False Account

by Veronica Heley

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.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Mystery

Notes: #12 in the Bea Abbot Agency Mystery Series. It could be read as a standalone, but would probably be enjoyed more having read others in the series. I have read 6 out of the 12 in the series, and there has never been a problem in keeping up with the characters.

Publication: April 1, 2019—Severn House

Memorable Lines:
Someone clunked a mug down on Bea’s bedside table. She realized it was time to wake up. She didn’t want to wake up. She might not have her eyes open yet but she already knew that a large black cloud was hanging over the day.

“The thing is, you can’t stop people being stupid, can you?”

“Is that bacon you’re cooking? I was thinking of going vegetarian but maybe I won’t start just yet.”

Book 13 in the Abbot Agency series from Veronica Heley. When Bea Abbot is asked to assist in finding more staff for a wealthy client she discovers some odd goings on and a wealth of secrets which may put her own safety in jeapordy. An enjoyable, cosy type mystery with good characterisation and an intriguing plot. A pleasure, as always, to read. Highly recommended.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Unusual plot! Wealthy town resident Marcia Tredgold and her family live in a cloud of hazy innuendo and a shady past with plenty of ghosts in their closets. And somehow, the family appears unable to hold on to their household staff... they just keep disappearing without a trace. Is something going on? Well yes, there is, but finding out all the buried secrets in this home will take you down several rabbit holes. Great read!