This is the first Hopgood Hall mystery I have read, despite it being the sixth, and I would probably recommend reading books 1-5 first as the characters here already appear to be fully established and well-developed in their personalities and their relationships.

Main characters Alexi and Jack, as a journalist and PI/ex-police officer respectively, make a perfect investigative partnership – very much Tommy and Tuppence vibes! – and the active pet participation is a fun, light-hearted bonus (if a little far-fetched at points).

The story and style definitely reminded me of classic Christie-era crime novels but set in more modern times and the plot kept me guessing, with plenty of red herrings, twists and peril along the way, and Cosmo and Sligo add some necessary touches of both cosy cuteness and light humour.

This cosy mystery is clever, twisty and playful, and I recommend it to any cosy mystery fans looking for a new series to binge-read.

I have read the book prior to this one in the series and it didn't quite have the same gripping nature. However I did enjoy it.

A fun, cosy murder mystery with some great characters.

Overall, a quick easy read.

Thank you for the advanced reader copy.

Book Review: Hopgood Hall – A Fall From Grace by E.V. Hunter

E.V. Hunter’s A Fall From Grace, the latest installment in the Hopgood Hall cozy mystery series, is an absorbing tale of greed, secrets, and deception that will captivate fans of Faith Martin and Frances Evesham. Set against the elegant yet tension-filled backdrop of Hopgood Hall, this book delivers a perfectly blended recipe of suspense, charm, and wit—complete with a feral cat who steals the show.

The story begins with the tragic death of Frank Hopgood during a climbing expedition. Initially ruled an accident, doubts emerge when Frank’s much younger widow, Stella, arrives at Hopgood Hall to stake her claim on his inheritance. Her demands are met with suspicion, especially as she has no legitimate claim to Frank’s wealth. Alexi Ellis, Jack, and the indomitable Cosmo the cat take it upon themselves to investigate Stella’s true intentions and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Frank’s death.

As they dig deeper, they uncover a tangled web of secrets. Was Stella as in love with Frank as she claims? And could Frank’s fall have been orchestrated? The plot thickens with each discovery, leading to an explosive finale that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

Hunter’s strength lies in her richly drawn characters and immersive setting. Hopgood Hall, with its boutique hotel charm and fragile legacy, provides a captivating backdrop for the unfolding mystery. Alexi and Jack are a dynamic investigative duo, blending intelligence and determination with just the right amount of banter. And then there’s Cosmo, the feral cat, who adds levity and personality to the story with his unpredictable antics.

The mystery itself is cleverly constructed, with plenty of twists, red herrings, and revelations to keep readers hooked. Stella is a fascinating character—part femme fatale, part enigma—and her presence adds a layer of tension and intrigue. The pacing is spot-on, with each chapter drawing readers deeper into the mystery of Frank’s death and Stella’s motivations.

What sets A Fall From Grace apart is its balance of lightheartedness and suspense. Hunter seamlessly blends moments of humor and charm with the darker elements of greed and betrayal, creating a cozy mystery that feels both engaging and satisfying.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Hopgood Hall series or new to E.V. Hunter’s work, A Fall From Grace is a delightful page-turner that will keep you entertained from start to finish. It’s the perfect cozy mystery for fans of clever whodunits, charming settings, and a touch of feline mischief.

Highly recommended for those seeking a gripping yet lighthearted escape into the world of small-town intrigue and murder.

The story starts about a month after the death of Frank, Drew’s brother. Cheryl is grieving and lamenting what an unlikeable person the widow is. Then in comes the widow and informs them of Frank’s wishes regarding the hotel.

I’m not immediately charmed by the characters. Drew, Cheryl, Alexi and Jack are all very hostile towards Stella. My empathy actually lies with her. It’s the first in the series for me, and that means characters have to start out likeable (and not hostile and judgmental) for me to like them. Would have helped greatly if Stella’s earlier behaviour had been shown rather than told, and everyone was nice and open minded towards her, but she just made it really hard to keep that up.

