Death by the Book

Back Cover

Drew Fathering 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

Reading a “Drew Farthering Mystery” feels like I literally stepped into 1932 England, with the dinner parties, housekeeping staff (including the butler!), accents (detectable even through the written word), and the dry, but witty British humour.  The teasing banter between Drew and his best friend, Nick, never ceases to crack me up.  I love the picture shown of a steadfast friendship between the two – it illustrates the way friends should be: honest, loyal, and always ready to help.

The story itself was awesome!  The murders and clues were so bizarre and had me completely befuddled until the culprit was finally revealed.  I love it when the story keeps me guessing and has me figuring out the story at the same pace as the character.  Nothing spoils a mystery novel more than knowing who the culprit is long before the “big reveal”.

A thread of romance was woven throughout the story, creating a nice balance with the dastardly crimes.

All in all, a smashing mystery novel, and I will be looking forward to the next instalment in this series!


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.