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Murder Inherited: A Riveting Amateur Sleuth Cozy Murder Mystery
A crumbling inn. A buried family secret. A murder that refuses to stay hidden.
After twelve years away, chef Emma Bradford returns to the charming bayside town of Bristol Heights with nothing but her basset hound Jax and a cryptic note from her estranged Uncle Harold. But when she arrives at the once-glorious Bradford Inn, she finds her uncle crushed beneath a toppled wine rack in the dark, musty basement.
The police call it a tragic accident. Emma calls it murder.
With the help of her BFF, Liza, the Inns handyman, and the ever-sniffing Jax, Emma sets out to uncover the truth behind her uncle’s suspicious death. But danger lurks behind every vintage shady business deals, threatening loan sharks, a pompous developer with a shadowy driver, and a housekeeper who knows more than she lets on.
When brake lines are cut, fires spark, and bricks fly through windows, it’s clear someone wants Emma out of the picture, permanently. As she digs deeper, the more she hidden passageways, long-forgotten secrets, and a plot that could destroy her family’s legacy forever.
Can Emma solve the mystery before the killer silences her for good? Or will the Bradford Inn become her final resting place?
After twelve years away, chef Emma Bradford returns to the charming bayside town of Bristol Heights with nothing but her basset hound Jax and a cryptic note from her estranged Uncle Harold. But when she arrives at the once-glorious Bradford Inn, she finds her uncle crushed beneath a toppled wine rack in the dark, musty basement.
The police call it a tragic accident. Emma calls it murder.
With the help of her BFF, Liza, the Inns handyman, and the ever-sniffing Jax, Emma sets out to uncover the truth behind her uncle’s suspicious death. But danger lurks behind every vintage shady business deals, threatening loan sharks, a pompous developer with a shadowy driver, and a housekeeper who knows more than she lets on.
When brake lines are cut, fires spark, and bricks fly through windows, it’s clear someone wants Emma out of the picture, permanently. As she digs deeper, the more she hidden passageways, long-forgotten secrets, and a plot that could destroy her family’s legacy forever.
Can Emma solve the mystery before the killer silences her for good? Or will the Bradford Inn become her final resting place?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 1, 2026
Good story, loved it
Emma and Jax, her canine companion are determined to find out who killed Uncle Harold and why they are trying to kill her next.
Secret passages, A mysterious key, and hand drawn maps will make reading this book worthwhile.
Emma and Jax, her canine companion are determined to find out who killed Uncle Harold and why they are trying to kill her next.
Secret passages, A mysterious key, and hand drawn maps will make reading this book worthwhile.
November 1, 2025
This novel delivers a classic cozy mystery with modern polish.
The plot unfolds with precision. Emma Bradford’s return to her late uncle’s inn sparks a layered investigation of debts, secrets, and hidden tunnels beneath Bristol Heights.
Each discovery builds tension without losing clarity. The pacing remains steady, and the mystery holds interest through natural reveals rather than forced twists.
The characters feel distinct and grounded. Emma leads with conviction and emotion, while her allies (Liza, Tom, and Eleanor) bring balance and warmth.
Their dialogue drives the story as much as the clues do, keeping the tone intimate and believable.
Jax, the basset hound, adds charm and humour that soften the darker edges.
The prose is clean, active, and visual. Descriptions serve a purpose; scenes progress the plot. The writing stays consistent in voice and tone from start to finish.
If any weakness exists, it lies in the repetition of reflective moments and predictable villain motives. An extra surprise during the last act would heighten tension.
Recommended for readers who enjoy gentle, well-structured mysteries set in small towns, where courage, loyalty, and legacy drive every clue.
The plot unfolds with precision. Emma Bradford’s return to her late uncle’s inn sparks a layered investigation of debts, secrets, and hidden tunnels beneath Bristol Heights.
Each discovery builds tension without losing clarity. The pacing remains steady, and the mystery holds interest through natural reveals rather than forced twists.
The characters feel distinct and grounded. Emma leads with conviction and emotion, while her allies (Liza, Tom, and Eleanor) bring balance and warmth.
Their dialogue drives the story as much as the clues do, keeping the tone intimate and believable.
Jax, the basset hound, adds charm and humour that soften the darker edges.
The prose is clean, active, and visual. Descriptions serve a purpose; scenes progress the plot. The writing stays consistent in voice and tone from start to finish.
If any weakness exists, it lies in the repetition of reflective moments and predictable villain motives. An extra surprise during the last act would heighten tension.
Recommended for readers who enjoy gentle, well-structured mysteries set in small towns, where courage, loyalty, and legacy drive every clue.
November 18, 2025
A really good murder mystery with great characters and a very smart, clue finding basset hound Jax. It begins with Emma Bradford returning to Bristol Heights after receiving a cryptic message from her Uncle Harold. But when she arrives at the once glorious Bradford Inn, she finds her uncle crushed under a large wine rack. The police called it an accident, but Emma is not so sure. She firmly believes her uncle was murdered. So with her best friend Liza, the Inns handyman and the clue sniffing Jax, they dive into an investigation. The more Emma digs into the case, the closer to danger she gets. There are those in town harboring secrets, shady dealings and more. Can she find a murderer or will she be another victim? This is a fast paced, twisted, page turning read that keeps you totally engaged and guessing from beginning to the end. I highly recommend this book if you like well written, tight, mysteries that keep you entertained and turning pages. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
November 5, 2025
This is a new author for me to read, and I really enjoyed her story as it keeps you interested in the story right the end. The main character Emma Bradford has come to Bristol Heights and the Bradford Inn as her uncle Harold had written her and asked her to come right away as there was something he needed her to see but just as she arrived at the Inn she hears some noises in the basement and she goes downstairs to find out what has happened and find her Uncle Harold under a wine rack and not moving she try to help him but does not respond at all. She calls the police and when they arrive, they find Emma prints everywhere so she just became the prime suspect. There are lots of twist and a few suspicious things happening. Emma & Liza, her best friend from when she used to live there try to solve the mystery with Tom helping them. This book was great it keeps you interested right to the end. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
October 31, 2025
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
Such a great cozy mystery full of everything you would look for in a mystery! A death right at the beginning, a main character who refuses to let the police drag their feet and begins her own detective work, a supportive best friend, a hunky repairman, and of course the suspects who are trying to stop her. I loved the setting in the old inn and all of the hidden doors and rooms, I was able to imagine the Inn in detail. Not a whole lot of characters to keep up with, which I like. And of course, Emma the main character, has an adorable basset hound that adds to the story. It was an easy read and kept me guessing until the very end. This is the first of Bristol Heights mystery series I have read, but Avry has got me invested now and I’m going back to read the first one. Well done!
Such a great cozy mystery full of everything you would look for in a mystery! A death right at the beginning, a main character who refuses to let the police drag their feet and begins her own detective work, a supportive best friend, a hunky repairman, and of course the suspects who are trying to stop her. I loved the setting in the old inn and all of the hidden doors and rooms, I was able to imagine the Inn in detail. Not a whole lot of characters to keep up with, which I like. And of course, Emma the main character, has an adorable basset hound that adds to the story. It was an easy read and kept me guessing until the very end. This is the first of Bristol Heights mystery series I have read, but Avry has got me invested now and I’m going back to read the first one. Well done!
November 1, 2025
Started this book today and just kept on reading till the end, so worth it. Emma receives a letter from her Uncle Harold asking her to come quickly. On her drive there her mind keeps debating weither to turn around or jeep on going because she has not been to the Inn in 12 years. She finally arrives and is wondering where her Uncle is, she keeps looking and notices his coat and a coffee mug but still no Harold. Then she hears this loud noice and it sounds like it is from the cellar, she is shaken by it but decides to go check to see what it was. This is where lots of things happen and the story get really interesting. I suggest that you go grab this book so you can get into it as well and walk in Em footsteps. Happy reading.
October 30, 2025
When Emma returns to her hometown and she finds her uncle dead she knows this is not just an accident. A mystery that keeps getting deeper and more complicated will keep you guessing. An intriguing book to read.
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.
October 31, 2025
An intriguing mystery. Emma finds her uncle dead when she arrives and is convinced it wasn't an accident so begins to investigate and along with her friend Liza and handyman Tom she delves into family secrets. Very unputdownable and I enjoyed it very much
November 2, 2025
No one is saying everything they know. Hints and threats abound. Footsteps and other sounds in what should be an empty inn. The danger is real. I thoroughly enjoyed this gothic-inspired cozy mystery and hope that this is the start of a series with this main character and the inn.
November 8, 2025
This is an interesting book full of mystery and wrongful
doings. The police called it a horrible accident but it wasn't. Can Emma and her friends prove it was murder?
doings. The police called it a horrible accident but it wasn't. Can Emma and her friends prove it was murder?
June 24, 2026
Fantastic fast moving read
Great characters.fast moving story. No dragging out the story. Good relationships through all the characters. Couldn't put it down. Great.
Great characters.fast moving story. No dragging out the story. Good relationships through all the characters. Couldn't put it down. Great.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews