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Deadly Inheritance
The secrets in this south Arkansas town run deep and dangerous…
Merritt Quinn is stunned to learn that, to inherit a sizeable estate, she must discover the truth about her own mother’s death. Aunt Mary left a single Ernie knows.
But Merritt arrives in Crossroads to discover local attorney Ernie Crowell bludgeoned in his office.
The murder is the first test for new police chief Tim Birch, and he’s determined to prove himself worthy of the promotion. His prime suspects are members of two feuding families who covet Merritt’s land. But Ernie had an active caseload that included several dissatisfied clients, and Tim must also deal with fallout from a newspaper article exposing possible criminal actions by the company that employs most of the townspeople. The mayor wants answers—now.
As Merritt researches her family’s past, she uncovers dangerous secrets. The truth will change her life—and Crossroads— forever, but first she must survive a killer intent on keeping past crimes buried.
Merritt Quinn is stunned to learn that, to inherit a sizeable estate, she must discover the truth about her own mother’s death. Aunt Mary left a single Ernie knows.
But Merritt arrives in Crossroads to discover local attorney Ernie Crowell bludgeoned in his office.
The murder is the first test for new police chief Tim Birch, and he’s determined to prove himself worthy of the promotion. His prime suspects are members of two feuding families who covet Merritt’s land. But Ernie had an active caseload that included several dissatisfied clients, and Tim must also deal with fallout from a newspaper article exposing possible criminal actions by the company that employs most of the townspeople. The mayor wants answers—now.
As Merritt researches her family’s past, she uncovers dangerous secrets. The truth will change her life—and Crossroads— forever, but first she must survive a killer intent on keeping past crimes buried.
- GenresMystery
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2025
3 people are currently reading
1670 people want to read
About the author
Carol Light
11 books28 followersWhat's life without a little mystery?
Carol Light is an avid reader and writer of mysteries. She loves creating amateur sleuths and complicating their normal lives with a crime that requires their talents and wits to solve. Her Cluttered Crime series features amateur sleuth Crystal Ward, a professional organizer in Chicago who solves crimes with the often reluctant assistance of her husband, Rick. Carol is currently writing her new Southern Secrets mystery series. The first book, Deadly Inheritance, will be released by Tule Publishing in March 2025. Follow Carol at https://www.carollightauthor.com
Carol has traveled worldwide and lived in Australia for eight years, teaching high school English and learning to speak “Strine.” Florida is now her home. If she’s not at the beach or writing, you can find her tackling quilting in much the same way that she figures out her mysteries—piece by piece, clue by clue.
Carol Light is an avid reader and writer of mysteries. She loves creating amateur sleuths and complicating their normal lives with a crime that requires their talents and wits to solve. Her Cluttered Crime series features amateur sleuth Crystal Ward, a professional organizer in Chicago who solves crimes with the often reluctant assistance of her husband, Rick. Carol is currently writing her new Southern Secrets mystery series. The first book, Deadly Inheritance, will be released by Tule Publishing in March 2025. Follow Carol at https://www.carollightauthor.com
Carol has traveled worldwide and lived in Australia for eight years, teaching high school English and learning to speak “Strine.” Florida is now her home. If she’s not at the beach or writing, you can find her tackling quilting in much the same way that she figures out her mysteries—piece by piece, clue by clue.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 22, 2025
When Merritt’s honorary Aunt Mary leaves her property in a small Arkansas town, it comes with a stipulation. Merritt has to travel there from her home in Indiana to look into a cold case that Aunt Mary claims was closed incorrectly. This is a solid mystery and first in a new series. Characters include a local newspaper man, a friend from Merritt’s college years, a helpful librarian and many townspeople from this Southern town. A quick, good read.
February 12, 2025
Lies and truths buried. Will Merritt be alive to finish uncovering her past and that of others in the small town? People want secrets to stay buried, but at what cost and lengths will they go to keep them hidden?!
I liked that Merritt found family and good friends and would be very welcome if/when
she chose to return. This was a very suspenseful and gripping story that kept me turning pages for more answers. I was clueless as to the villain, but when it was revealed it made me sick!!!! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
I liked that Merritt found family and good friends and would be very welcome if/when
she chose to return. This was a very suspenseful and gripping story that kept me turning pages for more answers. I was clueless as to the villain, but when it was revealed it made me sick!!!! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
March 18, 2025
Great story and I loved reading the book. We start out meeting Merritt Quinn and we find out that she is only 39 and already the Assistant Professor of
Environmental Science at Purdue University in Indiana. She was just notified of an inheritance that her Aunt Mary had left her and the lawyer, Ernie Crowell wanted to meet with her and discuss the details. I guess it is a very sizeable estate in Crossroads Arkansas. She will find out all of the details of her mother's death and Aunt Mary left her a single clue "Ernie Knows". Not a lot of information to go on but hopefully the lawyer will have lots of answers for her.
When Merritt arrives at the lawyers office it appears to be empty, so she sits down and waits. Maybe he stepped out for coffee or is running late. Does he not have a receptionist? She is supposed to meet Ernie at 9 am. Soon two other men come in the office and they introduce themselves as Bry McMillian and Paul Fletcher. They have appointments with the lawyer too. After about 10 minutes or so Bry McMillian starts to get bored and starts looking around the office. The receptionist is on vacation but maybe he can find a clue as to where Ernie is. Bry smells something bad by the door to Ernie's office and upon breaking down the door he finds the lawyer bludgeoned in his office.
The murder is the first test of the new police chief Tim Birch and he is determined to solve the case and prove himself worthy of the promotion. His prime suspects are the two men in the office that have been feuding over Merritt's land. And I guess some of the lawyers clients have not been too happy with him lately.
Environmental Science at Purdue University in Indiana. She was just notified of an inheritance that her Aunt Mary had left her and the lawyer, Ernie Crowell wanted to meet with her and discuss the details. I guess it is a very sizeable estate in Crossroads Arkansas. She will find out all of the details of her mother's death and Aunt Mary left her a single clue "Ernie Knows". Not a lot of information to go on but hopefully the lawyer will have lots of answers for her.
When Merritt arrives at the lawyers office it appears to be empty, so she sits down and waits. Maybe he stepped out for coffee or is running late. Does he not have a receptionist? She is supposed to meet Ernie at 9 am. Soon two other men come in the office and they introduce themselves as Bry McMillian and Paul Fletcher. They have appointments with the lawyer too. After about 10 minutes or so Bry McMillian starts to get bored and starts looking around the office. The receptionist is on vacation but maybe he can find a clue as to where Ernie is. Bry smells something bad by the door to Ernie's office and upon breaking down the door he finds the lawyer bludgeoned in his office.
The murder is the first test of the new police chief Tim Birch and he is determined to solve the case and prove himself worthy of the promotion. His prime suspects are the two men in the office that have been feuding over Merritt's land. And I guess some of the lawyers clients have not been too happy with him lately.
February 25, 2025
This book was a very ‘southern’ book. The people, the grudges. My only complaint for that aspect is I seem to remember it being a small town with a population close to what I’m
familiar with, and being such it has conveniences for the book purposes that normally wouldn’t be available. Such as an inn/motel.
As for the story itself, not bad. At first I had trouble keeping all the who’s who straight, but that could just be my personal head space at the time.
For a mystery, I had suspicions pretty early as to the who-done-it.
It definitely has the messed up family part down. However, I don’t think it ever addresses what the original died between families was and I’d have liked to see that addressed or at least hinted at if it’s addressed in a later book.
My last complaint is if this pond was so toxic that it had deterred the wildlife away from it for so long, why was the snake there? Another convenient thing to make the plot more interesting/intense?
Despite plot points of convenience it was a fun read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
familiar with, and being such it has conveniences for the book purposes that normally wouldn’t be available. Such as an inn/motel.
As for the story itself, not bad. At first I had trouble keeping all the who’s who straight, but that could just be my personal head space at the time.
For a mystery, I had suspicions pretty early as to the who-done-it.
It definitely has the messed up family part down. However, I don’t think it ever addresses what the original died between families was and I’d have liked to see that addressed or at least hinted at if it’s addressed in a later book.
My last complaint is if this pond was so toxic that it had deterred the wildlife away from it for so long, why was the snake there? Another convenient thing to make the plot more interesting/intense?
Despite plot points of convenience it was a fun read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 19, 2025
Carol Light is a new author for me and I must say I enjoyed her characters and plot line. I'll certainly look for book 2 in the Southern Secrets series as this is book 1. Merritt Quinn is stunned to learn that, to inherit a sizeable estate, she must discover the truth about her own mother’s death. Aunt Mary left a single clue: Ernie knows.
But Merritt arrives in Crossroads to discover local attorney Ernie Crowell bludgeoned in his office.
The murder is the first test for new police chief Tim Birch, and he’s determined to prove himself worthy of the promotion. His prime suspects are members of two feuding families who covet Merritt’s land. But Ernie had an active caseload that included several dissatisfied clients, and Tim must also deal with fallout from a newspaper article exposing possible criminal actions by the company that employs most of the townspeople. The mayor wants answers—now.
As Merritt researches her family’s past, she uncovers dangerous secrets. The truth will change her life—and Crossroads— forever, but first she must survive a killer intent on keeping past crimes buried.
But Merritt arrives in Crossroads to discover local attorney Ernie Crowell bludgeoned in his office.
The murder is the first test for new police chief Tim Birch, and he’s determined to prove himself worthy of the promotion. His prime suspects are members of two feuding families who covet Merritt’s land. But Ernie had an active caseload that included several dissatisfied clients, and Tim must also deal with fallout from a newspaper article exposing possible criminal actions by the company that employs most of the townspeople. The mayor wants answers—now.
As Merritt researches her family’s past, she uncovers dangerous secrets. The truth will change her life—and Crossroads— forever, but first she must survive a killer intent on keeping past crimes buried.
March 22, 2025
Deadly Inheritance ~ Southern Secrets Mysteries #1 by Carol Light.
Blurb:
The secrets in this south Arkansas town run deep and dangerous…
Deadly Inheritance is the first book by Carol in a new series set in a small town, Crossroads, in Arkansas. It has been written extremely well, full of intrigue, suspense, feuds between two families, murder and twists.
The characters and storyline are brought to life by Carol's descriptive writing.
Merritt Quinn learns that she is to inherit the large estate from her late Aunt Mary in Crossroads. When Merritt arrives to meet the attorney, Ernie Crowell, she is not alone, also there to meet him are Bry McMillan and Paul Fletcher. But what they find is his dead body!
A great start to this new series, which kept me engaged and guessing from start to finish. I highly recommend this book to all, it deserves more than 5* and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Informative, Original, Page-turner, Realistic, andWonderful characters
Blurb:
The secrets in this south Arkansas town run deep and dangerous…
Deadly Inheritance is the first book by Carol in a new series set in a small town, Crossroads, in Arkansas. It has been written extremely well, full of intrigue, suspense, feuds between two families, murder and twists.
The characters and storyline are brought to life by Carol's descriptive writing.
Merritt Quinn learns that she is to inherit the large estate from her late Aunt Mary in Crossroads. When Merritt arrives to meet the attorney, Ernie Crowell, she is not alone, also there to meet him are Bry McMillan and Paul Fletcher. But what they find is his dead body!
A great start to this new series, which kept me engaged and guessing from start to finish. I highly recommend this book to all, it deserves more than 5* and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Informative, Original, Page-turner, Realistic, andWonderful characters
March 18, 2025
Merritt Quinn very quickly learns that discovering the truth and unburying secrets can be dangerous to your health. The sizable inheritance that is due to Merritt has a stipulation about investigating a decades old crime. When she finds the attorney dead in his office, she has no idea where to start and what she is supposed to do.
This fantastic mystery has everything to make it an interesting read including feuding families (think Hatfield and McCoy), long-buried secrets as well as cover ups and enough intrigue and suspense to keep you up all night reading because you will have to know the truth. The new sheriff is about to get his first taste of a real mystery to solve. Merritt is beginning to wonder if it is worth it all.
The action is almost constant and the story is gripping with a few twists that will leave you slack jawed.
Thank you to Tule Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This fantastic mystery has everything to make it an interesting read including feuding families (think Hatfield and McCoy), long-buried secrets as well as cover ups and enough intrigue and suspense to keep you up all night reading because you will have to know the truth. The new sheriff is about to get his first taste of a real mystery to solve. Merritt is beginning to wonder if it is worth it all.
The action is almost constant and the story is gripping with a few twists that will leave you slack jawed.
Thank you to Tule Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 30, 2025
This is the first in a series by Carol Light and I thoroughly enjoyed Deadly Inheritance
Merritt Quinn becomes involved in a murder investigation after she attends an appointment with a lawyer in Crossroads , Arkansas Her intention is to return to her university teaching job after 3 days but a number of pit falls prevent this and her longer stay sees her getting to know many of the residents and learning of the secrets surrounding the families . Numerous twists and turns kept the tension and the author has penned a satisfactory ending which has me craving for the next in the series
So great plot well written , with strong characters in a fascinating small town in America , everything I love in a good mystery so a great read which will be loved by many people .
Thanks for the ARC e-copy and a chance to review
Merritt Quinn becomes involved in a murder investigation after she attends an appointment with a lawyer in Crossroads , Arkansas Her intention is to return to her university teaching job after 3 days but a number of pit falls prevent this and her longer stay sees her getting to know many of the residents and learning of the secrets surrounding the families . Numerous twists and turns kept the tension and the author has penned a satisfactory ending which has me craving for the next in the series
So great plot well written , with strong characters in a fascinating small town in America , everything I love in a good mystery so a great read which will be loved by many people .
Thanks for the ARC e-copy and a chance to review
March 7, 2025
I really enjoyed it. It's full of suspense and intrigue with events from many years ago having an impact on events in the present day.
It had me hooked from the start when Merritt travels to a solicitor's office to discover what her secret inheritance is and why she had to travel so far to find out. When the solicitor is found murdered, she finds herself immediately in the middle of the investigation. I loved the small town vibes, and the local feud and for a small town, there seems to be various shady activities going on. All these ensured I was guaranteed to keep reading. There is plenty to keep me hooked for future reads.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It had me hooked from the start when Merritt travels to a solicitor's office to discover what her secret inheritance is and why she had to travel so far to find out. When the solicitor is found murdered, she finds herself immediately in the middle of the investigation. I loved the small town vibes, and the local feud and for a small town, there seems to be various shady activities going on. All these ensured I was guaranteed to keep reading. There is plenty to keep me hooked for future reads.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 19, 2025
Love the book cover,blurb . Merritt Quinn aunt has passed and left her a sizable inheritance but 1st there's some stipulations before receiving the huge sum. She has to travel to Crossroads, Arkansas to dig up information about her mom's murder.What do you do when no one knows you in a small town and want to keep their secrets dead and buried and don't want strangers snooping around.They will kill to keep them that way, Ernie the town's lawyer knew something ,but was permanently silenced right before Merritt was to meet up to receive her inheritance . Will it be worth it in the end or let the secrets and the people rest in peace. It seems everyone wants Aunt Mary's land ,who will get it in the end? A real page turner.
March 19, 2025
Deadly Inheritance is the first book in the newest addictive series by Carol Light. The series is titled Southern Secrets Mysteries with this being one whooper of a secret. Merritt Quinn goes to Crossroads, Arkansas at her late honorary aunt’s last request. It looks like a friendly community on one hand but dangerous on the other kind of Southern small town.
I completely enjoyed the first series I read by Ms. Light, Cluttered Crime Mysteries. However, this is not quite as cozy but is more gritty, twisty and thinking kind of book. I absolutely love it! Merritt makes friends, survives being shot at and finds answers to her questions. Yet more unanswered questions arise. I can hardly wait for the next book.
I completely enjoyed the first series I read by Ms. Light, Cluttered Crime Mysteries. However, this is not quite as cozy but is more gritty, twisty and thinking kind of book. I absolutely love it! Merritt makes friends, survives being shot at and finds answers to her questions. Yet more unanswered questions arise. I can hardly wait for the next book.
March 19, 2025
Deadly Inheritance is the first book in Carol’s new series, Southern Secrets mysteries. This book is set in a small town in Arkansas. Crossroads definitely had its secrets. Cold cases, polluted ponds, a corrupt citizen and much family drama!
Merritt Quinn comes to crossroads after her Aunt Mary’s passing. She was a bit confused as to why aunt Mary had left her such a large inheritance. This book has so many twists and turns that it was definitely hard to put down. A very compelling story, so well written, with amazing character characters.
If you’re looking for a good mystery, I highly recommend the story. And I definitely cannot wait for book 2 to come out.
Merritt Quinn comes to crossroads after her Aunt Mary’s passing. She was a bit confused as to why aunt Mary had left her such a large inheritance. This book has so many twists and turns that it was definitely hard to put down. A very compelling story, so well written, with amazing character characters.
If you’re looking for a good mystery, I highly recommend the story. And I definitely cannot wait for book 2 to come out.
March 22, 2025
This story had a bit of a slow start and then tons of action, adventures and intrigue. I really enjoyed reading about Merritt’s journey to discover her past and what Crossroads is really all about. There were great characters and lots of red herrings and a wonderful small town setting. Past and present, secrets and surprises fill this wonderful mystery story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2025
This was just “okay”. It took me several times to get to the finish line. The story line was a good idea, but it didn’t ever become “gripping”. There was a line where Merritt’s mother asked if getting the inheritance was worth all the trouble, and I was like “Are you serious?!?! It’s 27 million dollars!!” So that kind of put me in a “feel” for the rest of the book. I didn’t like it 😞
- [ ] Disclaimer - I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.
- [ ] Disclaimer - I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.
February 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Its setting in a small close knit town was perfect and you really grow interested in all of its inhabitants as you read. I was positive I had solved all of the little mysteries building up but was absolutely shocked with a little twist at the end. Excellent read and I can’t wait for more from this series
March 17, 2025
Deadly Inheritance is the 1st book in a new Southern Secrets Mysteries series. This was a new author for me, but I will definitely will be reading more of her books. For me this was one of the best books I have read this year so far, I could not put this book down. I most definitely would recommend this book to others.
I received and ARC from BookSirens and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I received and ARC from BookSirens and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
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March 21, 2025Suspenseful and gripping. Some people will go to any measure to keep their secrets from coming to light. I could not stop reading and hope there are many more to come in this series.
March 25, 2025
The mixture of lies and truths is spellbinding. Read on to discover which is the truth.
August 12, 2025
A great story line with interesting characters that you really get to know. Buying the second book in the series now!!
August 24, 2025
Small town murder. OK, but I didn't find it particularly gripping.
July 8, 2025
Deadly Inheritance is the first book in Carol Light’s awesome new series, Southern Secrets Mysteries. I found this book to be well written and so engrossing that I couldn’t put it down. The book is set in a small town in Arkansas - Crossroads. The heroine, Merritt Quinn is an Assistant Professor in Environmental Science at Purdue University in Indiana. She has come to Crossroads to meet with an attorney following the death of a family friend she learned is her aunt. Merritt has inherited her aunt Mary’s vast estate, provided she satisfy the stipulations in the will. To do this she must come to Crossroads where the attorney, Ernie will explain everything to her. She plans to remain in town for a couple days to also investigate a closed police case. Merritt is adopted and just recently learned information about her birth family.
