Sunday, January 15, 2017

Winter Reads: Dressed for Death by Julianna Deering


Bethany House; 320 pages; $14.99; Amazon
Probably like most reader, I do enjoy reading an old fashioned mystery; you know, the kind that have an Agatha Christie's plot and Sherlock Holmes-like detective.

The closest books that I have found that resemble the old classic mysteries is the Drew Farthering Mystery series by author Julianne Deering. With an early 1900's stylish cover art on every title, I have been intrigued with every new entry in the series.

The fourth installment, titled Dressed for Death, was released last year by Bethany House. Sadly my review copy somehow got on the bottom of my to-be-read pile on my desk and I'm just now getting around to reviewing it.

Set in December 1932, the novel centers on Drew Farthering, a man who always happens to be at the right place at the wrong time. This time up, Drew and his wife Madeline are attending a Regency-ear house part at the Winteroak House, where he plans on reuniting with an old Oxford classmate, Talbot Cummins. However, it seems death is always following Drew, as someone dies at the party - Alice Henley, who happens to be Talbot's fiancee.

After the police arrest a possible suspect, Drew takes it upon himself to unravel the mystery behind Alice's death.

Final Thoughts: Most Christian mysteries have a romance subplot, but the Drew Farthering mysteries are strictly whodunit novels set in the 1930s. While this era isn't always my favorite to read about, the setting works really well for the series.

For me, the novel started off a bit slow, well that is until the murder actually occurs. Then the story's atmosphere shifts over to a mystery tale that made the other books in the series so good. Once again, Drew is the most interesting character of the story, though a few of the side characters were likeable.

Overall, Dressed for Death is an entertaining read. However, the plot isn't exactly perfect due to a few cliched moments, but thanks to several twists and turns, I ending up enjoying the novel.



*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.



About the Author: Juilanna Deering, author of the acclaimed Murder at the Mikado and Death by the Book in the Drew Fathering Mystery series, is the pen name of novelist DeAnna Julie Dodson. DeAnna has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen, or the stage. This, together with her keen interest in history and Christian faith, shows her tales of love, forgiveness, and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas, along with three spoiled cats. When not writing, DeAnna spends her free time quilting, cross-stitch, and watching NHL hockey.

Learn more at JuliannaDeering.com.



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