Dressed For Death--Book Review

Dressed For Death--Book Review

                                                      
This was the first time for me to read anything from this author.  This books is the 4th installment in the
Drew Farthering Mystery Series. 

When the book ended I was interested in reading more of the series.  But in the beginning I almost put it
down and gave up.  I actually did for a couple of weeks.  But since I was given a complimentary copy I felt like I needed to give it another chance. 

And in the end I'm glad I did.  What was difficult for me in the beginning was it was just flat confusing.
There were a lot of characters and I couldn't keep them straight.  Some had nicknames and it was just confusing.  I don't know actually which of the characters other than the main character Drew and his wife
are a part of the other 3 books or not.  

Other than just knowing who's who the plot stands alone so It's not really necessary to read the other
books in the series.

Once I did get into the story line a little over half way through I was hooked.  I wanted to figure out the mystery.  And in some ways I did.  I predicted how the drugs were being smuggled.  It was really very obvious after the second murder.  Which by the way villainy didn't end there.  I actually lost count of how
many people actually were 'written out'. 

Which for me actually made me question how this book was published by Bethany House and is
categorized in this genre.  All I can really figure out is it does have a bit of a faith base.  And actually the author did a great job of weaving Drew's faith struggle into the story.  But I couldn't help but think that
it was just a ploy on the authors part for the book to be published as a Christian Mystery Novel.

So with that said I struggled with rating this book.  Once I was 3/4 through I wanted to read more.
And, I really would like to read the other books in the series.  And as I write this review I honestly
have not decided how I rate it. 

Here's what the book is about . . .
 

ABOUT

A Regency-Era Costume Party Should Have Been an Amusing Diversion, but it Seems Wherever Drew Farthering Goes, Mystery--and Murder--Are on the Guest List

Drew and Madeline Farthering arrive at a Regency-era house party at Winteroak House, excited to be reunited with old friends, including Drew's former Oxford classmate Talbot Cummins. Tal is there with his fiancée, Alice Henley, and though many present seem worried about the couple, nobody is prepared when Alice dies from an apparent overdose. Tal refuses to believe she'd taken the drugs intentionally, and a dark question arises of whether the death is an accident or murder.

The police have their own information though, and Drew is shocked when they arrest someone he's trusted and admired since his childhood--someone who's been smuggling drugs into the country for years. Stunned by what has happened, Tal begs Drew to get to the bottom of everything, but Drew has never felt more unsettled. Questioning his own ability to see people as they really are, Drew doesn't know whom to trust, and he's not ready for the secrets he's about to uncover--or the danger he'll bring down on everyone he holds dear.

The Publisher provides more information and an excerpt if you want to check it out.  Click here.

To read a few more reviews actually at time of this post 64 other reviews atAmazon.  

The book is also available at Barnes and Noble  (14 reviews rated 4.6)

and Christian Book (dot)com.

Overall I have to give this book a 3 /2 star rating.   Although there were parts that I really liked/enjoyed I just couldn't get over how long it took me to really 'get into' the story. 

I received a complimentary copy from Baker Publishing in exchange for my honest review.