I confess my surprise when researching this author to read that it was Julianna Deering (the pen name of DeAnna Julie Dodson) a fifth-generation Texan who wrote this excellent cosy mystery and not a history soaked sop hidden in an idyllic part of the United Kingdom, such was her ability to transport the reader to 1930s UK, complete with language and customs. Drew and his American wife Madeleine find themselves visiting distant family for the annual British Open golf tournament, when their host dies a seemingly accidental death, suddenly leaving a newly-minted widow and troubled daughter alone in a beautiful home. Urged to search for the presumed truth, Drew, along with his friend Nick delve into a mystery aided willingly by Madeleine and not so willingly by Nicks love interest Carrie, another American. Slowly more threads of the story unravel and more bodies find their way to the local morgue.
I loved that this story is published by a Christian imprint (Bethany House Publishers) and that whilst faith was mentioned throughout the story, God was never beaten over the head of the unsuspecting reader with moralistic platitudes nor did it ever make the characters seem gullible or simple. The setting was neatly drawn and the tale complete with a red herring or two so as to not make the mystery too easy to solve.
It was a jolly good show!

The latest in Julianna Deering's Drew Fathering mysteries, this is a good read. It's easy reading of the 'cosy mystery' variety, entertaining and with an enjoyable storyline.
Although Drew's American wife means that the story can get away with Americanisms, they're more annoying when used by English Drew and about the English or Scottish settings.
I would say that this is one of the stronger stories of the series though, and overall is an enjoyable read.

Its taken me over a year to read this book from Netgalley. The problem with that is I've forgotten about some of the characters so it took me a while to catch up (on honestly, I struggled to keep up with all the new ones in this story from time to time).

Once I did get into it though, it was a very good mystery story in what is now an established series, which included plenty of twists, turns, red-herrings, witty banter - and a cute kitty. There were also a host of interesting and colourful characters, including a Russian Count and potential swindler.
I did feel, as with some of the previous stories that the multiple murders became a little unnecessary. It did not really add anything to the mystery, per se, except to exonerate one of the suspects.

The stories in this series follow something of a formula, but that's not necessarily a criticism. Even many of Agatha Christie's stories did. Some of the hints about the developing political situation and the looming threat of war in mid 1930s Britain were interesting, adding an authentic edge and leaving the possibility open for more stories to follow.

My main complaint was the same as with the previous book. Sadly it was ruined by a surfeit of Americanisms used by the British character. Referring to a Scotsman as a 'loyal Englishman' was another unfortunate error.
Confusing England and Britain is not a mistake British people would usually make, but Drew and his fellows do.

I think that's the one thing which prevents me from giving the novels in this series a higher rating. Overall, its one of the better titles in the series so far- although I wish the Publisher would put the Kindle edition on sale sometime soon.

I requested an E-Galley via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

RATING: 4 STARS
​(I received an ARC from the NETGALLEY​)​
(Review Not on Blog)

Carrie has come to visit Madeline, Drew and especially Nick. They decide to take up Drew's Aunt's invitation to stay with them and attend the Open. What was meant to be a vacation for the two couples, turns into another murder mystery. Nick was planning to ask Carrie to stay and marry him, but their involvement in solving murders scares her away. Drew feels obligated to help his aunt and cousin when his Uncle dies and find the killer. When more bodies turn up, Carrie is ready to return to America. I love these cozy mysteries. It reminds me of classic mystery stories from the 30s and 40s which I enjoy. I really hope there are more to come.

Thoughts:

Deception? Golfing? History? Danger? Family? Romance? Suspense? Mystery? Oh, yes! DEATH AT THORBURN HALL by Julianna Deering brings us to Scotland in 1935 at a place where competition leads to danger and family ties lure us to trust as lies entrap death!

Aristocracy needs a certain amount of pretense to stay fastened in the designed social order, but sometimes scandal, wrongdoing, and dishonor will untie those threads mooring them in place the way an anchor may do to a sinking ship. When cutting ties will add proof to a crime, what is one to do?

While there to attend the British Open, work comes calling through a discrete investigation for Drew Farthering, but when this calling delves into murder, both his wife Madeline and his friend Nike land in the middle of the mess. When another body turns up, their life takes another deadly turn. In a place full of family, friends, guests, and servants, will they ever find out who else is in danger?

Not all family-secrets are deadly, and not all plots are generated for harm. However, will Nick keep the love he’s found?

***This opinion is my own.***

Preview:

In DEATH AT THORBURN HALL by Julianna Deering, a family holiday and sports outing turn into a case for Drew Farthering, but his case veers from accident to murder in a short span. Drew’s name has no advantage, as his reputation is seen by local law enforcement a mere problem wanting more headlines. His specialty is viewed as nothing but something to keep at bay and away from the newshounds!

His case unknowingly leads to Lord Rainsby’s riding gear proving to have been tampered with to meet his end. Now, someone is gunning to take Drew out of the way while Madeline and Nick are caught in the middle once Madeline’s plans with Carrie go awry.

The lifting of Rainsby funds seem to be at odds with the family ties; given the Lord’s death, but the business partner and multiple guests all have nefarious situations to chase down. However, nothing is as expected when the case wraps Drew and the rest into something that will tie them up in knots to the end!

Somehow, danger lurks in their way everywhere they show themselves. Will this case bring down Drew Farthering?

Drew and Madeline Fathering are back. They are visiting Drew's distant relatives, Lord and Lady Rainsby of Thornburn Hall, and planning to watch the Open at Muirfield, Edinburgh. They are not the only guests—there is also a married couple, and a Russian artiste seeking his muse.

Death at Thornburn Hall is the sixth book in the Drew Fathering series. Each book is a standalone murder mystery, which means you don't have to read the earlier books first (although there are some plot threads that trail though the series). It follows the pattern established in the first book, Rules of Murder.

Drew arrives somewhere (Thornburn Hall, in this instance).
There is a death (sometimes there is more than one).
Drew investigates.
The local police force don't appreciate Drew's efforts.
Drew solves the crime with help from Nick and Madeline.

There is plenty of witty banter between Drew, a member of the British aristocracy, Madeline, his American wife, and Nick Dennison, Drew's best friend and the son of the Fathering Hall butler (a friendship that continues to raise eyebrows).

And Carrie is back: Madeline's American best friend, who Nick would like to persuade to stay forever ... However, Carrie is not stupid. She's realised the same thing the rest of us have realised: Drew Fathering attracts murder. Murder attracts risk and danger.

But that's the fun! Well, that's the fun for me, as a reader. Carrie doesn't see it quite the same way ...

The writing is excellent, as usual. There is a cast of characters ranging from mysterious to suspicious. Some things are not what they seem, and there are plenty of genuine clues scattered among the red herrings. The ending is satisfying on several levels (well, satisfying to the core characters. The murderer, as usual, is less than satisfied with being caught by Drew). All in all, an excellent romp.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

Ah! What a refreshing experience it is to have read my first (but definitely not last) Drew Farthering mystery, Death at Thorburn Hall, the sixth book in this fabulous and fabulously British series from Texas author Julianna Deering. A Texan doing British? Fear not – Deering has done her research and the British-ness is spot-on with the book feeling very Alexander McCall Smith-y. There is clearly a lot of back-story that unfolds in the prior books, but Deering does a great job of giving the reader enough information to get the big picture and appreciate that the main characters have been through a lot together, which has forged a unique bond between them. I am ITCHING to get my hands on book one and get fully up-to-speed on what I am confident to say is going to be my new favorite cozy mystery series.

“He was somewhere in his late thirties, tall and slender, with a pencil-thin mustache and a look of pale tragedy about him.”

