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Detective Inspector Caius Beauchamp #4
A Fatal Legacy: 'One of the most exciting new voices in crime fiction' Erin Kelly
'One of the most exciting new voices in crime fiction.' Erin Kelly
**Available to pre-order now**
There are rules to first don't talk about your ex, do ask lots of questions, always meet in a public place.
Digby Coombe-Watson didn't think they applied to him. He had other how to get rid of his great-grandfather's crumbling property, and whether his family would let him.
So he ignored the rules, and invited someone in.
Now he's dead. And he won't be the last.
PRAISE FOR CHARLOTTE VASSELL
'Smart, twisty and full of wry humour.' Stylist
'A fresh, bitingly witty take on the whodunnit.' Red
'A total joy to read.' Harriet Tyce
WHAT FANS ARE SAYING
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐These books hold every single thing a reader could want. Thriller? Check. Mystery that keeps you wondering? Plenty. Characters that you want to know and see some of your friends in? Sure.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐If you like mystery/thrillers which are just a bit different, are quirky and with plenty of good humour then check out Charlotte Vassel's Caius Beauchamp series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I absolutely love Charlotte Vassell's writing style, it completely meshes with what I want in a book, quirky, entertaining, a bit gossipy (quite a bit gossipy if I'm being honest) and some characters that you really root for.
**Available to pre-order now**
There are rules to first don't talk about your ex, do ask lots of questions, always meet in a public place.
Digby Coombe-Watson didn't think they applied to him. He had other how to get rid of his great-grandfather's crumbling property, and whether his family would let him.
So he ignored the rules, and invited someone in.
Now he's dead. And he won't be the last.
PRAISE FOR CHARLOTTE VASSELL
'Smart, twisty and full of wry humour.' Stylist
'A fresh, bitingly witty take on the whodunnit.' Red
'A total joy to read.' Harriet Tyce
WHAT FANS ARE SAYING
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐These books hold every single thing a reader could want. Thriller? Check. Mystery that keeps you wondering? Plenty. Characters that you want to know and see some of your friends in? Sure.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐If you like mystery/thrillers which are just a bit different, are quirky and with plenty of good humour then check out Charlotte Vassel's Caius Beauchamp series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I absolutely love Charlotte Vassell's writing style, it completely meshes with what I want in a book, quirky, entertaining, a bit gossipy (quite a bit gossipy if I'm being honest) and some characters that you really root for.
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Published June 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 26, 2026
I really enjoy this series. With the brilliant team of Di Caius Beauchamp, DS Matt Cheung and DC Amy Noakes, this is not your average police series, the class, and the snack, a cut above so to speak. For one thing Caius, through a strange and unexpected twist of fate, is in direct line to inherit a Baronetcy. Not that he lets that get in the way of his work, or to disrupt him from his determination to solve even the most puzzling of crimes. Although, saying that, it does create a bit of glitch in his investigations this time around, but perhaps not for the reasons you might expect.
This book is, as ever, a beautiful mix of mystery and murder. It opens with soon to be victim Digby Coombe-Watson, realising he has made a fatal mistake and ultimately breathing his last. But, despite a few ethical objectors to his inherited line of work, Digby has no clear enemies and so the motive and perptrator of his demise is particularly hard to fathom. But when more victims are found, albeit with differing methods of dispatch, it is up to the team to determine whether or not they are linked by more than geography and, if so, just what that link is.
I love how Charlotte Vassell gives as much time to Caius' home life as she does his professional in the books. There is a lot of focus on Caius's romantic partner, Callie, who as a milliner receives a commission of a very different kind. I enjoyed seeing her navigate this most unusual set of circumstances, as well as a curveball thrown to the pair part way through the book. But seeing Callie in her element, using all of her creativity to satisfy her celebrity client really did give a nice break from the investigations, complimenting rather than distracting from the mystery.
This is a very clever book, the author leading us down a path or two that may, or may not, lead us towards the killer. This is a book packed with deception and misdirection, and just when you may think you have it all figured out, you probably haven't. As ever, Charlotte Vassell world creation is sublime, really bringing all the various characters and personalities to life, and easily transporting readers from the various neighbourhoods of central London, to the more idyllic country home inhabited by Caius' parents, all of it with a real sense of place and authenticity. I love the banter between the team, the fact that Caius manages to become a meme, even if his Mum doesn't really understand what that is, and even how, when the team are forced to work a little differently, the camaraderie can still be felt, as can Caius's calm influence over his colleagues.
If you love a good mystery, great characters, believable and authentic dialogue, that delivers a nuanced upmarket flair without an affected literary attitude, then this is definitely a series I would recommend. I love spending time with the team, and really look forward to seeing where the author takes the series, and Caius, next.
This book is, as ever, a beautiful mix of mystery and murder. It opens with soon to be victim Digby Coombe-Watson, realising he has made a fatal mistake and ultimately breathing his last. But, despite a few ethical objectors to his inherited line of work, Digby has no clear enemies and so the motive and perptrator of his demise is particularly hard to fathom. But when more victims are found, albeit with differing methods of dispatch, it is up to the team to determine whether or not they are linked by more than geography and, if so, just what that link is.
I love how Charlotte Vassell gives as much time to Caius' home life as she does his professional in the books. There is a lot of focus on Caius's romantic partner, Callie, who as a milliner receives a commission of a very different kind. I enjoyed seeing her navigate this most unusual set of circumstances, as well as a curveball thrown to the pair part way through the book. But seeing Callie in her element, using all of her creativity to satisfy her celebrity client really did give a nice break from the investigations, complimenting rather than distracting from the mystery.
This is a very clever book, the author leading us down a path or two that may, or may not, lead us towards the killer. This is a book packed with deception and misdirection, and just when you may think you have it all figured out, you probably haven't. As ever, Charlotte Vassell world creation is sublime, really bringing all the various characters and personalities to life, and easily transporting readers from the various neighbourhoods of central London, to the more idyllic country home inhabited by Caius' parents, all of it with a real sense of place and authenticity. I love the banter between the team, the fact that Caius manages to become a meme, even if his Mum doesn't really understand what that is, and even how, when the team are forced to work a little differently, the camaraderie can still be felt, as can Caius's calm influence over his colleagues.
If you love a good mystery, great characters, believable and authentic dialogue, that delivers a nuanced upmarket flair without an affected literary attitude, then this is definitely a series I would recommend. I love spending time with the team, and really look forward to seeing where the author takes the series, and Caius, next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh dear. Caius and Callie’s day at the Chelsea Flower Show goes viral when her ex, Max, turns up. Let’s just say it brings unwanted attention to them both.
Meanwhile, Digby Combe Watson, owner of the Horatio Combe Institute, which showcases his ancestors colonial collection, has a multitude of worries, particularly the monetary kind. The crumbling property in Priory Square must be worth a bob or two…. but, will his family let him sell? That question is now moot, as Digby is dead and Caius and his team have to unravel the secrets that leads to his demise.
I love this clever character driven series which, at first glance, appears quirky, witty and whimsical, but there’s way more to them than that with plenty of layers to get your teeth into. The characters are terrific and unique and are so well portrayed. I have loved following Caius and Callie’s (Calliope) story which is further developed here. There’s a strong storyline which follows Callie, her work, those she works for and how that connects to the main inquiry. This becomes particularly fascinating, not just the characters she encounters, but the fascinating mediaeval rabbit hole she goes down for work inspiration. It isn’t superfluous either as it all connects together beautifully in another immersive storyline.
In addition, there’s the layer about Caius himself, his background, his current circumstances and how that sits with some within the police force, with the exception of his close colleagues, the extremely likeable Matt and Amy.
As for the intriguing inquiry itself, which broadens and deepens and unexpectedly connecting to Caius, its twists and turns keep me interested throughout. It’s delivered with humour and of course, high-quality lively writing with many clever references. I enjoy how it all comes together beautifully and builds to a tantalising ending. This is a fantastic series which I can recommend.
PS, Caius - I’ll rat you out about Yorkshire Tea. How very dare you!!!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Faber and Faber for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Meanwhile, Digby Combe Watson, owner of the Horatio Combe Institute, which showcases his ancestors colonial collection, has a multitude of worries, particularly the monetary kind. The crumbling property in Priory Square must be worth a bob or two…. but, will his family let him sell? That question is now moot, as Digby is dead and Caius and his team have to unravel the secrets that leads to his demise.
I love this clever character driven series which, at first glance, appears quirky, witty and whimsical, but there’s way more to them than that with plenty of layers to get your teeth into. The characters are terrific and unique and are so well portrayed. I have loved following Caius and Callie’s (Calliope) story which is further developed here. There’s a strong storyline which follows Callie, her work, those she works for and how that connects to the main inquiry. This becomes particularly fascinating, not just the characters she encounters, but the fascinating mediaeval rabbit hole she goes down for work inspiration. It isn’t superfluous either as it all connects together beautifully in another immersive storyline.
