As someone that quite enjoys cosy mysteries—you know the Miss Marple, Albert Campion, Agatha Raisin type (so ok the last one is set in a slightly different era but you get the idea!)—I can honestly say I really did enjoy this book. It appears to be the first in what is going to be a series, and I'll look forward to reading the rest and seeing how things progress forwards with some of the characters we met in this first book. There is absolutely no harm in this book at all—well ok there is murder, the allusion of marital infidelity, and the like—but it's all done most circumspectly and with decorum, if that makes sense. What you have left is a gently amusing 1930's mystery with quite interesting characters, enjoyable dialogue, a smidge of romance, and a touch of coming to faith in it. On the front cover it has a recommendation that says it will appeal to 'the most ardent Agatha Christie fan' but to be honest it actually reminded me much more of Margery Allingham in style and tone, especially with the interaction between Drew and Nick, and yes even the setting of Farthering Hall—much more Campion, although Nick isn't quite a ringer for Lugg. It was a really enjoyable way to spend an evenings reading and though at times perhaps a little cliche—but then to some degree most of this genre is and perhaps that's part of its charm—it was a good read I'm happy to recommend to other fans of such cosy mysteries.

Drew Farthering is the very young, popular and stylish master of Farthering Place. His mother and step-father, Mason and Constance Parker, also reside there. The Parker's give a party, where a business partner of Mason's is shot in the head in their greenhouse. Drew and Mason's American niece Madeline discover the body. The next morning, Constance is found dead in her bed. This seems to be more than just a coincidence. Drew and his best friend Nick decide they will do their own investigating when the local Chief Inspector is not moving fast enough to suit them. Madeline will not be left out. The three of them band together using mystery writer Father Knox's rules of murder to find the killer. As the investigation goes on, they discover that the killer is doing this all the wrong way, according to Father Knox. Juliana Deering gives us an enchanting mystery set around an England country estate in the 1930s. The main characters are delightful, surrounded by a host of somewhat quirky supporting characters. As the investigation ensues, they discover that everyone is not who they appear to be. The dialogue is filled with humour and sarcasm, which moves the story along beautifully. The trio discovers a secret passageway, as well as much scheming, embezzling, more murder and mayhem. Drew also learns that there is more to life than living off of family money and having no real purpose in everyday life. Rules Of Murder is a wonderful, inspirational novel for those of you who love a good murder mystery. This one is a winner!

Readers will want to carve out uninterrupted time to read this mystery in one sitting. Red herrings at every turn will have them guessing and flipping pages until the shocking end. Spiritual themes may comfort in this not-so cosy mystery. Drew Fartherling expects a routine weekend party at his country estate. However, the weekend proves to be anything but normal. First, he meets the enchanting Madeline Parker, who is different from any society girl he?s ever met, and then there?s a murder. Sure, he enjoys solving murders while reading novels from the comfort of his favorite armchair, but solving a murder in his home is a little much. When bodies began stacking up and secrets are revealed, Drew and Madeline must figure out who is the killer among them before it?s too late.