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Inheritance of Secrets
A brutal murder. A wartime promise. A quest for the truth. Heather Morris meets Jane Harper in a gripping, page-turning mystery.
No matter how far you run, the past will always find you. Juliet's elderly grandparents are killed in their Adelaide home. Who would commit such a heinous crime - and why? The only clue is her grandfather Karl's missing signet ring. When Juliet's estranged sister, Lily, returns in fear for her life, Juliet suspects something far more sinister than a simple break-in gone wrong. Before Juliet can get any answers, Lily vanishes once more. Juliet only knew Karl Weiss as a loving grandfather, a German soldier who emigrated to Australia to build a new life. What was he hiding that could have led to his murder? While attempting to find out, Juliet uncovers some disturbing secrets from WWII that will put both her and her sister's lives in danger ... Gripping. Tense. Mysterious. Inheritance of Secrets links the crimes of the present to the secrets of the past and asks how far would you go to keep a promise? 'The perfect combination of great historical fiction and a thriller ... highly recommend' Better Reading 'Captures the imagination from the first page' SA Weekend 'A tense compelling read; think Jane Harper's The Dry meets Heather Morris's The Tattooist of Auschwitz ... fast-paced story-telling with plenty of heart-stopping moments. If you want to lose yourself for several hours, this is a wonderful book to do it in.' Nadia L King 'A layered family drama of mysteries and long held loyalties' The Blurb
No matter how far you run, the past will always find you. Juliet's elderly grandparents are killed in their Adelaide home. Who would commit such a heinous crime - and why? The only clue is her grandfather Karl's missing signet ring. When Juliet's estranged sister, Lily, returns in fear for her life, Juliet suspects something far more sinister than a simple break-in gone wrong. Before Juliet can get any answers, Lily vanishes once more. Juliet only knew Karl Weiss as a loving grandfather, a German soldier who emigrated to Australia to build a new life. What was he hiding that could have led to his murder? While attempting to find out, Juliet uncovers some disturbing secrets from WWII that will put both her and her sister's lives in danger ... Gripping. Tense. Mysterious. Inheritance of Secrets links the crimes of the present to the secrets of the past and asks how far would you go to keep a promise? 'The perfect combination of great historical fiction and a thriller ... highly recommend' Better Reading 'Captures the imagination from the first page' SA Weekend 'A tense compelling read; think Jane Harper's The Dry meets Heather Morris's The Tattooist of Auschwitz ... fast-paced story-telling with plenty of heart-stopping moments. If you want to lose yourself for several hours, this is a wonderful book to do it in.' Nadia L King 'A layered family drama of mysteries and long held loyalties' The Blurb
432 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
June 3, 2020
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
Loved this! Inheritance of Secrets is an absolutely gripping page-turner, combining murder and mystery in modern times that is interwoven with history.
The story opens where Juliet arrives at the morgue to identify the brutally murdered bodies of her beloved grandparents Karl and Grete. The story is set in the beautiful city of Adelaide in Australia and it was mesmerising to be visualising all the familiar places mentioned in the story.
Juliet is a successful author who was raised by her grandparents after her father died and her mother disappeared. The story is centred around Juliet trying to discover why her grandparents were killed and if her estranged sister Lily was involved with their deaths.
The historical thread of the story is about Karl, Juliet’s grandfather and his journey fleeing from Germany on the ship Fairsea post-war to start a new life in Australia.
Was it a wartime secret that Karl was hiding from his family that may have led to his and his wife’s murder and endanger the rest of his family or something else?
Perfectly executed, this was a brilliant and totally engaging read! Sonya Bates is an author to look out for!
I wish to thank Netgalley & HarpenCollins Publishers Australia for an advanced copy to read in return for an honest review
Loved this! Inheritance of Secrets is an absolutely gripping page-turner, combining murder and mystery in modern times that is interwoven with history.
The story opens where Juliet arrives at the morgue to identify the brutally murdered bodies of her beloved grandparents Karl and Grete. The story is set in the beautiful city of Adelaide in Australia and it was mesmerising to be visualising all the familiar places mentioned in the story.
Juliet is a successful author who was raised by her grandparents after her father died and her mother disappeared. The story is centred around Juliet trying to discover why her grandparents were killed and if her estranged sister Lily was involved with their deaths.
The historical thread of the story is about Karl, Juliet’s grandfather and his journey fleeing from Germany on the ship Fairsea post-war to start a new life in Australia.
Was it a wartime secret that Karl was hiding from his family that may have led to his and his wife’s murder and endanger the rest of his family or something else?
Perfectly executed, this was a brilliant and totally engaging read! Sonya Bates is an author to look out for!
I wish to thank Netgalley & HarpenCollins Publishers Australia for an advanced copy to read in return for an honest review
July 3, 2020
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**4.5 stars**
Inheritance of Secrets by Sonya Bates. (2020).
Juliet's elderly grandparents are killed in their Adelaide home. Who would commit such a heinous crime and why? The only clue is her grandfather Karl's missing signet ring. When her estranged sister Lily returns in fear for her life, Juliet suspects something sinister. And then Lily vanishes again. Juliet only knew Karl as her loving grandfather who was a German soldier before emigrating to Australia. What was he hiding that could have led to good murder? Juliet begins to investigate and discovers some disturbing secrets from WWII that put her and Lily in danger...
This is a fantastic adult fiction debut novel for the author. It is a very gripping mystery/thriller that alternates Juliet's timeline with her grandfather Karl's perspective in the 1940s when he becomes a German soldier in WWII and then eventually comes to Australia. Both time periods are equally tense and I found myself racing through the pages to find out a)why exactly where Juliet's grandparents murdered and b)how did the events in the late 1940s influence the murders in the future. Part historical fiction and part mystery/thriller, I have no doubt a lot of readers would really enjoy this book as I did. I highly recommend this interesting and fast-paced novel.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**4.5 stars**
Inheritance of Secrets by Sonya Bates. (2020).
Juliet's elderly grandparents are killed in their Adelaide home. Who would commit such a heinous crime and why? The only clue is her grandfather Karl's missing signet ring. When her estranged sister Lily returns in fear for her life, Juliet suspects something sinister. And then Lily vanishes again. Juliet only knew Karl as her loving grandfather who was a German soldier before emigrating to Australia. What was he hiding that could have led to good murder? Juliet begins to investigate and discovers some disturbing secrets from WWII that put her and Lily in danger...
This is a fantastic adult fiction debut novel for the author. It is a very gripping mystery/thriller that alternates Juliet's timeline with her grandfather Karl's perspective in the 1940s when he becomes a German soldier in WWII and then eventually comes to Australia. Both time periods are equally tense and I found myself racing through the pages to find out a)why exactly where Juliet's grandparents murdered and b)how did the events in the late 1940s influence the murders in the future. Part historical fiction and part mystery/thriller, I have no doubt a lot of readers would really enjoy this book as I did. I highly recommend this interesting and fast-paced novel.
April 26, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
4.5 stars
Children’s book author Sonya Bates was shortlisted for the unpublished manuscript in the inaugural Banjo Prize in 2018. This manuscript has now been published as Inheritance of Secrets. Sonya Bates’ debut is a story of war, sacrifice, family relations, secrets and allegiance. It is one hooking page turner that I highly recommend.
Inheritance of Secrets looks at what happens when the past finally catches up with you. In the present day, Juliet is contending the loss of her two beloved grandparents. Both were murdered in their home in a shocking crime. The only lead Juliet can cling on to is her grandfather’s treasured signet ring, which is now missing. Things are further complicated for this family fold when Juliet’s sister Lily makes her presence known. The two sisters have been estranged, but the tragic loss of their grandparents brings these two divided sisters back together again. With thoughts of a robbery gone terribly wrong at the front of Juliet’s theories about her grandparents, something much more shocking comes to light. As Juliet probes into her grandfather’s past, revelations about her grandfather’s involvement in the war and his early resettlement days in Australia prove to be the key to this murder mystery. But something just as pressing occurs when Juliet’s sister Lily goes missing. Why is this family being targeted?
Sonya Bates is a new face to me and it is great to discover an unfamiliar author who writes books set in my favorite genre and narrative structure. Inheritance of Secrets is a contemporary fiction, crossed with a historical fiction narrative. This double storyline novel links to past to present, via an enthralling family mystery. There are strong elements of intrigue, suspense and even action in this novel. Inheritance of Secrets has a lot going on and it succeeded in distracting me from my current concerns about everyday life.
What an opening! The premise of Inheritance of Secrets was absolutely flooring, my heart really sank for Juliet. I could not imagine having to walk into a morgue with a detective to identify the bodies of not just one grandparent, but two at the same time. It was a harrowing opening, but it also worked as bait to hook me right in to this novel. I was completely invested in Sonya Bates’ debut adult fiction novel. I liked the drip feed style storyline and how secrets were gradually unveiled, which really worked to sustain my interest in this set piece.
Karl, Juliet’s grandfather, is a strong voice who commands your full attention in the sequences he frequents within the novel. I am not surprised that Karl popped up in the author’s mind and refused to go away until she had pieced together his story. Karl’s story is quite remarkable. I appreciated learning about Karl’s family background, his life in the war, his post war experience and his passage to Australia to resettle. Karl’s sea voyage was quite tumultuous, with plenty of action, adventure and revelations. A secret deal is made which truly tests Karl’s loyalty, as well as his devotion. It also serves up plenty of moral questions too. I really enjoyed immersing myself in this aspect of the storyline, from a character and setting point of view.
I really warmed to Juliet and my relationship to this character developed rather swiftly. I enjoyed the dynamics that accompanied Juliet’s character and her interactions with her sister, boyfriend Jason and friend Ellis. There is an emotional and nostalgic glimpse into Juliet’s past and her family relationships. Bates does a fine job of exploring the family dynamics and drama that unfolds from this saga.
The most significant aspect of the novel that truly made its mark on me personally was Karl’s story. In Karl, the choices he makes as a soldier and in the post war years has an unexpected impact years down the line on his descendants. Bates explores this well, by tying in themes of Nazi hunters and war secrets. The author also plays homage to the damaged soldiers who returned home from war, who were desperate for an escape and a new beginning, so they set off for greener pastures abroad. However, once they arrived, they were not welcomed with open arms, as we see through Karl’s first hand experiences.
With distinct character voices, a range of engrossing plotlines and a looping bridge between the past and present, Inheritance of Secrets is an engaging tale, that did leave me with a few lasting questions. I enjoyed this family mystery come saga and Juliet’s dogged search for the truth to help put the secrets of the past to rest.
*Thanks extended to Harper Collins Books Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Inheritance of Secrets is book #48 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
4.5 stars
Children’s book author Sonya Bates was shortlisted for the unpublished manuscript in the inaugural Banjo Prize in 2018. This manuscript has now been published as Inheritance of Secrets. Sonya Bates’ debut is a story of war, sacrifice, family relations, secrets and allegiance. It is one hooking page turner that I highly recommend.
Inheritance of Secrets looks at what happens when the past finally catches up with you. In the present day, Juliet is contending the loss of her two beloved grandparents. Both were murdered in their home in a shocking crime. The only lead Juliet can cling on to is her grandfather’s treasured signet ring, which is now missing. Things are further complicated for this family fold when Juliet’s sister Lily makes her presence known. The two sisters have been estranged, but the tragic loss of their grandparents brings these two divided sisters back together again. With thoughts of a robbery gone terribly wrong at the front of Juliet’s theories about her grandparents, something much more shocking comes to light. As Juliet probes into her grandfather’s past, revelations about her grandfather’s involvement in the war and his early resettlement days in Australia prove to be the key to this murder mystery. But something just as pressing occurs when Juliet’s sister Lily goes missing. Why is this family being targeted?
Sonya Bates is a new face to me and it is great to discover an unfamiliar author who writes books set in my favorite genre and narrative structure. Inheritance of Secrets is a contemporary fiction, crossed with a historical fiction narrative. This double storyline novel links to past to present, via an enthralling family mystery. There are strong elements of intrigue, suspense and even action in this novel. Inheritance of Secrets has a lot going on and it succeeded in distracting me from my current concerns about everyday life.
What an opening! The premise of Inheritance of Secrets was absolutely flooring, my heart really sank for Juliet. I could not imagine having to walk into a morgue with a detective to identify the bodies of not just one grandparent, but two at the same time. It was a harrowing opening, but it also worked as bait to hook me right in to this novel. I was completely invested in Sonya Bates’ debut adult fiction novel. I liked the drip feed style storyline and how secrets were gradually unveiled, which really worked to sustain my interest in this set piece.
Karl, Juliet’s grandfather, is a strong voice who commands your full attention in the sequences he frequents within the novel. I am not surprised that Karl popped up in the author’s mind and refused to go away until she had pieced together his story. Karl’s story is quite remarkable. I appreciated learning about Karl’s family background, his life in the war, his post war experience and his passage to Australia to resettle. Karl’s sea voyage was quite tumultuous, with plenty of action, adventure and revelations. A secret deal is made which truly tests Karl’s loyalty, as well as his devotion. It also serves up plenty of moral questions too. I really enjoyed immersing myself in this aspect of the storyline, from a character and setting point of view.
I really warmed to Juliet and my relationship to this character developed rather swiftly. I enjoyed the dynamics that accompanied Juliet’s character and her interactions with her sister, boyfriend Jason and friend Ellis. There is an emotional and nostalgic glimpse into Juliet’s past and her family relationships. Bates does a fine job of exploring the family dynamics and drama that unfolds from this saga.
The most significant aspect of the novel that truly made its mark on me personally was Karl’s story. In Karl, the choices he makes as a soldier and in the post war years has an unexpected impact years down the line on his descendants. Bates explores this well, by tying in themes of Nazi hunters and war secrets. The author also plays homage to the damaged soldiers who returned home from war, who were desperate for an escape and a new beginning, so they set off for greener pastures abroad. However, once they arrived, they were not welcomed with open arms, as we see through Karl’s first hand experiences.
With distinct character voices, a range of engrossing plotlines and a looping bridge between the past and present, Inheritance of Secrets is an engaging tale, that did leave me with a few lasting questions. I enjoyed this family mystery come saga and Juliet’s dogged search for the truth to help put the secrets of the past to rest.
*Thanks extended to Harper Collins Books Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Inheritance of Secrets is book #48 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
March 22, 2020
Inheritance Of Secrets is a wonderful, thrilling, modern day mystery with ties to the past. Juliet, an author, has to deal with the murder of her beloved Grandparents Karl and Margarete Weiss. Her Grandparents came to Australia during the 1940's as immigrants from Germany. Their murders seem to be linked to their past and Juliet and her sister Lily soon find themselves in danger. I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping thriller. Thanks to Better Reading Preview and Harper Collins for my ARC.
May 2, 2020
Inheritance of Secrets by Sonya Bates... wow 😮
This part historical fiction, part mystery book took me completely by surprise and I could not put it down. I read most of it in a day and was desperate to pick it up and finish it the next day. The story was different, it was clever and addictive.
Now, I have said many times that I don’t do books about war....hmmm... I have definitely changed my mind on that one recently, having read quite a few war based books and really enjoyed them. The author has based the main character on her own father who was a German soldier in WW2. I loved the dual timelines, one from Karl Weiss perspective and the other from the granddaughter Juliet.
It is a story of family secrets. Juliet’s grandparents are brutally murdered in their own home in Adelaide. She is distraught and wants to know who would do such a thing. The more she looks the more she realises that she knows very little about their past. Finding out puts herself and her sister Lily in grave danger. The only link they can find is the missing signet ring that Karl wore and has now gone missing.
I was absorbed in this story from the very beginning. It is a wonderful story of the emigrants from Germany to start a new life in Australia. Highly recommend. Thank you to Harper Collins Australia for this surprise bookmail, I just loved it
This part historical fiction, part mystery book took me completely by surprise and I could not put it down. I read most of it in a day and was desperate to pick it up and finish it the next day. The story was different, it was clever and addictive.
Now, I have said many times that I don’t do books about war....hmmm... I have definitely changed my mind on that one recently, having read quite a few war based books and really enjoyed them. The author has based the main character on her own father who was a German soldier in WW2. I loved the dual timelines, one from Karl Weiss perspective and the other from the granddaughter Juliet.
It is a story of family secrets. Juliet’s grandparents are brutally murdered in their own home in Adelaide. She is distraught and wants to know who would do such a thing. The more she looks the more she realises that she knows very little about their past. Finding out puts herself and her sister Lily in grave danger. The only link they can find is the missing signet ring that Karl wore and has now gone missing.
I was absorbed in this story from the very beginning. It is a wonderful story of the emigrants from Germany to start a new life in Australia. Highly recommend. Thank you to Harper Collins Australia for this surprise bookmail, I just loved it
January 13, 2020
*arc received by netgalley*
This was an absolutely phenomenal story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it was a definite 5 star read for me.
The storyline and plot we followed in Inheritance of Secrets was so gripping and unexpected, that it had me hooked from the very beginning. There was also a lingering mystery throughout the story that I absolutely loved! There were twists and turns, as well as really good plot development.
I absolutely loved the different relationship dynamics we got to see throughout this book, and how the events that occurred impacted these relationships. I think all of the characters were very unique, and had very distinctive personalities that made the dialogue really interesting to read. I really loved that we got to see the story unfold by reading into two different timelines. I think that having chapters from the present intertwined with chapters from the past made the story flow so nicely together, and made it very easy to follow and understand.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good historical fiction. It was truly so phenomenal!
This was an absolutely phenomenal story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it was a definite 5 star read for me.
The storyline and plot we followed in Inheritance of Secrets was so gripping and unexpected, that it had me hooked from the very beginning. There was also a lingering mystery throughout the story that I absolutely loved! There were twists and turns, as well as really good plot development.
I absolutely loved the different relationship dynamics we got to see throughout this book, and how the events that occurred impacted these relationships. I think all of the characters were very unique, and had very distinctive personalities that made the dialogue really interesting to read. I really loved that we got to see the story unfold by reading into two different timelines. I think that having chapters from the present intertwined with chapters from the past made the story flow so nicely together, and made it very easy to follow and understand.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good historical fiction. It was truly so phenomenal!
May 17, 2020
The Inheritance of Secrets is the debut novel of Australian author, Sonya Bates. Part historical fiction, part crime, part mystery, there is something here for all readers in this intriguing tale that encompasses the past and the present. Bates’ idea for her story came from her family’s history during and after the second world war. Filling in the gaps with meticulous research, Bates transports fans to another time and place that is hard to fathom in today’s world. This is in sharp contrast to 2009, the second timeline that Bates uses in her novel. Two separate protagonists, Karl Weiss and Juliet, provide the link between the two eras.
Readers step into the shoes of Karl, a German soldier, who meets the love of his life, Grete, at an unprecedented time in history. Fate is not on their side when the couple are forced to separate for an undetermined period of time. With Grete staying behind to care for a relative, Karl boards The Fairsea to sail to another country. I cannot imagine the strength and sacrifice it would take to make this decision when there is no guarantee that you would meet once again. With months ahead of him at sea, Karl dreams of setting up a new life for his future family. Karl quickly discovers it is not smooth sailing with different cultures forced to lived together for months at a time. Racism and prejudice are a common occurrence that Germans must deal with on a daily basis. Here, Karl meets men from his mother country who will change his destiny in ways that he could not imagine.
Decades later in Adelaide, Juliet is faced with the murder of her grandparents, Karl and Grete. With no support from her immediate family, Juliet is left to deal with the fallout. There is no rhyme or reason for the horror that Juliet’s grandparents endured, the only clue being that Karl’s signet ring has disappeared. The unexpected return and immediate disappearance of her estranged sister, Lily, has Juliet feeling suspicious of the coincidence. As a drug addict, Lily was an intriguing character. Bates explores the life and relationships of an addict with honesty and sensitivity. I felt sorry for Juliet when she placed her faith in Lily, only to have it broken time and time again. When Juliet’s suspicions prove to be correct, their life will take them on a path to discover what happened on The Fairsea all those years ago.
With themes of war, secrets, drugs, murder, family, Inheritance of Secrets will keep readers turning the pages long into the night.
Readers step into the shoes of Karl, a German soldier, who meets the love of his life, Grete, at an unprecedented time in history. Fate is not on their side when the couple are forced to separate for an undetermined period of time. With Grete staying behind to care for a relative, Karl boards The Fairsea to sail to another country. I cannot imagine the strength and sacrifice it would take to make this decision when there is no guarantee that you would meet once again. With months ahead of him at sea, Karl dreams of setting up a new life for his future family. Karl quickly discovers it is not smooth sailing with different cultures forced to lived together for months at a time. Racism and prejudice are a common occurrence that Germans must deal with on a daily basis. Here, Karl meets men from his mother country who will change his destiny in ways that he could not imagine.
Decades later in Adelaide, Juliet is faced with the murder of her grandparents, Karl and Grete. With no support from her immediate family, Juliet is left to deal with the fallout. There is no rhyme or reason for the horror that Juliet’s grandparents endured, the only clue being that Karl’s signet ring has disappeared. The unexpected return and immediate disappearance of her estranged sister, Lily, has Juliet feeling suspicious of the coincidence. As a drug addict, Lily was an intriguing character. Bates explores the life and relationships of an addict with honesty and sensitivity. I felt sorry for Juliet when she placed her faith in Lily, only to have it broken time and time again. When Juliet’s suspicions prove to be correct, their life will take them on a path to discover what happened on The Fairsea all those years ago.
With themes of war, secrets, drugs, murder, family, Inheritance of Secrets will keep readers turning the pages long into the night.
May 6, 2021
There’s more than a few post war thrillers about the artwork stolen by the Nazis. Some are pretty good but this is not one of them.
The grandparents of a 30 year old author are murdered and there is a link to his voyage to Australia in the late 1940s where he is given a mysterious parcel. 60 years later he is murdered by people looking for the parcel. All a bit fanciful, a plot full of holes and a main character of little interest.
The grandparents of a 30 year old author are murdered and there is a link to his voyage to Australia in the late 1940s where he is given a mysterious parcel. 60 years later he is murdered by people looking for the parcel. All a bit fanciful, a plot full of holes and a main character of little interest.
August 24, 2021
The past awakens and murders in this novel. Its victims are a lovely elderly couple, first generation immigrants to Australia who have built a nice life for themselves there for five decades, settling there after the Second World War.
It wasn’t easy then at first, not coming from a country responsible for so much tragedy and devastation, but Karl Weiss had managed, he was never a Nazi technically, he was merely a soldier. Ideologically, he wasn’t committed and the rest can be dismissed as semantics. But it wasn’t that way for some of his compatriots, not then and not now.
There are those intended to preserve the ugly and dangerous ideology and they recognize no statutes of limitations.
And so in 2009 a young woman finds herself entangled in the twisted webs of NeoNazis as she tries to solve the murder of her beloved grandparents, with assistance of her oft disappearing sister and a potentially loyalty conflicted reporter friend. And yes, technically the cops are involved also, but this is very much a family matter and as such it ought to be solved by the family.
The story intrigued me with the Nazi angle, most if not all WWII stories are very compelling by nature, the great battle of good and evil has seldom had a more perfect stage to play out upon and thus creates for the most exceptional dynamics and dramatics. I’m also partial to a good immigrant experience story. And historical fiction. And thrillers. And murder mysteries. So really, there was a lot of attractors here.
Due to the author's personal experiences (well, her father's technically) inspiring and coloring this novel, there's a very interesting and very sympathetic perspective on citizens of a nation non grata trying to make their way in the post war world. The reckoning of guilt, personal responsibility, etc.
Execution wise, it was pretty decent. There’s something quite plain and flat about the writing, maybe a debut thing, maybe a remnant of the author’s children’s books writing time, but overall it worked decently enough and made for a pretty good read. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
It wasn’t easy then at first, not coming from a country responsible for so much tragedy and devastation, but Karl Weiss had managed, he was never a Nazi technically, he was merely a soldier. Ideologically, he wasn’t committed and the rest can be dismissed as semantics. But it wasn’t that way for some of his compatriots, not then and not now.
There are those intended to preserve the ugly and dangerous ideology and they recognize no statutes of limitations.
And so in 2009 a young woman finds herself entangled in the twisted webs of NeoNazis as she tries to solve the murder of her beloved grandparents, with assistance of her oft disappearing sister and a potentially loyalty conflicted reporter friend. And yes, technically the cops are involved also, but this is very much a family matter and as such it ought to be solved by the family.
The story intrigued me with the Nazi angle, most if not all WWII stories are very compelling by nature, the great battle of good and evil has seldom had a more perfect stage to play out upon and thus creates for the most exceptional dynamics and dramatics. I’m also partial to a good immigrant experience story. And historical fiction. And thrillers. And murder mysteries. So really, there was a lot of attractors here.
Due to the author's personal experiences (well, her father's technically) inspiring and coloring this novel, there's a very interesting and very sympathetic perspective on citizens of a nation non grata trying to make their way in the post war world. The reckoning of guilt, personal responsibility, etc.
Execution wise, it was pretty decent. There’s something quite plain and flat about the writing, maybe a debut thing, maybe a remnant of the author’s children’s books writing time, but overall it worked decently enough and made for a pretty good read. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
February 24, 2020
A present day mystery with family secrets and a connection way back to WWII? Yes, please, I’m in! As soon as I read the description of INHERITANCE OF SECRETS I knew that I had to read it.
The story starts with the murder of two elderly people in their Adelaide home. Juliet is heartbroken and unable to understand why anyone would want to harm her grandparents, a couple loved by everyone for their warm personalities and generosity. It’s not long though until she realises that her grandparents had not been victims of a random attack, but had been specifically targeted by ruthless killers, and the reason may lay in her grandfather’s past ....
After hooking me immediately with her opening scenes, Bates slowly unravelled her story with the help of dual timelines – one in the present, as Juliet is trying to come to terms with her grandparents’ death and avoid becoming a target herself; and her grandfather’s experiences during WWII that ultimately brought him into the path of the killer. Dual timelines can sometimes be problematic, but Bates strikes a perfect balance here, with the past and present day storylines being equally as compelling as each other. I immediately felt for Juliet, who is not only trying to come to terms with her beloved grandparents’ brutal death, but also finds out that her sister may be somehow involved, her mother is not contactable and her lover is more concerned with his work than supporting her through her grief.
Part mystery, part historical fiction, part fast-paced thriller, INHERITANCE OF SECRETS had something for everyone. I found the history of post-war Australia and the immigrants’ plight to settle into a new life as interesting as the wartime events that ultimately lead to Karl’s arrival in Australia. Bates draws both her setting as well as her characters vividly, and I really enjoyed her writing style. As the granddaughter of a man who was a soldier in WWII on the Russian front, and a prisoner of war for many years later, I related to the theme of secrets that are never revealed because the memories are too painful – even to close family.
Even if you are not usually a fan of historical fiction, the thriller and suspense component in Bates’ novel will appeal to a wide range of readers across multiple genres. Despite some suspension of disbelief being required in parts, I really enjoyed this very readable novel spanning two different timeframes from WWII to the present, and look forward to reading more from this author in future.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Australia for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
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The story starts with the murder of two elderly people in their Adelaide home. Juliet is heartbroken and unable to understand why anyone would want to harm her grandparents, a couple loved by everyone for their warm personalities and generosity. It’s not long though until she realises that her grandparents had not been victims of a random attack, but had been specifically targeted by ruthless killers, and the reason may lay in her grandfather’s past ....
After hooking me immediately with her opening scenes, Bates slowly unravelled her story with the help of dual timelines – one in the present, as Juliet is trying to come to terms with her grandparents’ death and avoid becoming a target herself; and her grandfather’s experiences during WWII that ultimately brought him into the path of the killer. Dual timelines can sometimes be problematic, but Bates strikes a perfect balance here, with the past and present day storylines being equally as compelling as each other. I immediately felt for Juliet, who is not only trying to come to terms with her beloved grandparents’ brutal death, but also finds out that her sister may be somehow involved, her mother is not contactable and her lover is more concerned with his work than supporting her through her grief.
Part mystery, part historical fiction, part fast-paced thriller, INHERITANCE OF SECRETS had something for everyone. I found the history of post-war Australia and the immigrants’ plight to settle into a new life as interesting as the wartime events that ultimately lead to Karl’s arrival in Australia. Bates draws both her setting as well as her characters vividly, and I really enjoyed her writing style. As the granddaughter of a man who was a soldier in WWII on the Russian front, and a prisoner of war for many years later, I related to the theme of secrets that are never revealed because the memories are too painful – even to close family.
Even if you are not usually a fan of historical fiction, the thriller and suspense component in Bates’ novel will appeal to a wide range of readers across multiple genres. Despite some suspension of disbelief being required in parts, I really enjoyed this very readable novel spanning two different timeframes from WWII to the present, and look forward to reading more from this author in future.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Australia for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
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November 10, 2021
The gripping and fast paced Inheritance of Secrets by Sonya Bates combines elements of a suspenseful thriller and historical fiction . An elderly couple is brutally murdered in their home and the reason is apparently connected to events that occurred post WW2 . The couple were German immigrants who settled in Australia after the war ended. The narrative is split between 2 timelines- covering post WW2 Germany and present day Australia where the couple's granddaughter Juliet tries to uncover family secrets that have led to her beloved grandparents' murder while also dealing with her estranged sister Lily who seems to know more than she is letting on. Adding to this is the question of whether her grandfather Karl was really who he claimed to be as newly surfacing information suggests that he was a Nazi who absconded and is still wanted for crimes pertaining to stolen art.
This is an interesting and quick read given the premise of the novel. Karl's journey to Australia from post war Germany makes for an interesting read. However there are numerous plot holes that lends a sense of 'incompleteness' to the novel. Justifying the atrocities of war while trying to make certain characters in this novel likeable was a bit off putting at times. I really did not feel emotionally invested in the historical fiction aspect of the novel. However,it is suspenseful, though not particularly intense, and the story did hold my interest till the end .
Thanks to Goodreads and HarperCollins Publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is an interesting and quick read given the premise of the novel. Karl's journey to Australia from post war Germany makes for an interesting read. However there are numerous plot holes that lends a sense of 'incompleteness' to the novel. Justifying the atrocities of war while trying to make certain characters in this novel likeable was a bit off putting at times. I really did not feel emotionally invested in the historical fiction aspect of the novel. However,it is suspenseful, though not particularly intense, and the story did hold my interest till the end .
Thanks to Goodreads and HarperCollins Publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2020
Brilliant.
I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy Inheritance of Secrets by Sonya Bates, but I was intrigued when I read the author’s German grandfather was the inspiration behind one of the characters.
What a tense compelling read it was; think Jane Harper’s The Dry meets Heather Morris’s The Tattoist of Auschwitz, but there’s also something more here — a real understanding of both Australian and German culture, and a deep appreciation for the past.
Juliet Dunne is a thirty-something novelist with a difficult past, but wonderful maternal grandparents who raised her. Juliet’s life is turned upside down when her German grandparents are found murdered in their beds — a world and a lifetime away from Nazi Germany. Or has Nazi Germany just got way closer than Juliet suspects?
I. Could. Not. Put. This. Book. Down.
Inheritance of Secrets is fast-paced story-telling with plenty of heart-stopping moments. If you want lose yourself for several hours, this is a wonderful book to do it in. And what a movie this would make…
Bravo Sonya Bates on an entertaining, sensitively-written and thrilling crime story. Highly recommended.
Many, many thanks to the wonderful peeps at Harper Collins Australia for sending me an early copy to review.
I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy Inheritance of Secrets by Sonya Bates, but I was intrigued when I read the author’s German grandfather was the inspiration behind one of the characters.
What a tense compelling read it was; think Jane Harper’s The Dry meets Heather Morris’s The Tattoist of Auschwitz, but there’s also something more here — a real understanding of both Australian and German culture, and a deep appreciation for the past.
Juliet Dunne is a thirty-something novelist with a difficult past, but wonderful maternal grandparents who raised her. Juliet’s life is turned upside down when her German grandparents are found murdered in their beds — a world and a lifetime away from Nazi Germany. Or has Nazi Germany just got way closer than Juliet suspects?
I. Could. Not. Put. This. Book. Down.
Inheritance of Secrets is fast-paced story-telling with plenty of heart-stopping moments. If you want lose yourself for several hours, this is a wonderful book to do it in. And what a movie this would make…
Bravo Sonya Bates on an entertaining, sensitively-written and thrilling crime story. Highly recommended.
Many, many thanks to the wonderful peeps at Harper Collins Australia for sending me an early copy to review.
November 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this especially as it is based in my city so I could visualise all of the places mentioned.
August 18, 2020
I had no idea what this book was about when I first started to read it, but I was pleasantly surprised to find such an interesting premise: an Aussie-based novel, and a mix of Historical Fiction and Mystery. In this book, we follow the complicated investigative work that Julie undertakes to discover the truth about her grandparents' murders. We also get to explore Karl's -Juliet's grandfather- youth while in Germany, his journey to Australia, and the events that led to his and his wife's brutal murders in Adelaide.
In the beginning, I was quite engrossed by the novel, not only because I wanted to know 'whodunnit', but because I wanted to understand how and why Karl's past in Germany had caught up to him. Was he a good guy, or one of the bad ones? What happened on his journey to Australia? What exact turn of events had altered his life so badly? Ultimately, these are the questions that kept me reading until the end, but my interest began to waver after I hit the 100-pages mark.
I mainly lost interest due to the dense, simplistic and repetitive writing style. I exponentially grew weary with all Julie's ramblings, and continuous complaints about how clueless she was, how conflicted her relationship with Lily was, and how much she loved her grandparents. Instead of giving depth to her characterisation, the constant repetitiveness made Julie one-dimensional and irritating.
After reflecting a lot about this novel, I realised that I was not too fond of it mainly because it wasn't believable. I wasn't convinced about the fantastical and extreme consequences of Karl's Nazi involvement, and neither the historical facts helped me accept the plot development. Throughout the book, I kept thinking that the events that took place were quite unlikely, and therefore, I wasn't able to enjoy the story.
Overall, Inheritance of Secrets was not my cup of tea. A Mystery Historical Fiction novel that had much potential, but that fell flat due to clumsy writing and a monotonous narration. I'd recommend it to readers that might want to give Aussie-based Historical Fiction novels a try.
In the beginning, I was quite engrossed by the novel, not only because I wanted to know 'whodunnit', but because I wanted to understand how and why Karl's past in Germany had caught up to him. Was he a good guy, or one of the bad ones? What happened on his journey to Australia? What exact turn of events had altered his life so badly? Ultimately, these are the questions that kept me reading until the end, but my interest began to waver after I hit the 100-pages mark.
I mainly lost interest due to the dense, simplistic and repetitive writing style. I exponentially grew weary with all Julie's ramblings, and continuous complaints about how clueless she was, how conflicted her relationship with Lily was, and how much she loved her grandparents. Instead of giving depth to her characterisation, the constant repetitiveness made Julie one-dimensional and irritating.
After reflecting a lot about this novel, I realised that I was not too fond of it mainly because it wasn't believable. I wasn't convinced about the fantastical and extreme consequences of Karl's Nazi involvement, and neither the historical facts helped me accept the plot development. Throughout the book, I kept thinking that the events that took place were quite unlikely, and therefore, I wasn't able to enjoy the story.
Overall, Inheritance of Secrets was not my cup of tea. A Mystery Historical Fiction novel that had much potential, but that fell flat due to clumsy writing and a monotonous narration. I'd recommend it to readers that might want to give Aussie-based Historical Fiction novels a try.
December 5, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for allowing me to read this ARC!
Content Warning: death, murder, violence, kidnapping, anti-Semitism, domestic verbal/emotional abuse.
Juliet Dunne is horrified -- and completely confused -- when her grandparents are murdered in their own home. Was it merely a home invasion gone wrong? It's only when Juliet finally gets into contact with her estranged sister Lily that she realizes something else is going on. Claiming she's being stalked, fearful that she will be next, Lily reveals information that suddenly makes Juliet wonder what's really going on. Was the Karl Weiss she knew the same man who grew up in Nazi Germany and was sent to the front at eighteen? Could he have been more deeply involved in the horror of the Nazi regime? And will the secrets he kept then come back to haunt Juliet and Lily?
I never grow tired of reading books set during WWII. Although this book is primarily set in modern-day Adelaide, there are postwar sections, and the main gist of the plot asks what exactly Juliet's beloved grandfather might have been up to when the Reich ruled Germany. I couldn't imagine something better suited to me than a thriller mixed in with historical fiction!
In the beginning, however, I wasn't too sure that I was clicking with the story Bates's was telling. Her writing is not exactly my cup of tea, which probably prevented me from immediately becoming immersed; I found it simplistic, but not in a way that I enjoyed. Once the ball started rolling, though, I was intrigued and actually eager to pick this back up and get to the next chapter. It helps that the history here is so fascinating, and I think we can all relate to the feeling of not truly understanding that our grandparents (and parents) were once young people with their own lives separate from us.
So, why did this end up being four stars for me? Well, mainly because the plot unfolds quickly and with a great deal of intrigue. It was exciting to try and figure out what exactly was going on, and whether Karl was truly the innocent, kind man that his loved ones believed him to be. Now, I do have a few nitpicks here: I was a bit disappointed by the ultimate twist of the story, which could've been handled a bit better and would've benefitted from a bit of tightening up. Also: to avoid spoilers, I won't say much, but I found the culprit to be ridiculously stupid at the end! I also think that there was so much suspense about Karl that the conclusion ended up feeling like a bit of a let down (to be fair, some of these things may be altered before publishing).
That being said, the story itself is tons of fun, and I definitely enjoyed the questions surrounding Karl's life. I must also mention that I feel Bates handled the topics discussed here with the gravity they deserve. The characters could've used a bit more complexity, particularly Karl and Juliet, but I rather loved Lily and Juliet's (former?) best friend, Ellis.
If you love mysteries and historical fiction, I highly recommend giving this one a shot. It's got enough suspense to keep you on the hook, but there is also a fascinating dynamic between the two sisters here that is by turns sad and heartwarming. This is Bates's debut -- I'll certainly be on the lookout for her future novels!
Content Warning: death, murder, violence, kidnapping, anti-Semitism, domestic verbal/emotional abuse.
Juliet Dunne is horrified -- and completely confused -- when her grandparents are murdered in their own home. Was it merely a home invasion gone wrong? It's only when Juliet finally gets into contact with her estranged sister Lily that she realizes something else is going on. Claiming she's being stalked, fearful that she will be next, Lily reveals information that suddenly makes Juliet wonder what's really going on. Was the Karl Weiss she knew the same man who grew up in Nazi Germany and was sent to the front at eighteen? Could he have been more deeply involved in the horror of the Nazi regime? And will the secrets he kept then come back to haunt Juliet and Lily?
I never grow tired of reading books set during WWII. Although this book is primarily set in modern-day Adelaide, there are postwar sections, and the main gist of the plot asks what exactly Juliet's beloved grandfather might have been up to when the Reich ruled Germany. I couldn't imagine something better suited to me than a thriller mixed in with historical fiction!
In the beginning, however, I wasn't too sure that I was clicking with the story Bates's was telling. Her writing is not exactly my cup of tea, which probably prevented me from immediately becoming immersed; I found it simplistic, but not in a way that I enjoyed. Once the ball started rolling, though, I was intrigued and actually eager to pick this back up and get to the next chapter. It helps that the history here is so fascinating, and I think we can all relate to the feeling of not truly understanding that our grandparents (and parents) were once young people with their own lives separate from us.
So, why did this end up being four stars for me? Well, mainly because the plot unfolds quickly and with a great deal of intrigue. It was exciting to try and figure out what exactly was going on, and whether Karl was truly the innocent, kind man that his loved ones believed him to be. Now, I do have a few nitpicks here: I was a bit disappointed by the ultimate twist of the story, which could've been handled a bit better and would've benefitted from a bit of tightening up. Also: to avoid spoilers, I won't say much, but I found the culprit to be ridiculously stupid at the end! I also think that there was so much suspense about Karl that the conclusion ended up feeling like a bit of a let down (to be fair, some of these things may be altered before publishing).
That being said, the story itself is tons of fun, and I definitely enjoyed the questions surrounding Karl's life. I must also mention that I feel Bates handled the topics discussed here with the gravity they deserve. The characters could've used a bit more complexity, particularly Karl and Juliet, but I rather loved Lily and Juliet's (former?) best friend, Ellis.
If you love mysteries and historical fiction, I highly recommend giving this one a shot. It's got enough suspense to keep you on the hook, but there is also a fascinating dynamic between the two sisters here that is by turns sad and heartwarming. This is Bates's debut -- I'll certainly be on the lookout for her future novels!
May 9, 2020
**4.5 stars**
This book was an unexpected surprise, one which I enjoyed immensely.
Raised by her grandparents since she was nine, Juliet was coming to grips of having just identified their bodies. They were murdered in their own home and it was becoming apparent that it was not a random attack. What secrets were they hiding?
Added to that distressing news, she also had the seemingly unattainable task of finding her mother and sister.
I initially decided to read this book as it was set locally. I enjoy dual timelines but I was a little hesitant as I thought the earlier era was set in the Second World War and in this Covid 19 world it wasn’t the mind frame I wanted to be in. Luckily I was drawn into the present day as soon as I started and as I kept reading I was reeled in further. The earlier era was in fact concentrated on her grandfather Karl’s journey from post war Germany to Australia a few years after the war.
It was very easy to read and follow the timelines. I found I was picking up and putting the book down often but that says more about my current mindset than the book as I was immediately immersed when reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read.
This book was an unexpected surprise, one which I enjoyed immensely.
Raised by her grandparents since she was nine, Juliet was coming to grips of having just identified their bodies. They were murdered in their own home and it was becoming apparent that it was not a random attack. What secrets were they hiding?
Added to that distressing news, she also had the seemingly unattainable task of finding her mother and sister.
I initially decided to read this book as it was set locally. I enjoy dual timelines but I was a little hesitant as I thought the earlier era was set in the Second World War and in this Covid 19 world it wasn’t the mind frame I wanted to be in. Luckily I was drawn into the present day as soon as I started and as I kept reading I was reeled in further. The earlier era was in fact concentrated on her grandfather Karl’s journey from post war Germany to Australia a few years after the war.
It was very easy to read and follow the timelines. I found I was picking up and putting the book down often but that says more about my current mindset than the book as I was immediately immersed when reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read.
April 18, 2020
I'm not sure why but I shy away from historical fiction. Though that's probably an understatement. If I start reading a blurb and see reference to World Wars I or II or indeed anything pre-20th century I leap away as if it's coronavirus-laden. I do, however, seem to make an exception for books unfolding in multiple timeframes. (ie. the 'then' and the now).
Very weirdly, with Inheritance of Secrets by Sonya Bates I had read THREE books about World War II (including concentration camps and refugees), all within a week or two of each other. Obviously I didn't plan it that way; it was just a weird coincidence that three Australian books were coming out at once, partially set at the same time.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
Very weirdly, with Inheritance of Secrets by Sonya Bates I had read THREE books about World War II (including concentration camps and refugees), all within a week or two of each other. Obviously I didn't plan it that way; it was just a weird coincidence that three Australian books were coming out at once, partially set at the same time.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
December 14, 2020
I liked this a lot. Yes, the fact it is set in the city I’ve lived in for 47 years is part of that response, but only part. It is a well-told story through which we get to know a number of people who, like us, are far from simple or straightforward. I particularly like the empathy between the police and the main character, the intelligence of the police and their acceptance of the lack of trust some, like Lily, have in them.
Bates does an excellent jo. Of helping us understand what life must have been like for German survivors of the war, especially those who left Europe.
Is there a sequel I wonder? There are certainly enough threads to take up. Or are unanswered questions and broken connections just a legacy of war we have to bear?
Bates does an excellent jo. Of helping us understand what life must have been like for German survivors of the war, especially those who left Europe.
Is there a sequel I wonder? There are certainly enough threads to take up. Or are unanswered questions and broken connections just a legacy of war we have to bear?
