Review: Dressed for Death

Dressed for Death is the fourth book in the Drew Farthering mysteries by Julianna Deering. I missed the third book somehow so I immediately bought it so I could know the whole story. I was so excited to see that Drew and Madeline were married now!! I love how this series actually progresses the characters through life and doesn't lose any momentum in doing so. I say this every time, but it reminds me so much of The Thin Man movies.

Drew and Madeline are invited to a Regency party at Talbot Cummins home. Talbot, or Tibby as his mother fondly calls him, is Drew's Oxford chum.  Talbot is excited to have old friends at his parent's bash and introduces them all to his fiance, Alice. But something is quite odd about Alice's behaviour, and Tal is confused by her moods. Then Alice dies of a cocaine overdose at the last ball leaving everyone reeling in shock. When the police come, Drew is dismayed to see them take Mr. Cummins in custody for smuggling in cocaine. When Tal begs him to find out what is going on, Drew agrees to help solve the crime as much as he is able.

This story is intriguing and surprising at every turn. I found myself as sad and confused as the characters as I navigated the many twists and turns in the story. If you like solving mysteries or reading them, you will love this book. It was so good!! I especially loved how Drew had to fight his incapability in this story. The author always has real issues for the characters to work through. Another amazing page turner from Julianna Deering. I can't wait for more! Her mysteries never disappoint. :-)

I was given this book for free by Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: The Secret of Pembrooke Park

The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen is my new favorite book of hers. It has all the things I love - the Regency time period, a mystery, realistic characters, a great plot, wonderful writing, and the inability to put the story down. Lately the books I have read have made me wonder where all the great fiction ran off to, but with this story I have hope for more great books again. :-)

When Abigail Foster's family loses most of their money from a bad investment, Abigail decides to give up her dowry so her sister can still have her season in London. As she looks around for a cheaper, smaller house to rent, she begins to doubt they will find one acceptable to everyone. But then a chance comes for a nice estate to rent very cheaply. The only catch is that it hasn't been inhabited for almost twenty years and nobody will say why. When Abigail and her father arrive at Pembrooke Park, they are shocked at the state of the house. Everything is left just as it was twenty years ago even with the dishes still on the tea table. But why?

When Abigail hears the rumors swirling around of a treasure hidden somewhere in Pembrooke Park, she hopes to find it to reimburse her depleted dowry. As she settles in the house by herself, she becomes friends with William, the curate, and his sister, Leah. Abigail starts to hang out with them a lot and begins to admire the curate. But then her first love and best friend, Gilbert, visits her new neighborhood leaving Abigail confused and flustered. Gilbert seems to want to be with her, but what about William?

This story was sooo good! I loved how well everything came together at the end. So many little details you had to pay attention to with multiple stories and mysteries all swirling around the one big mystery. It was a fun read with some holding your breath moments, a little unpredictability, and some rooting for the guy you think she should have. ;-) I really liked Abigail. She is very smart, has a sweet spirit, and a lot of determination to figure out the secrets shrouding the estate. The parson was another great character. He was very giving and caring just how you would want a pastor to be. Thankfully, he wasn't at all like the parson in Pride and Prejudice. haha

If you have never read anything from this author before, definitely try this one! You won't be disappointed. :-)

I was given this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Kiss Me Awake

Kiss Me Awake is Julie Momyer's first book. I have mixed feelings about this story. On one hand, I liked the story of redemption and forgiveness. It's a powerful message and really well executed. But on the other hand I didn't like some of the things she put in the book about the main character. She could have handled it much more tastefully. Plus, I hated how I was catapulted into the story without knowing what in the world was going on, and who everybody was. It was very confusing, way too cryptic, and maddening!! I almost didn't keep on reading, but I'm glad I did because the mystery was really good. :-)

Jaida Martin has been searching for her identity for years. Being abandoned as a baby and never knowing who her mother was, has shaped much of her thinking through the years. A couple years ago, she joined the Baseel Detective Agency to find her mother. But for the past two years, all her time has been spent accumulating evidence against William Gale, a budding political figure. What she found has put her in a very dangerous position. Can she prosecute Gale before something bad happens to her?

Spencer Gordon has never stopped loving Jaida even though she has put him through the wringer with her actions. As he goes to God with his anguish, he can't help but wonder... should he end their marriage? Or keep holding out hope for reconciliation?

It's not a book I'm excited enough about to really recommend it, but I will say this. She writes a great mystery!

I was given this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.