Saturday, December 30, 2017

Death by the Book

GIVEAWAY
DEERING, JULIANNA
DEATH BY THE BOOK

Drew Farthering 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 seems to be drawing him closer and closer to home?

My Review:

My thanks to my public library for providing me with an excellent collection of retro reads to choose from.

Downton Abbey meets Miss Marple in this tantalizing mystery. This is the second book in the Drew Farthering Mystery series and it's just as much fun as the first. No worries if you haven't read book one -- the only over arcing plot line is Drew's pursuit of his lady love and can I just say that he portrays the besotted suitor to gentlemanly perfection. But a series of murders draws Drew into the middle of a perplexing puzzle that kept me guessing until the gobsmacking conclusion! Endless banter, witty flirtations and a resigned but exasperated Chief Inspector bring the perfect balance of humour to this historical mystery. Definitely one for the discerning armchair sleuth.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Death by the Book, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you leave your email in a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on December 31 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck.

28 comments:

  1. I've heard so much about the Drew Farthering series but haven't read any of them. They do sound quite intriguing! Must brush up on my sleuthing skills :-)

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. If you like your cozies with a healthy dash of droll humour you'll love this series. Good luck, Trixie.

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    2. Ooops, TRIXI! I was reading a Trixie Belden mystery this morning and the e just slipped out. lol

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  2. Very neat I Love the retro cover too
    Going to see if these are at my Library (Probably Not it's small)
    but I bet they are at the Philadelphia Online Library that we can use through our Local Library
    Thanks :)
    iamabho AT gmail DOT com

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    1. And all the covers in the series are retro. Really eye-catching and fit the books to a T. Good luck, Linda.

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  3. I haven't read anything by this author...yet. But her books always look exciting with the retro covers. Thank you for the review and chance to win a copy Kav!

    Blessings,
    Cindy W.

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  4. I read and enjoyed book one of this series. I would love to have the complete series for my keeper shelf. KAV, thank you for the great review and chance to win a copy.
    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

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    1. I read the first book too and then missed book two and book three but read book four. LOL So now I'm playing catch up. Good luck, Caryl.

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  5. I've heard about this series, but as of yet haven't taken the plunge. I like a good mystery!
    thanks Kav!
    tracey14567 at gmail dot com

    Btw:I went back and read your response yesterday and listed my Jan books as you wanted a glimpse. I was working on my list of 100/120 books for the year and found I already have 34 must reads locked in! The competition is fierce, so I must be fierce-hearted, like inspiring you! (I think I read that's your Word for the year)

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    1. Yes -- fiercehearted is my word...even though it looks like two words. It's from Holley Gerth's latest non-fiction book, Fiercehearted so since she created the word, I get to use it as my ONE word. lol

      And yes -- I saw your list. Awesomesauce. There are two I'm not familiar with -- I think one is by Pepper Basham but I can't figure out The Awakening one.

      Good luck, Tracey.

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    2. Tamera Leigh's newest, due out Jan 19th

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    3. Ahhhh -- I knew that -- it was one of the wins from Reader's Choice week...I knew it sounded familiar. lol But when I checked Amazon every other Awakening came up but that one.

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  6. "Downton Abbey meets Miss Marple" well there you go! I am not entering (got an order in) but just had to say your review sold me! Happy New Year!

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  7. I'm not entering, since this is one I already own, but I was just surprised that you hadn't already read this one. I'm so neurotic about reading in order and I know you've read later books I'm the series - so I'm curious as to how your reading experience was different, since you know more about the future of the hero and heroine?

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    1. I know -- I really slipped up. I missed the Mikado one too which I'll be reading soon. You know, I really didn't have any problems reading ahead the way I did. It was pretty evident from the first book that Drew and Madeline would get together. I think I jumped from the first book right to them as honeymooners. lol But since each mystery is unique to each book and the continuing characters like Nick and the Chief Inspector are written so that a new-to-the-series reader can jump right in I didn't have any problem. And it's kind of a fun thrill to fill in the romantic gaps now. I know you're probably cringing at the thought of my disorderly reading conduct. I will admit to reading the book 2 and 3 in order even if I previously read book 4 and 5. But now worries - I have book 6 on my TBR pile as well. It won't be long before I am completely caught up!

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    2. Ugh! I know I'm terrible. I commend your easy-going reading traits. ;-)

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  8. Sounds interesting. I’ve seen these, but wasn’t sure. Thank you for the chance.
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. It's a great series if you like cozy mysteries with a campy flare. Good luck, Lucy.

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  9. Love murder mysteries and it's fun to mix them up as far as time frame goes as well. It would be very interesting to read one from the 1930's setting.

    Thank you for your review and the chance to win a copy of DEATH BY THE BOOK!
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. It's a great time period and setting for this series of mysteries. So well done. Good luck, Kay.

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  10. YAY! I am late to the Drew Farthing game and I'm trying to catch up fast! ;) I'm kinda going about it backwards though so getting the second in the series would be a big help! LOL!

    Happy New Year Kav!

    Amada amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom

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  11. Well, I have read all but the newest one and won Murder in the Moor. These are some for my keeper shelf. I love Drew and Madeline! And Nick and Maddy’s friend. The humor is so droll. Mysteries are great, too! They aren’t predictable! Such fun! Thanks Kav! paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

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    1. I love Drew and Madeline too. Good luck, Paula.

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  12. Wait, what? Downton Abbey reference? My ears are perked up now!
    Dianna

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