Rules of Murder

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Drew Farthering loves a good mystery, although he generally expects to find it in the pages of a novel, not on the grounds of his country estate.

 

With the help of beautiful and whip-smart Madeline Parker, a guest from America, Drew proposes to use the lessons he’s learned reading his mysteries to solve the crime.  Before long, he realizes this is no lark, and no one at Farthering Place is who he or she appears to be—not the butler nor blackmailer, the chauffeur nor embezzler.  Trying hard to remain one step ahead of the killer—and trying harder to impress Madeline—Drew must decide how far to take this dangerous game.

 

Review

 

As soon as I started reading this novel, I was reminded of J.B. Fletcher and her escapades on the classic TV series, Murder, She Wrote.  Jessica was the quintessential proper lady with a quick wit and sharp eye, and Drew Farthering is the proper English gentleman with an equally quick wit and eye for detail and clues.  Set in very proper 1930s, this novel was a refreshing read.  I loved the camaraderie between Drew and his best friend, Nick, and the spark of romance between Drew and Madeline was very sweet.  The thread of faith throughout the story was wonderful and provided a nice backdrop for character development.   

 

This is an old-fashioned mystery filled with lots of criminal chaos, suspicious characters, red herrings, and dramatic conclusion.  It kept me guessing to the very end and I will definitely be reading book #2!!

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.

Trouble in Store

 

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Fired from her most recent governess position, Melanie Ross must embrace her last resort:  the Arizona mercantile she inherited from her cousin.  But Caleb Nelson is positive he inherited the mercantile, and he’s not about to let an obstinate woman with newfangled ideas ruin all he’s worked for.  In hope of turning her interest elsewhere, he determines to get Melanie married off, and luckily, there are many single men in town quite willing to take her off his hands.

 

The problem is, Caleb soon realizes he doesn’t want her to marry any of them.  He’s drawn to her more every day, and he has to admit some of her ideas for the store offer unexpectedly positive results.

 

But someone doesn’t want the mercantile to succeed, and threatening words have escalated into destruction and danger.  Will Melanie and Caleb’s business—and budding romance—survive the trouble that’s about to come their way?

 

Review

 

Trouble in Store offers a little bit of everything:  mystery, romance, and humour all set in a classic old Western town.  Caleb and Melanie have several humorous clashes (one most notably involved a broom that had me in stitches), as they both try to run the store their own way, not trusting the other’s input to provide any real impact.  And Caleb’s little mischievous son, Levi, strives to have the spotlight with all his escapades. 

 

The mystery woven throughout the novel was also highly intriguing and kept you guessing until the end with its exciting climax.  Trouble in Store is another fine read from Carol Cox.  I’ll be looking forward to her next novel!

 

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.