Relative Deceit

by Karen Aminadra

Driven by jealousy, greed and desire, nothing will stop Gregory Rogers from taking that which he believes is his.
He’ll do anything to gain money, Bancroft Hall and the power that comes with the title of Baronet.
Including murder.
...Until his eyes fall upon the beautiful Jane.
Can she rescue him from himself?
Will she be the one thing that he cannot ruin in order to have?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction

300 pages, ebook

First published July 8, 2012

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a pleasure for me (as a German!) to read this book settled in the beginning of the 19th century, like the beautiful cover already tells us. The Bancroft family suffers from a lot of misfortunes and, after all, the family is declared bankrupt. A barely known relative is going to save them but this relative hides some secrets and plans of his own. The reader needs the sense of Sherlock Holmes as the author only reveals pieces of the puzzle with a growing tension until the end. A fascinating description of the past times and well-formed characters let us slide between good and evil, rich and poor until we get all answers. And you won´t put this book away until you get them, I promise :-). Well, this author could be a second Agatha Christie but in a much more romantic way. By the way, already the title has a double meaning which is well chosen. Five of five stars!

[Michele Kallio · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightfully woven web of deceit and murder set in 1911-1912 England. The author reveals an understanding of household politics in her depiction of this upper class household, as well as this period of history. A little known second cousin comes to the rescue when Sir George Bancroft is suddenly declared bankrupt. But, who is this man and what does he really want? The author keeps you guessing, which is a delight to any mystery reader. Subtle clues are dropped like bread crumbs as we weave our way through the misfortunes of the Bancroft family from bankrupycy, mysterious deaths and even the sinking of the Titanic until at last the villian is uncovered.
I highly recommend Relative Deceit to mystery lovers everywhere! There is something in it for everyone!
This is the third book I have read by this author, each a treat of its own. I am eagerly awaiting her next book.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in early twentieth century, this tale of vengeance and greed is extremely well-crafted!

Read full review in the 2012 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[L JONES · Rating 5 out of 5]

April 2024

A very intense story which could only have been improved with a little mystery. The villains were evident from the start only the method was hidden. Not a happy ever after ending for all the characters. Needed proof reading.

[Laura Bastian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for the most part, but there were places where it dragged. There was even one point I almost put it down and didn't pick it up again. I am glad I finished it though. I'd give it a 3 and a half if possible, but I'll round up to 4. Most of the story was important, but I think there could have been some cutting to speed things up. But at the same time, just when I was starting to get really into something, the author jumped to a different scene making me wish for more development in the places I was enjoying. I also found myself confused at times on who's point of view we were in. If the author would have stayed with maybe 2 or 3 viewpoints instead of giving me every person's thoughts, the story could have been faster and more engaging.

Now that I've complained about it, let me tell you what I liked. The characters were pretty well developed. There were some I really liked and others that I loved to hate because the author knew how to show me things about them that built a relationship through their actions.
I wanted to have the evil plans of the bad guy thwarted, but people still died and people still got hurt, and people still suffered, but that is what happens in real life. Though there were many sad things that happened to this family, there were also good things. It was fun to see the family relationships of these people, and to see how fun it was when cars and phones were introduced to their household. It was great to see how they rose above the hardships and came together to support each other.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taken back to the early 1900's readers find themselves embroiled in the intriguing lives of the Bancroft family. Jane Bancroft is the main focus of the book, but this is a family saga. When the family hears that they are destitute, they are delighted that their never before heard of Cousin Mr. Gregory Rogers is paying their debts, they are delighted. Of course, nothing is as it seems and readers find themselves caught up in a mystery that is hard to put down. The author does a great job creating the ambiance of a past time and the connections of family, good and bad in this novel.

[bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd consider this a weak 3 stars. A good bit of the writing was awkward. Some of the actions accepted by the characters seem inappropriate to the time period.

Jane shouldn't morally be happy with her guardian's advances towards her when they are alone. She should not be comfortable with him possibly washing her bathe! And his being alone with her when having courting intentions would be quite scandalous. It just doesn't work as a historically set novel!!

[Jina Howell-Forbes · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a totally stupid story of a formerly rich family suddenly made poor. A formerly unknown relative comes along to rescue them, and then proceeds to make sure that all the male relatives in line above this relative start dropping like flies in various "accidents". The relative than seduces the only daughter and gets her pregnant. No one but an undercover policeman is suspicious. It was all stupid.

[N. Kuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with this book. It was amazing. Hints of Pride and Prejudice and eloquently written. I felt completely immersed in the lives of these characters. It is such a touching story from page one. The twist keeps you reading to the very end. The characters are so strongly written. The mystery wrapped in a historical romance was wonderful and refreshing. I loved it.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1911 England, Gregory Rogers has planned for years to get what he believes is rightful his - everything that the Bancroft have.
Sir George Bancroft has brought his family to the brink of ruin only to be saved by Gregory Rogers. But can Rogers himself be saved by the daughter of the household -Jane.

[LLona Cunningham]

I enjoy this kind of story as an hour-long TV show, but it's too stuffy to read as a book.