DI Caius Beauchamp is one day on a luxury heritage railway trip with his girlfriend. The next day he's looking a t the corpse of the sweet old lady who had been at the next table the day before. It turns out she's quite a wealthy old lady and there's a lot to inherit, so cui bono? Her extended family hs plenty of chancers. Its a clever plot and a fast and entertaining read.

This is the third in the DI Caius Beauchamp series and I was extremely happy to be back in his company. Things have changed since the second novel - Caius is now living with Callie, and his family have inherited a country house and a title. He is still working with DS Matthew Cheung and DC Amy Noakes, both a little uncomfortable with the changes, particularly the involvement of the Rt. Hon. Lord Arthur Hampton. Hampton has set up a special unit, headed by Caius, investigating special crimes, which also allows him to pick any cold case that interests him to solve.

We begin with Caius and Callie on a train to Bath. It is one of those expensive day trips - all Golden Age glamour and endless food. On the train is the elderly Mona Frogmorton with her granddaughter, Rosie. Shortly after the trip, Mona is found dead and there seem to be links to the train journey. Before long Caius, his team, and us the reader, are embroiled in a case involving the Far Right, political ideology and the rather cultish aspects of many online influencers.

I would suggest strongly that you read this series in order, but if you enjoy intelligent crime novels, with thoughtful characters, then this is a series you need to add to your TBR list. Charlotte Vassell is a must-read author for me and I will happily read anything she writes. I was delighted to get a copy of her new novel from NetGalley and am delighted it is another 5-star read for me.

In this third outing of Caius, Matt and Amy the team are investigating a double murder. It’s complicated as Caius realises he recognises both victims from a train ride to Bath he has enjoyed with this partner Callie. Once again there are complicated and self interested intrusions from Arthur. Charlotte Vassell gently critiques wealth, class and privilege. The mystery is tightly plotted and a pleasure to read.

I love this series. Caius Beauchamp.is so well drawn and the plots never disappoint. Another great read!

this series took a while to bed in - not least because of complicated family trees! But this is definitely my favorite book of the three so far. Caius is a great character and we are really getting a great feel for those in his orbit too. There's a definite touch of the Golden Age about this series, coupled with a good mystery. Will read more.

A Deadly Inheritance by Charlotte Vassell is the third book in the Detective Beauchamp series. This time Caius Beauchamp settles some more into his role of a 'nouveau rich' after he finds himself in line for a notable inheritance. He is, however, still active as a police detective and is introduced to a case that hits a bit closer to home; he's sent to solve a double homicide in an upper-class family where there's also a sizeable inheritance at play.
A Deadly Inheritance is the first book I've read by Charlotte Vassell, and she made me fall in love with Caius Beauchamp. He has a smooth but non-arrogant air about him, which makes him a great police detective (who has to be intimidating at times), but he's also the perfect boyfriend/husband material for his girl Callie. So, when I'm looking for my next whodunnit, be sure that I'll be picking up this series!

The story is written chronologically; each main chapter refers to the day of the week, and all subchapters are introduced with their location. This is a crystal clear way to indicate time and place, so no dramatic flashbacks or flash-forwards, and I'm all here for it!
The characters are also built very well. Caius himself is a very likeable, dutiful person who connects well with his team, Amy and Matt, and with his girlfriend Callie, who he supports above all else.
The writing is clear and a good fit for a whodunnit. Although the novel is a bit lengthy, I don't think it's too long. For Charlotte to depict the characters to their fullest potential and have the plot run its course, she needed it to be on the lengthier side. Readers who prefer a fast-paced murder mystery might find this novel a bit too lengthy for their tastes.

Although A Deadly Inheritance is the third book in a series, it is perfectly readable as a standalone. The only slightly offputting thing would be Caius' backstory how he is entangled in this family history and how his claim to its inheritance came to be, which is better understandable with the knowledge of the first two instalments.
In all, it is a well-written murder mystery that aligns with my interest in Janice Hallet's work, like The Appeal and The Twyford Code. Charlotte, however, adds another layer to the story with the involvement of London upper-class members and addresses social issues like racism and political intrigues. It is simply a perfect fit for everyone who loves a good, profound whodunnit. To be honest, though, I would also enjoy a poshly catered train ride to Bath!

*All opinions are my own, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher of this book, Faber & Faber Ltd, for providing this DRC*

I’m going to preface this that I was unaware that this book was part of a series. I have not read any previous Caius Beauchamp stories.

The premise of the two murders in the house, is interesting, especially when one of them is completely unknown to the family. It would be really easy to assume that the murder has been conducted through burglary but as the story unfolds the plot thickens.

Overall, the murder mystery is a good one. There is procedural parts to the police work that makes it realistic. I can believe trawling through CCTV footage to be boring and the need for snacks. There is C also dialogue about whose turn it is to make the tea; something that I’m sure everyone can relate to.

The reason I have given this a low score is because of the serial element of this book. Like I said I have not read any of the previous novels. However, my opinion is that it shouldn’t matter. I’ve read many books out of series that have made me want to read the prequels. However, for this book there was certainly plot points and inter character dynamics I couldn’t fully appreciate. The main character has a family history that comes into play within parts of the story. Somehow he has gained a baronetcy and there is a history with certain characters which isn’t fully explained. Obviously that was a previous book but usually books do provide a slight recap that readers can remember who’s who and how they’ve got there, let alone for a reader new to the series.

Because there was this assumption that I had read and was fully up to speed with Caius Beauchamp there were times that I found the story frustrating. I didn’t understand the context completely so it became irritating instead of letting me be completely immersed in the novel.

This was good,
I am aware that this is the third book in the Detective Caius Beauchamp series, but I hadn't read the first two and still followed it mostly fine but I may be out of the loop about a few small details. It's a gripping mystery that digs into class, politics, and the messier sides of society. What starts as a suspected burglary quickly turns into something darker and more greed-driven. Where there's a will, there might just be a killer
The characters were the highlight for me. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Caius and his team, and his relationship with Callie added a nice personal touch. The mystery is a slow burn and occasionally drifts into exploring some very unpleasant characters (like far-right influencers), but it all comes together in the end. I would personally give this a solid 3.5

First of all thank you for approving my request!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The authors writing style had me hooked throughout this book.

I didn't want it to end, a book I really couldn't put down.

A Deadly Inheritance by Charlotte Vassell is a stylish and addictive mystery that weaves family secrets with the high stakes of a double murder investigation. Detective Caius Beauchamp is sent to a South London townhouse, where what appears to be a botched burglary soon reveals deeper, darker truths about the well-to-do family involved.

As Caius grapples with his own recent shift into upper-class life through a complicated inheritance, he finds the case hitting uncomfortably close to home. With his reputation at risk and influential forces pushing for a quick resolution, Caius must navigate a web of secrets that threaten to destroy more than just the victims.

An engrossing read filled with tension and unexpected twists, A Deadly Inheritance is perfect for fans of gripping mysteries and complex characters.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

The third in Vassell’s Detective Caius Beauchamp series is, like the first two, tightly plotted and with an enjoyably awful cast of characters. If you, like me, enjoy books about rich people behaving badly, this is the series for you. However, I wouldn’t say this works as a standalone, so would recommend starting at the beginning.

First to say: This book 3 in a series. While it could be read as a standalone, why would you sleep on these intelligent, sharp and funny novels?

These books tend to hold every single thing a reader could want. Thriller? Check. Mystery that keeps you wondering? Plenty. Characters that you want to know and see some of your friends in? Sure.
It is beyond me that I am still telling people about Vassell. The talent it takes to give me Agatha Christie and move in to the real history of colonialism AND give me a laugh….come on!

These books are for you, and I’m sure of it, the prose is perfect, dainty romantic beauty for a train ride for instance, and cold revulsion for the possibility of neo nazism. Vassell excels at everything she gives us, she will make you concerned that a group of friends might not work together and she will make you laugh about the intricacies of the uneven domestic division of chores.

One of the real joys of this book, is it is the third and at no point has the pace or the stories dropped. There was no difficult second album.

With deeper issues of class, racial injustice and feminism rumbling on every page, you finish these books having found the answer to the mystery but with a take away that you’ll remember. This is a book you’ll read again.

Buy the book, Buy all of her books. You won’t be disappointed for a second.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an absolute triumph.

Charlotte Vassell has fast become a must read author. Her funny, eccentric murder mysteries are outstanding. This is another excellent edition in a stunning series.

Though I did find myself becoming slightly confused with the connections between characters at the start of the novel, this is a witty and satirical and a murder mystery.
Combining a witty and satirical look at the world of the British class system and those in the upper classes, while investigating a murder that impacts their cosy world, A Deadly Inheritance returns to the world of DI Caius Beauchamp (along DS Matt Cheung and DC Amy Noakes) who is responsible for the investigation into a double murder. With white supremacy rearing it's truly ugly head and a potential love triangle causing confusion, Caius and team have their most complex and political difficult fave yet.
Vassell provides the reader with a reader with the opportunity to view and experience this rarified world, while contrasting the views of the inhabitants with the 'real world' views of the police officers. This novel will have a widespread appeal.

This new outing for detective Caius Beauchamp is an easy and enjoyable read, much like the previous one. This, despite the complexity of the issues that the writer raises in this book. Not least Britain's convoluted class system!

A burglary gone wrong results in 2 deaths. But was it in fact a burglary? When the rich and powerful are involved, things are often not straightforward, as Beauchamp is finding out to his detriment...

Worth reading, especially if you enjoyed the writer's previous book, this get 3.5 stars.

‘A Deadly Inheritance’ by Charlotte Vassell is the third book in the Detective Caius Beauchamp series. It’s an addictive mystery addressing similar themes to the first two instalments: the British class system, politics and society relationships. This time, the team are investigating two murders that initially appear to be the tragic repercussions of a burglary gone wrong, before evidence suggests something even darker and more materialistic at play… Where there’s a will, there might just be a killer lurking nearby!

For me, the best elements of this novel were character-driven. I find the dynamics between Caius and his team fascinating, and seeing how their views and ambitions evolved following the surprising news at the end of the last book. I also adore the relationship between Caius and his girlfriend Callie.

The mystery at the centre of the book was slow-burning and somewhat lost its way among the interesting exploration of deeply unpleasant characters, far-right ideologies and trad-wife influencers, but concluded satisfyingly. As ever with this series, emotional punches came from cold cases closer to Caius’s heart.

This was a four star read for me, and I’m eager for the next novel in the series.

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Faber & Faber via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

An ok read which i struggled with.
I found myself going going back to it several times and was never completely drawn in.
So sorry for the blah review.