The Accidental Heiress

by Mary Kendall

New from the author of The Spinster’s Fortune: In a quest to save her ancestral property, a horse farm owner just might reveal secrets that cost her everything . . .

Horse farm owner Margaret O’Keefe is desperate to save her family land, Needham Forest. So when she hears a rumor about a hidden treasure on her land, she plunges into a search that uncovers more than gold. Her dig exposes secrets, betrayal, and danger at every turn . . .

Caught between her volatile ex-husband, a scandalous affair, and a complicated romance with her lover, Robert, Margaret finds herself entangled in a web of lies. As her world spirals out of control, she must decide what truly matters—and whether to fight for a future with Robert or walk away for good.

This is a riveting story of resilience, intrigue, and the search for truth, in which the only thing harder to find than buried treasure is a path to a new beginning.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 21, 2025

About the author

Mary Kendall lived in old (and haunted) houses growing up which sparked a life-long interest in history and story-telling. She earned degrees in history related fields and worked as an historian for many years. Her fiction writing is heavily influenced by the past which she believes is never really dead and buried.

Fueled by black coffee and a possible sprinkling of Celtic fairy dust, she tends to find inspiration in odd places and sometimes while kneading bread dough.

Reviews

[Jocelyn Klucar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The court room scenes were wonderfully written and I really hated the prosecuting attorney. I feel more could have been discovered about Robert and why he walked away but I am happy he came back. I love the history that I pulled out my phone to google things. I never knew the original name and history of Taylor Manor. Of course my husband and I had a good giggle at buxom blonde being named Jocelyn! Good one Mary!

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margaret is a great character I was really drawn to her and found the book a real page turner, I had to find out what happened.
With an ex husband causing problems, money needed to save the horse farm that has been in Margaret’s family for generations, the rumours of hidden treasure could be the answer she needs.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little bit of murder, mystery, and some romance romance with a web wound through it all. Margaret can't lose the horse farm that has been in her family for generations, but she is quickly running out of funds. When an old friend of her father offers to help she has some relief, but knows there is still a lot of work to do to make this land and horses profitable again. Amongst talking with some of her father's old friends, the mention of buried treasure keeps getting brought up. Rumor once was that there was gold from the war buried on their property and her father never found it. Could this really be true, maybe things will work out after all? However when she gets word that the benefactor of her farm is on trial for murder, she can hardly believe what is happening? Treasure and horse farm aside, she now is fearing for what will happen to her father's friend and her future now also hangs in the balance with the outcome. Meanwhile, she has her own court dealings when her ex decides he should have claim to her land. What else could go wrong? Margaret has herself in the middle of a tangled web that only she can unwind with some sleuthing, strength and a new start. I always enjoy these mystery novels! Thank you to the author for the complementary ebook. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Rachael Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret O’Keefe is anxious about the financial difficulties her horse stables are facing when a chance mention of a forgotten treasure sparks a glimmer of hope. A solution to her problems may be hidden somewhere very close by. If only she can find it in time. But her hunt is disrupted by a series of shocking events culminating in a well-regarded friend being accused of murder. Worse still, Margaret’s lover, Robert, seems to be pulling away from her.

Mary Kendall does a wonderful job of bringing early 20th century Maryland, USA, to life. Her descriptions of the clothing, the cars, the department stores evoke a glamorous time gone by. The plot is an exciting combination of romance, murder, and hidden treasure, and her characters are beautifully drawn. Margaret is a strong, independent woman, determined to take charge of her own destiny. Robert is a man torn between his love, his family, and his faith. Then there’s Bill and Jocelyn: he’s a wealthy lawyer; she’s his much younger wife. Fertile ground for what comes next.

A pleasure to read. This follow-up to The Spinster’s Fortune can be read as a standalone novel but is all the more enjoyable for knowing the background from the first novel. Mary Kendall is a seriously talented writer and storyteller.

