Murder on the Moor

Author: Julianna Deering

Series: A Drew Farthering Mystery #5

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: January 31, 2017

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Another murder, another mystery, and Drew and Madeline are back to solve it!

As Drew and Madeline Fathering get ready for another typical night, the phone suddenly rings with a request to speak with Drew. One of Drew’s old schoolmates, Beaky Bloodworth, is calling with a request for his help.  He has read about Drew’s amateur sleuthing in the newspapers and wants his help to investigate some matters going on up in Yorkshire at his newly inherited lodge.  As it turns out, the local vicar has been recently murdered and no one can figure out why or who would do it.  Beaky’s recently wedded wife, Sabrina, is now hearing things in the lodge and getting rather scared about it.  Drew and Madeline consent to coming to help, but may be stepping off into more than what they expect.  Soon after arriving, they begin meeting many of the residents around the small town as well as the neighbors, who had bad blood with Beaky’s uncle.  There is also a gamekeeper on the property who could give Don Juan a run for his money.  Add a local poacher that lives on the moor and there are more than enough suspects as to who would want to run Beaky and Sabrina off the moor.  But why kill the vicar?  Then when another murder takes place, it has connections to both Sabrina and Beaky’s uncles.  Can Drew and Madeline solve it before they become the next victims?

Julianna Deering writes such fun loving mysteries. I love reading these stories and have been so happy that the common characters always return for each new installment.  I thought I was going to be a little disappointed that Nick Dennison wasn’t going to be in this one, but then he showed up at just the right time, as usual.  However, after five mysteries, I’m beginning to find that I’m a pretty good sleuth right alongside Drew and Madeline.  I actually had this one figured out pretty well into it.  Well, I should say I knew who-did-it, but not actually who it was.  I should have though, so she still has that on me.

I also love the way that we’ve seen Drew grow spiritually throughout the books. He has really gotten some depth to his character.  And the witty banter between himself and Nick is always there.  Not as much in this particular book, but I still love it.  I recommend the entire series, but this one is still a good stand alone as well.  No matter the age, pick up one of these and give it a try!

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