Are Wedding Bells Ringing?
Once again, the author brings us back to the classic English Mystery of the 1930’s, writing in a style similar to Agatha Christie. Drew Farthing is a rich young man, and the owner of a sprawling estate in the English countryside. In the past, he has enjoyed solving mysteries as an interesting past-time. However, Drew has come to the conclusion that uncovering the truth is a special gift he has been given–and plans to devote himself to that occupation. While sleuthing, Drew gets help from his American fiancée Madeline, and long-time friend, Nick.
This time, the mystery revolves around characters in a theater troupe. Before the story ends, three mysterious deaths take place, plus one very close call. After the first death, that of the owner of a theater and lead actor, Fleur Landis is accused. The former actress, and very beautiful Fleur, has a connection to Drew. It turns out that she and Drew had a rather torrid, although brief, love affair six years earlier.
Drew confesses all to his fiancée, saying his relationship with Fleur was over and done with six years earlier. Unfortunately, Madeline is being eaten alive with jealousy about it. She doesn’t want Drew to help with the case, or finish it, once he starts. However, Drew feels obliged to look into it, not for the sake of Fleur, but for that of her little boy and husband–who incidentally works for Drew.
Although solving the mystery is the main point in the book, updates of Madeline and Drew’s relationship, and wedding plans, are woven throughout. The character of Madeline was frustrating in this story. A side of her is shown that is never pretty in anyone: jealousy and insecurity, along with the sometimes irrational decisions based on those feelings. Ultimately, everything comes to a satisfactory end.
Murder at the Mikado is the third installment in this series. There are references to some things in earlier books, but this book could be read as a stand-alone story. I always love a good mystery, especially one that is not easy to figure out. Happily, this tale does not disappoint, and Ms. Deering keeps the reader guessing right up to the end. Hopefully there will be more books from this series in the future. The characters are likeable, and the setting is fun. I recommend this 5-star book, as well as, the entire series to anyone who likes fascinating mysteries that are clean, and written from a Christian point-of-view.
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.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJuliannaDeering
More information: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/authors/julianna-deering/4079