Oh, how I enjoy Deering’s writing style. Her descriptions and use of figurative language leave readers with a crisp, clear image of characters and setting. The dialogue enhances the story, fleshing-out and revealing much about the characters. Historical elements are laced-in not only with the 1935 Open (golf tournament) in Scotland, but with everyone’s eyes on what Mr. Hitler was doing to re-build Germany. Not to mention (but I am mentioning because that’s what I do) that the book is beautifully and cleanly edited and the writing is witty and intelligent. Death in Thorburn Hall is the first cozy mystery series I’ve read to have the “Christian” stamp on it, and I wasn’t sure how that was going to work out. I am happy to report that the faith element was handled with a light touch and came across naturally, as it should with people of faith. For example, in a scene when a character is questioning why his prayers aren’t being answered, another’s response is:

"Maybe He has something else in mind...
and His answer isn't no, but 'not now.'"
Exactly!

I always enjoy the prim and proper manners and speech of British society, alongside the sometimes-flimsy façade of the upper-crust. Death in Thorburn Hall is full of interesting characters who fit the bill. Main character Drew Farthering epitomizes that dashing, perfect fella who always has just the right snappy remark to keep a person talking to him (all the while assessing and filing away information to solve a crime). What good British story is complete without a butler with a sharp eye and wry sense of humor? Twining is your man in this story, and his best line?

"There are those with all the advantages of blood and breeding
who manage to be as common as small beer."

While I can’t vouch for the prior books in the series being this way (though I hope to soon), Death in Thorburn Hall keeps the romance element in the background, right where I prefer it be for a mystery. Plenty of sweet and awwwwwww-worthy romantic moments are sprinkled about for readers to glimpse the love between characters and experience all the feels. Where the story shines is in the mysteries afoot. Suspects, motives, clues, and red herrings are scattered about to keep the reader guessing right up to the end, when there’s a head-spinning climax and conclusion.

If you are a cozy mystery fan who enjoys being transported to another place and time where manners matter and scenes of gore and sex are left to the imagination, then Death in Thorburn Hall is just right for you. I highly recommend you jump in to this series. Happily, as of this writing, the author intends to add several more installments, so get caught up now!

Thank you to Lone Star Book Blog Tours, NetGalley, and Bethany House Publishers for providing me a gorgeous print copy in exchange for my honest opinion – the only kind I give.

"Death at Thorburn Hall" is the 6th in the Farthering Mystery series by Julian Deering. In Thorburn Hall, Drew and Madeline Farthering go to Scotland to the European Open. They stay with a distant cousin of Drew's along with the Pike's, friends of the Rainsbys; and Nick and his girlfriend Carrie. While at the Open, Lord Rainsby is murdered. One by one, people connected to the Rainsbys turn up dead. Drew and Madeline are on pursuit of the mystery to discover the killer.
I really like this series of books. I've read them all. They take place pre-world war II and in a much higher society than most people are used to. I like how they are always saying things like "my good man" and "I'm not altogether certain," things that seem kinda classy. This book worms two mysteries together which makes for a harder case. Good book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Bethany House Publishers.

Occasionally, I'll pick up a book to review, and I'll find that I'm all in. So all in, in fact, that I want to read the first book in the series right away. This was one of those books.

I have always loved mysteries, but my first love in the mystery genre was the cozy mystery (more about the solve and the detective, in a somewhat contained setting, and glossing over the gore). So for me, finding a great new cozy mystery series is like finding gold, especially a book set in England (or Scotland) post WW I and pre WWII.

Death at Thorburn Hall reads, smells, and tastes like the mysteries written by the great dames of the genre. And yet, the amateur detectives, Drew Fatherington and crew, so come to life with their own stories, loves, and losses, that this mystery series stands completely on its own in a very satisfying way. Also, for those of us still pining for Downton Abbey, this book fills a need with its upper crust and downstairs characters. Even better, the danger abounds, as murders and would be suspects and red herrings pile up.

I can't say more without giving anything away, so here is my suggestion: sign up for the giveaway and put the book on your list. Then, while you are waiting to see if you won, go read that first Drew Farthering Mystery (better yet, listen to it with the dreamy, extremely talented Simon Vance). You'll be ever so glad you did.

Kudos, Julianna Deering. Thank you for a review copy in exchange for an honest book review.

