An Inheritance To Die For

by Judy Moore

Was the death of her college roommate’s father suicide or murder?

That question takes Beck O’Rourke to Miami in this fourth standalone book in the Cozy Mysteries To Die For series.

With three successful murder investigations under her belt, Beck enters the privileged world of her spoiled freshman roommate and her fractured family to take on her first paid job as a private investigator.

Heirs stand to inherit millions from the death of Benjamin Greene. Was it more than a coincidence that he died the night before he was meeting with his lawyer to change his will?

An Inheritance To Die For brings readers back to the Beach Reads bookstore and café, a block off the ocean in quaint Manatee Beach, Florida. Returning are Beck’s spirited grandmother Miss Alice, her fiesty lifeguard sister Lizzie, town character Scratchoff McLean, and, of course, her love interest, handsome Manatee Beach Police detective Devon Mathis.

Will their romance ever get off the ground?

Genres: Cozy Mystery

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2022

About the author

Judy Moore is the author of the popular thriller, "The Mother-in-Law," described by Kirkus Reviews as “A sharply written, suspenseful, domestic thriller.” She is also the author of three traditional mystery novels: "Somebody in the Neighborhood," "Murder in Vail," and "Murder at the Country Club."
Her latest book is "A Tennis Pro To Die For," the third standalone mystery in the Cozy Mysteries To Die For series set in the Beach Reads bookstore and cafe in the fictional town of Manatee Beach, Florida. The first book in the series, "A Book Signing To Die For," and the second book, "A Beach Wedding To Die For," have been exceptionally well received, both earning ratings of 4.7 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon.com.
She has also written numerous novellas, including the Christmas anthology "Christmas Interrupted," which contains three novellas: "Airport Christmas," "The Holiday House Sitter," and "The Hitchhiker on Christmas Eve." Her two thriller novellas "Pecking Order" and "Accidents Do Happen" are offered perma-free on Amazon.com. "Football Blues" is also available on Amazon.
Ms. Moore has a master's degree in journalism from the University of Florida and worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine feature writer, and publications editor for several years. A former tennis pro, Ms. Moore's writing background also includes sports writing, and athletes from various sports are sprinkled throughout some of her novels. A lifelong resident of Florida, she currently resides in Vero Beach.
Visit Judy Moore’s Amazon site at http://www.amazon.com/Judy-Moore/e/B0...
To sign up for her newsletter of new releases and book discounts, visit her webpage at https://judymooreauthor.com

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Inheritance to Die For by Judy Moore is the fourth book in the Cozy Mysteries to Die For series and the fifth book that I have read by this author. While the earlier books are set in the small Florida town of Manatee Beach, this one is mainly set in Miami.

Beck O’Rourke co-owns Beach Reads bookstore and coffee shop with her grandmother (Grammy or Miss Alice). They live in the apartment above their store with Beck’s younger sister, Lizzie. By now, I feel that Beck, Lizzie, Grammy, and Beck’s love interest, police detective Devon Mathis, are old friends that I get to visit occasionally.

This novel starts with a call from Beck’s freshman college roommate, Jacqueline Greene. They haven’t seen each other in ten years, but she’s seen that Beck has been involved with some high profile murder cases and wants her to come to Miami. Jacqueline believes her father has been murdered. Benjamin Greene had died to night before he was meeting with his lawyer to change his will. Is this a coincidence or something more diabolical? Was it murder, an accident, or something else? Beck has just gotten her private investigator’s license so she decides to take this as her first paid case.

The main characters continue to grow and get more depth with each new book. It was easy to visualize the characters, whether it was Beck’s enthusiasm and perceptiveness or Jacqueline’s bossiness and confrontational attitude. The other characters were also well developed. They enhanced the story, as well as provided some humor.

The prose is well-written, and the plot has a few twists and turns as it builds momentum and comes to an impactful conclusion. The author does a great job of capturing the lifestyles of the characters and making them feel realistic. The world building was well-done and transported me to Florida.

Overall, this engaging and enjoyable novel kept me entertained. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, then I recommend that you check out this series.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was August 16, 2022.


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My 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review will be coming soon.

[Linda Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to the Cozy Mysteries To Die For series! A spunky protagonist who’s solved a few murders finds herself involved with an extremely dysfunctional family! The author has written an entertaining plot that held my attention and which led me on many a wild goose chase trying to solve whodunnit! I recommend this fourth book, plus the entire series to cozy mystery fans.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beck O’Rouke has three successful investigations behind her and a newly acquired PI license. When she receives a call from her past asking for help she is eager to solve her first paying job as PI

Beck is a smart, relatable, and determined protagonist. The development between Beck and her college roommate was entertaining. I also enjoyed Beck getting to meet Devon’s parents. The mystery is a well-plotted twisty adventure. I was completely surprised by the outcome of Beck’s case. I recommend this book to mystery lovers.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Inheritance To Die For by Judy Moore has Beck O’Rourke heading to Miami to help her old college roommate, Jacqueline. Jacqueline’s father was recently found dead in his bedroom. The death is being ruled a suicide. Jacqueline does not agree and wants to hire Beck to uncover the truth. Beck has just earned her PI license and is excited to work her first official case. Beck soon learns that Jacqueline’s father died the night before he was to change his will. Beck works through her list of suspects one by one until she identifies the guilty party. The trick will be to stay alive long enough to prove it. An Inheritance To Die For is the fourth novel in Cozy Mysteries To Die For series. Each book can be read on its own (but you will be missing out on some fun stories). I like Judy Moore’s writing style. It reminds me of chatting with friends. The author is descriptive which help me to visualize the scenes. I thought Judy Moore really captured Miami. I enjoyed getting to know Beck. She is friendly, clever, determined, and spunky. Beck had her hands full with Jacqueline. We do not get to spend much time with Miss Alice, Beck’s grandmother, nor Lizzie, Beck’s sister since Beck travels to Miami for the case. The mystery was plotted out nicely. There are several suspects who could have done the deed. I like how Beck works a case. She is methodical and does not leave someone off the suspect list because they are nice. There are clues to help readers solve the crime. I enjoyed the dramatic reveal. All the details regarding the whodunit are answered. Beck gets a chance to see Devon while in Miami. She also has the opportunity to meet his parents. Beck learns something that puts Devon’s style of dating in perspective. An Inheritance To Die For is a cute cozy with a blast from the past, a curious case, a nice nanny, twin trouble, a hurtful will, fragrant flowers, and a spunky sleuth.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beck O'Rourke is back in the fourth book in this series. Beck's love for reading mysteries has helped her uncover clues in murders around town and has helped her delve into the world of private investigating. Now she has her first paying gig from her college roommate to uncover who killed her father and why, especially since the police have written this off as a suicide.

This has been a fun series to read, and I like that the author puts clues out there, but you have to really dig for them, and many are red herrings. The choices are limited regarding who might have killed Mr. Greene, and many of them have possible motives. The true answer surprised me, much like this author's last book. It was the last character that I would have suspected.

Beck's former roommate, Jacquelyn, is quite a handful. She is pushy, bossy, and takes everyone else for granted. I was glad to see that Beck doesn't let her get away with this attitude for the whole book. The whole family has some unique personalities, and not everything you believe about them turns out to be true.

We don't see as much of Lizzy and Grandma in this book, and that is ok. This story takes Beck outside of their little community to solve the crime, and we get to see her interact with Devon, and she receives some answers to questions about their relationship. I like their interaction with each other and am glad to watch their relationship blossom.

This has been a fun series to read, and I wonder what the author has in store for Beck next. Only time will tell.

We give this book 4 paws up.

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this series

I hope there will be more….Beck and Devon are just getting started. This us book 4 of 4 so hopefully more. I love the characters and the setting.

[Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Inheritance to Die For is the fourth book in the Cozy Mysteries To Die For series, which centres around bookshop owner Beck O’Rourke who has by this stage been involved in solving enough murders that she’s qualified as a private investigator. The books work fine as standalones, but it’s fun to read the whole series and get to know the characters like grandmother Alice, beach bum Scratchoff and dishy detective Devon.
In this book, Beck is summoned to Maine by an old college roommate who is convinced her father’s apparent suicide is anything but. Beck must work out whether Jacqueline is simply struggling with her grief and deep-seated dislike of her stepmother, or whether there’s actually substance to her suspicions.
This is an entertaining read! We join Beck as she grapples with the intense personalities and complicated relationships of a privileged family she thought she’d never have to see again. There are plenty of clues and twists to keep readers guessing who really killed Mr Greene, and why.
At the same time, Beck is trying to work out where her relationship with Devon is going. He seems keen to spend time with her, but always leaves it until the last minute to organise anything. Does that mean he’s not serious about her?
This is a lovely series for fans of cozy mysteries. Great characters, a wonderful coastal setting and a light tone (in spite of the high mortality rate…). I’d recommend reading the full series but you can absolutely start here if you’d prefer! It gets five stars from me.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed the previous books in this series I was looking forward to this fourth novel, and I was not disappointed. It was lovely being back with Beck O’Rourke, who feels like an old friend now, and I enjoyed following alongside her as she traveled to Miami, to investigate the possible suicide or murder of her college roommate’s father. It was also great being back at the now much loved setting of the ‘Beach Reads’ bookstore and café, “a block off the ocean in quaint Manatee Beach, Florida”. Beck is taking on her first paid job as a private investigator, following three successful murder investigations as an amateur. For this investigation Beck has to enter her spoiled freshman roommate’s privileged world and meet her fractured family, to discover if the death of Benjamin Greene, who’s heirs stand to inherit millions from his death was a suicide or in fact murder.

Beck believes his death the night before he was meeting with his lawyer, to change his will, may be more than a coincidence. Alongside Beck are regulars Miss Alice, her spirited grandmother, her feisty lifeguard sister Lizzie, and Beck’s love interest, Police detective Devon Mathis. Another gripping cozy mystery crime story in this enjoyable and engaging series, which had me hooked from start to finish. The characters are so well defined they feel like old friends and the descriptive narrative brings the settings vividly to life. I look forward to book five and being back with Beck once more!

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Inheritance to Die For by Judy Moore is the fourth book in her Cozy Mysteries To Die For series and was another intriguing adventure for Beck. This time Beck is hired for her first official investigation now that she has her private investigation license. A smoothly paced plot, several tricky twists and turns and characters who have continued to organically develop throughout the series that they feel as if they could be friends kept me turning the pages.

[Pat Dupuy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beck is a newly licensed P.I. and has her first paying job. Her old college freshman roommate-from-hell wants her to come to Miami and prove her stepmother killed her father and it was not a suicide as the police believe. Beck is excited but dreading it. Jacqueline was a pain in the rump and bossy as all get out, but her father was lovely to Beck on visits to the college. So off she goes to stay with a dysfunctional family, renew her acquaintance with Jacqueline, and investigate a potential murder. This is a smooth, easy reading mystery and I totally enjoyed it. A recurring theme seems to be relationships, how they start, how they change or don't change. Beck's and Jacqueline's. Beck's and Devon's--are they dating or just eating dinner together from time to time? Jacqueline and her toxic twin, Connie. Jacqueline and her nanny, Chacha. Beck's head is spinning as she tries to grasp all the currents and tensions in the Greene household.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

An Inheritance to Die For is the fourth book in the Cozy Mysteries To Die For series by Judy Moore. As I have mentioned before, I really love a great cozy mystery, and Ms. Moore doesn’t disappoint with intriguing storylines, murder, crime & investigation, drama, suspense, danger, intrigue, family, friendship, and interesting, quirky characters.
This story is very well developed and well-woven- with lots of clever touches that kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen and how everything would be tied up at the end. And as with the other books in the series, Ms. Moore cleverly built the suspense and tension- holding my attention the whole way through the story.
We follow Beck to Miami, as she endeavors to help her college roommate figure out a suspicious suicide that leaves millions of dollars at stake. What happens makes for a great read.
Looking forward to Book #5!

Thank you, Judy Moore!

[Mandy Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Stars

An Inheritance To Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For #4) by Judy Moore

This is the first book I've read by the author. An Inheritance To Die For is a great book and had me hooked from the beginning. This is the fourth book in the Cozy Mysteries To Die For Series.

Beck is called by an old roommate and she needs help. Beck isn't exactly sure what she's getting herself into. When she gets down there she finds that it could be any of them that murdered her friends father. The quote I chose for Beck is: “It wasn’t just about the new will, was it, Elliott? It was also about the old will. You were the executor. You knew what it said. You wanted Oliver to hear those horrible last words his father had for him. Words that his son would never forget. Words that would forever turn him against his father and cement his relationship with you.”

Highly recommended for Cozy Mystery lovers.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Inheritance to Die For is the 4th book in the Cozy Mysteries to Die for, but it is a stand alone book. I have not read all the books in the series, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. Beck owns a book store, but recently obtained her private investigator license. Her college roommate hires her to investigate her father's death. It has been deemed a suicide, but Jacqueline (the roommate and the victim's daughter) doesn't believe that to be the case. She thinks her father was murdered, likely by her stepmom, and hires Beck to prove it. I love the characters in this book, they are all well written with their likes and dislikes of each other. I was happy the mystery held out to the end, and I didn't know if it would turn out to be a suicide or murder, and if murder, who the killer was. I was a little surprised at the end. I look forward to more books, as I want to see what happens between Beck and Devon.

[Crystal McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading anything by Judy Moore. While this is a stand alone book, it does tie in with the previous 3 of this series. The beginning of the book does refer back to what I can only imagine being the plots (and outcomes) of the 3 prior books. However, even without reading the first 3, this book was an excellent read! It had a strong developing plot with some twists and turns along the way that were completely unexpected. In Book 4, An Inheritance to Die For, Beck has her first official case hired by her old former college roommate! Now, whilst the story develops around this case of whether it’s suicide or murder, there is also a developing relationship with Beck. All in all, you have a mystery to solve AND a bit of a romance story. I definitely recommend this book and I’ll be sure to go back and play catch up on the prior 3!

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Inheritance To Die For hooked me from the first page and I dove into the rest with no hesitation. I love Judy Moore’s books and her writing is just marvelous every single time.

Beck owns a bookstore in Manatee Beach, Florida, but things are about to get more interesting than she could have imagined. Her old, spoiled college roommate calls her to ask for help because she suspects her father has been killed. Beck doesn’t exactly want to help and put up with incessant demands, but she feels solving mysteries is her purpose. Will Beck be able to bring solace to the victim’s daughter, or will she uncover that nothing suspicious happened at all?

This cozy mystery will have you curled up forgetting about everything you’re supposed to be doing. I highly recommend this 4th book in the Cozy Mysteries series, it’s totally worth it!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Inheritance to Die For is the fourth book in the Cozy Mysteries To Die For series. I was delighted to see a new book in this series. For those who haven't read the previous books, this can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the earlier books first. Beck is excited to be on the case again. This time it takes her to Miami and the family upheaval of a former college roommate.
I enjoyed this book as I had the earlier books in the series. This one deals with relationships and how they can influence perceptions and events. I liked seeing how Beck has grown and how she is coming into her own. It was also interesting to see some people who knew Beck while in school versus those who know her now. I look forward to reading more in this series and author in the future.

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is this the end of the series? I sure hope not! Beck has finally been licensed as a PI and has gotten her first big case. Her roommate from Freshman year of college called her to investigate the untimely death of her father. He was set to meet his lawyer to make up a new will but was found dead of an apparent suicide. With some many people standing to inherit millions who is to blame? Was it Jacqueline or her twin? Maybe their younger brother? Was it the wife who was about to cut off or maybe her son? With so many people to look into Beck definitely has a lot of work ahead of her. Add to that a budding romance with Devon. Are they dating informally? Will they become exclusive? If you liked the other books in this series you will definitely like this one as well.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally hooked me!💓

I am so in love with the mystery and whodunit in this book. Beck goes to her old college roommate's house to investigate the death of her father. Beck meets her boyfriend, a police officer down in Miami for a date and some brainstorming during the action. This was a very straightforward story with a classic mystery theme. But as they say, sometimes the classics are the best. I did miss the interactions with the normal secondary cast like Beck's grandma Alice but she is hooked in through phone calls and Scratchoff makes a guest appearance but I'm sure they will all be front and center in the next book in this great series by Moore! Definitely check this one out!

I received this as an ARC from the author but read it via kindle unlimited.

[Michelle Troyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series of Cozy Mysteries to Die For. It is a standalone book. I did not feel like I had missed anything from the prior books in the series. Beck is a newly licensed Private Investigator. Her old college roommate, Jacqueline, wants to hire her for her first paid PI job. While in college Beck did not like how Jacqueline had acted so was hesitant to take the job. Once Beck arrives she sees Jacqueline's same actions and wonders if she made a mistake. Jacqueline's father died and the police are saying it was a suicide. However, Jacqueline is determined that it wasn't, but that it was murder. Beck is there to find out the truth and will do whatever it takes to find out the real answer. I enjoyed this book and it was an easy read.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this mystery story. This is the fourth book in this series which I enjoyed by this author. I have enjoyed this author’s writing skills from the first book I picked up from her. This is a well written story about a farther’s murder or was it suicide? This is a story that also has a touch of romance added to it. You don't want to miss what happens in this book between Beck and Devon. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. I found the characters to be relatable and truly made the story for me. They have great growth throughout the story which makes it easy and entertaining to read. I really enjoyed what the characters added to the story. I highly recommend this book and this author.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beck O’Rourke returns in Judy Davis’ fourth novel “An Inheritance to Die For”. In this story, Beck goes “on the road”, as it were, when her former college roommate, Jacqueline, calls. Jacqueline’s father has just died, and while the police have ruled the death a suicide, Jacqueline is convinced her father was murdered, and hires Beck to prove it. Since Jacqueline lives in Miami, Beck travels from her home of Manatee Beach to fulfill her friend’s request.

I very much enjoyed this latest installment in the Cozy Mysteries to Die For series. Beck has obtained her private investigator’s license and so her investigation is conducted with more logical thought. Jacqueline is an extremely demanding person and was always borderline rude to Beck, and in the course of the investigation Beck finally asserts herself, showing that she has grown. Her relationship with Devon Matthews, a policeman in Manatee Beach, is growing and readers discover more about Devon’s background in this story. I enjoyed the scenes with Beck, Devon, and Devon’s parents.

I did miss Beck’s grammy and her sister Lizzie, who were more in the background since the majority of the story took place in Miami, but Jacqueline and her family proved to be interesting characters as well.

The mystery is complex and has several suspects, as well as some twists and turns along the way. I was surprised when the killer was revealed.

All in all, this was a satisfying entry in the series. I am looking forward to the next one.

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beck has been working in the bookstore cafe with her grandmother, dating a nice man, and just got her P.I. license. Her college freshman roommate Jacqueline calls begging her to come down to Miami to investigate her fathers death not convinced it was a suicide as the police believe. Jacqueline was the roommate from hell but, its a paying job. She takes the job and finds herself in the world of the rich and things are not what they seem.
Great read, great character development. I didn't read the first couple books and I didn't feel like I was really missing anything.

[Whisper · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Inheritance to Die For is the fourth stand-alone book of the Cozy Mystery series by Judy Moore. As a person who hasn't had the chance to read the previous books in the series (yet!), Ms. Moore has done a truly excellent job of creating a stand-alone installment. This fast-paced read follows Beck as she heads to Miami to investigate the death of her former roommates father. The characters are intriguing and introduced in such a way that readers can develop their own theories as we follow Beck through the quagmire of clues. This is a perfect read if you enjoy a nice mystery.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great mystery book with some brilliant development and entertaining characters. Although this is the fourth book in the series it could be read a as a standalone. It was easy to follow and I connected with the characters straight away.
I have read a few books by this author and they are always so good. The author has a knack for developing the story well and keeping the pace. It is the same with this book. It is full of mystery and intrigue and kept my interest from start to finish. This is a great book.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth instalment of the Cozy Mysteries to Die for series (which I am silly and did not realize) however! They do say they can be standalones. I will say I wish I had read the others to get some back story but what a great book! I enjoyed this sooo much! The series title says it all, perfect to cozy up and solve a mystery! I found this book well balanced, easy to read, and it kept my attention right to the end! Beck was an awesome character and I will definitely be reading more of the series!!

[Codi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Inheritance to Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 4) by Judy Moore - Review by Codi Parham

This is the first book I have read in the series, and I fell in love instantly. Beck is smart, crafty, and intuitive. She loves her family and her bookstore. She has recently become a private investigator and agrees to do some work for an old frenemy. The character development and mystery kept me enthralled throughout.

An Inheritance to Die For, Cozy Mysteries to Die For Series, Judy Moore, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Cozy Mystery, Crime

[La Toya · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Inheritance to Die For is the fourth stand-alone book in the Cozy Mysteries to Die For series by Judy Moore. Beck O’ Rourke is investigating the death of her college roommate’s father. This was the first book that I have read in this series and I greatly enjoyed Beck’s feisty personality. There was good chemistry between Beck and Devon and both the main and side characters are well-written. The plot is entertaining and there are twists that keep you on your toes. This is a very solid read. I will be going back to read the other three books.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be an entertaining cozy mystery. Beck is a bookstore owner/new private investigator. Her old college roommate hires her to investigate her father’s murder. The cast of characters is quirky, suspicious and very mysterious. Everybody has a motive and Beck will figure out who did it. The drama, adventure, and humor will have you reading this in one sitting. I would definitely recommend this.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy mystery was definitely an interesting one. When I first read the title I wasn’t sure it was for me but after reading the synopsis and looking at the beautiful colors in the cover I decided to give it a shot. The cast of characters are quirky and everyone is mysterious in their own way. But that’s not all this cozy mystery had it was also full of adventure, drama, humor and so much more. While I have never read anything by this author before I will definitely be looking for more.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great mystery with wholesome romance and happily ever afters. It keeps you guessing until the very end. I love how it shows the characters growth. The author makes the characters so relatable. It feels like they could be someone you’ve known your whole life. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.