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The Dark Inheritance

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As a young girl, Donna Thomas tragically lost her mother and sibling. Her wealthy father has been emotionally absent ever since. As an adult, he refused to help, insisting she had to find her own way in life. When he dies, Donna’s convinced this is her chance to get what she deserves. After all, there is no other family.

But then his will deals her an unexpected blow. The estate is to be shared, not only with a mysterious stranger, but also a half-sister Donna didn’t know existed. It’s bad enough she has to share her father’s money, but his last words stipulate she doesn’t get a penny of her inheritance until she locates her half-sister.

Angry and bitter, Donna turns to Becky and Jules who’ve just opened the doors of their new detective agency. Having solved family mysteries of their own, they’re now ready to help others. As they follow the trail Donna’s father left behind, it becomes clear someone else is on the hunt as well. One accidental death in their path could be coincidental, but when it looks like the mystery beneficiary has been murdered, they don’t know who to trust.

As Becky and Jules scramble to find the connection behind Donna’s father and the murdered stranger, they worry time is running out. If they want to find Donna’s half-sister alive, they had better find her fast, because someone else seems to be one sinister step ahead of them—they want what’s theirs, and they’re prepared to kill anyone who gets in their way.

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2020

17 people are currently reading
73 people want to read

About the author

Liane Carmen

5 books201 followers
Liane Carmen is the author of the Investigation Duo Series. After using DNA testing to solve her own family mystery, she became passionate about helping others and writing stories about buried secrets. She takes it up a notch for Jules and Becky, whose cases lead them down a much darker and dangerous path.

Her DVR is filled with shows from the ID channel, which she tries to reassure her boyfriend are merely “book research.” Her goal is to write novels that keep mystery lovers guessing, and if her Google searches ever come into question, she’d be grateful if her readers could vouch for her.

She’s an avid reader and a genealogy buff who’s been known to lose large blocks of time researching her family tree. She lives in Florida with her teenaged son and a houseful of pets, all of whom are always hungry.

For more information and to subscribe to her newsletter, visit her website at www.lianecarmen.com.

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea Hintz.
Author 30 books91 followers
December 3, 2020
WOW!!! Liane Carmen has done it again! She has managed to absolutely pull me into another world, my eyes cementing to every single page, and my heart racing as I so desperately wanted to find out who did it! This story follows our two lovely protagonists from the first book as they open their own detective agency and take on an intense case of DNA tracking that will result in a hefty inheritance. However, this seemingly easy case will quickly prove to be dark and intense as we study the potential betrayals and danger.

I was amazed at the amount of research the author did to create such a complex family tree that pulled me deeper and deeper into the story. You know a series is excellent when each book surpasses the previous golden book. I want to read book 3 NOW! Thank you Liane Carmen for providing high quality, Netflix-worthy entertainment! I want to see these books turned into movies or a television series!
286 reviews
February 4, 2021
Becky and Jules are back in the second book of the Investigation Duo Series (Where the Truth Hides is the first book). This time, they have opened a detective agency and specialize in finding missing people.

Donna finds herself needing their services when she discovers that her father’s will stipulates she locate an unknown half-sister before she can collect her inheritance. Using DNA tests and the internet, Becky and Jules put together the pieces to reconnect a hurting family. But, when someone turns up murdered, the detectives wonder if they have taken on more than they can handle.

This is a fast-paced book that will leave you guessing until the last clue is revealed. Having read the author’s first book, I enjoyed reconnecting with the characters and learning more of their stories. It is hard not to connect with the main characters of this novel. They are witty, sharp, and fiercely loyal to one another.

It is clear the author has a great love and a tremendous amount of knowledge related to genealogy and ancestry searches. The novel is well researched and the author put her heart and soul into writing her book.
Profile Image for Lacey Stephens.
326 reviews12 followers
January 10, 2021
I was excited to see that Liane Carmen had released another book so soon. The second book in the Investigation Duo series was just as good as the first book. I feel like Becky and Jules are personal friends of mine now.

I love the amount of detail that went into the plot and research about DNA and the use of DNA in tracking down family.

I could totally see this book series turning into a tv series!
Can’t wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Slate R. Raven.
Author 3 books11 followers
January 5, 2021
The Dark Inheritance was so heart pounding I got to a point I couldn't stop reading. I love the books that cause me to forget what’s going on around me. This really is an edge of your seat ride that has everything. The characters were fantastic and the story flowed and before I knew it... I reached the end. I love the main characters, Jules & Becky, and the continuity of their stories from the first book. Note: This book can and does stand on its own. However for me it was more fun when reading them in order. I won this book in a contest but to be thorough I went and got the first one in the series. I’m glad I did, as I said it can stand alone but the synergy of the two is outstanding. Read Liane Carmen’s books!
3 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2020
Such a fun read and real page-turner. It's been a long time since I've read a book in one sitting but I couldn't put this one down. It was great to be back with Jules and Becky and I cannot wait to read their next adventure. If you want to read a suspenseful mystery involving family, friendships, DNA and ancestry, then this book is for you.
I highly recommend!
Profile Image for A.C. Whitt.
Author 1 book10 followers
January 21, 2021
This author has a special talent for introducing multiple characters and in a way that you don't get confused as to who they are. With that being said, you have so many things that happen throughout the book that it's impossible to guess the end. When you think you know, you change your mind because BAM, there is something new. It's absolutely amazing.
Profile Image for Emily Souvignier.
74 reviews5 followers
December 3, 2020
Thank you to author Liane Carmen for the chance to read The Dark Inheritance as an ARC (advanced reader copy.)

I really enjoyed the prequel to this series, Where the Truth Hides, so I was excited to be able to receive the ARC to continue reading about these characters. This book was a very interesting continuation of Jules and Becky's adventures of solving family mysteries using DNA genealogy testing.

Donna is about to receive a large inheritance from her estranged father when his final will and testament reveals she must track down her half-sister, who she had never even known existed before, so they can split their portion of the inheritance. The other third went to a man named Robert Taylor, also a mystery to Donna. With the help of Jules and Becky, the Investigation Duo, she hopes to track down her half-sister using DNA testing before the one year time limit is up, and her money gone forever.

But soon after the investigation begins, strange things start happening. A mysterious car seems to be following Jules and Becky, their office is broken into, and people end up dead. Someone else is trying to find the truth about what the DNA will reveal before Jules, Becky and Donna do, and the consequences could be deadly.

Like Where the Truth Hides, this was a really fun, fast read. I had a couple suspects in mind for who could be doing this to the girls, and the one who was revealed was the person I suspected the least.

Great job once again to Liane Carmen. I am looking forward to reading more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,061 reviews35 followers
December 10, 2020
The Dark Inheritance is the second book in The Investigation Duo series and is an engaging read.

I loved this book! The writing is suspenseful and kept me turning the pages as I followed along with The Investigation Duo. This story has murder, mystery, danger, twists, and intrigue. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
2,249 reviews15 followers
December 4, 2020
This is a suspenseful story. It is about a family and unkown members of that family. I was totally drawn into the story. The mystery that they were trying to solve and trying to stay one step ahead. The Investigation Duo have their work cut out for them. This really is an edge of your seat ride that has everything rolled into one story. The characters were great and the story really flowed and before I knew it I reached the end of the book. This is a really good story and a must read. I has happy with the ending and Becky and Jules were great together in their investigation. Donna with all that she had been through, just a great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
10.7k reviews126 followers
December 4, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Liane Carment; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Evelyn Dotson.
2,062 reviews17 followers
November 19, 2020
In book two, Becky and Jules are in the process of opening their office when their first official client strolls in. Donna just lost her father and he left a will with many stipulations. To receive her portion of his will, she had to find a half-sister she never knew about with very little to go on. Donna, Jules, their spouses, and Jonas will have to read through a will, go through personal belongings, track many people down, deal with murder, a killer, a stalker, and bring lost souls together to form a family unit all because of what one man lived and left after he died~ They though their stories were mind-boggling about the DNA…now comes someone else’s they are involved up to their hair in and it is deadly….I received this as an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review. Another five out of five stars for a book that will keep you riveted and guessing until the ending…
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
391 reviews5 followers
November 23, 2020
This is book 2 in a series, it can be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading book 1 as it contains the back story to how Investigation Duo came about.

When Donnas dad passes away, being the only child, she expects to inherit everything and is shocked to find not only does she have a half sister but that she also won’t receive any of it unless Donna can find her. With not much to go on besides the letter her father left, Donna hires Becky and Jules to track her down using DNA tracing and some good old detective work.

Chilling family mystery with plenty of twists and turns, I thought I knew exactly what was going to happen but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I can’t wait to see what Becky and Jules get for their next case.
Profile Image for Literary Lioness.
110 reviews8 followers
March 1, 2022
Becky and Jules are at it again, only this time instead of dealing with their own issues, they have become “The Investigation Duo”. Driven by their passion to help others, they built a detective agency focused on connecting long lost (or even unknown) relatives through DNA testing.

Their first case involves an inheritance that will only be distributed once all blood heirs are found. A seemingly easy task for the pair, it turns in to anything but when their leads keep ending up dead…

A stimulating story, Liane Carmen elates readers with The Dark Inheritance. An intense mystery keeping one on their toes while also weaving in the tenderness of true friendship, Liane cultivates a novel that maintains a steady turn to the pages.

Intwine her attention to detail, and finding spelling and grammatical errors becomes a daunting task. Yet, profanity is a consistent addition to this tale, resulting in a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

As with most crime mysteries, some actions may cause one distress. Please read with caution if affected by any of the following: cancer, death during childbirth, divorce, depression, abandonment, adoption, negligence, wrongful death, migraines, life support, aneurysm, work accident, paralysis, affair, abortion, deceit, betrayal, paranoia, prison, hit and run, alcohol and drug consumption, estrangement, bar fights, theft, dementia, failed invitro fertilization (IVF), earthquake, break-in, alcoholics anonymous (AA), anxiety, missing person, homicide, murder, stabbing, warrant, zipline accident, binding, attack, gun violence, kidnapping, carbon monoxide exposure, amnesia, or abuse.

An exhilarating tale, The Dark Inheritance hooks readers and keeps them turning the pages with bated breath.

Thank you to #TheDarkInheritance, #TheInvestigationDuoSeries, #LianeCarmen, and #SunshinePublishing for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/...

Review of the first book in this series, Where the Truth Hides, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/...

*Please note, although can be read as a standalone, to fully obtain the top experience intended, this series is best read in consecutive order.
Profile Image for Stormy Willard.
9 reviews
February 12, 2021
What a great second book by Liane Carmen. Much like the first book the adventure of Jules and Becky will really keep you on your toes. It’s a gripping store that you just can’t put down but at the same time don’t want it to end! I love the characters in this series I feel as if I know them. This mystery series is one with plot twist and turns you won’t see coming and makes this a fast paced read. Not only does this book though have mystery it also has a story of best friends and their families and the characters trials and the things they go through which makes you just really feel apart of their life’s. Also much like the first book you won’t guess who it was in the end which I love that I have not been able to guess who it was in either books. The plot twist are incredible such creativity and incredible writing in both books. I highly recommend this read if you like a good mystery. Thanks again Liana Carmen for the book I so enjoyed it and can’t wait to go another adventure with Jules and Becky.
3 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2020
I had the privilege of reading an early copy of this book, the second in a series (the first was Where the Truth Hides).

I really enjoy the main characters, Jules & Becky, and the continuity of their stories from the first book. BUT, while I think reading the first is good, it isn't necessary to understand the plot in The Dark Inheritance. I like the way the author writes, loved the storyline and was so happily surprised with the twist on "whodunnit".

The Dark Inheritance kept me engaged and guessing. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the main characters better, but I liked the introduction of the additional characters too. I am anxiously awaiting book number 3! To me the sign of a good book is when I continue to think about it, and feel like I'm part of the people - like they would be my friends, and this one did that for me.

I would 100% recommend this book.
168 reviews4 followers
February 27, 2021
Yet another book that deserves more than 5 stars. Whoever thought DNA could be so interesting. This book is so well written and the story keeps you guessing until the very end with many twists and turns along the way. Would love to see this on the big screen.
Profile Image for Linda.
677 reviews33 followers
March 27, 2021
Omg ...... This book is amazing. Just when you think the story couldn’t get any better. The mystery and suspense had me on pins and needles. So totally worth the read.
19 reviews
May 3, 2021
Good

I truly enjoyed this. Mysterious and twisted with unsettling twists and turns to finally make it to a great ending. Will read more by this author.
46 reviews2 followers
May 22, 2021
Another fabulous read that I couldn’t put down! Kept me guessing until the last 25 pages!! Liane Carmen does t disappoint! Thank goodness her next book comes out this year!!!
Profile Image for Krista.
371 reviews
July 2, 2022
Another great book!

This author is very good at the narrative and plot twists. I can't wait to read the other books she has written.
1,471 reviews7 followers
April 14, 2023
Great mystery

This story kept you on your toes until the end. Loved all the detective work involved in tracking your DNA. I was happy that in the end family triumph over money!
Profile Image for Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews .
543 reviews37 followers
December 1, 2020
GRIPPING! Ohhhh my. The Dark Inheritance by Liane Carmen was so gripping and heart pounding I got to a point I couldn't stop reading. My heart was literally pounding out of my chest. By the way, this is the second book in The Investigation Duo series. Where the Truth Hides is book one and I highly recommend you read them in order. 

Jules and Becky just started their new business called Investigation Duo. These ladies have a real heart for what they are doing. They are bringing family members together that don't know each other either because of adoption or another set of circumstances. Things get out of hand in this case and a lot of lives may be put in jeopardy. 

I love the books that cause me to forget what is going on around me. My brain thinks about the characters when I'm not reading and I dream about them during the night. That is a consuming book. If you like that kind of story, you will love these books. You have enough time to get a copy of Where the Truth Hides to read and pre-order The Dark Inheritance. I highly recommend you treat yourself to a fun read. 

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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