The Will of the Standing Stones

by AG Barnett

Tensions rise when the will reveals that there are conditions to inherit the vast fortune left by the mysterious Mr Badala. Between them, they must find the truth. A storm rages across the ancient landscape, cutting them off from civilisation. When one of the group dies in an apparent accident, paranoia and accusations grow. The group soon realises there is far more at play here than the mere reading of a will.

Genres: Mystery, Historical, British Literature, Crime

234 pages, Paperback

Published June 21, 2023

About the author

AG Barnett lives in Oxfordshire with his wife, daughter, three ridiculous spaniels, and four frizzle chickens.

Reviews

[Cheryl(In Mourning) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 5 🌟.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mysterious invitation to an old manor house could transform the future of one of the participants.

Set in the 1920s, this story is all kinds of deceptive. Once one fact becomes clear, another appears to cleverly obscure the truth. The novel is character-driven, and all are well described with unique voices, leading to a highly entertaining adventure. The final twist to the plot is unforeseen and gives a strong beginning to what will become a delightful series.

I recommend this cosy for those who adore Agatha Christie-esque type mysteries.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new author for me and an enjoyable quick read. I liked the directness of the writing. A Christie-esque isolated setting with a revenge motif. The twists and turns largely come from the relationships. It is evident to the reader early on that all are not who they seem, but just who can’t be trusted remains a mystery until quite late. Have I, as reader, trusted the right people?

For me, the success here is in the economy of the writing. My engagement withe the intubation and players was closely tied to the pace of the narrative which raised, then kept pace with my interest. I really appreciate that. I was never tempted to read ahead.

[Jacquelyn Schingeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good story - It started with several people receiving a letter that they were to receive money from a very rich individual who recently died. They were to come to a specific location where all recipients of $ would learn of the story behind the bequeath. Once they all arrive and most do not know each other, they are greeted by an attorney who explains further how the weekend will work and then they will be free to return to their homes with the money that was left to them. The action starts shortly after ---

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Agatha Christie Like

While I have read the basic concept before, this book still kept my attention. I must say that I had no idea who the actual killer was. That was the best part.

[Doug Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flo Hammond, a journalist in 1920s London, becomes part of an intriguing story when she receives a letter inviting her to come to a country house for the reading of a will. Two of her friends, Henry Bitten and George Wilson, have also been invited, but none of them have heard of the man who apparently has made them beneficiaries. The other four people who have been invited are people she has never met before.

What is going on? Flo has a new ally in her search for answers in Jessie Circle, who learns about the unusual gathering and decides to tag along as Flo's companion. This novel has an interesting premise, but I found the execution to be choppy and uneven.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Florence and several others have been summoned to the reading of a Will at Standings House. No one appears to know who the Will writer was or why they were summoned. Then the Solicitor on site dies….accident or murder? Reminiscent of Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians, but a very enjoyable story none the less.

[Lisa T. Ungerer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ignore the typos and love the story

This book has really engaging characters, and moves along nicely, with lots of red herrings. Jessie could give Phyrne a run for her money. A better editor would help eliminate the grammatical errors, such as use of the word employee when the author meant employer. With those minor reservations the book is still highly recommended.

[Ryan Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book done in the vein of Agatha Christie. It has all the trimmings of And Then There Were None. A old house during a storm, a group of strangers lead by a mysterious host, and then a murder. It's also set during the golden age of mystery and in this story two ladies, Jessie and Florence/Flo are the intrepid sleuths that try it figure out the case.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eight people who don't know each other are summoned to a house in the country for the weekend. It is supposedly for the reading of a will. They are to discover who killed a young woman who was known to all of them and then they would receive an inheritance. Several deaths occurred before the mystery was solved.

[Kerrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The scenario described in the blurb made this sound a more attractive read than it turned out to be. It had too many characteristics of a "first" novel: too much convolution, too many deaths, and a central character who was a really poor judge of character. The setting of the standing stones had almost no relevance to the plot.

[John Keeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very Good New Mystery Series By A G Barnett

I believe I have read all of Barnett’s previous books so when I discovered this one I couldn’t wait to read it. Although it has a few editing issues, the book was very well done. It moved very quickly and is a quick read. I read it in about 4 to 5 hours. I already have the second book in this series which I am ready to start.

[Gabriela Galescu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Golden Age mystery with modern sensibility

I found this book to be in the best tradition of the Golden Age mystery but thankfully without the sexist/racist/classist/antisemitic bits that sometimes plague the original Golden Age writings.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1920s. A group of people, mainly strangers, are invited to the reading of the will of Mr. Badala. Totally unknown to them all. Is there a connection? Then the first death occurs.
An enjoyable historical mystery

[Teddi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm being generous at giving this 3 stars. 10 or more years ago, I'd have liked it but I've read so many better mysteries since.
I've apparently read several of the author's other books that were free on Kindle unlimited but barely remember them. I don't think this author is for me.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great origin story of a detective duo

There were so many plot twists in this story I was having difficulty keeping them straight. I was impressed that the author could keep it straight! Please write more books with these characters!

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who invited all these people and why??? Florence and Jessie will figure things out though, won't they??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Barbara Major · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Well written. Kept me enthralled to the very end. Great character development. Looking forward to the next one! Thank you!

[Valerie Hill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very weak book. Obviously an early one as his other series is better. Very watered down Agatha Christie. Also some amateurish writing and a few spelling and grammar errors in the Kindle version.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hammond and Circle 1

Quirky and entertaining. Not particularly well written, but not a horrible amount of mistakes. Will continue reading the next one.

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery is everywhere

What started out as what I consider a classic murder mystery, turned a little more epic. As twists and turns at corner kept me guessing. Great writing

[Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skip the AI audio narration unless absolutely necessary.

[Iona 💐 🏎️🪸 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how simple the plot seemed. At the beginning I found myself searching for clues or motives or hints about the killer - the typical thing one should do when reading a murder mystery book - but then I found that I didn’t need to do that. All I had to do was simply wait for the plot to unravel itself before me. I loved the short perspective chapters that all happened at the same time. I loved all the plot twists and the ending was very satisfying. I would definitely recommend this to someone who either loves murder mystery books or is looking for a book to get you out of a reading slump.