Murder, Mystery, and the Inheritance: A Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery

by A.P. Wells

It was the inheritance clause from “Expose my killer and get everything. Fail, and get nothing.”

Hazel Winslow’s fresh start with a cute new puppy came to a crashing halt the moment Uncle Iggy’s “updated will” was discovered.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. She was supposed to be neck deep in book clubs and baked goods, not trying to solve a murder.

Thank heavens she has her new puppy, Watson. His breed is “kick-butt-investigator-doodle.” And Tilly, a gossipy new friend, knows everything about everyone.

The Historical Society inherits everything if Hazel fails. Suspicious. Especially after their missing funds scandal Iggy exposed right before he got whacked.

Their president, Cass, already has a conveniently missing husband and a dangerous smile. It's no secret she wanted Iggy silenced.

And Jasper Lark, scumbag ex-con antique dealer, says Iggy got what he deserved. It feels like a confession.

Hazel’s being watched. Someone wants her gone. And when scare tactics don’t work, the killer decides to stop Hazel—permanently.

Because apparently in Cedar Ridge, “welcome to the neighborhood” comes with gasoline and a match.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Cozy

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2026

Reviews

[Gina Maria]

Inheriting an estate? Dreamy. Solving a murder to keep it? A bit ruff. 🐾 This book is the perfect blend of small town charm and high stakes sleuthing. It’s cozy, it’s clever, and it’s the ultimate escape for any mystery lover.
While the whodunnit is top tier, the white cloud of a dog is clearly the best detective in town. 🐶 Beyond his nose for clues, he has an uncanny way of sensing when Hazel feels defeated, always stepping in with some furry backup and much needed cuddles right when the stakes feel too high. Watching Hazel navigate small town secrets and a suspicious cast of neighbors while trying not to become the next victim kept me flipping those pages.
If you like your mysteries with a side of wagging tails, super cozy vibes, and a dash of atmospheric peril, put this on your TBR immediately!
Side note ✨ Can we talk about this cover?! Putting this little white marshmallow in a tiny detective hat is almost too much for my heart to handle. He’s officially the best dressed canine in the genre!

[M Darnoc]

Cute little story.

[Sue Palmer]

Murder, mystery and the inheritance. A P Wells

This book is a cozy mystery story which carries on from a short story book. It features Hazel and her puppy Watson from the first book. This book can be read as a stand alone book.

It begins when Hazel inherits her uncles property and decides to move there. She believes he died from a heart attack and that she inherits the property, however there is a twist. I am not going to give too much away but there’s a lovely mystery twisting through the book.

We learn all about the new town where the property is based and we are introduced to the characters of the town. We follow Hazel and Watson as they not only begin to settle in and make friends but also investigate the mystery and try to work out who can be trusted and who can’t.

It’s a beautifully written book, fantastic description, lots of twists and turns and some red herrings, interesting characters and a well thought out mystery and extremely enjoyable. This new author seems very talented and I can’t wait to read more from them.

[Kristen]

This is a delightful story with engaging characters, humor and interesting plot.

I love how relatable Hazel is. As well being clever & warm, she is clumsy and says the wrong thing at times. Been there for sure! I look forward to seeing her friendship with Tilly develop, hope we see more of Karma and have my fingers crossed for a little romance with Shaw. Hopefully we will also learn a bit more about these characters as the series continues. The banter between characters is enjoyable. I am also a sucker for a canine sidekick.

This is an easy read and the story moves along without skimping on plot. It is nice that you as a reader get most of the clues as well and have the opportunity to solve the gist of the puzzle. I am hoping future books will reveal more about Tilly

There is no angst or over-the-top drama/tension. No 'gory' details.

I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to future books in this series.

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

[S]

Hazel receives a letter from an attorney saying her uncle Iggy has died, and left his entire estate to her. She quits her job, takes all her belongings and goes to Cedar Ridge. When she arrives, she is told there is an updated will. In it, her uncle says he was murdered. She has 30 days to find out who is responsible, or the estate goes to the historical society in town. She is shocked and upset. She moves in. Soon after, the house in broken into, set on fire, a threatening blog supposedly written by her is posted, she is accused of attempted murder, and is arrested. Hazel makes a friend who is willing to help. Will they be successful, and in time.
Meanwhile, the days are going by with no clue as to who murdered her uncle.
This has lots of activity and suspicious behavior on the part of the townspeople. It has humor, and a very cute dog. It was a fun read.

[Ingrid Gail]

First full novel in this series, although not too long.

The writing style is direct and funny, a bit young perhaps.
The MC's first name is used too many times in a row throughout the book, but I really love the story and of course Watson!

The fact that the MC went out and just easily bought a gun gave me a bad feeling, as I am not from the US and we just don't do that over here. But pertaining to this book I also felt it didn't really belong in a book with a cozy vibe.

Overall, I loved reading more about Hazel and Watson, how they are getting used to the new location and how they went about discovering clues and finding the culprit.

I will certainly read more books in this series as they come out!

[Stacey]

Hazel Winslow has had a hard start to her move to Cedar Ridge. First her tire blows outside of Bramblewick while on her way to receive her inheritance. But she did get sweet little Watson there. Now, she gets to town and finds that Uncle Iggy has added a clause to his will that she must solve his murder or lose everything to the Historical Society. Her dream of a little bookstore are dwindling. With new friend Tilly, Hazel finds names the murderer and finally has a new home.

I really am enjoying this series. I love that the crimes are not easily solved. There were enough shady people that I wasn’t sure who committed the crime. The characters are great. I really like Hazel, Watson and Tilly who that makes me eager to read more of the series. I can’t wait for the next book.

[GinaB.]

Murder, Mystery & the Inheritance is a great story in this series. Hazel Winslow sold her home & business and took her dog Watson to move to Cedar Ridge for a fresh start because she inherited Winslow House from her Uncle Iggy & was going to open a book shop. When she arrives, the lawyer said the will was updated the day before he died & Hazel had to solve her uncle’s murder in 30 days (day 1 was the day before) or lose her inheritance to the Historical Society. She solved the mystery after getting through the twists & turns of too many suspects. I liked reading about sassy Hazel & adorably helpful Watson and look forward to reading more books in this series. I received a free copy of this cozy mystery via Book Funnel & am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mrs K.Bryant]

Murder, Mystery, and the Inheritance is an Excellent story and series about Hazel Winslow who went to see about her inheritance with her puppy Watson. But unfortunately there is a surprising clause in the will.
Hazel starts to look into the mystery of her Uncle's death. But can she solve the mystery and find the truth?
I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read.

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

[Linda]

Murder, Mystery, and Inheritance is a very quick cozy read. Hazel Winslow goes to Cedar Ridge to settle her inheritance from her Uncle Iggy. Unfortunately when she and her dog Watson arrive, she discovers that she has to solve Iggy's murder in 30 days or forfeit his house. The small town has an interesting assortment of residents including Tilly, who comes to Hazel's aid. I would have preferred a longer book, but it was a fun read.

[Sophia Rose]

Fun Fun Fun

I am a true ACOTAR, fae, & dragon lore lover; but sometimes you need a break from the intense physical attractions, sword play, & scheming to just have a fun & light read. I devoured this book in 2.5 hours & felt like I was stepping in from the storm into a light & sunny day. Absolutely fell in love with Hazel, Tilly & most of all the cute & furry Watson. This is a feel good mystery that will be pleasing to your soul-Love, The Book Lady

[Sarah J]

This was a fun, easy read and I very much enjoyed it! It had a few red herrings and some twists and turns. I loved the author's writing style....it is easy to read and funny. If you want a quick, fun, mystery read, I highly recommend this one!
(And while it is a standalone, I recommend the prequel, Murder, Mystery And A Very Good Boy too...it was very fun!)

[brenda dreher]

I'm frustrated

Please, please, please indie writers describe the people you're writing about. I am so frustrated with this. The story was ok. Nothing special, and believe us readers don't have the movie running in our minds because there are no descriptions of the people talking. Arghhh!!!

[Mary T]

What has happened to uncle Iggy's estate?
Hazel has travelled to Cedar Ridge to claim her inheritance of her beloved Uncle Iggy. She arrives only to find that her GPS has led her to an active police scene not the house she has inherited. She finds out from the police that the will has been updated and the terms stipulate the conditions she must follow if she is to inherit anything.

[Brenda]

This is a comical book that has both interesting story lines and murder. It's hard to figure out who killed the uncle.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Jeri Munoz]

Hazel has a knack for figuring things out

She inherited a house but has to find her uncle’s killer first. Something is fishy in this quaint town. Hazel and her pup can puzzle it out.

[Julie Kelley]

Received this as an ARC. Great cozy mystery. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Eric Colard]

Great story, surprising plot. It promises more cozy mysteries with Hazel.

[Sara]

Gosh

I lost count of the number of times one word was used. I did kind of like the hippie stuff. Just because I am old.

[sue naegely]

Fun book to read

I really liked this book it moved along quickly and kept you guessingthe characters were fun and believable read it!

[Judith]

Love the puppy!

First book of the series and am looking forward to the next one. Interesting read and keeps you on your toes.

[Michelle Barrier]

This was such a cute, quick Mystery. I loved the main character, Hazel, and her sweet dog. The town sounds quirky & perfect!

[Cindy Allston]

Short read. Cute little book. Not real in-depth. But with such a short read there was no time. If you need something you can read in a few days this is it to fill the gaps.

[Agustina Panero]

3.5🌟