Accidental deaths raise suspicion especially when the widow, Stella, of one turns up at a rising star boutique hotel owned by her brother in law, Drew. Her husband, Frank, was bought out when said hotel was family home-on-the-way-down. She feels that he was cheated. Alexi, business partner with Drew and former investigative journalist, and her life partner Jack, ex detective start investigating her. Another death occurs and they have more suspects but little actual evidence and less motive on the face of it. Revenge seems a motive but who, why and how? Whilst a cosy mystery at one level it is more - for once the investigating couple are realistic and not out to show how good they are and how weak the police are. One slight downside is the all too frequent running through the facts, such as they are, and discussing suppositions. We don't these reiterated as much as they are. One big positive though is Cosmo, the adopted feral cat, and I suppose bouncy Silgo, his canine side-kick (but then I'm a cat person). I shall search out other books by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

This is the sixth book in the "Hopgood Hall Mysteries" but the first I have read in the series, nevertheless, it was easy to become familiar with the
characters. I liked the mystery but I thought there was just too much "talking it out" especially during the first third of the book, which made it slow going. Things eventually picked up and became interesting. But with all that talking, the reader never really got enough of the clues to figure out the culprit.

If you have read the previous books in this series, then I'm sure you are used to the author's style and will enjoy this book. The cat and dog save the day, as usual.

I was hooked from the first page and had that mystery element that I was looking for and was invested in what was going on. The characters had that charm that I wanted and was engaged with what happened to them. I had enjoyed the way E.V. Hunter wrote this and am excited for more in this series and from E.V. Hunter.

Very slow and convoluted, but not a bad read. Just not my cup of tea. 3/5

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for letting me read an ARC of this book.

I found this novel engrossing. It is a perfect mix of suspense and family drama.
it was a well-written, character-driven story that was a joy to read. Don’t miss out, I highly recommend it.

E.V. Hunter's engrossing murder thriller A Deadly Legacy deftly blends suspense, family drama, and hidden agendas. 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.

Alexi Ellis undertakes the challenge of looking into Stella's background with the help of her partner Jack and their furry friends. They quickly learn that there's more to the story than meets the eye as they delve more into Frank's demise. The story is enhanced by its rich environment, and Hopgood Hall—a place steeped in mystery and familial strife—becomes a vital part of the story. As Alexi and Jack unravel the mystery of Frank's unexpected death and Stella's reasons, Hunter's skill at creating a vivid setting heightens the suspense and holds readers' attention.

While Cosmo the cat and Silgo the pup provides a certain charm that helps to lighten the darker aspects of the mystery, Alexi and Jack's bond lends warmth and relatability to the plot. Hunter expertly blends suspense and character development, giving the investigation a genuine yet methodical atmosphere. The plot moves along at a good clip and is kept interesting by the slow building tension and surprising turns.

All things considered, A Deadly Legacy strikes the ideal balance between atmosphere, character depth, and twists. Readers who appreciate cozy mysteries and vintage whodunits will find this well-written, character-driven story to be quite enjoyable. For those who enjoy a deep and captivating mystery, this narrative is a must-read since it combines humor, suspense, and familial intrigue.

A Deadly Legacy by E.V. Hunter is a cozy mystery and the sixth installment in the "A Hopgood Hall Murder Mystery" series.

In this story, our main characters, Jack Maddox and Alexi Ellis, are tasked with investigating the mysterious "death" of Frank Hopgood, Drew Hopgood's brother. From the start, they focus on a prime suspect, seeking proof and motives. However, a shocking event forces them to broaden their investigation, uncovering multiple suspects and potential motives. Slowly but surely, they unravel the truth and manage to save their best friends from danger.

Fans of cozy mysteries will find much to love in this installment. The plot is engaging, with well-developed world-building and a steady narrative pace. Despite the numerous twists, the investigation remains easy to follow thanks to the author's clear and concise writing. Jack and Alexi make a fantastic detective duo, with Alexi playing a crucial role alongside the more assertive Jack. My favorite moment was when the furry friends came to the rescue!

Overall, A Deadly Legacy is a must-read for lovers of the cozy mystery genre.

Well thought out plot with a lot of intricate interconnections. The protagonists behave in a rational logical manner which I find easier to deal with than bull headed busy bodies rushing headlong into danger. enjoyed it. I received this as an advance copy from NetGalley and am leaving this review voluntarily..

Name of Book: A Deadly Legacy
Author: E.V. Hunter
Series: Hopgood Hall Mystery #5
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pub Date: November 19, 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 282

This is #5 in this series.
Cheryl’s brother-in-law, Frank died in a climbing accident. Anyone who knows Frank knows how careful he always is. This time he was climbing an area that has sandstone rock so gear is not allowed only free-climbing. Frank was found at the bottom of the Harrison’s Rocks. Everyone assumed his fall was a tragic accident.
Although Frank is only in his forties, his wife Stella North is much younger and makes a surprise visit and announces they have ’stuff’ to talk about. She tells them that Frank wanted to resume his role in Hopgood Hall. They tell her that Frank was not interested in restoring Hopgood Hall- which was in need of repairs. Although Drew really couldn’t afford it but he did buy out his older brother’s share. She claims that Frank told her he had been negotiating and now she wants her half of Frank’s inheritance.
Her visit seems suspicious and creates wonder if Frank’s death was really an accident.

Alexi Ellis, her partner Jack Maddox, and of course Cosmo, her feral cat, and Silgo her faithful dog of questionable pedigree, decide to check into Stella’s background. Did she meet him when he lived in Australia? If so, why? Since she is from the UK ~ hmm

Their investigation finds out far more about Stella than I imagined!!
This was another great E V Hunter cozy. I am aware that there are mystery fans who stay away from cozy mysteries as they believe a cozy is way too mellow. I am a big Psychological Thriller fan and trust me EV Hunter’s Cozy Mysteries are NOT typical - not that a Cozy Mystery isn’t great but they do follow a bit of a formula. This series does not follow a formula no typical characterization.

I read and enjoyed other books in this series so was delighted when I saw this was available. Yep! I was looking forward to this story!

Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 19, 2024.

This was a wonderful addition to the Hopgood Hall series and it didn't disappoint. Cosmo stole the show and made the story extra enjoyable! If you love cozy mystery series I highly recommend picking up this series.

A Deadly Legacy is the sixth book in the Hopgood Hall Murder Mystery series, and I have read all six.

This latest book is perhaps the most enjoyable to date. It abounds with subterfuge that only Alexi and Jack can untangle with the aid of Cosmo and the new addition to the menagerie, both of whom have starring roles, as is only correct for our feline friend and his buddy.

Stella is such a well-depicted character that I hated her within moments of her appearing on the page:) I've not had that sort of reaction since the despicable teacher in HP - Delores. I had to put the book down for a while. But, when I picked it up again, I was engrossed in the unfolding story of treachery and deceit.

A great new addition to the contemporary mystery series. I'm always excited to discover what Alexi, Jack and Cosmo will become embroiled in next.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.

business-partners, cozy-crime, England, ex-cop, family, family-drama, family-dynamics, flim-flam, friends, friendship, greed, hotel, hotelier, inheritance, investigation, investigative-journalist, lies, local-gossip, local-law-enforcement, pet-cat, pet-dog, private-investigators, read, relationship-issues, relationships, secrets, series, small-business, small-town, suspense, thriller, unpleasant-in-laws, widow*****

Her father and siblings believe that she killed her mother, but did she also kill her latest husband? Trophy wife and scammer extraordinaire Stella tries to manipulate money from her dead husband's brother. That is a nonstarter, but Alexi the investigative journalist and her partner Jack the PI ate not convinced that their friend's brother's death was truly an accident. When Stella herself is murdered, even their friend in the local constabulary has to agree. A very busy story with lots of entwining threads and many surprises. Loved it!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected e-book proof from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. Thank you
#ADeadlyLegacy #NetGalley Avail Nov 19, 2024 #HopgoodHallMurderMysteriesBk6

I received a free copy of A Deadly Legacy, by E. V. Hunter, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book six in The Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries series. When Frank Hopgood died, people thought it was a tragic accident, but when his wife shows up wanting her inheritance, Frank's brother, Drew thinks Franks death might not be so accidental. This was a clever read.

Before reading the book I did not know it was part of a series. So the beginning felt a little off.

But the characters and the relationship between them is explained enough that you can enjoy it as a standalone.

This is a cozy murder mystery with a lot of family drama. The investigators are Alexi, a former journalist and Jack, a private detective. They are helped by Cosmo, a feral cat.

There are a lot of secrets and unexpected connections unveiled during the investigation and the whole process seemed like a team work.
I did not anticipate the ending and overall this was a pleasant read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Boldwood Books. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

'A Deadly Legacy' by E.V. Hunter.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed this book. There was a lot of little plots that didn't seem like they were connected but then the author tied them all up towards the end in a lovely little murdeous bow.
If I was going to go into the private detective business I would definitely have Silgo and Cosmo as my back up, they're amazing.
It was a good whodunit with plenty of little mysteries to try and figure out for yourself.
I would recommend this to fans of cozy crime and puzzles.

A tragic accident or an untimely death?

When Drew Hopgood’s brother, Frank dies whilst out climbing, it’s initially thought his death was simply a tragic accident. But when Frank’s much younger wife, Stella arrives at Hopgood Hall demanding half of Frank’s inheritance the Hopgoods and Alexi Ellis begin to suspect foul play...

Stella has no claim to Frank’s legacy, but she isn’t giving up easily. And with the reputation of Hopgood Hall still fragile, Alexi can’t afford to lose any more money because of Stella’s greed.

So Alexi, her partner Jack, and Cosmo of course, decide to dig deeper into Stella’s background. Just how did she meet Frank and were they really as in love as she claims?

As the trio investigate, they discover Stella has her own reasons for being back at Hopgood Hall. And rather than console the grieving widow, Alexi and Jack think they might need to look again at Frank’s tragic death – because rather than an accident this could have been a deadly fall – planned by his own wife!

A boutique hotel. A feral cat. A recipe for murder!

Is the future of Hopgood Hall, a cozy boutique hotel, in jeopardy? Was Frank’s (part owner) untimely accident just that, an accident? A very entertaining cozy mystery that does not disappoint.
Special thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Gritty crime fiction is my usual genre but occasionally I do like to change it up so when I was invited to read this, I requested it straight away but this just wasn’t for me and it’s nothing to do with the writing or storyline which was good, I see this is the latest in the series and while being able to read as a standalone, perhaps reading from the start would make a difference.

Hopgood Hall has finally become the success its owners Drew Hopgood, wife Cheryl and investor Alexi planned it to be. The boutique hotel that has overcome its reputation as a place murders happen now is threatened by a family member. Stella, the widow of Drew’s brother, is demanding half ownership of the hotel, based on what can only be creative lies. Alexi and her partner Jack quickly decide to help by investigating Stella. Could she be responsible for Frank’s death? Their investigation leads them back to events from decades ago, events that led to murder then and now and may put their lives in danger.

A Deadly Legacy is the newest entry in the excellent Hopgood Hall series. The main characters acquire more depth with each entry, especially Drew, Cheryl, Alexi and Jack. Pets Cosmo and Silgo deserve mention as their personalities add humor to the plot. Who can resist the friendship between a feral cat and an abused former guard dog? I am looking forward to the next in this delightful series

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and E.V. Hunter fr this ARC.

This is an entertaining murder mystery set in the UK. I feel like I was not invited to a party,
and highly recommend reading this series in order! I enjoyed the story, but I did feel as
though I was reading the back of a cereal box, which is entirely on me!
I love the two four leggers who go everywhere with their people, and who will hop
into action the moment their mom is in trouble. I enjoyed the complexity of the
plot, and one must pay close attention to figure out what is around each corner.
So, for the series regulars , this is another great book. If you have a chance to read
a few back, DO. IT!
My thanks to Boldwood books via NetGalley, for the download of this book for review purposes.