The Residuary Legatee; Or The Posthumous Jest of the Late John Austin

The novel revolves around the character of John Austin a wealthy and somewhat eccentric individual who upon his death leaves behind a peculiar will. In his will Austin bequeaths his estate to a distant relative whom he refers to as the residuary legatee. However the terms of the will are unusual and create a series of comedic and convoluted situations. The residuary legatee is tasked with fulfilling a series of strange and humorous conditions laid out by Austin. These conditions often involve elaborate and absurd challenges leading to a series of misunderstandings and farcical scenarios. The novel explores the interactions between the legatee other beneficiaries and various legal and social characters involved in the inheritance process.