Amateur Sleuthing At Its Best

Such A Tease by Chautona Havig is a Christian historical mystery. It is the second book in the Meddlin’ Madeline series but can be read as a stand-alone.

I very much enjoyed Such A Tease. It was an amusing read as the main character attempted to turn amateur sleuth. Very much reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple, Chautona Havig’s Madeline investigated crimes with an air of innocence. Her light heartedness, whilst being a deep thinker and problem solver was endearing. Madeline was a very modern woman for her time. She was independent and refused to be confined to a woman’s role of the time.

I loved the way Chautona Havig included what characters were thinking. It enabled the reader to really get to know them all.

There were the themes of friendships and protection in the story. Looking out for another’s welfare was always part of Madeline’s agenda.

There was also the theme of trust. “Trust is as much a choice as it is earned.” In a novel with an air of mystery, whom to trust will always be key.

The novel explores how greed and the love of money will lead to a characters downfall. There is nothing wrong with having money if it is put to good use.

Taking care of widows and orphans is another theme in the novel.

Knowing God as our Father is a key theme. God is not some distant father waiting to judge us but a loving Father who longs for us to draw near to Him.

I loved the way Chautona Havig referenced other novels within the story, especially as she referenced two of my favourites – Little Women and Pride And Prejudice. It both engaged me as a reader and forged a bond between author and reader.

Such A Tease was a compulsive and amusing, light hearted crime novel with a lovable heroine. I really enjoyed it and cannot wait to read more of the exploits of meddlin’ Madeline.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON

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