June 12, 2020
One of those books set in a place I know well Adelaide and it's suburbs
November 10, 2020
Inheritance of Secrets is the first adult thriller by Sonya Bates. One night Juliet's elderly grandparents died in their Adelaide home. At first glance, it looks likes a robbery gone wrong. However, that changed after Lily came home scared. Juliet decided to investigate to find what happened to her grandfather during WW1. The readers of Inheritance of Secrets will continue to follow Juliet to find out what happens.
Inheritance of Secrets is the first book I have read of Sonya Bates. I enjoyable reading Inheritance of Secrets, and I engage with this book from the start. I love Sonya Bates portrayal of her characters and the way they interacted with each other throughout this book. Inheritance of Secrets was well written and researched by Sonya Bates. I like the description of the settings of Inheritance of Secrets that allow me to image been part of the plot. The way Sonya Bates incorporates the two plots and combines then in the end excellently done.
The readers of Inheritance of Secrets will understand the devastation that drug-taking has on the suffer and their families. Also, the readers of Inheritance of Secrets will learn about living in Adelaide.
I recommend this book.
Inheritance of Secrets is the first book I have read of Sonya Bates. I enjoyable reading Inheritance of Secrets, and I engage with this book from the start. I love Sonya Bates portrayal of her characters and the way they interacted with each other throughout this book. Inheritance of Secrets was well written and researched by Sonya Bates. I like the description of the settings of Inheritance of Secrets that allow me to image been part of the plot. The way Sonya Bates incorporates the two plots and combines then in the end excellently done.
The readers of Inheritance of Secrets will understand the devastation that drug-taking has on the suffer and their families. Also, the readers of Inheritance of Secrets will learn about living in Adelaide.
I recommend this book.
May 22, 2020
Loved this book, set in Adelaide. A gripping murder mystery that uncovers secrets from WWII, effects that Juliet will have to face.
May 20, 2020
From the moment I read the synopsis of this book, which entwines my favourite genre of historical fiction with an intriguing murder mystery, I was eager to read it as soon as I could. Thanks to Better Reading and HarperCollins Books, I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy.
Set along multiple timelines including war torn Germany, post-war Europe and Australia and modern day Australia, Inheritance of Secrets follows Juliet as she tries to uncover the secrets that led to her Grandfather (an ex-German soldier) and Grandmother’s murders.
Featuring the key themes of World War II, belonging, loyalty, trust, guilt, family bonds and integrity, this story questions how far you would go to pay someone back and emphasises that the past can always come back to haunt you or your loved ones.
The start of the book instantly captivated me, whilst the exhilarating ending had my heart pounding. I raced to the end of the book to find out the answers surrounding the thrilling mystery that transcended time and generations of a family.
Despite this, I found the middle of the story slow in parts. Whilst, I acknowledge, that with the current distractions in the world, it may have affected my ability to become fully immersed in the story, for me, personally, I wanted the suspense of the story to hold me the whole way and transport me to the times and events. As well as that, the ending left me with many unanswered questions that I wanted to be tied up. For instance, what happened to Juliet’s mother and Angela and Ernst? Was Ernst who he claimed he was? There seemed to be something missing from the plot.
I thoroughly enjoyed the insight Bates provided into how some migrants felt and what they endured in coming to Australia after the war and the development of the main characters, which allowed you to empathise with them.
Most importantly, this book encouraged me to take some time to consider once again what people in the past have experienced to make our world a better place and the number of stories pertinent to history that have been lost over time.
#BRPreview
Set along multiple timelines including war torn Germany, post-war Europe and Australia and modern day Australia, Inheritance of Secrets follows Juliet as she tries to uncover the secrets that led to her Grandfather (an ex-German soldier) and Grandmother’s murders.
Featuring the key themes of World War II, belonging, loyalty, trust, guilt, family bonds and integrity, this story questions how far you would go to pay someone back and emphasises that the past can always come back to haunt you or your loved ones.
The start of the book instantly captivated me, whilst the exhilarating ending had my heart pounding. I raced to the end of the book to find out the answers surrounding the thrilling mystery that transcended time and generations of a family.
Despite this, I found the middle of the story slow in parts. Whilst, I acknowledge, that with the current distractions in the world, it may have affected my ability to become fully immersed in the story, for me, personally, I wanted the suspense of the story to hold me the whole way and transport me to the times and events. As well as that, the ending left me with many unanswered questions that I wanted to be tied up. For instance, what happened to Juliet’s mother and Angela and Ernst? Was Ernst who he claimed he was? There seemed to be something missing from the plot.
I thoroughly enjoyed the insight Bates provided into how some migrants felt and what they endured in coming to Australia after the war and the development of the main characters, which allowed you to empathise with them.
Most importantly, this book encouraged me to take some time to consider once again what people in the past have experienced to make our world a better place and the number of stories pertinent to history that have been lost over time.
#BRPreview
January 16, 2020
As the daughter of German immigrants, The Inheritance of Secrets appealed to me in many ways. My grandparents on both sides rarely talked about the war, and while the book raised many questions I would dearly have loved to ask them, it also gave me answers. I was fascinated by the insights into post-war Australia and the way past events affect future generations.
With The Inheritance of Secrets, you get a dash of murder, mystery and suspense, as well as a dual timeline novel, all of which adds up to a compelling read. Great writing, great characterisation and setting, insightful and compassionate exploration of conflict ... utterly compelling.
With The Inheritance of Secrets, you get a dash of murder, mystery and suspense, as well as a dual timeline novel, all of which adds up to a compelling read. Great writing, great characterisation and setting, insightful and compassionate exploration of conflict ... utterly compelling.
June 5, 2021
I found this silly, improbable and poorly written. One of the most annoying protagonists I've come across for quite a while. Joke's on me for finishing it. 1.5 stars.
May 17, 2020
I’m always up for a good thriller, and Inheritance of Secrets has all the elements required for a gripping read. It’s hard to believe that this is a first novel, as it’s exceptionally polished and doesn’t suffer from being overstuffed with issues and subplots. If you need a distraction from being in your house, I guarantee that Inheritance of Secrets will change all that.
While I’d classify the novel as a thriller overall, it does have some elements of historical fiction and a crime novel. Juliet is a writer and her beloved grandparents have been brutally murdered in their own home. Why? It could be a home invasion gone wrong according to the police. But when Juliet’s sister Lily appears, truly scared for her life, things change. Some shady characters want to know more about their grandfather’s signet ring and the sisters are forced to confront that their grandfather may have had secret links to Nazis. It’s something they refuse to believe though, and through some super sleuthing of their own they manage to get tangled up in a group that will stop at nothing to get what they think the sisters have. The only problem is that Juliet and Lily have no idea what it is! It’s an emotional time for Juliet, as she was close to her grandparents and she’s having problems with her partner (not to mention her deadline) but it ends up bringing her closer to a number of people. The ending is a little over the top, but you would never expect a thriller to end quietly in an ordered fashion!
Sonya Bates has really nailed it with this book. It’s never clumsy, overwritten or too full of issues, themes and subplots (which I find some debut novels to be). She has a very elegant form of writing – and by that, I mean that every word fits, nothing is out of place or out of character. Her descriptions of Adelaide and Victor Harbor made me long to go back there, yet I got a real sense of being there. Juliet’s travels really bring a feeling of Adelaide to the novel. The addition of her grandfather’s travels during World War II and after add another, more sensitive layer to this novel. His story was just as fascinating as Juliet’s and was a solid interpretation of the immigrant experience to Australia from Europe. I found myself reflecting on my own grandparents’ experience (although I hope their travel by ship wasn’t as eventful). Juliet’s story provided the tense, edge of your seat chapters, but Karl’s story was the perfect contrast of danger lurking quietly in the background.
A real page turner that captures a sensitive, well written story combined with action and drama; Inheritance of Secrets needs to be on your wishlist.
Thank you to Harper Collins for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
While I’d classify the novel as a thriller overall, it does have some elements of historical fiction and a crime novel. Juliet is a writer and her beloved grandparents have been brutally murdered in their own home. Why? It could be a home invasion gone wrong according to the police. But when Juliet’s sister Lily appears, truly scared for her life, things change. Some shady characters want to know more about their grandfather’s signet ring and the sisters are forced to confront that their grandfather may have had secret links to Nazis. It’s something they refuse to believe though, and through some super sleuthing of their own they manage to get tangled up in a group that will stop at nothing to get what they think the sisters have. The only problem is that Juliet and Lily have no idea what it is! It’s an emotional time for Juliet, as she was close to her grandparents and she’s having problems with her partner (not to mention her deadline) but it ends up bringing her closer to a number of people. The ending is a little over the top, but you would never expect a thriller to end quietly in an ordered fashion!
Sonya Bates has really nailed it with this book. It’s never clumsy, overwritten or too full of issues, themes and subplots (which I find some debut novels to be). She has a very elegant form of writing – and by that, I mean that every word fits, nothing is out of place or out of character. Her descriptions of Adelaide and Victor Harbor made me long to go back there, yet I got a real sense of being there. Juliet’s travels really bring a feeling of Adelaide to the novel. The addition of her grandfather’s travels during World War II and after add another, more sensitive layer to this novel. His story was just as fascinating as Juliet’s and was a solid interpretation of the immigrant experience to Australia from Europe. I found myself reflecting on my own grandparents’ experience (although I hope their travel by ship wasn’t as eventful). Juliet’s story provided the tense, edge of your seat chapters, but Karl’s story was the perfect contrast of danger lurking quietly in the background.
A real page turner that captures a sensitive, well written story combined with action and drama; Inheritance of Secrets needs to be on your wishlist.
Thank you to Harper Collins for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
April 19, 2020
REVIEW INHERITANCE OF SECRETS
Inheritance of Secrets is a historical crime/thriller written by Sonya Bates and it’s a thoroughly gripping, compelling read.
Woven as two separate timelines – modern day Australia and post war Europe, it’s a story where the past and present collide.
The story opens with a young, Australian woman, Juliet who’s at the morgue with the grim task of identifying the bodies of her murdered grandparents. But who would have killed a well-liked elderly couple? And why?
So begins a murder mystery that traces its roots back to post war Europe and to a group of German soldiers, one of whom is Juliet’s grandfather, Karl Weiss. Aided by her ex-boyfriend, Ellis and (occasionally) by her loose cannon of a sister, Lily, Juliet knows this is more than a random killing and sets out to find answers, risking her own life in the process.
The unravelling of the mystery makes this a real page-turner, but for me it’s the beautifully captured atmosphere of the historical sections that make it a stand-out book. I felt in safe, expert hands as I was guided from post war Europe, across the seas to Sydney and then further on to Adelaide – until, eventually the past and the present begin to meld as secrets finally reveal themselves.
This was a joy to read. I can’t wait to find out what Sonya Bates will offer us with her next book.
A very big thank you to HarperCollins Australia for the advance copy.
Inheritance of Secrets is a historical crime/thriller written by Sonya Bates and it’s a thoroughly gripping, compelling read.
Woven as two separate timelines – modern day Australia and post war Europe, it’s a story where the past and present collide.
The story opens with a young, Australian woman, Juliet who’s at the morgue with the grim task of identifying the bodies of her murdered grandparents. But who would have killed a well-liked elderly couple? And why?
So begins a murder mystery that traces its roots back to post war Europe and to a group of German soldiers, one of whom is Juliet’s grandfather, Karl Weiss. Aided by her ex-boyfriend, Ellis and (occasionally) by her loose cannon of a sister, Lily, Juliet knows this is more than a random killing and sets out to find answers, risking her own life in the process.
The unravelling of the mystery makes this a real page-turner, but for me it’s the beautifully captured atmosphere of the historical sections that make it a stand-out book. I felt in safe, expert hands as I was guided from post war Europe, across the seas to Sydney and then further on to Adelaide – until, eventually the past and the present begin to meld as secrets finally reveal themselves.
This was a joy to read. I can’t wait to find out what Sonya Bates will offer us with her next book.
A very big thank you to HarperCollins Australia for the advance copy.
April 2, 2020
An Inheritance of Secrets is an enticing and entrancing mystery. A beautifully woven tale of family, love, and a wartime secret. This book is perfectly timed for the current social climate, reminding us of the real cost of conflict and the true suffering of migrants and refugees.
March 28, 2020
Karl Weiss boarded Fairsea with Hans to immigrate to Australia.
When Karl and his wife, Grete, murdered in their own home, Juliet, their granddaughter tried to break the mystery of the murder, revealed the past.
Ellis, Juliet's childhood friend, who is also a journalist, now a grown man with a history which Juliet unsure if she should trust him.
The story is told from two different timelines, however it unfold beautifully and hooked me from the first chapter.
THANKS Netgalley for an electronic ARC of this book.
When Karl and his wife, Grete, murdered in their own home, Juliet, their granddaughter tried to break the mystery of the murder, revealed the past.
Ellis, Juliet's childhood friend, who is also a journalist, now a grown man with a history which Juliet unsure if she should trust him.
The story is told from two different timelines, however it unfold beautifully and hooked me from the first chapter.
THANKS Netgalley for an electronic ARC of this book.
March 20, 2020
Inheritance of Secrets weaves the history of post WW2 Europe in the 1950s with a current day mystery in Adelaide, Australia.
Karl has fled his home country for a new start, and he arrives in Adelaide with a small bag and a very big secret. Years later it's up to his granddaughter, Juliet, to discover more to his story in her bid to uncover this secret.
Beautifully written, Bates tells the story by alternating between the past and the present. Juliet is determined to figure out the truth to her grandfather's past so she can figure out how it all ended so badly. And her story is shadowed by casting the reader back into the past and uncovering some of the clues she's slowly discovering in the present.
I adored the historical sections of this novel, getting a glimpse of war torn Germany at the end of the war, and following young Karl on his journey to Australia. I enjoyed the way Juliet got to know her grandfather by peeling back the layers of time, and in a way, isn't that how it often is, that we learn more about the people we love after they've gone.
Loved it.
Karl has fled his home country for a new start, and he arrives in Adelaide with a small bag and a very big secret. Years later it's up to his granddaughter, Juliet, to discover more to his story in her bid to uncover this secret.
Beautifully written, Bates tells the story by alternating between the past and the present. Juliet is determined to figure out the truth to her grandfather's past so she can figure out how it all ended so badly. And her story is shadowed by casting the reader back into the past and uncovering some of the clues she's slowly discovering in the present.
I adored the historical sections of this novel, getting a glimpse of war torn Germany at the end of the war, and following young Karl on his journey to Australia. I enjoyed the way Juliet got to know her grandfather by peeling back the layers of time, and in a way, isn't that how it often is, that we learn more about the people we love after they've gone.
Loved it.
March 22, 2020
3 1/2 stars. A great great story line that hooked me in. The dual time line worked really well and Karl and Grete's story was beautifully portrayed. There was just something missing for me in the way the story flowed, the language felt stilted and I couldn't feel any connection between the characters.
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