When Drew Hopgood’s brother, Frank, dies in a climbing accident, his young wife, Stella, shocks the family by demanding half his inheritance. Suspicious of her intentions, Alexi Ellis and her partner Jack investigate Stella’s background, uncovering secrets that cast doubt on her claims of love and grief. As they delve deeper, they begin to suspect Frank’s death was no accident but a deadly plan orchestrated by Stella herself.
It is always an interesting thing to jump into the middle of a series. I have not read anything by this author before, but the premise sounded interesting. Alexi and Jack were interesting characters, each with strengths to solve the mystery in front of them.

The mystery was laid out well, and I liked how they followed each clue that came their way. A few times I found some of the phrases they used odd, but I think they must have been British-isms, or something of the sort. Previous cases are mentioned, but it wasn’t difficult for a new reader to follow along.

Overall, this was an interesting mystery. Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries will enjoy this one.

Personal collides with professional in the latest book in the Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries. Frank, Drew's brother, has died unexpectedly but accidentally, and Drew and his wife Cheryl are grieving. Frank's widow, a much younger woman, turns up at the hotel, hinting that she wants a stake in the business. Alexi and Jack set out to disprove her claim and discover some unexpectedly dark facts about the widow. The mystery is noir and twisty, and a sense of menace prevails. I enjoy the individuality of the characters in this mystery, the charismatic and intuitive cat and dogs and the intriguing storytelling.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

The cozy season is here and so it was only natural for this cozy mystery to tickle my fancy.
I got an advance review copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
My honest review? The book had the cozy vibe I needed this November. It was a great read and I loved reading about Jack and Alexi's Menagerie. Cosmo is the cat I need!
Story was great as far as murder mysteries go. Loved it!

I really enjoyed this book! It kept me interested the whole way through, I think mostly because there was just so much going on at all times.

There are a few typos throughout the book, but I don't think it hindered my reading experience at all. There were also a few plot twists that I saw coming, but so many that I didn't. The ones that I never guessed were the ones that really mattered, so I really loved thinking that I got it figured out just to be thrown off by the actual plot twists.

One other issue I had with the book was some of the dialogue felt a little off/old timey, but for a cozy mystery that is okay with me. The characters are fun and very thoughtful, especially all the animals. I loved all the personality that these animals had!

I read this book so fast, and probably would have read it faster if I didn't have to work! I would love to continue on with the series and also read the beginning of the series since I believe this book is the 6th book in the series. With that being said, you obviously don't have to read them in order and this one is a great one, if you don't want to start at the beginning!

3.5 Stars

Foul Play Fatality..?
The sixth outing in the Hopgood Hall series of mysteries and a fatality raises the question of foul play. Soon Alexi, Jack (and, of course, Cosmo) soon begin to dig deep into the case. It’s not long before some alarming facts begin to emerge. An engaging mystery once again with a well drawn cast of eclectic characters, a well imagined backdrop and a pacy plot populated with ample turns. A worthy addition to the series.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is a Hopgood Hall mystery, and I have read some of the previous books in the series. I haven't read any of this series for a while, though, so I was looking forward to this one.

When Frank tragically loses his life in a climbing accident, his family want to make absolutely certain that it was an accident. They have some suspicions about his new wife, Stella. Alexi and Jack decide to investigate.

The characters were fun to read about, and while the writing was lighthearted, there was an element of suspense that kept me guessing as well. I enjoyed how Jack and Alexi worked together, and how they interacted with the other characters. I've read some of the previous books in the series, but not all, and while this worked well as a standalone, I think it could motivate me to catch up on the rest of the series. It was an entertaining mystery with interesting characters, and once I'd finished it, I felt as though I wanted to read another one.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

A mystery that will keep you wondering if Stella is such a bad person as she is appearing to be. Also if she is as greedy. It will have you guessing and trying to wonder who is guilty or not in Frank's death. The animals will have you smiling at their interactions with people.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the Publisher and leaving a review by my own choice.

This was the first time I started reading a series from the middle of the books (this is the sixth book in the series), but it wasn't too hard to understand without the previous books for context. I love a cozy mystery and this one did not disappoint! I'd like to start this series over form the first book, and looking forward to reading more from this author.

Mystery surrounds the death of Drew’s brother Frank. An experienced climber, very strangely he went out alone and then fell to his death. But was it really an accident as everyone thought it was? When their parents died, Frank wanted his money out and Drew was forced to take out a hefty loan to pay Frank for his half of the inheritance of Hopgood Hall so that Drew and Cheryl could keep the family home and turn it into the successful boutique hotel they finally run. Frank went off to Australia to make his fortune and there met and married Stella, a hardnosed woman half his age who kept Frank away from Drew. Now Stella has turned up at Hopgood demanding money she claims Frank was underpaid. Cosmo hates Stella on sight, and that’s good enough reason for Alexi and Jack to doubt Stella’s motives. As they dig deeper, they discover some very alarming facts about this gold digger. Does she want to be back in Lambourn for another reason and did Frank simply outlive his usefulness, literally falling victim to a woman whose own family suspect of killing her mother? In their bid to save Hopgood from her clutches, will they be able to unravel Stella’s lies and prove any of this? Just as they are getting into their investigation, events take a shocking turn as another murder is discovered and Jack’s old friend DI Mark Vickery makes a welcome appearance but will their combined forces be enough to reveal the truth?
Readers of the previous five stories will be very familiar with the main characters, and until Stella’s arrival the future was looking good with Cheryl expecting a second baby, and newly rescued dog Silgo becoming part of Jack and Alexi’s family alongside Cosmo, a cat with great attitude and an unnerving ability to judge character and deal with anyone he dislikes very well indeed! PI Jack and journalist Alexi make a great team with their respective skills to get to the root of events, backed up by Jack’s business partner Cassie when anything IT based is required. Once again this is a great twisty story with plenty of surprises, secrets and red herrings to confuse the reader. I do hope there’s more to come!

This is the sixth book in the Hopgood Hall mystery series. I was a little lost at the very beginning with references to previous adventures but it did not take long to be caught up in the current mystery. I think one could easily enjoy this book without having read the previous ones.

We readers follow Alexi and Jack as they uncover past events and relationships. The more they learn the more motives and possible suspects come to light. While the plot moves along at a decent pace, there is much discussion between the two regarding the possible meaning of what they have found. There is generally no suspense until a quick bit near the end.

I like the character development but my favorite ones by far are Silgo and Cosmo. Every amateur sleuth should have such loyal protectors, each with an attitude. Their presence added to an already enjoyable cozy mystery.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

The latest in the murder mystery series featuring Alexi and her partner Jack along with Cosmo the cat. Lexi is a former journalist and now part owner of Hopgood Hall hotel. The hotel is owned and run by her friends Drew and Cheryl. Drew’s older brother Frank has recently died in an apparent climbing accident. His much younger wife Stella tries to say that Frank was underpaid for his share of the hotel. Sure that there is something amiss in the event of the “accident” and Stella’s subsequent behaviour Alexi and Jack agree to look into it. The story is engaging and moves along at a reasonable pace. I enjoyed the book, the twists and turns keep the interest going. I look forward to further books by this author.

This is book six in The Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries series. This charming mystery, which takes place against the evocative backdrop of Hopgood Hall, is ideal for those who like slow-burning thrillers with complex character development since it combines charm and intrigue. Frank Hopgood died tragically during a climbing trip, which was first thought to be a regrettable accident, in the novel's opening pages. But suspicion rises when his young widow Stella shows up at Hopgood Hall wanting her cut of the riches.

A Deadly Legacy by E.V. Hunter is a gripping mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. When Frank Hopgood dies in what appears to be a tragic climbing accident, his family is rocked, but nothing feels quite right. Enter his young widow, Stella, who unexpectedly demands a share of Frank’s inheritance, and the drama quickly thickens.

The story unravels as Alexi Ellis, her partner Jack, and Cosmo begin investigating Stella’s motives, uncovering dark secrets about Frank’s death. What starts as a simple look into Stella’s background soon spirals into a complex web of deceit and suspicion, as Alexi wonders whether Frank’s death was truly an accident or a well-planned murder by his own wife.

Hunter does an excellent job building suspense, layering in twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. The characters are well-developed, with Alexi leading the investigation in a way that makes you root for her to uncover the truth. The tension between family loyalty, greed, and betrayal is palpable, and the setting of Hopgood Hall adds a haunting, atmospheric backdrop to the drama.

While the plot is engaging and the pace is steady, there are moments where the story could have delved deeper into character motivations and backstory, which would have made the twists even more impactful. However, overall, this is an exciting and entertaining read, perfect for fans of suspense and family mysteries.

A great addition to the series, and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next!

This is a new author to me and I hadn’t realized that this is part of a series. I was able to follow along pretty easily as a standalone (there were a few points which reference to a previous event, but that’s okay). A kind of “cozy mystery thriller” that gave me classic vibes. I enjoyed the story, it was fun to sleuth along with the characters.

I thought this was another good book in this series. It’s a well thought out plot and mystery. There were a few surprises along the way. It was fun to see the two fur babies doing their part in helping solve the mystery.
Looking forward to the next one

I’m always on the lookout for some new cosy crime, so when the opportunity to read A Deadly Legacy came my way, I was pleased.

A Deadly Legacy isn’t as cosy as my usual favourites, but I still really enjoyed it. I liked the characters, though I don’t feel like I know them really well (which usually takes multiple books). The slightly unusual pets were a fun touch.

The mystery itself was really interesting, and seemed almost insoluble at first glance. However, Jack and Alexi obviously have well established methods of finding things out, and I had fun being along for the ride.

I read this book without reading any of the previous books in the series, but it works well as a standalone. It has its own story that is complete in itself, and manages to introduce the characters well, without spending too much time and annoying readers who started at the beginning. It’s that there are aspects that develop from book to book, but these do not detract from the enjoyment of the story.

Overall, this was a good mystery, and kept me interested all the way through. I’d recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love this series, and we have a new pet, Silgo, who’s Cosmo’s shadow now. Drew’s brother has died in a tragic accident and then his gold digger widow turns up at the hotel demanding money. Little does she know that Alexi and Jack would never allow this and would do everything with in their investigative powers to prevent it.

They get hunting into Stella’s background to see what’s going on, how much of Frank’s money she took/spent and why she thinks she has a claim. Who killed him and why? What did Stella stand to gain from this death? So many questions but you can be sure no stone will be left unturned.

Superb writing as usual, and just as easy/quick to read. Can’t wait for the next instalment already.

A new author for me and I hadn’t realised that this is part of a series. I read easily as a standalone novel with only a few points at which references to previous events occur. Well written with excellent characterisation (including the animals) it seemed to fall between thriller and cosy mystery and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The beauty of coming late to a series is that there’s a back catalogue to investigate! Highly recommended to old and new readers.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and E.V. Hunter for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Deadly Legacy coming out November 19, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I haven’t read the other books in the series, but I received this directly from NetGalley. I really love murder mysteries. It’s one of my favorite genres. I think the characters were really complex. There was a lot of family drama going on. Alexi and Jack were fun characters. I really enjoyed the mystery. It reminded me of old whodunits. I would read other books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys murder mysteries!

This sixth installment proves that skillful writing and strong characterization can welcome readers at any point in a series' journey. While seasoned fans might catch subtle references to previous adventures, the author has crafted a self-contained narrative that stands confidently on its own merits.

The protagonist and supporting cast shine through their authentic interactions and well-developed personalities. Rather than falling into common genre tropes of damaged detectives or dysfunctional relationships, these characters showcase refreshing emotional intelligence and healthy interpersonal dynamics. The dialogue crackles with wit and natural humor, making the characters feel like people you'd genuinely want to know.

A particularly endearing aspect is the inclusion of animal companions. The "furry pals" aren't mere accessories but integral members of the cast, adding both charm and occasional comic relief without overshadowing the main narrative. Their presence helps ground the human characters and provides moments of warmth between the mystery's tenser sequences.

The mystery itself is masterfully constructed, maintaining a perfect balance between complexity and plausibility. The author respects the reader's intelligence by laying out genuine clues while avoiding the twin pitfalls of either making the solution too obvious or resorting to outlandish twists. The narrative grips you from the opening pages and maintains its momentum throughout, making it difficult to put down.

While this is the sixth book in an ongoing series, it serves as an excellent entry point for new readers. The author skillfully weaves in minimal necessary background information without resorting to clunky exposition. References to past events feel natural and add depth for longtime readers without confusing newcomers.

I would absolutely recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more by this author.