Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
mysterious
fast-paced
I have read the first two book in the "Drew Farthing" series and enjoyed them very much. I was looking forward to this book though for some reason it did not pull me like the other two. There were a couple of places in the book made me loose interest. Hopefully the next book will grab me back into the story.
The murder mystery was intriguing, because when I had the feeling I knew the perpetrator because Deering played a card a little early by talking about how they had a replacement for the lead actor already, someone who usually played juvenile roles; making me think this was a Klingon Promotion, which is a trope for a reason. (The link goes to tvtropes. Be prepared to spend a few hours there, it's an addictive site.)
In addition, while the wedding was super-sweet and adorable, particularly in terms of Aunt Ruth, who didn't cancel the wedding even when asked to by Madeline; I had mixed feelings about the latter's wedding jitters. Since the introduction of the series and the introduction of the relationship between Drew and Madeline in the very first book centered around a murder -- hence the series being known as historical murder mysteries, I thought her behaviour was unusual and a little strange -- since I think she would have known that Drew couldn't resist a good murder mystery? Granted, there are explanations why --
Good book altogether, tho.
In addition, while the wedding was super-sweet and adorable, particularly in terms of Aunt Ruth, who didn't cancel the wedding even when asked to by Madeline; I had mixed feelings about the latter's wedding jitters. Since the introduction of the series and the introduction of the relationship between Drew and Madeline in the very first book centered around a murder -- hence the series being known as historical murder mysteries, I thought her behaviour was unusual and a little strange -- since I think she would have known that Drew couldn't resist a good murder mystery? Granted, there are explanations why --
Spoiler
Drew's near death in book two; the ex popping up to request for help; the fact that their relationship was only six months in at this point...Good book altogether, tho.
Life for a private investigator can be quite demanding, and Drew Farthering is no stranger to stress and business. Finally though, everything seems to be going smoothly. He’s engaged to the woman of his dreams and doesn’t have any cases demanding his attention. He soon finds out a storm is brewing behind the calm after a former girlfriend, Fleur, and her husband come in need of help. Fleur is the primary suspect in the murder of an actor she used to work with at The Mikado.
Despite not wanting to get drawn into Fleur’s life, Drew finds her husband extremely likeable and relents to their plea to help clear Fleur’s name (much to the chagrin of Drew’s fiancé). However, as he begins to investigate it seems that this might be far more complicated than he though. It seems that everyone in the theatre troop had motive and few of them have any sort of alibi. All the while, the wedding draws nearer while the murder case becomes more and more muddled. Will Drew be able to get to the bottom of this case? And what sort of toll will this place on his relationship?
Murder at the Mikado is the third book in Julianna Deering’s The Drew Farthering Mysteries series, which I did not realize when I ordered the book. When I flipped to the first page I braced myself for a lot of confusion. Thankfully, Deering did a fine job in writing a story that was accessible to new readers. Sure, there was character development I had missed, but Drew’s story was actually pretty well filled in. It ended up being his fiancé, Madeline, who I felt I understood the least, though I’m sure at least one of the other novels sets up their relationship much better.
Starting with the cover, and continuing through the rest of the book, there is a noir-ish feeling to the story. It’s not as dark and cynical as some of the most popular noir series, but during many of the scenes I could just imagine rooms with harsh shadows cast by light filtered through cigarette smoke and venetian blinds.
The story moves at a brisk pace and generally reveals enough information to guess at without being too obvious with it. A few parts at the end were a little bit predictable, but the ultimate reveal still had some surprises. Having the story revolve around a theatre definitely made me more interested, as I was involved in community theatre throughout high school and still love seeing live performances.
There were some portions of the book that seemed a little too melodramatic. I also found Drew to be a bit of a dry character. I thought many of the supporting characters were far more interesting than him. Even the tension between him and Madeline seemed forced. In the end I felt that it was the story that kept me reading until the end and not the characters. Given that, I don’t feel inclined to pick up other books in this series.
Still, if you’re a fan of the series and the characters, you’ll likely find this book quite enjoyable. In the end I found it to be a pleasant enough read but there wasn’t anything that made me want to stick around for other installments.
3/5 Stars
I received this book free from Bethany House Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
Despite not wanting to get drawn into Fleur’s life, Drew finds her husband extremely likeable and relents to their plea to help clear Fleur’s name (much to the chagrin of Drew’s fiancé). However, as he begins to investigate it seems that this might be far more complicated than he though. It seems that everyone in the theatre troop had motive and few of them have any sort of alibi. All the while, the wedding draws nearer while the murder case becomes more and more muddled. Will Drew be able to get to the bottom of this case? And what sort of toll will this place on his relationship?
Murder at the Mikado is the third book in Julianna Deering’s The Drew Farthering Mysteries series, which I did not realize when I ordered the book. When I flipped to the first page I braced myself for a lot of confusion. Thankfully, Deering did a fine job in writing a story that was accessible to new readers. Sure, there was character development I had missed, but Drew’s story was actually pretty well filled in. It ended up being his fiancé, Madeline, who I felt I understood the least, though I’m sure at least one of the other novels sets up their relationship much better.
