A Goode Inheritance
In A Goode Inheritance by Paula Welch, Bartholomew (Bart) Goode, facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, summons his dysfunctional family to his grand estate, Cricklewood Hall, and shocks them with a will that is more a game than a gift. He leaves his fortune not to the most deserving, but to the first who can solve a series of cryptic puzzles—pitting siblings, children, and ex-wife against each other in a weeklong contest. As the family’s greed, old wounds, and betrayals come to the surface, alliances falter, secrets unravel, and the actual cost of inheritance—emotional and material—is revealed. In a twist, Bart is not dying after all, but using the game to force his family to confront their flaws, while reconsidering his own legacy. But in a twist of fate, a homicide sets Chief Inspector Sofia Faraday and her homicide team on an investigation into the Goode family’s lives to find Bart’s killer. But she uncovers more than she bargained for as she unravels old secrets and betrayals. By the end of her investigation, the Chief Inspector will find more than one murderer.
Paula Welch establishes herself as a great storyteller in this twisty, suspenseful thriller. The novel’s sprawling cast is cleverly drawn. Bart, the risk-taking, self-made millionaire, is both a manipulator and a victim of his own ambitions. Ariadne, the anxious, artistic sister, is an outsider, seeking refuge in her art and tarot readings. The siblings—bitter Eleanor, arrogant Augustus, charming but shallow Zachary—and Bart’s estranged, self-absorbed children, present unique facets of privilege, resentment, and greed. The loyal estate manager, George, and Ariadne’s clairvoyant friend, Angeline, grounded the story with warmth and wisdom. The setting is detailed, with the stately, renovated Cricklewood Hall and its folly, wild-walled gardens, and the decaying Ashburton Manor serving as backdrops for both grandeur and decay. The tone is reminiscent of classic British inheritance mysteries, but with a modern, psychological edge. A Goode Inheritance was intriguing for me, thanks to the memorable characters, the elegant prose, and the tangled plot.
Death in the Scillies
In Death in the Scillies by Paula Welch, Chief Inspector Sofia Faraday returns for her second gripping murder mystery on the rugged island of St. Mary’s. Geraldine Locke fell in love with St Mary’s when she first visited her grandparents as a child. At the bequest of her grandmother ten years ago, she has turned the family home into a fashionable boutique hotel. When she believes her life is idyllic, a shocking phone call from her mother shatters her world. During a stormy weekend, she gathers her family to reveal a long-bulwarked secret, only for tragedy to strike—Geraldine’s mother, Theresa, is found barely alive in the boathouse. When another body surfaces, layers of secrets and lies threaten to tear the family apart. With suspects hiding dark pasts and motives, Sofia must untangle a web of deception before more lives are lost. As the storm rages, the peaceful island becomes a battleground for justice. Will Sofia crack the case in time?
Paula Welch’s novel was an electrifying murder mystery with a tangled plot and characters well-sculpted to drive the suspense. You’re left wondering about who the killer might be as many suspects are thrown at you. Geraldine is portrayed as a tough, disciplined character, but then her life begins to spiral out of control with secrets being laid bare. I enjoyed Wesley’s endearing love and Harriet’s struggle with identity. The vividly drawn setting takes you from the quaint streets of Hugh Town to the serene beaches and turbulent waters, creating an immersive atmosphere that felt so real to me. The themes of trauma, secrets, reconciliation, and forgiveness are skillfully woven into the fabric of this mesmerizing tale. Central themes include forgiveness, the impact of past traumas, and the power of reconciliation. Relationships in Death in the Scillies are complex and well-explored, and I particularly enjoyed how the author writes about Geraldine’s strained marriage to Phillip, her tender bond with her children, and her passionate yet complicated rekindling with Wesley. This story captures the authentic island life, perfect for fans of The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse and The Guest List by Lucy Foley.
Reviewed By: Cristina Prescott
A River of Fortune
“Exciting read! Unique plot. Interesting, well developed characters! Keeps you engaged until the very end!
You’ll not regret reading this tale!”
– Anonymous
“It took a while to get into this book but well worth the time… Brilliant, funny, interesting but all the characters are marvelous. The author knows about people and this makes the book entertaining. Well done!”
– Anonymous
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent story with unique twists.
“I enjoyed this novel so much. Although it is based upon crime it is positively happy and fun. I recommend it.”
– Peggy
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed the format of this story
“It was very refreshing to have glimpses of the future for most of the characters as the book progressed…a different approach and appreciated. Always very satisfying when good triumphs over evil, as it does in this book.”
– Teagen
“It was amazing!”
1. Soft writing
2. Interesting concept
3. Love story in between
4. Well placed characters
– Vivek Nagar
‘An enthralling, action packed novel, where a series of accidental events turns one woman’s life from ordinary to extraordinary. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’
The Interlopers
‘An outstanding and believable science fiction story, beautifully written by Welch‘. A GOLD WINNER and highly recommended.’