Madeline is at it again and we love her even more.
Let me just start off by saying I love this series. At the same time, these characters frustrate me. Not in the way you would think though. The mother in me wants to give this girl a good talking to as well as slap some sense into her would be/ could be suitor. I am proud of how our sweet Madeline is maturing and you see her grow up just a little bit more in Dead Letter.
In Dead Letter, Miss Madeline ventures out in her sleuthing ?️♀️ ways and works a case with the Pinkertons to catch an embezzler. She sacrifices her own comforts of home and family to do what is right. My heart broke when news came to her from home that a great loss was eminent. Our brave girl soldiers on despite her desire to quit. If only her best friend would understand her choices.
There are several correspondences through out the book that only gives a deeper insight into the heart and minds of the characters. The cover letters between Madeline and her Pinkerton handler/ fake fiancé brought a smile to my face. The way words had to be crafted to reveal what is happening without saying so in a direct manner was rather entertaining.
As I approached the final pages, I found myself congratulating Madeline on her choice as well as hoping for one more book that would finally tie a couple underlining plots together. I am getting frustrated, Chautona Havig! ?
*I was given a copy of this book so that I could read it and offer my honest opinion of this continuing story.
About the book
Book: Dead Letter, A Meddlin’ Madeline Mystery
Author: Chautona Havig
Genre: Christian historical, mystery
Release Date: February 19, 2019
For the first time, Madeline has permission to meddle.
Sent by the Rockland Pinkerton’s office to investigate shady banking practices, Madeline finally has the opportunity to try out all her developing detective skills. From her new disguise to an assumed persona, complete with non-existent fiance, Madeline takes on embezzlement in Castleberry, Ohio.
Now, to find the culprit and get back to Rockland before Amy arrives, before Mrs. Barnes gets any sicker, and before Russell writes her off as a hopeless, heartless girl.
As Madeline figures out what’s happening, even Mr. Flint begins to lose confidence in her. How will she prove who is taking the money and why–especially after her primary suspect ends up dead?
About the Author
Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.
More from Chautona
3 REASONS YOU’LL LOVE THE BOOK AND HATE ME
“This is book four, right?”
I nodded.
He looked at me with those eyes that conjure up the idea of puppy dogs begging for treats. So deceptive. “You’re going to have to up the stakes then.”
“Well, this is the one where she goes into official active detective mode and decides if she even wants that kind of life.”
“Not enough.”
He was right and I knew it. Fortunately, I’d prepared for this moment. You see, I know him well. He’s a horror writer. He likes to torment in ways that make my worst meannesses seem petty (like the time I suggested killing off Chad in Past Forward—trust me. That was kind compared to his ideas).
So, I pulled out my bigger gun and plopped it on the table. I added ammunition. And grinned.
Look, you guys are going to hate me for it, but trust me. It needs to be done. You’ll forgive me… eventually. Maybe. I hope.
Then he did it. He gave me that look. No, not the, “Yeah, baby!” look you want to see when you’ve hit a hole in one. The, “Is that all you’ve got?” look.
The work began. He suggested one thing. I toned it back. He looked like that puppy again—except this time I’d kicked him. Bless his heart, he does love his horror.
Still, he whistled his way out the door a short while later, and I grinned. Compromise is beautiful. But what does that mean for YOU?
3 REASONS YOU’LL LOVE THE BOOK AND HATE ME
First—
Love the book: Madeline as Jane Sempleton is a hoot. She cracked me up from the beginning, and I’m still chuckling.
Hate me: Madeline’s faith and integrity are tested in this one—exponentially. Without giving away too much, her father even rebukes her!!!
Second—
Love the book: Mrs. Barnes is such a sweet mentor to Madeline
Hate me: Mrs. Barnes. That’s all I’m sayin’. Mrs. Barnes.
Third—
Love the book: Snippets of the heart get revealed.
Hate me: Russell. That’s all I’m sayin’. Russell.
So, there you have it. All the reasons you should read this book… and remember that the series isn’t over. Not by a long shot. It’s darkest before dawn. And um… a whole bunch of other clichés.
Blog Stops
Among the Reads, March 18
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 18
All-of-a-kind Mom, March 19
Mary Hake, March 19
Aryn, The Libraryan, March 20
Back Porch Reads, March 21
Carpe Diem, March 22
Through the Fire Blogs, March 23
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 23
For Him and My Family, March 24
janicesbookreviews, March 24
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 25
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 26
Texas Book-aholic, March 27
Bigreadersite, March 28
Lots of Helpers, March 28
Multifarious, March 29
A Reader’s Brain, March 30
Blogging With Carol, March 30
Inklings and notions, March 31
The Becca Files, March 31
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away a grand prize of a paperback copy of Dead Letter, a Madeline-inspired book cozy, and a book-themed candle!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/dee6/meddelin-madeline-dead-letter-celebration-tour-giveaway