I thought it was more of a whodunit with a puzzle to solve. It's a family drama with a thriller part. Gripping and entertaining even if it's not what I expected. The author did a good job in building the suspence and the clues were left to helpt you to solve the plot. Recommended. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

4 stars Successful novelist Evelyn Moor leaves all her worldly goods to her niece Sarah Hollis on one condition. She has to solve a 36-year-old mystery of the disappearance of Evelyn’s close friend Lucy Woodfell who vanishes in 1986 aged 34. If Sarah fails to get justice for Lucy, Evelyn’s money will go elsewhere. Sarah is a smart cookie, she is witty and clever but where to start in the investigation? She heads for Craigsmoor Manor, Lucy‘s former ancestral home in Northumberland which Evelyn purchases many years ago. Does the answer lie there? This is another enjoyable read from Howard Linksey. It’s a good slow burner character driven mystery that is compelling reading. Sarah is an excellent “companion“ to take us through the mystery of Lucy‘s whereabouts. She provides illuminating insights into not just Lucy but also her family especially her siblings and she often does so with dry humour. They are a blue blooded lot but their reputations are not exactly pristine and they’re not especially likeable. However, they are an interesting bunch at the very least. Lucy comes to life via Evelyn and she too is an interesting character. The setting in Northumberland and at Craigsmoor Manor is excellent and there are some atmospheric descriptions making it almost a character in its own right. Its age and history and its past allows the author to create some creepy and claustrophobic scenes and at times there is some lingering menace. There isn’t a huge amount of tension but there is oodles of atmosphere as it builds to a good ending. Overall, it’s an enjoyable and entertaining novel from beginning to end.

What an enthralling read! Sarah will inherit a small fortune and a grand house IF she is able to solve the mystery of the disappearance of her late aunt's best friend something neither her aunt or the Police were able to do in over 30 years ... Sarah has 6 months and if she fails, it all goes to the Conservative Party!!! This book is full of interesting characters; most of which are not particularly likeable but this works really well with the story and brings up all manner of likely suspects. The setting of Craigsmoor Manor is wonderfully described and creates additional atmosphere and a creeping sense of foreboding. The plot is intriguing and very engaging and although it's a slow burn, the author keeps you gripped by his excellent story telling and I would definitely recommend to those who love a great mystery. My thanks must go to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Inheritance.