Without that background the main characters just seem unsympathetic.

Jack and Alexi set out to investigate Stella’s background. What they find is that Stella is a token evil person. The only reason she’s not twirrling a moustache, is because she is a beautiful woman and doesn’t have facial hair.

Stopped reading at 42%. Stella’s been killed and despite the round the clock survaillance Jack put on the flat she’d been staying, Jack and Alexi still need 150 pages to solves this murder. And I simply don’t care that one of their friends is a possible suspect. I actually like him to be detained by the police for a while.

In the latest Hopgood Hall cozy mystery series, readers appear shortly after Frank Hopgood’s death while climbing, but when his wife Stella appears at Hopgood Hall demanding half of Frank’s inheritance, readers -- and Alexi Ellis -- begin to suspect that perhaps Frank’s death was not the tragic accident it first seemed to be. While Stella has no claim to Frank’s inheritance and Alexi cannot risk losing more money, Alexi, Jack, and Cosmo have to dig into Stella’s background and her marriage to Frank to see if the story and the death hold up to scrutiny. As the case unfolds and Stella’s secrets appear, readers join Alexi and Jack on this new investigation and must discover what this means for Stella and Hopgood Hall’s future. With two excellent lead detectives, a strong suspect in Stella, and a murder mystery to solve, readers will love this cozy mystery set at an elegant country house. The characters are the star of the novel and really bring the mystery to life, and readers will love the world that Hunter continues to explore. With a unique and clever mystery that will keep readers on the edges of their seats, the latest Hopgood Hall mystery is a great continuation of the series.

The Hopgood Hotel mystery series has another great crime to solve. Frank Hopgood's death from a fall during climbing is assumed to be an accident.....until his widow shows up looking for money. Alexi, Jack, Cosmo the cat and Silgo the dog will investigate and find some questionable actions that lead them to the widow's door, where they find her body!!! A major twist that will cause readers to turn back pages looking for missed clues. An entertaining cozy that is an excellent addition to the series.

There’s more trouble at Hopgood Hall in the irresistible new cosy crime novel by E V Hunter, A Deadly Legacy.

Tragedy strikes when Frank, Drew Hopgood’s brother, dies in a climbing accident. His death is initially thought to have been a tragic accident – until Frank’s younger wife Stella turns up at Hopgood Hall demanding half of his inheritance! The Hopgoods and Alexi Ellis begin to suspect that there might have been more to Frank’s death than meets the eye and realise that they might have to once again do some sleuthing of their own…

With Hopgood Hall’s fragile reputation to protect, Alexi, Jack and Cosmo start looking into Stella’s past – and what they discover has them wondering whether Stella might have had direct involvement in Frank’s sudden death. Did Stella manipulate a meeting with Frank? And was their marriage a love match? Or merely a way for Stella to get her hands on her late husband’s cash?

Did Stella kill Frank? Or might his death really have been a tragic accident? Alexi and the gang need to solve this case fast – because who know who might be next!

E V Hunter’s Hopgood Hall mysteries never fail to delight and A Deadly Legacy is another exciting, witty and unpredictable whodunnit that will keep readers guessing. A fun read full of thrills, red herrings and twists and turns, A Deadly Legacy is an immensely enjoyable cosy crime novel from E V Hunter.

A Deadly Legacy is the next installment of the Hopgood Hall Murder Mystery cozy series. When Drew's brother is in a fatal climbing accident, Drew and Cheryl are faced with an angry and bitter widow who insists she has a right to part of Hopgood Hall. Once Alexi and Jack start digging into Stella's background, they realize there is much more to her and Frank's story, and, unfortunately, they realize Frank's death was likely not an accident. When another body is discovered and Drew is setup to take the fall, Alexi and Jack are forced into a race against the clock to save their friend from prison and ensure a murderer faces justice.

