Rules of Murder

June 10, 2013
Deering’s historical mystery, set in 1930s England, has all the elements of a good story, but they don’t sum up to a fresh whole. Andrew “Drew” Farthering and his friend Nick—son of Farthering Place’s intrepid butler, Dennison—team up in Hardy Boys–esque intrigue with their era-appropriate Nancy Drew, Madeline, to uncover the perpetrator of a series of heinous crimes. Blatant clues are showered on the reader like annoying confetti as the rather predictable plot meanders to its obvious conclusion. Lovingly detailed period couture description and cultural references provide some relief from stilted, repetitive dialogue and unlikable characters. When not coming off as utterly patronizing and as a caricature of British gentility, Drew wears his affected mannerisms like a badge of honor. While Madeline has the makings of a sympathetic female lead, she appears simpering and weak. Matters of faith are given lip service before being relegated to the literary cupboard in favor of imagined mysteries, gratuitous murders, and flirting. This is Downton Abbey meets Saturday Night Live. Agent: Wendy Lawton, Books & Such Literary Agency.