Wednesday, July 14, 2021

ARC Review: Fatal Family Ties by S. C. Perkins

Fatal Family Ties

Author:
S. C. Perkins
Series: Ancestry Detectives (Book 3)
Publication: Minotaur Books (July 20, 2021)

Description: S.C. Perkins's Fatal Family Ties is the captivating third mystery in the Ancestry Detective series, in which Texas genealogist Lucy Lancaster deals with murders in both the past and present.

Lucy is just about to tuck into a plate of tacos at her favorite Austin joint, Big Flaco’s, when she gets an unexpected visit from her former―and least-favorite―co-worker. Camilla Braithwaite hasn’t gotten much friendlier since the last time Lucy saw her, but that doesn't stop her from asking a favor. In her hand is a newspaper feature on an ancestor, a civil war corporal―and a liar, according to the article. Charles Braithwaite is depicted as a phony and a deserter, and Camilla wants Lucy’s help clearing his name.

Lucy would prefer to spend her free time with her new beau, special agent Ben Turner, but takes the case, making no promises that Camilla will like the outcome of her investigation. Camilla leads Lucy to the Texas History Museum, where their first clue is a triptych painting, passed down in the Braithwaite family for generations, one panel of which has disappeared. But before Lucy can get much further, a member of the Braithwaite family is murdered in his own bed, and another panel of the painting found missing.

There are no shortage of suspects among the Braithwaite clan―including Camilla herself. This case will take Lucy to Houston and back again as she works to find the truth, and catch an elusive killer.

My Thoughts: Lucy Lancaster is a genealogist. When she is approached by a disliked former co-worker, she's reluctant to take the job that is offered to her. She's rather spend time with her new FBI Agent boyfriend. But she is intrigued about finding the truth about Camilla Braithwaite's Confederate soldier many times great-grandfather. There has been an article in a history magazine that paints him as a deserter rather than a hero.

Cpl. Charles Braithwaite had a successful life after his service. He was a business owner who hired people of many colors, He favored more rights for women. He's had schools and parks named for him. He was also an artist and a triptych he painted has become a focus of the investigation. One piece went missing in 1988, another is stolen from a great-uncle of Camilla's who is also murdered, and attempts are made to get Camilla's piece too.

Lucy gets involved in the murder investigation and in searching for the lost parts of the painting when it is discovered that the really, really ugly painting actually covers a well-executed and potentially very valuable painting of a lesser Civil War battle. 

There are quite a few suspects - all members of the extended Braithwaite family - including Lucy's client Camilla. The story was fast-paced and entertaining. It is also the third in the series but stands alone quite well. I liked Lucy who is both smart and nice and look forward to catching up on her earlier investigations. 

Who knew genealogy could be so dangerous? 

Favorite Quote:
"How do you mean?" I returned. I hoped my face was an innocent mask, but I could feel the heat in my cheeks. It only got worse when he swiped his finger along the side of his nose as if to assure me that I didnt need to worry, he would keep my secret.
I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

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