In addition, there’s the layer about Caius himself, his background, his current circumstances and how that sits with some within the police force, with the exception of his close colleagues, the extremely likeable Matt and Amy.
As for the intriguing inquiry itself, which broadens and deepens and unexpectedly connecting to Caius, its twists and turns keep me interested throughout. It’s delivered with humour and of course, high-quality lively writing with many clever references. I enjoy how it all comes together beautifully and builds to a tantalising ending. This is a fantastic series which I can recommend.
PS, Caius - I’ll rat you out about Yorkshire Tea. How very dare you!!!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Faber and Faber for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the fourth in the wonderful DI Caius Beauchamp series, preferably read in order as there are recurring characters and themes. Should you wish to start at the beginning, the books are: The Other Half, The In Crowd (which won the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 2025), and A Fatal Legacy. Despite being nominated for awards and winning the Edgar, this series doesn't seem to get the attention it deserves, one of my favourites, and I was delighted to receive a review copy from NetGalley.
As a quick catch-up, Caius and Calliope are now living together. Caius and his family have inherited a titled estate, quite unexpectedly, and Caius is still working with the delightful DS Matthew Cheung and DC Amy Noakes, although their special department has been closed down. However, as another police officer later bemoans, Caius never seems to be investigating simple crimes; they are often the weird and unusual.
Digby Combe-Watson runs the Horatio Combe Institute in Priory Square. London is, of course, full of such squares, with houses surrounding an often private garden, for the inhabitants. As this novel progresses, we gradually learn about the inhabitants of the square, as well as locals. The Horatio Combe Institute holds the collection of Digby's Victorian adventurer relative and, like Caius, has to come to terms with the spoils of a colonial past. When he is poisoned by hemlock, Caius and his team are asked to investigate what appears to be an unusual death.
Meanwhile, Calliope has been asked to create brand designs for the singer, Eulalia. Eulalia is never seen on stage, hiding behind bobble-heads to hide her identity. She is oddly intense, but as she is so successful, it seems an excellent opportunity. As the novel progresses, Vassell weaves an intelligent, character-driven mystery, which is not only focused on the crime but on the personal lives of Caius and Calliope. I adore this series, cannot recommend it highly enough and look forward to reading on.
As a quick catch-up, Caius and Calliope are now living together. Caius and his family have inherited a titled estate, quite unexpectedly, and Caius is still working with the delightful DS Matthew Cheung and DC Amy Noakes, although their special department has been closed down. However, as another police officer later bemoans, Caius never seems to be investigating simple crimes; they are often the weird and unusual.
Digby Combe-Watson runs the Horatio Combe Institute in Priory Square. London is, of course, full of such squares, with houses surrounding an often private garden, for the inhabitants. As this novel progresses, we gradually learn about the inhabitants of the square, as well as locals. The Horatio Combe Institute holds the collection of Digby's Victorian adventurer relative and, like Caius, has to come to terms with the spoils of a colonial past. When he is poisoned by hemlock, Caius and his team are asked to investigate what appears to be an unusual death.
Meanwhile, Calliope has been asked to create brand designs for the singer, Eulalia. Eulalia is never seen on stage, hiding behind bobble-heads to hide her identity. She is oddly intense, but as she is so successful, it seems an excellent opportunity. As the novel progresses, Vassell weaves an intelligent, character-driven mystery, which is not only focused on the crime but on the personal lives of Caius and Calliope. I adore this series, cannot recommend it highly enough and look forward to reading on.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
He ignored the rules and invited someone in. Now he’s dead and he won’t be the last …
Digby Combe-Watson is the distant grandson of Horatio Combe, an aristocratic historian who had an institute on Priory Square, London. He now runs the home for tourist’s and cultural buffs, but it is a millstone round his neck. When he is offered a price for the building, he considers the money and what it could do for his new life. When he dies following a date, DI Caius Beauchamp and his team are drafted in to investigate and question if the sale of the institution is anything to do with the death?
The story follows DI Beauchamp and his team as they look into present and historical issues within Horatio’s legacy and as the bodies mount up, how does this relate to Digby? Caius’ partner Callie features heavily and we read about how her work as a creative director with a famous client based on Priory Square is related to the crimes …
Rather far fetched, but with good comedic timing, great character development and layered themes of family legacy, betrayal and secrets. I enjoyed the police team and their relationship which seemed natural and engaging, rather than the usual hierarchical style writing of police teams within thrillers. It was also lovely to see the human side of home life vs the crime scenes and working environment which makes this very realistic.
A good plot and strong writing, humour and characters and clearly the book has been set up for another episode with the team, however the ending was disappointing for me.
This is the 4th book in the series which I wasn’t aware of and CV does a great character introduction/revist at the beginning and although this works as a stand alone, I do feel I would have enjoyed this much more had I read the previous books due to the recurring characters and relationships.
Thank you NetGallery, Faber and Faber and Charlotte Vassel for the ARC of this book.
He ignored the rules and invited someone in. Now he’s dead and he won’t be the last …
Digby Combe-Watson is the distant grandson of Horatio Combe, an aristocratic historian who had an institute on Priory Square, London. He now runs the home for tourist’s and cultural buffs, but it is a millstone round his neck. When he is offered a price for the building, he considers the money and what it could do for his new life. When he dies following a date, DI Caius Beauchamp and his team are drafted in to investigate and question if the sale of the institution is anything to do with the death?
The story follows DI Beauchamp and his team as they look into present and historical issues within Horatio’s legacy and as the bodies mount up, how does this relate to Digby? Caius’ partner Callie features heavily and we read about how her work as a creative director with a famous client based on Priory Square is related to the crimes …
Rather far fetched, but with good comedic timing, great character development and layered themes of family legacy, betrayal and secrets. I enjoyed the police team and their relationship which seemed natural and engaging, rather than the usual hierarchical style writing of police teams within thrillers. It was also lovely to see the human side of home life vs the crime scenes and working environment which makes this very realistic.
A good plot and strong writing, humour and characters and clearly the book has been set up for another episode with the team, however the ending was disappointing for me.
This is the 4th book in the series which I wasn’t aware of and CV does a great character introduction/revist at the beginning and although this works as a stand alone, I do feel I would have enjoyed this much more had I read the previous books due to the recurring characters and relationships.
Thank you NetGallery, Faber and Faber and Charlotte Vassel for the ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DI Caius Beauchamp and the team are back to investigate some very strange murders that have all taken place in a group of houses in London. It is perplexing and complex case but, with his personal life playing on his mind, will Caius be able to give the case his full attention.
Callie plays a much more prominent role in this novel as she tries to get to grip with a change of direction from millinery plus a very demanding client, for whom secrecy is paramount. But she also has a lot more on her plate than just work including a new relationship with her father.
At times the novel sounded a little less crime and a bit more lifestyle magazine but the balance tipped more to the crime side as the case comes together. There wasn't enough of Amy and Matt for my liking and it felt a little like the original premise for the novels got a bit lost but I still enjoyed it. The crime itself certainly had enough obscure twists to keep my interest and the suspects were definitely a bizarre bunch.
I would recommend this latest in the DI Caius Beauchamp series and I hope the next novel will be more like the first regarding crime:personal life ratio.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Faber & Faber for the digital review copy.
Callie plays a much more prominent role in this novel as she tries to get to grip with a change of direction from millinery plus a very demanding client, for whom secrecy is paramount. But she also has a lot more on her plate than just work including a new relationship with her father.
At times the novel sounded a little less crime and a bit more lifestyle magazine but the balance tipped more to the crime side as the case comes together. There wasn't enough of Amy and Matt for my liking and it felt a little like the original premise for the novels got a bit lost but I still enjoyed it. The crime itself certainly had enough obscure twists to keep my interest and the suspects were definitely a bizarre bunch.
I would recommend this latest in the DI Caius Beauchamp series and I hope the next novel will be more like the first regarding crime:personal life ratio.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Faber & Faber for the digital review copy.
May 5, 2026
Big thanks to NetGalley for the privilege of being able to read this before its release!
A Fatal Legacy by Charlotte Vassell is a thoroughly entertaining crime novel that manages to balance intrigue, wit, and sharp social observation. The story follows Detective Caius Beauchamp as he becomes entangled in a case involving an aristocratic family, buried secrets, and a suspicious death tied to a long-standing legacy. As the investigation unfolds, layers of privilege, deception, and family tension are peeled back, keeping the reader guessing while steadily building toward a satisfying resolution.
What really sets this book apart in my opinion is Vassell’s writing style. It’s genuinely funny in a dry, understated way, often poking gentle fun at the upper class world it depicts without ever feeling harsh. The dialogue is particularly lively, giving characters a distinct voice and making their interactions feel natural and engaging.
The combination of a cleverly constructed mystery and an effortlessly witty narrative makes A Fatal Legacy a standout read.
A Fatal Legacy by Charlotte Vassell is a thoroughly entertaining crime novel that manages to balance intrigue, wit, and sharp social observation. The story follows Detective Caius Beauchamp as he becomes entangled in a case involving an aristocratic family, buried secrets, and a suspicious death tied to a long-standing legacy. As the investigation unfolds, layers of privilege, deception, and family tension are peeled back, keeping the reader guessing while steadily building toward a satisfying resolution.
What really sets this book apart in my opinion is Vassell’s writing style. It’s genuinely funny in a dry, understated way, often poking gentle fun at the upper class world it depicts without ever feeling harsh. The dialogue is particularly lively, giving characters a distinct voice and making their interactions feel natural and engaging.
The combination of a cleverly constructed mystery and an effortlessly witty narrative makes A Fatal Legacy a standout read.
July 3, 2026
I look forward to these books every year and they never disappoint. Caius and co are back with another exciting case.
Summary: An eccentric posho working in his family’s cultural institute is poisoned by a salad after being catfished. Is it to do with the problematic (stolen) items in the institute, which should be returned to their native country? Caius, Amy and Matt are here to look into it, to the chagrin of their colleagues they always get the cool cases.
These books are just such good fun. I’m so attached to Caius and team and now Callie, and even Callie’s nice posh friends. I’m increasingly here for the romance and the friendships as opposed to the cases. I love the cameos past characters make, it makes the world feel so rich.
I’m loving how the story develops and our characters develop and as usual Vassell has given us a bendy mystery alongside. The mystery is good fun but I really enjoyed how the characters lives took us to quiet, unexpected places.
It’s such good escapist reading and pairs beautifully with a sun lounger and a big hat (personal milliner or no). I will read this series until I find out what happened to Caius’s sister and am already looking forward to the next chapter in book 5(!?)
Thank you to Netgalley and Faber and Faber for my #arc
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Reading the blurb about a novel written by an author new to me I mistakenly thought that this was a standalone thriller, not realising that it is in fact the fourth in a series featuring the splendid detective Caius Beauchamp , his glamorous partner and his detective sidekicks.
I was impressed by the quality of the writing, the plot was clever and took a satisfying amount of time to decipher and the characters were fascinating and there was just enough humour to stir the brew but not too much as to categorise it in the cosy crime category.
It was a good, invigorating and pleasant read which would have been further enhanced if I had read the first three books in the series beforehand to see how the characters develop.
I was impressed by the quality of the writing, the plot was clever and took a satisfying amount of time to decipher and the characters were fascinating and there was just enough humour to stir the brew but not too much as to categorise it in the cosy crime category.
It was a good, invigorating and pleasant read which would have been further enhanced if I had read the first three books in the series beforehand to see how the characters develop.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley for early access to Charlottes new book
Another amazing read for DI Caius Beauchamp!
As always we get to see fun character development with Caius, Callie and the detective team. The new characters involved in the interestingly dark mystery were a good addition and kept me coming back.
Like the other books in the series, I really enjoy the historical, pop culture and high society elements.
Can’t wait for the next one!
Another amazing read for DI Caius Beauchamp!
As always we get to see fun character development with Caius, Callie and the detective team. The new characters involved in the interestingly dark mystery were a good addition and kept me coming back.
Like the other books in the series, I really enjoy the historical, pop culture and high society elements.
Can’t wait for the next one!
July 7, 2026
This is the first Caius Beauchamp novel that I did not love. All sharpness seemed to have gone out of Caius because of the one-two punch of inheriting the baronetcy and falling in love with Callie. Side note: can we please stop with all the fawning over Callie? She is an artsy woman who is pretty and moves in the right circles. OMG!!!!!! It’s starting to seem like the satire of the undeserving rich of London was actually envy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The fourth in the entertaining DI Caius Beauchamp series and things are hotting up in all areas of Caius’s life. What starts as a single murder investigation leads to multiple deaths, celebrity pop stars and ancient nuns.
It’s not essential to have read the previous novels before this, but you’d get so much more from it if you do. You’ll also have three brilliant reads instead of just one :)
It’s not essential to have read the previous novels before this, but you’d get so much more from it if you do. You’ll also have three brilliant reads instead of just one :)
March 30, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up
Review of advance copy
Another phenomenal cozy installment of my favorite bougie British detective full of wit, delicious food, and real developed characters and dialogue!
July 7, 2026
I read the whole thing in one day without even realizing the hours were passing by and now what am I to do? Wait another whole year???
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews