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Eastern Shore Mysteries #1
Squatter's Rights
Who is buried in the backyard?
Julia Reagan dreamed of saving her family home but time ran out. Her dying wish sends her daughter, a Washington attorney, to Maryland’s Eastern Shore to renovate a decaying mansion and deal with the relatives who never left the sleepy village on the Chesapeake Bay. Before she can buy the first can of paint, Grace finds a grave, a murder and tantalizing clues to her own hidden past.
In “Squatter’s Rights”, a decades-old murder resurfaces, setting off a chain of events that could destroy what’s left of Julia’s family and her daughter’s career. If you like a good murder with family drama and historical events that won’t stay in the past, you’ll love “Squatter’s Rights”.
Old lies. Old loves. Old Murder. Welcome to the Eastern Shore!
Julia Reagan dreamed of saving her family home but time ran out. Her dying wish sends her daughter, a Washington attorney, to Maryland’s Eastern Shore to renovate a decaying mansion and deal with the relatives who never left the sleepy village on the Chesapeake Bay. Before she can buy the first can of paint, Grace finds a grave, a murder and tantalizing clues to her own hidden past.
In “Squatter’s Rights”, a decades-old murder resurfaces, setting off a chain of events that could destroy what’s left of Julia’s family and her daughter’s career. If you like a good murder with family drama and historical events that won’t stay in the past, you’ll love “Squatter’s Rights”.
Old lies. Old loves. Old Murder. Welcome to the Eastern Shore!
1 pages, Audio CD
Published February 27, 2024
1804 people are currently reading
972 people want to read
About the author
Cheril Thomas
18 books34 followersCheril Thomas is the author of the Eastern Shore Mysteries series. She is also the co-author of a mystery novel, Whispers, and is a published short fiction author. When she's not writing at home in Easton, Maryland, she's traveling with her long-suffering husband, an otherwise brilliant soul who doesn't seem to mind being married to a woman who researches methods of murder. Together, they live to serve Gracie the Wonder Dog, a too-smart-for-her-own-good shaggy black Goldendoodle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 12, 2025
This is the 1st book in a 7 book series that takes place on the Maryland Eastern Shore.
Grace leaves her law practice in DC to renovate and sell The Delaney House, one of her mother’s last wishes.
This first book is all about a grave found with old bones, Grace trying to figure out who her Father is and the rest of the crazy Delaney family drama.
Grace leaves her law practice in DC to renovate and sell The Delaney House, one of her mother’s last wishes.
This first book is all about a grave found with old bones, Grace trying to figure out who her Father is and the rest of the crazy Delaney family drama.
March 19, 2024
Acquired Kindle edition when offered free on Amazon.
If you follow my reviews at all, you know that I'm a very tough reader to please. I can DNF and one-star a book on the basis of a single badly written page. I pull no punches, I cut no slack.
Squatter's Rights was good. Really good. Solid four stars' worth of good.
It's a complex mystery involving a lot of things I enjoy: old family secrets, Main Character who returns "home" after a long absence, big and deteriorating house, etc., etc., etc., and finally a long ago murder.
The writing is thoroughly competent. I caught a few very minor typos that didn't at all affect the rating.
I liked the setting, a small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and though the police department (all two of them) provide some tension for the plot, they aren't incompetent.
I really liked that Grace, the main character, wasn't a ditz. She's a successful lawyer who took care of her dying mother and has come to Mallard Bay solely to fulfill her mother's last wishes, maybe learn a little bit about her family, and then go back to her normal life. I liked that Grace recognizes her romantic relationship isn't satisfactory and
I liked the supporting cast of characters. They were all three-dimensional, and author Cheril Thomas kept them all consistent. There were no instances of "Wait, what? Niki wouldn't do that." Or "Cyrus wouldn't do that." Or "Emma wouldn't do that." Every character stayed in character.
So why not full five stars? Several reasons.
First, because this is the first book in a series, certain major questions were left unanswered as deliberate teasers to buy the next book. Even though I already have the next book, I dislike this marketing ploy.
Second, I felt Grace should have stood firmer with Winnie, or been given stronger justification for letting him get away with what he did.
Third, and this is a big spoiler but that's probably why it lowered my rating, . IF a second reading is necessary to figure all this out, or if a second reading wouldn't yet reveal that information, then either way that for me is enough reason for the four-star rating rather than five.
I still enjoyed the book. I read it in two days, grabbing time whenever possible out of a rather busy life. Recommend for readers who like the same stuff I do.
If you follow my reviews at all, you know that I'm a very tough reader to please. I can DNF and one-star a book on the basis of a single badly written page. I pull no punches, I cut no slack.
Squatter's Rights was good. Really good. Solid four stars' worth of good.
It's a complex mystery involving a lot of things I enjoy: old family secrets, Main Character who returns "home" after a long absence, big and deteriorating house, etc., etc., etc., and finally a long ago murder.
The writing is thoroughly competent. I caught a few very minor typos that didn't at all affect the rating.
I liked the setting, a small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and though the police department (all two of them) provide some tension for the plot, they aren't incompetent.
I really liked that Grace, the main character, wasn't a ditz. She's a successful lawyer who took care of her dying mother and has come to Mallard Bay solely to fulfill her mother's last wishes, maybe learn a little bit about her family, and then go back to her normal life. I liked that Grace recognizes her romantic relationship isn't satisfactory and
I liked the supporting cast of characters. They were all three-dimensional, and author Cheril Thomas kept them all consistent. There were no instances of "Wait, what? Niki wouldn't do that." Or "Cyrus wouldn't do that." Or "Emma wouldn't do that." Every character stayed in character.
So why not full five stars? Several reasons.
First, because this is the first book in a series, certain major questions were left unanswered as deliberate teasers to buy the next book. Even though I already have the next book, I dislike this marketing ploy.
Second, I felt Grace should have stood firmer with Winnie, or been given stronger justification for letting him get away with what he did.
Third, and this is a big spoiler but that's probably why it lowered my rating, . IF a second reading is necessary to figure all this out, or if a second reading wouldn't yet reveal that information, then either way that for me is enough reason for the four-star rating rather than five.
I still enjoyed the book. I read it in two days, grabbing time whenever possible out of a rather busy life. Recommend for readers who like the same stuff I do.
June 28, 2023
Confusing
This story was suspenseful and held my interest. There was quite a cast of characters...heroes and villains. It was very difficult to follow the story as much of it was told through letters from the past and the story kept shifting from the past to the present. I found the ending to be a huge disappointment. The story built me up to expect a big revelation at the end and then it turned out to be a dud. I expected more and I think the author could have done more.
This story was suspenseful and held my interest. There was quite a cast of characters...heroes and villains. It was very difficult to follow the story as much of it was told through letters from the past and the story kept shifting from the past to the present. I found the ending to be a huge disappointment. The story built me up to expect a big revelation at the end and then it turned out to be a dud. I expected more and I think the author could have done more.
April 9, 2025
Just meh.
August 6, 2017
Captivating
Especially interesting references to familiar Eastern Shore of Maryland towns and establishments. Very mysterious and attention grabber until the very end.
Especially interesting references to familiar Eastern Shore of Maryland towns and establishments. Very mysterious and attention grabber until the very end.
December 17, 2021
Great book. Felt like I was right beside Grace during the entire book. Writing was excellent.
June 9, 2022
If anyone tells you that you have been left you a house, turn it down!!! I do the Family Trees for our Family and I know how difficult it is at times!!! I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
March 30, 2021
Excellent story very well written would like to see more by this author
October 21, 2023
I rated this 4 stars, but 3½ is probably more accurate. It was enjoyable and definitely kept my attention but there were some minor things that, for me, keep it from 4 stars.
The basic story is that a woman, Grace, has bought, sight unseen, her mother's family home -- that she's the buyer is unknown to the grandmother who sold it and her lawyer. Grace promised her mother, as she was dying, that she'd restore the home to its former glory.
She does still have family living in the area, which is a small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. For the most part, they're not thrilled to have her there and firmly believe she engaged in some sort of skullduggery to get the house which they view as their birthright. And plus: they're broke and figure there are valuables hidden there.
The house is in HORRIBLE shape -- poor repair, some vandalism, infested with various critters -- including a squatter: her disreputable cousin who, among other things, has been illicitly searching for anything of value to remove. As it appears mostly structurally sound, Grace moves forward with her plan to fix it up, search for any memorabilia that would tell her more about her mother -- and her father, and sell it.
There are lots of questions: What happened to her grandfather? And her grandmother? Is there more to know about who her father is? Where did the family's fortune go? What happened to her mother's other brother Tony? Why is her living brother, Stark, so angry? Why does her cousin Winston keep showing up even when warned off? Is she falling for Bryce, the contractor she hired? Why doesn't he want her in the basement, really? Who's body is it in the grave discovered in the backyard? How does the lawyer, Cyrus, fit into everything? And the neighbor Avril? And her sister Andrea who's been missing for 50 years? Are the 'accidents' really accidents? Or intentional vandalism?
The problem, for me, is that not all of these questions were answered. A lot of things were implied, but I missed a wind-up chapter that confirmed various little things. So I got to the end and had a "but wait, what about ..... " moment. Still, I enjoyed it enough that I'll check out the second in the series.
The basic story is that a woman, Grace, has bought, sight unseen, her mother's family home -- that she's the buyer is unknown to the grandmother who sold it and her lawyer. Grace promised her mother, as she was dying, that she'd restore the home to its former glory.
She does still have family living in the area, which is a small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. For the most part, they're not thrilled to have her there and firmly believe she engaged in some sort of skullduggery to get the house which they view as their birthright. And plus: they're broke and figure there are valuables hidden there.
The house is in HORRIBLE shape -- poor repair, some vandalism, infested with various critters -- including a squatter: her disreputable cousin who, among other things, has been illicitly searching for anything of value to remove. As it appears mostly structurally sound, Grace moves forward with her plan to fix it up, search for any memorabilia that would tell her more about her mother -- and her father, and sell it.
There are lots of questions: What happened to her grandfather? And her grandmother? Is there more to know about who her father is? Where did the family's fortune go? What happened to her mother's other brother Tony? Why is her living brother, Stark, so angry? Why does her cousin Winston keep showing up even when warned off? Is she falling for Bryce, the contractor she hired? Why doesn't he want her in the basement, really? Who's body is it in the grave discovered in the backyard? How does the lawyer, Cyrus, fit into everything? And the neighbor Avril? And her sister Andrea who's been missing for 50 years? Are the 'accidents' really accidents? Or intentional vandalism?
The problem, for me, is that not all of these questions were answered. A lot of things were implied, but I missed a wind-up chapter that confirmed various little things. So I got to the end and had a "but wait, what about ..... " moment. Still, I enjoyed it enough that I'll check out the second in the series.
March 25, 2025
Grace, a Washington, D.C. lawyer, on the dying wish of her mother, forms a corporation to purchase the family estate. What she finds is a ancient run down 5 room mansion, in much worse state then was promised. In the process of renovating it she meets relative's she didn't know she had, makes new friends, or does she? Who was her father? And what is at the heart of the mysterious mansion? Told in present day with flash backs in the form of letters the story unfolds. The story is well written and I liked Grace, instead of building tension the story drags and I caught myself skim-reading. I don't think I'll read the next book, but as I type this, I can't help but wonder what will happen next? The mark of a good book, when the characters become so real to you that you can't wait to continue reading their story...
October 22, 2024
This was a fun read. The "who" of this whodunnit was not terribly surprising, but there were moments of doubt. I didn't like the main character at the beginning of book, but she grew on me somewhat as the story went along. Being able to evoke that kind of feeling for a character, negative or positive, to me is a sign of a good author.
Having grown up on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and having driven from the DC area to the ESVA many, many times, going through Easton, MD on the way, it was fun reading a book that took place in my neighborhood. Well sort of my neighborhood. Close enough!
Having grown up on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and having driven from the DC area to the ESVA many, many times, going through Easton, MD on the way, it was fun reading a book that took place in my neighborhood. Well sort of my neighborhood. Close enough!
December 31, 2024
I enjoyed the writing but the payoff at the end was flat.
Too many unanswered questions. Yes we find out who killed Audrey (Ford, Gracie’s grandfather) but it is ambiguous as to whether Ford runs away or kills himself.
I can only assume that Ford’s wife stays in the Delaney home so no one discovers the dead body?
What drove Stark bonkers? I guess he could not be trusted to keep the Delaney house.
I feel like this book tricked me and while I may get more answers in the second book it is just not worth the time.
Too many unanswered questions. Yes we find out who killed Audrey (Ford, Gracie’s grandfather) but it is ambiguous as to whether Ford runs away or kills himself.
I can only assume that Ford’s wife stays in the Delaney home so no one discovers the dead body?
What drove Stark bonkers? I guess he could not be trusted to keep the Delaney house.
I feel like this book tricked me and while I may get more answers in the second book it is just not worth the time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2025
Audiobook
Rounded up from 3.5 stars.
Interesting story but didn’t really grab me until they found human remains in the backyard.
A little hard to follow the POV from Grace-now, to Emma writing letters years ago.
I did not expect the handsome, likable guy to be the bad guy, so that was a surprise.
Wrap up at the end left me with some questions, but did Tory up most things.
It was good for me, just not great. Might give the next book a chance because this is my first time reading this author.
Rounded up from 3.5 stars.
Interesting story but didn’t really grab me until they found human remains in the backyard.
A little hard to follow the POV from Grace-now, to Emma writing letters years ago.
I did not expect the handsome, likable guy to be the bad guy, so that was a surprise.
Wrap up at the end left me with some questions, but did Tory up most things.
It was good for me, just not great. Might give the next book a chance because this is my first time reading this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2024
Family Secrets
Wow! I just finished this book and what a story! I kind of wished I knew more when the book finished. Now I'll have to look for more in the series, I need more. For a smart woman, I can't believe some of the things she did, especially letting herself get drugged. Overall though, the characters were great, well described, and detailed. The conversations flowed naturally. I really enjoyed it.
Wow! I just finished this book and what a story! I kind of wished I knew more when the book finished. Now I'll have to look for more in the series, I need more. For a smart woman, I can't believe some of the things she did, especially letting herself get drugged. Overall though, the characters were great, well described, and detailed. The conversations flowed naturally. I really enjoyed it.
July 14, 2025
Has a spoiler: This was a "popcorn" book. Easy to read, very light story with some good descriptions of an old house. I wish I could have gotten more invested in the characters---but they were all shallow and not very likeable. The big "mystery" wasn't much of a mystery, and the conflict of who was Grace's father is never resolved.
Language: I appeciated the fact that this book has very clean language. Rare these days!
Language: I appeciated the fact that this book has very clean language. Rare these days!
June 5, 2022
I liked it
This story kept my interest enough that I looked forward to ANY down time to read. Boy was this family dysfunctional, I kept wondering why Grace wanted to be a part of it. I guessed who had murdered Audrey, but I was interested in knowing Grace would find out. Good read.
This story kept my interest enough that I looked forward to ANY down time to read. Boy was this family dysfunctional, I kept wondering why Grace wanted to be a part of it. I guessed who had murdered Audrey, but I was interested in knowing Grace would find out. Good read.
February 16, 2023
Hard to put down
Great story. Interesting characters. Grace Reagan goes back to her mother Julia’s home town to buy the Delaney family home, where her mother grew up. Her mother Julia has been estranged from her family for years. Grace buys the property with intentions to restore it.
Great story. Interesting characters. Grace Reagan goes back to her mother Julia’s home town to buy the Delaney family home, where her mother grew up. Her mother Julia has been estranged from her family for years. Grace buys the property with intentions to restore it.
February 19, 2024
I truly had trouble putting this book down. So many twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. Characters are well-developed and multidimensional. The plot is very fast-paced, and descriptions put the reader right in the thick of the action. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I plan to read more!!
November 24, 2024
Squatter’s Rights
Wow. Not the ending I expected.
A convoluted story of generations of family secrets and lies. An ancient, crumbling mansion, and the grave in the yard, is the heart of them all.
I noted a handful of minor editing errors, none of them distracted from the story.
Highly recommended.
Wow. Not the ending I expected.
A convoluted story of generations of family secrets and lies. An ancient, crumbling mansion, and the grave in the yard, is the heart of them all.