[Jacqueline Moxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author, though I suspect that it is a sequel to a previous book. Past events are referred to throughout the book, but this does not interfere with the reader’s enjoyment and understanding of the story. The setting is 1931, in the USA. The financial strain is telling on Margaret and he inherited horse farm, Needham Forest. She is estranged from her untrustworthy husband, Keith, but he is holding back from signing the divorce papers. Her relationship with Robert is, on the other hand, flourishing. When an old friend, Bill, comes back into her life and is interested in investing in the horse farm, Margaret is delighted. She is considerably less enchanted with Bill’s young bride, Jocelyn. The story looks back at the rekindled relationship between Bill and Margaret, then focuses on his trial for murder. At the same time, Margaret is unsure where her love affair with Robert is going, but tries not to let it worry her as she searches for the hidden gold bullion that would save her farm. It is an interesting story which I enjoyed.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this book can be read as a standalone, it is better to read first "The Spinster's Fortune" since there are a lot of references to the story on this book and it will make the understanding of it a lot better.
This book has a lot going on in its pages, a hidden gold treasure, a horse farm and an old house, a murder and its trial, romance, female determination and wit.
With a very engaging protagonist in Margaret O'Keefe, a very strong and resourceful woman we read about her struggles to keep afloat her inherited horse farm and historic house, her tribulations and setbacks, from lack of money, to a greedy soon to be ex-husband. But also about her budding love affair with Robert, a lawyer.
We also read about a murder committed by another lawyer, an old family friend and investor in her farm.
Would she be able to save her farm, would she find the gold treasure in time to save her property?
With very well researched details, a compelling plot and very well and engaging characters, this book will grab you from beginning to end.

[Charissa Costa Bauhaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally finished THE ACCIDENTAL HEIRESS by Mary Kendall! This is her latest release… but I felt like I just HAD to read the prequel, THE SPINSTER’S FORTUNE, first, and I’m glad I did! Although THE ACCIDENTAL HEIRESS can easily stand alone, the backstory added so much color to this new novel.

In The Accidental Heiress, we rejoin Margaret O’Keefe as she endeavors to save her family’s horse farm from financial ruin. However, it couldn’t possibly be that simple. Because meanwhile, she’s also attempting to steer clear of her volatile ex-husband, navigate a new romance, and locate a Civil War-era treasure rumored to be hidden on her property. But wait! There’s more! Toss in a sordid affair and a murder trial and now you’ve got it. THE ACCIDENTAL HEIRESS has a little bit of everything - historical fiction, crime, romantic mystery, and pursuit of treasure. I found that Kendall’s writing reads much like literary fiction with visually descriptive details and carefully crafted narratives. Overall, totally enjoyable!

[kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author but it certainly won't be my last. I read this as a standalone which was definitely okay and I don't think I missed anything however some previous things were often alluded too, so I definitely want to read the previous book as well as pretty much everything this author has written because I loved it.

The book was well written with a compelling story line that really hooked me in and well developed characters all of whom I was invested in but I found myself really drawn to Margaret. I felt like I was experiencing everything right beside her.

A fantastic read that kept me gripped all the way through and disappointed when it finished. I can't wait to read more.

[Daisy Hollands · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book looked so intriguing and honestly, I was not disappointed. We all know how much I love a strong female protagonist, and Margaret very definitely falls into that category. The story is gripping, not in a “OH MY GOD I can’t put it down!” way, rather in the way that the reader becomes fully immersed and invested and the characters get under the skin. It’s a more enduring read for sure. Wonderfully descriptive and intelligent. There is a book that came before this one, which I hadn’t read but for me The Accidental Heiress works as a standalone. I shall go back and read the first one though and then probably read this one again. A solid, enjoyable read.

[Jean Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the unique setting of this book and the 1920s time period. The author was able to write an intriguing period story without being heavy-handed, create delightful characters, and keep the plot moving at an enjoyable pace. I especially enjoyed the enticing aspect of heirloom treasure woven into the plot, keeping the readers on their toes. Highly recommend that folks grab a copy of this one!

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book but I didn’t realise at first that it was the second in a series. I worked that out once it started to refer to previous events, it didn’t spoil it though. Good characters and storyline.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, full of drama, intrigue, love, romance, betrayal, murder, suspense and a treasure hunt. Margaret is the owner of a horse farm that is having financial trouble which may cause her to lose it. Robert is a lawyer who has been helping Margaret and is now spending more time with her. She has told Robert about her money issues. Now an old worker for her Dad has offered her a way out using his own money. after meeting with Bill, she agrees. Margaret and Robert have also meet his wife, which neither of them like or trust. Next thing she knows is that Bill is accused of murder and again her money issues are back. At some point, Margaret remembers the story of a treasure and starts to investigate. Leads her on a trail to finding this gold treasure. Lots of action and questions that need to be answered. Has some surprises to read about. Good story to read and hard to put down. Would recommend to everyone this who dunit.

I received a free copy of this book via Bernard's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Clara Tegarden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book very much and also the second one. Waiting for the 3 vol. CT