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Simon Tolkien
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The Inheritance Audio CD – CD, April 15, 2010

by Simon Tolkien (Author, Reader)
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 178 ratings
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A complex mystery of deception and betrayal that follows the court case of a young man set to hang for the murder of his father When a famed Oxford historian is found dead in his study one night, all evidence points to his son, Stephen. About to be disinherited from the family fortune, Stephen returns to home after a long estrangement―and it happens to be the night his father is shot to death. When his fingerprints are found on the murder weapon, Stephen's guilt seems undeniable. But there were five other people in the manor house at the time, and as their stories slowly emerge―along with the revelation that the deceased man was involved in a deadly hunt for a priceless relic in Northern France at the end of World War II―the race is on to save Stephen from a death sentence.

Everyone has a motive, and no one is telling the truth.

Unwilling to sit by and watch the biased judge condemn Stephen to death, an ageing police inspector decides to travel from England to France to find out what really happened in that small French village in 1945―and what artifact could be so valuable it would be worth killing for.

Author Simon Tolkien received rave reviews for his first legal thriller, The Final Witness. Now, in The Inheritance, Tolkien sharpens his craft even more, deftly weaving psychological suspense and family drama to create a mystery steeped in memories, betrayal, and the long shadow of the past. Part courtroom drama and part historical thriller, The Inheritance is a dark, dynamic thriller that tests the strength of blood ties, loyalty, and revenge.

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Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 3
    Inspector Trave
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Brilliance Audio
  4. Publication date
    April 15, 2010
  5. Dimensions
    5 x 1.25 x 6.75 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1423390288
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1423390282
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Simon Tolkien was born in England in 1959 and grew up in a small village outside Oxford. His grandfather was J.R.R. Tolkien, professor of philology and the author of The Lord of the Rings. Simon was educated by Benedictine monks at Downside School, and then went on to Oxford University, where he studied Modern History at Trinity College. Since 1994, he has been a successful barrister in London, specializing in criminal justice, where, according to British custom, he regularly appears on behalf of both the prosecution and the defense. His wife, Tracy, is an American who owns a vintage clothing store in Kings Road, Chelsea. They have two children and live in London.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Brilliance Audio; Unabridged edition (April 15, 2010)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1423390288
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1423390282
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 1.25 x 6.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 178 ratings

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Simon Tolkien

Simon Tolkien

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Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
178 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Wellsoberlin
4.0 out of 5 stars Too many coincidences and secrets, but it held my interest to the end.
Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2016
Verified Purchase
The story was gripping enough that it kept me reading until the end. The plot was overly intricate and had too many characters who were secretly someone else. Too many coincidences.
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Barry
5.0 out of 5 stars Book Review
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2012
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The Inheritance. I found the book to be very good and as this was written by the grandson of JRR Tolkien I was interested to see if Simon was a good writer. I was not disappointed as this was a finely crafted mystery. I actually enjoyed this book so much I ordered a hard copy for my brother for his birthday.
One person found this helpful
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DutchHan
3.0 out of 5 stars Not as good as his first book
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2013
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Years ago I read Simon Tolkien's first book and was impressed. I came across that book some time ago and decided to look for more books by this author. I choose The Inheritance. I did not find it quite as gripping as the former book. I finished reading it, but was a bit disappointed. Flat characters and the plot could have been more exciting.
One person found this helpful
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D. R. Ransdell
4.0 out of 5 stars Twisty Mystery
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2013
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I thought this was pretty interesting. I liked the main storyline, and there was an excellent plot twist half-way through that I didn't see coming. I liked hearing about Stephen, and I liked following Trave. I would have rather heard a little less from some of the other characters, however. There were paragraphs I skipped, esp. in the last quarter of the book. Still, the mystery held my attention and I was rooting for Stephen throughout.
One person found this helpful
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Jan Brashears
5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected twists and turns
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2014
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IThis book kept me guessing. Several times I thought I knew who was the true villain but the author was very clever. I tried to give it 5 stars but couldn't get them to show.
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jamab104
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting first book of a Trilogy
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2013
Verified Purchase
I liked the way the story evolved with great attention ot detail. Methodical analysis that gradually lead to a solution without the pressence of a super hero cop or police person. The story included the stumbling through a problem which is much like we all experience as we try to solve any of life's problems.

A good read for anyone who likes much detail with a deep background on each of the characters
2 people found this helpful
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Rusty
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2015
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I loved this book I also read the final witness. Both were great. I would recommend both of these books. Hard to put down. Your always looking for the next surprise.
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Bob
2.0 out of 5 stars Everybody behaving irrationally...
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2014
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While I believe that the author needs to set up conflict in a mystery novel, why does an innocent man pick up a weapon that has just killed someone? This is an irrational act that defies explanation. This novel and the next one in the series contains several instances of acts which are irrational. OK, one irrational act I might just accept, but one after another puts me into the two star range with respect to this author...
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars A worthwhile purchase.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 25, 2018
Verified Purchase
An intriguing "who done it". A good story line with enough pace, twists and turns o keep the reader engaged. I guessed who the culprit was about half way through the story but it didn't spoil my enjoyment the rest of the story.
One person found this helpful
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Gary Brush
5.0 out of 5 stars #1 in a trilogy
Reviewed in Canada on November 9, 2020
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Well written, plot, era and setting
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dDavid Roome
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 20, 2013
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This was my first Simon Tolkien book. I saw him on Breakfast TV and was impressed by him so I thought I'd try one of his books.

It was a very good read. I read the book in less than a week and thoroughly enjoyed the story and the pace of the book never lets you get bored.

I'll definatley be buying another.
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Griff
3.0 out of 5 stars Worth a read, but not his best work
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 30, 2013
Verified Purchase
Was pretty obvious 'who done it' from early on, also a lot of spelling mistakes and gramatical errors that should have been picked up when proof read by the publisher,
Ending was poor, almost gave the character a super hero status which I didn't feel matched the rest of the book,
I like this author, the basic story line and plot was good, just needed something more..
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Olivia McDermott
4.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 5, 2013
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Good story keeps you guessing plenty of twists and turns. Well told suspense and good characters and sub plots in it.
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