This is book six in The Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries series. 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.

A Deadly Legacy by E.V. Hunter is a gripping mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. When Frank Hopgood dies in what appears to be a tragic climbing accident, his family is rocked, but nothing feels quite right. Enter his young widow, Stella, who unexpectedly demands a share of Frank’s inheritance, and the drama quickly thickens.

The story unravels as Alexi Ellis, her partner Jack, and Cosmo begin investigating Stella’s motives, uncovering dark secrets about Frank’s death. What starts as a simple look into Stella’s background soon spirals into a complex web of deceit and suspicion, as Alexi wonders whether Frank’s death was truly an accident or a well-planned murder by his own wife.

Hunter does an excellent job building suspense, layering in twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. The characters are well-developed, with Alexi leading the investigation in a way that makes you root for her to uncover the truth. The tension between family loyalty, greed, and betrayal is palpable, and the setting of Hopgood Hall adds a haunting, atmospheric backdrop to the drama.

While the plot is engaging and the pace is steady, there are moments where the story could have delved deeper into character motivations and backstory, which would have made the twists even more impactful. However, overall, this is an exciting and entertaining read, perfect for fans of suspense and family mysteries.

A great addition to the series, and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next!

This is a new author to me and I hadn’t realized that this is part of a series. I was able to follow along pretty easily as a standalone (there were a few points which reference to a previous event, but that’s okay). A kind of “cozy mystery thriller” that gave me classic vibes. I enjoyed the story, it was fun to sleuth along with the characters.

I thought this was another good book in this series. It’s a well thought out plot and mystery. There were a few surprises along the way. It was fun to see the two fur babies doing their part in helping solve the mystery.
Looking forward to the next one

I’m always on the lookout for some new cosy crime, so when the opportunity to read A Deadly Legacy came my way, I was pleased.

A Deadly Legacy isn’t as cosy as my usual favourites, but I still really enjoyed it. I liked the characters, though I don’t feel like I know them really well (which usually takes multiple books). The slightly unusual pets were a fun touch.

The mystery itself was really interesting, and seemed almost insoluble at first glance. However, Jack and Alexi obviously have well established methods of finding things out, and I had fun being along for the ride.

I read this book without reading any of the previous books in the series, but it works well as a standalone. It has its own story that is complete in itself, and manages to introduce the characters well, without spending too much time and annoying readers who started at the beginning. It’s that there are aspects that develop from book to book, but these do not detract from the enjoyment of the story.

Overall, this was a good mystery, and kept me interested all the way through. I’d recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love this series, and we have a new pet, Silgo, who’s Cosmo’s shadow now. Drew’s brother has died in a tragic accident and then his gold digger widow turns up at the hotel demanding money. Little does she know that Alexi and Jack would never allow this and would do everything with in their investigative powers to prevent it.

They get hunting into Stella’s background to see what’s going on, how much of Frank’s money she took/spent and why she thinks she has a claim. Who killed him and why? What did Stella stand to gain from this death? So many questions but you can be sure no stone will be left unturned.

Superb writing as usual, and just as easy/quick to read. Can’t wait for the next instalment already.

A new author for me and I hadn’t realised that this is part of a series. I read easily as a standalone novel with only a few points at which references to previous events occur. Well written with excellent characterisation (including the animals) it seemed to fall between thriller and cosy mystery and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The beauty of coming late to a series is that there’s a back catalogue to investigate! Highly recommended to old and new readers.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and E.V. Hunter for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Deadly Legacy coming out November 19, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I haven’t read the other books in the series, but I received this directly from NetGalley. I really love murder mysteries. It’s one of my favorite genres. I think the characters were really complex. There was a lot of family drama going on. Alexi and Jack were fun characters. I really enjoyed the mystery. It reminded me of old whodunits. I would read other books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys murder mysteries!

This sixth installment proves that skillful writing and strong characterization can welcome readers at any point in a series' journey. While seasoned fans might catch subtle references to previous adventures, the author has crafted a self-contained narrative that stands confidently on its own merits.

The protagonist and supporting cast shine through their authentic interactions and well-developed personalities. Rather than falling into common genre tropes of damaged detectives or dysfunctional relationships, these characters showcase refreshing emotional intelligence and healthy interpersonal dynamics. The dialogue crackles with wit and natural humor, making the characters feel like people you'd genuinely want to know.

A particularly endearing aspect is the inclusion of animal companions. The "furry pals" aren't mere accessories but integral members of the cast, adding both charm and occasional comic relief without overshadowing the main narrative. Their presence helps ground the human characters and provides moments of warmth between the mystery's tenser sequences.

The mystery itself is masterfully constructed, maintaining a perfect balance between complexity and plausibility. The author respects the reader's intelligence by laying out genuine clues while avoiding the twin pitfalls of either making the solution too obvious or resorting to outlandish twists. The narrative grips you from the opening pages and maintains its momentum throughout, making it difficult to put down.

While this is the sixth book in an ongoing series, it serves as an excellent entry point for new readers. The author skillfully weaves in minimal necessary background information without resorting to clunky exposition. References to past events feel natural and add depth for longtime readers without confusing newcomers.

I would absolutely recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more by this author.

A Deadly Legacy by E.V. Hunter is a delightful addition to the Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries, offering a cozy yet suspenseful investigation filled with family drama and complex character motives. This time, Hopgood Hall’s owners, Drew and Cheryl, are mourning Drew's brother Frank, who died in what seemed to be a tragic climbing accident. However, the plot thickens when Frank's new and enigmatic young wife, Stella, returns from Australia with demands that threaten the Hopgoods' legacy.

Hunter masterfully balances intrigue with a touch of lightheartedness, largely thanks to former journalist Alexi Ellis and her private investigator partner, Jack Maddox, who are quick to sense something amiss with Stella’s intentions. As they dig deeper, they uncover layers of mystery surrounding Frank's life in Australia, his relationship with Stella, and whether his death was indeed an accident. Jack and Alexi’s sleuthing, supported by their faithful companions, Cosmo the cat and Silgo the rescue dog, keeps the pace lively and engaging.

The story’s setting, the evocative Hopgood Hall, adds a sense of nostalgia and timelessness, enhancing the suspense as Jack and Alexi delve into secrets and possible motives. Stella’s character is refreshingly complex and unpredictable, adding an edge to the story as she becomes increasingly untrustworthy. The twists are perfectly timed, keeping readers guessing until the final reveal, with red herrings that make this cozy mystery as thrilling as it is charming.

For fans of character-driven mysteries and vintage whodunits with a modern twist, A Deadly Legacy offers an entertaining journey into a world of hidden agendas and deep-rooted family secrets. Thank you to Boldwood Books, NetGalley, and E.V. Hunter for this ARC in exchange for my honest review

We return to Hopgood Hall after numerous murders, to find that this time death has come close to home. The Hall’s owners, Drew and Cheryl are mourning the death of Drew’s brother, Frank. Frank sold his share of the Hall to Drew and left to start a new life in Australia. Returning to the UK with a new wife in tow, Frank dies in a climbing accident, but his wife Stella stakes a claim on Hopgood Hall. Drew and Cheryl have been trying to turn a former family home into a successful hotel business, and Stella’s plans come as a shock. Their friend, former journalist Alexi, and her partner PI Jack Maddox will do anything to help Drew and Cheryl, and begin to investigate Stella and her motives.

As their investigation progresses, Stella becomes more and more dislikable and devious, and there’s a sense of peril from the beginning as Drew and Cheryl face losing all they’ve worked for. Alexi and Jack uncover family secrets, and begin to wonder if Frank’s death is as accidental as it has been made to appear. A further shocking twist sees Drew further in trouble. Although this is a “cosy” series, it’s written with the pace and tension of a thriller, keeping the reader sucked in right to the end

I love this series, as it’s fascinating to watch Alexi and Jack’s investigations as they try to unravel the secrets and mysteries, with their furry sidekick Cosmo the feral cat and new addition Silgo the rescue dog in tow.

A Deadly Legacy is out on 19 November - preorder here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deadly-Legacy-page-turning-V-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0D9PTC1DM/

Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an advance copy.

I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book, opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Many thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers.

This is another thrilling page-turner by E V Hunter that brings Jack Maddox and Alexi Ellis back for another compelling mystery of the Hopgood Hall Murder series. This time, the stakes are high, as the duo finds themselves entangled in a web of secrets, deception, and fortune-hunting. The atmosphere is tense and immersive, with every chapter revealing twists that keep readers guessing. Jack's sharp wit and Alexi's fierce determination are perfectly complemented by their furry sidekicks, Silgo and Cosmo, who add a lighthearted touch amidst the suspense. Hunter masterfully balances intrigue and suspense, making this a must-read for anyone who loves the continuation of these classic whodunit series.

Frank Hopgood who had disappeared for sometime to Australia returns with his much younger bride, Stella, who is English and who had been living in Australia, once married to Frank had decided on their return to England. Frank it seems, with the help of his new wife, has depleted all his inheritance from his share of Hopgood Hall estate.

While investigating Frank’s untimely death, it seems, however, as Jack and Alexi discover from his old friends and climbing mates that he had changed a lot, no longer the dynamic personality. He was an experienced climber but with his death due to a fall, suspicions are raised, particularly when fortune hunting widow Stella, arrives at Hopgood Hall to extort and claim her widow's rights from Drew and Cheryl Hopgood.

Hopgood Hall is an expensive operation, expenditure is kept in check and while Drew and Cheryl are in no doubt that Frank's share was correct, due to no official documentation signed by Drew and him, legal opinion is sought regarding Stella's claim. Jack's and Alexi's thoughts are now of a mind to look into Stella and her past. The more they pursue this line of investigation the more of an enigma she becomes. They also investigate further into Frank's past, his love of horses and his past love life. Nothing much is revealed but they feel that a lot is not being said.

Switching back to Stella, they interview an old boss of her’s, who after their affair had finished was glad to see the back of her but on returning to England it seems, she had put her hand up for the same contract that he was pursuing. He reveals a lot about her personality and unforgiving nature as well as enlightening them of Stella's ability as a competent climber. This changes the investigation. Jack and Alexi now have Stella firmly in their sights for the murder of Frank. Plans are made for Drew to meet up with her for which will be closely monitored. However, a phone call prior to the arrangement sees Drew in Stella's apartment where he discovers her dead body.

The plot thickens with more questions than answers and it takes sometime before all is revealed.

The characters are just so well written and realistic, the tension is built so effectively and you really do have no idea where the storyline is going or what the outcome is going to be! It has the twist, turns and surprises that you'd expect and the plot is constantly moving forward which I loved! I enjoyed every second of this one!!!

A Deadly Legacy is a cosy murder mystery set in the traditional olde English countryside. Jack Maddox and Alexi Ellis investigate the death of Frank Hopgood, brother of Drew who owns Hopgood Hall. The book gives off "Tommy & Tuppence" vibes as one interview leads to another with a few surprises along the way.

I struggled to get into the story with plenty of references to the history of Hopgood Hall and Alexi and Jack now being a well-known journalist and investigators. This is the sixth book in the series after all, and my first introduction into the world. This is not the one I'd recommend starting with.

I found the story lacked any substance to begin with. Franks wife, Stella causes a scene at his funeral demanding money from Drew (Franks brother) claiming he hadn't received a fair sum for his share in the hotel. On the back of this, Jack and Alexi begin looking into Stella's background.

Who is Stella? How did she and Frank meet in Australia and what are Stella's ties to the local area? Did she marry Frank for his money and then demand Drew for more because it had all ran out? The investigation obviously turns towards Franks death which has been previously ruled a climbing accident.

Jack and Alexi take Cosmo the Cat and Silgo the Dog along with them to every interview. This added a certain amount of charm but thankfully didn't fall into the trap of other cosy mysteries in having them help solve the crimes!

Overall, the plot comes together nicely if not a little too conveniently at the end with the reveal of key pieces of evidence to unlock the whole mystery. Worth a read.

I would like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this novel. All opinions are my own

The Hopgood Hall Mysteries #6

Frank Hopgood tragically died while he was on a climbing trip. At first, they thought it was an accident until his widow, Stella, turns up at Hopgood Hall claiming her inheritance. Alexi Ellis and her partner Jack Maddox look into Stella's background. It soon becomes clear that there is more to this story/

This is a quick read. Alexi and Jack take another look at Frank's accident when Stella turns up trying to claim half of Frank's brother's estate. There were lots of threads to the story, but they were all tied up at the end. A cosy murder mystery that's filled with family drama and lots of secrets.

Published 19th November 2024

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #EVHunter for my ARC of #ADeadlyLegacy in exchange for an honest review.

I really do enjoy this series of books, well written with a good list of plausible suspects. Love the pet element, it's so unusual. Totally recommend this whole series. Thank you netgalley for the advance copy

A good cosy murder mystery, well written and very enjoyable.

Frank Hopgood returns from Australia with a beautiful young wife, then he dies in a climbing accident and Stella unexpectedly turns up and insinuates the Drew did Frank out of his inheritance and wants part of Hopgood Hall. Luckily for Drew, Alexi, a partner in Hopgood Hall is there at the time with her partner Jack and they are able to tell Stella she has no claim. However, this increases Drew’s belief that his brother’s death was no accident and asked Jack and Alexi to look into it.

A thrilling tale full of twists and turns , well worth a read.

This was a really fun book. Perfect for a rainy day on the couch with a hot cup of coffee or a nice glass of wine..

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

4 Stars
One Liner: A solid read

When Drew’s brother Frank died in a climbing accident, they were surprised but assumed it was an accident. However, when his much younger and highly ambitious wife, Stella, arrives to demand a share in the Hopgood Hall, they are immediately suspicious. Drew and Cheryl ask Alexi and Jack to take up the case. Alexi and Jack already planned to work on it and were happy to dig deeper.
With new truths emerging, it becomes clear that there are a handful of suspects, and nothing everything is as it seems. With Drew getting into an unwanted complication, can Alexi and Jack save their friends in time?
The story comes in Alexi and Jack’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts:
Though this is the sixth book in the series, it should work as a standalone (unlike the previous two books that focused on Alexi and Jack’s personal lives). While this deals with Drew’s personal life, it is pretty independent.
As if Cosmo wasn’t enough, A & J now have Silgo, a huge doggy of mixed breed. Needless to say, these two have taken over the backseat of their car and are ready to save Alexi if necessary. Cosmo is, of course, not going to let people walk away without looking at him.
Given the premise, this one combines a bit of family drama and a good load of mystery. As always, the plot starts simple but develops into something layered and intricate. Yet, nowhere does it feel confusing. It is not unbelievable either and ties well with the character arcs. Different threads come together to create a complete picture.
There are enough suspects, so it took me some time to guess. Some of them are a bit flat but do the job they are supposed to do. I wish we see Stella in action a little more rather than just read about her.
There isn’t any new development in the personal track between Alexi and Jack but it is not necessary here. They have an understanding and already work well as a team.
It gets a bit repetitive when Alexi is the only one rushing into danger, so maybe we could change that next? Give Jack some action and a chance to showcase his moves. ;)
To summarize, A Deadly Legacy is intriguing and is a good mystery to read when traveling or relaxing. The pacing is not fast but settles into a good rhythm.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Part of a series featuring two investigators,an ex policeman and an investigative journalist. Full of twists and turns.