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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Why This Mystery Series Is One of My Favorites

by Chautona Havig · 2 Comments

There's nothing better than a good mystery series, and the Drew Farthering Mysteries are some of the best ones out there--and here's why I think that! via @chautonahavig

Mystery is probably my all-time favorite genre, and those from the “golden age” of mystery are the most wonderful. So, when I found this series of six mysteries set in 1930s England that reads like those classic mysteries with an infusion of faith, well… how could I resist?

While all books have some element of “mystery” to them, mystery as a genre is a very specific sort of book–one that often is confused with a couple of others, namely suspense and thriller.

Quite often, in groups and conversations, when someone asks for a mystery recommendation, the majority of suggestions will actually be suspense novels or thrillers.  Therefore, first I wanted to clarify what these genres are and what defines them.

Mystery

A “mystery” is a puzzle for the reader to solve along with the protagonist (usually a detective of some sort). While the mystery genre has many subgenres–cozy, noir, detective, amateur sleuth, etc.–the key element is always that puzzle.  From Sherlock Holmes to Agatha Christie, Nancy Drew to Mrs. Pollifax, the authors and characters vary as much as the storylines.

Suspense

While suspense may involve a mystery and vice versa, the key element of a suspense novel is emotion. The reader usually knows that the protagonist is in danger before the protagonist. I.e. woman in a white nightgown investigating a sound from the basement. We scream at her not to go down there–to get out of the house!  Even when the character realizes they are in danger, some decide to confront it–to overcome the evil.  This is when suspense turns into a…

Thriller

The difference between suspense and thriller is that not all suspenses include someone taking on the antagonist. Often, they’re trying to figure out who they can trust and who to run from.  In a thriller, running is only a temporary solution to regroup so the character can take charge again.

Many books in a wide variety of genres have some elements of all of these, which is why I think some readers become confused as to which is which.  A sweet romance has some suspense.  When will he finally ask her out?  When will she quit resisting…?  All the stuff.  The mystery might come into play if it’s a secret admirer trope.  And, of course, if there’s some stalker Mr. Hero is probably out to stop said dude. This likely makes it more romantic suspense, because I doubt both protagonists are out to stop the dude. Usually one or the other is running.

And these distinctions are important when you’re writing a mystery series… or reading one!

This week’s sponsor is Liz Tolsma’s The Silver Shadow.  Part of the True Colors Crime series, this novel is set in Colorado in the year 1900 and features a young woman out to prove herself as a reporter.  A local officer isn’t as convinced of her story as she is, but things begin looking pretty sketchy.

the silver shadow promo

This book releases May first, so instead of a bouquet of flowers on your door, how about preordering a bouquet of words for your Kindle!  The book is on preorder now and I, for one, can’t wait to read it.

I’ve reviewed Liz’s other books in the series. You can find those reviews below:

  • The Pink Bonnet
  • The Green Dress
  • The Gold Digger

Additionally, Episode 9 of The Because Fiction Podcast features six of these books, including the first two by Liz Tolsma.

Why This Mystery Series Is One of My Favorites

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Why This Mystery Series Is One of My Favorites.

As I said in this review, I found this series at the perfect time and quite by accident. With characters who are likable, flawed, and not too hackneyed, the Drew Farthering books have a lot to offer any lover of classical mysteries.

Each book has a slightly different setting and since they’re all in “between wars” England, the settings are both exciting and classic. From country manors to theaters to the wilds of Scotland, this series offers them all.

I’m not really sure why Julianna Deering (also writing as DeAnna Julie Dodson) only wrote the six mysteries, but I for one found them fabulous.  The first is even available on Audible (and FREE to Kindle Unlimited subscribers). I’d love for folks to flood Bethany House with pleas for the rest of the series to be narrated!

Additionally, we’re talking some seriously stunning covers.  Look at these!

Drew Farthering Mysteries

The series is as follows:

  • Rules of Murder–Drew Farthering loves to read mysteries and decides to use what he’s learned to figure out what happened to the victim.
  • Death by the Book— This time, Drew’s lawyer gets involved and well… um… yeah. Not so good.
  • Murder at the Mikado— Poor Drew can’t even be engaged without bodies dropping and an old girlfriend popping up, begging for help!
  • Dressed for Death— At a “fancy dress” house party, things go from Regency to death in shocking and terrifying ways!
  • Murder on the Moor— Off to the wilds of Yorkshire, Drew finds himself in a land as brooding and mysterious as a “Bronte novel.”
  • Death at Thorburn Hall— On holiday in Scotland, Drew finds himself investigating an embezzling scheme that leads to murder.

All in all, Julianna Deering has written one of my favorite series, and I really hope she’ll write more.

Additionally, I mentioned the Ever After Mysteries Cover releases…

You can find out more about mine here (although the giveaway is over for that one) and today’s release HERE.

It’s easy to win. Just keep watch on Amazon for the cover for Rebeka’s book, The Lost Dutchman’s Secret, to change from the plain “place-holder” cover to the vibrant one. When it does, share somewhere online, take a screenshot or grab a link, and email to [email protected] !

