Death at Thorburn Hall by Julianna Deering

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.