When genealogist Lucy Lancaster was hired by Pippa Sutton to research her father’s family tree, she thought she was just putting together a family tree for a young woman who had taken over her family’s hotel dynasty. She didn’t realize that she was getting involved in a mystery that went back to World War II.
After spending weeks researching the Sutton family, Lucy has put together a presentation and a video to present to the family, who will all be gathered at one of the Sutton family hotels for New Year’s Eve. But when a man stumbles up to Lucy standing in front of the hotel, hands her a pen and implores her to, “Keep them safe,” Lucy finds herself drawn into a series of questions that can only be answered by deciphering a code from the spies of World War II.
At first, Lucy doesn’t know what to do about this stranger dying at her feet. But her inquisitive nature and her love of research win out. With the help of her grandfather, her two best friends and office mates, and her trusted network of genealogy researchers, Lucy is finally able to decode the names of the descendants of the WWII spies who are now in danger. But did she figure it all out in time to make a difference, or is the killer so far ahead of her that it simply be too late?
Lineage Most Lethal is the second in the Ancestry Detective series by S. C. Perkins. The series takes place in Austin, and that unique Texas flair can be felt, and practically tasted, with how much time they spend at a taco restaurant that I would love to try out myself! I really loved the character of Lucy and her resourcefulness as she tried to solve the mystery. She’s smart and feisty, and she knows (usually) when to ask for help.
I like to be honest in these reviews, so I will say this: there is something with this cover that I find off-putting. But a publicist recommended it to me, and I am so grateful that they did. While I might not have picked up this book based on the cover (I know what they say about that, but honestly, I’m always judging books by their covers! Artists put a lot of time and energy into making them appeal to the right readers), I am so glad I read it. It’s a wonderfully written cozy with an inventive story and characters that are fun to hang out with. What more could you ask for? So if you’re like me and unsure about the cover, just stop looking at it, preferably by opening the book to chapter one, and start reading. You won’t be sorry (except when you notice how much you’re craving chips and guac as you read it).
Egalleys for Lineage Most Lethal were provided by St. Martin’s Press (Minotaur Books) through NetGalley, with many thanks.
