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The Inheritance
An aging millionaire. A beautiful caregiver. A suspicious will—and a detective who knows that paranoia can be deadly.
Walter Brennan is convinced someone is trying to poison him.
His family thinks he’s paranoid.
His doctor says he’s delusional.
But Walter is saving evidence.
When the powerful businessman quietly rewrites his will—cutting out his children and leaving his $80 million estate to his much younger live-in caregiver—his desperate daughter hires private investigator Harry Starke to find out what’s really going on.
What Starke uncovers is
A pattern of suspicious deaths. Elderly victims. And a caregiver who always walks away with the money.
Now, with time running out, Harry must navigate a web of lies, greed, and betrayal—where everyone has a motive and no one is innocent.
If Walter is right, someone is slowly killing him.
If he’s wrong… then he might just be losing his mind.
Fans of private investigator mysteries, psychological thrillers, and domestic suspense will love this twisted, fast-paced case from Amazon bestselling author Blair Howard.
Perfect for readers of Michael Connelly, Robert Dugoni, and C.J. Box.
✔️ Standalone mystery – Book 25 in the acclaimed Harry Starke series
✔️ Hard-boiled detective fiction meets domestic thriller suspense
Buy The Inheritance today and discover the truth—before it’s too late.
Walter Brennan is convinced someone is trying to poison him.
His family thinks he’s paranoid.
His doctor says he’s delusional.
But Walter is saving evidence.
When the powerful businessman quietly rewrites his will—cutting out his children and leaving his $80 million estate to his much younger live-in caregiver—his desperate daughter hires private investigator Harry Starke to find out what’s really going on.
What Starke uncovers is
A pattern of suspicious deaths. Elderly victims. And a caregiver who always walks away with the money.
Now, with time running out, Harry must navigate a web of lies, greed, and betrayal—where everyone has a motive and no one is innocent.
If Walter is right, someone is slowly killing him.
If he’s wrong… then he might just be losing his mind.
Fans of private investigator mysteries, psychological thrillers, and domestic suspense will love this twisted, fast-paced case from Amazon bestselling author Blair Howard.
Perfect for readers of Michael Connelly, Robert Dugoni, and C.J. Box.
✔️ Standalone mystery – Book 25 in the acclaimed Harry Starke series
✔️ Hard-boiled detective fiction meets domestic thriller suspense
Buy The Inheritance today and discover the truth—before it’s too late.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2025
79 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Blair Howard
285 books342 followersBlair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 24, 2025
This felt a little different from other Harry Starke/Blair Howard books, but in a good way. The storyline was very thought-provoking, especially around the topic of elder abuse. It’s scary how easily it can happen, and the book really makes you think about it.
It was also great to see Tim getting out of his computer cave and playing a more active role. I always enjoy seeing the regular characters grow and change with each book, and this one gave a bit more depth to a few of them.
As always, there were lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing. I was intrigued from the first page right through to the last.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
It was also great to see Tim getting out of his computer cave and playing a more active role. I always enjoy seeing the regular characters grow and change with each book, and this one gave a bit more depth to a few of them.
As always, there were lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing. I was intrigued from the first page right through to the last.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
July 24, 2025
It never ceases to amaze me how Blair Howard can switch styles so effortlessly but still maintain the same level of suspense.
No one was listening to her, her father was old, old people get confused, but Lisa wasn't going to sit back and do nothing, she would seek help from PI Harry Starke.
Harry listened to Lisa's story, her father had contacted her from the nursing home, he was convinced that someone was trying to poison him.
Walter Brennan was sitting on a eighty billion dollar fortune, he had recently changed his will leaving everything to his carer and nothing to Lisa and her brother Mark.
Harry believed that Lisa was worried, he didn't think that it had anything to do with the money although her and Mark both had huge debts. Lisa told Harry that Maya Santos, her father's attractive carer was controlling her father, restricting their visits and phone calls.
When Harry spoke to Maya she was professional, articulate and appeared to be knowledgeable and caring but Tim was able to uncover some disturbing facts.
When the deaths of people close to Walter started occurring, Harry was worried, what was happening at the nursing home ?
Walter hadn't built up his huge business without being logical and organised, he had the forethought to save specimens of food, all neatly labelled and dated, he wasn't going down without a fight.
Captain Kate Gazzara, Harry's friend and ex partner, was now involved but the scale of what they were about to uncover far outreached what either of them could have imagined.
The author has approached a very emotive subject with sensitivity, sadly, elderly abuse does happen and should be addressed. On a brighter note, it was good to see Harry's brilliant team in action again and Tim being coaxed out of his dark cave.
I received a free ARC for this book and my review is totally voluntary.
No one was listening to her, her father was old, old people get confused, but Lisa wasn't going to sit back and do nothing, she would seek help from PI Harry Starke.
Harry listened to Lisa's story, her father had contacted her from the nursing home, he was convinced that someone was trying to poison him.
Walter Brennan was sitting on a eighty billion dollar fortune, he had recently changed his will leaving everything to his carer and nothing to Lisa and her brother Mark.
Harry believed that Lisa was worried, he didn't think that it had anything to do with the money although her and Mark both had huge debts. Lisa told Harry that Maya Santos, her father's attractive carer was controlling her father, restricting their visits and phone calls.
When Harry spoke to Maya she was professional, articulate and appeared to be knowledgeable and caring but Tim was able to uncover some disturbing facts.
When the deaths of people close to Walter started occurring, Harry was worried, what was happening at the nursing home ?
Walter hadn't built up his huge business without being logical and organised, he had the forethought to save specimens of food, all neatly labelled and dated, he wasn't going down without a fight.
Captain Kate Gazzara, Harry's friend and ex partner, was now involved but the scale of what they were about to uncover far outreached what either of them could have imagined.
The author has approached a very emotive subject with sensitivity, sadly, elderly abuse does happen and should be addressed. On a brighter note, it was good to see Harry's brilliant team in action again and Tim being coaxed out of his dark cave.
I received a free ARC for this book and my review is totally voluntary.
July 13, 2025
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Harry meeting with Lisa Brennan, a new client, who is concerned someone is trying to kill her father. The 1st item she brought up was the fact that her father had changed his will leaving everything to Maya, his caretaker, and the 2nd item was that her father had called and told her he was being poisoned. Harry agreed to take the case and the next day he went to meet with Walter, Lisa's father. He also learned that Maya was controlling people visiting him and calling him. When Harry arrived and talk to Walter, he was told that Walter had been taking samples of the food he was given, but no one would test them for him. Harry took the samples to have them tested. The test came back with the comment that because they had been left so long, they weren't able to get any sort of result.
Harry left and he had the belief that something was wrong. When another event happened, he was surer than ever. Harry had talk to the cook, Helen, just a short time before he was notified that she had died. The death appeared to be considered normal, but after the autopsy, it was determined that she was murdered. When the gardener also died after Harry had talked with him, then it was determined that Walter needed to be brought to the hospital for tests.
To discover what events happened at the hospital, what Harry and his team discovered, what was going on in the background and how it all worked out in the end, then you need to read this book.
This is another winner in the series, don't miss out!
The story begins with Harry meeting with Lisa Brennan, a new client, who is concerned someone is trying to kill her father. The 1st item she brought up was the fact that her father had changed his will leaving everything to Maya, his caretaker, and the 2nd item was that her father had called and told her he was being poisoned. Harry agreed to take the case and the next day he went to meet with Walter, Lisa's father. He also learned that Maya was controlling people visiting him and calling him. When Harry arrived and talk to Walter, he was told that Walter had been taking samples of the food he was given, but no one would test them for him. Harry took the samples to have them tested. The test came back with the comment that because they had been left so long, they weren't able to get any sort of result.
Harry left and he had the belief that something was wrong. When another event happened, he was surer than ever. Harry had talk to the cook, Helen, just a short time before he was notified that she had died. The death appeared to be considered normal, but after the autopsy, it was determined that she was murdered. When the gardener also died after Harry had talked with him, then it was determined that Walter needed to be brought to the hospital for tests.
To discover what events happened at the hospital, what Harry and his team discovered, what was going on in the background and how it all worked out in the end, then you need to read this book.
This is another winner in the series, don't miss out!
July 2, 2025
it is very difficult to be an advocate for the care and maintenance of an elderly person needing long term medical care and treatment in the US today.
the reflex reaction on the part of authorities is that the patients are so to speak, a bit dotty or unreliable, and their family members, if any, are entitled and a bit paranoid.
my own mother repeatedly received incorrect care in a care home while awaiting a covid restrictions delayed cardiac surgery.
the billing department confused her February birth date with the birth date of a woman born on the same day and same year in December.
For the few doing a visual check, it woild have been obvious that a six foot tall Caribbean descent woman was not the same person as my five foot Swedish mother.
yet medical records and treatment plans were conflated.
alterations to treatment were dangerous, but ultimately not lethal, though with long term damages suffered
in a world of sloppy eldercare that allows such errors, what horrors might be possible?
this book is an exciting and deeply disturbing set of adventures with Kate, Harry, and colleagues and victims who voices might be harder to be heard.
Excellent writing, with superbly distressing well written reading and insights.
the reflex reaction on the part of authorities is that the patients are so to speak, a bit dotty or unreliable, and their family members, if any, are entitled and a bit paranoid.
my own mother repeatedly received incorrect care in a care home while awaiting a covid restrictions delayed cardiac surgery.
the billing department confused her February birth date with the birth date of a woman born on the same day and same year in December.
For the few doing a visual check, it woild have been obvious that a six foot tall Caribbean descent woman was not the same person as my five foot Swedish mother.
yet medical records and treatment plans were conflated.
alterations to treatment were dangerous, but ultimately not lethal, though with long term damages suffered
in a world of sloppy eldercare that allows such errors, what horrors might be possible?
this book is an exciting and deeply disturbing set of adventures with Kate, Harry, and colleagues and victims who voices might be harder to be heard.
Excellent writing, with superbly distressing well written reading and insights.
Read
June 23, 2025Elder abuse, a current topic that Harry Starke and the team become involved in.
The daughter of a wealthy retired businessman comes to Harry as she is worried about the declining health of her father and has concerns about the care giver that attends him. Things seem suspicious especially when a new will leaving the large estate to the care giver, to the exclusion of the daughter and her brother, is raised. Then when interviews commence, and answers to questions whilst logical, still leave doubts in Harry’s mind. And what a web of deceit and dirty dealing comes to light as the investigation proceeds. But when some of the staff at the businessman’s home die seemingly from natural causes, the investigation gets Captain Kate Gazzara from the Chattanooga police department involved and eventually a saga of ongoing dirty deeds is identified and the perpetrators of the financial abuse are revealed.
A topical story that is easy to read and entertaining as it unfolds.
The daughter of a wealthy retired businessman comes to Harry as she is worried about the declining health of her father and has concerns about the care giver that attends him. Things seem suspicious especially when a new will leaving the large estate to the care giver, to the exclusion of the daughter and her brother, is raised. Then when interviews commence, and answers to questions whilst logical, still leave doubts in Harry’s mind. And what a web of deceit and dirty dealing comes to light as the investigation proceeds. But when some of the staff at the businessman’s home die seemingly from natural causes, the investigation gets Captain Kate Gazzara from the Chattanooga police department involved and eventually a saga of ongoing dirty deeds is identified and the perpetrators of the financial abuse are revealed.
A topical story that is easy to read and entertaining as it unfolds.
July 27, 2025
This may not be Harry's typical type of case, but is quite timely given the aging population. I had some reservations at reading this story only because my family has experienced elder abuse at the hands of one of my siblings. Unfortunately these type of situations often become a case of one person's word versus others and even the state agencies who are supposedly there to make sure elder abuse isn't happening are of little help.
I loved this story in that Harry was, well Harry. He isn't deterred by others from investigating a case, especially when his gut tells him it is needed. And as can be expected the path from the beginning to the end was not straight but rather windy and twisty with some surprises. Such a timely story.
I loved this story in that Harry was, well Harry. He isn't deterred by others from investigating a case, especially when his gut tells him it is needed. And as can be expected the path from the beginning to the end was not straight but rather windy and twisty with some surprises. Such a timely story.
July 8, 2025
Harry Starke tries to save lives throughout this book. Sometimes, in other books, he is forced to fight or shoot or kill villans so others may live. This book totally flipped that script.
I was destroyed by the deaths of such lovely characters in The Inheritance. Blair Howard blindsided me when he allowed the killing to go on for so long.
I was educated about the dark side of elder care when i read this book. Criminals are everywhere, but criminals who take advantage of the elderly are as despicable as child molesters. One can only hope that crimes like the ones in this book are not prevalent in their own community.
I was destroyed by the deaths of such lovely characters in The Inheritance. Blair Howard blindsided me when he allowed the killing to go on for so long.
I was educated about the dark side of elder care when i read this book. Criminals are everywhere, but criminals who take advantage of the elderly are as despicable as child molesters. One can only hope that crimes like the ones in this book are not prevalent in their own community.
July 15, 2025
Harry is asked to look into the case of Walter Brennen, an elderly man with an either million dollar estate. His daughter is concerned that the caregiver is isolating him and having him change his will to leave everything to the caregiver. When Harry visits Walter he is told by Walter that someone is poisoning him. The caregiver and Medical team tell Harry that Walter is paranoid and suffering dementia. Things just don’t seem right to Harry and he brings Kate in on his investigation. The case blows up into something much bigger than he or Kate saw coming. Good story. Well written. Too bad people don’t listen to what the elderly complain about. Surprise ending.
July 22, 2025
The Inheritance (The Harry Starke Novels Book 25), my seventy-first read from author Blair Howard. Well-written and enjoyable, edge-of-your-seat PI fiction, thoroughly entertaining, as always! I always look forward to the next work from Howard. A Blair Howard book is like a visit from an old detective friend. It seems odd that Kate is her own woman in her series, skilled and accomplished, yet when with Harry seems to always take a back seat, just saying. I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
August 1, 2025
A wealthy elderly man’s health appears to be declining quicker than expected and his full-time caretaker seems to be deflecting his daughter and son anytime they try to check up on him. Is he being abused by the caretaker or is it just part of the natural aging process? The daughter isn’t convinced it’s just part of aging, so she engages Harry Starke and his team to investigate his care. What follows is a complex investigation with multiple twists along the way to discovering what is really going on. I’ve enjoyed all of the Blair Howard books I’ve read, but I think this may be his finest one in the Harry Starke series…so far. Can’t wait for the next one!
July 5, 2025
Wow! Blair Howard has done it again. This book was absolutely captivating. The subject of elder abuse was handled with tact and compassion as well as pointing a spotlight on a subject that is often dismissed. Harry and Kate who approach this case with some preconceived ideas of what elder abuse is and who the perpetrators are, have a vastly different mindset by the books climax. I have to admit I did also. This is probably my favorite book in the Harry stark series and I love all of them!
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
July 14, 2025
Received as ARC. Lisa Brennan comes into Harry's office and says that somebody is trying to kill her father. He had rewritten his will and cut Lisa and her brother, Mark, out of the will, and left eerything to his caregiver, Maya Santos. As Harry investigates, he finds that anyone who questioned the situation too closely, ended up dead. Since it was now time to involve the police, Harry called his friend Lt Kate Gazzarra of the Chattanooga PD AS always, an enjoyable read with great characters
June 13, 2025
Always love Harry Starke. This was a terrific story about a terrible subject that does happen. Walter's daughter thinks something isn't right with his new caretaker. Maya, the caretaker has gotten him to change his will and is she poisoning him? It's up to Harry and his team along with Kate to unravel this mystery before worse can happen. I couldn't put this story down. I would definitely recommend this book.
June 14, 2025
Sinister beginnings, family beware .
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 June 2025
Chilling tale of how abuse in the medical profession alongside others, can change your world without being aware of it. Thought provoking and challenging as the tale unravels and you descend into a callous world where being old and frail, with money, are your only crimes.
Riveting read, emotive and painful with uplifting moments.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 June 2025
Chilling tale of how abuse in the medical profession alongside others, can change your world without being aware of it. Thought provoking and challenging as the tale unravels and you descend into a callous world where being old and frail, with money, are your only crimes.
Riveting read, emotive and painful with uplifting moments.
June 17, 2025
The daughter of a rich retired businessman is changing his will and she wants Harry to investigate his caregiver because his caregiver giver won't allow anyone to visit. What starts out as Harry thinking she really needs the money and doesn't care about her father turns into something more. This story of elder abuse is well written and has you guessing just who is the culprit and will they ever be found out before there are any more deaths.
July 14, 2025
Wow, this is an emotional story that’s for sure. I have to say, I certainly can believe that if this hasn’t already happened it probably is happening right now we just don’t know about it yet. Ok, on to the actual story, I was totally and completely blown away with the complexity of it. I loved it. Harry’s book’s are usually good but this one is up there with the best of them, but obviously for different reasons. Highly recommended.
July 27, 2025
Harry Starke deals with an intricate case.
When Harry gets a case of potential fraud and abuse, he’s not sure there is a legitimate cause for concern. Things get difficult and complicated very fast. A few twists, people dying and too many variables make for an interesting story. With the help of Detective Kate Gazzara and Harry’s team, they get to the bottom of the mystery. A very good book, as usual, by Blair Howard.
