Changes are coming to Grace's life. Her sister's being released from prison and her new business venture is starting with her roommates. Grace knows that once her sister hears the news of her inheritance, Liza will demand her fair share. Grace is determined to stop that from happening. Luckily, their aunt is coming to help manage Liza. Grace has set up an apartment for them and a job of Liza. Liza rejects both, saying neither are up to her standards. Aunt Belinda encourages her, believing Grace could be nicer to her sister since Liza's been so unfortunate in her choices. Neither Aunt Belinda nor Liza take responsibility for their actions.

Grace becomes a silent partner in Amethyst Cellars. Upon inspection of a new potential building, the trio of roommates discover a body. The woman from the bank lies at the bottom of the stairs, murdered. Grace can't stay out of the investigation when the case interferes with Bruce and Scott's opening. With no witnesses, the case brings up more questions than answers.

The murder of the bank employee puts Grace in the path of the bank president and the coroner. Both men would like to date her. One has skeletons in his closet while the other seems more interested in her money.

Can Grace help solve the murder and get her life back on track?

This is the eighth and final book of the Manor House mystery series. While the ending wraps everything up nicely, it's always sad to say goodbye to a beloved series. As readers we grow attached to the characters, even the prickly ones like Frances, who of course is up to her old tricks in this book. Frances makes herself useful tracking down leads and setting up appointments and dates for Grace, along with doling out her opinions. Grace's family drama comes to a head as her sister and aunt try to squeeze money from Bennett. Their dissatisfaction with the more than generous offers and their belief of entitlement showcases their true selves as they demand more and more. Family secrets come into the light, revealing a truth hinted upon and a sigh of relief.

The murder plot in GRACE TO THE FINISH by July Hyzy seems almost secondary in comparison with the personal drama, but it unfolds nicely. Most of the book meanders along with clues popping up here and there. Danger follows Grace leading to an intense and terrifying climax.

Book Summary

The New York Times bestselling author of the Manor House Mysteries and the White House Chef Mysteries returns with a mix of murder and mayhem for curator Grace Wheaton.

Now that Grace Wheaton has officially been named heir to Bennett Marshfield’s fortune, her usually busy schedule has become a juggling act. In addition to her duties at Marshfield Manor, she’s bankrolling her roommates’ refurbished wine shop, Amethyst Cellars. Grace is excited to check out the rustic space with Bruce and Scott. But that excitement turns to dismay when they stumble upon the body of the banker involved with the sale.

Grace wants to get to the bottom of this mystery quickly so that her friends’ new venture isn’t overshadowed by an unsolved murder, but she’s got even more to balance when her troubled sister, Liza, is released from prison early. Liza’s first stop is Marshfield Manor and her first priority is grabbing a bite of Bennett’s fortune for herself. Grace has to keep her greedy sister at bay and catch a killer before her new life comes crashing down around her.