What do you think?
Rate this book
Murphy's Will
It’s 1987. Several years earlier, with little money but big ideas, a young man named Hanny set off to find answers to what he considered life’s great questions. He hasn’t been heard from since he was in Peru three years ago, and his father has since died in a car accident. Hanny doesn’t know that, nor is he aware that he’s the sole beneficiary under his father’s Will. Hanny’s mother, Madeline Murphy, works for Tim O’Leary, a seasoned trusts and estates attorney. Tim and his wife Marge, a private investigator, locate Hanny after an adventurous search. Unsettling information comes to light, however, about how Hanny’s uncle Chris, the executor, has been investing the estate assets. Tim persuades a court to step in, but something terrible happens. Realizing he has run out of options, he drives to Vermont to meet with Hanny and deliver the tragic news.
260 pages, Paperback
Published February 29, 2020
27 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 16, 2020
A well-crafted legal thriller...
Author Edward A. McCoyd weaves a compelling and noteworthy legal thriller. With intriguing twists and turns it will easily captivate the reader’s attention from the beginning. The author paints a gripping and mesmerizing story set against the backdrop of Black Monday in 1987. The characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction and it’s a fast-paced novel that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘It’s 1987. Several years earlier, with little money but big ideas, a young man named Hanny set off to find answers to what he considered life’s great questions. He hasn’t been heard from since he was in Peru three years ago, and his father has since died in a car accident. Hanny doesn’t know that, nor is he aware that he’s the sole beneficiary under his father’s Will. Hanny’s mother, Madeline Murphy, works for Tim O’Leary, a seasoned trusts and estates attorney. Tim and his wife Marge, a private investigator, locate Hanny after an adventurous search. Unsettling information comes to light, however, about how Hanny’s uncle Chris, the executor, has been investing the estate assets. Tim persuades a court to step in, but something terrible happens. Realizing he has run out of options; he drives to Vermont to meet with Hanny and deliver the tragic news.’
This for me was a phenomenal read. It’s one of those stories that stayed with me for several days after I finished reading it. The vivid descriptions of the settings, situations, and the people were stunning. The author’s use of genuine dialogue further added to the overall atmosphere of authenticity.
The contrast between tone and content is a characteristic talent of only a few authors. McCoyd pays as much attention to his sentences as he does to his plots, shifting or consolidating meaning with the use of a single word. His writing is impeccably honed, full of juxtapositions and qualifications that help to create an authentic mystery thriller that fans of the genre will enjoy.
I’ll be looking forward to reading more from Edward A. McCoyd in the future. I would recommend this book and also add that it has a distinctly cinematic feel to it. Highly recommended reading and a well-deserved five stars from me.
Author Edward A. McCoyd weaves a compelling and noteworthy legal thriller. With intriguing twists and turns it will easily captivate the reader’s attention from the beginning. The author paints a gripping and mesmerizing story set against the backdrop of Black Monday in 1987. The characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction and it’s a fast-paced novel that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘It’s 1987. Several years earlier, with little money but big ideas, a young man named Hanny set off to find answers to what he considered life’s great questions. He hasn’t been heard from since he was in Peru three years ago, and his father has since died in a car accident. Hanny doesn’t know that, nor is he aware that he’s the sole beneficiary under his father’s Will. Hanny’s mother, Madeline Murphy, works for Tim O’Leary, a seasoned trusts and estates attorney. Tim and his wife Marge, a private investigator, locate Hanny after an adventurous search. Unsettling information comes to light, however, about how Hanny’s uncle Chris, the executor, has been investing the estate assets. Tim persuades a court to step in, but something terrible happens. Realizing he has run out of options; he drives to Vermont to meet with Hanny and deliver the tragic news.’
This for me was a phenomenal read. It’s one of those stories that stayed with me for several days after I finished reading it. The vivid descriptions of the settings, situations, and the people were stunning. The author’s use of genuine dialogue further added to the overall atmosphere of authenticity.
The contrast between tone and content is a characteristic talent of only a few authors. McCoyd pays as much attention to his sentences as he does to his plots, shifting or consolidating meaning with the use of a single word. His writing is impeccably honed, full of juxtapositions and qualifications that help to create an authentic mystery thriller that fans of the genre will enjoy.
I’ll be looking forward to reading more from Edward A. McCoyd in the future. I would recommend this book and also add that it has a distinctly cinematic feel to it. Highly recommended reading and a well-deserved five stars from me.
May 16, 2020
‘About Mrs. Murphy. Her son is missing!’
New York author Edward A McCoyd is a lawyer who lectures and publishes numerous articles on estate and probate matters. Using his experience and depth of knowledge about probate litigation, Edward has written three novels in a series about last will and testament situations – SIMPSON’S WILL, FORESTER’S WILL and now MURPHY’S WILL: each is a novel that incorporates an insider’s view of the legal aspects of wills while supplementing that with a keen ability to introduce involving mystery. Edward lives on Long Island.
In a very dramatic curtain raiser, Edward sets the tone for his new novel with the sudden demise of the title’s named character – Murphy – as Madeline Murphy reaches out for assistance when her husband Frank Murphy collapses. The sense of desperation extends beyond the tragedy and into the financial aspects that so often accompany deaths, especially deaths without Wills. But in this case Murphy’s will opens the floodgates for the drama: Hannibal (Hanny) Murphy, the errant sole son of Murphy is the sole beneficiary. And to add to the complications, the story is set in 1987, the year of Black Monday!
The manner in which the mystery evolves is indicated in the terse synopsis – ‘It’s 1987. Several years earlier, with little money but big ideas, a young man named Hanny set off to find answers to what he considered life’s great questions. He hasn’t been heard from since he was in Peru three years ago, and his father has since died in a car accident. Hanny doesn’t know that, nor is he aware that he’s the sole beneficiary under his father’s Will. Hanny’s mother, Madeline Murphy, works for Tim O’Leary, a seasoned trusts and estates attorney. Tim and his wife Marge, a private investigator, locate Hanny after an adventurous search. Unsettling information comes to light, however, about how Hanny’s uncle Chris, the executor, has been investing the estate assets. Tim persuades a court to step in, but something terrible happens. Realizing he has run out of options, he drives to Vermont to meet with Hanny and deliver the tragic news.’
Related with a sure sense of atmosphere and apropos mood, Edward’s novel unfolds with a spellbinding intensity, and in the process of weaving a solid story the reader is treated to some fine insights into the interstices of the legal aspects of the administration of estates! Highly recommended.
New York author Edward A McCoyd is a lawyer who lectures and publishes numerous articles on estate and probate matters. Using his experience and depth of knowledge about probate litigation, Edward has written three novels in a series about last will and testament situations – SIMPSON’S WILL, FORESTER’S WILL and now MURPHY’S WILL: each is a novel that incorporates an insider’s view of the legal aspects of wills while supplementing that with a keen ability to introduce involving mystery. Edward lives on Long Island.
In a very dramatic curtain raiser, Edward sets the tone for his new novel with the sudden demise of the title’s named character – Murphy – as Madeline Murphy reaches out for assistance when her husband Frank Murphy collapses. The sense of desperation extends beyond the tragedy and into the financial aspects that so often accompany deaths, especially deaths without Wills. But in this case Murphy’s will opens the floodgates for the drama: Hannibal (Hanny) Murphy, the errant sole son of Murphy is the sole beneficiary. And to add to the complications, the story is set in 1987, the year of Black Monday!
The manner in which the mystery evolves is indicated in the terse synopsis – ‘It’s 1987. Several years earlier, with little money but big ideas, a young man named Hanny set off to find answers to what he considered life’s great questions. He hasn’t been heard from since he was in Peru three years ago, and his father has since died in a car accident. Hanny doesn’t know that, nor is he aware that he’s the sole beneficiary under his father’s Will. Hanny’s mother, Madeline Murphy, works for Tim O’Leary, a seasoned trusts and estates attorney. Tim and his wife Marge, a private investigator, locate Hanny after an adventurous search. Unsettling information comes to light, however, about how Hanny’s uncle Chris, the executor, has been investing the estate assets. Tim persuades a court to step in, but something terrible happens. Realizing he has run out of options, he drives to Vermont to meet with Hanny and deliver the tragic news.’
Related with a sure sense of atmosphere and apropos mood, Edward’s novel unfolds with a spellbinding intensity, and in the process of weaving a solid story the reader is treated to some fine insights into the interstices of the legal aspects of the administration of estates! Highly recommended.
May 15, 2020
Murphy’s Will is a legal thriller. If you enjoy legal thrillers ala John Grisham, then this novel will be right up your alley.
The book holds your attention from the first to the last page. It is the perfect length that tells the story really well and does not dwell on unnecessary details and keeps the subplots relevant and interesting.
The characters are interesting and interact in complex and interesting ways that hold a little mystery along with all the thrills provided by the story.
Overall, this was a fun, quick read that really was extremely thrilling. Go out and read this one when you get the chance.
The book holds your attention from the first to the last page. It is the perfect length that tells the story really well and does not dwell on unnecessary details and keeps the subplots relevant and interesting.
The characters are interesting and interact in complex and interesting ways that hold a little mystery along with all the thrills provided by the story.
Overall, this was a fun, quick read that really was extremely thrilling. Go out and read this one when you get the chance.
May 26, 2020
Murphy's Will is a story centered in the year 1987 and it begins with the death of Hannibal's father while he is missing. His father has left him a millionaire inheritance by collecting a lawsuit due to a car accident in which he lost his life. The money is managed by his uncle Chris, who refuses to search for him.
Hanny's (Hannibal) mother, Mrs. Murphy, works for Tim O’Leary, an experienced and trustworthy attorney, and his wife, Marge, a private investigator, decides to offer her help when theyhear the story of the missing boy.
Hannibal has been lost for almost three years somewhere in Peru, this is the last thing his family knew about him. But after a thorough investigation, the Customs Service informs them that Hannibal had entered the United States a month ago and was currently in Vermont. Before meeting Hanny, her mother and Tim inform their uncle ChRis that he had turned up and that he had to leave all of his management documents in order before handing over the estate to Hanny, but Chris responds with denials and lets them know that his nephew is incompetent to manage money.
This is a very interesting and engaging thiller that caught my attention from the start. With a few unexpected twists, author Edward A. McCoyd knows how to keep readers' expectations and interest alive. It is a quick story and by its narration you can see the author's legal experience. It is a good option to read, I am going to start reading the other two books that Edward A. McCoyd has. I certainly recommend this book
Hanny's (Hannibal) mother, Mrs. Murphy, works for Tim O’Leary, an experienced and trustworthy attorney, and his wife, Marge, a private investigator, decides to offer her help when theyhear the story of the missing boy.
Hannibal has been lost for almost three years somewhere in Peru, this is the last thing his family knew about him. But after a thorough investigation, the Customs Service informs them that Hannibal had entered the United States a month ago and was currently in Vermont. Before meeting Hanny, her mother and Tim inform their uncle ChRis that he had turned up and that he had to leave all of his management documents in order before handing over the estate to Hanny, but Chris responds with denials and lets them know that his nephew is incompetent to manage money.
This is a very interesting and engaging thiller that caught my attention from the start. With a few unexpected twists, author Edward A. McCoyd knows how to keep readers' expectations and interest alive. It is a quick story and by its narration you can see the author's legal experience. It is a good option to read, I am going to start reading the other two books that Edward A. McCoyd has. I certainly recommend this book
May 19, 2020
This was quite a surprise. It is a short read that I finished in a single setting. A legal procedural with enough suspense to keep me turning pages. It’s a feel good story where the good guys win. That’s not really a spoiler because you can tell by the style as you read that it will have a happy ending. There is a refreshing lack of cynicism that kept it uplifting and enjoyable.
A young man disappears on a quest for the meaning of life. During the three years he is out of touch his father comes into a lot of money, then dies leaving it all to his son. If only they can find him. In the meantime, and unscrupulous uncle administering the estate tries to make off with the money that should go to his nephew.
It a fight against time and the legal system to prevent a grave injustice.
This is a fun read that will leave you feeling good. I give it my highest recommendation.
A young man disappears on a quest for the meaning of life. During the three years he is out of touch his father comes into a lot of money, then dies leaving it all to his son. If only they can find him. In the meantime, and unscrupulous uncle administering the estate tries to make off with the money that should go to his nephew.
It a fight against time and the legal system to prevent a grave injustice.
This is a fun read that will leave you feeling good. I give it my highest recommendation.
May 23, 2020
“Murphy’s Will” is a book written by Edward A. McCoyd, American author. This is a middle length book that has a bit more than two hundred pages. The story is set in the year 1987 and its main character is Hanny, a young man who set off in a journey of discovery of life. He father has died and he did not know this nor the result of his will.
The plot of the story is presented clearly and it is developed smoothly. Characters are well developed and fully described. Moreover the story presents some twists and turns that caught my attention from the very first pages. I read it in two sittings, when I noticed I have finished it. This is the first book I read from this author but it will certainly not be the last. I like his writing style very much. i would certainly recommend reading this novel.
The plot of the story is presented clearly and it is developed smoothly. Characters are well developed and fully described. Moreover the story presents some twists and turns that caught my attention from the very first pages. I read it in two sittings, when I noticed I have finished it. This is the first book I read from this author but it will certainly not be the last. I like his writing style very much. i would certainly recommend reading this novel.
June 1, 2020
Do you enjoy legal thrillers? Are you looking for a captivating book that will leave you on the edge of your seat? If so, this is one you might want to check out.
Author Edward A. McCoyd takes readers back to 1987 where they’ll meet Hanny, a young man who left his home to accomplish his dreams. However, while away, Hanny’s father dies and his will makes him the sole beneficiary. A legal team works to locate Hanny to tell him the news. However, along the way, some disturbing events occur, including how Hanny’s uncle, the executor, has been investing the estate assets. Eventually, Hanny is informed of this rude awakening and must find a way to deal with it.
McCoyd writes with an enthralling style and includes many plot twists that are sure to surprise you. The story is also filled with well-developed characters that add their own unique touch to this thrilling tale.
Author Edward A. McCoyd takes readers back to 1987 where they’ll meet Hanny, a young man who left his home to accomplish his dreams. However, while away, Hanny’s father dies and his will makes him the sole beneficiary. A legal team works to locate Hanny to tell him the news. However, along the way, some disturbing events occur, including how Hanny’s uncle, the executor, has been investing the estate assets. Eventually, Hanny is informed of this rude awakening and must find a way to deal with it.
McCoyd writes with an enthralling style and includes many plot twists that are sure to surprise you. The story is also filled with well-developed characters that add their own unique touch to this thrilling tale.
November 2, 2020
Original
An original story involving the will of the father of Hanny. His uncle is executor and while Hanny is abroad the estate is not being handled well. Hanny's mother is more worried about finding Hanny than dealing with her ex-wife brother in law. Follow this adventure of mystery and legal procedures.
An original story involving the will of the father of Hanny. His uncle is executor and while Hanny is abroad the estate is not being handled well. Hanny's mother is more worried about finding Hanny than dealing with her ex-wife brother in law. Follow this adventure of mystery and legal procedures.
October 31, 2020
Dragged
I only made it to page 30 before I couldn't take any more. It was very slow moving, the writing was done as more for teens and young adults.
I only made it to page 30 before I couldn't take any more. It was very slow moving, the writing was done as more for teens and young adults.
Read
November 6, 2020A very pleasant read!
I gave this story a 5 star rating because it was nice ! It had humor and thoughtfulness in the characters.
I gave this story a 5 star rating because it was nice ! It had humor and thoughtfulness in the characters.
July 2, 2020
It's been a good while since I've come across a legal thriller that wasn't a cheap John Grisham knockoff. Let's just be real, it's not easy to make probate and estate law titillating but then comes Edward A. McCoyd with Murphy's Will, a novel chock full of thrills, drama, action, mystery, and suspense. It is a rather quick read at only 224 pages but it packs a good punch. The opening scene grabs your attention and holds it tight right through the epilogue. That it is set in 1987 at first had me groaning but as it turns out, that one aspect made the whole thing work in just the right way.
Something else that I appreciated was the lightness of the story despite the dreary circumstances of the plot. This author has a way of writing that makes the reader feel like everything will work out in the end without detracting from the heaviness of the events in the story without going all Pollyanna about it. Very well done. I will be reading everything else Mr. McCoyd publishes.
Something else that I appreciated was the lightness of the story despite the dreary circumstances of the plot. This author has a way of writing that makes the reader feel like everything will work out in the end without detracting from the heaviness of the events in the story without going all Pollyanna about it. Very well done. I will be reading everything else Mr. McCoyd publishes.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews