The Dead Shall Inherit is the first book in a semi-cozy mystery series set on an isolated island off the coast of Scotland written by Raye Anderson. Released 1st Sept 2024 by the Literary Press Guild of Canada, it's 230 pages and is avialable in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a well written cozy(ish) mystery in an isolated setting, with a small village of eccentric and pathologically tightly knit locals. There are lots of bookish tie-ins and some literature festivals - Canadian Elspeth is targeted by unhappy locals after a sizeable inheritance from her aunt. There's a broad range of suspects, pretty much the entire island population, so it's no easy task to identify (or neutralise) the threats.

Interestingly, it's approximately halfway through the book that the first unequivocal murder happens. Relatable/compassionate characters are pretty thin on the ground, honestly they're all fairly obnoxious and unlikable.

The author has a genuine command of setting and pacing however, and the scenery really comes alive.

Three and a half stars. No currently available publication info for the next book in the series, but this one is quite readable and engaging. It would be a good choice for fans of "tartan noir" or less cozy cozies like Ann Cleeves, Peter James, and Peter Robinson will likely enjoy this one.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for granting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest rating.