Inheritance and Intrigue in the Cotswolds

Treasured Journey Mystery Series #.05

by Victoria Tait

Family tensions fracture when an antique ring resurfaces, shattering the silence surrounding an unresolved death and long-held betrayals. Can an amateur sleuth uncover the truth before the family splits beyond repair?

Renowned antiques expert, Georgina Carey, is determined to set things right as she sorts through the possessions of her disgraced late husband. Among the valuables in a hidden safe, she discovers a striking sapphire ring. But when she arrives at Marchwood Hall to return it, she finds herself caught between two women, each insisting the ring is rightfully theirs.

Out of options, Georgina calls the police, but their attention shifts to an unsolved death. Undeterred, she pursues her own enquiries and begins to uncover the truth about what really happened on a dark, cold November night.

Can she help the police solve their case, or will the truth splinter like the lies she’s uncovered?

Join Georgina Carey in this captivating prequel to The Treasured Journey Mystery series, where personal betrayals and hidden truths lead to unexpected discoveries. With the support of friends and family, Georgina begins to rebuild her life—and solve a mystery or two—proving that even broken beginnings can lead to remarkable second chances.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

ebook

First published February 1, 2025

About the author

Hi, would you like to download Hour is Come, the FREE prequel to my Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series?

If so visit https://bookfunnel.victoriatait.com/s... or visit my website https://www.victoriatait.com

I was born and raised in Yorkshire, England, and never expected to travel the world. I've drawn on my life’s experiences of following my military husband, and a love of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Murder She Wrote, to write British-based cozy mysteries.

My determined and hard-working female sleuths are joined by colourful but realistic teams of helpers, and my settings are vivid and evocative. As you’re compelled to keep turning the pages, you’ll be irresistibly drawn into a world of intrigue, surprises, and humour, as well as a delectable helping of mystery, because tea and intrigue are a perfect blend.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro. If you’re a fan of the Dotty Sayers series you’ll be familiar with the troubles that have been haunting George. This is a transitional story one where we see here stepping away from Akemans and into new adventures. Here are the first steps of the journey. I enjoyed this blend of the new and the old and thought George was the most raw, honest and genuine that she’s ever been. Loved the mystery and the history of the ring so cool yet tragic. I eagerly await whatever adventures lay ahead for George and cannot wait to read all about them!

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the storyline as well as the interaction of the characters. What's done in the dark will come to the light. Georgina is coming to grips with the death of her husband and finding that he led a double life. As the consequences of of his actions become known she must strive to rebuild her life and save the reputation of the family business.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inheritance and Intrigue is the charming prequel to an upcoming series starring Georgina Carey. If you’ve read the Dotty Sayers series, you’re very familiar with George. However, if this is a new series to you, don’t worry; you’ll keep up just fine! It’s the perfect place to start this journey with Georgina. She’s recently lost her unfaithful crook of a husband, yet she’s still grieving. That’s evident as she struggles to go through his things with Dotty. She’s not sure who she is right now, but once this short mystery involving a ring and a murder is solved, she’s asked to head to the Azores to value items of a recently deceased man. And this kicks off the new series and the next stage of Georgina’s life.

I highly recommend it for its well-written characters, fast-moving plot, and lovely setting. It’s the perfect bridge between the old and the new!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great introduction to a new series. It was short, but interesting. I'm looking forward to getting to know a different side of George! Nice little cameo appearances from existing characters too.

[Shawn Varney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a sweet lil gem of a story that held my interest til the end.
The main character is relatable and I enjoyed the development of the mystery and it's conclusion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgina discovers some antiques in her husband's safe. Since he is deceased she tries to find the true owners of the items. Unfortunately, one of the items is an antique ring that leads to a dispute and a cold case. Georgina with the help of her friends are able to get to the bottom of the mysteries. This is the start of a new series. It can be read as a standalone. I am looking forward to reading more about Georgina and her adventures.

[Ale · Rating 4 out of 5]

ITA
Peter, il maggiore di una vecchia famiglia non più benestante, viene trovato morto: si presume che sia scivolato battendo la testa.
Georgina sta cercando di riprendersi dal divorzio e poi dalla morte del marito Marcus scoprendo anche che il marito era un enorme imbroglione. Mentre è nel suo appartamento in una cassaforte trovano un “libro mastro” di transazioni (disoneste) che Marcus ha fatto, ed alcuni oggetti di grande valore. Tra questi c’è un anello appartenente a un'antica famiglia locale. Indovinate quale dai.
La storia l’ho trovata piacevole, in poco tempo ci si trova direttamente al centro dell'indagine. Siamo nella casa di uno dei personaggi insieme a Georgina, che lavora per una casa d’aste, che cerca di capire chi è il legittimo proprietario dell’anello, due persone che si contendono l’anello e un agente di polizia che indaga un omicidio, mentre il suo collega mangia panini.
Era cominciato non benissimo, ma poi è migliorato: ben fatto!
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita di questo libro tramite Booksprout e sto volontariamente lasciando una recensione.

ENG
Peter, the eldest of an old and no longer wealthy family, is found dead; he is presumed to have slipped by hitting his head.
Georgina is trying to recover from the divorce and then death of her husband Marcus while also discovering that her husband was a huge cheater. While in his apartment, in a safe, they find a “ledger” of (dishonest) transactions Marcus made and some very valuable items. Among them is a ring belonging to an ancient local family. Guess which one.
I found the story enjoyable; in a short time we find ourselves directly in the center of the investigation. We are in the house of one of the characters along with Georgina, who works for an auction house, trying to figure out who is the rightful owner of the ring, two people fighting over the ring, and a police officer investigating a murder while her colleague eats sandwiches.
It started out not great, but it got better: well done!
I received a free copy of this book through Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I looked at the advance reading copy for Antiques and Adversity in the Azores, I saw a note in the forward with a download link to a free prequel, so naturally, I read this book first. Victoria Tait is a new to me author and I hadn't realized that the Treasured Journey Mystery Series is a spinoff from the Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery Series. But this novella served as a great transitional volume. The book provides the exposition needed to give new readers Georgina's back story and shows her personal journey as she begins a new life. The story begins when she discovers hidden antiques that her late husband had cheated out of unsuspecting clients. When George tries to return one of the items, the ownership is questioned and, in the process, she finds herself drawn into the mystery of a suspect death. The clues were sufficient and the mystery was pretty straightforward, but the most enjoyable part of the story was the characterizations. I loved the book and immediately dove into the next one.

[Jeffrey Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is a cozy mystery rich in character depth and emotional resonance.

The story follows Georgina Carey Boyd, a former auctioneer navigating grief, betrayal, and rediscovery after her husband’s death.

When she discovers a hidden safe containing valuable items, her efforts to return them unveil a tangled web of secrets, entitlement, and long buried family history.

The plot is engaging and well-paced, balancing emotional introspection with an unfolding mystery.

Georgina is a standout protagonist—flawed, relatable, and courageous.

Secondary characters like Aunt Beanie and Clara Barrett are vibrant and well developed, adding warmth and complexity.

Tait’s writing style is elegant and immersive, with vivid descriptions and natural dialogue that brings the Cotswolds setting to life.

The novel’s greatest strength lies in its blend of emotional healing with investigative intrigue.

However, the early chapters lean on introspection, which may slow the pace for some readers. A bit more tension in the mystery thread could also enhance the stakes.

Fans of gentle mysteries with heart will find much to enjoy here.

Inheritance and Intrigue in the Cotswolds is a rewarding read for those who love character-driven stories with emotional depth and a touch of old-fashioned sleuthing.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who’s the true heir of this striking sapphire ring Georgina Carey ,amateur sleuth wants to get to the truth , she arrives at Marchwood Hall to return once and for all to its rightful heir …but what’s this it has a pair of heirs ,each insisting the ring is rightfully theirs…She’s stuck in the middle like a pig ,so calls the police the truth they’ll un-dig …But among the bereft there’s an unsolved death the police are more interested in. So undeterred George she digs in and goes on to try solve for herself.As long as she goes true and follows each clue ,she’s sure she can do it justice and find out what it’s all about with this family and with the help of her friends and family .She’ll uncover the mystery that was up till now ancient history. Great writing with wit, it’s exquisite. But then I may be bias ,as this author’s writing , I think is the best. Awesome ,believable characters and plot ,the lot this fine author’s got and those descriptors if hers there’s no splitting airs excusing the pun . This great mystery read was lots of fun.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good beginning to the Treasured Journey Mystery series with a great main character in Antiques expert Georgina Carey. Having to rebuild her life after the murder of her cheating, lying double dealing husband. When she opens his safe, she finds antiques that she finds the need to return to their rightful owners especially a beautiful sapphire ring. But it seems there might be a connection to a cold case which interested the police and when two women claim ownership of the ring, Georgina felt she needed to investigate herself. This is a really fast paced read that when you reach the end, makes you want more Georgina. I highly recommend this new series and can't wait for the first book! I received an ARC of this prequel and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since her ex-husband’s murder, Georgina has been wallowing in self pity. Gently pushed to clean out Marcus’s house, she uncovers the depths of his nefarious doings in swindling heirs. Determined to set things right, she begins to return things to their rightful owners. Tracking the owner of a sapphire ring leads to stepsisters who both lay claim. The police are called in but seem more interested in solving a suspicious death that occurred on the property. Will getting caught up in the intrigue get Georgina out of her funk?

Serving as a prequel to Victoria Tait’s new series, readers travel along with antiques expert Georgina Carey as she starts over after tragedy. Fans of Ms. Tait’s Dotty Sayers series are already familiar with Georgina, Gilly’s sister who ran the auction house. As a side character, George didn’t have as much character development as some of the others, and this series starts to fill in those gaps. New readers to Ms. Tait will have no trouble getting their bearings and connecting with the character. The mystery is well written and intriguing as it explores the damages families can inflict on each other in the name of wealth. The story ends with Georgina getting a new job that will send her around the world using her expertise to value estates, with the first stop in the Azores. A trip worth getting on board for.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dave Measner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new beginning.
George Carey Boyd has been wallowing in self pity since the murder of her good for nothing husband. His crimes have cast a shadow on her and Akeman's reputations. Forced by her aunt and Dotty to start setting things to right she goes to clean out her ex's home. When they find a journal and several antiques Georgina decides to find the owners and return the goods, a way of making amends for Marcus' poor behaviour. There follows a mystery of ownership that helps with an old murder case starts Georgina on a new path in life. A great beginning for a new series and positive growth for a character we know from earlier stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sounds like this may be a spinoff or crossover from another series but even for those unfamiliar with Georgina, this is a great intro to her story.

Wanting to leave behind the less than happy life she had with her now deceased husband, Georgina a.k.a. George to those who know her, is determined to right some wrongs by returning valuable items she found in his belongings.

When the ownership of a sapphire ring is called into question, she is on a mission to uncover the truth and ensure it is returned to its rightful owner in a setting that seems perfect for this type of mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's really hard for George to get her life back together after her husband's murder, especially when she also finds out that the man is in fact a cheating, lying, manipulative so and so to boot. And she is left with trying to put things right for people who he had swindled. But not all his victims were innocent and sometimes moving stones will unearth slimy creatures underneath, some even prepared to kill to be left alone.

Great start to a new series; as always Victoria spins a fine read

[Mumto2girls · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story partly because it continued Georgina’s (George) story and partly because it included “visits” with so many of the characters from previous stories by Ms. Tait. I loved the journey George goes on as she begins to rebuild her life after the death of her (quite dastardly) husband and I look forward to the next book(s) in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great start to the new series A Treasured Journey Mystery Series. It helps understand more of what is happening before you get to the first main book in the series. The book was great to read where there were multiple unexplained murders, rich people who think they are everything, and dealing with the loss of the spouse who left a huge baggage of issues behind.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Big Fat Hairy Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

George is trying to come to grips with her losses and the impact they have on her life, all while solving a murder mystery. This is an interesting, quick, cozy mystery which serves to introduce a new, cozy mystery series featuring George/Georgina, an off-shoot series from the Dotty Sayer Atniques Mystery series. I look forward to the next installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Madeline Brousseau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this! I haven’t read a lot of the other series with Dotty in it, but I did appreciate the crossover and seeing some of the background! I liked the mystery too, especially since they solved a murder case and a stolen jewelry case at the same time. I’m excited to see how George’s life will change with her move. Looking forward to the rest of the series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this prequel to the Treasured Journey Mystery series. I liked the story and the characters and the way the main character handles her new life. I'm can't wait to start reading the first book in the series.
I received an advance review copy via Booksprout and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid start to this spin-off series which promotes Georgina from a minor character to the lead sleuth when a precious antique ring is discovered and causes a suspicious death cold case to be reopened

I'm looking forward to this series as George goes on her travels working with antiques and the occasional murder

[Trina Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this introduction to a new cozy mystery. The characters were fun and I look forward to seeing more of them as this series unfolds. I love anything Cotswold's! so this is great. Sweet, short and highly recommended!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this prequel !! this is just the beginning for Georgina... but, this was a hard pill to swallow for her... her late husband.. the cheater and more... she must go through all of his stuff and find out what is what ... and that ring.. yeah, that ring... so good !!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deborah Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun short story and a great beginning to a new series. Georgina and her husband run a Auction house. She just lost her cheating and corrupt husband. While going through his possessions she finds some valuable items. Georgina is an Auction Expert and is planning on returning the items to the rightful owners. This was a fun story and I recommend it.

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of the Dotty Sayers series, then you are gonna love A Treasured Journey Mystery Series. Inheritance and Intrigue is a charming prequel to for this new series. Loved the storyline. I highly recommend it.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved seeing George start to move on after all the goings on with her ex, not only helping to solve a mystery and smurder but also still put her antiquity skills to great use!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so exciting to see Georgina's start in her own series. I just loved this. I knew those two were up to something. I'm glad to see that Georgina is finally moving forward. And what a start!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane Austen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read, but I’m not sure if it’s for me. I will read the next book in the
Series - and give it another go. I received a copy from Booksprout in exchange for my honest
Review. Thank you.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great prequel. I received an ARC and couldn’t put it down. I quite enjoyed the characters, settings and the way things unfolded. Ms. Tait’s writing style is interesting and easy to read. It’s the perfect escape from the stresses of life. I am looking forward to the next read.

[Julie Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a new series by a proven author. I cannot wait for the next book to come out.