Monday, March 28, 2016

Dressed for Death (Drew Farthering Mystery #4) by Julianna Deering













Title: Dressed for Death (Drew Farthering Mystery #4)
Author: Julianna Deering
Pages: 336
Release Date: March 1, 2016
Genre: Cozy Mystery (set in 1933 England)
Publisher: Bethany House
Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     A regency-era costume party should have been an amusing diversion, but it seems wherever Drew Farthering goes, mystery – and murder – are on the guest list.

     Drew and Madeline Farthering arrive at a Regency-era house party at Winteroak House, excited to be reunited with old friends, including Drew’s former Oxford classmate Talbot Cummins. Tal is there with his fiancĂ©e, Alice Henley, and though many present seem worried about the couple, nobody is prepared when Alice dies from an apparent overdose. Tal refuses to believe she’d taken the drug intentionally, and a dark question arises of whether the death is an accident or murder.

     The police have their own information, though, and Drew is shocked when they arrest someone he’s trusted since his childhood – someone who’s been smuggling drugs into the country for years. Stunned by what has happened, Tal begs Drew to get to the bottom of everything, but Drew has never felt more unsettled. Questioning his own ability to see people as they really are, Drew doesn’t know whom to trust, and he’s not ready for the secrets he’s about to uncover – or the danger he’ll bring down on everyone he holds dear.

My review:

     This is a WONDERFUL cozy mystery!

     This is part of a “true” series. You should read the books in this series in order. There are definite references to things that happen in the previous books in this one. That said, I have to admit this is the first book in the series I have read myself. There were times reading this novel that I felt a little confused and I think that wouldn’t have been the case if I had read the others first. I will definitely be going back to read all of them.

     I really love the depth of development for the characters in this story. Their backgrounds and personalities are so clear and easy to relate to. The main characters have a deep belief in God which I thoroughly enjoyed. At the same time they do at times question their understanding of what is going on and why God is allowing it. This is just part of human nature in my mind and it makes the story more realistic.

     This is a time period that I haven’t read very many books set in so I did have to take my time to understand some of the terms and words used. I did find it very interesting to take some time in a new era for me.

     The scene was set beautifully from the very beginning of the book and then the mystery slowly developed. As Drew and his friends tried to unravel what was going on and who was behind it there were a lot of fascinating twists and turns. It really kept me guessing right up to the end of the book.

     I am really looking forward to seeing what else Julianna comes up with for Drew and Madeline to deal with in future books. I am highly recommending this incredible book and giving it a rating of 5 stars.

     You can find out more about Julianna Deering and her books at her website: http://www.juliannadeering.com/

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