They Found Him Dead Review

One heir after another turns up dead…

"Silas Kane's sixtieth birthday party is marred by argument and dissension amongst his family, and then the next morning, Kane is found dead. The coroner's verdict of death by misadventure would seem to confirm that Silas accidentally lost his way in the fog. But then his heir is shot, and threats are made against the next in line to inherit his fortune. The redoubtable Superintendent Hannasyde is called in to investigate. All clues point to an apparently innocuous eighty-year-old woman, but as the Inspector delves further into the case, he discovers that nothing is quite as it seems…"

They Found Him Dead by Georgette Heyer is a delightful little read with an equally delightful cover. I can't say that I judge a book by its cover but I really like these cute little mysteries and their covers. The cast of characters in this mystery are a great mix. You have the two deaths at the beginning of the story Silas Kane and his cousin Clement Kane. Everyone is suspicious of everyone else and everyone comes under suspicion. Clement Kane's wife Rosemary is spending her husbands money like it is going out of style. Emma Kane is the crotchety old matriarch of the Kane family and really not liked by anyone so she is numero uno suspect. Stepbrothers Jim Kane, who is the next heir and "young Mr. Harte" Timmy are suspects also. Sir Adrian Harte who is the father to Timmy and stepfather to Jim is another quaint character. Lady Harte (the mother) is somewhere in the Congo but does show up eventually. Timmy insinuates himself into the investigation with his own theories and has his own mishap with a sinking boat that also makes him suspicious.So Superintendent Hannasyde and Sergeant Hemingway(characters in other Heyer mysteries) have their work cut out for them in investigating the deaths.. Miss Patricia Allison, assistant to Emma, is engaged to Jim Kane and they also have a mishap with a car so it almost looks like Jim could be next on the murderers list. Mixed in with the suspects are Silas and Clement Kane's business partners, Joe and his son Paul Mansell along with Oscar Roberts who have a scheme to what they call "the Australian deal". The Kanes, deceased, did not really like the deal that Oscar had and did not want to participate. So with this colorful cast of characters this story is a who dunnit that keeps you hooked to the end to find out who the killer is. There are other minor characters, the maid, butler and some nosy neighbors. All this comes together nicely so that I was surprised at the end as to who the murderer actually was. No the butler didn't do it..

It is refreshing to read books that are entertaining and suspenseful and witty. I liked this book so much I have three more mysteries to read. If you want a light fun read, this is it. I highly recommend it...

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Danielle at Sourcebooks for read review. I am not compensated monetarily for my opinion.