The Errant Heirs Caper

The J.D. Pierson Case Files

by C.H. Sessums

At a dime a dozen, I’m going broke handing out excuses for my dad. The name on the door says “JD Pierson, Investigator,” but most days the chair behind his desk is empty. It’s 1936 and times are hard for everyone in Tyler, Texas, but it’s all I can do to keep the rent paid since Dad lost his way in a bottle of gin.When JD suddenly shows a moment of sober coherence, I whisk him off to his favorite fishing lake in the hopes I can keep him off the sauce. I wanted Dad back in the investigator game, but having an old friend turn up dead was not part of the plan.When a swarm of heirs swoops in we’re left wondering if his death really was an accident, or if murder is how one of them means to cash in.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Historical Mystery

60 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2022

About the author

C.H. SESSUMS is a pen name for USA Today Bestselling Author Olivia Hardin. While Olivia writes all manner of romance, C.H. scribbles out cozy mysteries set in her beloved state of Texas. Whether exploring urban legends from all over the lone star state or solving capers set in far off times, mystery meets history in all of her stories.

In real life, C.H. lives in gorgeous East Texas with her hubby and their two rescue dogs. Every weekend all four of them pile up into their bunkhouse to watch classic movies and listen to old-time radio.

Reviews

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Jenny Dee, life in the 30s is a constant struggle keeping her PI father on cases and away from the bottle. Called to a case at his favourite fishing hole, it will take their combined smarts to turn their investigation into a solution.

Though the story is short, we do get the chance to take a good look at Jenny and her father JD Piermont. Both characters are engaging and sympathetic. The mystery itself takes an interesting twist. I look forward to a full book with these two.

[cdbest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun cozy mstery! Interesting! Easy reading, but great characters with what feels like real lives. I really enjoyed the way the main characters seemed so complex and real! I also very much enjoyed the narration of the story. I did not like the way the mystery was solved - it was just too easily resolved, but that often can be part of the genre. In this case, I think a little more research would have strengthened the story.

[Narelle Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a freebie in return for an honest review.
A nice little quick read, about an hour at a guess. Liked the characters, hoping what I imagined will become plot in future books. I could imagine the future storylines as I read this story. Not an in-depth plot, but I liked that it was a nice little distraction for a short while on a windy afternoon.

[Tess Ailshire · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very short book. Not an afternoon read; an hour read.
Jenny Dee keeps father's condition hidden, placing his pride over his health. She talks him into going to the Lake, where he has friends, to investigate a murder that solves itself. Done.
Nothing to this.

[Michelle Kampmeier]

Great intro to this series! I like the main character and thought the mystery was well thought out. I also like the fact that JD has to save her father's investigation business before things get out of hand. That adds some fire to the mix. I look forward to reading more of these. :)

[Jennifer Hoey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it over lunch

Seriously, in like 30 minutes ... but still an entertaining time and I’m going to read the next one tomorrow

[aem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy mystery short story

[MaryEllen]

That was super short, but so much fun!
It's entertaining and captivating right from the start.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 3.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 4 🌟.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

JD Pierson is an insurance investigator whose daughter, Jenny Dee, has been trying to keep his reputation in fact by telling Insurance Companies he is working for other companies when in fact he is a drunk and can't work. Blake Boardman wants him to work on a case at Lake Keegan which is a fishing place that JD loves so she gets him there saying he needs a vacation.

They find out that Jarod Presley was found dead on Goat Island. Rufus Scriberner is the Chief of Police in Greune, Texas and the is the owner of Reel 'Em Inn. Jarod was the owner of a popular fishing spot which he had recently sold. Jarod's relatives gather at the Inn to await the reading of his will. The police find out that he had been poisoned which would implicate Leonide Montague, a pharmacist. Another heir was Linton Dunlevy, who had a roving eye according to his wife Beatrix. Beatrix and Montague's wife Peggy were sisters. Jenny and the police investigate everyone's alibi and find out they all have one which is verified.

When the will is read, all of Mr. Presley's assets were spent during his life and his life insurance which paid double if he was murdered was to pay for his funeral and the heirs were to get nothing.

Once the murder is solved and the guilty party or parties are arrested and Jarod Presley is thrown a large funeral with lots of food.

I enjoyed reading this book. I left the guilty person or persons out so you will read the book to solve the mystery.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable pocket book cozey murder mystery with vibrant light hearted characters involving intense drama. Acquire "The Errant Heirs Caper " so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. 🤔😏😯😔☺Kat

[Christine L. Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was first attracted by the cover as I love period pieces from the 1920s-1930s. You immediately became familiar with J.D. the wanna-be detective through her conversation with an insurance claims agent, which draws you into the story. But it has a few holes in the story.

J.D. has learned her trade from her mostly useless alcoholic dad. Rather than take on the jobs herself, she blows them all off to "protect her dad" and thus assist in running the business downhill fast. Other than mentioning their car model, there's nothing that draws me into the 1930s. The dialog is not retro. And fashion sense would dictate if the female heir is dressed in black, her gloves would be black as well to match her purse, shoes, and hat. Sorry, I'm into costuming and it bugs me when it's not era-appropriate.

The "greedy" heirs fit the murder mystery style with their bickering and pointing fingers at one another. There's the standard amateur sleuth who nearly gets herself killed, but she pulls through. Since this was just a short story there was little time to wonder who did it as it was quickly dropped at your feet. I would like to see this character fleshed out more in a full-length novel as she has the makings of a quirky sleuth who'd be fun to follow.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a man is killed, the greedy relatives come out.
JD Pierson helps investigate insurance cases, when he’s not drunk, that is. His daughter, Jenny Dee Pierson, is doing all she can to keep the doors opened. They take the case where a man is found dead, but it’s not sure of it being murder, yet. Then the family shows up...greedy lot!
This was a very quick read. It’s perfect for while you’re waiting to be seen in a doctor’s office or any place like that.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Depression Era Cozy Murder Mystery
This book is a great way to introduce a new series. These are depression-era stories with the possibilities of that era! This story is very cute and has a strong female lead in a male-dominated world. Judging from this short piece, I am going to love the series with full-length stories! I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I loved the characters, especially J.D. and his daughter. I felt bad for the daughter having to make excuses for her dad all the time. But in the end they worked it out together.
I like historical mysteries because they have to solve everything the old fashioned way-with their minds. But I also like current mysteries where they have all the modern means to solve things.

[Dorothy Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennie Dee is holding her father’s office open, but his personal problems are interfering with his ability to investigate cases. However, they look into an insurance case of questionable death. The Errant Heirs Caper was a fine beginning to a series I will be reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherri Geisler Locke · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is 1936 and Jennie Dees dad is a private investigator but also an alcoholic so she is trying to keep the doors open to his PI office. They take on the case of an old friend that has been murdered. A nice bit of nostalgia and fun to read. I am looking forward to hopefully more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a compelling mystery with fabulous characters. I love Jennie and how she handles her dad . This book is well-written with plenty of twists to keep me guessing to the end. I am looking forward to the next book by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Avis Witter]

This is not a book I would normally read but was drawn in by the front cover. The story set in the Texas depression was really interesting. Poor Jenny Dee ...... her father lost in a bottle of gin after her mother's death and trying to help keep the investigating business going. A woman in a man's world and definitely making her mark. A great read and am looking forward to the next one.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

JD is an investigator and an alcoholic but he does have good days where he can work. This one case comes in Jenny tries to say no but JD is having a good day so they take the case and find the murderer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved JD and his daughter Jenny. The rest of the characters were perfect for a Depression-era cozy. The story moved along nicely with plenty of twists.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Loretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story - The heirs get together after the murder of their uncle thinking that they will inherit a lot of money. The J D Pierson Insurance Investigator takes the case "REEL "EM INN to meet with the heirs.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book and at times the southern accents slipped or were challenging to follow. Engaging read set in a time period I have not explored in a cozy mystery before. Good set up for next story.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable little mystery. Lots of characters to keep straight.