A gifted and knowledgeable writer . . . engaging and readable' Financial Times Two fatal cases of food poisoning at Framleigh House, the smart residential home where Melissa Craig's mother Sylvia is staying, are treated as accidental by the authorities. To Melissa's consternation, Sylvia has noticed some strange goings-on and decides to do some detective work of her own. And when another resident is taken ill Melissa starts to take her mother's concerns seriously. She begins to investigate with the aid of local journalist Bruce Ingram, and in so doing puts her own life in jeopardy.
The death of a music lover at a house party sparks a complex investigation for Detective Constable Sukey Reynolds and her colleagues Lance Rainbird isn’t one for social chit-chat, so when he fails to turn up for the evening programme of music after dinner at Justin Freeman’s annual musical weekend at Dallington Manor Hotel, it invites remark but no real concern. It’s a lovely evening; perhaps he stepped out for some air. But the truth of the matter is rather more serious: Lance is found in the lake, drowned. Constable Sukey Reynolds and her colleague Detective Sergeant Vicky Armstrong are part of the police investigation, and at first all signs point to it being a terrible accident. But the doctor reveals Lance was hit on the head before he died. Could it be murder after all? Then there is another accident, and Sukey finds herself caught up in a complex investigation that grows more complicated – and deadly – with each passing day . . .
After a third murder within six months, the residents of Thanebury village now live in fear. Despite her local reputation for solving mysteries, crime writer Melissa Craig has no intention of getting involved - until a fourth victim turns up in her own village of Upper Benbury. As Melissa hunts for clues, a fifth murder occurs, and it becomes clear that at least one very disturbed mind is at work . . . 'All the best ingredients of English crime . . . a novel of sharp insights' Cotswold Life
When Melissa Craig arrives for a stay in Uphanger Manor in the Cotswolds, she walks straight into an atmosphere of hostility and suspicion, which alerts her crime-writer's mind. Why is the owner, Stewart Miles Haughan, so unpopular with his employees? What lies behind the tension between him and his wife? Who is the composer of the haunting poems that keep appearing among his correspondence, and why is he taking them so seriously? Haughan practically coerces Melissa into trying to track down the anonymous poet. Then things start to turn nasty . . . 'Full of sharp insights with an unexpected twist in the tail' Val McDermid
Graham Shipley has come to the Cotswolds to take up a new teaching appointment and to make a fresh start after the break-up of his marriage. He is made welcome by the head of the school and by his new neighbour in Upper Benbury, crime writer Melissa Craig. But shortly after his arrival a young girl is found drowned. Foul play is suspected and when Graham's past threatens to catch up with him, he turns to Melissa for help. She soon discovers that this is not a simple case of murder - there are other, more complex and sinister influences at work in the village. 'Astute characterisation and good local colour . . . engaging and sensitive' Oxford Times
A compelling crime novel and a chilling tale of the emotional power of relationships. Cotswold-based crime writer Melissa Craig has acquired a reputation for solving real mysteries. But when her estranged father is found murdered in his own workshop, events come chillingly close to home. To Melissa's horror, fingerprints found on the murder weapon prove to be those of her mother, whom she hasn't seen for almost 30 years. Determined to prove her mother's innocence, Melissa starts her own investigation and finds her father wasn't quite the puritanical pillar of society he purported to be. And then a second victim is found brutally murdered . . .
A gifted and knowledgeable writer . . . engaging and readable' Financial Times Melissa Craig accompanies her artist neighbor Iris to France, where Iris will teach a two-week course at Philippe Bonard's language and culture centre, while Melissa researches Camisard history for her new thriller. Then a former student plummets down a cliff - on the face of it a tragic accident. But the discover, days later, of a second body in almost the identical spot seems to suggest murder instead. And Melissa, uncovering the strange and violent history of the area, and the past treacheries of a Gestapo infiltrator, finds herself drawn yet again into a present-day mystery.
Anita Master' aunt has become involved with the bizarrely named RYCE--Release Your Cosmic Energy--cult, and her worried family want Sukey and her partner, Di Jim Castle, to investigate."--Jacket.
The Cotswold village of Upper Benbury is buzzing with rumour and gossip. The body of a young gipsy girl has been found in a discarded freezer. A local newshound, hot on the trail of the story, persuades crime writer Melissa Craig to accompany him to the gipsy encampment. Then Melissa learns that members of the victim's family are planning their own brand of justice for the outsider who lured their girl away - and her determination to track down and warn the Romanys' intended victim lands her in grave danger, exposing dark secrets in unexpected places. 'Fresh and lively . . . an enjoyable read with a gratifying array of twists' Shots Magazine
Cream tea, a curious cat... and a rather mysterious murder? It's been a quiet few weeks on the crime front in Somerset and Sukey Reynolds is starting to wonder if all the villains have gone on holiday. Although Sukey loves solving crimes, she's happy to have a bit of extra time to spend with the handsome journalist who lives just around the corner... But when she is summoned to charming Sycamore House it seems that Sukey has tempted fate. Sitting amongst well-tended grounds bordered by trees, with a view of rolling hills in the distance, this stylish set of apartments is usually home to little more than spirited disagreements between members of the neighbourhood committee. Until the body of Fenella Tremaine, one of their residents, is discovered by the caretaker in the garden... The police quickly close in on Marcus Ellerman, a neighbour and colleague of Fenella's, with whom she often crossed swords, both in and out of the office. When his distinctive ornamental dagger is found to be the murder weapon, the case seems closed. But Sukey has a hunch that the police are barking up the wrong tree and decides to dig deeper into Fenella's past. Sukey's investigations turn up an estranged daughter, Fenella's secret affair with the owner of a local care home, and a neighbour's cat with a sixth sense for danger. But who is the killer? Can Sukey unmask the true villain of Sycamore House, before any more lives are lost? Can't get enough of murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, P.D. James and Faith Martin? Then you'll love this absolutely unputdownable whodunnit from the queen of cozy crime! This book was previously published as Unnatural Wastage. Readers love Death at Sycamore House! 'Fantastic cozy mystery from Betty Rowlands... I love Sukey Reynolds... Lots of twists and turns and things are not always as they appear. Great book that kept had me reading well into the night to see how it ends.' Goodreads Reviewer ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 'Great story by an author I enjoy, in a series I cannot get enough of... Really enjoyed this one. Highly recommend if you like cozy murder mysteries.' Goodreads Reviewer ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 'Another brilliant read, worthy of more than 5 stars.' Goodreads Reviewer ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Fortune has been tough on 25-year-old Julia Drake. Then through a chance reunion with Stephanie, she meets and falls in love with Luke Devereux. Julia is set to turn the corner, but along the way she discovers that Stephanie, brimming with self-confidence and poise, has vulnerabilities of her own.
A deliciously intriguing mystery with a surprising sting Aidan Cresney seems to be a model citizen. An active member of the parish council and a former barrister, he took up beekeeping as a retirement hobby. Cresney confidently boasts that bees will never attack an apiarist 'who knows what he's doing'. Yet one day he is found dead after suffering multiple stings. When a second family member dies in similar circumstances, tongues begin to wag. And Melissa Craig, the Cotswolds' intrepid crime-writing sleuth, starts to uncover some disturbing secrets.
In the sleepy Gloucestershire village of Marsdean, Lorraine Chant, wife of a wealthy businessman, is found strangled. What was Lorraine's relationship with Hugo Bayliss - a man with a dubious background and a penchant for attractive married women?
When an artist mutilates his prize-winning painting at the awards ceremony, Melissa Craig--crime writer, teacher, and sleuth--investigates despite warnings that a real murder could be in the offing. By the author of A Little Gentle Sleuthing.
Graham Shipley has come to the Cotswolds to take up a new teaching appointment and to make a fresh start after the break-up of his marriage. He is made welcome by the Head of St. Monica's Preparatory School and by his new neighbor in Upper Benbury, crime writer Melissa Craig." "But shortly after his arrival a young girl is found drowned. Foul play is suspected and Graham's past threatens to catch up with him. In desperation, he turns to Melissa for help." "As Melissa quietly questions anyone who might have seen the girl that fateful day, she soon discovers that this is not a simple case of murder - there are other more complex and sinister influences at work in the village."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Toasted crumpets, a country house... and a curious murder? Sukey Reynolds is invited to an evening at her local library to hear Jennifer Cottrell, a noted novelist, speak about her latest book. But instead of an interesting event attended by the author's fans, a woman in the audience, Wendy Downie, accuses Jennifer of killing her lover. Before a shocked Sukey can go after her, she flees into the night. The very next day, Jennifer is found dead... The police chase after Wendy, convinced she must have attacked Jennifer. But they find that she too has been killed - in the grounds of Jennifer's beautiful manor. Why was she at Jennifer's house? Are all of their suspects going to disappear? With the police running around in circles, Sukey decides to do some sleuthing on her own. Looking closely at Jennifer's household and acquaintances, Sukey wonders who could have wanted her dead? The homely housekeeper, the gloomy groundsman or the secretive secretary? A dog's lead and a pair of dirty boots direct Sukey to the truth, but will she be able to let her detective colleagues know who the culprit is, before the devious villain realises they've been rumbled? An unputdownable murder mystery for fans of P.D. James, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis from the queen of cozy crime. This book was previously published as Smokescreen. What readers are saying about Betty Rowlands: 'Riveting, can't put it down! I love this story... a wonderfully twisted tale of a crime that has more twists than I thought possible... fantastic.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'OMG I loved this book! A proper whodunnit with great characters and a fabulous plot. This reminded me of the Agatha Christie mysteries I used to read as a child... Excited for the next in the series!' Mrs Roadley Reads, 5 stars 'BRILLIANT!... Having read and enjoyed the Melissa Craig series as well, I find the Sukey Reynolds even more engaging and I can't wait to read more in this series!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'It was unwise of me to begin this book in late afternoon because it held me to the pages until I finished it!... diabolical twists and red herrings... addictive!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'Yay, a new series by Betty Rowlands and a new heroine to cheer for in Sukey Reynolds. I am a huge fan of this author's books and this one with all its twists and turns is another delicious book and series to follow.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars
Mystery writer/sleuth Melissa Craig takes a break from her novels to write a play for an amateur drama group. But her sabbatical is shortlived when a cast member takes a fatal fall during rehearsal. Soon Melissa's investigation leads her on a trail of crime on an international scale.
A grand old house soaks up the golden summer sun... but inside the dining room something dreadful has happened. Melissa couldn't be happier that summer has arrived. She's delighted to have her mother back by her side, and she is extending her beloved Hawthorn Cottage so her new family can live together. Meanwhile, Melissa's mother Sylvia is back in good health and enjoying a brief stay at a stately retirement home. She loves getting to know the residents, until first a dog and then his owner are both found dead in the dining room. Like mother, like daughter, Sylvia decides to do a little investigating of her own. Convinced that the deaths are suspicious, Sylvia starts probing her fellow residents, trying to find out who might have wanted the dog and its owner dead. Could it be the once-married couple, or the glamorous actors or the harassed manager of the home? When one of Sylvia's friends falls ill in suspicious circumstances, Melissa realises her mother has rattled someone, but who? And what happens if the killer realises they've been rumbled? Will Sylvia find herself meeting a villain in the dining room? And can Melissa find the culprit before another life is taken? An absolutely gripping mystery for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis! This book was previously published as No Laughing Matter. What readers are saying about Betty Rowlands: 'Hooked from the first pages... wonderful... fascinating, full of twists and turns... kept me guessing till the end.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'Brilliant... I read this book in one sitting and could not put it down. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'An absolutely addictive, wonderful story. Loved it from start to finish. Great pace and a delightful setting, colourful characters and thrilling mystery. This was a brilliant story and I cannot wait for more!' Renita D'Silva, author of The Forgotten Daughter, 5 stars 'Perfect for lovers of COZY CRIME!... I loved this book... This is an easily read book but it will keep you on your toes.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
Setting up shop in the peaceful Cotswolds, mystery writer Melissa Craig plans her next novel and finds a real-life mystery when a woman's corpse is discovered in a nearby wood. Reprint. PW.
A beautiful house nestles in an orchard, where a blackbird sings at dawn each morning from a branch laden with rosy fruit... but underneath the trees a body lies too still to be asleep. Melissa Craig is struggling with her new novel, so when the invitation arrives to visit a nearby country house for some writing time, she decides a bit of peace and quiet is just what she needs. The house is everything she could have hoped for, even if the staff do seem rather unsettled... She has barely unpacked when the owner of the house persuades Melissa to investigate some threatening notes he has received. But before she can do any digging, he is found murdered in his own orchard. As she starts to probe further, Melissa realises that the dead man was universally disliked. Controlling, tight with money and nasty, he certainly made some enemies. But who could have hated him enough to resort to murder? His seemingly timid wife, the secretary with whom he previously had an affair or perhaps the gardener with an old secret? With the police looking for an outsider, Melissa is sure the murderer is close at hand. But can she prove it? And can she unmask the killer before they strike again? A completely unputdownable mystery for fans of Faith Martin, Joy Ellis and P.D. James that will have you totally hooked. This book was previously published as Malice Poetic. What readers are saying about Betty Rowlands: 'Hooked from the first pages... wonderful... fascinating, full of twists and turns... kept me guessing till the end.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'Brilliant... I read this book in one sitting and could not put it down. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'An absolutely addictive, wonderful story. Loved it from start to finish. Great pace and a delightful setting, colourful characters and thrilling mystery. This was a brilliant story and I cannot wait for more!' Renita D'Silva, author of The Forgotten Daughter, 5 stars
A handsome house sits proudly next to a luscious lawn, where birds sing in the cherry tree. But on this summer morning, the birds have taken flight and the owner of the house lies too still to be asleep... Sukey Reynolds is delighted that summer has arrived. Her garden is in glorious form, and the long, warm days give her a chance to enjoy the countryside, and even play a bit of tennis. The only digging she plans to do is in her flowerbeds. But then Sukey is called to photograph the scene of what appears to be a tragic accident. Arthur Soames, a retired school teacher, fell to his death from the ornate iron staircase above his perfectly manicured lawn. But when the police notify his family, they are adamant that this is no accident... Is this summer's day turning out to be curiously chilly? When Arthur's daughter won't leave the police in peace, Sukey reluctantly agrees to help put her mind to rest. As she starts to poke about in the dead man's past, she realises he was keeping secrets, and several people might well have wanted him dead. But who would resort to murder? Could it have been Arthur's enchanting fiancée, a sullen ex-student or maybe a nettled neighbour? An old address written on a small piece of paper is the clue that Sukey needs, but can she convince her police colleagues that this death on a summer morning was no accident and solve this baffling mystery at last? If you love cozy mysteries by P.D. James, Agatha Christie or Faith Martin, then this addictive novel from the bestselling queen of cozy crime will have you hooked! This book was previously published as Deadly Obsession. What readers are saying about Betty Rowlands: 'Riveting, can't put it down! I love this story... a wonderfully twisted tale of a crime that has more twists than I thought possible... fantastic.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'It was unwise of me to begin this book in late afternoon because it held me to the pages until I finished it!... diabolical twists and red herrings... addictive!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'OMG I loved this book! A proper whodunnit with great characters and a fabulous plot. This reminded me of the Agatha Christie mysteries I used to read as a child... Excited for the next in the series!' Mrs Roadley Reads, 5 stars 'BRILLIANT!... Having read and enjoyed the Melissa Craig series as well, I find the Sukey Reynolds even more engaging and I can't wait to ready more in this series!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'Yay, a new series by Betty Rowlands and a new heroine to cheer for in Sukey Reynolds. I am a huge fan of this author's books and this one with all its twists and turns is another delicious book and series to follow.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars
A manor house hotel, a musical weekend... and a mysterious murder? Spring has arrived in the Bristol countryside and Sukey Reynolds is enjoying the fine weather and lovely views from her quaint apartment. She has found love with an intrepid crime reporter, and they are busy planning a romantic weekend in London. During her time away she is determined to avoid any more amateur sleuthing. But life is never quiet for Sukey and one night before her holiday she is summoned to the charming Dallington Manor, a country house hotel nestled on the coast in Sandy Bay. She arrives at the starlit grounds to find a terrible tragedy has occurred. Lance Rainbird, a guest at a weekend gathering, has been discovered murdered in the lake. Her superiors close in on a suspect, the man who hosted the party, but Sukey can't shake the feeling that they've got this case completely wrong. During her weekend in the city, she follows a hunch, pokes around Rainbird's house and finds an address book that might just be the golden ticket to clearing an innocent man and nailing the true villain. As Sukey examines Rainbird's acquaintances, she finds old flames, combative colleagues and an estranged brother, but no one with an obvious motive for murder. He had a reputation for being difficult, but who could have wanted him dead? Then Sukey finds a name in the address book that shouldn't be there. Suddenly she knows who the killer is, but can she convince her boss he's got the wrong suspect before it's too late? If murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis have you gripped, then you'll love this twisty whodunnit from the queen of cozy crime! This book was previously published as The Scent of Death. Readers love Betty Rowlands! 'Riveting, can't put it down! I love this story... a wonderfully twisted tale of a crime that has more twists than I thought possible... fantastic.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'OMG I loved this book! A proper whodunnit with great characters and a fabulous plot. This reminded me of the Agatha Christie mysteries I used to read as a child... Excited for the next in the series!' Mrs Roadley Reads, 5 stars 'BRILLIANT!... Having read and enjoyed the Melissa Craig series as well, I find the Sukey Reynolds even more engaging and I can't wait to read more in this series!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'It was unwise of me to begin this book in late afternoon because it held me to the pages until I finished it!... diabolical twists and red herrings... addictive!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'Betty Rowlands is the mistress of cozy whodunnits... I simply cannot wait for the next book in the series to be released... Fantastic.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
As the stage is set for a local village play in a beautiful countryside manor, Melissa Craig plays the role of detective once again when one of the cast is mysteriously murdered... Melissa is delighted when she's asked to help put on a play at her favourite local Cotswolds hotel. There's nothing she loves more than getting to know the cast, who are just as colourful behind the scenes as they are on stage. Rehearsals are running smoothly until the perpetually grumpy supporting actor is found spread-eagled at the bottom of a steep flight of stairs leading to a cellar. As Melissa tries in vain to save his life, she is sure she can hear voices nearby and suspects there is more to this accident than meets the eye. Why on earth was he trying to get down to the hotel's private cellar? And why does the hotel manager seem so angry about it? When the hotel floor plans deliver some unexpected revelations, Melissa is convinced that she's dealing with a murder. But when all of your suspects are actors, how can you tell the good liars from the bad? Can Melissa find the killer before the final curtain falls? If you've devoured books by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and P.D. James, you won't be able to resist this page-turning murder mystery! This book was previously published as Exhaustive Enquiries. What readers are saying about Betty Rowlands: 'Hooked from the first pages... wonderful... fascinating, full of twists and turns... kept me guessing till the end.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'Brilliant... I read this book in one sitting and could not put it down. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'An absolutely addictive, wonderful story. Loved it from start to finish. Great pace and a delightful setting, colourful characters and thrilling mystery. This was a brilliant story and I cannot wait for more!' Renita D'Silva, author of The Forgotten Daughter, 5 stars
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