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Showing posts with label mystery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mystery. Show all posts

Saturday, 3 May 2014

REVIEW: DEATH BY THE BOOK by Julianna Deering


Julianna Deering's 2nd in her thrilling mystery series featuring the debonair sleuth,
Drew Farthering,
DEATH BY THE BOOK
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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 to home?                                                                                         ~ publisher


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Series: Drew Farthering Mystery #2
Pages: pb 317, ebook 336, hb 500 
Published: March 4.2014
Publisher: Bethany House 

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My Thoughts?

Having been won over by our hero in Ms Deering's first British mystery,

RULES OF MURDER

[click for my review]
I awaited book 2 with MUCH anticipation.

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DEATH BY THE BOOK

[beside the gorgeous vintage cover art]
solidified my reading relationship with the suavely sophisticated sleuth, adding author Julianna Deering's writing as a definite 
mystery 'go to' for this reader.

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Characterizations are uniquely interesting -
beside the delish Drew!  His girlfriend, an American 
we met in Rules of Murder, holds her cards close regarding their
relationship.   Drew proves himself more than capable of the challenge, when new arrival, the boisterous aunt Ruth, determines what the two need is some space between them and sets about insuring that reality,
even if it means a return voyage to America!

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Ms Deering is adept at witty colloquialisms and banter
of the 1930's era establishing authenticity and providing much humour
to lighten the topic!
Though the book's theme is focused on the multiple murders, the scenes are well drawn without offputting graphic descriptions.  The relational aspects appear to be the focus and well developed at that.

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Drew finds himself included in the murder investigation
by the attending Scotland Yard Inspector
when Drew's afternoon appointment 
turns up a dead solicitor .  
Add several red herrings and we're off on a merry murderous chase
in the city, at his country club - even at his home
in the idyllic English countryside of Farthering St. John.

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Descriptive home scenes of this wealthy bachelor's country estate centre me in the setting
yet increase the tension as the investigation continues
unsolved.  Intrigue, and to spare, as the murderer's
toll arrives on Drew's very doorstep...
and a stunning conclusion shakes you to the core!
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I won't spoil a moment of your fun as you reach for your own copy to discover all the antics and intrigue
of this captivating teaser from Julianna Deering.

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Just don't miss it!


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*Note - Death by the Book definitely works
standalone as all characters are
well linked with references to Rules of Murder
and nothing lost in translation.
Just go ahead and enjoy!

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Author bio:

JULIANNA DEERING has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage and has always loved British history and is a particular fan of the writings of Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie.
Graduating from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in Business Administration, Julianna spent several years as a Certified Public Accountant.
 Julianna's keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness, and triumph over adversity.
A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with three spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey.
Her new series of Drew Farthering mysteries, set in 1930s England, debuted with Rules of Murder (Bethany House, Summer 2013), followed by Death by the Book (Bethany House,  March 2014) and the upcoming, Murder at the Mikado (Bethany House, Summer 2014). She is represented by Wendy Lawton of the Books & Such Literary Agency .  Find Julianna online
HERE.



as is Rules of Murder book #1


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Murder at the Mikado book#3 for preorders now


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{Free shipping included to US, Canada + most locations}


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Sunday, 13 April 2014

IT'S MONDAY! WHAT ARE YOU READING? [ BOOKS & AUDIOBOOKS ] !4.4.14


Almost embarassed to be linking up this week with only minimal time and 1 audiobook completed !

Frustrated with my kindle at not downloading my galleys -
not sure what the issue is and no time to pursue.. yikes!

Hoping to read you've had excellent reading opps but not tempt me with more to add to the stacks ok? !!
ya, right!

I finished Carola Dunn's 1920's mystery via audiobook
DEAD IN THE WATER
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A unique turn in the conclusion creates interest in the
sharp thinking of our lovely Daisy Dalrymple, journalist 
and sleuth.  One more review waiting for my time to
multiply into writing as well as all the other demands -
especially as we now begin Holy Week progression to
Easter!

Enjoy any reading breaks you nab and peace
to all pursuing remembrance of Christ's journey from
rejection to resurrection...

ps- don't miss the rare eclipse of the moon
Tuesday night / Wednesday 2-3.30 a.m. ET !
Should be amazing !!

More Monday reading confessions happening HERE



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Tuesday, 25 March 2014

REVIEW: DAMSEL IN DISTRESS [audiobook] by Carola Dunn

A further entry for our Women's History Month.  Carola Dunn has created a unique series featuring a young woman of 1920's upper class England who rather chooses a career of journalism over her position of privilege.  Her creative bent lends itself well when she falls into curious and criminal situations...
In spring a young man’s fancy will turn to love, and the Honorable Phillip Petrie is no exception. Daisy’s chum is totally smitten with Miss Gloria Arbuckle, daughter of a millionaire Yank. But before the enthusiastic suitor can pop the question, his beloved is abducted. As a distraught Mr. Arbuckle begins assembling the ransom, Phillip enlists Daisy to help him recover his missing sweetheart.
Strictly forbidden to contact Scotland Yard, Daisy must resist the temptation to bring dashing Detective Inspector Alec Fletcher on to the case. But as she closes in on the abductors’ rural hideaway, she begins to suspect that Gloria isn’t the only fair damsel whose life hangs in the balance.
The fifth whodunit in Carola Dunn’s stylish cozy mystery series set in 1923 England once again features British heiress and Town and County writer Daisy Dalrymple.  © 1997, 2010 by Carola Dunn
Narrator: Mia Chiaromonte
Length: 7.6 hours  Unabridged
Published: Jan. 15.14
Publisher: Blackstone Audio Inc.
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My Thoughts?

Perfect release timing for this Daisy Dalrymple mystery set in an English spring setting.
Daisy's former suitor, aristocratic Philip Petrie, has been fully enamored with another, 
much to Daisy's relief.  The American Arbuckle father and daughter, visiting England
in search of investment opportunities, are soon targeted for their wealth
and Philip's new love interest held for ransom.  Ms Dunn provides an excellent expose
of the ever present class distinctions of the era which
play into this kidnapping and give listeners a greater understanding of the times and
changes between wars. Axioms and vernacular of the day add to the authenticity.
Our sleuth, the intrepid likeable Daisy,
must keep her wits about her in a continuous sequence of events,
involving her own safety and that of her own love, Detective Inspector Alec Fletcher.
The blossoming of their relationship is treated as an aside without dominating,
but keeps our interest piqued with every new development.  Including Alec's first
meeting with Daisy's domineering, class conscious mother.

A definite enjoyment listening to this audio story unfold.
Critical thinking skills of our main characters , their ability to out-think the crooks,
unexpected plotting, and vivid action, increase the fun.
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Blackstone audio's quality recording kept the story flowing without technical
interruptions or disruptive voice fluctuations by narrator, Mia Chiaromonte, who provides
good variety in character personalizations, considering the size of cast involved. 
An adept narrator, Ms Chiaromonte, adds to the novel's authenticity via admirable
differentiation of various English and American accents.  

I look forward to Carola Dunn's 6th in the series, Dead in the Water.


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AUTHOR BIO:  Carola Dunn is the author of more than 30 Regency romances, as well as 16 mysteries (the Daisy Dalrymple mystery series is set in England in the 1920s). Ms. Dunn was born and grew up in England, where she got a B.A. in Russian and French from Manchester University. She travelled as far as Fiji before returning to settle in California. After 30 years in the US, she says she still sounds as if she arrived a month ago.Prior to writing, Ms. Dunn’s various jobs included market research, child-care, construction--from foundation trenches to roofing--and writing definitions for a dictionary of science and technology. She wrote her first novel in 1979, a Regency which she sold to Warner Books.

