Did The Butler Do It?

Drew Farthering is living in 1930’s England and is handsome, rich and the sole heir of the Farthering Place estate.  He is also in love with an American girl, Madeline, who is taking her time declaring her love in return.  Madeline’s Aunt Ruth has arrived from America.  She is verbally overflowing with distrust for Drew, his intentions toward her niece, and all things British.  It appears that if she has her way, Aunt Ruth will break the couple up.

In the past, Drew solved a mystery that involved his own family.  The police had not been happy with his involvement.  But now a murder takes place that so confounds the police that Drew is reluctantly asked to help out.  While still attempting to solve the case, another murder takes place, and then another.  All were clearly done by the same person, but who?  As the murders continue, they are getting geographically closer to Drew’s residence.  Could Drew be the main target, if so, why?

This book is written in the classic style of British mysteries penned by authors such as Dorothy L. Sayers and Agatha Christie during the time period between the two World Wars.  Julianna Deering, writes so well, that one forgets this is a period piece by a modern author–it seems like it was actually written during the 1930’s.  This story is highly entertaining, clean and written from a Christian perspective.

Ms. Deering weaves a rousing mystery that is not an easy-to-figure-out whodunit.  When I read this, I thought I had solved it, only to find out I was wrong.  I enjoy mysteries that are a challenge, and this fit the bill.  This is the second book in this series that I have read, and highly recommend them both.  However, this 5-star book stands on its own, so can be read and enjoyed without the first one.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

The author’s website:  www.juliannadeering.com.

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More information:  http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/authors/julianna-deering/4079