Julianna Deering. Death at Thorburn Hall. Bethany House, 2017. See here to buy the book.
This is Book 6 of the Drew Farthering Mysteries. It is also the
first Drew Farthering book that I have read. There were details of the
book that I probably would have appreciated more had I read the previous
five books. Still, the book had a warm, comfortable feel to it. A
large part of that was due to the friendships among the main
characters. The characters are British and speak rather formally, yet
they are honest about their struggles and emotions.
Drew Farthering is a British detective, and his wife is Madeline.
His friend is Nick, and their friendship goes back to when they were
two. Drew sometimes calls Nick names (I thought “Yikes!”), but the
brotherly-like friendship is still there. Nick is infatuated with
Carrie, but both of them are dealing with insecurities that make one
wonder if their relationship will survive. Drew is dealing with his own
issues, as he is curious about his real mother, whom he has not seen
since he was a child.
Drew and company go to Scotland for the 1935 British open. Their
host is Lord Rainsby at Thorburn Hall. Lord Rainsby confides to Drew
that he has suspicions about his business partner, MacArthur, who has
expressed sympathies for the Nazis. Lord Rainsby then has a riding
accident, which looks like it was not really an accident. Who caused
it? Was it MacArthur, who looks like he may be part of an espionage
ring supporting the Nazis? Is it Lady Rainsby, who was reportedly cut
out of her husband’s will? Is it the playboy Russian count (or so he
seems), whom Lord Rainsby wanted out of his mansion? All of these are
explored as possibilities. The author made an attempt to provide a
surprising ending, but the culprit was not too great of a surprise. Not
to give away the ending, but a key question is, “Who controls the
narrative?”
There was a sweet surprise near the end: a character is unexpectedly
looking out for Drew and contains the key to the answers that Drew is
seeking. That is actually a significant element of this story: people
are not entirely as they seem.
The book is not heavy in its religious emphasis, but there are words
of wisdom. Madeline offers Carrie helpful advice on taking a leap of
faith. Drew and company resolve to help someone who may not have too
many helpers once the fanfare has passed. Unconditional love also
appears in the story.
I cannot say that the book overwhelmingly impressed me, but it had a
comfortable feel to it. I am open to reading other books in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My review is honest.