I absolutely love the characters and the setting of this series. I so want to stay at Hopgood Hall and eat at Maurice's restaurant! I also enjoy the friendship between Drew, Cheryl, Alexi, and Jack, and, of course, I adore the pets, especially Cosmo and Silgo (a great new addition). The only issue I have with some of the books in this series, including A Deadly Leagacy, is that some of the mysteries are a bit too convoluted for a cozy. There were a few too many twists to this mystery that made it unbelievable. I feel the whole situation under the pier could have been left out and the mystery would still have been just as intriguing. Nevertheless, I will absolutely continue with this series, and I can't wait to see what Alexi, Cosmo, and crew get up to next!

I'm going to preface this review saying I came into it not realizing it was a series, specifically the sixth book in that series...That being said, it's a pretty great book even as a standalone story. It opens with a funeral which leads to oodles of family secrets coming out. I really liked the characters and they were well developed. Something I want to make sure and mention is I appreciated the positive friendships and relationships featured. It's a fairly easy-going book with an even pace. It's the kind of tale you can take your time with and settle in to enjoy yourself. There's many plot twists throughout, veterans of the genre may see some from far off but most were truly surprising without seeming contrived. And of course, as usual with a cozy mystery, there's cute animals abound! I rate this a 4 out of 5, and I fully intend to read the other books in the series.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

A Deadly Legacy by E.V. Hunter is a thrilling, page-turning ride that expertly blends mystery, history, and intrigue. Hunter has crafted a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end, weaving a complex story as intellectually stimulating as it is entertaining.

This novel centers on the discovery of a long-hidden family secret that threatens to upend the lives of the protagonist and those around them. As they delve deeper into their family's past, they uncover layers of deception and danger that span generations. Hunter’s skillful storytelling ensures that each twist and turn is surprising and satisfying, keeping the reader guessing until the very last page.

What stands out in A Deadly Legacy is Hunter’s ability to create vivid, believable characters. Each character, no matter how minor, is meticulously developed and contributes meaningfully to the plot. The protagonist’s journey of discovery is not just about unraveling a mystery but also about personal growth and understanding, making the stakes feel real and immediate.

The historical elements of the novel are seamlessly integrated into the modern-day storyline, creating a rich tapestry that enhances the depth and complexity of the plot. Hunter's attention to detail in depicting different time periods adds an additional layer of authenticity to the story, making the historical aspects as engaging as the contemporary ones.

Hunter’s prose is sharp and clear, with a knack for building suspense and maintaining a fast-paced narrative. The dialogue is natural and dynamic, revealing character nuances and advancing the plot effectively. The setting, whether it’s an ancient mansion or a bustling city, is described with such precision that it feels almost cinematic.

A Deadly Legacy is a compelling blend of suspense, historical intrigue, and personal drama. E.V. Hunter has delivered a novel that is thought-provoking and immensely enjoyable, proving once again their prowess as a storyteller. This book is a must-read for fans of mystery and historical fiction alike, offering a gripping tale that lingers long after the final page.

Drew Hopgood’s brother, Frank dies when he’s out climbing on his own, which is unusual as he’s a seasoned climber. But then Frank’s much younger wife, Stella arrives at demanding half of his inheritance even though he’d already had half the worth of Hopgood Hall years
It turns out Stella was accused by her own father of pushing her mother down stairs.
And then Stella is found dead implicating someone from Hopgood Hall!

This sixth installment demonstrates that skillful writing and well-developed characters can capture readers' attention no matter where they are in the series. The plot is intricately crafted, featuring several unexpected twists that keep you guessing. It was a joy to see how the two furry companions contributed to unraveling the mystery.

“A Deadly Legacy” masterfully strikes a balance between atmosphere, character depth, and unexpected plot twists. Readers who appreciate cozy mysteries and classic whodunits will find this engaging well-crafted, character-driven tale highly enjoyable. It’s a must-read for anyone in search of a rich and compelling mystery, as it artfully weaves together humor, suspense, and family intrigue.
I'm excited for the next installment! I was fortunate enough to receive an Advanced Reading Copy of this book. A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this opportunity!

