The Beaumont Bequest

This is such an original and beautifully told story. I've just finished reading Sarah Waters' The Little Stranger, a prize nominated ghost novel - The Beaumont Bequest is equally as good. Patrick is loathesome and the whole atmosphere of the book is very well done. Natural dialogue, original prose and a smooth-flowing narrative. I'd buy it and recommend it in a heartbeat.
Six gold-encrusted stars and a place on my shelf.

I'm really waiting to read on now, how can you leave us here? This is beautifully written, mysterious already and I liek the cliff hangers to tease one on to read more. The character s come very much to life even if poor old Rex doesn't. It's an unusual story, delicately drawn out...and not, thnakfully, a galloping thriller as someone here has said. i agree with them. I love a book that takes its time devloping the characters and I love old houses (As you noted from Gisla's Hill) so it has all the elements to entice. I give this 6 stars. Why are all the best books on here unpublished...I'd buy this one any time. Lorri

Would love to see this published. The first two chapters held my interest and the read was effortless. Jake

This is wonderful! I started reading, and kept on reading. Without pause. The pace, for me at least, is perfect. The writing is fluid, confident and polished. The best compliment I can make is that I don't notice that I'm reading. The story simply unfolds, like a film in my head.

And there's one other thing that I feel deserves high praise:
A thoroughly unlikeable main character, who does not, however, affect one's enjoyment or interest in the story, in the least. There is only one other book I've read, in which the main character is as unlikeable as Patrick, and yet I count as one of the best thrillers I've read, and that is "A Sight for Sore Eyes" by Ruth Rendell. This is NOT easy to do, and well done for pulling it off as masterfully as you have.

Best of luck with this! It lacks nothing that I can see, and deserves to be published.

Irene

If there is one thing sure to bring joy to one's life it is to see a devious and spiteful character get his/her com-uppance and this book looks as if it's going to deliver the goods. Everything Sly says in spades. Wonderfully fluent writing, along with interesting tiny details - his key sinking right into the wordwork of the window - , characters introduced without loads of info-dump but revealed in a few words (Meredith's suspicions of Patrick compared to Diana's naive acceptance of his offer) and loads of natural dialogue. The house also comes alive from the very first chapter on (the cold and the smell of the mushroom farm),the books in the library turning to dust.. Star sprinkling seems to be the order of the day and I shall keep up the noble tradition. Backed with pleasure Jaye

‘Beaumont Bequest’
Your description of Heartsease is very convincing, I can smell the dust and mould and feel the rotting wood. Was the dropping of the manuscript in the bin a swipe at editor’s interns? Nice. The characters shape up well in chapter one and they remain consistent thereon. I feel you have just the right number of characters introduced at the right time, I didn’t lose track. I had an image of their physical characteristics but you describe Patrick and his sisters more in ch 2, so I changed my image a little.

You weave smoothly between present and back story and you do not remain so long in either that we forget the thread. I felt I could do with a little more descriptive material and context at times in chapter one but it read well and was not as bullet-point as some new novels. The pace was edgy and engaging. Ch 2 has rich descriptions of the house and its intriguing contents and this and subsequent chapters had a good balance of dialogue and description. I particularly liked the scene with Patrick and the monstrous carvings.

In ch 3 we change p.o.v. to Barbara effortlessly and smoothly. She develops well as a convincing character we can empathise with. Patrick’s hard determination comes across powerfully. I felt you could perhaps make more of the supernatural happenings at the end, maybe covering Barbara’s reaction? Or is this subtlety, cleverly whetting our appetite? I loved the short story about the Croxton Canary and at this point am curious as to its function in the plot. I’ll read on later.
Minor typo: Ch 1 last para: Meredith was [a] shrewd negotiator.

Overall a thoroughly enjoyable read that reminded me of Barbara Erskine at times, particularly in the scheming Patrick and the supernatural elements. I would like to see this published. Highly starred.

Nick
‘Where She Lies’

The Beaumont Bequest. A Historical Fiction Group review.
A dramatic cover, which relates to your pitches. The short one is concise and clear. I had to read your long pitch twice in order to work out the plot.

Ch.1. We move right into the action, with a well-described back-cloth, and Patrick and Barbara skilfully introduced, their characters already unfolding.
The shadowy Vincent also makes an appearance. I have a feeling he will bring much to bear on the future story.
By the end of this chapter, you have well and truly set the scene, developed the characters, and I am duly hooked.

Ch.2. You reveal Heartsease's history masterfully as the action progresses. I am intrigued by the mention of the Croxton Canary, and just have to move on, after reading that last sentence.

Ch.3. So - you've kept the reader waiting. Clever. Barbara's character and place in the story are expanded upon.

Ch.4. A mu8ndane answer to the riddle of the second chapter. Is that what you're going to do in this story - build up tension and expectation, only to dash it all to nothingness? But you are a master at the build-up.
That letter of Meredith's has three 'back's in the space of two sentences.

Ch.5. You weave the threads of your plot with excellent skill. Even the short story has its place. And the twists are not so obscure that they are lost to the reader.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the read. Thankyou. Multi-starred, and back onto my w/list for eventual shelving.

Jane (Breath of Africa).

I read the first couple of chapters and thought this was a very polished piece of work. Beautifully written with good characterization, excellent descriptions and a menacing undercurrent. The crumbling condition of Heartsease adds to the atmosphere. On my WL for further reading and given 5 stars. Good luck with this.
On a completely separate matter, the line "futile writing career" in c1 struck a nerve with me - can't think why!

Happy to back your work! Liked the first two chapters. Hope you have a chance to take a look at Dark Side by CC Brown. Good Luck.
Sue50

Hi Jo
I’ve only just got round to reading more of your book. Sorry about the delay but I was wading through a monster tome.
At the start of chapter two, I got a bit confused as to whose house was sold and which funeral you were talking about. I worked it out quite quickly. It is only a minor problem but worth looking at.
In chapter one you say that he entered the house just hours after hearing about Rex’s death and that he had already talked his sisters into selling their share of the house, but in chapter two he is trying to persuade them to sell him the house after the funeral. Opps. Or have i miss read something?
If the house is worth £1.3mill after tax, wouldn’t his first offer be a third? (£433,333) and Meredith’s offer would value the house at nearly £2 mill. I’m confused again.

I hope it helps

Geoff.

thanks for the reply. all sorted out now and i'm contiuing to read with added interest.
all teh best
geoff

Hi Jo,

Just taking a quick peek to start.
First impression, plot is going to pull me in, pitch already did. There is a little bit of telling going on here, with some weak verbs appearing too, indicated by the use of 'quickly' for example. Instead of saying something like: 'he quickly made his way...', why not try 'he hurried...'. It increases the pace and cuts down on unneeded words.

You mention that the body had been removed some time ago, but the hearse only just left and the death was an hour ago. Some time suggests a longer period to me.

The envelope with note attached, and keys, became a bag at some point. Because he opened the bag to find the MS, not the envelope.
I love how subtly you tell us Patrick has a wife and her name. It just slips in there,. Nicely done.

I wonder if you need to tell us that Patrick's thought was exasperated. It should be obvious from hat he thinks, how he feels. I would be inclined to just say... he thought. (of course, these are questions of style, and you have your own so use it if you prefer. I just give my ideas).

Has Patrick really been plotting a lifetime? Did he start in his early childhood, or more likely when he was 20 or so? In which case, he has been plotting for 'his age - 20 years'. Lifetime is a bit too dramatic in this context. He could have waited his lifetime for a moment like this (even kids dream of riches... treasure), but plotting it?

Patrick comes across as a greedy, uncaring , absent father. I'm guessing your intention. Again, subtle illustration and well done.

I get to the end of chapter 1 having enjoyed the read thus far (my brief intro until I read further in may) and curious about what is to come.

There's 1 space on my bookshelf, which only contains the 5 best books I know on Authonomy at any one time. They don't lose their space till I find something better. You just took that last space.

This is such an original and beautifully told story. I've just finished reading Sarah Waters' The Little Stranger, a prize nominated ghost novel - The Beaumont Bequest is equally as good. Patrick is loathesome and the whole atmosphere of the book is very well done. Natural dialogue, original prose and a smooth-flowing narrative. I'd buy it and recommend it in a heartbeat.
Six gold-encrusted stars and a place on my shelf.

A drawing together of many threads, of legend, myth, classic ghost tales.
The further I have read into it, the more I appreciated how ambitious and wide-spanning the plot is.

Some Favourite images and spooky bits :

The Whispering Priest
The Recording Angel and Watchful Avenger
Patrick’s walk across the library
Chap 40 : Stephen looking for Patrick
Chap 41
Vincent Bonaccord, and the bargain
Chap 47 : the Hunt . . .
And chap 48, ending scene.

The whole idea of books keeping characters alive I find immensely pleasing and satisfying, plus the stories behind personal objects (the Leica, the pen).

Thanks for sharing, hope to see it on many more bookshelves !

I love your story line-very creative and imaginative. At times I had to reread parts and try to figure out who's who, but was worth the effort. Great job.
Dina of 33 and Halo of the Damned

Hi
This feels like a story I could easily get into. Ch1 is polished and well-written, imo.
That said, down about 2 pages "...bearing a document that he wanted witnessing." Doesn't sound right to an American ear, but maybe it's one of those English manners of saying things.

I skimmed quickly through ch2&3 and they seem much less refined - primarily the frequency of 'had'.

enjoyed reading and added to my watchlist to read at a later date. wondered if you would peek at my book and give me some feedback r/t us being in similiar genres. thanks.
kendra ziems/autumn lullaby

THE BEAUMONT REQUEST
Dear Jo,
I originally backed this about 4 months ago. I really enjoyed what I read then and after adding a few more chapters I can honestly say this a still is a great read. You have written this beautifully with masses of mysterious happenings to keep us on out toes.

You have an excellent opening and your description of Hearsease is a very vivid scene of an old decrepit house, mouldering away with Rex's old stuff lying around. . Rex's words are haunting as the reader is instantly aware that there is a lot more intrigue to come. You introduce Patrick, who I immediately took a dislike to (well you HAVE to have a sleazy lawyer don't you!!?)
Strong story-line, excellent characters and full of suspense. Great! Happy to re back this and good luck as this deserves to do well. Just when can we see this published I ask myself?! I've given this the full 6 stars as it is a particularly enticing read.
Best Wishes
Faith
THE CROSSING

Jo -

The Beaumont Request - I enjoyed this enormously. Did you lose your comments at some point? because I'm sure I read and supported this story in the past. Patrrick, what a nasty character. He'll have it coming. Great writing, and there are some wonderful clues left hanging, like 'Vincent' and I loved the end of chapter 2. Meredith, ha, ha. Same with chapter 3, cliffhanger. You do them well. So highest star -ating, the least I can do right away. And I'll support this story again. Poke me if it takes too long , I'm precarioulsy edged on the ED desk and it's not easy :) Best success, Pia

Jo, this first chapter is beautifully presented and written with grace and economy. In a short space of time you paint the frustrations of the various characters and a lack of trust which will surely lead into an intriguing plot. In terms of descirption you work on the 'less is more' basis which piques my interest. A very worthwhile read and I look forward to it. Robert.

Much more than a haunted house novel this although funny noises, shadows and a particularly scary sink, plus the fact that 'Heartsease' is built over an old church are all good touches. The first MC Patrick is an unappealing, grasping lawyer,quite prepared to cheat his own family out of a fair share of Uncle Rex's inheritance. Patrick had a good relationship with his own parents, particularly his father, and we are yet to learn what event turned him so sour and led to him not even see one of his own boys for fifteen months. His duplicity turns against him as his Uncle's books begin to exert a powerful influence on his mind and behaviour and this causes his professional life to begin to unravel. He wants to turn the old house into a profitable business centre but various forces conspire against his plans. Barbara Vane who worked for Uncle Rex is in possession of the old boys memoirs dealing with Rex's own childhood and war service. Interwoven with these two MC's stories we are able to read tales involving several of Rex's main fictional characters.There is a particularly vivid tale involving dog fighting. Things take a magic realist turn when these characters having been bequeathed in Rex's will, to Barbara put Patrick on trial for his dishonesty. There are shades of the theatricality of Pirandello in this set up. 'Six Characters in search of an Author' came to mind. My quibbles would be that the Barbara/Patrick threads don't yet connect enough and we are over halfway into the book. Also, early on I had to reread sections to work out exactly who all the relatives were exactly when they were first introduced, although it becomes clearer as we go on. The author has demonstrated great ambition with the structure of this original tale but I think some of the detail regarding Barbaras family and working life at present at least seem an unnecessary distraction from the main plot but yes I would read on for sure.

Jo,
I’ve had this on my shelf for a while and have been reading it on and off. I admire lots of things in your writing. You’ve a fantastic eye for detail and meticulously recreate scenes. However the prose passages often felt over written. It’s as if you need to pack extras into every sentence. Near the beginning it was almost a relief to come across the letter which felt relaxed and natural and stood in stark contrast to the density of the other writing. The sentence beginning ‘A quick check of the main downstairs rooms …’ seems a case in point where you’ve over egged the detail having made already your point.
However, this is just my reaction and may be of no relevance whatsoever to you and your future work. Good luck with all your writing.
Pav.

This is an easy read and the reader always feels in good hands. I think that some people who have a problem with the pace are looking for this to be a different book. I sort of agree with the comment that it is like Ruth Rendell (some deftly handled psychological insights along the way) but feel it belongs more in the Dorothy L Sayers tradition of crime rather than full on fantasy/gore/mystery. It's not just because the names all sound like something from the 20's, it's more that you don't go in for blood drenched characters - which a lot of people will find appealing: just enough thrills to keep them hooked into the book.
I do agree that in places things could be edited down but that goes for all our work doesn't it?
I've been more than happy to have this book on my shelf for a few weeks and wish you well with it.
Gefordson
Nothing you can do.

Interesting pitch, but what is Barbara's role? You simply say she 'She finds herself being steered towards a new venture'. Does she interfere with Patrick's sentence and risk...what?
Read the first chapter and it certainly drew me in. A little wordy in places and the occassional 'had' and 'was' which could be cut (eg, Rex's visit to Patrick's office could be a flashback, so you could cut the 'had's), both would make the prose flow a little more smoothly, but they are minor edits; the content is fine.
I don't normally comment on book covers, but I felt the balding man was a little off-putting. If that is what Patrick is supposed to look like I'd have problems empathising with him. I would stick to the partly burnt book and leave the reader to imagine the characters for themselves.
All the best,
NaomiM

Backed with pleasure. Saffina.

http://www.saffinadesforges.com

I pick and choose my shelf carefully. I started your first pages and enjoyed the smooth prose and ept style. I like it and shall return to read more. It is a pleasure to read quality wordsmithing. I do not have the idea of the story yet, but I will have before long, I already know it is my style. I shall back it and award 5 stars. I shall keep you on my shelf as long as I can to hopefully advance us both.

B. Lloyd recommended this book to me, and I'm glad she did. This is just superbly written. And what a hook. Your style is wonderful, really draws me in, though the plot did that from the start. This is just my cup of tea, and the minute autho decides to let me back it, I'll be doing that.

Very best to you. ~E

HI JO 'THE BEAUMONT BEQUEST '
THIS book is well written and a compelling read from chapter one, the details of the story never flagging as it brings you along, great attention to detail as he inspects and rummages through the old furniture and the paper, while he feels that the ghosts of the manor are all about the place and scolds himself for having the fears of a child. Atmospheric with great use of the fantasy mind here. like it .
backed with pleasure
tom bye
from hugs to kisses'

I looked for anything I could be constructive about but really I can't.
You write so fluently, this a pleasure to read. There is nothing to stumble over and the mystique you have created is subtle yet evident.
A simple but effective first line piques interest and so it continues as I read on. This is surely a fantasy in solid hands which I'm sure will culminate into a fine read. My pleasure to support. Margaret.

this is well written so i am supporting it again...
j

Would love to see this published. The first two chapters held my interest and the read was effortless. Jake

A thoroughly enjoyable read! Original and well written. I was sorry that there were only six chapters uploaded. Your characters are interesting and believable, as is the family dynamic. Vivid descriptions allow the reader to visualize the setting.
My one suggestion would be to consider shortening the uncle's short story a little. It is interesting and does give the reader insight into what is to come regarding the yellow stone, but at the length it is it slows the pace somewhat.
I hope you uploiad further chapters!

This is wonderful! I started reading, and kept on reading. Without pause. The pace, for me at least, is perfect. The writing is fluid, confident and polished. The best compliment I can make is that I don't notice that I'm reading. The story simply unfolds, like a film in my head.

And there's one other thing that I feel deserves high praise:
A thoroughly unlikeable main character, who does not, however, affect one's enjoyment or interest in the story, in the least. There is only one other book I've read, in which the main character is as unlikeable as Patrick, and yet I count as one of the best thrillers I've read, and that is "A Sight for Sore Eyes" by Ruth Rendell. This is NOT easy to do, and well done for pulling it off as masterfully as you have.

Best of luck with this! It lacks nothing that I can see, and deserves to be published.

Irene

Hi Jo:

You probably don't even remember commenting on and backing my book, it's been so long ago now, but I've finally made it here to your excellent "The Beaumont Bequest." This is superb writing melded to excellent storytelling craft. The confident voice here pulled me right in to the intriguing storyline. The only thing I could find to nitpick about is the name Heartsease, which is both a visual and lingual tongue-twister. I see the play on words, but it did bring me up short. Nevertheless, I wish you success with this. It certainly is deserving.

Best,
Rob

I'm really waiting to read on now, how can you leave us here? This is beautifully written, mysterious already and I liek the cliff hangers to tease one on to read more. The character s come very much to life even if poor old Rex doesn't. It's an unusual story, delicately drawn out...and not, thnakfully, a galloping thriller as someone here has said. i agree with them. I love a book that takes its time devloping the characters and I love old houses (As you noted from Gisla's Hill) so it has all the elements to entice. I give this 6 stars. Why are all the best books on here unpublished...I'd buy this one any time. Lorri

If there is one thing sure to bring joy to one's life it is to see a devious and spiteful character get his/her com-uppance and this book looks as if it's going to deliver the goods. Everything Sly says in spades. Wonderfully fluent writing, along with interesting tiny details - his key sinking right into the wordwork of the window - , characters introduced without loads of info-dump but revealed in a few words (Meredith's suspicions of Patrick compared to Diana's naive acceptance of his offer) and loads of natural dialogue. The house also comes alive from the very first chapter on (the cold and the smell of the mushroom farm),the books in the library turning to dust.. Star sprinkling seems to be the order of the day and I shall keep up the noble tradition. Backed with pleasure Jaye

Reporting back, Jo - first a few things that struck me as I was reading, either because they were clever, or indicated something special...

Tart-tongued little sister and her working-class oik of a husband
Freeze the cockles off a brass monkey and smell like a mushroom farm
Screamed like buggery
Light footsteps in the passageway behind him
A cold hand closed its fingers about his wrist
It's the wrong time of year for blossom
Within the smoke, human shapes were forming

The bit of the story that had me grinding my teeth, was Barbara bringing the CD to Peter - ARGH! Don't do it!

My heart sank a little when I realised chapter 6 was one of Rex's stories rather than a continuation of the one I was reading, but I soon became absorbed in Archie's tale - who would have believed diamonds were so interesting. I did wonder how suitable the story was for reading to children - but that's maybe what provoked Patrick's fears in the first place.


'Do you understand what is happing?' I think so, but not entirely. I know Patrick feels haunted by the old house and having had to endure the old man's stories. He still feels haunted, so tries to destroy all the reminders. But this act is increasing his fear. Were it not for what Barbara saw, I'd suspect most of this is in Patrick's mind. Then, starting with The Croxton Canary, he appears to become increasingly 'fixated' with the stories?

'Do the characters come alive for you?' Very much so, despite a minimal description of them in some cases...

Patrick is a terrible snob with a vindictive streak, and unscrupulous even with his own closest relatives, but he is also still carrying around (or even driven by) the fears from his childhood which include the carved figure in the fireplace.

Diana is caring and compliant - a pushover, and almost the exact opposite to her hardheaded sister, Meredith.

Barbara is meticulous, honest to a fault, businesslike but softhearted.

Eleanor's presence is everywhere even though she doesn't make an appearance - the impression is that she wears the trousers.

'Would you want to read any more?' Yes, definitely. This is the kind of book I'd keep beside the bed to read a chapter or two before going to sleep. It's not a thriller-type book to be swallowed in one gulp. That being the case, if there are other diversions into Rex's stories up ahead, I'd be looking forward to them.

Anything else you want to know - just message me.

I'll sprinkle stars on this and put it on my shortlist for backing because it is excellent.

The prose is clean. The story opens up so does Peto. We got one of three secrets. The other two are hooks.

shaft or haft?

thirty years: another hook

the note is mysterious in its absence of emotion and the book another hook

good tension with the throwing everything away. the readers shouts "no"

It's refreshing to find quality prose on here. So nice to read.

another good hook with the apparition. the reader keeps it in mind wondering if it will return

Heartsease has a character of its own. The reader finds it more compelling than Peto, who seems to take its charms for granted

section break

One secret to go, still a good hook

Heartsease continues to develop as a characters, a setting around which the family (and plot) is unveiled

section break

the last secret seems to have implications the read cannot yet grasp

This is a solid piece. Very competent prose. Skillful narration.

If the rest of the book unfolds as expertly, this is a sure winner.

What an extremely talented writer you are. The story was compelling right from the start. Great descriptive detail and imagery. Fascinating characters who interacted well with each other. Happy to back. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

Firstly I almost don't feel qualified to comment on such brilliant writing! I do have to say, your descriptions are so vivid, the reader can instantly immerse themselves into the scenes. Interesting characters too, Meredith & Patrick seem more similar than they will admit, with poor Diana caught in the middle. Love the way you end Ch3, chilling! The story just keeps getting better, it's impossible to put down. Thoroughly enjoying this, well done. Backed.

Excellent! Wonderfully written and compelling. Your writing is poetic and evocative, rich in detail. You've set up a great premise here. Very best of luck to you with this.

Hi Reo, have commented before - just wanted to look again. I think your structure is sound. The more I read the more in depth I can get into your journey. Nice work.

sincerely
jim
jack & charmian london

Reo,

That's a strong pitch both the short and the long versions (though the long gets stronger as it goes on, that first paragraph--for mine--isn't as taut as those following it).

The first chapter reads well, though the gap between the fist and second secrets was perhaps a little long (and the last could have done with being placed closer to the discovery of Barbara's card).

Beginning of chapter two I'm struggling a little to work out who's who.

There's a bit of exposition about Diana towards the end of the chapter that felt slight awkward, a bit like info-dump.

In chapter three there are hints of what Patrick is in for. My only observation here, is that where chapter two ended with negotation on whether or Patrick would get the house, this chapter picks up without refeence to the resolution of that negotation.

Those are the nits--from my perspective, for what it's worth--that I found on my way through.

But I enjoyed the style and it's a well paced story.

Happy to back this.

A fluid read - not too much not too little - just the way I like it. Unfortunately, it reminds me of my mother's estate: I had to trash all her manuscripts because they were written in a new universal language she invented. I was lucky to get away with it unlike your main character. :)

Iva P.
Fame and Infamy

This is an intriguer! Very well crafted tale well told.
Good luck with it.

I read the whole and wished you'd posted more. Two reasons for so wishing: firstly, because you write so well and I was enjoying the story and, secondly, because I had been promised the supernatural and so far most of what I could read has been closer to a thriller. True, the hints are there of more and there's nothing wrong with a slow build in a book of 150K words but it would be good to get one's teeth into the matter of the tale. A lot of what I read was scene setting and I want to know if the pay-off in terms of plot is worth it. Patrick is nicely tricky and nasty, his sisters not yet full developed as characters (perhaps they are unimportant - tho' why does Diana want Rex's camera so much? I sense a plot to come), Rex's story is intriguing,if also a slow build, and seems to cross-reference reality, and Barbara's part is yet to be revealed. In short, I am frustrated by being able to read only 11 % of the whole. Take it as a compliment! Best wishes, Harriet

Nitpicks
I don't know where you're based but UK convention is not to put a full stop after Mr or Mrs as they are contractions not abbreviations. I believe the convention is different in the US but I have no idea what the rest of the English-speaking world does.

End of ch2: 'Meredith was (a) skilled negotiator'

Reo

Your pitch drew me to you. I found it comprehensive without being a ‘spoiler’ I liked it.

With a snort of contempt ......he thrust.....(I’d say Patrick thrust) name and identify immediately. There is no reason not to.

Patrick looked up unable to comprehend the question...Mmm he did comprehend, and only too well. I’d say unable to order his thoughts, he did understand, but his mind was drifting, his schemes had been thwarted.

Saying the third secret barely grazed his consciousness made me smile, because in truth nothing grazed his consciousness.

Patrick is a character I was quite happy to dislike. He is strong. I found your dialogue smooth and did as much to move the plot as your narrative, which I like. Sometimes writers slow things down in conversation.

Shelved of course. Good luck with this.

Wilma1
Knowing Liam Riley
I hope you have a moment to take a look

Dear Reo Ayers,

It’s always a pleasure to come across intelligent writing as in The Beaumont Bequest. I was somewhat intimidated by the title and subject, as I was at the start of Bleak House -- really, did I care to read about a bequest and lawyers and family members hashing it out? But, oh, this does take off now, doesn’t it? I read the first two chapters and wish you the best with your well done work.

Backed.

GK Stritch
CBGB Was My High School

THE BEAUMONT REQUEST
Dear Leo,
I've just read through your chapters 1 and 6.
An excellent opening. your description of Hearsease is very vivid of an old decrepid house, mouldering away with Rex's old stuff lying around. Good. Rex's words are haunting as the reader is instantly aware that there is a lot more of intrigue to come. You introduce Patrick, who I immediately took a dislike to (well you HAVE to have a sleazy lawyer dont you!!?) {sorry to all those in the profession out there!} and I have to say your words speak for themself.
Strong story-line, excellent characters and full of suspense. Great! I will happily back this asap.
Best Wishes
Faith
THE ASSASSINS VILLAGE

This is a rollicking good read! Having read most of what you've posted I'm disappointed to see there's no more yet uploaded, I hope you'll be rectifying that soon? This is a complex, engaging and compelling story. It has a robust plot, strong characters, pragmatic but appropriate dialogue and all the elements of a solid mystery web being spun. It's fun. It's even a bit scary at moments too, I've found. I think your pace is appropriate and I find I'm wanting to continue (which we're often expected to but I rarely feel compelled to do on this site). Your turn of phrase at moments can be defining. I loved that Heartsease was not built but was rather accreted. I thought that was a pearler (sorry!). Well done. You should be proud. I can feel this in hardcover on a retail shelf or rather sellng from them in large quantities. Cheers, Anthony

This is a complex plot that is being developed here, aided and abetted by smooth prose.

J.S.Watts
A DARKER MOON

An awesome read with ploished charcters and rich diolouge that is engaging and captivating. C W

This comes across so authentic, and it is quite captivating by the subtle hooks and the mystery and suspense that builds. The characters are easy to relate to and although I have only read the first few chapters will be reading more at a later date.

backed,

Lisa

This is good, just right for relaxing in a chair with a nice cup of tea. I'll be reading this over the weekend :)

An intelligent, fascinating thriller. You skillfully captured my attention, and then my imagination. Relatable characters. Authentic dialogue. Accomplished storytelling. Artful writing. Backed.

To Reo Ayres (The Beaumont Bequest)

This book, at least what I was able to read, was a pleasure and I am delighted to BACK it and shelve it.

Frank James (The Contractor)