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Murder Will Follow Mystery #1
A Testament to Murder
Suspenseful from the first page to the last, A Testament to Murder is perfect for fans of And Then There Were None, Murder on the Orient Express, and Crooked House
A dying billionaire. Nine would-be heirs. But only one will take the prize...
At the lush Villa Calypso on the French Riviera, a dying billionaire launches a devious plan: at midnight each day he appoints a new heir to his vast fortune. If he dies within 24 hours, that person takes it all. If not, their chance is gone forever.
Yet these are no ordinary beneficiaries, these men who crossed him, women who deceived him, and distant relations intent on reclaiming the family fortune. All are determined to lend death a hand and outwit their rivals in pursuit of the prize.
As tensions mount with every passing second, retired Scotland Yard investigator Jasper must stay two steps ahead of every player if he hopes to prevent the billionaire’s devious game from becoming a testament to murder…
A dying billionaire. Nine would-be heirs. But only one will take the prize...
At the lush Villa Calypso on the French Riviera, a dying billionaire launches a devious plan: at midnight each day he appoints a new heir to his vast fortune. If he dies within 24 hours, that person takes it all. If not, their chance is gone forever.
Yet these are no ordinary beneficiaries, these men who crossed him, women who deceived him, and distant relations intent on reclaiming the family fortune. All are determined to lend death a hand and outwit their rivals in pursuit of the prize.
As tensions mount with every passing second, retired Scotland Yard investigator Jasper must stay two steps ahead of every player if he hopes to prevent the billionaire’s devious game from becoming a testament to murder…
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2019
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392 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
February 15, 2019
An intriguing mystery, set in the 1920s, with an interesting premise. Malcolm, a wealthy old man is dying, and with no immediate relatives he invites several distant relatives and former and current employees to his bedside at his Villa in the South of France. He then announces that he will change his will at midnight every night to a different inheritor, but not announce who it is, until the day he dies and the person listed inherits everything. So let the fun begin...
Next door neighbour Jasper, a former Inspector from Scotland Yard, is on hand to witness the following mayhem as the gathered frenemies all try to one up each other with their greed. Then a body is found, and Jasper then has to piece together what happened from the lies and cover ups from those with much to hide...and gain!
A book full of nasty characters, but you can't help but smile at their antics. I'm sure Jasper would have like to have locked them all up at one stage or other. All are self serving, and have trouble trying to hide it, and it lends an air of distrust between them all.
All in all this is a fun book, leading up to a final Agatha Christie-like denouement, which possibly went on a little too long, but I can honestly say I had no idea at all who the killer was, or the reasons for it. I believe it is to become a series, so I'll have to look out for the next installment. Recommended for lovers of Historical Mysteries.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Next door neighbour Jasper, a former Inspector from Scotland Yard, is on hand to witness the following mayhem as the gathered frenemies all try to one up each other with their greed. Then a body is found, and Jasper then has to piece together what happened from the lies and cover ups from those with much to hide...and gain!
A book full of nasty characters, but you can't help but smile at their antics. I'm sure Jasper would have like to have locked them all up at one stage or other. All are self serving, and have trouble trying to hide it, and it lends an air of distrust between them all.
All in all this is a fun book, leading up to a final Agatha Christie-like denouement, which possibly went on a little too long, but I can honestly say I had no idea at all who the killer was, or the reasons for it. I believe it is to become a series, so I'll have to look out for the next installment. Recommended for lovers of Historical Mysteries.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2019
In “A Testament to Murder” there was double-crossing, death and deceit in abundance, all in this delightful and engrossing murderous mystery. Masterfully written, the novel was reminiscent of an Agatha Christie mystery. What made this novel special was that it is the first in a new series by author, Vivian Conroy.
I found the ending extremely satisfactory and if old fashioned murder mysteries are your thing, then you must get yourself a copy of this brilliant book.
I am absolutely thrilled that I have found a new favourite author to add to my ever-growing list. Rating: 5 Stars
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my own request from Canelo via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I found the ending extremely satisfactory and if old fashioned murder mysteries are your thing, then you must get yourself a copy of this brilliant book.
I am absolutely thrilled that I have found a new favourite author to add to my ever-growing list. Rating: 5 Stars
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my own request from Canelo via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
January 23, 2019
My thanks to NetGalley and Canelo Publishing for providing me an advanced digital copy of A Testament to Murder by Vivian Conroy. A murder mystery that is stand-alone as opposed to being part of a series. Jasper, a retired police inspector, is called in to determine who murdered two of the guests who’ve been invited to spend a week with a dying relative.
The invitation to visit is not without strings. Once the family arrives they learn of their Uncle Malcolm’s plan to change his will every night at the stroke of midnight to name a different heir for his multi-billion dollar fortune. The reason? To see if anyone of the relatives has the courage and the intelligence to murder him without being caught on the day they are named heir. The catch? He will not be providing any information regarding who is named on any particular day.
In the vein of such classics as Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, each character has something to hide and everyone lies about something to protect themselves or someone they love. To make it more complicated, Malcolm doesn’t die, although there are two murders that Jasper must solve.
An interesting premise, which provides the reader with an opportunity to speculate on who is committing murder and why. The book is evenly paced, throughout, with characters well-defined. The downfall for me is that none of the characters are particularly likeable or sympathetic. Jasper might be, but he is introduced late in the book and isn’t central to the action so much as he spends time asking questions and trying to get to the bottom of the mystery.
There is a “twist” at the end, which was the exact solution I had determined was the answer to this mystery. The author then throws out a short paragraph designed to cast doubt on one last person at the end, leaving the reader to decide the validity of the statement. It doesn’t change the outcome of who is the murderer, but does speak to the motive for the entire book. If a reader likes this type of open-ended solution, this may be the book for them.
The invitation to visit is not without strings. Once the family arrives they learn of their Uncle Malcolm’s plan to change his will every night at the stroke of midnight to name a different heir for his multi-billion dollar fortune. The reason? To see if anyone of the relatives has the courage and the intelligence to murder him without being caught on the day they are named heir. The catch? He will not be providing any information regarding who is named on any particular day.
In the vein of such classics as Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, each character has something to hide and everyone lies about something to protect themselves or someone they love. To make it more complicated, Malcolm doesn’t die, although there are two murders that Jasper must solve.
An interesting premise, which provides the reader with an opportunity to speculate on who is committing murder and why. The book is evenly paced, throughout, with characters well-defined. The downfall for me is that none of the characters are particularly likeable or sympathetic. Jasper might be, but he is introduced late in the book and isn’t central to the action so much as he spends time asking questions and trying to get to the bottom of the mystery.
There is a “twist” at the end, which was the exact solution I had determined was the answer to this mystery. The author then throws out a short paragraph designed to cast doubt on one last person at the end, leaving the reader to decide the validity of the statement. It doesn’t change the outcome of who is the murderer, but does speak to the motive for the entire book. If a reader likes this type of open-ended solution, this may be the book for them.
February 19, 2019
A dying billionaire invites nine people from his past to stay at the Villa Calypso with him and to learn who will inherit his wealth. This is a cue for murder as he plans to change who will inherit at midnight and if he dies during the following 24 hours that is who will be his heir. If he survives, that will be their chance gone. However, he won't reveal just who is named and they have to stay at the Villa to be given a chance to inherit.
The nine are people aren't his best friends or closest relations, they're anything but! They include his ex-secretary, his ex-business partner who is married to his ex-wife, his money hungry distant relatives - you get the idea! The nine are rivals for the fortune and you're never quite sure who is telling the truth and what secrets and schemes they are hiding. There's also a retired Scotland Yard investigator who has been asked to keep an eye on everyone . . . . . but there are deaths, deceit, danger and double crossing in this murderous mystery.
It has so many twists and turns it keeps you guessing to the very last page where there is yet another statement that leaves you guessing just who was really the mastermind manipulator! It is an Agatha Christie style mystery, full of clues, revelations and red herrings to divert your attention from the perpetrator. It is a real page turner and I'm so happy to discover it is the first in a new series by this talented author - I can't wait to read more from her!
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
The nine are people aren't his best friends or closest relations, they're anything but! They include his ex-secretary, his ex-business partner who is married to his ex-wife, his money hungry distant relatives - you get the idea! The nine are rivals for the fortune and you're never quite sure who is telling the truth and what secrets and schemes they are hiding. There's also a retired Scotland Yard investigator who has been asked to keep an eye on everyone . . . . . but there are deaths, deceit, danger and double crossing in this murderous mystery.
It has so many twists and turns it keeps you guessing to the very last page where there is yet another statement that leaves you guessing just who was really the mastermind manipulator! It is an Agatha Christie style mystery, full of clues, revelations and red herrings to divert your attention from the perpetrator. It is a real page turner and I'm so happy to discover it is the first in a new series by this talented author - I can't wait to read more from her!
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
February 3, 2019
Malcolm Bryce-Rutherford is a miserable, cruel misanthrope in possession of a great fortune and the Villa Calypso on the French Riviera. But none of his extended family and associates fares much better: his ne’er-do-well, drunken nephew Hugh with ridiculous artistic pretensions, Hugh’s shallow gold-digger American bride; Malcolm’s greedy ex-wife Cecily, who has remarried with Malcolm’s business partner and borne a possibly sociopathic son; Malcolm’s long-suffering but overbearing former secretary, spinster Theodora Cummings, and a pretty, too-good-to- be-true British nurse, Anna Case. These people are pitted against one another when Uncle Malcolm reveals that he’s terminally ill and that he will leave his vast fortune to a different legatee each day. If he happens to die on that day, the inheritor gets the lot; if not, a new beneficiary will be named at midnight. An invitation to murder? You bet!
Although the novel begins just a tad too slowly, once retired Scotland Yard police superintendent Jasper comes on the scene, I couldn’t put it down. Although newly written, author Vivian Conroy captures the flavor of Golden Age cozy mysteries with a dash (very small) of Patricia Highsmith. Not very many of the characters are what they seem. It would be too easy to reveal too much and spoil Conroy’s novel, so I will leave it at that. I really look forward to the future adventures of retired Superintendent Jasper.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Canelo in exchange for an honest review.
Although the novel begins just a tad too slowly, once retired Scotland Yard police superintendent Jasper comes on the scene, I couldn’t put it down. Although newly written, author Vivian Conroy captures the flavor of Golden Age cozy mysteries with a dash (very small) of Patricia Highsmith. Not very many of the characters are what they seem. It would be too easy to reveal too much and spoil Conroy’s novel, so I will leave it at that. I really look forward to the future adventures of retired Superintendent Jasper.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Canelo in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2019
Hats off to author Vivian Conroy for giving us a fun 1920s Agatha Christie style mystery, replete with a cast of possible heirs cloistered in a mansion with an eccentric millionaire toying with his will. This is a fun quick read with twists and turns galore and multiple incidents to be investigated. It even has a Poirot style full reveal at the end with the interesting character of a retired detective Jasper who lives next door. I thought the book might be part of a series with the detective, but it appears to be a stand-alone. I wouldn’t mind reading more in the series if there are any. If you are craving a classic murder mystery, this should give you a good fix.
Thanks to NetGalley, Canelo, and the author Vivian Conroy for an advanced electronic review copy.
Thanks to NetGalley, Canelo, and the author Vivian Conroy for an advanced electronic review copy.
March 29, 2019
I have been a fan of Ms Conroy’s work for a while now, in fact it is through her work that I re-discovered my love for the marvellous world of cosy mystery. Each book is always full of humour and intrigue and there is always a real sense of a time gone long gone in her writing, but this one has to be the finest she has written it has a real Agatha Christie feel to it, which I found utterly charming.
Set during the roaring twenties, this fascinating mystery will have you hooked from the onset. Dying multi-millionaire; Malcolm invites a whole bunch of very distant relatives and employees to his Villa in France. As expected those invited all think that as dear old Malcolm is about to leave this mortal coil that they will be into some money. In a sense they could be right, that is until he reveals is precise dastardly plan for them. He will be changing his will every day at midnight, none knows who he will be leaving his fortune to on any given day. Which leaves Malcolm to sit back and wonder who amongst his guests will bump him off to get their grubby hands on the lot.
Amongst sticky fingered and greedy bunch is Scotland Yard Inspector who just happens to be living next door, so when there is a murder he is right on hand to get to the bottom of the case. But with so many people in the frame and so many motive’s can he find the proper killer?
This really is a brilliant mystery, it’s original, highly intriguing and intelligently written. It has a real pull to it, that draws you in and keeps you guessing throughout with it’s articulate and twisty plot. Ms Conroy has outdone herself with this one, it is such a joy to read and a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. It is just like settling in for a afternoon of watching Miss Marple of Poirot, it really is that good! There is a real vintage feel about A Testament to Murder that is both highly addictive and hugely comforting, the character’s are colourful and brilliantly created – if at times they are very nasty but utterly engrossing and it is so much fun to see the mystery play out.
Highly recommended, whether you like your romance or thriller this will satisfy all.
Set during the roaring twenties, this fascinating mystery will have you hooked from the onset. Dying multi-millionaire; Malcolm invites a whole bunch of very distant relatives and employees to his Villa in France. As expected those invited all think that as dear old Malcolm is about to leave this mortal coil that they will be into some money. In a sense they could be right, that is until he reveals is precise dastardly plan for them. He will be changing his will every day at midnight, none knows who he will be leaving his fortune to on any given day. Which leaves Malcolm to sit back and wonder who amongst his guests will bump him off to get their grubby hands on the lot.
Amongst sticky fingered and greedy bunch is Scotland Yard Inspector who just happens to be living next door, so when there is a murder he is right on hand to get to the bottom of the case. But with so many people in the frame and so many motive’s can he find the proper killer?
This really is a brilliant mystery, it’s original, highly intriguing and intelligently written. It has a real pull to it, that draws you in and keeps you guessing throughout with it’s articulate and twisty plot. Ms Conroy has outdone herself with this one, it is such a joy to read and a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. It is just like settling in for a afternoon of watching Miss Marple of Poirot, it really is that good! There is a real vintage feel about A Testament to Murder that is both highly addictive and hugely comforting, the character’s are colourful and brilliantly created – if at times they are very nasty but utterly engrossing and it is so much fun to see the mystery play out.
Highly recommended, whether you like your romance or thriller this will satisfy all.
February 18, 2019
This is a cracking mystery - a real enigma!
At his villa in the French Riviera, Malcolm Bryce-Rutherford gathers relatives and people of importance in his life, informing them of his impending death and the bizarre way he intends to leave his not inconsiderable inheritance to one of them. As we get to know these nine people, circumstances become more and more bizarre, eventually leading to murder and the suspicions of 'whodunnit'!
I have read several of Vivian Conroy's novels, and she writes beguiling mysteries but I think this one tops them all! This is worthy of the best authors around and could easily be mistaken for an Agatha Christie tale! Really well plotted with plenty of suspects and so much going on - I think I had everyone in the frame at some time or another! As with all the best stories, I couldn't put it down - especially as I neared the end and thought anyone could be the perpetrator. The characters are widely varied and well-drawn - and the inclusion of a friendly dog only added to my enjoyment. This is a stunning mystery set in the 1920's and I can't help but imagine it on the small screen; it would be compulsive viewing! This deserves each and every one of it's five shiny, sparkling stars, and a hearty recommendation from me to all lovers of a superbly crafted mystery.
My thanks to publisher Canelo for my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
At his villa in the French Riviera, Malcolm Bryce-Rutherford gathers relatives and people of importance in his life, informing them of his impending death and the bizarre way he intends to leave his not inconsiderable inheritance to one of them. As we get to know these nine people, circumstances become more and more bizarre, eventually leading to murder and the suspicions of 'whodunnit'!
I have read several of Vivian Conroy's novels, and she writes beguiling mysteries but I think this one tops them all! This is worthy of the best authors around and could easily be mistaken for an Agatha Christie tale! Really well plotted with plenty of suspects and so much going on - I think I had everyone in the frame at some time or another! As with all the best stories, I couldn't put it down - especially as I neared the end and thought anyone could be the perpetrator. The characters are widely varied and well-drawn - and the inclusion of a friendly dog only added to my enjoyment. This is a stunning mystery set in the 1920's and I can't help but imagine it on the small screen; it would be compulsive viewing! This deserves each and every one of it's five shiny, sparkling stars, and a hearty recommendation from me to all lovers of a superbly crafted mystery.
My thanks to publisher Canelo for my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
March 30, 2019
What a delightful murder mystery. Filled with devious, secretive characters, all well-fleshed and none terribly likable, this story kept me turning the pages and kept me guessing. Danger, murder, duplicity, and humour…This was a mystery in the classic vein of Agatha Christie. An entertaining read that was suspenseful and fun.
April 8, 2025
Before I begin with the story in this book, I have to give a bit of background from where I approach this tale. I am a fan of Agatha Christie's books. The people I have met over time who did not like her books were those who found the actual whodunit buried among the very avidly described characters and their foibles. This book has modelled itself on the format of the old classics but falls short when it comes to just that bit for me.I will explain that statement in more detail towards the end of the review.
An old man on his deathbed has collected the people associated with him in life around him. He then presents them with a picture of who will inherit after him and basically heralds the start of the games. The people who have answered his call do not like him (he is not likable in any way) and start to debate what their course of action should be, they all hope to inherit untold wealth whether the deserve it or not. The story itself is pretty interesting, and there are enough red herrings thrown our way in the guise of multiple attacks on the almost heirs. The gold- digger with the useless husband, the ex-wife who married the man's ex-business partner, their son, an enigmatic nurse , an ex-cop and the ex-secretary are all interesting choices for the criminal but here came the issue. They were all not fleshed out enough, I felt like I was being told what they were doing and not shown much and there was no clear indication of the fact that this was based in another era other than the fact that once again the cover proclaimed it.
This is not a deal breaker for most people and although I guessed the answer I was forced to second guess it a few time, I need more from a classically styled story. I needed to feel with the people introduced to me and get invested in their eccentricities. This is why I indicated earlier that my interest lie more heavily on the people themselves than their actions/reactions. I would recommend this to people who like reading this genre and to form their own opinions about it after reading it.
An old man on his deathbed has collected the people associated with him in life around him. He then presents them with a picture of who will inherit after him and basically heralds the start of the games. The people who have answered his call do not like him (he is not likable in any way) and start to debate what their course of action should be, they all hope to inherit untold wealth whether the deserve it or not. The story itself is pretty interesting, and there are enough red herrings thrown our way in the guise of multiple attacks on the almost heirs. The gold- digger with the useless husband, the ex-wife who married the man's ex-business partner, their son, an enigmatic nurse , an ex-cop and the ex-secretary are all interesting choices for the criminal but here came the issue. They were all not fleshed out enough, I felt like I was being told what they were doing and not shown much and there was no clear indication of the fact that this was based in another era other than the fact that once again the cover proclaimed it.
This is not a deal breaker for most people and although I guessed the answer I was forced to second guess it a few time, I need more from a classically styled story. I needed to feel with the people introduced to me and get invested in their eccentricities. This is why I indicated earlier that my interest lie more heavily on the people themselves than their actions/reactions. I would recommend this to people who like reading this genre and to form their own opinions about it after reading it.
March 5, 2019
Let’s take a trip to the French Riviera, shall we! And while we’re at it, let’s travel back in time to the Roaring Twenties! Now we are where and when we need to be, let’s go and visit Uncle Malcolm! Although I don’t think it’ll be a nice visit… He’s a shrewd, manipulative and rather cruel old man, that one. He’s been very poorly lately, so poorly in fact, that he’s requested all his relatives and friends (if you can call them that) to come and visit him before he dies. And to make his last days / weeks (?) more entertaining, Malcolm has decided to play a little game with his heirs: every night he’ll make a new testament, leaving his fortune to one person who is to inherit everything if Malcolm happens to die within those 24 hours. Interesting idea, to say the least, because who knows what effect this little game will have on the heirs in question, who’s to say one (or more) won’t figure out when it’s their name on the testament and try to kill Malcolm? So at first this is a cosy murder mystery without any actual murder but with lots of murderous thoughts. Until… the first person is killed and it’s not Malcolm… Dumdumdumdum! Was the killer just thinning the herd to tilt the odds in their favour, was it some kind of revenge, did the deceased know too much?
I thoroughly enjoyed the Agatha Christie vibe of it all, all the mystery, all the questions raised, and the very satisfying ending, the teensy bit of venom in this tale’s tail. At less than 200 pages, this was a quick and fun read that I’d happily recommend to any and all cosy mystery fans.
Thanks to NetGalley, Canelo and Vivian Conroy for the free eARC! All opinions are my own and I was not paid to give them
I thoroughly enjoyed the Agatha Christie vibe of it all, all the mystery, all the questions raised, and the very satisfying ending, the teensy bit of venom in this tale’s tail. At less than 200 pages, this was a quick and fun read that I’d happily recommend to any and all cosy mystery fans.
Thanks to NetGalley, Canelo and Vivian Conroy for the free eARC! All opinions are my own and I was not paid to give them
February 23, 2019
Complex plot but flawed. Full review at classicmystery.blog
July 6, 2024
Agatha Christie read-alike. Interesting characters but wish the detective was more developed. A pale Poirot.
February 20, 2019
A Testament to Murder was highly entertaining and suspenseful. A murder mystery set in the 1920’s begins with a game of chance as Malcolm wagers his life as well as the lives of his closest friends and relatives with an offer that is both dangerous and too good to refuse.
****
A Testament to Murder is a classic, “who done it” that leaves you wanting more. I thought Vivian Conroy’s use of imagery and character development was exceptional and set the stage for a perfect mystery novel. I found this to be a rather quick read because I needed to know what would happen next. So many great layers to this story!
****
The reason I am giving this book three stars is based primarily on my review of the ending. I was expecting more at the end, I was waiting for that dramatic twist of events, that surprise ending, but I did not get the crescendo I was hoping for. For me the ending fell a little flat compared to the build up that had occurred over the last several chapters. Overall, a good read and great writing makes this a great recommendation for mystery lovers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange with an honest review.
