Deering’s historical mystery, set in 1930s England, has all the elements of a good story, but they don’t sum up to a fresh whole. Andrew “Drew” Farthering and his friend Nick—son of Farthering Place’s intrepid butler, Dennison—team up in Hardy Boys–esque intrigue with their era-appropriate Nancy Drew, Madeline, to uncover the perpetrator of a series of heinous crimes. Blatant clues are showered on the reader like annoying confetti as the rather predictable plot meanders to its obvious conclusion. Lovingly detailed period couture description and cultural references provide some relief from stilted, repetitive dialogue and unlikable characters. When not coming off as utterly patronizing and as a caricature of British gentility, Drew wears his affected mannerisms like a badge of honor. While Madeline has the makings of a sympathetic female lead, she appears simpering and weak. Matters of faith are given lip service before being relegated to the literary cupboard in favor of imagined mysteries, gratuitous murders, and flirting. This is Downton Abbey meets Saturday Night Live. Agent: Wendy Lawton, Books & Such Literary Agency. (Aug.)
Introducing Drew Farthing
From The Tip oF His black Homburg to the crease in his cheviot trousers, he's the epitome of a stylish 1930s English gentleman. His only problem? The body he just discovered.
Drew Farthering loves a good mystery, although he generally expects to find it in the pages of a novel, not on the grounds of his country estate.
With the help of beautiful and whip-smart Madeline Parker, a guest from America, Drew proposes to use the lessons he's learned reading his mysteries to solve the crime. Before long, he realizes this is no lark, and no one at Farthering Place is who he or she appears to be - not the butler nor blackmailer, the chauffeur nor embezzler. Trying hard to remain one step ahead of the killer - and trying harder to impress Madeline - Drew must decide how far to take this dangerous game.
Introducing Drew Farthing
From The Tip oF His black Homburg to the crease in his cheviot trousers, he's the epitome of a stylish 1930s English gentleman. His only problem? The body he just discovered.
Drew Farthering loves a good mystery, although he generally expects to find it in the pages of a novel, not on the grounds of his country estate.
With the help of beautiful and whip-smart Madeline Parker, a guest from America, Drew proposes to use the lessons he's learned reading his mysteries to solve the crime. Before long, he realizes this is no lark, and no one at Farthering Place is who he or she appears to be - not the butler nor blackmailer, the chauffeur nor embezzler. Trying hard to remain one step ahead of the killer - and trying harder to impress Madeline - Drew must decide how far to take this dangerous game.
Rules of Murder
Rules of Murder
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Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940169874945 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Brilliance Audio |
| Publication date: | 08/01/2013 |
| Series: | A Drew Farthering Mystery , #1 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |