This is the first book in the Drew Farthering Mystery Series. I randomly came across these books doing what I so often do at my local library; walk down random aisles looking at titles and book covers until something grabs my attention. This book cover definitely grabbed my attention. I knew as soon as I saw it that I was looking at a classic mystery novel such as the ones I would find at yard sales growing up and make my Mom buy for me.
This book was found in the Christian Fiction section of my library, but it is in no way overtly religious (not that I would mind, I like those books as well!), but there is mention of God, and going to Church, and the like. It is set in the 1930’s in Britain (another bonus for me!) and the story as a whole was just good, clean, fun!
Drew Farthering lives at the Farthering Estate, the house that controls the town, if-you-will. Think Downton Abbey. He lives with his mother and step-father, their Butler Dennison, and Mrs. Devon, the head maid, amongst other staff. Nick Dennison, son of butler Dennison, is the best friend of Drew, and a frequent visitor of the estate.
When Drew’s step-father, Mr. Parker, announces that his niece and 2 of her friends will be arriving for a stay from America, Drew is excited for some new company. Madeline Parker and her friends arrive at the estate, and the adventure begins. Two murders need to be solved, Drew is doing his best to focus on the cases at hand, all while wooing Ms. Madeline.
This is a clean written story, like you would expect in cozy mysteries set in today’s timeframe. It is great fun, taking you back to a time when things were simpler, except for solving a murder, that is. That was not simpler. There were no cell phones, no internet, no ballistics studies, and the like.
I’m skipping the spoilers as I always do; but I cannot recommend this book enough! I am almost done with book two and will be reviewing that soon!
What cozy are you enjoying right now?
booksandopinions.com 
I’ve seen good reviews of books from this series before too. It’s one of those I should really take a closer look at 🙂
I cannot recommend it enough! I have found the best books by wandering in my library, or doing random online searches. I have met the most fantastic authors by these searches as well!
Thank you for the lovely review! I hope you enjoy the series.
Your readers might want to know the Kindle version is on sale now for only $1.99 — but just through 2/28/19!
Julianna Deering (DeAnna Julie Dodson)
Thank you Deanna! All future reviews of your books will include links so my readers can enjoy these books as much as I am right now! I have been trying to restrict getting new books for my library, but these will certainly become a part of my collection!
One thing I like about the 1930’s and 1940’s mysteries is that they “pull down the shade,” like in films of the same era, when the detective and the widow hop into bed together, unlike modern mysteries and films where every amorous moan, grunt, and movement are graphically written or shown on the screen.LOL. Your review (as always )is so well written!
I agree Rae. I love the whole environment of that time as well; the clothes, the vehicles, the way people spoke; all of it! I have always said I was born in the wrong era for sure!
I was a WWII baby, born in 1944, but I loved the tales from my parents from the 40’s (when my mother graduated from high school) and their early married days with other navy couples and beginnig their families at the same time. Life was so different then!