Death at Thorburn Hall by Julianna Deering is the final book in the Drew Farthering series. This is the first book that I have read in the series and I was able to pick it up and quickly figure out the characters and plot. I really enjoyed the characterization and the interplay of characters from different countries in this time period. There was a great deal of action and a great deal of resolution, especially since this is the final book in the series. I would highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the previous books in the series. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Mystery lovers will delight in another fantastic Drew Farthering mystery!

Drew and Madeline Fathering are looking forward to enjoying the invitation to go see the British Open at the Muirfield course in Scotland with Drew’s cousin Lady Rainsby. Drew hasn’t seen Lord and Lady Rainsby since he and Madeline were married and is curious as to the invitation, but happy nonetheless. Added to the excitement is that Madeline’s friend Carrie Holland is coming from America to stay with them as well. She and Drew’s friend Nick Dennison were quite the item before the four of them were nearly murdered a year and a half ago and since then Carrie has lost her father and remainder of her family in America. Shortly after arrival, Lord Rainsby pulls Drew aside and tells him some suspicions of his business partner and asks Drew to do some investigating discreetly. Not long after this, Lord Rainsby is killed in an unfortunate horse riding accident, but things don’t add up to it being an accident. As the crew investigates, each person involved seems to have a motive to kill Lord Rainsby, but then other murders begin to happen. Can they solve yet another case?

So this story had a little different approach than some of the previous mysteries. Typically, they center around the mystery itself and Drew, Madeline, and Nick solving the case together. In Dressed for Death, Carrie was also involved, which made it even more interesting. However, this time the story still centers on the mystery but also on Nick and Carrie’s relationship and what is going to become of it. The only downside is that it took away from some of the banter between characters that I always look forward to, but the characters are also maturing as the series progresses. As always, the story is fun to read, the scene is set very well, and the mystery is fun to solve. I pretty well had the villain pegged early on, but not necessarily for the reasons that he or she may have had.

I’m hoping that this series continues as Deering is beginning to venture into pre-World War II having mentioned Hitler in several instances of this story. I would like to continue to see all of the characters grow and develop. After all, the next logical step for Drew and Madeline is children and wouldn’t that be a huge adventure for all?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

4.5 stars
An excellent Golden-Age style mystery. There's a subtle beginning, and then Bam! A murder. I love the vintage 1930s flavor to it, and the way it feels as though it could have actually been written in that time period.

I jumped into this one without having read any of the previous books and truly enjoyed getting to know Drew and Madeline and their friends. I own the first three books but haven't gotten around to reading them, so I definitely have them on my list to read next year.

The mystery kept me intrigued, and the murderer honestly had me guessing! I caught a few glimpses but didn't string the clues together rightly until the very end. Wow! It's hard to find a mystery that baffles me, since I have read so many. The references to period literature were great, and it was fun to see the edges of a spy movement leading up to WW2. I'm definitely hoping that the author writes more of these Drew Farthering books!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free review copy.

The "ambiance" of Death at Thorburn Hall - if a story can have ambiance - is important, but hard to explain. So, I'll give an example. Have you ever heard a song (think It's a Small, Small World), and then could not get the song out of your head? What does it say about a book when a reader starts talking to family and friends using the same accent as the dialogue in the story? Well, it's like that!

This is the sixth installment in the series, but sadly, it's the first one I've read. Now I find myself in the predicament of wanting to go back and read the first five!

It's important to note that you do not have to read the previous books in the series to enjoy this one! It stands completely on its own. I say that from personal experience, obviously.

I previously mentioned the "ambiance" of this story. I'm not sure if I ever read a story that I considered to have an ambiance. It goes beyond setting. I guess it's sort of setting, dialogue, characters and storyline all rolled into one. Yeah, that's it! The ambiance of this story ROCKS!

The story is set in Gullane, Scotland. This Scottish village is home to Muirfield, the private links ("golf course" for us Americans) that hosted the 1935 Open Championship. The story takes place during Open week and shortly thereafter. Personally, I'm very attracted to stories that blend fact with fiction.

As a golf enthusiast, I was a little appalled when the Open players were discussed, but no mention was made of the better known players of the day, such as Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen. However, when doing some research for this review, I discovered that a number of the better known players - including the two I mentioned - did not even enter the Open that year.

Deering certainly did her homework in that regard. Further, I happen to know that those folks "over there" always refer to the British Open as The Open. This author eloquently captured that pride in the dialogue. (See what I mean about the whole ambiance thing?)

But this story wasn't about golf - somewhat to my chagrin - except for a few scenes taking place on the links. It was about murder!

I quickly befriended the protagonist, Drew Fathering. If Angela Lansbury (Murder, She Wrote) and William Powell (The Thin Man) had an offspring, it would be Drew. He seems to take everything in stride, and his demeanor puts people at ease. Unless, of course, if you're a pompous police inspector.

Drew and his wife, along with their two friends, are invited to Thorburn Hall, in Gullane, by distant cousins, Lord and Lady Rainsby. The premise of the trip is a relaxing week at The Open, but Lord Rainsby secretly invited Drew because he suspected some foul play in his business and wanted Drew to quietly investigate.

Before Drew can get into the investigation, Lord Rainsby is killed in a freak accident. Rainsby's daughter feels her father was murdered, and Drew volunteers to get to the bottom of it.

The stage is now set! What follows is a tale with more switchbacks than Lombard Street in San Francisco! Drew learns that most of the characters involved are not who they seem to be. As more people get murdered, Drew is in a race with the killer - or killers.

As Drew eventually discovers who did what to whom, the growing tension leads to the climax. Like an opera singer holding a high note for a long time, Deering keeps us at the pinnacle of the climax for several pages! What a literary feat!

With the climax over, and we regain our breath, the author treats us to probably the mother of all plot twists! If you told me you saw it coming, I'd likely call you a liar.

I will definitely be going back to read the first book in the series. Drew Fathering has a new fan!

(I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. These characters always make me think of the Thin Man movies. And the romance in this one was so sweet. Perfect for those who love a good whodunnit.

Props to Deering for catching up the rando reader such as myself on past events throughout the book!

I also immensely enjoyed the Scottish setting; its plethora of references to Edinburgh, Muirfield, and even a couple to St. Andrews nearly made me buy a plane ticket! (And don’t you just love the vintage cover?!)

The characters were interesting, and I am intrigued enough to pick up the other books in the series and put events in context. (And that’s saying something, especially since there are 5 of these “other books”.)

This one is excellent! I love the unique story line and the characters that Julianna brings to life.

Reading the Farthering mysteries has been a delight. I grew up reading Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers and Ngaio Marsh so these novels by Deering are ones I thoroughly enjoy.

I like Drew Farthering. He's an amateur detective whom none of the officials want to have around interfering with their investigation. I am getting to like his wife more and more. She's a good sidekick for him, someone with whom he can discuss his theories. The repartee between the two is intelligent and fun to read.

I like the setting of Scotland during the British Open. It's a refreshing change from the London area. I like the time period. It's during the troubling years of Hitler exercising his power.

I like the plot. The murders offer no apparent connection and that really tests Farthering's investigative powers. I kind of had an idea of the murderer but there were so many red herrings that I was unsure of the culprit until near the end.

I really like Deering's writing style. There are great scene descriptions. There is snappy dialog. There are well developed characters. I like the historical information. I like the subtle romance.

While this novel can be read on its own, I'd recommend starting at the beginning of the series. Each one is enjoyable to read.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

Julianna Deering is the pen name of DeAnna Julie Dodson. She lives north of Dallas, Texas. You can find out more at http://www.juliannadeering.com/ and http://www.deannajuliedodson.com/.

Bethany House Publishers, 336 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Travel back to mid-1930s England for another delightful adventure with Drew and Madeline Farthering. DEATH AT THORBURN HALL is Julianna Derring’s sixth book in her Drew Fathering Mysteries series. Ms. Derring’s characters are always an eclectic mix with surprises in store for everyone. Drew, Madeline and Nick have been at this amateur sleuthing for some time now and are getting pretty good at it, much to the dismay of the local authorities. The storyline is filled with tension and intrigue and takes several twists and turns on the way to a surprising conclusion. You’ll enjoy the antics and reasoning of these three sleuths as they search for the real killer. DEATH AT THORBURN HALL is also filled with inspirational thoughts that are very encouraging and uplifting. Don’t miss any of this charming series!

"Death at Thorburn Hall" is a historical mystery set in 1935 in England. It's the sixth book in a series. You don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this novel didn't spoil the previous mysteries.

The characters had depth and reacted realistically to events. The mystery was a clue-based puzzle with some complexity. I was pretty certain of whodunit by about 75% of the way in and and only became more convinced as the story finished. It took Drew a little longer to figure out whodunit, but I felt that the reasons he didn't see it sooner were reasonable.

The main characters were Christian, and Carrie struggled with trusting God with her future (and Nick's safety). There were no sex scenes or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting mystery.

[Note:  This book was provided free of charge by Bethany House Publishing.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

This is a novel that has a lot to do with family, and faith.  It was a well-crafted novel, full of genuine mysteries and family secrets, and yet even though the mystery was certainly revealed at the end of the story, it is the sort of novel that sits a bit uneasily with me, because it was about more than just the mystery itself.  Having read the first two novels of the series myself [1], I was familiar with a few of the characters in the novel at least.  Yet this novel pushes divine providence to a somewhat uncomfortable level and ends with some loose ends tied up that are a bit too convenient.  At any rate, it is well crafted story that ought to satisfy those who are fans of the series so far, and certainly encourage the reader in knowing that there are likely to be a great many mysteries in the future of this series, although they will likely have to travel in the future as well, since there is no doubt that any police constable of any area is likely to see the presence of Drew Farthering is a bad sign, definitely in the bottom ten list of people one would want to see in one's jurisdiction.

In terms of the story, there is not much that can be done without a spoiler alert, and this is the sort of novel that deserves a fair hearing and not to have all of the mysteries spoiled at the start.  Drew and his wife and friends are invited to attend the British Open at the home of one of his relatives, where the master of the house asks him to discreetly investigate the goings on of a friend and business partner whose activities have seemed a bit shady of late.  In the midst of that investigation the pater familias winds up dead, and the person brought in as a chief suspect is none other than a sponger and hanger on of another couple present, a man with a mysterious identity that is too preposterous to be believed unless you read it for yourself, although I had an inkling of it about halfway through the novel and still couldn't believe it when I finally read it.  The novel deals with family on multiple levels--the family involved with the series of murders in Scotland, Drew's own family background, with his mysterious French mother who he has been unable to find out more about, and the marriage plans of Nick and his American beloved Carrie, who does not seem to be the brave sort given the dangers that Drew and Nick are always finding themselves in.

This is a novel that combines a love of mystery with a deep concern for divine providence and questions of forgiveness and redemption.  In at least one case, this novel presents a case for redemption that appears, on the face of it, ridiculous and overly convenient, and which will likely require a bit more consistent evidence of improvement in order to believe, although as the character is an entertaining one it is likely that there will be more heard from him in the future.  In another case, the author paints a rather chilling picture of entitled youth that feels rather discomfiting, especially given contemporary concerns about the spoiled youth of the current generation.  Besides the murder plot in the story, there is considerable concern about the rise of Hitler and the patriotism of Brits, and all of that adds a considerable weight to the novel itself.  Even though the novel is set several years before the start of World War II, it is filled with the foreboding of that conflict and unpleasant echoes of World War I.  What may have been intended to be a light and pleasant mystery novel from an author of a deep interest in divine providence ends up dwelling uncomfortably close to deep and serious evils of contemporary as well as historical relevance, and that gives this novel a bit of seemingly unintended weight.

[1] See, for example:

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014/04/28/book-review-death-by-the-book/

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014/07/08/book-review-murder-at-the-mikado/