A Deadly Legacy is the sixth book in the Hopgood Hall Murder Mystery series, and I have read all six.

This latest book is perhaps the most enjoyable to date. It abounds with subterfuge that only Alexi and Jack can untangle with the aid of Cosmo and the new addition to the menagerie, both of whom have starring roles, as is only correct for our feline friend and his buddy.

Stella is such a well-depicted character that I hated her within moments of her appearing on the page:) I've not had that sort of reaction since the despicable teacher in HP - Delores. I had to put the book down for a while. But, when I picked it up again, I was engrossed in the unfolding story of treachery and deceit.

A great new addition to the contemporary mystery series. I'm always excited to discover what Alexi, Jack and Cosmo will become embroiled in next.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.

business-partners, cozy-crime, England, ex-cop, family, family-drama, family-dynamics, flim-flam, friends, friendship, greed, hotel, hotelier, inheritance, investigation, investigative-journalist, lies, local-gossip, local-law-enforcement, pet-cat, pet-dog, private-investigators, read, relationship-issues, relationships, secrets, series, small-business, small-town, suspense, thriller, unpleasant-in-laws, widow*****

Her father and siblings believe that she killed her mother, but did she also kill her latest husband? Trophy wife and scammer extraordinaire Stella tries to manipulate money from her dead husband's brother. That is a nonstarter, but Alexi the investigative journalist and her partner Jack the PI ate not convinced that their friend's brother's death was truly an accident. When Stella herself is murdered, even their friend in the local constabulary has to agree. A very busy story with lots of entwining threads and many surprises. Loved it!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected e-book proof from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. Thank you
#ADeadlyLegacy #NetGalley Avail Nov 19, 2024 #HopgoodHallMurderMysteriesBk6

I received a free copy of A Deadly Legacy, by E. V. Hunter, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book six in The Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries series. When Frank Hopgood died, people thought it was a tragic accident, but when his wife shows up wanting her inheritance, Frank's brother, Drew thinks Franks death might not be so accidental. This was a clever read.

Before reading the book I did not know it was part of a series. So the beginning felt a little off.

But the characters and the relationship between them is explained enough that you can enjoy it as a standalone.

This is a cozy murder mystery with a lot of family drama. The investigators are Alexi, a former journalist and Jack, a private detective. They are helped by Cosmo, a feral cat.

There are a lot of secrets and unexpected connections unveiled during the investigation and the whole process seemed like a team work.
I did not anticipate the ending and overall this was a pleasant read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Boldwood Books. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

E.V. Hunter's engrossing murder thriller A Deadly Legacy deftly blends suspense, family drama, and hidden agendas. This charming mystery, which takes place against the evocative backdrop of Hopgood Hall, is ideal for those who like slow-burning thrillers with complex character development since it combines charm and intrigue. Frank Hopgood died tragically during a climbing trip, which was first thought to be a regrettable accident, in the novel's opening pages. But suspicion rises when his young widow Stella shows up at Hopgood Hall wanting her cut of the riches.

Alexi Ellis undertakes the challenge of looking into Stella's background with the help of her partner Jack and their observant cat Cosmo. They quickly learn that there's more to the story than meets the eye as they delve more into Frank's demise. The story is enhanced by its rich environment, and Hopgood Hall—a place steeped in mystery and familial strife—becomes a vital part of the story. As Alexi and Jack unravel the mystery of Frank's unexpected death and Stella's reasons, Hunter's skill at creating a vivid setting heightens the suspense and holds readers' attention

'A Deadly Legacy' by E.V. Hunter.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed this book. There was a lot of little plots that didn't seem like they were connected but then the author tied them all up towards the end in a lovely little murdeous bow.
If I was going to go into the private detective business I would definitely have Silgo and Cosmo as my back up, they're amazing.
It was a good whodunit with plenty of little mysteries to try and figure out for yourself.
I would recommend this to fans of cozy crime and puzzles.

A tragic accident or an untimely death?

When Drew Hopgood’s brother, Frank dies whilst out climbing, it’s initially thought his death was simply a tragic accident. But when Frank’s much younger wife, Stella arrives at Hopgood Hall demanding half of Frank’s inheritance the Hopgoods and Alexi Ellis begin to suspect foul play...

Stella has no claim to Frank’s legacy, but she isn’t giving up easily. And with the reputation of Hopgood Hall still fragile, Alexi can’t afford to lose any more money because of Stella’s greed.

So Alexi, her partner Jack, and Cosmo of course, decide to dig deeper into Stella’s background. Just how did she meet Frank and were they really as in love as she claims?

As the trio investigate, they discover Stella has her own reasons for being back at Hopgood Hall. And rather than console the grieving widow, Alexi and Jack think they might need to look again at Frank’s tragic death – because rather than an accident this could have been a deadly fall – planned by his own wife!

A boutique hotel. A feral cat. A recipe for murder!

Is the future of Hopgood Hall, a cozy boutique hotel, in jeopardy? Was Frank’s (part owner) untimely accident just that, an accident? A very entertaining cozy mystery that does not disappoint.
Special thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Gritty crime fiction is my usual genre but occasionally I do like to change it up so when I was invited to read this, I requested it straight away but this just wasn’t for me and it’s nothing to do with the writing or storyline which was good, I see this is the latest in the series and while being able to read as a standalone, perhaps reading from the start would make a difference.

Hopgood Hall has finally become the success its owners Drew Hopgood, wife Cheryl and investor Alexi planned it to be. The boutique hotel that has overcome its reputation as a place murders happen now is threatened by a family member. Stella, the widow of Drew’s brother, is demanding half ownership of the hotel, based on what can only be creative lies. Alexi and her partner Jack quickly decide to help by investigating Stella. Could she be responsible for Frank’s death? Their investigation leads them back to events from decades ago, events that led to murder then and now and may put their lives in danger.

A Deadly Legacy is the newest entry in the excellent Hopgood Hall series. The main characters acquire more depth with each entry, especially Drew, Cheryl, Alexi and Jack. Pets Cosmo and Silgo deserve mention as their personalities add humor to the plot. Who can resist the friendship between a feral cat and an abused former guard dog? I am looking forward to the next in this delightful series

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and E.V. Hunter fr this ARC.

This is an entertaining murder mystery set in the UK. I feel like I was not invited to a party,
and highly recommend reading this series in order! I enjoyed the story, but I did feel as
though I was reading the back of a cereal box, which is entirely on me!
I love the two four leggers who go everywhere with their people, and who will hop
into action the moment their mom is in trouble. I enjoyed the complexity of the
plot, and one must pay close attention to figure out what is around each corner.
So, for the series regulars , this is another great book. If you have a chance to read
a few back, DO. IT!
My thanks to Boldwood books via NetGalley, for the download of this book for review purposes.