*Now living in Eugene, Oregon, Ms. Dunn has a son in California who has just made her a grandmother, and a large black dog named Willow who takes her for a walk by the Willamette River each morning.Find Carola online : CAROLA DUNN  and at the writing / editing blog Blood Red Pencil

                                                                                  
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Narrator BIO :  Mia Chiaromonte is a Southern California native with a BA in theater from the University of California, San Diego. She has worked extensively as an actor, singer, and audiobook narrator, and her voice has been heard across the country on various radio commercials for clients including BMW and Time Warner Cable. She currently lives in southern Oregon.

*A
ppreciation to Blackstone Audio for providing an audiobook via downpour  for listening and AudioJukebox review without obligation or compensation.

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@_eHope - Goodreads - Facebook - Pinterest
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Monday, 3 March 2014

TEASER TUESDAYS: DEATH BY THE BOOK by Julianna Deering RELEASES TODAY March 4th.14


Well this is definitely a FIRST for me!
The author of my Tuesday Teaser has just stopped in and chatted !!

Julianna Deering is here  giving her thoughts
on the teaser in coments !!  Thank you, Julianna!
You Are The Best !!

Now for this week's Book Teaser Tuesday [+ GIVEAWAY!]
at MizB 's from shouldbereading
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to 
their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 Here's mine ~

""Get it open, man!" the chief inspector barked, 
and just then there was a splintering of wood and the door slammed back 
against the wall."

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Fantastic 2nd book  in the Drew Farthering Mysteries
Releases today {March 4th} !
Absolutely loved this 1930's intriguing mystery filled with enough 
red herrings to keep suspense sustained to the final pages!
A side of romance for human interest to ease the tension, 
and another mystery solved by our hero, Drew Farthering.  Well Done !
Amazing writing from author Julianna Deering's unique voice.
A definite 5* hit I can recommend with confidence for any 1930s mystery fans.
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DEATH BY THE BOOK by Julianna Deering

Synopsis: WHEN THE VILLAGE OF FARTHERING ST. JOHN IS Stunned BY A SERIES OF MURDERS, DREW FARTHERING IS DRAWN again INTO THE SLEUTHING GAME.
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.
Series:Drew Farthering Mystery #2
Paperback: 320 pages   ebook 336 pgs
Expected publication: March 4th 2014 by
Publisher:  Bethany House Publishers 


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Want to WIN IT?
 

GOODREADS ENTRIES OPEN NOW  til March 14th US + CA
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Have an interesting Book Teaser for us ?
Add yours at MizB's shouldbereading blog !




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Thursday, 27 February 2014

MURDER ON THE FLYING SCOTSMAN: DAISY DALRYMPLE Mystery #4 by Carola Dunn [Audiobook Review]

WOMEN IN HISTORY MONTH at Faith Hope & Cherrytea
 Daisy Dalrymple, embracing the working world of journalism,
whilst born to privilege in pre-war England, is another addition to this series
of unique women from history.
Not to mention her foray into detecting mystery wherever she may be!
Welcoming Carola Dunn, Daisy's creator...



MURDER ON THE FLYING SCOTSMAN
[AUDIOBOOK]
by CAROLA DUNN author and MIA CHIAROMONTE narrator
It is the spring of 1923 and the Honorable Daisy Dalrymple is on her way to a stately home in Scotland to research her next article for Town and Country. On board the Flying Scotsman, the famous London-to-Edinburgh train, Daisy meets an old schoolfellow, Anne Bretton. Anne, along with all of her relatives, is en route to visit the deathbed of the family scion and notorious miser, Alistair McGowan. As it currently stands, Alistair’s will leaves the entire family fortune to his brother Albert, and the rest of the family is rushing to his side, each hoping to convince him to change his will in their favor.
Daisy, meanwhile, has her hands full taking care of Detective Inspector Alec Fletcher’s young daughter Belinda, who ran away from home and stowed away aboard the train. She barely has time to take notice of the intricate family feud taking place all around her—that is, until Albert McGowan is found murdered on the train and Daisy is surrounded by an entire family of suspects.  © 1997, 2010 by Carola Dunn  - Downpour.com

The Daisy Dalrymple Mysteries, book 4
Author:  Carola Dunn
Narrator: Mia Chiaromonte
Length:  6.8 hrs • Unabridged Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Published: Dec 15 ℗ 2013

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Author Bio :  Carola Dunn is the author of the Daisy Dalrymple mysteries, the Cornish mysteries, and over thirty Regencies. Born and raised in England, she now lives in Eugene, Oregon.  Ms. Dunn has a son in California who has just made her a grandmother, and a large black dog named Willow who takes her for a walk by the Willamette River each morning.


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Narrator bio:  Mia Chiaromonte is a Southern California native with a BA in theater from the University of California, San Diego. She has worked extensively as an actor, singer, and audiobook narrator, and her voice has been heard across the country on various radio commercials for clients including BMW and Time Warner Cable. She currently lives in southern Oregon .
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My Thoughts?
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Fourth in the Daisy Dalrymple series set in post WWI England.
It's 1923 as the story begins.
We find British heiress, the Honorable Daisy Dalrymple, bound for her next
journalistic appointment for a Stately Homes article located in Scotland.
Daisy has chosen to fend for herself as a Town & County journalist
rather than depend on her aristocratic family of birth.  
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Suffering the loss of both brother and fiancee`in the great war,
Daisy's budding romantic interest is a widower, 
Alec Fletcher, Detective Chief Inspector of Scotland Yard,
whose precocious ten year old daughter, Belinda, is soon discovered
aboard The Flying Scotsman, the London - Edinburgh Express,
Daisy has booked for her trip north.  Daisy is
dismayed to discover that very daughter is running away from a tiff with her gran
 via that very train and without forethought for either ticket or provision.
Believing Daisy would take her to her father, Belinda is unaware they're not travelling
anywhere near her anticipated destination.
Daisy's acceptance of the inevitable responsibilities for Belinda's care is barely settled when
an old school chum appears in the doorway of Daisy's car
and the mystery is set to get underway...
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A huge cast of relatives to wade through whilst attempting to keep relational order,
we're introduced to each of them with their reasons for wanting to dissuade
their 
curmudgeonly family patriarch, Alistair McGowan, 
from leaving his fortune to his brother, Albert.
Class distinctions, snobbishness, racial prejudice, and male predominant viewpoints
are de riguer.
Points well taken for the era.
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Needless to say, a murder entails and its resolution unfolds with 
plentiful action, familial interaction, and enough red herrings to keep 
the reader's - or in this case - listener's, attention.
Throw in a minute amount of romance and the story's conclusion offers 
the hoped for satisfaction of any good read.
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Narrator, Mia Chiaromonte, provides excellent personalization for a
formidable cast of characters.
Whilst the book provides a family tree for reader's assistance in following,
no such resource is available for mp3 listeners.
Ms Chiaromonte is our sole source of differentiation.
I have to commend her on well executed portrayals
from ten year old Belinda to the Indian Dr Jagai.
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The reader's pace makes for ease of comprehension and ability to follow.
Voice modulation is well practiced and adds to the interpretation of characters' 
intended  meaning in dialogue.  No jarring spikes or drops,
Ms Chiaromonte provides 
a pleasant read indeed.  
No need for adjusting volume to avoid missing the story or fight fluctuations.
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Blackstone Audio's recording provides solid entertainment value.
Technically smooth and without background interference, neither interruptions,
I have come to expect their high quality of clarity and sound.
Valuable features for any audiobook 'reader'.
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I look forward to Ms Dunn's next Daisy Dalrymple Mystery #5,
DAMSEL IN DISTRESS,
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by Blackstone Audio Inc via Audiobook Jukebox and Downpour.com .
My appreciation for an mp3 to 'read' and review without obligation.
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