As the book opens, Merritt arrives at Ernie’s law office, followed by the arrival of two other men, Bry McMillan and Paul Fletcher. It is obvious the two are not friends. The 3 discover all had a 9 am appointment with Ernie, oddly. They look through the office suite and discover Ernie has been murdered. They call the police and Chief Tim arrives. None of them know Merritt or why she is there and she keeps the full truth to herself. Everyone is questioned and then when finished, they leave. She then meets the reporter/newspaper owner Jack. Eventually she makes her way to the library where she meets the librarian and tries to find out more about Mary and her connection to Crossroads and her background information. She is able to discover some about Mary’s family. Merritt has an address for the property in Crossroads that Mary owned and also the name of her birth mother but she’s not sure how it connects to Mary. She is worried how she will fulfill the stipulations of the will to inherit now that Ernie has died. While at the library, she sees her old college roommate’s ex boyfriend. The relationship ended badly so she isn’t thrilled to see him. He is staying at the same hotel and is working at the lumber company there. He offers to show her around town and she takes him up on the offer.
Merritt continues her research and investigation to learn more about Mary and also her birth family. She discovers the McMillan and Fletchers are long time enemies and both want to buy the same plot of land which coincidentally is the land Merritt is supposed to inherit. In addition, she learns from her friends’s ex that the lumber company also wants to buy her land. They are going through some problems and may ultimately sell if they can. She must learn the truth about her birth mother’s death circumstances as well in order to inherit. She also goes to the newspaper office to read through the archives. People are becoming aware of her inheritance and acting against her. There are several surprises in the book as well as lots of suspense and mystery amongst the people in the town. The ending is very surprising. I certainly didn’t predict it.
This book is such a good read. I loved everything about it. The story shows what life is like in a southern town. There’s family loyalty, prejudices and also welcoming citizens to new arrivals. I like the characters a lot. Carol did a great job in developing so many different people. The interactions were fun to read and there’s lots of suspense as well as heartfelt moments. I’ve read Carol’s previous series and liked it alot too. I highly recommend it and give it 5 stars.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
As the book opens, Merritt arrives at Ernie’s law office, followed by the arrival of two other men, Bry McMillan and Paul Fletcher. It is obvious the two are not friends. The 3 discover all had a 9 am appointment with Ernie, oddly. They look through the office suite and discover Ernie has been murdered. They call the police and Chief Tim arrives. None of them know Merritt or why she is there and she keeps the full truth to herself. Everyone is questioned and then when finished, they leave. She then meets the reporter/newspaper owner Jack. Eventually she makes her way to the library where she meets the librarian and tries to find out more about Mary and her connection to Crossroads and her background information. She is able to discover some about Mary’s family. Merritt has an address for the property in Crossroads that Mary owned and also the name of her birth mother but she’s not sure how it connects to Mary. She is worried how she will fulfill the stipulations of the will to inherit now that Ernie has died. While at the library, she sees her old college roommate’s ex boyfriend. The relationship ended badly so she isn’t thrilled to see him. He is staying at the same hotel and is working at the lumber company there. He offers to show her around town and she takes him up on the offer.
Merritt continues her research and investigation to learn more about Mary and also her birth family. She discovers the McMillan and Fletchers are long time enemies and both want to buy the same plot of land which coincidentally is the land Merritt is supposed to inherit. In addition, she learns from her friends’s ex that the lumber company also wants to buy her land. They are going through some problems and may ultimately sell if they can. She must learn the truth about her birth mother’s death circumstances as well in order to inherit. She also goes to the newspaper office to read through the archives. People are becoming aware of her inheritance and acting against her. There are several surprises in the book as well as lots of suspense and mystery amongst the people in the town. The ending is very surprising. I certainly didn’t predict it.
This book is such a good read. I loved everything about it. The story shows what life is like in a southern town. There’s family loyalty, prejudices and also welcoming citizens to new arrivals. I like the characters a lot. Carol did a great job in developing so many different people. The interactions were fun to read and there’s lots of suspense as well as heartfelt moments. I’ve read Carol’s previous series and liked it alot too. I highly recommend it and give it 5 stars.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews