Except for a good taco, genealogist Lucy Lancaster loves nothing more than tracking down her clients’ long-dead ancestors, and her job has never been so exciting as when she discovers a daguerreotype photograph and a journal proving Austin, Texas, billionaire Gus Halloran’s great-great-grandfather was murdered back in 1849. What’s more, Lucy is able to tell Gus who was responsible for his ancestor’s death.
Partly, at least. Using clues from the journal, Lucy narrows the suspects down to two nineteenth-century Texans, one of whom is the ancestor of present-day U.S. senator Daniel Applewhite. But when Gus publicly outs the senator as the descendant of a murderer—with the accidental help of Lucy herself—and her former co-worker is murdered protecting the daguerreotype, Lucy will find that shaking the branches of some family trees proves them to be more twisted and dangerous than she ever thought possible.[summary via Amazon]
Murder Once Removed is the first book in the Ancestry Detective Mysteries, and whether you're a seasoned mystery reader or this is your first mystery you've got to read this book!
Lucy Lancaster is a genealogist and loves digging up family history for her company Ancestry Investigations. However, she digs up more than she bargains for when she discovers that Gus Halloran's great-great-grandfather was actually murdered, not the victim of an accidental death. As Lucy uncovers more, she discovers that some secrets are meant to stay buried, especially when her life and that of her friends is on the line.
Oh what an intelligent cozy mystery! Murder Once Removed is well-crafted, thoughtful and enticing. If you are anything like me and loving following the clues, then you'll enjoy the way S.C. Perkins leaves the clues for the reader to pick up and follow. In between the clues is the fascinating research behind geneology, and I found it really fascinating. Murder Once Removed left me with the feeling of not just finishing a great mystery, but wanting to research my own family - hopefully no skeletons in my closet!
I really enjoyed Lucy Lancaster as our sleuth. She's got spunk and is a laugh a minute - especially when she battles it out with FBI Agent Ben. She has a host of friends looking out for her, and they were equally a delight to meet! Her best friends, Josephine and Serena help her get in - and out of - trouble! Of course special mention goes to.... NPH. Neil Patrick Housecat! Yes, I've fallen in love with another cozy feline! NPH steals the show completely, and I can't wait for another adventure with him!
I loved Murder Once Removed. S.C. Perkins demonstrates an ability to craft a delightful debut, and I will definitely be back for a second dose when Lineage Most Lethal hits the shelf.
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