A good, cozy mystery which had plenty of twists and red herrings to get my teeth into. This is a great series and I've warmed to the characters. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

This is the 6th book in the The Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries. It moves along at a good pace with lots of twists and turns and some red herrings thrown in for good measure to keep you guessing to the very end. The pets of course steal the show. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Drew’s brother Frank dies in a climbing accident .
Drew finds it hard to believe it was an accident due to Frank being an excellent climber.
Shortly after the accident Stella Frank’s wife appears at Hopgood Hall wanting his share of the hotel.
Alexi and Jack begin an investigation into the accident and along the way they discover lies , deceit , greed and jealousy.
A great cosy mystery read , the characters are well rounded and amiable and it makes for an easy read .
Plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader’s interest .
An enjoyable and engaging read .
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

When Drew Hopgood’s brother, Frank, dies in a climbing accident, his young wife, Stella, shocks the family by demanding half his inheritance. Suspicious of her intentions, Alexi Ellis and her partner Jack investigate Stella’s background, uncovering secrets that cast doubt on her claims of love and grief. As they delve deeper, they begin to suspect Frank’s death was no accident but a deadly plan orchestrated by Stella herself.
It is always an interesting thing to jump into the middle of a series. I have not read anything by this author before, but the premise sounded interesting. Alexi and Jack were interesting characters, each with strengths to solve the mystery in front of them.

The mystery was laid out well, and I liked how they followed each clue that came their way. A few times I found some of the phrases they used odd, but I think they must have been British-isms, or something of the sort. Previous cases are mentioned, but it wasn’t difficult for a new reader to follow along.

Overall, this was an interesting mystery. Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries will enjoy this one.

Personal collides with professional in the latest book in the Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries. Frank, Drew's brother, has died unexpectedly but accidentally, and Drew and his wife Cheryl are grieving. Frank's widow, a much younger woman, turns up at the hotel, hinting that she wants a stake in the business. Alexi and Jack set out to disprove her claim and discover some unexpectedly dark facts about the widow. The mystery is noir and twisty, and a sense of menace prevails. I enjoy the individuality of the characters in this mystery, the charismatic and intuitive cat and dogs and the intriguing storytelling.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

The cozy season is here and so it was only natural for this cozy mystery to tickle my fancy.
I got an advance review copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
My honest review? The book had the cozy vibe I needed this November. It was a great read and I loved reading about Jack and Alexi's Menagerie. Cosmo is the cat I need!
Story was great as far as murder mysteries go. Loved it!

I really enjoyed this book! It kept me interested the whole way through, I think mostly because there was just so much going on at all times.

There are a few typos throughout the book, but I don't think it hindered my reading experience at all. There were also a few plot twists that I saw coming, but so many that I didn't. The ones that I never guessed were the ones that really mattered, so I really loved thinking that I got it figured out just to be thrown off by the actual plot twists.

One other issue I had with the book was some of the dialogue felt a little off/old timey, but for a cozy mystery that is okay with me. The characters are fun and very thoughtful, especially all the animals. I loved all the personality that these animals had!

I read this book so fast, and probably would have read it faster if I didn't have to work! I would love to continue on with the series and also read the beginning of the series since I believe this book is the 6th book in the series. With that being said, you obviously don't have to read them in order and this one is a great one, if you don't want to start at the beginning!

3.5 Stars

Foul Play Fatality..?
The sixth outing in the Hopgood Hall series of mysteries and a fatality raises the question of foul play. Soon Alexi, Jack (and, of course, Cosmo) soon begin to dig deep into the case. It’s not long before some alarming facts begin to emerge. An engaging mystery once again with a well drawn cast of eclectic characters, a well imagined backdrop and a pacy plot populated with ample turns. A worthy addition to the series.