Starting with the cover, and continuing through the rest of the book, there is a noir-ish feeling to the story. It’s not as dark and cynical as some of the most popular noir series, but during many of the scenes I could just imagine rooms with harsh shadows cast by light filtered through cigarette smoke and venetian blinds.
The story moves at a brisk pace and generally reveals enough information to guess at without being too obvious with it. A few parts at the end were a little bit predictable, but the ultimate reveal still had some surprises. Having the story revolve around a theatre definitely made me more interested, as I was involved in community theatre throughout high school and still love seeing live performances.
There were some portions of the book that seemed a little too melodramatic. I also found Drew to be a bit of a dry character. I thought many of the supporting characters were far more interesting than him. Even the tension between him and Madeline seemed forced. In the end I felt that it was the story that kept me reading until the end and not the characters. Given that, I don’t feel inclined to pick up other books in this series.
Still, if you’re a fan of the series and the characters, you’ll likely find this book quite enjoyable. In the end I found it to be a pleasant enough read but there wasn’t anything that made me want to stick around for other installments.
3/5 Stars
I received this book free from Bethany House Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
mysterious
1932. An old flame of Drew Fathering , Mrs Fleur Landis appears, wanting Drew's help. Actor Ravenswood is dead and she believes that the police think her guilty. She wants his help to prove her innocence.
An enjoyable cozy mystery but the touch of religion is not for me
An enjoyable cozy mystery but the touch of religion is not for me
2.5 stars.
Page 41.
This was easily my favorite quote from the book. I respected Drew so much here; that's what love is.
“If I resist you, it’s because I’m trying my best to do what is right, not at all because it’s easy. I’ve told you before, it’s because I love you even more than I want you.
Maybe…” he began. “Maybe if I had loved Fleur, if I had really loved her instead of just wanting her, I wouldn’t have let things go too far.”
Page 41.
This was easily my favorite quote from the book. I respected Drew so much here; that's what love is.
I must admit, finishing Murder at the Mikado meant that I had read more fiction in January 2015 then I did in all of 2014. However, I have enjoyed it. It is nice sometimes to have a good novel to read– even better if it is a thrilling murder mystery!
Honestly, I was a bit underwhelmed with the first book of the series, but I felt very hopeful after the second book. I can say now that Murder at the Mikado, the third, and latest, book in the series, did not disappoint! Full of suspense, intrigue, and secrets, it held my attention until the very end, and lacked the things that irritated me in the earlier books of the series.
Set in late 1932, Drew and Madeline’s wedding preparations are under way, and they have settled into a happy life in Farthering St. John with Aunt Ruth. But when a secret from Drew’s past is revealed, it threatens to destroy their future. Can Drew, Madeline, and Nick unravel the mystery before all is lost? And will Drew and Madeline make it to the altar?
A little tidbit for lovers of the 1961 Disney film, The Parent Trap: remember when Miss Inch punishes the girls for their unladylike behavior? She quotes Gilbert and Sullivan’s opera, The Mikado, saying, “let the punishment fit the crime”. As you can guess, the title of that opera is the source of part of the title of Deering’s book. Look for several Gilbert and Sullivan operas to be referenced in Murder at the Mikado.
My favorite of the Drew Farthering Mysteries so far, Murder at the Mikado is a thrilling mystery sure to please, and I would highly recommend it! I would give Murder at the Mikado an “A”.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of the book free from the publisher through Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
Honestly, I was a bit underwhelmed with the first book of the series, but I felt very hopeful after the second book. I can say now that Murder at the Mikado, the third, and latest, book in the series, did not disappoint! Full of suspense, intrigue, and secrets, it held my attention until the very end, and lacked the things that irritated me in the earlier books of the series.
Set in late 1932, Drew and Madeline’s wedding preparations are under way, and they have settled into a happy life in Farthering St. John with Aunt Ruth. But when a secret from Drew’s past is revealed, it threatens to destroy their future. Can Drew, Madeline, and Nick unravel the mystery before all is lost? And will Drew and Madeline make it to the altar?
A little tidbit for lovers of the 1961 Disney film, The Parent Trap: remember when Miss Inch punishes the girls for their unladylike behavior? She quotes Gilbert and Sullivan’s opera, The Mikado, saying, “let the punishment fit the crime”. As you can guess, the title of that opera is the source of part of the title of Deering’s book. Look for several Gilbert and Sullivan operas to be referenced in Murder at the Mikado.
My favorite of the Drew Farthering Mysteries so far, Murder at the Mikado is a thrilling mystery sure to please, and I would highly recommend it! I would give Murder at the Mikado an “A”.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of the book free from the publisher through Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
Eh. I should have bought the first one.
Cheers everyone. And good luck Ms. Deering. I'll try a copy of your first entry into the Drew Farthering mystery series.
I bought the middle of the series by mistake.
Cheers everyone. And good luck Ms. Deering. I'll try a copy of your first entry into the Drew Farthering mystery series.
I bought the middle of the series by mistake.