.

With the complexity of Conan Doyle, the charm of Miss Marple, and the panache of P.G. Wodehouse, Julianna Deering's second installment in the Drew Farthering series builds upon the characters and events of RULES OF MURDER to bring us an even richer, funnier, bloodier new mystery to solve. Skillful writing and flawless period detail combine to create a highly enjoyable story that is perfectly at home in its cozy genre while delighting readers with authentic history, sweet romance and spine-tingling suspense. The next book cannot be released soon enough for me!

A full review of this book is available on my website.

Death by the Book was an enjoyable first book that I have read by this author. Although it is the second in a series,A Drew Farthering Mystery, it was certainly enjoyable being read alone. Drew is an amateur mystery solver and becomes involved in solving the murder of the family solicitor. The book reminds me of the old mystery novels with frequent twists and turns.You never really knowing who the killer is until the very end. I definitely will go back and read the first book and any further books this author writes.
I recieved this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for a honest opinion.

**NO spoilers**

Summary of the author's job~
First things first: I loved this book. I have never read a book by Julianna Deering, and so requesting to read this book from NetGalley was taking a huge leap for me. I do not like requesting books to review unless I know it'll most likely be a good book. If it's not, then I am trying to push through, so I meet my every-other-Tueday review deadline. I am very thankful for the quality of the grammar, the classy style of Deering's writing and the Biblical theme that ran through this book.

Pros~
This book was a true mystery. I think that's what takes the cake for me. It has been a long time since I have read a true mystery. One of the reasons why I was so hesitant to request this book is the fact that authors and publishers call suspenseful stories mysteries. If I am to read a mystery, then I don't want to know who the villain is until the very end-- or at least close to it. Boy was I excited when I no idea who the murderer was! I didn't even know Deering's style to guess properly if she'd reveal the villain subtly or shockingly.

The hero, heroine and sidekick were so likable and those who were not, were written very well! I was amazed! I was not bored in the least by Nick, who was Drew's sidekick. Normally, if it's not the hero, I get quite bored because the sidekick really plays very small roles. However, even though Nick didn't play a huge role, he was Drew's best friend and they matched each other's wit and brain so well. Madeline was another enjoyable character. She aided Drew just as much as Nick, and the romance between her and Drew--Well, that's another pro-paragraph. ;) Madeline's grandmother was not likable, but appropriately so. Her character was supposed to be annoying and, oh boy, was she annoying. However, Julianna Deering did not write her in so often that it would bother her readers to the extent of closing the book. In fact, all of the characters, though I cannot name them all, were very well written.
What I loved about Deering's story, too, was that everyone was under suspicion. During the entire mystery, she didn't narrow it down to just a few suspects. She made sure you were thoroughly confused until the book started tidying up-- and then, even then, how could we even be sure? ;) I just want to laugh.

On to the romance... In the first chapter, the reader is not given a whole lot of information about the relationship between Drew and Madeline. I haven't read the first book (although, I intend to), so I was clueless as to how in love Drew was with Madeline. It seemed to me, from the first chapter, that they had feelings for each other, but I could not tell anything beyond that until Drew saw Madeline. Julianna Deering added such a sweet romance between Drew and Madeline that my heart literally skipped a beat.... at several times while I was reading the book. Drew's patience and timing with Madeline was one of the sweetest things about this book. His love for her made me want to go and read the first book! So, so sweet.

Cons~
Truly, there were only a couple things I disliked about this book. One of the negatives being that Julianna Deering named the bad guy from her first book in this second book of the series. I was so extremely disappointed. Throughout the book, I kept holding my breath because she came so close to naming the bad guy a couple times, and I was thinking, "Noooo! I want to read the first book!" Yet, she didn't, so I kept on reading-- until two-thirds of the way in, she named the bad guy. Since mysteries are meant to be... well, a mystery, then I don't know if I'm going to go and buy the book so soon now. I'm probably going to have to wait a while to buy the first book, actually, and that makes me so sad. So I do recommend that you start with the first book before you read this book.

I did find only a few of the side characters to be a bit of a drag, but I believe that happens in every book. They add to the story, and I think I was just eager to move on with Drew's contemplation over the mystery and ideas or his romance with Madeline. I didn't find that there was enough of Nick (Drew's best friend). I know he wasn't the hero, but I truly did enjoy his humor and helpfulness. I hope, if the next book is set in the same city, there will be more scenes with Nick helping Drew out.

Recommendation~
I believe this book is one of a kind. I definitely recommend this book to anyone out there who wants a good mystery, sweet romance, witty humor and intelligent thinking. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars! If I can't get a hold of her other books somehow, I am definitely going to consider using my pocket money for Deering's books!

Hardy Boys Meet Sherlock Holmes in 1930s. Campy and fun -- full of droll wit and intrepid mystery along with a light romance. Following the clues and trying to solve the case before Drew does kept me on my toes. And a few unexpected twists and turns made sure I was just as surprised as poor Drew! Great sequel to the first book in the series, Rules of Murder. Death by the Book reads well as a standalone, though it does refer briefly to the previous mystery. I think the books read best in order.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

This book is the second installment in the Christian mystery series featuring Drew Farthering, an English nobleman who lives in Farthering St. John. In this book several murders happen in the area, each involving a hatpin and a vague message with a quote from Shakespeare. The Christian message palatable, in other words, not too holly roller. With it being set in the 1930s, it is a fun read. I'm very glad to see mysteries being published in the Christian fiction genre, since it is way too overloaded with the frontier romance genre. And this is just a nice readable book.

I just finished reading "Death by the Book" by Julianna Deering. It was not a book I really enjoyed -- I'm a busy mom and like to read but I felt like this book moved along so slowly that I didn't really look forward to having time to read it.

The book is set in (?? not sure, early 20th century maybe??) England and the main characters are folks who seem to live lives of leisure, interspersed with privately investigating crimes. Drew (the main character) has some kind of an "in" with the local police and is key in investigating mysterious murders all around him. He is also waiting for a "yes" to marriage from his love, and is trying to win over her aunt. Multiple murders occur and the police and Drew gather clues to try to figure out who is the killer. The end is kind of odd, but resolved.

I felt that this book was very dry and stilted, and sloooowww moving. I would not really recommend it. It did not have objectionabe parts, just very blah (basically not my style). If you look at other reviews of this book it appears that a lot of people really enjoyed this book, so I'm guessing it's just a case of it's not my type of book. Maybe it is yours :)

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review. I was not required to write a positive review.

Murders and cryptic messages pinned to the victims draws Drew Farthering back into detective work. The murderer is getting closer and closer to home and Drew is determined to find the person before it is too late. Again, Julianna Deering swept me to the 1932 English countryside. The ending was not what I expected. To be honest, it is not among my favorite endings, but overall I enjoyed reading DBTB and look forward to the next one.

*I received a free copy from Bethany House to read for review. My thoughts on the book are entirely my own.*

Wealthy and charming amateur detective Drew Farthering finds himself caught up in the case of a serial killer, beginning when his own solicitor is murdered just before his scheduled appointment. Each murdered body is decorated with a hatpin and cryptic note, which is baffling to the police, but an intriguing challenge for Drew and his friends. Meanwhile, he tries to woo his American girlfriend to marry him--and her difficult aunt to also embrace his affections.

I will preface by saying that there were several promising aspects of this book: the hint of faith was well incorporated; I liked the English setting and tone; the characters, had they been developed better, were interesting; the cover art is stunning; and I even (mostly) liked the story itself...

The execution of the story, however, was flat. Suspense was lacking. The romance was lacking. I could not find an emotional connection with either the alive or murdered characters. The mystery was too dependent on what I felt to be obscure literary references (except maybe to those who eat and breathe Shakespeare). Essentially, there was nothing within the writing to tie me to the narrative. The story was largely information-based, and this is not enough in my opinion. I simply did not enjoy reading it.

I think this author and this mystery series has promise overall, but the elements of this particular book did not come together for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

I enjoyed this second in the series by Julianna Deering. It seemed rather like an Agatha Christie novel where it is not so much what is happening that makes the book interesting, as it is the banter between characters that is so fun. Also lots of twists & turns in trying to figure "who done it." Drew Farthering is a gentleman of shining character and seems to be able to figure out things before the actual detectives. Aunt Ruth was a delightful addition to the characters that are now missing due to being murdered off in book #1. Those who read Shakespeare will enjoy the clues left behind. I am not familiar enough for that to be a part I could understand, but it didn't distract from enjoying the story. I also enjoy the touches of "Britishisms" and the flavor added from being a 1930's setting. I received this book from the publisher and I was not required to give a positive review. Well done again Julianna.

This was a very enjoyable book that brought Agatha Christie to my mind. Drew is spending the summer wanting madly to get engaged to Madeline. Then the family solicitor is murdered and secrets begin to be brought to light. This book was a fun read, the characters were entertaining and the plot kept me involved. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the works of Agatha Christie.
I was given this book by bookfun.org for my honest review.

What a delightful book! This book had mystery as well as humor and romance in it. Drew Farthering is helping the local police solve a series of murders in the town. They seem to think all the murders are related. This book definitely had a twist to it. I never saw suspected the murderer! This is the first book I've read by Julianna Deering. I will definitely read more books by her.
I received this book from bookfun for my honest opinion.

One of the Drew Farthering Mystery series. This is the first book by Junianna Deering that I have read. The story kept introducing twists and turn thus causingthe reader to change their thinking on who exactly committed the murders Drew Farhering was unofficially investigating. I did not find the book had the a story line that kept my interest.
I would be more than willing to read another book by the author, though I will stay away from this particular series.

Death by the Book is a fabulous read. Clean, romantic, suspenseful. The mystery takes place in the summer of 1932 when Drew Farthing wants nothing more than to announce his engagement. When his solicitor is found murdered with an antique hatpin and a cryptic message pierced to his chest. When the physician turns up dead too, Drew is baffled. Murders continue to happen with each one of them growing closer to Drew's own home and the people he cares most about.

The suspense, characters, and story line is incredible. Death by the Book is my first introduction to Julianna Deering and I am confident to say that it is my last. Adorable characters with likable motives and a growing tension between them make this book a home run.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House for my honest review.

This is a fun mystery with a little romance. Drew Farthering, Nick and Madeline make a fun team of amateur sleuths. Read these stories if you like a little mystery with very little blood and guts. I had a good time reading this and had a hard time putting it down. Quite a few twists and turns. I received this from book fun.com for a fair and honest opinion.

It’s the summer of 1932, and young Drew Farthering is focused on one thing – getting the beautiful American Madeline Parker to accept his proposal of marriage. She’s in love with him, but she isn’t quite ready to say yes. Nevertheless, Drew is having his will changed in Madeline’s favor, and is scheduled to meet with his lawyer.

Except the meeting never happens. The lawyer is found murdered, with an odd note stuck to his chest with a hairpin. The note, written in a beautiful cursive handwriting on parchment paper, doesn’t seem to make much sense.

And then a doctor is killed on a golf course belonging to Drew’s country club. And a note is found pinned to his chest; same handwriting and paper but a different inscription. And then there’s a third murder.

Something is clearly awry in the village of Farthering St. John. And the murders are getting closer and closer to Drew himself.

“Death by the Book” is Julianna Deering’s second novel in the Drew Fathering mystery series. Published in 2014, the stories are set in 1930s England – and they are meant to remind us of the Golden Age of Mystery (the 1920s and 1930s). Deering’s stories have the slight twist of also having references to faith. Others in the series include “Rules of Murder” “Murder at the Mikado,” “Dressed for Death,” “and Murder on the Moor.” A sixth novel, “Death at Thorburn Hall,” is scheduled for publication in November.

With the help of his friend Nick Dennison, Drew begins to unravel the series of crimes. Madeline plays a somewhat smaller role than she did in the first novel; and she’s almost upstaged by a wonderfully domineering aunt who arrives from America to keep her niece out of the clutches of “those foreigners” like Drew.

“Death by the Book” is an intriguing mystery, and kudos to Deering for writing a story true to the Golden Age period.

All I can say is, "Bravo!" This book combines all the things I love when I choose a good book - mystery, intrigue, faith, and a wonderful story line that kept me guessing until the end!

I loved the setting of 1932 and all that it entails. Drew Fatherling is such a likeable character and this book made me think of the Agatha Christie or other English mysteries that I love so much. The author kept you guessing, just like these great authors, and just when you thought you had figured out "who done it", you were soon aware you were completely off track.

I hated for this book to end and will definitely be reading her other books as I can see I've been missing out! This book deserves and gets 5 out of 5 stars from me!!

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Bethany House Publishers