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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Comments

  1. Becky says

    February 16, 2021 at 11:17 am

    Ooh, thanks for the heads up! I adore the older mysteries – top favourite is Dorothy Sayers – so love the sound of these.

    Reply
  2. Paula Shreckhise says

    February 16, 2021 at 8:55 am

    I vote for more Drew and Madeline! They are definitely favorites.
    I also am collecting True Colors. I’m a bit behind.

    Reply

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Episode 48: A Chat with T.E. Price
by Chautona Havig

What happens when you combine domestic violence with suspense?  A hair-raising ride you won’t want to miss.

On March 2, T.E. Price ‘s book, Take Flight, releases on eBook, and boy is this one excellent story.  Join me as I talk with Tiffany about her book, the inspiration, and all the excellence you’ll find within the can’t-put-it-down pages.

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you!

The 3 Best Things about This Domestic Abuse Suspense Novel

A new author to me, T.E. Price knocked her suspense (and almost thriller) out of the park with three excellent elements to the book.  

Aside from wonderful and realistic characterization and edge-of-your-seat storytelling, T.E. Price also digs deep into a subject Christians sometimes like to pretend isn’t a thing.  And boy does she do it well. 

So if a great story that grips you and won’t let you go isn’t the best thing, what is?  Well… I’ve got three.

First, the writing is stellar.

Let’s face it, domestic abuse victims have cyclical thought patterns and actions that can feel redundant and become boring when you see it on the page, but Tiffany managed to avoid that while still showing how real and confusing it can be both for the person going through it and for those watching from the outside.

Second, her laser focus on her subject.

Domestic abuse is a multi-layered and faceted subject that spans so many different aspects of life. It would be easy and natural, even, to try to show it all with the one person who experienced it all, but T.E. Price keeps her focus on one woman’s escape from that life and how it affects her relationship with the Lord and others. That’s it.  

Third, T.E. Price shows her heart for the Lord and His people in every word on the page.

While not preachy at all, and while often just the undercurrent of the story, there is no doubt in the reader’s mind that Price wants the reader to learn both how to overcome as the victim of domestic violence and how to aid others in the church going through it.  Additionally, that steady reminder of Who the only true support we truly have touches every aspect of Hallie McClain’s life.

There are so many other excellent elements to Take Flight, but I’d be chatting all day with Tiffany (and nearly did!) if I kept going.

Don’t forget!

T.E. Price’s book releases March 2, 2021 and on March 5, 2021  from 7-8 pm (EST) she is having a Facebook launch party with prizes and lots of information about it.  HERE is a link to that party and I hope to be there to celebrate with her!  Please join her and maybe you’ll win an eBook copy of Take Flight!

You can find more about T.E. Price (Tiffany) at her WEBSITE where you can also find her other novel, Love’s True Colors.

Title:  Take Flight Author: T.E. Price Synopsis:  

Within Take Flight, readers follow Hallie McClain as she is faced with numerous fight-or-flight decisions in her attempt to escape her abusive husband, Jonathan McClain.

Hallie has made the decision to leave him for good, but Jonathan has no intentions of complying. During their separation, Hallie grapples with trusting those closest to her, the gossip-mill of her small town, and her wavering trust in God. Living alone in a secret, secluded cabin in the woods, she is thrust into multiple circumstances where she has to balance her safety with the reality of inescapable encounters with her soon-to-be ex-husband. Jonathan soon discovers Hallie’s whereabouts, forcing her to escape to the city while awaiting the divorce, but her move isn’t the solution as her safety is still compromised.

Hallie has to learn to trust God with her safety while leaning on the church body for support. The tantalizing storyline of Take Flight weaves through one “fight-or-flight” scenario after the next, filling Hallie with angst regarding her constant need for escape. Take Flight addresses the ugliness of domestic abuse and the need for support from the church community. Furthermore, it affirms God’s trustworthiness in the midst of difficult, sometimes even life-threatening, situations.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher

You can find the Blog post HERE.

Episode 48: A Chat with T.E. Price
Episode 48: A Chat with T.E. Price
February 23, 2021
Chautona Havig
Episode 47: The Drew Farthering Mysteries
February 16, 2021
Chautona Havig
Episode 46: What Romances Do I Think Are Perfect for Valentine's Day?
February 9, 2021
Chautona Havig
Episode 45: A Gush about Things We Didn't Say
February 2, 2021
Chautona Havig
Episode 44: A Chat with Carolyn Miller
January 26, 2021
Chautona Havig
Episode 43: A Chat with Allison Pearl
January 19, 2021
Chautona Havig
Episode 42: A Chat with J'nell Ciesielski
January 13, 2021
Chautona Havig
Episode 41: A Chat with Jennifer Pierce
January 5, 2021
Chautona Havig
Episode 40: My Favorite Book of 2020
December 8, 2020
Chautona Havig
Episode 39: A Chat with L.K. Simonds
December 1, 2020
Chautona Havig
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