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.
Something’s not adding up in the Wintherwood, Ohio bank, and Madeline’s there to figure out why.
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 fiancé, Madeline takes on embezzlement in Wintherwood, 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?
Dead Letter is the fourth book in the Meddlin’ Madeline series.
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.
Madeline has been assigned to find out what is going on at the Wintherwood, Ohio bank. There is unexplained money missing and it's time to sniff out the culprit. I adored Madeline in her disguise. She becomes this simple woman who many would say is unattractive. It was hilarious to see how Madeline tried to stay in character during the story. The time period is one of my favorites and I loved the description the author uses to make readers feel like we have been transported back in time.
Madeline is irked by the manger of the bank who thinks women can't count money and therefore couldn't possibly be a bank teller.
I thought it was brilliant how Madeline corresponded to let the people she is working for in the investigation know what was going on. Who would suspect that her beloved Royal wasn't real? The letters are filled with important information and tidbits of silly nonsense that made me laugh. Her ability to pull off the transformation into a woman of lets say less than attractive is one of her greatest achievements. Will she be able to find out what is going on before she is found out?
Madeline has her hands full with men flirting with her and a grouchy manager. Mr. Stine is someone who seems most unhappy in life and therefore wants everyone around him miserable as well. The banter between Madeline and Mr. Stine is classic and adds humor at just the right moments in the story. The story heats up as Madeline gets closer to learning the truth of what is happening at the bank. Something may pull her away from her duties when she receives unfortunate news from home. The emotions in this part of the story are felt with quivers of tears rolling down my cheeks. Does Madeline make the right decision? This is one book you won't be able to put down as the mystery is cleverly solved. I hope the author has planned for another book in this series, because there are some unanswered questions that must be resolved.
" We pray because through prayer we understand Who God is and invite Him to make necessary changes in out lives." God does want to hear from His children and He desires to spend time with them.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Blog Stops
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!!
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