The McHenry Inheritance

by Michael Wallace

On a fly-fishing vacation in California's High Sierra, San Francisco stockbroker Quill Gordon finds more than he bargained for. A menacing "citizen militia," led by a former radio talk show host, has taken over an alpine meadow and is stockpiling far more guns than it needs for target practice. Ellen McHenry, a rancher's daughter to whom Gordon is attracted, is in serious legal trouble, as a contested will tears her family apart and threatens her father's legacy. When these combustible factors lead to murder in cold blood and broad daylight, Ellen becomes a prime suspect, the militia ramps up its suspicious activities, and Gordon is drawn deeper into the case — whether he wants to be or not.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

209 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 24, 2012

About the author

Michael Wallace is a native and lifelong resident of California, who has been reading mysteries since the age of 12 and fly-fishing for more than 30 years. He worked as a reporter and editor for a daily newspaper for two decades and currently is owner and principal of a public relations/publication consulting business. The McHenry Inheritance is his first published mystery, and a second, again featuring Quill Gordon, is under way.

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I met Michael Wallace this month at an author’s talk, at a local bookstore, featuring local authors. Apparently it was his first book. He says he has another book about ready to be released. This story is a murder mystery with the protagonist a fly fisherman. The story takes place in the Sierra Mountain foothills and the author provides lots of description. I enjoyed the information about fly fishing, as I know nothing about it I hope I learned a little bit. The story only had the one plot and moved along with some suspense. The book also had some action but mostly was about looking for clues. I enjoyed the book and it was well written for a first novel. Wallace was a journalist so was a skilled wordsmith.

[Robin L Hamilton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unrealized potential

The writing is often trite and cliched, the dialog doesn't identify the characters, and the plot mechanical. The setting, however is attractive and the conflict worth further development.

[Irene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad for a first-time mystery writer. Great descriptions of Sierra high country & fly fishing.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first novel that mixes in some great fly fishing action into a whodunit.

Looking forward to Mr Wallace's next work.

[Bob Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read, the fly fishing details are excellent, but they do not get in the way of a good story. Looking forward to the next book in the series.