I noted a handful of minor editing errors, none of them distracted from the story.
Highly recommended.
January 26, 2025
Good plot, unlikeable characters
The plot was good with many unpredictable twists and turns, but the characters were so unlikeable I didn't care what happened to them. I still read until the end and it seemed quite abrupt with questions left unanswered. I also never could figure out what happened to Tony.
The plot was good with many unpredictable twists and turns, but the characters were so unlikeable I didn't care what happened to them. I still read until the end and it seemed quite abrupt with questions left unanswered. I also never could figure out what happened to Tony.
July 10, 2025
This was a bit strange. I wasn't sure where it was going, so if you like feeling unsettled, this is that kind of book. I never rightly found my footing with it to be able to say what it's really about. A woman buys a house sight unseen. Instead of the pictures she saw, there's a tub fallen through to the living room and a person trapped (but alive) underneath. It just continues to be odd from there.
October 12, 2025
fun stuff
I live near and travel to the Eastern Shore often so this book grabbed my attention and held it tightly through a finely wrought story of family strife any mystery. I’m on to the next one in the series and then may grab my husband and head out to Kent Island for some oyster stew and crabs. C’mon!
I live near and travel to the Eastern Shore often so this book grabbed my attention and held it tightly through a finely wrought story of family strife any mystery. I’m on to the next one in the series and then may grab my husband and head out to Kent Island for some oyster stew and crabs. C’mon!
November 9, 2025
Very long story
Very thorough and detailed and intricate plot. Very hard to keep up with. Multiple characters with separate interests and intertwining stories. Still I stuck with it to the end. Very anticlimactic and it left ending without knowing what Grace did and status of other characters or the jewelry..... Confusing
Very thorough and detailed and intricate plot. Very hard to keep up with. Multiple characters with separate interests and intertwining stories. Still I stuck with it to the end. Very anticlimactic and it left ending without knowing what Grace did and status of other characters or the jewelry..... Confusing
August 10, 2022
3.75 stars. It took me a really long time to get into the storyline...at first wasn't sure what the main thrust of the plot was . . . but about 2/3 of the way through I really got into it. I think I will definately try the next book in the series.
February 12, 2023
Grest
I guess I thought I knew some of the advanced plot. Some yes, some not at all. This a great book. I love the old home. Can walk through in my head. I hope when I get to the end of the series that Grace keeps it. Have to keep reading to find out
I guess I thought I knew some of the advanced plot. Some yes, some not at all. This a great book. I love the old home. Can walk through in my head. I hope when I get to the end of the series that Grace keeps it. Have to keep reading to find out
June 11, 2023
Confusing story
This book interested me at first and then I lost interest in it. I managed to finish reading it and am still a bit confused. I hope other readers find it more appealing.
This book interested me at first and then I lost interest in it. I managed to finish reading it and am still a bit confused. I hope other readers find it more appealing.
July 30, 2023
An engaging family drama murder mystery. Grace Reagan is a strong and likable protagonist. Although this is a debut novel for Grace and her further life adventures, this story line is well told and will have a conclusion, no cheap and unfulfilling cliff-hangers.
February 28, 2024
This one surprised me. I picked this up because of the location on Maryland's Eastern Shore, expecting a rather average mystery. It was much better than I expected! I am looking forward to reading more in the series and find out what happens next!
May 31, 2024
Very good mystery
Well written book with a great plot. Many twists and turns, and not easy to determine who's who or what's what. I didn't solve the mysteries until the last words. Yes, I meant to write mysteries, but they all fit neatly together. Well done.
Well written book with a great plot. Many twists and turns, and not easy to determine who's who or what's what. I didn't solve the mysteries until the last words. Yes, I meant to write mysteries, but they all fit neatly together. Well done.
June 3, 2024
I still have SO many questions! Does anyone know if they will be answered later in the series?
Who is Grace’s father?
What accident causes Tony’s death?
Why did Julia leave?
Why didn’t Emma take the kids and leave to go stay with her mom?
Who is Grace’s father?
What accident causes Tony’s death?
Why did Julia leave?
Why didn’t Emma take the kids and leave to go stay with her mom?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews