The Inventor's Fortune
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The Inventor's Fortune
Up for Grabs

A Book by Suzanne G. Beyer & John S. Pfarr

Told from two perspectives—that of the attorney, who negotiated a $1.8 million settlement, and one of the heirs he represented —this true story tells how a group of cousins, some of whom had never met, could unite and journey on a six-year odyssey of setbacks, divisive stubbornness and stunning victories.

A Roller Coaster Ride of a Case!

What's this lawyer thinking?

Why would an established attorney, who already had a flourishing law practice, even consider taking on a group of strangers who had found his name on the Internet and had no means of paying him? And why would he even bother with a case he initially felt he had not a snowball's chance in hell of winning?

Who will end up with Art Hadley's fortune?

In 1913, Art Hadley invented the expansion bracelet, now a worldwide standard for jewelry and wristwatches, and amassed considerable wealth. He passed it on to his children, but when they died, Art's fortune was up for grabs.

Told from two perspectives - that of the attorney, who negotiated a $1.8 million settlement, and one of the heirs he represented - this true story tells how a group of cousins, some of whom had never met, could unite and journey on a six-year odyssey of setbacks, divisive stubbornness and stunning victories.

> learn more about the book

Latest News

  • The Federal Lawyer magazine, March 2012!
  • John to address University Women group in Old Saybrook, CT
  • Esquire Magazine publishes ad for Hadley bracelets and wristwatches – 1936!

The Inventor’s Fortune

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What People Are Saying

  • Suzanne is an artist at using her pen as a brush

    The most beautiful part of the book was Suzanne’s presentation and characterization of her family members. Suzanne is an artist at using her pen (or WP) as a brush to lovingly paint pictures of each family member so vividly. What a special family! Aloise I. McDonald Author “A Looking Glass” Federal Way, WA.
  • I fell in love with John Pfarr!

    I fell in love with John Pfarr! He is a brilliant attorney and a great writer, but more importantly, an old Soul with a gentle and kind heart. Suzanne and John flashed enough wit and humor to keep it from being heavy reading. Aloise I. McDonald Author “Weighty Issues” Federal Way, WA
  • A Many Faceted Story

    A many faceted story, it has it all. It has a plot – claiming the inheritance; it has the bad guys – whom I refer to as the wicked adopted sisters and their greedy mother; it has the hero – an attorney who persisted in chasing down and taking care of the villains, unarmed, using only his brains and charm to win it all; it has drama – the beautiful and talented stage actress who, though cheated by an untimely death, helped set the stage for the victory; it has the heroine who then replaced her, donned the wings and was the glue that held the group together and helped tie up the loose ends. AND, it has a happy ending where everyone got what they deserved as they jubilantly rode off into the sunset. Hooray! Aloise I. McDonald Federal Way, WA
  • Writing well meshed together!

    “I thoroughly enjoyed reading John and Suzanne’s book on my way to New York in June. What a story about Suzanne’s family history and the ordeal of the lawsuit! I thought the two authors really meshed their writings well together and gave a very coherent understanding of all the trials and tribulations they went through. Great job!” Lorraine Scotto-Hennecke California
  • It’s Like a Mystery Novel

    I only started your book a week ago and read it as I commute to and from Seattle each day. You and John have done a fabulous job! I never would have thought this subject could be made exciting and interesting, but you two have succeeded. The book is truly interesting and very readable…it’s like a mystery novel…can’t wait to see what happens next!
  • I Finished Reading Your Book Around 3 a.m.

    I finished reading your book around 3 a.m. and must tell you how much I enjoyed reading it. Thank you and Mr. Pfarr for writing something so unique in both style and content. Dorothea Nordstrand Published Writer Seattle, WA
  • I Couldn’t Put It Down!

    I picked up your book and couldn’t put it down.  Except for preparing and eating dinner! Really a course in family dynamics and the true interest and energy of an attorney with a “mission.” This documentary of a real-life family inheritance struggle sure sends a message.  Glad it turned out as it did. Bette Hamilton Eagle Point, OR
  • A Fabulous Read!

    The book was a fabulous read! Great job! Wendy Gay Curran Pilot Car Service Company Owner CG Escort, LLC
  • Pick the Right Lawyer!

    Who you pick for a lawyer makes all the difference.  And if you are a law student, how you become that lawyer is what counts.  This is an excellent read, of a true case, that weaves through the facts and emotions of difficult litigation.  How the attorneys kept the case on course and managed the divisions in their client-family kept me very involved up to the last page.  Enjoy! Robert Sherman Corporate Executive, Retired
  • John is One Helluva Genius

    This book is for everyone. As time marched and the fortune dwindled, I was intrigued how John turned the wheels of justice inside and out, never losing sight of the goal. I was also impressed with how John kept his chapters down to earth, easily understood by the reader. I must say John is one helluva genius. Suzanne, herself, is grateful to have met all the cousins she would otherwise not have met. She never loses respect for any of the co-heirs, even when they disagree with her. Suzanne’s writing is superb, reflecting the charm and style she kept throughout the years of this lengthy case. Carolyn M. Rhodes University of Alabama School of Business Writer for Alumni Newsletter
  • What a Jigsaw!

    I can’t believe what a jigsaw the case was and how many twists and turns it had. It could be a movie! It was really an interesting read. Congratulations on a wonderful achievement! Michelle Roedell Editor Northwest Prime Time
  • No ordinary book!

    I could not put the book down. It was so interesting and well written; full of surprises!  I’m really impressed by Suzanne’s amazing family and the way they worked together. I also believe that Suzanne was really blessed that, by chance, her family was led to John. I admire so much about John and how he followed his instincts, his generosity to all involved, his unceasing research, his great skill, and above all, his ethical and creative approach and never giving up. I do feel that this is no ordinary book. Susanne Stern,  Travel Agent (retired)
  • I could not put it down!

    I could not put the book down. As for Attorney Pfarr, I feel like he is a dear friend to me and this is just from reading the book. How blessed the family was to have found him! The cousins were just awesome with how they all stood their ground. Every time I see an expansion bracelet, I will tell everyone, “I know who invented this.” Patti Foggin Staten Island, New York
  • Many Unanticipated and Unique Surprises!

    “An intriguing story of a true legal case with many unanticipated and unique surprises!” Marv Harshman Former college basketball coach, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, 1985
  • Dead Center in the Courthouse Drama

    “The Inventor’s Fortune quickly places the reader dead center in the courthouse drama and in the lives of real people who are resolving complex issues. And it is done with a well-organized, easily read story. Written by two participants—a lawyer and a defendant—it offers as much education as it does entertainment. During my career, I was involved in much litigation, which makes this fine story all the more fun.” Maury S. Knowlton Corporate Executive, Retired
  • Captivating Twists and Turns

    “I very much enjoyed reading The Inventor’s Fortune. It’s a well-written story with captivating twists and turns. As told by the authors, the story easily led me through the legal intricacies of the case and again reminded me of the vagaries of human nature.” Robert S. Morton Ayrault House of Newport (RI)
  • Unlikely Justice Is Sometimes Achievable

    “This story is a more-than-readable demonstration that unlikely justice is sometimes achievable. All it requires is a willingness to challenge foregone conclusions. Of course, it’s also helpful to apply a healthy measure of tenacity, teamwork, generosity, devotion to fairness, and an uncanny ability to promote cooperation and reason.” Lew Treistman Acting Rhode Island State Medicaid Director, Retired
  • Entertaining and Fascinating Story

    “I found it to be a well-written, entertaining and fascinating story. I particularly liked how it was constructed: John’s explanations of the legal issues helped ground Suzanne’s more personal approach to the story. As a result, readers gain greater insight and context, which helps to better understand the complexity of the case.” Richard Conroy Executive Director Essex (CT) Library Association
  • I Wasn’t Able To Put It Down

    “From a personal and professional point of view, I wasn’t able to put it down. The humanistic aspects of the story carried the momentum of the entire book. The Inventor’s Fortune stands as a testimony of the importance of helping clients identify, and then accurately document, the outcomes they desire for their family.” James R. Graham Principal Greenberg|Graham Advisors LLC

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