The Inheritance: A Johanna Hudson Mystery

San Francisco genealogist Johanna Hudson, the 30-year-old heroine of this gripping series launch from James (the Helen Morgan mysteries), takes on a client with some serious concerns about her lineage. Five years earlier, Eloise Manley, then 19 and unwed, gave up her infant daughter, Ruby, for blind adoption in the hope that Ruby would have a better life than the one she had as a child in the foster care system. Eloise was only five when she went into foster care, so her knowledge of her parents is quite limited. But now Eloise, who has learned she stands to inherit a substantial sum from her unknown biological father, who’s dying, wants Johanna to find out who her father is and Ruby’s adopted family. Johanna embarks on a search and persists despite growing threats for her to stop. Complications ensue after Johanna learns that Eloise’s birth mother died in prison after murdering her husband. A murder raises the stakes. Johanna must find Ruby before the killer can strike again, while at the same time dealing with her own family’s fraught past. James keeps the suspense high through to the satisfying conclusion. Fans of traditional mysteries will look forward to more of Johanna’s adventures. (Apr.)