Lineage Most Lethal: An Ancestry Detective Mystery

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

It's the week before New Year's Eve and genealogist Lucy Lancaster is mixing work and play quite nicely at the boutique Sutton Hotel in Austin, Texas. After two months of research she's finalizing her presentation for hotel heiress Pippa Sutton, her latest client. Lucy has just arrived back at the hotel after a day of research when a strange man comes staggering toward her. She barely has time to notice his weak, sweaty appearance and broken tooth before he presses a classic Montblanc pen into her hand, whispers, "keep them safe," and collapses at her feet, dead. Lucy only knows one person who might be able to explain the signifcance of the pen: her grandpa, who is a collector. But Grandpa has an odd reaction to the sight of the pen, and Lucy can't help but feel that it might have something to do with his experiences during World War II. When Lucy becomes convinced that her hotel room has been searched and that there's more to the pen-and her grandpa-than meets the eye, she begins to draw connections from the present-day deaths and suspicious behaviors to a group of spies in World War II. Secret codes, old grievances, and traitors seem to hide behind every corner, and as Lucy begins to connect the dots someone seems determined to make sure the Lancaster line ends once and for all.

Reviews

"Perkins neatly intertwines history, mystery, espionage, and revenge. Cozy fans will be well satisfied."
--Publishers Weekly

"Picks up the murderous magnetism right where it left off...Perkins's plots are thick with fascinating atmosphere, curios, history and family lore, but her humor and characters shine through most brightly, holding readers in an embrace of warm and lethal Southern charm." --Shelf Awareness

Praise for Murder Once Removed:

"This debut features an intelligent genealogist detective, a strong supporting cast, some romantic tension, and information about Texas history that should appeal to readers of Rett MacPherson's genealogy mysteries as well as cozy lovers who prefer a dash of history in their mysteries." --Library Journal (Starred, Debut of the Month)

"[A] fun debut. Lucy's officemates and other quirky friends add spice to this delightful cozy. Readers will look forward to Lucy's further adventures." --Publishers Weekly

"A delightful debut spiced with a tempestuous romance and certain to appeal to fans of genealogical research and history." --Kirkus Reviews

Author Bio

S.C. PERKINS is a fifth-generation Texan who grew up hearing fascinating stories of her ancestry and eating lots of great Tex-Mex. Murder Once Removed was the winner of the 2017 Malice Domestic Best First Traditional Mystery competition. She resides in Houston and, when she's not writing or working at her day job, she's likely outside in the sun, on the beach, or riding horses. Visit her website at scperkins.com or follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, and Facebook @SCPerkinsWriter.