A Goode Inheritance

by Paula Welch, Donika Mishineva (illustrator)

Bartholomew Goode received a nasty shock when faced with imminent death.
He took stock of his life and assets and wanted to part with neither. But after weighing up his choice of beneficiaries, Bart realised no-one was worthy of his estate.
As luck would have it, Bart received a reprieve from death, unbeknownst to his family.
During his recuperation, he concocted a mischievous game, one in which his whole family would have to participate in order to inherit his fortune. Feigning his own death, his family pitted themselves off one against the other in a series of three challenges. Whoever solved the final clue first, would win his inheritance. Or so they thought.
Bart neither trusted nor respected his family. His bitter resentment had grown from childhood. This postulation proved to be true, when upon completion of the final clue, Bart is discovered dead in his library. Stabbed through the heart.
With many suspects and hidden secrets to be uncovered, Chief Inspector Sofia Faraday and her homicide team delve into the Goode family's lives in order to find Bart’s killer. Her investigation will eventually lead her to a thirty-year-old crime.
During the Inspector’s investigation, she uncovers many twists and turns lurking behind old secrets and betrayals.
By the end of her investigation, the Inspector will uncover more than one murderer?

349 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 11, 2024

Reviews

[Ruffina Os · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paula Welch’s A Goode Inheritance is a tale about a wealthy but troubled family brought together by one man’s illness. Bartholomew Goode’s diagnosis changes everything. Instead of simply dividing his estate, Bart creates a game with clues that his family must solve, which leads to tension and unexpected teamwork. The story is told in a straightforward way, with each chapter focusing on different family members, their flaws, and their hopes. When Goode dies in a twist of events, Inspector Sofia Faraday will have more to discover than anything she has expected.

The relationships between siblings, parents, and children feel real and sometimes painful. The book also explores themes like forgiveness, greed, and the importance of facing the truth. The author keeps the story moving with short chapters and easy-to-follow dialogue. I liked how Ariadne, the quiet artist in the family, became an important character as the story developed. This book is perfect for anyone who likes family stories with a bit of mystery and a hopeful ending.

[Christian Sia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Goode Inheritance by Paula Welch is an engaging story about family, secrets, and what happens when money is at stake. The main plot begins when Bart Goode is told he does not have much time left. Instead of just writing a will, he decides to make his family earn their inheritance by solving puzzles. This creative idea makes the story exciting, as family members must work together or compete, leading to plenty of drama. But the stakes are raised when Bart is muredered. Can Inspector Sofia Faraday unveil the face of the murderer with many suspects? The writing is simple and clear, making it easy to follow the different characters and their motivations. Welch does a good job showing how old wounds and jealousy can resurface, but also how people can grow and change. The story is not just about money, but about understanding and letting go of the past. In the end, the characters learn that family and honesty are more valuable than any fortune. This book is a good choice for readers who enjoy stories about families and second chances.