Review (+ Tour GIVEAWAY): Murder on the Moor

Murder on the Moor
By Julianna Deering
Drew Farthering #5
Bethany House, 2017


Summary

At the urgent request of an old school friend, Drew and Madeline Farthering come to Bloodworth Park Lodge in the midst of the Yorkshire moors, a place as moody and mysterious as a Bronte hero. There have been several worrisome incidents around those lonesome rolling hills – property desecrated, fires started, sheep and cattle scattered. Worst of all, the vicar has been found dead on the steps of the church, a crime for which Drew can discern no motive at all.

Few in the town of Bunting’s Nest seem like suspects, and Drew can’t keep his suspicions from falling on his friend’s new bride. Do her affections lie more with her husband’s money and estate, while her romantic interests stray to their fiery Welsh gamekeeper? As the danger grows ever closer, it’s up to Drew to look past his own prejudices, determine what’s really going on, and find the killer before it’s too late.

My thoughts

Murder on the Moor is my first Drew Farthering mystery and I’m kicking myself for not having discovered this series before now. Although #5 in the series, it can stand alone – and I will be reading the previous stories very soon. From police procedurals to cozies, I’m a huge fan of British mysteries, having read many series in the general market – and it’s rare to find something similar in the CBA.

Julianna Deering’s Drew Farthering series is quality all the way – exquisite writing, well-plotted mystery, steeped in atmosphere, intriguing characterization. I just can’t say enough about these stories that are set in 1930s England. Georgette Heyer is famous for her Regencies, but she also wrote several murder mysteries that I loved, and Julianna’s writing has that same feel.

I don’t think there’s a more perfect setting than the hauntingly beautiful Yorkshire moors, and the atmosphere can literally be experienced as pages are turned. Drew Farthering is a compelling hero and I loved the relationship (and chemistry) between Drew and Madeline. He is intelligent and confident, yet dependent upon God. I loved how the theme of not judging based on preconceived thoughts and experiences is conveyed.

As for the mystery itself, I didn’t really try to figure things out, but rather enjoyed the ride. There are a lot of twists and surprises that delight throughout, and I found it difficult to stop at the end of a chapter. I hope this series continues for a long time!

Highly recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and Bethany House. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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Julianna Deering is the creator of the acclaimed Drew Farthering Mystery series. She has always loved British history and is a particular fan of the writings of Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie. She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in business administration and spent several years as a Certified Public Accountant. She lives outside Dallas, Texas.

Website

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate her tour, Julianna is giving away a set of the Drew Farthering 5-book mystery series! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries.

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4664b0499/