https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43446513-a-testament-to-murder

In case that doesn't link directly to my review, also pasted below:

I received an ARC of this from NetGalley, in return for an unbiased review. Thank you for this opportunity.

The positives - the plot is a really good premise. An old man apparently dying, gathering all his potential beneficiaries together and changing the sole beneficiary name on his will at midnight each day - but none of those gathered know if it’s their day or not. Lots of potential reasons and motives for each person.

The negatives - the characters need a little polishing. I understand you need to dislike them all because they could be potential murderers. But they sometimes felt a little pantomime villainesque, rather than fully fleshed out people with nuances and shades. It was hard to feel much when for instance some of the women were so vapid and clearly thinking “I should cry here for sympathy” or “I want all the money”.

A little polishing of the characters - toning down the over the top baddy and dialling up the more serious character development - would really turn this book into quite a force.

Hugely enjoyable murder mystery set on the sunny French Riviera. The premise is intriguing, the setting perfect. A more unlikable group of individuals would be difficult to find as the chosen ones gather at the hosts sprawling villa eager to inherit a fortune upon his demise. As the body count begins to rise, however, nerves soon become frayed and suspects numerous. Swiftly moving with red herrings aplenty and a twist in the tail, this is an entertaining read.

This was a lot of fun...classic country house setting (albeit in France), distinct characters, shades of “And Then There Were None”, several murdrrs. Then it all falls apart st the end with an over the top, preposterous solution. Still, a fun ride!