Tuesday, December 10, 2013

{Kregel Blog Tour} The Advent of Murder: A Faith Morgan Mystery (Faith Morgan Mysteries) by Martha Ockley

Book Description:  Faith Morgan, former policewoman and vicar of the small English village of Little Worthy, goes to visit one of her parishioners at his farm, only to discover the house surrounded by police cars. A body has been found in the local river and farmer Markham is charged with murder.

Though busy with preparations for Christmas, Faith is called on to investigate when it’s found out that the victim is also a member of her congregation—Lucas Kemp, a member of the choir.
Faith’s informal inquiries lead her to uncover a hotbed of tensions and romantic rivalries in the choir, questions about drugs, and a run-in with an unsavory uncle—which leads to a dramatic rescue by Ben, Faith’s former detective partner and ex-boyfriend.
In the tradition of Father Brown and Miss Marple, The Advent of Murder brings readers an authentic picture of English rural and church life combined with a satisfying mystery that will keep readers guessing until the end.

My Thoughts:  I wasn't impressed with the cover of this book but, again, never judge a book by it's cover.  
Martha Ockley writes a fast paced and cozy mystery in The Advent of Murder.  
I did read the first book, The Reluctant Detective, so I knew all about Faith and her career change from cop to vicar.   So, reading the first book may help the reader in understanding the "whole" village and Faith.  

Chapter one begins with Faith wiping vomit off of her skirt with a tissue  after coming in contact with Nathan a three year old.  And this is just the half way mark of Faith's morning!
As the village prepares for Christmas, Faith is taking her first turn at being in charge of the church's pageant.  As Faith is on her way to the Markham's farm she encounters many police vehicles at the farm.  Detective Inspector Ben meets Faith and informs her that a teenage boy's body has been found by the river on Markham's land . . . and this is just the first chapter!
The romance between Faith and Ben is sweet and not over done.  
I found this read very enjoyable and a great way to spend a fall afternoon with Faith and Ben as they solve the mysterious death of this boy who helped take care of his alcoholic uncle since his mother had passed away the year before.
The characters are realistic and quite English.  As I read I kept thinking of Agatha Christie's Poirot.  Faith isn't like Poirot but there's was just something about her deductions that made me think of the great detective, Poirot.
*This book was provided by Kregel Publications*
  • Series: Faith Morgan Mysteries
  • Paperback: 224 pages
  • Publisher: Lion Fiction; 1st New edition edition (August 19, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1782640061
  • ISBN-13: 978-1782640066

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