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Herbert Reardon #3
Heirs and Assigns
Introducing Detective Inspector Herbert Reardon in a new mystery series, set in the Downton Abbey period.
November, 1928. Family and friends have gathered at the Shropshire country home of Penrose Llewellyn to celebrate the retired wealthy businessman’s 60th birthday. But the morning after what should have been a convivial supper party, their host is found dead in his bed – and the circumstances look decidedly suspicious.
As he questions the victim’s nearest and dearest, DI Reardon discovers there are several longstanding secrets lurking amongst the Llewellyn clan – and he is convinced that not everyone is telling him the truth, or at least not the whole truth. Those who stand to inherit most from Pen Llewellyn’s will – if it can be found – are under the strongest suspicion, and among them hides a ruthless killer.
November, 1928. Family and friends have gathered at the Shropshire country home of Penrose Llewellyn to celebrate the retired wealthy businessman’s 60th birthday. But the morning after what should have been a convivial supper party, their host is found dead in his bed – and the circumstances look decidedly suspicious.
As he questions the victim’s nearest and dearest, DI Reardon discovers there are several longstanding secrets lurking amongst the Llewellyn clan – and he is convinced that not everyone is telling him the truth, or at least not the whole truth. Those who stand to inherit most from Pen Llewellyn’s will – if it can be found – are under the strongest suspicion, and among them hides a ruthless killer.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2015
60 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Marjorie Eccles
53 books45 followersAka Judith Bordill, Jennifer Hyde
Marjorie Eccles has written several romantic and crime novels, which have been published both in the UK and in the US. Many of her book shave been translated and serialised around the world. She has one grown up son and now lives in Hertfordshire
Marjorie Eccles has written several romantic and crime novels, which have been published both in the UK and in the US. Many of her book shave been translated and serialised around the world. She has one grown up son and now lives in Hertfordshire
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 28, 2015
This first in a new mystery series is set in 1928. Penrose Llewellyn is a wealthy man and invites his family to celebrate his sixtieth birthday celebrations at his family home. Among the relatives who gather at the family home are sister Ida and her daughter, Verity, brother Theo and his wife Claudia and estranged, younger brother, Huwie and local friends and neighbours. When Penrose is found dead shortly after a dinner party in which he gave a surprising announcement, garden designer Anna Douglas is not convinced that it was a natural death and Detective Inspector Herbert Reardon and Sergeant Gilmour are sent to investigate.
Despite the fact that this is set ten years after the end of the First World War, there are still shadows of the conflict lying over many of the characters. Detective Inspector Reardon bears scars from the war and other characters have been widowed because of it. The author cleverly weaves information of how women were treated after the war – losing jobs to men returning from the front and struggling to provide for themselves. The suffragette era has only recently passed and there is a sense that women still have a lot to fight for and are striving for equality. However, this is a not a dark or depressing novel by any means, and there is much comfort and warmth in the characters. Detective Inspector Reardon’s wife, Ellen, is a no-nonsense and sensible lady, who is very good friends with one of the inhabitants of the village near Llewellyn’s house, Bryn Glas, and she is keen to go along with him.
As the book progresses, Reardon and Gilmour attempt to uncover the secrets of Penrose Llewellyn’s family and find the reason why he was murdered. This is an enjoyable beginning to a series, with family secrets, unrequited love and financial problems being unearthed. If you enjoy more ‘cosy’ mysteries, with less violence and a good cast of characters, plus an interesting historical setting, you will probably enjoy this. I look forward to reading more books featuring Detective Inspector Reardon. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Despite the fact that this is set ten years after the end of the First World War, there are still shadows of the conflict lying over many of the characters. Detective Inspector Reardon bears scars from the war and other characters have been widowed because of it. The author cleverly weaves information of how women were treated after the war – losing jobs to men returning from the front and struggling to provide for themselves. The suffragette era has only recently passed and there is a sense that women still have a lot to fight for and are striving for equality. However, this is a not a dark or depressing novel by any means, and there is much comfort and warmth in the characters. Detective Inspector Reardon’s wife, Ellen, is a no-nonsense and sensible lady, who is very good friends with one of the inhabitants of the village near Llewellyn’s house, Bryn Glas, and she is keen to go along with him.
As the book progresses, Reardon and Gilmour attempt to uncover the secrets of Penrose Llewellyn’s family and find the reason why he was murdered. This is an enjoyable beginning to a series, with family secrets, unrequited love and financial problems being unearthed. If you enjoy more ‘cosy’ mysteries, with less violence and a good cast of characters, plus an interesting historical setting, you will probably enjoy this. I look forward to reading more books featuring Detective Inspector Reardon. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
October 31, 2016
2 1/2 stars
I can't really put my finger on exactly why I didn't think too much of this book.
But I do know one thing that annoyed me to no end.
I thought the characterizations were consistently weak. Reardon was pretty well fleshed out, but none of the others. I really didn't care what happened to any of them.
This author has written better novels than this one.
I can't really put my finger on exactly why I didn't think too much of this book.
But I do know one thing that annoyed me to no end.
I thought the characterizations were consistently weak. Reardon was pretty well fleshed out, but none of the others. I really didn't care what happened to any of them.
This author has written better novels than this one.
July 22, 2015
A country house in Shropshire and a dysfunctional family whose elder brother might or might not have died a natural death. Penrose Llewellyn dies apparently in his sleep and his doctor is happy to sign his death certificate but Anna Douglas, who is remodelling the garden is not satisfied that the death was wholly natural and reports it to the authorities.
This results in a post mortem which shows bruises on his arms as though someone had held him down just before he died. Inspector Reardon and Sergeant Gilmour are despatched to investigate.There are tensions and unspoken resentments among the people who had gathered for what should have been Penrose's sixtieth birthday party and who are kept together by the exigencies of the police investigation.
I really enjoyed this well written country house mystery which is the start of a new series. I liked Reardon and Gilmour and I liked Reardon's wife Ellen who clearly has a mind of her own and a strong will too. The book is well plotted, the characters interesting and the ending satisfying. I shall look forward to reading more books in this series. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
This results in a post mortem which shows bruises on his arms as though someone had held him down just before he died. Inspector Reardon and Sergeant Gilmour are despatched to investigate.There are tensions and unspoken resentments among the people who had gathered for what should have been Penrose's sixtieth birthday party and who are kept together by the exigencies of the police investigation.
I really enjoyed this well written country house mystery which is the start of a new series. I liked Reardon and Gilmour and I liked Reardon's wife Ellen who clearly has a mind of her own and a strong will too. The book is well plotted, the characters interesting and the ending satisfying. I shall look forward to reading more books in this series. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
November 30, 2015
A great start for a new series, but the author got in so deep she couldn't seem top pull herself out gracefully.
The descriptions of the setting and characters were excellent, brought to life, which is what kept me going. I was really hooked for the first 3/4 but then it got tedious.
I finished reading it, but the Bad Guy didn;t seem quite right, and I don;t even remember who it was.
A real disappointment.
The descriptions of the setting and characters were excellent, brought to life, which is what kept me going. I was really hooked for the first 3/4 but then it got tedious.
I finished reading it, but the Bad Guy didn;t seem quite right, and I don;t even remember who it was.
A real disappointment.
August 6, 2019
I usually love these historical mystery series books, but this one just didn't do it for me. I found it long and drawn out and the story wasn't very exciting, as a good mystery should be. The characters were flat and I never got the feeling they were anything but characters in a book. I like my characters to come to life in a book and make me want to become part of their story. The premise was good. The family all gathered for their brother's 60th birthday, of course they were there to wish him health and happiness, but more importantly to make sure they were still in his will. The next day he's dead and the prime suspects are his family members. They all have motive, as they're all worried about their place in the will especially after the birthday boy announces he's marrying his long time love. Will this change his will? Will the heirs be knocked out of the will now? These are the questions the police have during the investigation. I was so hopeful for this series, as I'm looking for a new murder mystery to read, but this was not it. I wanted to give up on it about 60% way through, but thought the ending would be good, it was better than I expected which changed my rating to 3 stars instead of 2. Now I'm off to find a new mystery series. Happy Reading!
October 11, 2020
The book opens in November, 1928 (where it stays) with multiple POVs that set the stage for the book prior to the first suspicious death, but much of the book is from the POV of Detective Inspector Reardon who is called in when the coroner suspects that this death might not have been natural. It doesn't take all that long before it becomes evident that not everyone is telling the truth and that some are harbouring secrets, but it's not always easy to know just what those secrets are or who might be the guilty party. The question is, was it one of his heirs, and if so, who? For a small town where there are some who seem to know practically everything, things aren't at all clear here.
The blurb says this is was a new mystery series, but so far there are only two books in it; Eccles has published other books. I have NO IDEA why this has been called number 1 because when I went to the Order of Books website it is actually the fourth one.
The blurb says this is was a new mystery series, but so far there are only two books in it; Eccles has published other books. I have NO IDEA why this has been called number 1 because when I went to the Order of Books website it is actually the fourth one.
August 19, 2015
This book is the first entry in a new series that could become a real favorite for me. The first two chapters felt as if they were written in a different style which I wasn't as fond of (present tense), but after that the author settled into the more familiar third tense and it was a delight to read and watch this story unfold.
In 1928 England there are the beginnings of dedicated criminal investigation departments being set up but small villages still rely on outside help to solve any unusual crime. This is why Detective Inspector Herbert Reardon and his DS Joe Gilmore find themselves on the way to Bryn Glas, the Shropshire home of the Llewellyn family. The present resident of the home, Penrose Llewellyn, recently died of a heart attack but when questions were asked a post-mortem showed signs of him having been murdered. With all the Llewellyn siblings presently at Bryn Glas to celebrate Pen's birthday the field of suspects is pretty full. Then you add in people from the village of Hinton Wyvering the answer for why this respected man would be killed seems very far fetched indeed. However, old grudges seem to keep rearing their heads and Reardon and Gilmore must unravel the pieces one by one.
This was a very enjoyable reading experience for me and the atmosphere of England ten years after the end of The Great War was very well represented. I think this series will definitely appeal to fans of the Agatha Christie, Patricia Wentworth, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Patricia Moyes style of writing and detecting.
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley.
In 1928 England there are the beginnings of dedicated criminal investigation departments being set up but small villages still rely on outside help to solve any unusual crime. This is why Detective Inspector Herbert Reardon and his DS Joe Gilmore find themselves on the way to Bryn Glas, the Shropshire home of the Llewellyn family. The present resident of the home, Penrose Llewellyn, recently died of a heart attack but when questions were asked a post-mortem showed signs of him having been murdered. With all the Llewellyn siblings presently at Bryn Glas to celebrate Pen's birthday the field of suspects is pretty full. Then you add in people from the village of Hinton Wyvering the answer for why this respected man would be killed seems very far fetched indeed. However, old grudges seem to keep rearing their heads and Reardon and Gilmore must unravel the pieces one by one.
This was a very enjoyable reading experience for me and the atmosphere of England ten years after the end of The Great War was very well represented. I think this series will definitely appeal to fans of the Agatha Christie, Patricia Wentworth, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Patricia Moyes style of writing and detecting.
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley.
February 23, 2019
Worth the Read
According to the notes I read, this is the first of the Reardon novels by Marjorie Eccles. If this book is any indication, I will be reading her entire series. Though a new addition to the "classic British mystery" genre, set in England between the wars, it more than satisfies fans hungry for new stories of this ilk. As a matter of fact, it's even better because in some subtle way Eccles has managed to be able to tweak a modern reader's funny bone without breaking the spell of a classic Golden Age mystery.
This is no silly attempt to recreate a tried and true formula, as so many of the newer additions to the genre sadly have been. This is a true gem. Eccles has the vocabulary down pat, as well as the feel of the period. The dialogue flows naturally and the author has a deft hand with the dry witty phrase that elicits hearty guffaws. The characters are varied and interesting. Each of them had a valid part to play in the plot; there was no padding of stereotypes to make the work more "authentic."
I will happily search out more Reardon mysteries by Eccles, as should every died in the wool classic British mystery fan who has read every classic more than once. Happy reading!
According to the notes I read, this is the first of the Reardon novels by Marjorie Eccles. If this book is any indication, I will be reading her entire series. Though a new addition to the "classic British mystery" genre, set in England between the wars, it more than satisfies fans hungry for new stories of this ilk. As a matter of fact, it's even better because in some subtle way Eccles has managed to be able to tweak a modern reader's funny bone without breaking the spell of a classic Golden Age mystery.
This is no silly attempt to recreate a tried and true formula, as so many of the newer additions to the genre sadly have been. This is a true gem. Eccles has the vocabulary down pat, as well as the feel of the period. The dialogue flows naturally and the author has a deft hand with the dry witty phrase that elicits hearty guffaws. The characters are varied and interesting. Each of them had a valid part to play in the plot; there was no padding of stereotypes to make the work more "authentic."
I will happily search out more Reardon mysteries by Eccles, as should every died in the wool classic British mystery fan who has read every classic more than once. Happy reading!
February 6, 2021
I originally was going to rate this book at 3, however I learned that this is not the first book involving Herbert Reardon. The introduction of the numerous players in this mystery was slightly overwhelming and took me a couple of readthroughs to remember everybody. I felt that Insp Reardon's character and description didn't appear to be fleshed out enouogh if one reads this book as a standalone.
'Broken Music', set in 1919 is where we first meet Insp Reardon. Newly released from hospital, we learn of his wartime experience and the first mention of his wife-to-be. Albeit rather briefly, so there is this sense of a dawning of a possibility of a happier existence than what he originally envisages for himself. His wartime experience explains his exasperation of his wife's riding his motorcycle!
'A Dangerous Deceit' is the 2nd book (to be read)
It appears that Marjorie Eccles sets up her story with an ensemble of characters and we gain an insight into their characters through their own POV. This style is evident throughout her books and once the reader adapts to this line of storytelling, it becomes easier to read.
'Broken Music', set in 1919 is where we first meet Insp Reardon. Newly released from hospital, we learn of his wartime experience and the first mention of his wife-to-be. Albeit rather briefly, so there is this sense of a dawning of a possibility of a happier existence than what he originally envisages for himself. His wartime experience explains his exasperation of his wife's riding his motorcycle!
'A Dangerous Deceit' is the 2nd book (to be read)
It appears that Marjorie Eccles sets up her story with an ensemble of characters and we gain an insight into their characters through their own POV. This style is evident throughout her books and once the reader adapts to this line of storytelling, it becomes easier to read.
January 25, 2018
This is the first of a promising new series set in England almost 100 years ago. Detective Inspector Reardon and his assistant have been sent to the small village near the boundaries of Wales to find the murderer of Penrose Llwellyn, the lord of the small village. It surely must be one of the family, gathered round to celebrate Pen's 60'th birthday, since the house was locked up tight. It's a novel of manners and of old values and is entertaining to read.
February 5, 2023
This was ok, a little convoluted, with each character, including the two detectives, telling the story. I liked the setting, small village in the 1920’s, where everyone knows what everyone else is thinking. Several people have reasons to think murderous thoughts, and several leads are examined by the detectives, but what is finally revealed is unexpected, at least, by me. A quite long summation at the end.
March 22, 2020
This is not book #1 in the series, it is book #3.
Beginning of the book is written in the present tense. I nearly stopped reading after a few pages, but it changed to past tense so I continued, and enjoyed the story and characters. However, several threads of the plot were left dangling, which is annoying.
Beginning of the book is written in the present tense. I nearly stopped reading after a few pages, but it changed to past tense so I continued, and enjoyed the story and characters. However, several threads of the plot were left dangling, which is annoying.
November 26, 2018
Good mystery
This is the 1st book by this author that I have read. I like the characters & need to read book 1&2 seeing as this was 3! The mystery was good and characters seemed realistic for the story.
This is the 1st book by this author that I have read. I like the characters & need to read book 1&2 seeing as this was 3! The mystery was good and characters seemed realistic for the story.
February 26, 2019
A good read.
Many plot twists that sometimes defy credibility and surprises that keep the reader guessing as to the identity of the perpetrator. Well written in an easy to read style.
Many plot twists that sometimes defy credibility and surprises that keep the reader guessing as to the identity of the perpetrator. Well written in an easy to read style.
July 31, 2019
Great period novel and detective who is intelligent. And proves that one should never underestimate any person with physical limitations or outward scars. He is a loving husband. They have a strong mutual admiration of each other. A fascinating mystery story and ending.
July 18, 2020
Family in flux concerning relationships with each other about money death and whose who
The writing was so good and so complex. A terrific read and who done it. Did not want to end.
The writing was so good and so complex. A terrific read and who done it. Did not want to end.
July 1, 2025
November 1928. Wealthy widower, Penrose Llewellyn of Bryn Glas, Hinton Wyering, announces he is to remarry and the next morning he is found dead. DI Herbert Reardon is sent to investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery
An entertaining historical mystery
March 14, 2018
This is a concise well written mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. The plot was great with good characters who were well thought out. This novel kept my attention and kept me guessing throughout!
February 24, 2019
A good historical mystery.
March 17, 2019
These mysteries are very good! Lots of twists and turns in the plot and always a satisfying conclusion.
July 29, 2019
sort of agatha christie but entertaining
April 6, 2021
Dull characters, convoluted plot; I did not enjoy it.
June 12, 2021
I enjoyed this book immensely. A complicated plot line that left you guessing until the last chapter with lots of dropped clues along the way.
August 2, 2021
Quite good. A littles less of the feminism would have been less tedious. Not a bad story.I worked out who the murderer was quite quickly.
September 22, 2021
Best one yet with more of Reardon.
August 25, 2022
Enjoyable, yet confusing...
November 1, 2015
Penrose Llewellyn has called his clan together for his 60th birthday in November 1928. Since he’s recently suffered from a heart ailment, everyone in his family feels obligated to attend. From the very beginning, the reader realizes this is a family not quite happy to be together. Pen seems like a loving relative, but there’s an edge to his relationship with his brothers, Theo and Huwie, the latter who has been absent for years. Theo is a successful lawyer and a rare book collector of books about music. He and his haughty wife Claudia live well above their means but Theo is close to Pen and may be looking to inherit some wealth that is sorely needed. Huwie seems like the black sheep of the family and others indicate he’s not to be trusted. The females in the family each have a bit of the wild side in them and clearly don’t get along, even the mother and daughter in the tale. There’s a close family doctor and some others who would like to marry into the clan but don’t seem able to accomplish their desires.
Imagine then the shock when Pen holds a family dinner before the big event and announces he will marry his garden designer, Anna. The expectations for the family are now obviously diminished but even more so when Pen is found dead the next morning after the exciting family dinner.
Herbert Reardon, a detective, is called into the case immediately. He’s a shrewd character, physically scarred from the Great War, but no less loved by his sensible, liberal wife Ellen. He sets about his investigation with the help of an assistant and becomes intrigued by the town’s antique bookseller from whom both Pen and Theo bought books for investment and love of old books. The novel moves on rapidly with fascinating twists and turns and is totally unpredictable as who committed the dastardly deed. Two other murders, one human and one canine, add to the mystery’s complexity.
Heirs and Assigns is a super historical mystery that is evenly paced, well-plotted, and contains just enough clues to sweep the reader to its very surprising end. It also adds some minor information about treatment of veterans from the War and those who refused to fight in the war, as well as the women’s reform movement for equality in that time. Descriptions of the homes, shops, cooking, etc. abound realistically, including the great love for tea and some classic British meals. Highly recommended for those who love a good mystery and a touch of Downton Abbey in between the puzzling and satisfying investigations.
Imagine then the shock when Pen holds a family dinner before the big event and announces he will marry his garden designer, Anna. The expectations for the family are now obviously diminished but even more so when Pen is found dead the next morning after the exciting family dinner.
Herbert Reardon, a detective, is called into the case immediately. He’s a shrewd character, physically scarred from the Great War, but no less loved by his sensible, liberal wife Ellen. He sets about his investigation with the help of an assistant and becomes intrigued by the town’s antique bookseller from whom both Pen and Theo bought books for investment and love of old books. The novel moves on rapidly with fascinating twists and turns and is totally unpredictable as who committed the dastardly deed. Two other murders, one human and one canine, add to the mystery’s complexity.
Heirs and Assigns is a super historical mystery that is evenly paced, well-plotted, and contains just enough clues to sweep the reader to its very surprising end. It also adds some minor information about treatment of veterans from the War and those who refused to fight in the war, as well as the women’s reform movement for equality in that time. Descriptions of the homes, shops, cooking, etc. abound realistically, including the great love for tea and some classic British meals. Highly recommended for those who love a good mystery and a touch of Downton Abbey in between the puzzling and satisfying investigations.
May 4, 2016
‘Heirs and assigns by Marjorie Eccles
Published by Severn House, 1 November 2015. ISBN: 978-0-7278-8528-9
Wealthy retired businessman Penrose Llewellyn has decided to throw a party at Bryn Glas, his country home in Shropshire to celebrate his 60th birthday. He has news to impart to his nearest and dearest. And so his mixed bag of siblings, relations and some close friends gather for the supper party. The surprise arrival is his the younger brother Huwie known to be the black sheep of the family, his whereabouts been unknown to the family for many years.
The following morning Penrose Llewellyn is found dead in his bed.
With staff shortages the local police are unable to cope with a suspicious death and so Detective inspector Herbert Reardon has to break the news to his wife Ellen that their trip to the Cotswolds is off. However, the locality of the death is where her friend Kate Ramsey lives and Ellen much to Reardon’s dismay thinks that she may plan her own trip.
As DI Reardon questions the family and friends he meets with hostility and a distinct lack of cooperation. As with most families there are long buried secrets and he begins to suspect that it is only by uncovering these secrets that he will find the killer. Despite much probing he cannot get a handle on why Huwie became estranged from his family.
The story is set in November 1928, and the experiences and losses of the Great War still linger. People are still adjusting and the feeling of great change is well-portrayed as the lives of the characters unfold.
Apart from greatly enjoying the books penned by Marjorie Eccles, I am also fascinated by this period in our history and can heartily recommend this book on two levels, that of good mystery and a look at life in the 1920’s.
------
Reviewer: Lizzie Hayes
Published by Severn House, 1 November 2015. ISBN: 978-0-7278-8528-9
Wealthy retired businessman Penrose Llewellyn has decided to throw a party at Bryn Glas, his country home in Shropshire to celebrate his 60th birthday. He has news to impart to his nearest and dearest. And so his mixed bag of siblings, relations and some close friends gather for the supper party. The surprise arrival is his the younger brother Huwie known to be the black sheep of the family, his whereabouts been unknown to the family for many years.
The following morning Penrose Llewellyn is found dead in his bed.
With staff shortages the local police are unable to cope with a suspicious death and so Detective inspector Herbert Reardon has to break the news to his wife Ellen that their trip to the Cotswolds is off. However, the locality of the death is where her friend Kate Ramsey lives and Ellen much to Reardon’s dismay thinks that she may plan her own trip.
As DI Reardon questions the family and friends he meets with hostility and a distinct lack of cooperation. As with most families there are long buried secrets and he begins to suspect that it is only by uncovering these secrets that he will find the killer. Despite much probing he cannot get a handle on why Huwie became estranged from his family.
The story is set in November 1928, and the experiences and losses of the Great War still linger. People are still adjusting and the feeling of great change is well-portrayed as the lives of the characters unfold.
Apart from greatly enjoying the books penned by Marjorie Eccles, I am also fascinated by this period in our history and can heartily recommend this book on two levels, that of good mystery and a look at life in the 1920’s.
------
Reviewer: Lizzie Hayes
October 5, 2015
With the growth in popularity of Downtown Abbey, it is no surprise to see the resurgence of the manor house mystery - a popular staple during the Golden Age of mystery. Set against the backdrop of post WWI England, Heirs and Assigns is a captivating mystery featuring a perceptive and compassionate Detective Inspector.
When the wealthy head of the Llewellyn clan summons family and friends for his forthcoming 60th birthday celebration, none are willing to demur. Penrose’s family are dependent upon his goodwill, as most if not all are living at or beyond their means. At a small dinner party before the celebration attended by close family and a few friends, Penrose Llewellyn announces his forthcoming marriage. The next morning, the wealthy businessman is found dead, in suspicious circumstances.
Every family has secrets, and the Llewellyn clan has more than their share. It is up to Detective Inspector Reardon and his assistant Gilmour to uncover who murdered Penrose Llewellyn. Many gained from his death, but was the motive greed or something more sinister.
The one weakness of Heirs and Assigns lies in the first part of the novel, set before the murder. The introduction of the characters is at times made awkward by shifting tense and perspective. From the second part of the novel (after the murder) on, the narrative flows much more smoothly. On the whole, Heirs and Assigns is a solid and enjoyable country house mystery.
4/5
Heirs and Assigns is available for preorder and will be released November 1, 2015.
I received a copy of Heirs and Assigns from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
http://muttcafe.com/2015/10/heirs-and...
When the wealthy head of the Llewellyn clan summons family and friends for his forthcoming 60th birthday celebration, none are willing to demur. Penrose’s family are dependent upon his goodwill, as most if not all are living at or beyond their means. At a small dinner party before the celebration attended by close family and a few friends, Penrose Llewellyn announces his forthcoming marriage. The next morning, the wealthy businessman is found dead, in suspicious circumstances.
Every family has secrets, and the Llewellyn clan has more than their share. It is up to Detective Inspector Reardon and his assistant Gilmour to uncover who murdered Penrose Llewellyn. Many gained from his death, but was the motive greed or something more sinister.
The one weakness of Heirs and Assigns lies in the first part of the novel, set before the murder. The introduction of the characters is at times made awkward by shifting tense and perspective. From the second part of the novel (after the murder) on, the narrative flows much more smoothly. On the whole, Heirs and Assigns is a solid and enjoyable country house mystery.
4/5
Heirs and Assigns is available for preorder and will be released November 1, 2015.
I received a copy of Heirs and Assigns from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
http://muttcafe.com/2015/10/heirs-and...
May 7, 2016
Set between the two World Wars, Marjorie Eccles does a wonderful job of recreating the atmosphere of the late twenties in a small Shropshire village where there are people still living with the consequences of the first war while only vaguely aware of the ominous foreshadowing of what is yet to come. The plot itself is classic cozy mystery material: the wealthy Pen Llewellyn, having retired to live on a country estate, invites all the family members down to celebrate his 60th birthday. Not only is there to be a birthday party, but he is to announce his engagement to the attractive and capable widow who has been hired to design a new garden on the estate. Needless to say, Pen’s siblings and relatives are all concerned with the implications of this proposed marriage upon their inheritances, and when Pen is murdered before the marriage can take place, the family members all come under suspicion.
What elevates this standard situation is the smoothly elegant writing, the vivid descriptions of the country setting and most of all, the sharply delineated characters, both major and minor, who populate the story. Particularly likeable is the detective team brought in from a neighbouring town to take over the case in the absence of an adequate local force. Detective Inspector Reardon, happily married with a bright and independent-minded wife, is a genial character, as is Sergeant Gilmour, also happily married and doggedly carrying out his duties while all the time on thorns for news of his imminently expectant wife back at home. An enjoyable mix of mystery, humour and romance, Heirs and Assigns was a thoroughly agreeable read.
What elevates this standard situation is the smoothly elegant writing, the vivid descriptions of the country setting and most of all, the sharply delineated characters, both major and minor, who populate the story. Particularly likeable is the detective team brought in from a neighbouring town to take over the case in the absence of an adequate local force. Detective Inspector Reardon, happily married with a bright and independent-minded wife, is a genial character, as is Sergeant Gilmour, also happily married and doggedly carrying out his duties while all the time on thorns for news of his imminently expectant wife back at home. An enjoyable mix of mystery, humour and romance, Heirs and Assigns was a thoroughly agreeable read.
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