Murder goes part and parcel with the theater, but one does not usually expect it to be the actors actresses to be the ones dying. However, that is what Andrew Farthering, Madeline Parker, and Nick Dennison find when Brent and Fleur Landis individually approach them for help in discovering the person responsible for killing members of the local theater troupe. With a bit more support of the local constabulary than in the past, the three friends (at least for now) tackle the difficult problem at hand.
The challenge is made more difficult by relationships long past, but not easily forgotten. Yet part of solution comes in the development of trust and forgiveness – trust and forgiveness will also, as the reader discovers, serve as the foundation of the upcoming wedding.
As in the two previous books, the mid-20th century setting of the story is believable and enjoyable. The lack of modern technology and the growing number of murders makes for a gripping plot that held this reader's attention to the end. Weaving in threads and lines from various Gilbert and Sullivan musicals makes the reading fun as well. Add to that the various bit parts of Ruth, Madeline's aunt, Chief Inspector Birdsong, and one or two others introduced or re-introduced in the current volume, and we have a fun trip through a mystery of rural mid-20th century England.
One can only hope that Julianna Deering, pen name for DeAnna Julie Dodson, will bringing us more from the life of these three amateur sleuths and their friends even a they begin the next stage of their lives.
One final note – this reader loved the image that the author gives for marriage in the final two or three chapters. Marriage is never easy, but given the hard work involved, it is worth it. I would not be surprised to find the picture painted in these chapters in a future sermon.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
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