Death by the Book by Julianna Deering (Review)

Series: Drew Fathering Mystery #2
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Publisher: Bethany House
Released: March 4, 2014
316 pages

About 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 seem to be drawing him closer and closer to home?

 

My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Drew's solicitor is murdered just before a meeting he has scheduled with Drew and detective Birdsong allows Drew to accompany him while searching for answers. A few other murders happen and notes are left with each body but other than the notes there doesn't seem to be any connections between the victims. Meanwhile Madeline's aunt arrives from America determined to bring Madeline home to America. Aunt Ruth spoke her mind and was entertaining. I enjoyed following Drew, Nick and Madeline trying to piece the clues together and figure out what was going on. The romance from book one continues, but this time it didn't bother me and I was actually rooting for the couple. I could not figure out the mystery, the notes had me stumped. I was shocked by the reveal at the end. Again I loved the friendship banter between Drew and Nick. I am interested to see what is going to happen next with these characters and will be continuing the series.

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed 

in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

Other books from this author that I have reviewed:   

   

Rules of Murder - Drew Fathering Mystery #1

1984 by George Orwell (Review)

Genre: Classic
Released: 1949
272 pages

About the Book:

The year 1984 has come and gone, but George Orwell's prophetic, nightmarish vision in 1949 of the world we were becoming is timelier than ever. 1984 is still the great modern classic of "negative utopia"—a startlingly original and haunting novel that creates an imaginary world that is completely convincing, from the first sentence to the last four words. No one can deny the novel's hold on the imaginations of whole generations, or the power of its admonitions—a power that seems to grow, not lessen, with the passage of time.

  

My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐

I don't get why this is such a classic, and I understand why it is on some banned books list. I was following along well with what was being described and could picture the setting, but then once Winston began reading the book from for the opposing worldview, I checked out. I wasn't surprised that Julia fell asleep, I would have too. From this point on the story seems to get stranger and stranger. I thought Winston had a backbone at the beginning, but then he became a mouse and was just there. Bending to their will and never standing up for what he believed. It is a bit frightening to think that this was written in 1949 and there is a number of items described that could be relevant to today such as countries fighting for domination, trying to rewrite history, screens watching and listening in, etc. I was very uncomfortable with the sexuality described at times, and a particular torture scene was torture to read. I can finally mark this off my classics I felt I need to read and now understand completely where the term big brother originated from, but I have no desire to ever read this again and will not recommend.

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed 

in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham (Review)

Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Revell
Released: July 3, 2018
323 pages

About the Book:

Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won't be able to do it alone.

For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.

My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was fully engrossed in this book. Loved the setting and the characters. Em has had a hard life and it is Caleb's job to catch the ones responsible for her current situation. Will he? Em and Caleb slowly become friends and I loved their interactions and the competitions. Em has a goal and that's her focus, what happens when that's complete? There are so many great characters in this story, with the two little girls being some of favourites. Deals with grief, hardships and looking to the future. There was one character who I didn't care for because of their attitude but they try to change near the end which I was happy to see. I loved the princess story told at the end, I knew what was coming and still loved it. I'm sad to say goodbye to these characters. Maybe we'll see them again in future books?

Favourite Quote: 

“The future may not work out how you've planned or dreamed, but it will work out.”

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed 

in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

Other books from this author that I have reviewed:   

   

The Letter Tree

Yours Truly, Thomas