What do you think?
Rate this book
The Catherine Tregowyn Mysteries #6
Murder in the Family: A Golden Age Mystery
Here's Book 6 in the Catherine Tregowyn Mysteries series - Murder in the Family!
"...readers will fall in love with the charming cast of characters, each of whom seems above suspicion. By blending romance and thrills with a spunky, brilliant protagonist, the author serves up a golden age-style treat for any book-loving armchair sleuth".--Publisher's Weekly (Booklife) for Murder at Tregowyn Manor (Book 3 in the series)
“. . . the well-educated, literary characters . . . are enjoyable, and the plot is nicely balanced between tense action and the love triangle. . . an entertaining historical mystery." -- Kirkus Reviews for An Oxford Murder (Book 1)
A minor hitch arises before the marriage ceremony of Oxford University tutors Catherine Tregowyn and Harry Bascombe. The best man is missing. Perhaps Harry’s Uncle Jonathan was detained by car troubles somewhere in the Cornish hinterlands? No one suspects that he is lying dead at the bottom of a cliff where ocean waves have swept him into a cave.
When he is at last discovered, the police suspect that he slipped off a cliffside hiking trail, but no one who knew Jon believes this version of events. Catherine and Harry suspect foul play. Harry’s cosmopolitan uncle, a dealer in Italian Renaissance art, was very wealthy indeed.
Is it coincidence that the temperamental Italian fashion model, claiming to be his wife, appears at Jonathan’s holiday cottage with two children the day before he disappeared?
When his death is ruled a murder, his mercurial wife, Elisabetta, is the obvious suspect. Harry’s uncle has left a surprise behind him — an iron-clad will, linking his wife’s bequest to her consent for his children to live and be educated in England. In addition, Jonathan’s solicitor holds an envelope, contents unknown, to be opened if his wife contests the will in any way. Elisabetta is outraged for the paintings in Jon’s private collection are worth millions.
Chaos ensues. Unpalatable truths emerge, and danger lurks. Catherine and Harry resolve to untangle the skein of motives for those closest to his uncle until they arrive at the truth. Dealing with family under these circumstances is surprisingly difficult for the newlyweds. Can things ever go back to the way they were before the murder?
". . . characters are colorful, their world engaging, and Dr. Harry is especially charming. Details of food and fashion give a lush touch to the well-painted period settings--Oxford is evoked especially well--and the portrayal of factions, competition, and power plays within the scholarly world lend amusement and intrigue. Ongoing references to poetic theory, the Bloomsbury group, and the dark shadow of Hitler add to the textured sense of place. Those who aren't yet fans of Vandagriff will be hooked." Historical Novel Review for The Hollywood Murders (Book 4)
DEBUTED AS #10 BESTSELLER IN AMAZON HISTORICAL MYSTERIES
The anticipated sequel to Amazon Bestseller, An Oxford Murder, hailed as a “wonderfully stylish and delightful mystery romance” (Amazon Five Star Review) for Murder in the Jazz Band (Book 2)
"...readers will fall in love with the charming cast of characters, each of whom seems above suspicion. By blending romance and thrills with a spunky, brilliant protagonist, the author serves up a golden age-style treat for any book-loving armchair sleuth".--Publisher's Weekly (Booklife) for Murder at Tregowyn Manor (Book 3 in the series)
“. . . the well-educated, literary characters . . . are enjoyable, and the plot is nicely balanced between tense action and the love triangle. . . an entertaining historical mystery." -- Kirkus Reviews for An Oxford Murder (Book 1)
A minor hitch arises before the marriage ceremony of Oxford University tutors Catherine Tregowyn and Harry Bascombe. The best man is missing. Perhaps Harry’s Uncle Jonathan was detained by car troubles somewhere in the Cornish hinterlands? No one suspects that he is lying dead at the bottom of a cliff where ocean waves have swept him into a cave.
When he is at last discovered, the police suspect that he slipped off a cliffside hiking trail, but no one who knew Jon believes this version of events. Catherine and Harry suspect foul play. Harry’s cosmopolitan uncle, a dealer in Italian Renaissance art, was very wealthy indeed.
Is it coincidence that the temperamental Italian fashion model, claiming to be his wife, appears at Jonathan’s holiday cottage with two children the day before he disappeared?
When his death is ruled a murder, his mercurial wife, Elisabetta, is the obvious suspect. Harry’s uncle has left a surprise behind him — an iron-clad will, linking his wife’s bequest to her consent for his children to live and be educated in England. In addition, Jonathan’s solicitor holds an envelope, contents unknown, to be opened if his wife contests the will in any way. Elisabetta is outraged for the paintings in Jon’s private collection are worth millions.
Chaos ensues. Unpalatable truths emerge, and danger lurks. Catherine and Harry resolve to untangle the skein of motives for those closest to his uncle until they arrive at the truth. Dealing with family under these circumstances is surprisingly difficult for the newlyweds. Can things ever go back to the way they were before the murder?
". . . characters are colorful, their world engaging, and Dr. Harry is especially charming. Details of food and fashion give a lush touch to the well-painted period settings--Oxford is evoked especially well--and the portrayal of factions, competition, and power plays within the scholarly world lend amusement and intrigue. Ongoing references to poetic theory, the Bloomsbury group, and the dark shadow of Hitler add to the textured sense of place. Those who aren't yet fans of Vandagriff will be hooked." Historical Novel Review for The Hollywood Murders (Book 4)
DEBUTED AS #10 BESTSELLER IN AMAZON HISTORICAL MYSTERIES
The anticipated sequel to Amazon Bestseller, An Oxford Murder, hailed as a “wonderfully stylish and delightful mystery romance” (Amazon Five Star Review) for Murder in the Jazz Band (Book 2)
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2022
129 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
G.G. Vandagriff
55 books325 followersG.G. Vandagriff is the author of over thirty novels Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. The Last Waltz, the first novel in her 20th Century Historical Romance Series won the Whitney Award for Best Historical Novel in 2009. There are now two more books in that series—Exile and Defiance.
Thirteen of her novels are Regency romances, compared by critics to the witty novels of Georgette Heyer. She has also written a lively genealogical mystery series featuring Briggie and Alex, two whacky widows, as sleuths. Her most recent publications are Romantic Suspense. Her trilogy featuring Breaking News, Sleeping Secrets, and Balkan Echo tell the tale of high profile TV journalists--the Super Sleuths of WOOT TV station in Chicago.
GG graduated from Stanford and received her master’s degree from George Washington University. She worked as an associate editor at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, an assistant treasurer in the Harvard Treasurer’s office, a bond analyst at Fidelity Investments, and an international banker for Continental Illinois National Bank (later acquired by Bank of America).
She and her husband David are the parents of three children and seven grandchildren, her greatest joys in life. Her favorite novel? Jane Eyre. She also loves Florence, Sundance Resort, The Voice, hot chocolate, lilacs, and dachshunds.
Find out more about her books, download a free novella, and sign up for her newsletter at http://ggvandagriff.com. Also, be the first to know when Vandagriff’s next book is available by following her at http://bookbub.com/authors/G.G.Vandag... to receive new releases and discount alerts.
Thirteen of her novels are Regency romances, compared by critics to the witty novels of Georgette Heyer. She has also written a lively genealogical mystery series featuring Briggie and Alex, two whacky widows, as sleuths. Her most recent publications are Romantic Suspense. Her trilogy featuring Breaking News, Sleeping Secrets, and Balkan Echo tell the tale of high profile TV journalists--the Super Sleuths of WOOT TV station in Chicago.
GG graduated from Stanford and received her master’s degree from George Washington University. She worked as an associate editor at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, an assistant treasurer in the Harvard Treasurer’s office, a bond analyst at Fidelity Investments, and an international banker for Continental Illinois National Bank (later acquired by Bank of America).
She and her husband David are the parents of three children and seven grandchildren, her greatest joys in life. Her favorite novel? Jane Eyre. She also loves Florence, Sundance Resort, The Voice, hot chocolate, lilacs, and dachshunds.
Find out more about her books, download a free novella, and sign up for her newsletter at http://ggvandagriff.com. Also, be the first to know when Vandagriff’s next book is available by following her at http://bookbub.com/authors/G.G.Vandag... to receive new releases and discount alerts.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 15, 2022
Excellent read but...
I've literally never read a book with so many typos, broken paragraphs, repeated sentences. It seriously detracted from a pretty good read. Just not as well proofed and edited as expected. Sad commentary on generally excellent writing.
I've literally never read a book with so many typos, broken paragraphs, repeated sentences. It seriously detracted from a pretty good read. Just not as well proofed and edited as expected. Sad commentary on generally excellent writing.
August 11, 2022
Good story
The story is good but it seriously needs to be proofread for missing words, extra words, wrong words, and the like. It was too many errors to submit while trying to read.
The story is good but it seriously needs to be proofread for missing words, extra words, wrong words, and the like. It was too many errors to submit while trying to read.
October 13, 2022
Solid 4. England, the ruggedly beautiful coast of Cornwall, on the cusp of WWII, and Catherine and Harry, just back from their honeymoon, have a murder in their family.
January 4, 2023
Catherine Tregowyn and Harry Bascombe have a perfect wedding even though Jonathan, Harry’s uncle and best man, fails to show up. It is not until they return from an idyllic honeymoon on the Costa del Sol, when they find that Uncle Jonathan has been murdered. There is another death in the family and it turns out that the plot involves a mafia connection. Nevertheless, the story is about as cosy as it can get and a nice break from more intense reading.
September 15, 2022
A deliciously fun read!
I loved this latest book from the Vandagriff’s. It is full of clever twists and turns and details they add with regard to the time period and the character development make it really fun! Anyone who loves a good mystery would thoroughly enjoy this book. I highly recommend it!
I loved this latest book from the Vandagriff’s. It is full of clever twists and turns and details they add with regard to the time period and the character development make it really fun! Anyone who loves a good mystery would thoroughly enjoy this book. I highly recommend it!
February 26, 2023
Once again a brilliant story with a surprise ending
Catherine seems to go from one injury to another in this exciting tale of more than usual red herrings. It’s very charming therefore to include two delightful children making a sweet repast from the terrible events.
Certainly would recommend as being the best one yet with two authors contributing.
Catherine seems to go from one injury to another in this exciting tale of more than usual red herrings. It’s very charming therefore to include two delightful children making a sweet repast from the terrible events.
Certainly would recommend as being the best one yet with two authors contributing.
April 15, 2023
Families Can Be Deadly
Very interesting. Crazy does seem to run in some families. Bad enough when it's your own flesh and blood, but throw in the Mafia and you have a real mess. Catherine and Harry had a very quiet wedding. The week's afterwards revealed murder, theft, kidnapping and more.
Very interesting. Crazy does seem to run in some families. Bad enough when it's your own flesh and blood, but throw in the Mafia and you have a real mess. Catherine and Harry had a very quiet wedding. The week's afterwards revealed murder, theft, kidnapping and more.
September 26, 2022
Convoluted
So many suspects, most not what they were purported to be, with secrets! A whodoneit , worthy of 5 stars, except, who done the proofreading of the final chapter? P.S. Jon my favorite character!
So many suspects, most not what they were purported to be, with secrets! A whodoneit , worthy of 5 stars, except, who done the proofreading of the final chapter? P.S. Jon my favorite character!
October 8, 2022
Topping!
As the other books in this series, this galloped along at great pace. Lots of suspects, all possible, but only one true murderer.
The only downside is that the proofreading of this story is awful. So many simple errors that should have been caught.
As the other books in this series, this galloped along at great pace. Lots of suspects, all possible, but only one true murderer.
The only downside is that the proofreading of this story is awful. So many simple errors that should have been caught.
October 16, 2022
This was a good read. The plot is easily followed, the characters are interesting and become endearing quickly. The story is unfortunate as most dysfunctional families can be, but there is a happy ending and the murderer is found out nearly at the end of the story. I definitely recommend this book.
November 30, 2022
Dreary dull book with unlike able characters.
This is a dull dreary tedious book with no reframing quality. The characters are awful, and the plot is so bad that the reader just does not care who did what.
This is a dull dreary tedious book with no reframing quality. The characters are awful, and the plot is so bad that the reader just does not care who did what.
September 27, 2023
cosy they are
These stories take me back in time. They’re an escape from the coarseness of today’s world and most entertaining.
I’m an Anglophile and I make no excuses for my predilections. I discovered BBC back in the 70s and I was hooked. G.G.Vandagriff’s work feeds my soul.
These stories take me back in time. They’re an escape from the coarseness of today’s world and most entertaining.
I’m an Anglophile and I make no excuses for my predilections. I discovered BBC back in the 70s and I was hooked. G.G.Vandagriff’s work feeds my soul.
March 19, 2024
The stereotypical Italian characters made me check the publication date—was this book written in the 1950s? No, in 2022! How sad. A dull plot and the many, many typos made it an even more disappointing read.
October 17, 2022
Good job obscuring the identity of the murderer. It was good. The relationship amongst the family quite good, as usual. 3.5
December 27, 2022
excellent
An excellent mystery with a surprise ending. I wonder if there is a next novel in the series. I would definitely buy it.
An excellent mystery with a surprise ending. I wonder if there is a next novel in the series. I would definitely buy it.
March 10, 2025
Excellent
Includes all sorts of twists and turns. Not sure who the. Murderer is until the very end. Characters show good growth and development?
Includes all sorts of twists and turns. Not sure who the. Murderer is until the very end. Characters show good growth and development?
July 10, 2025
Consistent quality to this entire set of works. Loved the interplay between the two recently married.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews