Unbeknownst to Sheila, Beth has recently appointed her literary executor of her estate. Sheila is now faced with the task of sorting through Beth’s papers, deciding if there is any more publishable material, allowing scholars access to Beth’s papers and approving any copyright requests. Sheila is also expected to write the definitive biography of Beth’s life, a task she is not sure she is will to tackle, especially as she learns the reasons for Beth’s recent estrangement to her two young adult children.

Beth’s papers are to be archived at the Senate House Library in London. Sheila goes off to London, staying with Hilda, an older cousin. Hilda is a delightful character, remembered by Sheila as an unbending woman with a caustic wit. Sheila is pleased to find that Hilda has mellowed in her old age and has developed a softer sense of humor.

Phoebe Walters, a scholar from America, arrives to research Beth’s papers, hoping to write a literary criticism of Beth’s work, incorporating some aspects of Beth’s personal life. Shortly after Phoebe arrives, she is run down and killed by a van. The police suspect this was intentional. Because of this, Sheila suspects Phoebe may have discovered a secret in Beth’s papers, one that may prove that Beth was also murdered.

Asking only a few questions brings Sheila to Phoebe’s murderer. (Hilda guessed on the first try.) When Sheila confronts the murderer, however, she feels compassion for him and believes his promise to set things right and allows him to walk away. Several attempts at red herrings connected with both deaths are made, but none is especially believable.

Mrs. Malory and the Fatal Legacy is a typical English cozy without much of a mystery. Hazel Holt has created some interesting characters that draw the reader into their lives and the world of publishing. But unfortunately it’s a fast-paced, enjoyable story without a mystery to solve.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry