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Maze Investigations #3
The Julia Legacy
After receiving an unexpected inheritance of jewellery, including a rare 'spoon ring', Zelah agrees to go to Cornwall to find out more about its history. She knows she may have to face discovering her own closely-guarded family history. Reluctant to dig up her past at first, she gathers the courage to find out where she comes from and who she really is.
So, in the middle of a glorious summer, the Maze Investigations team takes a month off and heads to Cornwall. Staying in a beautiful, unique house on the edge of a cliff above the sea, Maggie, Nick, and Zelah begin an investigation of a very personal nature.
However, they soon find that the story of the ring and the other items are shrouded in theft, betrayal and murder. And something unexplained.
So, in the middle of a glorious summer, the Maze Investigations team takes a month off and heads to Cornwall. Staying in a beautiful, unique house on the edge of a cliff above the sea, Maggie, Nick, and Zelah begin an investigation of a very personal nature.
However, they soon find that the story of the ring and the other items are shrouded in theft, betrayal and murder. And something unexplained.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2019
163 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
M.K. Jones
16 books72 followersOriginally from South Wales, I now live in North Wales, close to Conwy and the sea. My passion for genealogy began when I helped out my mother with internet researching on her family and I became engrossed ( my family would say fanatical!). The Maze Investigations series has allowed me to combine my passion with my long held ambition to be a creative writer. I have recently added the first book in a new series. The series is called The Curiosity Club of St Foy and the book is 'All Gone'. My plan is to publish 2 books a year at least, one in each series. Update! I have recently published the fourth book in the Curiosity Club of St Foy series. It's called "The Cult of Flowers". And I have formed a collaboration with South Wales write, John F. Wales. Together we have produced a new series called "The Cardiff Newshound Investigates". Book one, "Death on a Gravestone" is now available in all media, and book two will be available shortly. It's been ten years since the publication of "Three Times Removed", the first book in the Maze series. I'll soon be starting on book no. 10. What a journey!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 14, 2022
Lovely
The Julia Legacy is the third book in a series by M.J.Jones about a group of genealogists headquartered in Wales. This story involves travel to Cornwall and Ireland in the course if their investigations. Good characters and plot. I recommend these books for anyone
The Julia Legacy is the third book in a series by M.J.Jones about a group of genealogists headquartered in Wales. This story involves travel to Cornwall and Ireland in the course if their investigations. Good characters and plot. I recommend these books for anyone
December 21, 2020
For me, this was not as enjoyable or readable as the previous two; the major family tree was too complicated to work out without a pencil & paper (I'm assuming that the printed book didn't have a tree as that would have been a spoiler)
It all felt more disjointed than the earlier books. One thing hasn't changed - poor punctation, lack of proof reading and editing; how can one person be Ann and Anne on the same page!!
I'm not sure that I will read the fourth book; there are better characterisations and editing in other, similar series
It all felt more disjointed than the earlier books. One thing hasn't changed - poor punctation, lack of proof reading and editing; how can one person be Ann and Anne on the same page!!
I'm not sure that I will read the fourth book; there are better characterisations and editing in other, similar series
July 2, 2021
Complications done up well
I enjoyed this mystery. All the ends tied up neatly enough that you don't have to go to the next book, but there's enough suspense to keep me going onto the fourth book in the series. And yes, it's helpful to read them in order. I appreciated the mystery of it all, although I think it could have been a bit shorter. There is minimal swearing, but I think any is unnecessary. Especially F-words. Fortunately I only noticed one in this book which was better than the last one. There are still instances where a good editor would have been useful, but it's not as bad as the first two books. On the whole, I like this author and the creativity of the stories.
I enjoyed this mystery. All the ends tied up neatly enough that you don't have to go to the next book, but there's enough suspense to keep me going onto the fourth book in the series. And yes, it's helpful to read them in order. I appreciated the mystery of it all, although I think it could have been a bit shorter. There is minimal swearing, but I think any is unnecessary. Especially F-words. Fortunately I only noticed one in this book which was better than the last one. There are still instances where a good editor would have been useful, but it's not as bad as the first two books. On the whole, I like this author and the creativity of the stories.
April 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I first got it because it was a genealogical mystery set in Cornwall. Cornwall is my second home since I started researching my husbands family tree! The suspense and mystery was kept going throughout with a surprise ending. I also noticed it was set mainly where I live now, the historical part was in Cornwall.
I enjoyed this book so much I have started reading another book in the set.
I enjoyed this book so much I have started reading another book in the set.
January 25, 2023
A little confusing but still excellent.
Engrossing story - confusing in the genealogy relationships. I
was at times tempted to grab a pencil and paper to make a rough chart in an effort to keep track! Realizing it is just a story, parts of this still makes one wonder what if? And can we be that interconnected?
Engrossing story - confusing in the genealogy relationships. I
was at times tempted to grab a pencil and paper to make a rough chart in an effort to keep track! Realizing it is just a story, parts of this still makes one wonder what if? And can we be that interconnected?
June 10, 2019
Great Read
I loved this book and liked that there was far less paranormal stuff in it. The one thing which stops 5stars is the extremely complex family explanations which had me baffled at times
I loved this book and liked that there was far less paranormal stuff in it. The one thing which stops 5stars is the extremely complex family explanations which had me baffled at times
March 6, 2020
This book opens in 18th century Cornwall, but it's no Poldark! It is an intriguing opening and, as the book continues and the team researches the history of various artefacts, we find out a lot more about the Cornish family and spend time in Wales and Ireland as well as Cornwall. However, I did think that the reintroduction of the main group of Maggie's family and partners and what has happened before was a little bit clunky.
I enjoyed seeing the family on holiday in Cornwall in the big house they'd rented. I also enjoyed the detailed research work they undertook. By using appearances on radio shows, they tapped into information gathered by other family historians and that was fun too. I did think the author overused the device of having everyone come together and brief one another. It started to look like it was a convenient disguise: the author tells the readers things by showing them people talking.
There is a big exciting denouement at the end but I must admit that, in this book, I found it a bit disjointed and wondered where some of the plot lines had come from - it was a bit "deus ex machina", new facts suddenly materialising to save the day. I didn't mind that those facts were in part supernatural - that's one of the characteristics of this series. I just felt that they were not written well enough into the rest of the book.
I enjoyed the book but was left feeling a little disappointed. I'd have liked to have read after another version was created, smoothing out the clunkiness and building some more action into the telling of the story. It might have been a good opportunity to move Zelah to centre stage and to tell the story from her point of view but there were perhaps other ways of restructuring it.
I enjoyed seeing the family on holiday in Cornwall in the big house they'd rented. I also enjoyed the detailed research work they undertook. By using appearances on radio shows, they tapped into information gathered by other family historians and that was fun too. I did think the author overused the device of having everyone come together and brief one another. It started to look like it was a convenient disguise: the author tells the readers things by showing them people talking.
There is a big exciting denouement at the end but I must admit that, in this book, I found it a bit disjointed and wondered where some of the plot lines had come from - it was a bit "deus ex machina", new facts suddenly materialising to save the day. I didn't mind that those facts were in part supernatural - that's one of the characteristics of this series. I just felt that they were not written well enough into the rest of the book.
I enjoyed the book but was left feeling a little disappointed. I'd have liked to have read after another version was created, smoothing out the clunkiness and building some more action into the telling of the story. It might have been a good opportunity to move Zelah to centre stage and to tell the story from her point of view but there were perhaps other ways of restructuring it.
March 30, 2021
Compelling Characters and an intriguing Mystery
I could feel as If I was in Cornwall, perhaps because I've been there several times but maybe not entirely. I've read recordings books so enjoyed seeing how the characters were continuing to develop Maze Investigations -brilliant name - their relationships and learning the history of one of the main characters. And what a story, one with lots unanswered questions and mysteries to solve.
Lots of drama, interspersed with normal times and activities. As seen before, there's lots to unravel, things are not all as they seem and they and their relationships, will all be tested.
