Death at Thorburn Hall - Julianna Deering

What was meant to be a pleasant holiday in the Scotland, enjoying the British Open of 1935, suddenly turns into something quite murderous.

Drew Fathering accepts the invitation to stay at his cousins house - Lord and Lady Rainsby and takes with him his wife Madeline and friend Nick Dennison, and their friend Carrie Holland joins them. Also arriving are dear friends of Lady Louisa - Mr. and Mrs. Pike, and in tow with them is one Count Kuznetsov.

When Lord Gerald takes Drew into his confidence one evening, the last thing the reluctant investigator expects is for his host to be killed in a riding accident soon after. It's only considered suspicious when the Rainsby's daughter, Joan, returns home and insists that her father was an excellent rider and would have checked the saddle before embarking on a ride.

With the help of his beloved wife, the duo embark on an investigation without support of the local police force. But Drew, ever affable, finds friends amongst the force who are willing to assist him and discuss the case.

As they delve deeper in to what may have happened, so the horrid truth that someone amongst them may be sharing secrets with Hitler's Germany. Is this case one of collaboration with the enemy or something more 'mundane' and that of money, status and possibly forbidden love?

Deering's novel and her main character, Drew (as well as era), are reminiscent of Campion or Marple. The amateur sleuth who understands the human psyche and therefore can solve the case a lot quicker than the police. The author's characters are well developed, interesting and likeable. The subplot of whether Nick and Carrie will cement their relationship with marriage, is a good distraction. Filled with red herrings, this mystery is a puzzler and whilst the perpetrator may become obvious towards the end, the why is the main selling point for this story. A highly recommended read for all fans of mysteries, British based stories and good writing.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from Bethany House as part of their blogging program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. 

Murder on the Moor - Julianna Deering

When old school friend, Beaky Bloodworth calls upon Drew and Madeline to investigate the death of a vicar, they take moments to consider and take up the challenge.

Setting off for the Yorkshire moors and his friends home, Bloodworth Park Lodge, with a mystery that has little clues, Drew only knows that he is determined to help his friend.

Meeting Beaky's wife, Sabrina, is a blast from the past and Drew wonders what the pretty socialite, who loved London life, is doing married to a man from Yorkshire. Regardless, mysterious events surround the brooding moors and its residents - sheep killed, talk of the berghaus and possible poachers - all of which keeps Drew's mind occupied. What or who is causing all this commotion?

And then another murder takes place.

This time, an elderly woman who, like the vicar, was harmless and kept themselves to themselves. What is the link between these two benign people? How is Bloodworth Park connected? It's a close-knit community in town of Bunting's Nest. Anyone could be a suspect yet Drew is drawn back to Sabrina. The danger is closing in quickly around the Lodge. Can Drew discover who the murderer is before he or she strikes again?

Another alluring and charming murder-mystery from Deering. Drew and Madeline Farthing are a couple akin to Christie's Tommy and Tuppence with an American flair (Madeline is from the US). A complicated plot with quite a few characters. However, it's easy to follow and the subtly of sub-plots carries the story forward. All theories of 'whodunit' are tested throughout. With a quintessentially British feel, this is an enjoyable, satisfying novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bethany House Publishers as part of their blogger program. The opinions expressed here are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Death By the Book - Julianna Deering

Drew Farthering seems to be involved in another case of intrigue and murder. A trip to his solicitors office find's the affable young man face to face with the body of the legal aide.

Detective Birdsong none too pleased to have the amateur detective on board, also appreciates that Drew may actually be useful. Ensuring that he is informed of all ideas and thoughts the young man may have, the investigation begins.

Useful (to have on board) especially as the murder made a statement by stabbing the victim with a hatpin to which a cryptic note was attached. Both men start to decipher the message when another body turns up - this time publicly on a golf course.

As far as anyone is concerned there is no connection between the men, or is there?

Meanwhile back at Fathering Place, Drew's hopefully to be fiance Madeline, is entertaining Miss. Jansen; Madeline's aunt from America. She's not keen on the 'silver-tongued' gentleman and is looking out for her nieces' honor. Is this Drew a suitable match? Having a few murders on his doorstep (one quite literally) isn't shedding a good light on him.

Even though the police make an arrest, Drew is not convinced that they have the right person. He needs to make certain of one thing - who ordered a book on crimes and didn't pick it up?

Set in the 1930s, this murder mystery has all the feel of the an Agatha Christie classic. It's characters are well thought out - from the dashing lead to the formidable aunt. There are no heroics, just a captivating thriller that slowly but beautifully unravels to its surprising ending.

Deering's whodunit is consuming and riveting. The touches of humour, candour and insight into the human psyche are subtle, thought-provoking and brilliant. The author has created characters and storylines that are sure to become classics. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House publishers in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.