A Will to Murder by Hilary Thomson

James Boyle likes things his way. He loves to show off his car to the small town, but a normal excursion into town he is shocked to hear a loud thumping noise. Imagine his dismay when he realizes the rap music is coming from his own car. James dies, from shame or a heart attack, it's hard to say.

The family begins to come out of the woodwork for the reading of James' will. He was very wealthy. His two daughters, Rose and Jac, arrive with their families. His sister Katherine lived with him and assumes she will be the main beneficiary. His son, who also lives with him, and hasn't worked a day in his life, also assumes he will be the main beneficiary. The reading of the will, though, is delayed as they wait on other family to arrive.

Lance and Collette arrive, children from James' long lost sister, and Bradley Smith with his reporter friend, Eric Maxwell. Bradley didn't know he had any family living until he gets the notice from the lawyer. He also brings his two cats, much to the chagrin of the family, who have a dog.

When the will is read, there is stunned silence. Arthur, the only child of Rose, receives a penny - the only grandchild to get anything. Rose and Jac do not receive anything and Katherine is the beneficiary. But the will reading stops when Jac begins to throw a tantrum.

Not long after the will reading, another death occurs. Each time someone dies, the will changes and someone else dies. With such an eccentric family, there are many mishaps, embarrassing moments and mischief as they begin to know one another. As the deaths pile up, all declared natural by the medical examiner, Eric begins to question and investigate. With that much money at stake, no one is safe.

A Will for Murder is charming, fascinating and thoroughly entertaining. It reminded me so much of the game Clue, as different people died in different rooms and you want to know, who did it? I was sad to see it end. Hilary Thomson is a very gifted writer, with an attention to detail and well-depicted characters that keep the pages flowing seamlessly. I can't wait to see what she has in store next!

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