Very enjoyable and this is the third time I've read it. I forget lots, so usually need, if possible, to read some of the stories again to help with background when reading the books that have followed, so I will read 'The Politician' again next and then, the latest published, 'The Policeman'.
Most of the genealogy is fairly sound but with a lot of lucky finds as well. I've been researching for almost 30 years, off and on, so I can say that with some confidence. It's a lot easier with more people doing it, more funds and the ability to go wherever you need to. Bliss!
There are a lot of typos and the like. The author would like them reported to her. Look her up and email her if you'd like to do that. It's a shame as it jars and interrupts the flow. I tend to think the publisher/proof reader/editor, should pick them up, as it could put people off the books.
I could feel as If I was in Cornwall, perhaps because I've been there several times but maybe not entirely. I've read recordings books so enjoyed seeing how the characters were continuing to develop Maze Investigations -brilliant name - their relationships and learning the history of one of the main characters. And what a story, one with lots unanswered questions and mysteries to solve.
Lots of drama, interspersed with normal times and activities. As seen before, there's lots to unravel, things are not all as they seem and they and their relationships, will all be tested.
Very enjoyable and this is the third time I've read it. I forget lots, so usually need, if possible, to read some of the stories again to help with background when reading the books that have followed, so I will read 'The Politician' again next and then, the latest published, 'The Policeman'.
Most of the genealogy is fairly sound but with a lot of lucky finds as well. I've been researching for almost 30 years, off and on, so I can say that with some confidence. It's a lot easier with more people doing it, more funds and the ability to go wherever you need to. Bliss!
There are a lot of typos and the like. The author would like them reported to her. Look her up and email her if you'd like to do that. It's a shame as it jars and interrupts the flow. I tend to think the publisher/proof reader/editor, should pick them up, as it could put people off the books.
February 26, 2022
3.5. This book has not only a contemporary plot but also a historic one which was very interesting. There is witchcraft, murders, and a ghost in the story. Set in Cornwall, I enjoyed the physical sites which were interwoven, and I learned much historic and geographic information, especially about the prehistoric rock formations. The genealogy is complex, at times confusing, and there are many characters to remember. The author was able to hold all the threads and tell a compelling story. A family tree would have been helpful. Some characters to me were cardboard but served some purpose. I must say I continued to read and was never annoyed with the writing, just the editing. The subplots about the children, I skipped over. I plan to read another book in the series.
January 25, 2024
Another complex case for Maze Investigations, this one focusses on one of their own members, Zelah, who recently received an inheritance from her loathed "stepsister" — actually more of a foster sister. On holiday in Cornwall, near where Zelah grew up, Zelah, Maggie, and Nick, with some help from Maggie's teenage son, Jack, begin their investigations, unaware of where this will take them, and the dangers involved. Fascinating, convoluted story that is very hard to put down. Highly recommended.
Read
July 12, 2019No depth to the story, no real empathy with any of the characters and their relationships to each other are slow to be revealed, needs to be more about the research and less about the children finding schools which had nothing much to do with the plot, and no idea why two of the characters had anger issues. In other words will not be reading any more of this author's books, even though I love genealogical mysteries
December 29, 2020
Another personal investigation for Maze
This time it is an investigation into Zelah's past. This is the most realistic of the three novels, with the suggestion of witchcraft and supernatural. I enjoyed reading this kindle book, and the story of the third member of Maze Investigations. The storyline is very interesting and the way the characters and present and past events are connected amazing.
This time it is an investigation into Zelah's past. This is the most realistic of the three novels, with the suggestion of witchcraft and supernatural. I enjoyed reading this kindle book, and the story of the third member of Maze Investigations. The storyline is very interesting and the way the characters and present and past events are connected amazing.
July 21, 2019
I have enjoyed these books though
They are a little out there. But after three books can't the author take to heart the criticism of the editing? Properly edited books show respect for your readers. Please proofread.
They are a little out there. But after three books can't the author take to heart the criticism of the editing? Properly edited books show respect for your readers. Please proofread.
December 17, 2020
This was a gripping story that I just could not leave. I read my kindle at night and I was going to bed earlier just to read this story. It gave me shivers and goosepimples down my arms.
i hope that everyone who reads this will enjoy it as much as I have.
i hope that everyone who reads this will enjoy it as much as I have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2024
Great Mystery
As in Mk Jones other books the twists and turns continue through out this story to keep the reader sufficiently confused about the next revelation. If you love genealogy and a bit of unknown realm fiction you will enjoy this book
As in Mk Jones other books the twists and turns continue through out this story to keep the reader sufficiently confused about the next revelation. If you love genealogy and a bit of unknown realm fiction you will enjoy this book
June 6, 2019
Good book
Like the other 3, really enjoy these characters and the plot lines being an amateur Genealogist. Enjoy the mystery and the twist and turns.
Like the other 3, really enjoy these characters and the plot lines being an amateur Genealogist. Enjoy the mystery and the twist and turns.
November 17, 2019
Lots of twists and turns
Another Maze mystery related to genealogy - this time of one of Maze's founders. If you like the other Maze books you will enjoy this one as well.
Another Maze mystery related to genealogy - this time of one of Maze's founders. If you like the other Maze books you will enjoy this one as well.
Read
February 5, 2020Quite good. Will read others re: Maze investigations now that I got into them.
July 29, 2020
Thoroughly Enjoyable!
Obviously written by someone with the ability to see and explain the intricacies and involvements of a fascinatingly long family history.
Obviously written by someone with the ability to see and explain the intricacies and involvements of a fascinatingly long family history.
Read
February 18, 2021I love your Maze Books. I can't wait for the new one this summer.
November 5, 2021
Very good
A good read and interesting story. The characters need to lighten up as the moody atmosphere is a bit depressing
A good read and interesting story. The characters need to lighten up as the moody atmosphere is a bit depressing
March 13, 2022
The prickly Zelah, one of the three partners in Maze Investigations, receives an unexpected legacy from the daughter of the abusive foster family that she escaped at 16. On a working vacation in Cornwall, the trio begin to explore Zelah's past, which she has heretofore resolutely put behind her. The relationship between Maggie and policeman Bob Pugh continues, and Maggie's children add interest to the story. Another good tale in this series.
April 26, 2022
Complicated story
This one was so full of details that it lost me at times. But overall I am still enjoying the Maze crew and their quirky personalities.
This one was so full of details that it lost me at times. But overall I am still enjoying the Maze crew and their quirky personalities.
September 17, 2022
convoluted
Too many threads, too many details, tedious reading. I skimmed most of it just to reach the ending. I would not recommend it
Too many threads, too many details, tedious reading. I skimmed most of it just to reach the ending. I would not recommend it
October 16, 2022
Loved this
I loved the way the book was written, I couldn't put it down and will recommend it to others .
I loved the way the book was written, I couldn't put it down and will recommend it to others .
March 22, 2023
ok, but not as good as the first two
Really liked the others but this one seemed to be trying to do too much in a minimal time/space. A good edit would have helped.
Really liked the others but this one seemed to be trying to do too much in a minimal time/space. A good edit would have helped.
April 16, 2025
We get to know the characters a little more with each book- this is another great story.
June 10, 2025
Too many characters! Plus whoever did the proof reading wants shooting - so many spelling errors, missed words and since when was the Cheesewring on Dartmoor!
May 15, 2021
Unputdownabe
As all the others this series is fantastic and gripping. I look forward to the next. Thank you for your brilliantly executed stories. I’m hooked!
As all the others this series is fantastic and gripping. I look forward to the next. Thank you for your brilliantly executed stories. I’m hooked!
September 16, 2020
Once again I enjoyed this third story in the series. It develops the characters and their relationships further. I do keep wondering if the romantic interest is designed to last or if Maggie is too 'controlling' herself to ever let someone completely into her life. One of the sub plots concerning Alice's problems at school was somewhat annoying. I'll explain that comment without a spoiler alert. In essence any parent dissatisfied with a response from Senior Leaders at their child's school can 1) Inform the Governing Body 2) Inform Ofsted.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews