Murder by the Book

Interview with hero Drew Farthing 

 How would you describe yourself, Andrew?

      Just an ordinary fellow.  I suppose I look tolerably well in evening wear and can be presented in public without embarrassment. I have money enough to do as I like, but not so much that it gets me in trouble. I suppose I’m a trifle old-fashioned for 1932, but I do believe in the concept of right and wrong. For all that, though, I tend to be a rather affable chap, more likely to defend myself with a witty remark than my fists. I am in good training nevertheless, so I can use my fists if necessary.

2      What is your profession (career, job)? Describe a little about what you do.

Mostly I do as I please.  I am the titular head of Farlingford Processing, an oil and gas exploration and refining company, but I know shockingly little about the business itself. I generally take my late father’s advice and make sure to hire the very best people to run the company for me. So far, despite some peripheral incidents, that has worked like a charm. I’m far too young to work for sport.

 What is the most interesting thing about you?

I like solving puzzles. I’d rather they were between the pages of a well-written book, but I’ve

unraveled a few real-life mysteries, too. I enjoy figuring out what makes people do what they

do. And I have a new Rolls Royce. 

What do you put off because you dread doing it or don’t want to do it?

Going over the estate accounts.  Fortunately my best friend, Nick Dennison, is in training to manage Farthering Place when old Mr. Padgett retires, so the prospect isn’t really that grim.

What is your most important goal in life or what do you hope to accomplish?

I hope to use my wealth and position and my sleuthing abilities to help people in difficult situations and to in general do whatever I can to be what God intended me to be. And, it goes without saying, I hope to be a fine husband to that adorable angel, Madeline Parker.

What causes you the most fear?

Failing someone I love.

What things are most important to you?

Figuring out what God wants me to do, helping people in trouble, being a man of honor and a credit to the Farthering name.

What do you want others to see in you?

Honor, intelligence and dependability but not without a sense of fun and stylish wit.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Oh, I love a cracking good mystery novel.  Mrs. Christie and that Sayers woman have written some real corkers, and I absolutely adore Allingham. And, of course, I love to spend time with Madeline. If only she played golf . . .

What gives you the most pleasure in life?

Doing what I’m meant to be doing.  I mean, if I can help people in trouble with my little sleuthing efforts, I suppose that makes me feel I’m good for more than just filling out a dinner jacket. Some would consider sleuthing a rather odd calling, but we can’t all be behind the pulpit, can we?

What the book is about:

With his family’s company and good name safe again, Drew Farthering wants nothing more than to end the summer of 1932 with the announcement of his engagement to Madeline Parker. Instead, he finds himself involved in another mysterious case. The family solicitor lies dead in a Winchester hotel room, skewered through the heart by an antique hat pin with a cryptic message attached: Advice to Jack.

Evidence of secret meetings and a young girl's tearful confession point to the man's double life, but what does the solicitor’s murder have to do with the murder of a physician on the local golf course? Nothing, it would seem. Nothing except for another puzzling note and another antique hat pin affixing it to the doctor's chest.

Soon the police make an arrest in connection with the murders, but Drew isn't at all sure they have the right man. And why does his investigation seem to be drawing him closer and closer to home?

JULIANNA DEERING has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage. This, along with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with three spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey. Her new series of Drew Farthering mysteries set in 1930s England debuted with Rules of Murder (Bethany House, 2013) and is followed by Death by the Book and Murder at the Mikado (Bethany House, 2014). Also, as DeAnna Julie Dodson, she has written a trilogy of medieval romances (In Honor Bound, By Love Redeemed and To Grace Surrendered) and four contemporary mysteries for the Annie's Attic series. She is represented by Wendy Lawton of the Books & Such Literary Agency (www.booksandsuch.biz). 
Find out more about Julianna at: www.deannajuliedodson.com  https://twitter.com/deannajuldodson  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJuliannaDeering

Julianna will be giving some lucky person a copy of her book. Leave a comment below along with your email address to be entered in the drawing.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited by law; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. No purchase is necessary and one entry per post plus one extra for being a follower of the blog. Winner will be selected and posted here on Monday, May 26. You must be 18 or older to enter. Remember to leave your email address for contacting you in case of win.