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Jill Shepherd #1
Her Deadly Inheritance
First a runaway. Now running for her life. Won't Jill Shepherd's family be surprised when she returns to Grand Island, Michigan to end their lies and scheme to have her declared legally dead? But when Jill exposes the mastermind behind her intended death, her family's deception may kill any chance she has of remaining alive.
Clay Merrick may seem to be little more than a handy-man restoring homes, but when the former Special Forces operative tracks a brutal killer to Jill's historic house under renovation, he has most of the evidence he needs to bring the killer to justice ... until Jill gets in the way.
When the killer sets sights on Jill as the next victim, it's not just Clay s mission on the line, but his heart.
Clay Merrick may seem to be little more than a handy-man restoring homes, but when the former Special Forces operative tracks a brutal killer to Jill's historic house under renovation, he has most of the evidence he needs to bring the killer to justice ... until Jill gets in the way.
When the killer sets sights on Jill as the next victim, it's not just Clay s mission on the line, but his heart.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2016
155 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Beth Ann Ziarnik
4books14followersA long-time fan of romantic suspense, Beth Ann Ziarnik offers her first novel with all the twists and turns, cliffhangers and romantic tension she and readers have come to love. She is a co-founder of Word & Pen Christian Writers in Northeast Wisconsin and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. In addition to her 450 published pieces (several included in anthologies), she is the author of Love With Shoes On, her ten-year devotional column about love in action and based on 1 Corinthians 13.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
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May 14, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/14/2019)! 🎁
June 28, 2020
Beth Ann Ziarnik is a new-to-me Christian suspense author. I have had this book since 2018 and decided to use it for an ABC challenge. bBoy do I wish had discovered it sooner. As her debut suspense novel, she hit a home room. Full of realistic characters both good and bad, a wonderful plot, a fairly new Christian heroine, and a lapsed Christian hero, this book rolled and spun from start to finish. The interaction between the characters was so real and her descriptions made me think I was watching a TV whodunit. The twists and turns kept me guessing from start to finish, and I had the culprit narrowed to 2 people (one of them was the villain).
I loved this so much that I immediately downloaded book 2 in the series to see what happens to Jill next as two threads are not completely finished.
I loved this so much that I immediately downloaded book 2 in the series to see what happens to Jill next as two threads are not completely finished.
February 5, 2016
Nothing like starting out the new year with a great book, right? I loved Beth Ziarnik’s debut novel,
I cannot imagine coming home after everyone is trying to declare me dead. But that happened to Jill Shepherd and her family was in for a surprise. Something devious is afoot and she needs to stay alive long enough to figure out just what’s going on.
Of course, no romantic suspense would be complete without a love interest and Clay Merrick is a handy-man with a past life in Special Forces. He’s trying to track the a killer to Jill’s historic house that’s being renovated but this girl gets in his way. So now he needs to save her life or lose the woman he’s come to love.
How does this all work out? Well, snuggle up and find out for yourself. No spoilers here. It’s a great story by a fabulous author.
I cannot imagine coming home after everyone is trying to declare me dead. But that happened to Jill Shepherd and her family was in for a surprise. Something devious is afoot and she needs to stay alive long enough to figure out just what’s going on.
Of course, no romantic suspense would be complete without a love interest and Clay Merrick is a handy-man with a past life in Special Forces. He’s trying to track the a killer to Jill’s historic house that’s being renovated but this girl gets in his way. So now he needs to save her life or lose the woman he’s come to love.
How does this all work out? Well, snuggle up and find out for yourself. No spoilers here. It’s a great story by a fabulous author.
August 29, 2016
Could not finish
I tried to like the lead but I just couldn't bring myself to care at all. She seemed very whiny. Have to admit that despite several attempts I could get very far.
I tried to like the lead but I just couldn't bring myself to care at all. She seemed very whiny. Have to admit that despite several attempts I could get very far.
November 1, 2019
2019. I had just started reading #2, when I realised that there were too many bits from #1 that I obviously hadn't remembered!
So, although remembering the highlights I decided to re-read this before going any further with #2 - only to discover that one major highlight I thought I had remembered, I hadn't...at least, not correctly! So that was a surprise.
Really enjoyed reading it again and now looking forward to reading #2, which I'm going to leave to nearer the end of November so I can count it in the Christmas challenge I'll be taking part in.
#1 #2
So, although remembering the highlights I decided to re-read this before going any further with #2 - only to discover that one major highlight I thought I had remembered, I hadn't...at least, not correctly! So that was a surprise.
Really enjoyed reading it again and now looking forward to reading #2, which I'm going to leave to nearer the end of November so I can count it in the Christmas challenge I'll be taking part in.
#1 #2
October 20, 2019
🤯I am not upset to be up at 1:30am (and being eaten alive by mosquitoes), totally blown away by this novel... All I can say is WoW and I cannot wait to start book two in this series.
I was not prepared to like this book simply because the series continued with the same characters (note I tend to dissect series synopsis' before reading) in fear of becoming bored...
But bored I am not! The author has woven a plot so intricate that it's kept hooked right to the end....
The suspense:Brilliant
The plot: Riveting
What I enjoyed: How God worked in the characters hearts... This is Christian Fiction at its BEST!
And the characters!!!! Readers of this review Do yourselves a favour and read this series. You will not be disappointed but infinitely blessed!
I was not prepared to like this book simply because the series continued with the same characters (note I tend to dissect series synopsis' before reading) in fear of becoming bored...
But bored I am not! The author has woven a plot so intricate that it's kept hooked right to the end....
The suspense:Brilliant
The plot: Riveting
What I enjoyed: How God worked in the characters hearts... This is Christian Fiction at its BEST!
And the characters!!!! Readers of this review Do yourselves a favour and read this series. You will not be disappointed but infinitely blessed!
May 6, 2018
This reminded me of Gothic romances like those by Victoria Holt and Daphne Du Maurier with a strong element of Christian faith added. Jill is a strong Christian who struggles with doing God's will, especially when it comes to forgiving horrendous acts of family members. Clay has let his bitterness harden his heart as he seeks retribution for the murder of his fiancee. Even when it seems that God has abandoned them, they come to learn that He is always with them. Jill's family is the epitome of dysfunction, but she follows what she believes is God's will to try to reconcile. The ending is satisfying, although there are enough loose threads to allow for a sequel.
June 16, 2018
Family angst, sorrow
and mental illness fill this mystery with many twists and turns, right up to the very end. It’s not a difficult puzzle to unravel, but will keep you guessing for a good while. The main characters are likable and the secondary are wonderful, especially the antagonist. I found myself actually yelling out loud at some of the awful things this vile, deranged woman said throughout the book! Join this highly dysfunctional family for a rollicking, awful summer vacation while they see about solving (or not) the highly suspect conditions concerning the death of a reclusive family member.
and mental illness fill this mystery with many twists and turns, right up to the very end. It’s not a difficult puzzle to unravel, but will keep you guessing for a good while. The main characters are likable and the secondary are wonderful, especially the antagonist. I found myself actually yelling out loud at some of the awful things this vile, deranged woman said throughout the book! Join this highly dysfunctional family for a rollicking, awful summer vacation while they see about solving (or not) the highly suspect conditions concerning the death of a reclusive family member.
June 10, 2019
Very enjoyable book! The author did a great job showing what it looks like to be truly saved and growing in your faith through hard times. She also shows what it looks like when someone has fallen away, allowing their heart to become hard and bitter so they push God away. I also liked how she handled the phrase, "the Lord told me." That phrase has been so badly used by false teachers to imply God spoke to them audibly and generally said something that disagreed with His Word, so that now people have to make sure the people they're talking to understand what they mean by it. Great book! Hope to some day read the next one.
April 9, 2018
Jill has mixed feelings returning, they wanted to declare her legally dead.
She didn’t like the lie, beside her uncle, who would be there fr her. Clay met her at the airport, he wished she had waited, a few weeks at least, he wanted to expose the killer. Two years work, hope all will not be lost.
Good plot, makes you wonder from the first page why she was running.
She didn’t like the lie, beside her uncle, who would be there fr her. Clay met her at the airport, he wished she had waited, a few weeks at least, he wanted to expose the killer. Two years work, hope all will not be lost.
Good plot, makes you wonder from the first page why she was running.
August 23, 2019
Exciting and Tantalizing
This book tells the story of a young woman who returns to her childhood home seeking answers. The characters are realistic and well-described. Faith plays a large part in the story, but the results are not dependent on divine intervention. Many threads interact to provide a good story and several warm endings.
This book tells the story of a young woman who returns to her childhood home seeking answers. The characters are realistic and well-described. Faith plays a large part in the story, but the results are not dependent on divine intervention. Many threads interact to provide a good story and several warm endings.
August 17, 2020
This was Beth Ann Ziarnik's debut novel and I really enjoyed the characters, the mystery, and suspense! I loved that the house was modeled after an actual historical home. I'd love to read it again! Beth Ann kept me guessing and turning pages--hoping for the best for the characters! I do recommend this novel to others!
September 15, 2017
Could not put down, read it all at one time. A great book to show us God's love.
Recommend it to read for christians. A good suspense and romance with God and scriptures to show you why things happen.
Recommend it to read for christians. A good suspense and romance with God and scriptures to show you why things happen.
April 8, 2018
Light reading for a Spring Day.
I really liked this Book. A sweet suspense novel. Entertaining and easy to read. A refreshing change from my normal genre! I recommend this to everybody out in the Reading Community!
I really liked this Book. A sweet suspense novel. Entertaining and easy to read. A refreshing change from my normal genre! I recommend this to everybody out in the Reading Community!
November 12, 2019
Great Read!
I enjoyed reading this book! I was drawn in initially with the setting in Michigan. Then I found it very suspenseful and difficult to put down. Great job, Beth Ann Ziarnik! Can't wait to read the next novel!
I enjoyed reading this book! I was drawn in initially with the setting in Michigan. Then I found it very suspenseful and difficult to put down. Great job, Beth Ann Ziarnik! Can't wait to read the next novel!
February 17, 2021
This is a very entertaining story. It is a mystery filled with twists and turns. The characters are strong and the dialogue is good. There is no unnecessary violence or vulgarity, which is rare these days. I enjoyed the story and will likely read something else from this author.
September 12, 2021
ebook
She returns home to claim her inheritance and solve her mother’s suspicion suicide. She meets a handsome man restoring the family mansion. He’s got a secret and tells her she should leave as she’s in danger. They both search for a killer.
She returns home to claim her inheritance and solve her mother’s suspicion suicide. She meets a handsome man restoring the family mansion. He’s got a secret and tells her she should leave as she’s in danger. They both search for a killer.
May 20, 2024
Ziarnik has crafted an engaging mystery with a strong Christian message. I was immediately immersed into the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. This novel is hard to put down.
Recommend to readers who enjoy mysteries.
I won a copy. I have expressed my honest view.
Recommend to readers who enjoy mysteries.
I won a copy. I have expressed my honest view.
May 7, 2017
Entertaining
Unusual setting in Great Lakes area, engrossing story, fair mystery to be solved, competent writing and beautiful faith in God make this one a good read.
Unusual setting in Great Lakes area, engrossing story, fair mystery to be solved, competent writing and beautiful faith in God make this one a good read.
November 5, 2017
Good Suspense
I enjoyed this mystery very much! The storyline kept me interested. And the characters were well-rounded. I would definitely read this author again.
I enjoyed this mystery very much! The storyline kept me interested. And the characters were well-rounded. I would definitely read this author again.
January 20, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I loved the lock-door murder mystery angle and as a christian was glad to read a book that the main character was god fearing and not shy about her beliefs.
April 14, 2018
Spell binding
This book kept me spell bound right to the very end I'm am looking forward to reading more from this talented author
This book kept me spell bound right to the very end I'm am looking forward to reading more from this talented author
December 13, 2018
Clean suspense
I look forward to reading more by this author because her stories are suspenseful , clean and with a love story too.
I look forward to reading more by this author because her stories are suspenseful , clean and with a love story too.
May 17, 2019
Her Deadly Inheritance was a great read.
This book was so well written that I read it less than a day. I can't wait to read more of Hill Shepherd's adventures.
This book was so well written that I read it less than a day. I can't wait to read more of Hill Shepherd's adventures.
November 9, 2020
Her Deadly Inheritence
It was every good Christian book .No sex or cussing.Looked the plot and sixpence .It kept you interested till the very end
It was every good Christian book .No sex or cussing.Looked the plot and sixpence .It kept you interested till the very end
June 16, 2024
What a fun read. The characters are broken people trying their best to right their past wrongs. Throw in some murder, and wholesome romance and you have a great summer read.
August 24, 2024
This is a very good mystery. I found myself wondering about the characters. That is important to me. If I think about them when I am not reading, they feel real to me.
I enjoyed the book!
I enjoyed the book!
October 11, 2023
Mystery, suspense, danger, and a touch of romance fill the pages of Her Deadly Inheritance (Jill Shepherd Suspense Book 1). Amidst family drama and greed, the book explores compassion and the power of faith. It’s a story with complicated family dynamics, dysfunction, and inherent flaws within each character. As the suspense unfolds, characters must confront their pasts and make hard choices. A cute kitten brings sweetness to the story and shows the true colours of the characters. This book has a perfect mix of suspense and heartwarming moments, while showing how faith can transform someone's life. I’m looking forward to reading book 2, Her Deadly Reunion, to see how Jill’s next adventure plays out!
May 30, 2019
Very engaging thriller (and some romance) in which a young woman, whose family is about to have her declared legally dead, returns to her childhood home and stirs up a hornet's nest. As she learns more about her mother's "suicide," she becomes certain that she was murdered. There are several suspects among her family, all of whom also have reason to wish her, as the newly reinstated heiress, dead as well.
I enjoyed this book so much that I immediately checked for any sequels and found that there is one (Her Deadly Reunion) ... which is just as good as the first book. I'm hoping there will be more books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I can honestly recommend it without qualification for those who enjoy a nice, cozy suspense.
I enjoyed this book so much that I immediately checked for any sequels and found that there is one (Her Deadly Reunion) ... which is just as good as the first book. I'm hoping there will be more books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I can honestly recommend it without qualification for those who enjoy a nice, cozy suspense.
March 13, 2017
Not sure where all the 5 reviews came from but it was a 3*** at best, IF comparing it to a suspense offering of non Christian genre. But if Christian fiction is all one reads, then maybe a 4. But not a 5. It was overly emotional and predictable. I read it mainly for the local author aspect.
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