When Harry gets a case of potential fraud and abuse, he’s not sure there is a legitimate cause for concern. Things get difficult and complicated very fast. A few twists, people dying and too many variables make for an interesting story. With the help of Detective Kate Gazzara and Harry’s team, they get to the bottom of the mystery. A very good book, as usual, by Blair Howard.
August 2, 2025
Harry Starke and his team get involved in an elder abuse case. Not a typical case for Harry.
Walter’s health seems to be declining faster than his family expected. His daughter hires Harry to investigate the care of her father.
A story of criminals who take advantage of the elderly. This was difficult for me to read. Deceit, dirty dealings are found as Harry and his team dig in.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
Walter’s health seems to be declining faster than his family expected. His daughter hires Harry to investigate the care of her father.
A story of criminals who take advantage of the elderly. This was difficult for me to read. Deceit, dirty dealings are found as Harry and his team dig in.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
June 21, 2025
This Harry Starke thriller starts off slowly but builds up to crescendo.
Harry is asked to investigate the fears of an elderly man that he's being poisoned. His daughter believes it as she's been restricted access by his carer. No hard evidence but carer is suspect as his fortune would be left to her in changed will - which he hasn't yet signed. But two suspicious deaths mean Kate Gazzara is officially brought in. Things reach climax and everything is revealed.
Chilling tale, which unfortunately could happen anywhere.
Harry is asked to investigate the fears of an elderly man that he's being poisoned. His daughter believes it as she's been restricted access by his carer. No hard evidence but carer is suspect as his fortune would be left to her in changed will - which he hasn't yet signed. But two suspicious deaths mean Kate Gazzara is officially brought in. Things reach climax and everything is revealed.
Chilling tale, which unfortunately could happen anywhere.
June 22, 2025
"The Inheritance" takes you on a wild and twisty ride. With themes of elder abuse and murder, this isn't a light-hearted read, but Blair Howard handles these topics with care without taking away from the intensity of the story. He is truly a master storyteller.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
June 28, 2025
This book was so good, the plot is what I would call diabolical. When Harry Starke started looking into what was happening to Walter Brennan and brings in Kate things begin to come together. What was happening was terrifying, it made the hair on my arms stand up. A really good read that I read in one sitting, I could not put this book down. I received an arc and the views and opinions are my own.
July 6, 2025
A fabulous yet sad story. Harry and Kate are embroiled in a potential case of elder abuse. A well written story that brings attention to the potential and the reality of elder abuse in our society. As is typical of Harry Stark adventures there is lots of action and you can't figure out for sure who the bad guy is until the end. A recommended read!
July 7, 2025
This is a story of elder abuse and it is very well done. The story is filled with secrets and it keeps you guessing as to who the murderer is and why this is happening. It moves along at a good pace. This is another very good book by the author.
I received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2025
A very well written and deeply disturbing look at the care of the elderly. Errors in the care of our elderly are quite abundant and provides for a very unsettling storyline. A terrific subject matter that was full of twists/turns about elder abuse. Highly recommended terrific subject that could be quite realistic in this day and age. One of Blair Howard's best books.
June 30, 2025
A daughter is concerned about her elderly father when the caregiver is limiting access to him. He seems more confused and he thinks he is being poisoned. She asks Harry Starke to investigate. Harry finds more than elderly abuse. A page turning thriller.
July 6, 2025
Another excellent addition to the Harry Starke series of books . Full of the usual twists and turns with a storyline that keeps you interested to the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can highly recommend it.
July 7, 2025
Every time I read a new Blair Howard book it is my favorite. This is no exception! I enjoyed every page and finished way too soon. Great mystery with the usual twists and turns and surprising ending that keeps you on your toes the while time.
July 27, 2025
This is book twenty five in the Harry Starke series. Is Walter paranoid or delusional? Is someone really trying to kill him? Harry and Kate are together again investigating a possible murder plot. So many twists! Excellent series addition.
July 29, 2025
An unusual case for Harry and a difficult one, but he approaches it with his usual determination. Kate also becomes involved and the dynamic duo do what they do best and work together to solve the mystery. I found the storyline very compelling. Highly recommended.
July 30, 2025
I've read all of the Harry Starke novels so far and The Inheritance has to be the best, so far. It moved fast and really surprised me at the end. The one you would least expect was the murderer! Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews