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Abbot Agency #13
False Account
The mysterious deaths of two adored cats plunges Bea into the disturbing goings-on of the Tredgold family in the latest Abbot Agency mystery.
Wealthy Marcia Tredgold and her daughter, Charlotte, want Bea Abbot to find them replacements for staff who have left under a cloud. Bea discovers that all those dismissed were close to Marcia Tredgold, and senses that something is not right. Were they framed, and if so by whom – and why?
Even more curiously, when Marcia Tredgold gets Bea alone, she asks her to find out who killed her two cats. Bea resists becoming involved in the strange goings-on at the Tredgold mansion, until a shocking event leads her to worry about Marcia’s safety. Could the cats’ deaths be linked to other disturbing events? And whose account can be trusted in the web of secrets and lies which has been spun around the family? In her quest to uncover the truth, Bea’s own safety is put at risk.
Wealthy Marcia Tredgold and her daughter, Charlotte, want Bea Abbot to find them replacements for staff who have left under a cloud. Bea discovers that all those dismissed were close to Marcia Tredgold, and senses that something is not right. Were they framed, and if so by whom – and why?
Even more curiously, when Marcia Tredgold gets Bea alone, she asks her to find out who killed her two cats. Bea resists becoming involved in the strange goings-on at the Tredgold mansion, until a shocking event leads her to worry about Marcia’s safety. Could the cats’ deaths be linked to other disturbing events? And whose account can be trusted in the web of secrets and lies which has been spun around the family? In her quest to uncover the truth, Bea’s own safety is put at risk.
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2019
310 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Heley
96 books131 followersVeronica Heley has published more than fifty books, including crime fiction, historical, and children's titles. She is currently involved in the Ellie Quicke series of crime stories and a variety of other projects. A full-time writer, she has been married to a London probation officer since 1964, and has one musician daughter.
AKA Veronica Thorne
AKA Veronica Thorne
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 29, 2019
False Account is the thirteenth novel in the Abbot Agency series, featuring intrepid investigator Bea Abbot and chums, and this is another superb, original instalment that is an easy, quick and thoroughly entertaining read. Each of the books can be read as a standalone without issue. As always, the characters are interesting and well developed, however, they are not always likeable, but given the genre that's hardly a surprise. There are plenty of twists and turns throughout, and Heley is adept at slowly ratcheting up the tension to keep you enthralled. Those who enjoy reading cosy mysteries will find much to love here. I'm already looking forward to the next episode.
Many thanks to Severn House Publishing for an ARC.
Many thanks to Severn House Publishing for an ARC.
December 18, 2019
Perspicacious businesswoman Bea Abbott realizes that something is wrong with the request by dumpy Charlotte Tredgold and her pushy mother, Marsha Tredgold. They are seeking that the Abbott Agency provide them with a houseful of new servants after having sacked three of them. But Mrs. Tredgold gets Bea alone and asks her for a second request: to find out who slit the throats of the elderly woman’s two pet housecats.
Author Veronica Heley delivers a novel that’s even more suspenseful than usual as Bea investigates the entire dysfunctional Tredgold family and their household staff. While I had an idea of who the culprit was, I was still surprised by the shocking ending. I didn’t like where the relationship is headed, but I loved seeing more of Bea’s scrappy phenom ward, Berenice Holland, coming into her own.
Author Veronica Heley delivers a novel that’s even more suspenseful than usual as Bea investigates the entire dysfunctional Tredgold family and their household staff. While I had an idea of who the culprit was, I was still surprised by the shocking ending. I didn’t like where the relationship is headed, but I loved seeing more of Bea’s scrappy phenom ward, Berenice Holland, coming into her own.
January 30, 2019
It was a pleasure to read the latest book in a long line of Bea Abbot series. It has suspense that will keep you turning the pages. It covers EVIL, Entitlement, Greed, Jealousy, and trickery. Bea knew she should have nothing to do with the Tredgolds when Marcia managed to see her without her daughter, Charlotte. She wanted Bea to find out who killed her two cats and Charlotte wants her to replace 4 servants. CHARLOTTE left a purse behind when she finally left. After Bea talk with the original servants, she accepted an assignment from Marcia to deliver legal papers to everyone living in a mansion. Will Bea be able to complete the task before her family is hurt? I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
Disclosure: to Severn House for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: to Severn House for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
August 18, 2024
Another library sale pick up! I like picking up "random" books that I don't stumble across naturally from our local library book sales. And yes, I picked this one up because it had a cat on the cover. It was also in the thriller/mystery section, so I at least had an inkling of what it's about. Sometimes judging a book by it's cover finds me a new favourite author, so why not? It's all for the fun of the hunt at these sales.
Irregardless, I wasn't the biggest fan of this book but I don't think it helped that this is number 13 in the series. The writing style is also very British, and while my background and ancestry lies in good ole Britain, I didn't like how it was written. Writing out the accents and strange ways someone talks just irks me. It pulls me out of a book easily.
I do think the story itself was interesting - a woman who owns a job agency stumbles across a massive crime and has to help solve it - but I need to read some of the first books to understand the intricate relationships that were going on in the book. I'll have to hunt for the first book and some other stories written by Veronica in the near future.
For now, it's a good read but was a "mid" read for me. Good enough, but not totally my style.
Two out of five stars.
Irregardless, I wasn't the biggest fan of this book but I don't think it helped that this is number 13 in the series. The writing style is also very British, and while my background and ancestry lies in good ole Britain, I didn't like how it was written. Writing out the accents and strange ways someone talks just irks me. It pulls me out of a book easily.
I do think the story itself was interesting - a woman who owns a job agency stumbles across a massive crime and has to help solve it - but I need to read some of the first books to understand the intricate relationships that were going on in the book. I'll have to hunt for the first book and some other stories written by Veronica in the near future.
For now, it's a good read but was a "mid" read for me. Good enough, but not totally my style.
Two out of five stars.
June 3, 2019
Bea Abbot is the owner of the Abbot Domestic Agency and has a talent and good reputation for choosing honest, hard working domestic employees and matching them up with suitable employers. In this mystery she is approached by the very wealthy Tredgolds, an elderly mother and her quite unlikeable daughter, to replace several employees. Initially Bea wants to have nothing to do with them, but so many things seem out of whack that she decides to help. Two cats have been killed and several staff members dismissed for criminal behaviors. Mrs. Tredgold is a mystery herself appearing at times to be weak and at other times manipulative.
The plot of False Account by Veronica Heley is complicated and fast moving. More crimes occur, some putting Bea, her ex-husband Piers, and her ward Bernice in danger. Mrs. Tredgold’s family spends money as if there is a never ending supply and have developed a strong sense of entitlement which makes them unpleasant to be around. There are many surprises as the plot unwinds over the course of several chapters resulting in a quite satisfying conclusion.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Severn House for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The plot of False Account by Veronica Heley is complicated and fast moving. More crimes occur, some putting Bea, her ex-husband Piers, and her ward Bernice in danger. Mrs. Tredgold’s family spends money as if there is a never ending supply and have developed a strong sense of entitlement which makes them unpleasant to be around. There are many surprises as the plot unwinds over the course of several chapters resulting in a quite satisfying conclusion.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Severn House for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2019
The Abbot Agency series is my favorite by far of the two by Veronica Heley. This latest episode is very well done. An elderly woman and her daughter approach Bea, needing new staff members for their very large house, but that isn't the true need. Marcia Tredgold really needs Bea to help her figure out who killed her cats and who is out to hurt her. The story takes on a few twists and there is an extra death or two. It's clever, the dialog is engaging and the characters are well-drawn. I look forward to the next book.
June 27, 2019
I’m hella dumb, I really just read this book which is either the 11th or 13th of a whole series! Man, no wonder the beginning was so confusing. I knew I had missed something.
As for whether this book lives up to be “bizzare” and an “an endearing entertaining read”, like Booklist I’m False Pride says. I can indeed confirm. Although 60 pages in, the plot actually thickened and such, I enjoyed this read.
After reading this book, I would say, I am interested in going ahead and reading the first book of the An Abbot Agency Mystery series.
As for whether this book lives up to be “bizzare” and an “an endearing entertaining read”, like Booklist I’m False Pride says. I can indeed confirm. Although 60 pages in, the plot actually thickened and such, I enjoyed this read.
After reading this book, I would say, I am interested in going ahead and reading the first book of the An Abbot Agency Mystery series.
December 5, 2019
They call this a cozy mystery but, really, that's only half true. There's really nothing cozy about the goings in the Tredbold family. All the cozy is in the Abbot *family*
I enjoyed the book and twists and turns but I still don't get the praying that's inevitably added to the books in the series...it just seems awkward to me. And, it's about time Bea Abbot stopped acting so overwhelmed and wimpy just before she solves the whole thing and stands up like a champ to all the evil.
I enjoyed the book and twists and turns but I still don't get the praying that's inevitably added to the books in the series...it just seems awkward to me. And, it's about time Bea Abbot stopped acting so overwhelmed and wimpy just before she solves the whole thing and stands up like a champ to all the evil.
November 10, 2022
A very satisfying read… a story that on the face of it is simple but has multiple nuances within it. Who killed two cats? The story is really about the interactions of a whole family and their lives together. The characters are all well fleshed out and they are complex and not easily fathomed… it is not an easy task to sort out who did the dirty deed …and why. The end of the story leaves the door open to further investigations by Bea, the main character in this book.
August 21, 2019
My first book by this author - as usual I started with the 13th in the series! I will now read the previous 12. It was touted as a “dark cozy”, whatever that means?
I liked the characters I was supposed to like and............... It was just a nice easy read, nothing to write home about, but enjoyable.
Surprised at so many 5 star reviews - I’m stingy with mine.
I liked the characters I was supposed to like and............... It was just a nice easy read, nothing to write home about, but enjoyable.
Surprised at so many 5 star reviews - I’m stingy with mine.
April 21, 2019
Very confusing for those of us who read in bed before we go to sleep. Good story but too many characters. I've been a fan of Veronica Heley for years. In her books, money does solve a lot of problems.
November 20, 2019
Bea Abbott is a wonder. I like that Piers is back in her life, also. A good tangled plot and the bad guys plus motive are not revealed until the end (as they should be). A good entertaining story.
December 9, 2021
The deaths of two cats and the strange leads to the Abbot Agency activities of the Tredgold family mean that a request to replace staff turns into a much worrying mystery. Who is causing the problems for the Tredgolds? competent and mildly entertaining
December 13, 2023
false account
The books are getting less interesting. This book, Bea talks about to much.
And we all know that she knows better than to take her rich ward into so much danger. It just did make sense. And what happen to her last Manger Carri?
The books are getting less interesting. This book, Bea talks about to much.
And we all know that she knows better than to take her rich ward into so much danger. It just did make sense. And what happen to her last Manger Carri?
January 20, 2024
Gripping read - another great cosy mystery!
Another page turner from Veronica Heley which are so hard to put down. Really enjoy the twists and turns in this series and the relationships between the main characters.
Another page turner from Veronica Heley which are so hard to put down. Really enjoy the twists and turns in this series and the relationships between the main characters.
November 8, 2019
Ahmed’s death is treated much too lightly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2020
In the thirteenth Abbott Agency mystery an extraordinarily dysfunctional family unravels in surprising ways.
October 16, 2021
Roller coaster story
Really exciting with many twists and turns. I like the insights into British life and the city of London especially
Really exciting with many twists and turns. I like the insights into British life and the city of London especially
April 1, 2023
Interesting. Liked seeing Bernice more involved. Very much enjoying the series.
June 4, 2023
Brilliant book from start to finish.
July 1, 2023
Tredgold family- extreme disfunction
August 5, 2023
A Bea Abbott mystery: The mysterious deaths of two adored cats plunges Bea into the disturbing goings-on of the Tredgold family in the latest Abbot Agency mystery.
February 27, 2024
Yeah
I used to enjoy this series but the plots are still different.But it's getting a bit twee . Nice to revisit but perhaps another break is due.
I used to enjoy this series but the plots are still different.But it's getting a bit twee . Nice to revisit but perhaps another break is due.
October 3, 2024
Another dysfunctional wealthy family is featured in this story. Bea and Piers are on the case again, later aided by Berenice, home from school for the weekend.
May 10, 2023
Missing books
I loved the book. But what happened to all the character in the first 6 books? Why aren’t they on kindle? I want to read them!
I loved the book. But what happened to all the character in the first 6 books? Why aren’t they on kindle? I want to read them!
February 6, 2019
Wealthy Marcia thinks her life is in danger.
Bea Abbot is asked to investigate the death of a wealthy old lady’s cats, after a strange encounter with the lady and her daughter.
They arrive at Beas house under the pretence of finding new staff for their large house, but Marcia takes Bea to one side and tells the story of her beloved cats and the strange goings-on at the house.
Much to Bea’s misgivings she soon gets involved after the death of Marcia’s chauffeur. Bea and her ex-husband investigate the deaths and are soon positive that this not just a case of the fragility of age.
I enjoy Ms Heley books, they are always so down to earth and easy to read and get involved with. Her characters are not always likeable and sometimes there are unnecessary religious overtones but that is just Ms Heley’s way.
This is the first Bea Abbot I have read but I have read some of her other series, all of which I enjoyed immensely.
This book is perfect for a cold wintery Sunday afternoon, curled up with a cup of tea and a blanket.
Thank you, Ms Heley, for another thoroughly good read.
Ellezig
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of this book to review.
Bea Abbot is asked to investigate the death of a wealthy old lady’s cats, after a strange encounter with the lady and her daughter.
They arrive at Beas house under the pretence of finding new staff for their large house, but Marcia takes Bea to one side and tells the story of her beloved cats and the strange goings-on at the house.
Much to Bea’s misgivings she soon gets involved after the death of Marcia’s chauffeur. Bea and her ex-husband investigate the deaths and are soon positive that this not just a case of the fragility of age.
I enjoy Ms Heley books, they are always so down to earth and easy to read and get involved with. Her characters are not always likeable and sometimes there are unnecessary religious overtones but that is just Ms Heley’s way.
This is the first Bea Abbot I have read but I have read some of her other series, all of which I enjoyed immensely.
This book is perfect for a cold wintery Sunday afternoon, curled up with a cup of tea and a blanket.
Thank you, Ms Heley, for another thoroughly good read.
Ellezig
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of this book to review.
mystery
February 20, 2019Find it at the West Hempstead Public Library http://encore.alisweb.org/iii/encore/...
March 1, 2019
This is the first time I've read this author and she kept me guessing with this mystery. Main character, Bea, is asked to investigate the murder of a wealthy person's (Marcia) cats. Bea isn't planning to, when one of Marcia's staff members dies. Other members of the staff have been chased away. Bea begins to think Marcia's life is in danger. Most of the characters are unlikable, but due to them being the murderer it is understandable.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for my honest review. - I look forward to more by this author.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for my honest review. - I look forward to more by this author.
April 4, 2019
A very good cozy mystery, engaging and entertaining.
I loved how the writer developed the characters and describes the setting.
The mystery is solid, full of twists and turns, and it keeps you guessing till the end.
It's the first book I read in this series and I loved it and, even if it's not the first in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
i look forward to reading other books in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved how the writer developed the characters and describes the setting.
The mystery is solid, full of twists and turns, and it keeps you guessing till the end.
It's the first book I read in this series and I loved it and, even if it's not the first in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
i look forward to reading other books in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews