Gordon S Dickson 
Heir… Apparently, and Ashes to Ashes, a Short Story 

The Heir … Apparently tells the story of the rise of a simple fishmonger who unexpectedly inherits a dukedom. His family then face the many trials and tribulations of restoring and running an extravagant but dilapidated mansion. Can they succeed against the odds? In Ashes to Ashes, a short story exploring some of the characters in The Heir … Apparently, after the skeletal remains of a body are found in the cathedral. The hunt is on for the murderer, but can he or she be found after so many years?