The Inheritance

Atticus Priest #5

by Mark Dawson

A dying estate. A fractured family. A killer hiding in plain sight.

When a prominent landowner goes missing, private investigator Atticus Priest is drawn into a web of secrets that stretch from the rolling fields of Wiltshire to the darkest corners of the past. The ancient estate of Brookmere—seat of the once-mighty Ainsley family—is crumbling, its future threatened by inheritance disputes, hidden debts, and buried scandal.

As Atticus peels back layers of resentment, envy, and ambition, he begins to suspect that the roots of the case run far deeper than the present—into old betrayals, historic injustices, and a legacy someone is willing to kill for. But time is running out, and Atticus is not the only one asking questions.

Some truths were never meant to surface.

And someone will do anything to keep them buried.

488 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2025

About the author

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http://eepurl.com/Cai5X

Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.

He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).

The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.

Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.

You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.

Reviews

[Kenny Oak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm..seemed like MD got bored towards the end of writing this. All seemed very rushed at the end and I felt a bit let down..so many loose ends …still no clarity about who the online chess player from the earlier book is.
It didn’t really all hang together but that didn’t stop me wanting to read the next chapter then the next. Looking forward to the next Atticus adventure and some clarity around what happened to the Ainsley’s maybe ??. The introductory chapter seems a bit pointless in terms of where the story goes albeit it was a very interesting piece.

[M J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this one very slow to get going because Atticus doesn’t appear in the book for a while. Once our hero and sidekick are engaged it picks up but the reintroduction of Atticus’ nemesis from a previous book wasn’t well done - I had forgotten who he was - and the ending seemed rushed and unsatisfactory. Unless I wasn’t paying attention we didn’t even find out how the missing old guy was murdered or by whom although it was pretty clear why his body was never found.

[Becky Lyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by Mark Dawson. I thoroughly enjoyed this. It is set in Salisbury, not far from where I live, which is great especially with recognising the locations and being able to picture them accurately. Although even if you know nothing of Salisbury it wouldn't detract from the story. I'm looking forward to the next one in this addictive series.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok

The story in this book is ok but it took me quite a while to get into it, I just kept on picking it up out of curiosity. I found it slow paced and the end to me was a bit unfinished

[Suki VandenBerg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not his best book

I truly enjoy all his books but this one ended up being a bit like a murder she wrote plot that didn't truly come together for me.

[carl clause · Rating 5 out of 5]

CC1

This was another excellent chapter in the Atticus Priest series. The way him and Jez investigate make their investigation go smoothly. It started with the 2oo hundred year old trench with 3 bodies. Come to find out, the bodies were 200 years old in unmarked grave. Which led to Atticus to investigate. Which drew Atticus to the Rupert Ainsley issue. Just a fantastic job and plot. 10 stars plus!!! Thanks Carl

[Max Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a few other readers, I was really enjoying this book until the end, where it does seem to have ended very quickly without closure to a number of threads that were going on.
I do hope the next book does continue where this one has left off so we do get to find out a number of things!
Maybe Mark was on a timescale that needed him to get the book done by a certain date, and he ran out of time to finish it off!

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another page turner!

Atticus Priest once again lured into a case that has baffled the local police. Three men unearthed by a farmer plowing a field. A lord disappearing on the eve of changing his will. A family who will lose everything. How does it all tie together?

Twists and turns. A great read. Mark Dawson has woven another great tale.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

History meets greed of today

What another wonderful book from Mark. I was enthralled from the first chapter to the last, which leaves a little cliffhanger for the next book.

Really did enjoy the historic part at the beginning which has made me interested in reading more around the history from Salisbury.

Thank you once again Mark.

[Sheila Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can't take Atticus for granted

An exciting adventure for Atticus and so much trouble and danger but not just for our man but for the family that asked for his help. It's complicated it's mysterious and how's he going to find the truth when everybody is not telling the whole story, you mustn't miss this book I loved it

[David Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another excellent instalment in this series. One slight niggle; either Bandit is Superdog or there was a continuity error between first meeting Jez and this book. (Not going to say more as I don't want there to be a spoiler in my review!) Having said that, I would definitely recommend it and look forward to Mack and Atticus' return.

[wilma mccann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atticus Priest

To begin with I wasn't quite sure what I thought of this character's sometimes strange ways. However, as I've read each book in this series, I've come to admire his uniqueness. The Inheritance is a well written book which keeps you engrossed in the storyline. Well worth a read. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Vivienne French · Rating 5 out of 5]

His best yet!

Exce!lent novel that moves Atticus to a whole new level this cleverly written novel weaves 200 year old history with a contemporary story about the farming industry. The two stories become one in what is known as unputdownable!

[Mr S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent as usual

Great characters, great plot and wonderful descriptions of places. I loved the historical beginning and the introduction of Ellie. Looking forward to the next book.

[Bklynsouth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading this series, it keeps you engage and reading well into the early hours of the morning. The ending on this book "The Inheritance" was a bit of a disappointment, but none the less when I thought about it was the only ending.

[David Fern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atticus at his best!

Another resounding success for Atticus and his team. Dealing with a family of greedy relatives is never easy. Who is lying? Who is holding all the cards? Who is really guilty? A story that really started generations ago.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling murder mystery!

I highly recommend this book! Mark Dawson draws the reader into the actions and suppositions of Atticus Priest who likes to be very dramatic when revealing the murderer. This book is unputdownable. Don't miss reading it! Happy r! ☺️

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favourite of the Atticus Priest novels, but still very good.

Slightly ashamed that - despite growing up in the exact area described in the book - I had never heard of the Swing Riots.

So I learned something new.

[David Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Atticus Yet

I was hooked from the opening story, set back in time all the way to the last page. I would love to read more about the descendants of the 3 men in the opening of the story.

[Diane Malyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

Another great story featuring Atticus Priest. Mark Dawson is a great story teller using real places and interesting story lines. Would love to see it on TV!
Looking forward to the next one

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atticus Priest is enveloped in mysteries from the past and the present. Can he solve both and hold on to his newish relationship?

[Jo Broom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book by Mark Dawson. Excellent plot, captivating from start to finish.

[John M. Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Comfortable Book

Atticus is good at what he does. He never gives up until he solves the cases. He and Mack make a good pair. Hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. ENJOY

[Anthony D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like in real life, justice is slow when the wealthy and powerful are implicated. The most appropriate thing I can say is, "to be continued".

[Sirjane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars overall because I like the characters
story is just 2/5, worst of the series

[joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Really enjoyed this book twist and turns everywhere highly recommended. I can't wait for next book to be written brilliant read

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable series

[John Korneluk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

As usual, a brilliant read from Mark that keeps you guessing till the end. A bit of an abrupt end, which promises a continuation that i cannot wait to read!!

[David Highton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong plot, strong characters, good momentum