****
A Testament to Murder is a classic, “who done it” that leaves you wanting more. I thought Vivian Conroy’s use of imagery and character development was exceptional and set the stage for a perfect mystery novel. I found this to be a rather quick read because I needed to know what would happen next. So many great layers to this story!
****
The reason I am giving this book three stars is based primarily on my review of the ending. I was expecting more at the end, I was waiting for that dramatic twist of events, that surprise ending, but I did not get the crescendo I was hoping for. For me the ending fell a little flat compared to the build up that had occurred over the last several chapters. Overall, a good read and great writing makes this a great recommendation for mystery lovers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange with an honest review.
March 4, 2019
Oh, thank goodness. The Golden Age of crime fiction is back.
Agatha Christie (people tell me) is passé in these days of gritty crime, but I have a fondness for the gentler, more cerebral crime fiction from the period between the wars. In Vivian Conroy’s A Testament to Murder, the first in a new series featuring retired London detective Jasper, the genre is back with a bang.
The premise upon which the plot rests is as clever and irresistible as any I’ve met. Billionaire Malcolm Bryce-Rutherford is dying and invites a selection of friends and family to spend his final days with him at his chateau on the Riviera. They include his secretary, his business partner and his wife (formerly married to Malcolm himself) and their son; his nephew and his wife. And when they’ve arrived he breaks the news ti them. Each day he will change his will in favour of one of them and that person — unknown — will be heir for twenty-four hours only. He dangles in front of them the temptation to murder. If they kill him on the day they’re the heir they inherit but if the murder is discovered they hang, and if they get it wrong someone else gets all the money.
It’s a fantastic setup, and as the story goes on the characters’ back stories are revelled and it becomes clear that not one of them has a guiltless past. As Malcolm and his lawyer pull the strings the tension begins to mount — and the guests themselves begin to die. Malcolm’s neighbour, retired Metropolitan Police detective Jasper, is enlisted by the local police to see what he can find out.
I thought this was a fabulous book, in the true tradition of the 1920s mystery, from the complicated set-up to the denouement in which Jasper exposes everybody’s secrets, their motives and opportunity, before revealing the killer. Twist after twist in the plot kept me guessing right the way through. I loved it.
Thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Agatha Christie (people tell me) is passé in these days of gritty crime, but I have a fondness for the gentler, more cerebral crime fiction from the period between the wars. In Vivian Conroy’s A Testament to Murder, the first in a new series featuring retired London detective Jasper, the genre is back with a bang.
The premise upon which the plot rests is as clever and irresistible as any I’ve met. Billionaire Malcolm Bryce-Rutherford is dying and invites a selection of friends and family to spend his final days with him at his chateau on the Riviera. They include his secretary, his business partner and his wife (formerly married to Malcolm himself) and their son; his nephew and his wife. And when they’ve arrived he breaks the news ti them. Each day he will change his will in favour of one of them and that person — unknown — will be heir for twenty-four hours only. He dangles in front of them the temptation to murder. If they kill him on the day they’re the heir they inherit but if the murder is discovered they hang, and if they get it wrong someone else gets all the money.
It’s a fantastic setup, and as the story goes on the characters’ back stories are revelled and it becomes clear that not one of them has a guiltless past. As Malcolm and his lawyer pull the strings the tension begins to mount — and the guests themselves begin to die. Malcolm’s neighbour, retired Metropolitan Police detective Jasper, is enlisted by the local police to see what he can find out.
I thought this was a fabulous book, in the true tradition of the 1920s mystery, from the complicated set-up to the denouement in which Jasper exposes everybody’s secrets, their motives and opportunity, before revealing the killer. Twist after twist in the plot kept me guessing right the way through. I loved it.
Thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
June 16, 2019
I'm rushing this review a bit, as I'm less than 20% into the book, but I may shelve it for a while, so some initial comments. More later, perhaps, and an up-vote if it gets better.
Touted as a Christie-style "Golden Age" mystery. Christie it ain't; the comparison is odious. Within the first page or two, I said "Cosy Mystery", and, sure enough, that is this author's specialty.
(What is it with this torrent of cosies? Cosy Fan Tutte? Are Cosies going to be the new Harlequins?)
Actually, I like cosy mysteries when well done. I gave 5 stars to Diana Xarissa's Isle of Man Ghostly Cozy trilogy, not because they're great literature, but because they succeed admirably in what they set out to be (an important criterion for me), and because I just plain enjoyed them.
But Agatha Christie is not cosy. Oh, I know, she seems that way now, from familiarity and distance and that upper-middle-class house-party milieu. But she was writing more or less realistically about the time and people she knew. And her murderers are not cosy; it still gives me a shiver to think of the unsuspected murderer conveying the heroine to her death in one book: 'O fat white woman whom nobody loves, Why do you walk in the field with gloves...?'
I have a lot of problems with the writing, anachronisms (the novel is set in the 20s), bad style, strange errors—Cornwall seems to have dropped down the map to the South of France. Was s/he thinking of the Cornish Riviera as being on the Cote d'Azur? Or maybe this is an sf ficton where Cornwall never joined England. Some Cornish people believe that to this day. But then they should be speaking Cornish Celtic, not French.
My problem is that these errors thrust me into editor mode, and from then on all I could see were the mistakes. I suspect this book still has plenty to offer in interesting characters & plot twists, so maybe if I shelve it for a few days and return, I'll be able to see the forest and not just the brambles.
Touted as a Christie-style "Golden Age" mystery. Christie it ain't; the comparison is odious. Within the first page or two, I said "Cosy Mystery", and, sure enough, that is this author's specialty.
(What is it with this torrent of cosies? Cosy Fan Tutte? Are Cosies going to be the new Harlequins?)
Actually, I like cosy mysteries when well done. I gave 5 stars to Diana Xarissa's Isle of Man Ghostly Cozy trilogy, not because they're great literature, but because they succeed admirably in what they set out to be (an important criterion for me), and because I just plain enjoyed them.
But Agatha Christie is not cosy. Oh, I know, she seems that way now, from familiarity and distance and that upper-middle-class house-party milieu. But she was writing more or less realistically about the time and people she knew. And her murderers are not cosy; it still gives me a shiver to think of the unsuspected murderer conveying the heroine to her death in one book: 'O fat white woman whom nobody loves, Why do you walk in the field with gloves...?'
I have a lot of problems with the writing, anachronisms (the novel is set in the 20s), bad style, strange errors—Cornwall seems to have dropped down the map to the South of France. Was s/he thinking of the Cornish Riviera as being on the Cote d'Azur? Or maybe this is an sf ficton where Cornwall never joined England. Some Cornish people believe that to this day. But then they should be speaking Cornish Celtic, not French.
My problem is that these errors thrust me into editor mode, and from then on all I could see were the mistakes. I suspect this book still has plenty to offer in interesting characters & plot twists, so maybe if I shelve it for a few days and return, I'll be able to see the forest and not just the brambles.
January 16, 2019
I received an ARC of this from NetGalley, in return for an unbiased review. Thank you for this opportunity.
The positives - the plot is a really good premise. An old man apparently dying, gathering all his potential beneficiaries together and changing the sole beneficiary name on his will at midnight each day - but none of those gathered know if it’s their day or not. Lots of potential reasons and motives for each person.
The negatives - the characters need a little polishing. I understand you need to dislike them all because they could be potential murderers. But they sometimes felt a little pantomime villainesque, rather than fully fleshed out people with nuances and shades. It was hard to feel much when for instance some of the women were so vapid and clearly thinking “I should cry here for sympathy” or “I want all the money”.
A little polishing of the characters - toning down the over the top baddy and dialling up the more serious character development - would really turn this book into quite a force.
The positives - the plot is a really good premise. An old man apparently dying, gathering all his potential beneficiaries together and changing the sole beneficiary name on his will at midnight each day - but none of those gathered know if it’s their day or not. Lots of potential reasons and motives for each person.
The negatives - the characters need a little polishing. I understand you need to dislike them all because they could be potential murderers. But they sometimes felt a little pantomime villainesque, rather than fully fleshed out people with nuances and shades. It was hard to feel much when for instance some of the women were so vapid and clearly thinking “I should cry here for sympathy” or “I want all the money”.
A little polishing of the characters - toning down the over the top baddy and dialling up the more serious character development - would really turn this book into quite a force.
January 28, 2019
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
A Testament to Murder features a group of people invited to a villa in order to witness the dying days of an eccentric billionaire. There, as they arrive, he gives some the hope of being the sole heir to his fortune. This includes his ex-wife, the new wife of his nephew, and his old secretary. In the process, buried secrets are revealed and things take an unexpected direction.
It’s set in the 1920s and you can really see some Gilded-age style classism and worship of wealth and power. I liked the setting and there’s some pretty spooky And Then There Were None vibes going on. Given my love for that book, these vibes added to the overall feel of the story and my enjoyment of it.
There are quite a few characters present and their personalities shine through in the book. All of them have their own agendas and reasons for wanting to get their hands on the fortune. I also liked how these characters are not surface-level and what we see doesn’t necessarily reveal what’s underneath. The author really kept some cards close to her chest here. It’s only towards the end that everything is revealed and it was pretty dramatic. If you like rich-people drama, this has that in spades.
I liked the character of retired Scotland Yard investigator, Jasper. While as an investigator, he should be impartial but he has his biases. I think it made him a more compelling character because as we dive in to his thoughts, we see that there are people he desperately wish to be innocent and he struggles to reconcile the need for impartiality with that. For me, it really humanizes the character.
The plot revolves around a dying billionaire playing a game with his guests. Every day, a new heir is chosen. If he dies on that day, the heir gets everything. It’s a dangerous game and one that can lead to his death. Indeed, he even states that he wants to see who would be brave enough to kill him and smart enough to get away with it. Predictably, this is alarming to some people, especially Jasper, and perhaps, tempting for his guests.
I liked the mystery in this book. I really enjoyed the fact that while it is a murder mystery, it doesn’t just revolve around it, and it’s not the only mystery either. In fact, the murder/s don’t even happen until around halfway through the book. There are other mysteries to solve, other questions requiring answers.
The murders weren’t shown in explicit detail and happen off-screen, as with many cozy mysteries. It also has one of the hallmarks of the mystery genre-the red herring. While I did find the red herring obvious, the actual murderer wasn’t and I wasn’t able to figure it out until it was revealed.
Overall, I liked A Testament to Murder for being a nice, atmospheric read. It’s the perfect read for a cold night and best enjoyed with a blanket and a hot drink.
This review is also on The Bookworm Daydreamer
A Testament to Murder features a group of people invited to a villa in order to witness the dying days of an eccentric billionaire. There, as they arrive, he gives some the hope of being the sole heir to his fortune. This includes his ex-wife, the new wife of his nephew, and his old secretary. In the process, buried secrets are revealed and things take an unexpected direction.
It’s set in the 1920s and you can really see some Gilded-age style classism and worship of wealth and power. I liked the setting and there’s some pretty spooky And Then There Were None vibes going on. Given my love for that book, these vibes added to the overall feel of the story and my enjoyment of it.
There are quite a few characters present and their personalities shine through in the book. All of them have their own agendas and reasons for wanting to get their hands on the fortune. I also liked how these characters are not surface-level and what we see doesn’t necessarily reveal what’s underneath. The author really kept some cards close to her chest here. It’s only towards the end that everything is revealed and it was pretty dramatic. If you like rich-people drama, this has that in spades.
I liked the character of retired Scotland Yard investigator, Jasper. While as an investigator, he should be impartial but he has his biases. I think it made him a more compelling character because as we dive in to his thoughts, we see that there are people he desperately wish to be innocent and he struggles to reconcile the need for impartiality with that. For me, it really humanizes the character.
The plot revolves around a dying billionaire playing a game with his guests. Every day, a new heir is chosen. If he dies on that day, the heir gets everything. It’s a dangerous game and one that can lead to his death. Indeed, he even states that he wants to see who would be brave enough to kill him and smart enough to get away with it. Predictably, this is alarming to some people, especially Jasper, and perhaps, tempting for his guests.
I liked the mystery in this book. I really enjoyed the fact that while it is a murder mystery, it doesn’t just revolve around it, and it’s not the only mystery either. In fact, the murder/s don’t even happen until around halfway through the book. There are other mysteries to solve, other questions requiring answers.
The murders weren’t shown in explicit detail and happen off-screen, as with many cozy mysteries. It also has one of the hallmarks of the mystery genre-the red herring. While I did find the red herring obvious, the actual murderer wasn’t and I wasn’t able to figure it out until it was revealed.
Overall, I liked A Testament to Murder for being a nice, atmospheric read. It’s the perfect read for a cold night and best enjoyed with a blanket and a hot drink.
This review is also on The Bookworm Daydreamer
July 24, 2020
No Spoiler Book Review.
Testament to Murder is a 1920s murder mystery set in a coastal French mansion. Malcolm Is dying and has invited his closest friends and relatives to be with him in his final days. He intends to select an heir, but there is a catch…
Every day a new heir will be selected from the party. Whoever is heir the day Malcolm dies inherits everything.
Malcolm anticipates this scheme will put his life in danger and maybe even shorten his suffering. He expects that he will learn the true nature of his heirs. Like most experiments, the outcome is rather different than expected.
This is a large cast mystery. There is the dying, the nurse, the assistant, the lawyer, the ex-wife, the daughter-in-law, the troubled teen, and the policeman. These are just the main characters and most likely suspects, there are still more people at the villa. If you like books with lots of suspects, you will love this!
I enjoyed the mystery and was surprised with the multi-layered and complicated plot and ending. My only complaint is that I did not feel a connection to a particular character. I liked Cecily (the ex-wife) and would love to see her as a more prominent narrator. It would also be interesting to get more from Malcolm’s (the dying's) point of view. Again, this was a quick, fun mystery with a great plot, I just wanted to connect more with the characters.
This is the first book in a four book series by Vivian Conroy. Conroy is a huge fan of Agatha Christie and her writing and plot development reflects that admiration. This book will keep you guessing to the very last page and I’m sure the series will do the same.
This is a great choice for readers of Agatha Christie, and fans of the movies Knives Out and Clue. Anyone who thinks the more suspects the merrier will have a blast with this full house!
No Spoiler Book Review from www.bossylibrarian.com
Testament to Murder is a 1920s murder mystery set in a coastal French mansion. Malcolm Is dying and has invited his closest friends and relatives to be with him in his final days. He intends to select an heir, but there is a catch…
Every day a new heir will be selected from the party. Whoever is heir the day Malcolm dies inherits everything.
Malcolm anticipates this scheme will put his life in danger and maybe even shorten his suffering. He expects that he will learn the true nature of his heirs. Like most experiments, the outcome is rather different than expected.
This is a large cast mystery. There is the dying, the nurse, the assistant, the lawyer, the ex-wife, the daughter-in-law, the troubled teen, and the policeman. These are just the main characters and most likely suspects, there are still more people at the villa. If you like books with lots of suspects, you will love this!
I enjoyed the mystery and was surprised with the multi-layered and complicated plot and ending. My only complaint is that I did not feel a connection to a particular character. I liked Cecily (the ex-wife) and would love to see her as a more prominent narrator. It would also be interesting to get more from Malcolm’s (the dying's) point of view. Again, this was a quick, fun mystery with a great plot, I just wanted to connect more with the characters.
This is the first book in a four book series by Vivian Conroy. Conroy is a huge fan of Agatha Christie and her writing and plot development reflects that admiration. This book will keep you guessing to the very last page and I’m sure the series will do the same.
This is a great choice for readers of Agatha Christie, and fans of the movies Knives Out and Clue. Anyone who thinks the more suspects the merrier will have a blast with this full house!
No Spoiler Book Review from www.bossylibrarian.com
February 27, 2019
Today is my stop of Vivian Conroy’s blog tour and I have a review for you, a mystery in Agatha Cristie style, A Testament to Murder. Many thanks to Ellie and Canelo Books and don’t forget to visit all the other stops on this amazing blog tour.
An old rich man is dying. He is all alone. Only members of his staff and distant relatives. He finds no one suitable to inherit his fortune. So, he decides to play a game.
He gathers all of them. Every single one of them wants his money. Every evening he writes a new testament, every time another person inherits the money. But after every document written, he might die. Or be murdered. The person mentioned in the will might be the murderer, or might be not. Everything for the money.
There is the nurse, the ex-wife with her new husband and son, distant nephew with his wife, the secretary, the lawyer. All of them want the money.
But then, people in the house by the beach start to die. Accidents start to happen, or maybe they aren’t accidents at all. Who is Who is getting rid of the possible heirs?
In the house next door lives a retired policeman from Scotland Yard. Accidentally involved in the case, he decides to solve the mystery. He decides to find out what is really going on in his neighbor’s house. And there is another murder again.
This is my first book from this author. I liked the mystery, the plot that reminds me of Agatha Cristie’s books. It’s much more than a cozy mystery, as a thought at the beginning. I liked the story, liked the outcome, liked the unpredictable way the story ended. It was a real relieve after the latest hard-core thriller I’ve read. Overall, I liked it and will read another books from this author in future.
An old rich man is dying. He is all alone. Only members of his staff and distant relatives. He finds no one suitable to inherit his fortune. So, he decides to play a game.
He gathers all of them. Every single one of them wants his money. Every evening he writes a new testament, every time another person inherits the money. But after every document written, he might die. Or be murdered. The person mentioned in the will might be the murderer, or might be not. Everything for the money.
There is the nurse, the ex-wife with her new husband and son, distant nephew with his wife, the secretary, the lawyer. All of them want the money.
But then, people in the house by the beach start to die. Accidents start to happen, or maybe they aren’t accidents at all. Who is Who is getting rid of the possible heirs?
In the house next door lives a retired policeman from Scotland Yard. Accidentally involved in the case, he decides to solve the mystery. He decides to find out what is really going on in his neighbor’s house. And there is another murder again.
This is my first book from this author. I liked the mystery, the plot that reminds me of Agatha Cristie’s books. It’s much more than a cozy mystery, as a thought at the beginning. I liked the story, liked the outcome, liked the unpredictable way the story ended. It was a real relieve after the latest hard-core thriller I’ve read. Overall, I liked it and will read another books from this author in future.
February 19, 2019
‘”It has begun,” he said to the men, a strange satisfaction in his voice.’
Malcolm Bryce-Rutherford, a wealthy man nearing death, invites several members of his family to his villa on the Riviera and sets a cunning plan: at the stroke of midnight each night he will change his will, leaving everything to one of the assembled guests and staff, the name being changed each night. No-one will know who has been chosen on any given day. Will someone be ruthless enough to commit murder on the possibility that they may inherit everything….?
This is a modern take on a Golden Age classic murder mystery, and for fans of Agatha Christie this will be a fun, intriguing read. Conroy’s cast of characters is pretty much what you would expect; ex-wives, jealous husbands, a faithful staff member who harbours a grudge, an ex-business partner, and so on. And secrets, secrets galore! As the body count starts to rise, and several other accidents occur, one of Malcolm’s neighbours gets involved – and he just happens to be a retired Scotland Yard detective.
This is a decent, enjoyable murder mystery. You won’t get, nor should you expect, fully rounded and deep characters. The plot is the thing (to paraphrase Hamlet!). Everyone has a motive, and the villa setting is redolent of the 1920s Golden Age mystery. There are clues aplenty, and even more red herrings, and with a flourish the cast of characters are summoned to the sitting room to have the murderer revealed by Jasper, the detective – but not before everyone has been accused. Deliciously twisty, and observant readers may well guess the murderer before the end. Enjoy this for what it is, and you will find it a rewarding quick read.
Malcolm Bryce-Rutherford, a wealthy man nearing death, invites several members of his family to his villa on the Riviera and sets a cunning plan: at the stroke of midnight each night he will change his will, leaving everything to one of the assembled guests and staff, the name being changed each night. No-one will know who has been chosen on any given day. Will someone be ruthless enough to commit murder on the possibility that they may inherit everything….?
This is a modern take on a Golden Age classic murder mystery, and for fans of Agatha Christie this will be a fun, intriguing read. Conroy’s cast of characters is pretty much what you would expect; ex-wives, jealous husbands, a faithful staff member who harbours a grudge, an ex-business partner, and so on. And secrets, secrets galore! As the body count starts to rise, and several other accidents occur, one of Malcolm’s neighbours gets involved – and he just happens to be a retired Scotland Yard detective.
This is a decent, enjoyable murder mystery. You won’t get, nor should you expect, fully rounded and deep characters. The plot is the thing (to paraphrase Hamlet!). Everyone has a motive, and the villa setting is redolent of the 1920s Golden Age mystery. There are clues aplenty, and even more red herrings, and with a flourish the cast of characters are summoned to the sitting room to have the murderer revealed by Jasper, the detective – but not before everyone has been accused. Deliciously twisty, and observant readers may well guess the murderer before the end. Enjoy this for what it is, and you will find it a rewarding quick read.
February 11, 2019
This review can also be found on my blog
This book was always a bit too much. The hated dying family patriarch who is playing a game with his will? Not uncommon in mysteries. But the game being “I change my will every day and leave everything to one person” instead of constant threats of disinheriting and allusions to maybe mentioning certain people? A bit too much. The prospective heirs who all want the money and all have major – often exaggerated – character flaws? Not uncommon at all. But when the characters are only exaggerated flaws – the would-be-artist nephew who never finishes anything, his wife who laments there that she had though marrying someone with a double-barred surname would mean more money, the secretary who is obsessed with her boss, the parents who do anything to hide her son’s fuck-ups, the son who…constantly fucks up – that’s just too much.
And the same was true for the plot. Too many coincidences. Too many shocking plot twists. I genuinely enjoyed some of them, but at some point, it just turned into another and another and another and I stopped being surprised and just rolled my eyes a lot.
I’m not completely averse to trying another book by the author in case this was an attempt at a parody and the characters in her other books are not quite as much of a caricature but I’m not rushing out to get one right now.
ARC received from NetGalley
This book was always a bit too much. The hated dying family patriarch who is playing a game with his will? Not uncommon in mysteries. But the game being “I change my will every day and leave everything to one person” instead of constant threats of disinheriting and allusions to maybe mentioning certain people? A bit too much. The prospective heirs who all want the money and all have major – often exaggerated – character flaws? Not uncommon at all. But when the characters are only exaggerated flaws – the would-be-artist nephew who never finishes anything, his wife who laments there that she had though marrying someone with a double-barred surname would mean more money, the secretary who is obsessed with her boss, the parents who do anything to hide her son’s fuck-ups, the son who…constantly fucks up – that’s just too much.
And the same was true for the plot. Too many coincidences. Too many shocking plot twists. I genuinely enjoyed some of them, but at some point, it just turned into another and another and another and I stopped being surprised and just rolled my eyes a lot.
I’m not completely averse to trying another book by the author in case this was an attempt at a parody and the characters in her other books are not quite as much of a caricature but I’m not rushing out to get one right now.
ARC received from NetGalley
February 12, 2019
My thanks to Canelo for an eARC via NetGalley of this cosy mystery set on the Riviera during the 1920s. It was clearly an homage to the work of Dame Agatha Christie.
The very wealthy Malcom Bryce-Rutherford has summoned his would-be heirs to his villa on the French Riviera. He is dying and has a rather twisted plan to decide which one of the nine possible heirs will inherit his entire estate. With tension running high it isn’t long until there is a murder. Malcolm seeks the assistance of his neighbour Jasper, formerly of Scotland Yard, to investigate.
Vivian Conroy clearly enjoyed exploring the tropes of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction with a twinkle in her pen. So we have a group of suspects, a retired Scotland Yard detective and a veritable shoal of red herrings before the final reveal.
I have to say that aside from Jasper and his lovely dog, Red, I found everyone at the Villa rather unlikable. Given what an unpleasant old codger Malcolm was I was a bit surprised that Jasper considered him a friend. Still my feelings did mellow as the novel reached its conclusion and secrets came to light and questions were answered.
Cosy mysteries are not really a staple of my reading diet but like the occasional romance they provide me with a few hours of pleasant diversion. This certainly fit the bill and I plan on recommending it and Vivian Conroy in general to my friends who devour cosy mysteries.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
The very wealthy Malcom Bryce-Rutherford has summoned his would-be heirs to his villa on the French Riviera. He is dying and has a rather twisted plan to decide which one of the nine possible heirs will inherit his entire estate. With tension running high it isn’t long until there is a murder. Malcolm seeks the assistance of his neighbour Jasper, formerly of Scotland Yard, to investigate.
Vivian Conroy clearly enjoyed exploring the tropes of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction with a twinkle in her pen. So we have a group of suspects, a retired Scotland Yard detective and a veritable shoal of red herrings before the final reveal.
I have to say that aside from Jasper and his lovely dog, Red, I found everyone at the Villa rather unlikable. Given what an unpleasant old codger Malcolm was I was a bit surprised that Jasper considered him a friend. Still my feelings did mellow as the novel reached its conclusion and secrets came to light and questions were answered.
Cosy mysteries are not really a staple of my reading diet but like the occasional romance they provide me with a few hours of pleasant diversion. This certainly fit the bill and I plan on recommending it and Vivian Conroy in general to my friends who devour cosy mysteries.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
February 13, 2019
A Testament to Murder was thiiiisss close to being as good as Agatha's books, but it fell short. Let me tell you why.
First, the supposed detective/police/whathaveyou was not likable. I would rather have the other character as the detective or none at all.
Second, I felt cheated by some information that were found but undisclosed before the revelation.
Third, when the plot thickened with a murder, author made it rained with murders or attempted murders. It was a bit much for my taste and not enough on the suspense.
Fourth, I can see the murderer a mile away.
Fifth, the revelation scene would be far more interesting had the characters became smarter than just parroting everything Jasper said. Every explanation, IMO, was assumption from Jasper. I didn't see Jasper procuring any evidence etc, but it might be just me wanting to skimread and running away ASAP.
However, credit when credit is due:
It had a perfect beginning. The setting, the characterisations, and the scenes were good and I attributed these to the author's excellent writing that made me eager to read more.
Although it got draggy in the middle (see point one and three above), it managed to still attract me right to the very end.
Overall, A Testament to Murder was a good beach read, something to read when you want a quick murder mystery complete with Christiesque characters.
2.5/5
(I received a digital ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
First, the supposed detective/police/whathaveyou was not likable. I would rather have the other character as the detective or none at all.
Second, I felt cheated by some information that were found but undisclosed before the revelation.
Third, when the plot thickened with a murder, author made it rained with murders or attempted murders. It was a bit much for my taste and not enough on the suspense.
Fourth, I can see the murderer a mile away.
Fifth, the revelation scene would be far more interesting had the characters became smarter than just parroting everything Jasper said. Every explanation, IMO, was assumption from Jasper. I didn't see Jasper procuring any evidence etc, but it might be just me wanting to skimread and running away ASAP.
However, credit when credit is due:
It had a perfect beginning. The setting, the characterisations, and the scenes were good and I attributed these to the author's excellent writing that made me eager to read more.
Although it got draggy in the middle (see point one and three above), it managed to still attract me right to the very end.
Overall, A Testament to Murder was a good beach read, something to read when you want a quick murder mystery complete with Christiesque characters.
2.5/5
(I received a digital ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
February 21, 2019
A terminally ill man calls his family and friends together to compete for his entire fortune in a Testament to Murder.
Malcolm invites his ne’er-do-well nephew, Hugh, and Hugh’s gold-digging American wife, Patty, for a weeklong visit to Malcolm’s extensive estate. Malcolm’s ex-wife, Cecily, and his ex-partner, Howard, along with their 16-year-old son, Kenneth, are also invited. Theodora, his former secretary, also joins the party.
After everyone arrives, Malcolm announces that he is dying. He plans to rewrite his will every night leaving his entire fortune to one of his guests or staff. If he dies the following day, and that person is still staying in his mansion, that person will win it all. Even though mysterious events occur, including a murder, none of the guests leave because of their dreams of riches.
A French country house, a plethora of motives, and murder! If it sounds like an Agatha Christie novel, that’s because it is an homage to her work.
All the characters were deftly drawn with clear wants and needs. However, Agatha’s mysteries were always, at least potentially, solvable by armchair detectives. A Testament to Murder would be difficult to solve without information withheld until the conclusion. Still, what a slam-bam conclusion it was! It is a highly recommended thrill ride. 4 stars!
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Malcolm invites his ne’er-do-well nephew, Hugh, and Hugh’s gold-digging American wife, Patty, for a weeklong visit to Malcolm’s extensive estate. Malcolm’s ex-wife, Cecily, and his ex-partner, Howard, along with their 16-year-old son, Kenneth, are also invited. Theodora, his former secretary, also joins the party.
After everyone arrives, Malcolm announces that he is dying. He plans to rewrite his will every night leaving his entire fortune to one of his guests or staff. If he dies the following day, and that person is still staying in his mansion, that person will win it all. Even though mysterious events occur, including a murder, none of the guests leave because of their dreams of riches.
A French country house, a plethora of motives, and murder! If it sounds like an Agatha Christie novel, that’s because it is an homage to her work.
All the characters were deftly drawn with clear wants and needs. However, Agatha’s mysteries were always, at least potentially, solvable by armchair detectives. A Testament to Murder would be difficult to solve without information withheld until the conclusion. Still, what a slam-bam conclusion it was! It is a highly recommended thrill ride. 4 stars!
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2019
Nine heirs and one billionaire. You know there is going to be trouble. Wherever money accumulates very seldom will you find the heirs amicable. This is one difficult bunch of people -relations and outsiders and all heirs to the particular frame of Malcolm's will.
It seems that Malcolm is actually inviting someone to murder him. One attempted murder, two murders, three incidents which are not murder but almost there puts a lot of tension within one house whose inmates are prohibited from leaving till the inquiries are over. The list of suspects can cover all and Jasper, retired British police living in France is giving a hand to the French authorities in trying to solve these murders.
All the people in the house have a history related to Malcolm - our billionaire. Some are known like his ex wife, his ex partner who stole his wife, his secretary, his nephew, There are some who are unknown and when the story unravels it shows all have grudges and cudgels to take up with Malcolm for slights done to them, injustices shown in the past some of which he is unaware to give him his due.
The ending is most enlightening. Something I did not envisage and even that ending though clear enough, still left you with one doubt clouding your vision at the end as to who was the real culprit here.
A very different take on mystery murder, similar to an Agatha Christie.
It seems that Malcolm is actually inviting someone to murder him. One attempted murder, two murders, three incidents which are not murder but almost there puts a lot of tension within one house whose inmates are prohibited from leaving till the inquiries are over. The list of suspects can cover all and Jasper, retired British police living in France is giving a hand to the French authorities in trying to solve these murders.
All the people in the house have a history related to Malcolm - our billionaire. Some are known like his ex wife, his ex partner who stole his wife, his secretary, his nephew, There are some who are unknown and when the story unravels it shows all have grudges and cudgels to take up with Malcolm for slights done to them, injustices shown in the past some of which he is unaware to give him his due.
The ending is most enlightening. Something I did not envisage and even that ending though clear enough, still left you with one doubt clouding your vision at the end as to who was the real culprit here.
A very different take on mystery murder, similar to an Agatha Christie.
February 26, 2019
I looked forward to reading this story, as I love murder mystery and especially those written in a similar style to Agatha Christie’s stories. This book delivers in every way.
The plot is clever, fast-paced, full of twists and has numerous suspects, all with motive and opportunity to commit murder. The setting on the French Riveria is ultra glamorous and epitomises the era, the story is set in.
The detective, Jasper, is charismatic, yet mysterious. When you look back at the story you learn very little about him, other than he is excellent at his job. The ending is well-orchestrated and the cryptic thoughts from one of the characters in the final lines, makes you wonder about Jasper and his motivations.
The cast of characters are not particularly likeable, but this is a requirement of this type of mystery. The reader has to suspect everyone at some point in the story for it to be enjoyable, and complex to solve. The narrative and dialogue are easy to read and realistic. The story has wonderful imagery that allows the reader to play it out in their mind as if they are watching it in real life.
An entertaining, compulsive read, I look forward to Jasper’s next case.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The plot is clever, fast-paced, full of twists and has numerous suspects, all with motive and opportunity to commit murder. The setting on the French Riveria is ultra glamorous and epitomises the era, the story is set in.
The detective, Jasper, is charismatic, yet mysterious. When you look back at the story you learn very little about him, other than he is excellent at his job. The ending is well-orchestrated and the cryptic thoughts from one of the characters in the final lines, makes you wonder about Jasper and his motivations.
The cast of characters are not particularly likeable, but this is a requirement of this type of mystery. The reader has to suspect everyone at some point in the story for it to be enjoyable, and complex to solve. The narrative and dialogue are easy to read and realistic. The story has wonderful imagery that allows the reader to play it out in their mind as if they are watching it in real life.
An entertaining, compulsive read, I look forward to Jasper’s next case.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 10, 2021
I picked up A Testament to Murder because I was craving a cosy murder mystery, and this was just waiting on my Kindle. Set in the 1920s the book begins with various relatives arrive at a man's deathbed. However, this man has yet to decide who will be the sole heir of his considerable fortune. I can't tell you how much fun I had with this book. In a book like this one, you have certain expectations based on your experience with the genre. It is impossible not to draw Agatha Christie comparisons because the set-up seems like something she would write. To combat this the author plays with the pacing very cleverly and holds off on certain events which definitely serves to throw the reader off. The character were all decently written, and I didn't have a lot of trouble differentiating them. They were nicely rounded so that I couldn't immediately discern who was going to be murdered. I absolutely love the way that the ending unfolded, and you could tell that there was a lot of intention about the way that this was done. All I wanted from this book was a nice cosy murder mystery to keep me occupied, but in fact, I got a really interesting, and well-plotted story. I wasn't planning on starting a new mystery series, but Vivian Conroy has left me no other choice.
February 26, 2019
There are lots of Agatha Christie echoes in this 1920's cosy crime mystery. Set in the French Riviera, the scenery is lush and the isolated mansion perfect for the story. The eccentric Malcolm has summoned a selection of his nearest and not so dearest to attend him whilst he dies. Promising to name a different person each day as his heir, he sets the scene for one and all to consider murder. Will anyone take the bait? As the suspense builds as each day passes, the body count begins to rise.
It took me some time at the beginning to get all the characters clear in my mind and to work out any links between them. Greed and deceit are quickly on show but who is an innocent bystander and who is stirring the pot? This is such a well- crafted story. I was delighted when Jasper, the retired policeman appeared with his theories and he really made the story tick along. In fact, without him, |I would never have kept track of all the machinations! There are some real surprises and quite a twist at the end.
In short: A cosy crime mystery to savour!
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.
It took me some time at the beginning to get all the characters clear in my mind and to work out any links between them. Greed and deceit are quickly on show but who is an innocent bystander and who is stirring the pot? This is such a well- crafted story. I was delighted when Jasper, the retired policeman appeared with his theories and he really made the story tick along. In fact, without him, |I would never have kept track of all the machinations! There are some real surprises and quite a twist at the end.
In short: A cosy crime mystery to savour!
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.
February 26, 2019
Oh how I love a good cosy mystery to get the brain ticking and the mind working overtime in amateur detective mode. I must say that Vivian's writing style is utterly charming and engaging. The story wrapped me up in an instant with it's twists and turns on every page, encouraging me to lay blame at each character's door in turn.
The plot was fast flowing and full of exciting moments and cliff hangers and I found that I was reading in haste to get to the all important 'who dunnit' reveal.....and what a moment that was! I won't so much as whisper any hints or spoilers as I want you to enjoy the jaw dropping moments in the way that the author intends you to.
A Testament to Murder is one class act that I for one could not put down. I was living in the moment with every character and I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent on the Riviera at Villa Calypso. If you like cosy mysteries written with style and flair then don't delay a moment longer and download your copy today - you will not be disappointed in the slightest.
The plot was fast flowing and full of exciting moments and cliff hangers and I found that I was reading in haste to get to the all important 'who dunnit' reveal.....and what a moment that was! I won't so much as whisper any hints or spoilers as I want you to enjoy the jaw dropping moments in the way that the author intends you to.
A Testament to Murder is one class act that I for one could not put down. I was living in the moment with every character and I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent on the Riviera at Villa Calypso. If you like cosy mysteries written with style and flair then don't delay a moment longer and download your copy today - you will not be disappointed in the slightest.
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