Today, I’m featuring a historical mystery, Death by the Book, by Julianna Deering.
Drew Farthering wanted nothing more than to end the summer of 1932 with the announcement of his engagement to Madeline Parker. 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?
Romantic Times – Four Star Review
“Fans of Agatha Christie need to make room on their bookshelves for the Drew Farthering mystery series. Even as readers are kept on their toes trying to figure out ‘whodunit’ and may be shocked at who dies next, a message of hope weaves throughout the story.”
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Questions about Julianna’s Book
What inspired your story?
I’ve always enjoyed the classic mystery novels of the 1920s and ‘30s, so I wanted to give that sort of story a try in this series. This book is, of course, a continuation of that, but its particular inspiration is one of the clues in the story, so I can’t give that away ahead of time. However, I have always thought hatpins rather beautiful and dangerous, so I enjoyed including them in the tale.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I have a great time just hanging out with Drew and Madeline and Nick. They often surprise me with what they say and how they react, and they certainly have decided ideas about what they will and will not do. And, of course, throughout the series, I enjoy writing dialogue from this era. It has a definite flavor to it that I just love.
What was the hardest part of your book to write?
The hardest part of any mystery is getting the mystery to work properly. You really have two stories to write: what seems to be happening and why and what is really happening and why. Getting the two parts timed and integrated properly can be quite a task.
(Melissa says: I am so in awe of mystery writers!! What a juggling act to get it right to “fool” the mystery reader who wants it not to be obvious, but at the same time is trying to guess your ending from the very beginning.)
Where is your home on the web?
www.juliannadeering.com and www.drewfarthering.com
Other Books in this Series:
#1 –
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Questions about Julianna’s Reading
What Christian Historical Novel are you most excited to read that hasn’t yet come out?
I’m eager to read Rebecca DeMarino’s A Place in His Heart. This is a new author for me, but I really like that this book is about people settling in America during the 1600s. We don’t see a lot of that in Christian fiction, and it has such dramatic potential.
What Christian Historical Novel in your To Be Read pile is begging you to make time to plop down with it right now?
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Julianna is giving away a copy of Death by the Book – Enter the Rafflecopter this week for a chance at her new book!