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Fatal Trust
Stepping her perfect Jimmy Choos into place beside Ben Gallagher’s faded Nikes, straitlaced Philadelphia lawyer Catherine Barrington is surprisingly unable to resist the disarming small-town mechanic’s charm. He’s one of the heirs to the vast fortune left by his eccentric grandfather Max, a bestselling horror writer, and she’s there to carry out Max’s last wishes. Routine enough…except that inheriting comes with a none of Max’s heirs will get a penny until they’ve lived together for two weeks in the shadow-filled rooms of his mansion in the wooded hills near Lake Superior. From beyond the grave, a letter from Max insists that his death was no accident, sending Catherine undercover―and way out of her comfort zone―to catch the killer. Posing as a cocktail waitress, Catherine soon finds herself trapped with the feuding clan at the sinister Nevermore manor. To save her own life, she’ll have to confront the murderer, as well as her growing attraction to Ben―a top suspect. This book was initially released in episodes as a Kindle Serial. All episodes are now available for immediate download as a complete book.
318 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2013
About the author
Diana Miller
3 books118 followersWhen she was eight, Diana Miller decided she wanted to be Nancy Drew. But no matter how many garbage cans she dug through, conversations she “accidentally” overheard, and attics she searched, she never found a single cryptic letter, hidden staircase, or anything else even remotely mysterious. She worked as a lawyer, a soda jerk, a stay-at-home mom, a hospital admitting clerk, and a conference host before deciding that the best way to inject suspense into her otherwise satisfying life was by writing about it.
Diana is a five-time nominee for the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award and winner of a Golden Heart for Dangerous Affairs—a romantic suspense novel that shows not everyone in her home state is Minnesota Nice. She lives in the Twin Cities with her family.
Diana is a five-time nominee for the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award and winner of a Golden Heart for Dangerous Affairs—a romantic suspense novel that shows not everyone in her home state is Minnesota Nice. She lives in the Twin Cities with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 22, 2016
It was ok..kinda cheesy. I didn't really connect with the characters at all or believe their chemistry ☹️
October 20, 2017
It's rare that I quit a book, but I just couldn't stick with this one. I didn't particularly care about any of the characters, and I'd predicted what was meant to be a big twist long before it was executed. I listened to about three hours while driving, then decided to drop it. I wish Good Reads had a category for this type of situation.
February 16, 2017
Okay story, bad romance, great narration by Tanya Eby. (audible review)
So, this was barely an okay story. The character and romance development between Ben and Catherine/Lexie was extremely poor. The mystery part was okay and there was a little surprise thrown in and it did keep me guessing, so there is that. There was also a lot of dialogue and I like dialogue so there is that as well.
I think the story would have been better had the romance been left out completely since these two were not good and there was no chemistry between them. There were some entertaining parts and some cheesy parts.
As for the narration. I am a fan of Tanya Eby so it was good. The men sound like men and she reads with emotion. She has a nice reading voice too.
So, this was barely an okay story. The character and romance development between Ben and Catherine/Lexie was extremely poor. The mystery part was okay and there was a little surprise thrown in and it did keep me guessing, so there is that. There was also a lot of dialogue and I like dialogue so there is that as well.
I think the story would have been better had the romance been left out completely since these two were not good and there was no chemistry between them. There were some entertaining parts and some cheesy parts.
As for the narration. I am a fan of Tanya Eby so it was good. The men sound like men and she reads with emotion. She has a nice reading voice too.
November 6, 2017
Predictable, but fun
I admit it. I predicted pretty much every twist way too early, which made me sad. I kept hoping I was wrong, but no such luck. Yet I still enjoyed the book, even though I rather wanted to strangle all the characters myself! Seriously. They were annoying. Even the main protagonists bugged me. But I had fun, anyway, so there's that.
I admit it. I predicted pretty much every twist way too early, which made me sad. I kept hoping I was wrong, but no such luck. Yet I still enjoyed the book, even though I rather wanted to strangle all the characters myself! Seriously. They were annoying. Even the main protagonists bugged me. But I had fun, anyway, so there's that.
July 7, 2014
I won this book on Goodreads.
It is action packed with a great variety of characters.
It has romance, mystery, adventure and excitement.
And I must confess I didn't guess, "who done it"
It is action packed with a great variety of characters.
It has romance, mystery, adventure and excitement.
And I must confess I didn't guess, "who done it"
September 17, 2014
Round up to 3.5 stars. Review published at AudioGals.
December 7, 2019
First things first. Thank you, Diana Miller.
After a nearly two-year reading slump this book finally pulled me in, it didn't just end the slump it was like a kick to the butt, I finished this book in less than 48 hours.
Now onto the actual review of this book and not my own personal triumph.
I really enjoyed the Characters. I found them believable and relatable.
the showcasing of the different sides of characters was well portrayed, I despise when characters are one dimensional because it makes it harder for me to connect. The play into some stereotypes was entertaining yet used well to prove how even if someone seems to fit into a stereotype it doesn't always mean that it is their only traits, habits or abilities.
The story was engrossing without being over complicated also without being smack you in the face obvious of whodunit, The love story was throughout but again was not the main in your face topic. and not having over the top sex scenes with absurd euphemisms for anatomy really made me love it more. with family, friendships, betrayal and the overlaying topic of being yourself so well conveyed and played onto each other, with the exact amount of dabbling into the paranormal (which is normally not my thing at all!)
Overall I would absolutely suggest this as a quick, quirky and fun read.
It reminded me of a bit of a harlequin without the extreme smut.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2017
This was a freebie from an author unknown to me. It started reasonably well in a kind of "Lightweight holiday read" way but I guessed one of the main plot themes well before it was revealed. By that time the story was beginning to drag and I hadn't warmed to the main characters either. Then it started to get silly, so by page 138 I decided that I did not care enough to continue.
October 17, 2017
My Musings
This is an excellent mystery with an intriguing plot. While the romance took second place in this book, I did enjoy it. Both main characters are engaging. Happy ☺reading 📚!
This is an excellent mystery with an intriguing plot. While the romance took second place in this book, I did enjoy it. Both main characters are engaging. Happy ☺reading 📚!
October 20, 2017
Very good
I really enjoyed reading this from beginning to end. I don't know about other readers but I had an idea of whodunit. It didn't matter because I really enjoyed the storyline.
I really enjoyed reading this from beginning to end. I don't know about other readers but I had an idea of whodunit. It didn't matter because I really enjoyed the storyline.
January 4, 2024
Better than expected
This was an interesting story. It was unnecessarily convoluted and lacked authenticity, but it was entertaining enough. The writing was fluent and straightforward.
This was an interesting story. It was unnecessarily convoluted and lacked authenticity, but it was entertaining enough. The writing was fluent and straightforward.
November 4, 2017
Rather an average who-dunit w/a twist
December 28, 2017
Fatal Trust
An excellent murder mystery that was,wasn't and then was. Figure that out! Great reading with twists and turns. If you like mysteries this is for you.
An excellent murder mystery that was,wasn't and then was. Figure that out! Great reading with twists and turns. If you like mysteries this is for you.
January 10, 2018
Spend two weeks in a mansion with a possible murderer? What's the worst that could happen? This was a thrilling and suspenseful read. I was guessing up until the end. Loved it!!
March 2, 2018
A fun, crazy ride
I enjoyed this book. Every time I thought I had the murderer figured out, I was thrown for another loop.
I enjoyed this book. Every time I thought I had the murderer figured out, I was thrown for another loop.
February 28, 2018
Good bbok
This was a good mystery and romance. The characters were likable and interesting. A very good read. Recommended. The writing was very good.
This was a good mystery and romance. The characters were likable and interesting. A very good read. Recommended. The writing was very good.
August 26, 2018
Highly recommend!
Don’t debate... just buy it. Fun characters and a great story. Thank you Ms Miller! Please keep writing...and I will purchase your very enjoyable tales.
Don’t debate... just buy it. Fun characters and a great story. Thank you Ms Miller! Please keep writing...and I will purchase your very enjoyable tales.
July 5, 2019
This story had a bit of intrigue with a dash of match making skills. I loved the ending and I didn't guess who did it till the end. Great read.
February 8, 2020
It was an easy read but predictable. Thought it would be a better mystery, but oh well, will look for a different author.
Read
July 22, 2020Thrilling and wonderfull
October 20, 2022
This was a pretty good Story and I was really enjoying it until the H/h became stupid and stopped communicating. I know that it is a plot trick but it is still a bit frustrating.
May 9, 2023
This was just a little too dramatic for me. It seemed like they were going for satire, but it just fell short.
October 23, 2017
Predictable mystery/romance novel
I found this book both predictable and elementary. Athough I enjoy mysteries I had no problem putting this one down.
I found this book both predictable and elementary. Athough I enjoy mysteries I had no problem putting this one down.
December 18, 2015
At it's heart, this is a Romance, which I don't usually read much of. BUT, it also has a solid murder mystery -- which is why I chose it. Famous horror writer has died and the lawyer handling the estate has to work with one of the potential heirs to find out who killed him. And those heirs? They have to live together in the house -- which may or may not be haunted -- for two weeks or they forfeit their share of the inheritance.
Many of the characters are types, but that's o.k. It's that sort of story. Not deep or too dark, but with enough suspense and tension to keep it interesting. The romantic aspects were even quite well done -- none of the stupid "this is what I think he thinks about me but I won't bother to talk to him because there's no way I could be wring". When, of course, she completely is. No, both of these folks start with some misunderstandings, but also are smart enough to realize, for the most part, that discussing things is going to work better than making assumptions.
I borrowed it through Kindle Unlimited as a complete book -- it had apparently originally been released as a serial.
Many of the characters are types, but that's o.k. It's that sort of story. Not deep or too dark, but with enough suspense and tension to keep it interesting. The romantic aspects were even quite well done -- none of the stupid "this is what I think he thinks about me but I won't bother to talk to him because there's no way I could be wring". When, of course, she completely is. No, both of these folks start with some misunderstandings, but also are smart enough to realize, for the most part, that discussing things is going to work better than making assumptions.
I borrowed it through Kindle Unlimited as a complete book -- it had apparently originally been released as a serial.
September 22, 2017
The client, an old guy who is a best selling author. The lawyer, a woman who is a bit too controlled, recently divorced, but who really feels obligated to follow her deceased client's wishes. The hero, a good looking, fun loving, mechanic (or maybe something more). The bad guy who possible murdered the decedent - that's the task assigned to the lawyer and the mechanic by the old man.
As a final whim, the old guy includes a codicil that his heirs have to stay at his mansion together for a certain period of time. Failure to do so, no matter the excuse, means they lose out on their share of the fortune. The heirs provide plenty of possibly guilties, and everyone has a motive.
The cast of characters were varied and interesting. The clues were there but likely to lead you down the wrong path. The relationship developing into a possible love story or simply a fling was nicely done without drowning out the mystery with romance. It was a well-written mystery with a couple of unexpected twists and I enjoyed it immensely.
As a final whim, the old guy includes a codicil that his heirs have to stay at his mansion together for a certain period of time. Failure to do so, no matter the excuse, means they lose out on their share of the fortune. The heirs provide plenty of possibly guilties, and everyone has a motive.
The cast of characters were varied and interesting. The clues were there but likely to lead you down the wrong path. The relationship developing into a possible love story or simply a fling was nicely done without drowning out the mystery with romance. It was a well-written mystery with a couple of unexpected twists and I enjoyed it immensely.
May 23, 2015
1 star for being a DNF.
There was nothing here to engage me at all - no chemistry between the MCs, no lively dialogue, no tension of any kind. Whatever I managed to listen to (despite Tanya Eby's excellent narration) was just meh. I was expecting a fun story, nothing special since the plot's old, but what I got was mediocre writing with insipid dialogue and narratives.
Pity it was narrated by Eby because I have not liked her older works so I was pleasantly surprised by her performance here. I thought she did much better than Karen White who narrated the same author's 2012 book, Dangerous Affairs.
There was nothing here to engage me at all - no chemistry between the MCs, no lively dialogue, no tension of any kind. Whatever I managed to listen to (despite Tanya Eby's excellent narration) was just meh. I was expecting a fun story, nothing special since the plot's old, but what I got was mediocre writing with insipid dialogue and narratives.
Pity it was narrated by Eby because I have not liked her older works so I was pleasantly surprised by her performance here. I thought she did much better than Karen White who narrated the same author's 2012 book, Dangerous Affairs.
July 14, 2014
I had so much fun listening to this book. Personally, I think mysteries make great audiobooks, especially when there's a little romance thrown in. This one has that AND colourful, quirky characters and a big, old, dark mansion to boot. It was just so much fun.
It is action packed with a great variety of characters.
It has romance, mystery, adventure and excitement.
And I must confess I didn't guess, "who done it"
Tanya Eby was great with the narration of the story.
It is action packed with a great variety of characters.
It has romance, mystery, adventure and excitement.
And I must confess I didn't guess, "who done it"
Tanya Eby was great with the narration of the story.
December 4, 2015
This mystery was funny and sexy with loads of twists and turns. Kept me on the edge of my seat trying to guess who the killer was throughout the entire book until the big reveal. Really enjoyed the writing style and quick tongue between the characters.
This specific video review: http://youtu.be/_FLPO2HzWgA
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel Stephanie Uncensored
https://www.youtube.com/c/stephanieun...
This specific video review: http://youtu.be/_FLPO2HzWgA
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel Stephanie Uncensored
https://www.youtube.com/c/stephanieun...
June 8, 2016
Combination of kindle read/audible listen for this KU selection. (Narration by Tanya Eby 4*) This book felt more of a mystery to me than a romance suspense. I found it very enjoyable and Agatha Christie-ish. I liked Ben and found him charming. He comes across as a bit of a rube / a$$ in the beginning. I liked Lexie as well. Some of the decisions made towards the end of the story had me suspending disbelief but... I enjoyed it overall.
December 19, 2013
I had so much fun reading this. Personally, I think mysteries make great audiobooks, especially when there's a little romance thrown in. This one has that AND colorful, quirky characters and a big, old, dark mansion to boot. It was just so much fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews