Bøker av Betty Rowlands

In the sleepy village of Over Hampton lies a small cottage with a picture-perfect garden… but inside the ivy-covered walls a woman is dead on the bathroom floor.The warm summer weather is giving Sukey Reynolds a chance to enjoy the stunning English countryside around her new home. She has met a handsome local journalist, and there might be a new romance on the cards.Everything is quiet at work too. So when the village doctor calls, saying he is sure there is something fishy about one of his patients' deaths, Sukey follows up his claims. Well-liked and kindly Adelaide Minchin was found by her milkman, and appears to have died in a fall. Sukey can find no evidence to the contrary, but promises the doctor she will keep his theory in mind.Meanwhile, the police force is suddenly very busy after two young girls go missing in the very same village. It's all hands on deck to bring them home safely, but as Sukey investigates the last place the girls were seen, she realises it was very close to Adelaide's cottage… Is it possible that the cases are linked?Sukey's colleagues are not convinced by her hunch, so she does some sleuthing in her spare time, determined to prove them wrong. In the close-knit village she has no shortage of possible suspects: was it the benevolent builders, the frazzled new father or the muddled milkman…? And can she find the real culprit, and bring the girls back home, before any more innocent lives are lost?An absolutely unputdownable, one-sitting read, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis! This book was previously published as Miss Minchin Dies.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'Betty Rowlands is the mistress of cozy whodunits… I simply cannot wait for the next book in the series to be released… A fantastic 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 seaside town, scrumptious ice cream… mysterious murder?Sukey Reynolds is back from holiday, feeling happy and relaxed. She and a friend have been touring the French coast, enjoying the wine and cheese, and soaking up the sun in Brittany. She has barely unpacked her bags when she is sent back to the seaside but, this time, not for fun…Sukey arrives at the charming coastal town of Clevedon, where a woman's body has been washed up on the sandy beach. Her identity is a mystery, but Sukey is determined to find out how she ended up there and who exactly she is.The police are at their wits' end, and with no leads or suspects, Sukey decides to leaf through old cases. She is shocked to realise this woman is not the first to turn up on the shore and even finds a link between the cold cases: several of the murder suspects had the same decorative tattoo inked on their skin. After some further investigating, she realises the distinctive symbol means 'death'.Her superiors scoff at her theory, so it's up to Sukey to prove them wrong and find the devious killer herself. From tattoo parlours to the music halls, she has no shortage of places to investigate. But can she uncover the true culprit, and the identity of the mystery woman, before they strike again? An absolutely gripping murder mystery from the queen of cozy crime, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, P.D. James or Faith Martin. This book was previously published as A Fool There Was.Readers love Death on Clevedon Beach!'An unputdownable whodunnit… Great descriptions, fast-paced narrative and characters that make you feel part of the setting. Looking forward to next in the series!' Goodreads Reviewer'Betty Rowlands is one of the mistresses of British mysteries and I adore her… The writing is superb, as are her whodunnits. You can't go wrong with any of the books in this or the Melissa Craig series.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars'I always read these books first and always have a smile on my face when I have finished. More please.' NetGalley Reviewer'I loved this book and this addictive series!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars'Lots of great twists and turns that truly kept me guessing… My favourite of the series so far, although I highly recommend them all.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars'This is my tenth book in this series and undoubtedly the best. I love the characters and the mystery is challenging… Her books are impossible to put down from start to finish.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars'Betty does it again with another murder case for Sukey… You'll find yourself trying to help solve the crimes. This one has lots of twists that will have you reading until the end.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars'Lots of twists and turns… Will keep you guessing right to the end.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars'I just love these stories and they get better and better. A great mystery that left me guessing after every chapter. Recommended to mystery fans.' NetGalley Reviewer

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

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

The trees are green and hedgerows are bursting with new life as spring arrives in the Cotswolds, but inside a house that Melissa Craig used to know well, something terrible has happened… Melissa has just finished writing her latest mystery novel and is enjoying the arrival of spring. She's decided to let her fictional detective retire at last, and perhaps put her own days of investigating behind her too. But the ink has barely dried on the page when Melissa receives shocking news: her estranged father has been found dead in the family home and her mother, Sylvia, is under suspicion of murder.Melissa hasn't seen her parents for nearly thirty years, but on hearing the dreadful news she rushes to her mother's side. Melissa is sure that Sylvia could never commit a murder, but Sylvia does seem to be keeping secrets… With no-one else to turn to, Sylvia begs Melissa to investigate the case. Melissa knows her father was a difficult man, but now she needs to work out who wanted him dead… A disgruntled employee, the controlling family lawyer or perhaps the woman with whom he was having an affair? When another body is found, Melissa realises she's dealing with a ruthless killer. As the police close in, trying to pin both deaths on her mother, Melissa must act fast. Can she find a way to unmask the true killer before she loses her mother for a second time, and possibly forever? If you can't get enough of murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin or P.D. James, you'll love this twisty detective novel! This book was previously published as The Fourth Suspect. 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 babbling brook runs alongside a wooded glade, surrounded by autumn light and birdsong. But next to the stream a young woman lies dead, her once bright blonde hair now limp and lifeless… Melissa Craig has settled into a new job in the charming Cotswolds village of Upper Benbury. She is teaching French to several of the local teenagers, which gives her a fascinating insight into the young people's lives. Material for a new novel perhaps…Her quiet life is interrupted when she sees her new neighbour running out of the woods in a blind panic. Melissa rushes to help him, but what she finds leaves her breathless: the body of young woman is lying on the bank of the river. When suspicion falls on Melissa's neighbour, a man with a difficult past trying to make a new start, Melissa feels determined to prove his innocence. With the village in turmoil, and the police sure they've got their man, she must act quickly. As she interviews the local residents, she realises there are several sinister characters lurking inside those charming Cotswold cottages… Could one of them have hurt Cissie? Was it the strange old man with a cottage near the river? Or the ailing ex-choirmaster with quite an eye for the ladies?When Melissa Craig decides to get her teeth into a case, she doesn't let go - nothing will stop her from solving this murder. Can she prove the innocence of her new friend? And will she unearth the culprit before another young life is taken? An absolutely unputdownable murder mystery for fans of Faith Martin, Joy Ellis and P.D. James that will have you hooked right from the start. This book was previously published as The Man at the Window. 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 summer garden party is in full swing at a grand old house, but under a gorgeous apple tree laden with ripe fruit… a body is discovered.Sukey Reynolds is treasuring the late-summer sun, taking long walks in the countryside, and enjoying the golden views across the Cotswold hills. At home, she's busy cooking up feasts for her growing teenage son - amateur sleuthing is definitely off the menu.When she is called to photograph a crumbling manor, the day suddenly turns cold. In the charming garden, the body of beautiful Una May has been discovered, and all fingers are pointed at the tempestuous owner of the house, who was overheard arguing with Una that morning…But who is the rotten apple in this beautiful orchard?The party was supposed to celebrate a painting of the residents and staff. When the picture is found slashed, the police close in on the landowner, but Sukey is sure they are barking up the wrong tree, and she decides to do a bit of snooping. Which likeness hides a villain? Could it be the lustful lord, the aloof artist or perhaps the heartbroken housekeeper?Despite her sleuthing, Sukey is no closer to catching Una May's killer, until she finds a pair of shoes covered in mud from the orchard. With the police convinced they've caught the right man, Sukey must solve this baffling case alone. But to find the killer holding the poisonous fruit, she may have to delve deep into the garden…If books by Agatha Christie, P.D. James or Faith Martin have you hooked, then you will love this murder mystery by the queen of cozy crime!This book was previously published as Party to Murder. 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… Excitedfor 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 engagingand 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

At the stately Mariners Hotel, a breathless man rushes into the lobby and dashes upstairs to see a dapper guest. But moments later he discovers that his friend has been murdered… When Sukey Reynolds receives news of a death at the elegant Mariners Hotel, she is intrigued. Who could possibly have wanted to hurt Dr Whistler, a shy and retiring archaeology professor? The dusty documents he was carrying couldn't possibly be of value, could they?You would never expect this sophisticated establishment to be home to murder. What secrets are hiding inside the charming Mariners Hotel? Sukey's superiors are convinced that Dr Whistler's visitor is his killer, but Sukey isn't so sure and decides to do a little side-sleuthing. Someone in the hotel has a secret, but who is it? The bewildered bellboy, the meddlesome manager or the reclusive receptionist?A mysterious phone call leads Sukey to the truth, but as the rookie in the team, will anyone believe she has what it takes to solve this baffling mystery?Do you love cozy mysteries by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis? If so, make this twisty and absolutely page-turning whodunnit your next read! This book was previously published as Alpha, Beta, Gamma… Dead. 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 ready more in this series!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars'Betty Rowlands is the mistress of cozy whodunits… I simply cannot wait for the next book in the series to be released… A fantastic 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'I really enjoyed this book - it has a great plot, excellent main characters and is a real page-turner. I would highly recommend this book.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars

A rambling old house, surrounded by a gorgeous rose garden with an elegant fountain, looks too perfect to be true. But could this beautiful place be the link between a string of peculiar deaths? Sukey Reynolds is photographing the scene of a burglary at Burwell Farm for the police, when she finds herself drawn to the crumbling building and peaceful surroundings. Burwell Farm doesn't grow crops or raise animals, but as a retreat, the owners do make some extraordinary claims about healing the soul… But before Sukey can get too intrigued, she's called to another break-in at the house of a young widow, whose husband spent a great deal of time at… Burwell Farm. Sukey starts to wonder if there is something more sinister going on behind the perfectly manicured lawns… After her police colleagues refuse to take her suspicions seriously, Sukey decides the time has come to do some sleuthing on her own. But who is the thorn in the rose garden? Is it the beautiful receptionist, the gardener with a secret to hide, or perhaps the leader who inspires such devotion? Then someone is murdered in the garden of Burwell Farm while she is there and Sukey realises she has landed herself in deep water. Can Sukey solve the mystery that has blighted this stunning house? And can she catch the killer before they turn on her? A completely addictive murder mystery for fans of P.D. James, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis that will have you hooked from the first page! This book was previously published as Touch Me Not. What readers are saying about Betty Rowlands: '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 deliciousbook and series to follow.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'I really enjoyed this start of a new series by Betty Rowlands… The story had lots of twists and turns and it was hard to put down.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'I really enjoyed this book - it has a great plot, excellent main characters and is a real page turner. I would highly recommend this book.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars

The sun breaks through the clouds to shine on a little cottage where a mossy path leads to the front door, but inside something terrible has happened… Police photographer Sukey Reynolds is looking forward to a quiet weekend gardening at home, when she gets a call that there has been a shocking break-in at a local manor house. Once she begins to gather evidence, Sukey realises that this is the latest in a spate of well-crafted burglaries in the Cotswolds. Someone is targeting expensive houses with valuable art collections… Thankfully, the police soon have a suspect in custody. But, during questioning, he suddenly catches a glimpse of Sukey, turns deathly pale and calls out to her. Sukey is sure she has never met this man before… Is this a bizarre joke, or is there a stranger out there who is Sukey's perfect double in every way?Just as Sukey begins to suspect she's being followed, the police are baffled by a spate of local murders. With the body count rising, and the police unsure of where to turn, is Sukey herself a clue in this strange case? Can she unmask the killer before she becomes the next victim? An unputdownable murder mystery for fans of Agatha Christie, Joy Ellis and Faith Martin from the bestselling queen of cozy crime.

A quaint cottage in a pretty Victorian terrace with a neatly tended garden stands quiet and still… but inside the bedroom a woman lies dead upon the floor.Sukey Reynolds is enjoying a quiet period at work, taking time to get her garden in hand, catch up on some cooking and spend time with her son. Murder is the last thing on her mind…But when she is called to the charming Ivy House to photograph the dead body of a young woman, Sukey feels compelled to drop everything and do all she can to shed light on this baffling mystery. And whilst collecting evidence at a nearby hotel which had a break-in around the same time as the murder, she starts to wonder if the two cases might be linked.The manager just happened to let slip that one of her guests went white as a sheet after reading about the death and disappeared shortly afterwards. The very same guest whose room was broken into… Sukey has a shrewd suspicion about who this man might be, and she fears he too could be in danger.Although she voices her theories, her detective colleagues are in no mood for any more of her amateur sleuthing. Sukey realises that if she wants to pursue her lead, she'll have to do it alone. When Sukey agrees to a secret meeting by a remote river, has she made a terrible mistake? Has the killer lured her into the woods and into a trap?If you love novels by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin or Joy Ellis, then this addictive mystery from the bestselling queen of cozy crime will have you hooked from the very first page!This book was previously published as Dirty Work. 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 fabulousplot. 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 body is found near a picture-perfect Cotswolds village… but the upstanding local residents couldn't possibly be involved, could they? Murder is the very last thing on Melissa Craig's mind when one of her neighbours pops in to complain loudly about a minor local robbery. She's far too busy thinking about her next book…But when the evening paper lands, there is a shocking headline. A young woman's body has been found in the nearby woods, and it seems the local robbery may offer a crucial clue. Suddenly the whole village is talking about the murder, but none of Melissa's neighbours have come forward to say they know who the victim is. Convinced that the police have got the wrong end of the stick, Melissa can't resist doing some more digging. When she finds a photograph of the dead girl at her former family home, she realises this is the clue she needs, if only she can find out who took the picture… Melissa finds an exciting new lead and rushes to follow it. But might she be walking into a trap? Can she work out the truth before she puts herself in harm's way? If you love novels by Joy Ellis, Faith Martin or Agatha Christie, you won't be able to put down this twisty murder mystery! This book was previously published as The Cherry Pickers. 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 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

Bright mornings and brisk walks… spring has arrived in the Cotswolds. But the atmosphere is positively wintery in Upper Benbury after a series of murders shake the close-knit community. Since her move to the country, Melissa Craig has become firmly established in village life. So, when one of the older residents fails to show up for a drinks party, Melissa goes to check on her. What she finds chills her to the bone: her dear neighbour has been murdered, and the killer has painted a hideous smile onto her face… Melissa soon realises that the death in her village bears the same trademark as a series of recent murders in the Cotswolds. When will The Smiler strike again? With a dangerous killer on the loose, Melissa realises she needs to solve this case quickly. But as she starts to look closely at the people around her, she realises the killer may be closer to home than she could ever have imagined. What dark secrets are the villagers of Upper Benbury hiding? And can Melissa crack this deadly case before another life is taken? Do you love murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and P.D. James? If so, then you won't be able to put down this gripping novel!

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

French cheese, fine wine and… a mystifying murder? A delightful afternoon stroll turns to disaster when the guests of an artists' retreat in the French mountains spot the body of a man at the bottom of a cliff. Amongst them is Melissa Craig who, binoculars at the ready, suddenly finds herself at the centre of a very puzzling mystery. Was it an accident, or was he pushed? Her suspicions are confirmed when another body is found days later in almost exactly the same spot. It can't be a coincidence; someone in this idyllic French village is up to no good, and it's up to her to find out who. Between the eccentric locals and mischievous guests, Melissa finds herself with no shortage of potential suspects: was it the surly handyman with a dark past, or perhaps the short-sighted widow with an excellent golf swing? But the real question is: how close to the edge will Melissa have to tread to find the culprit…? An absolutely unputdownable murder mystery you'll read in one sitting. Perfect for anyone who loves Agatha Christie, P.D. James or Faith Martin. This book was previously published as Over the Edge.

Cream teas, buttered crumpets and a very curious crime…Melissa Craig is settling in nicely to a new teaching position in the quaint little village of Upper Bembury, getting to know her way around, drinking tea with the eccentric staff, even sewing the first seeds of romance…But when she arrives one morning to find police outside her classroom, Melissa is shocked to hear that her beautiful colleague Angelica has been found dead in her home.As everyone in Angelica's life comes under suspicion, ­Melissa makes it her mission to go in search of the truth, not least because she's romantically entangled with none other than the police's prime suspect.The discovery of a vandalised portrait of the murdered girl might be just the clue that Melissa needs to clear her lover's name, but when a second body surfaces, she knows she needs to act quickly. Can Melissa uncover the ugly truth in this beautiful village before another innocent life is taken?Do you love murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, P.D. James and Faith Martin? If so, make this puzzling and absolutely page-turning whodunnit your next read! This book was previously published as Finishing Touch. What readers are saying about Betty Rowlands:'Perfect for lovers of COSY CRIME!... I loved this book… This is an easily read book but it will keep you on your toes' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars'An entertaining book… fluently written… In the same league as Agatha Christie.' B for Book Review'Captivated… very well-written… a terrific beginning to the series… a very quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed the danger and surprising twists in this story, as well as the unexpected humour.' Robin Loves Reading

A snow-covered cottage is nestled in the hills, all ready for Christmas… but inside a body lies dead upon the floor. Melissa Craig is enjoying her first winter in the Cotswolds, taking brisk walks through the snowy fields and basking in the winter sunshine. The only thing Melissa is plotting is her Christmas shopping. But after the unexpected death of local writer Leonora Jewell, Melissa is asked to complete Leonora's final book. However, on her first visit to the cottage, she finds a gruesome object overlooked by the police: a metal bar covered with dried blood.Terrified, Melissa rushes to the nearest telephone box to call the police. But by the time they reach Leonora's cottage, the murder weapon has mysteriously vanished. With no murder weapon, the detective in charge of the case scoffs at Melissa's suspicions. Furious and frustrated, Melissa focuses on finishing Leonora's novel. But as she reads Leonora's notes for the book, she starts to wonder… did Leonora accidentally plot out her own murder? As Melissa does some investigating of her own, she uncovers some pretty suspicious local characters. But with the police unwilling to help, can Melissa solve this vicious crime alone? By hook, by crook, or by the book, Melissa must find the killers before they strike again… If you adore Faith Martin, Joy Ellis and P.D. James, you're in for a treat with this unputdownable mystery novel!This book was previously published as Deadly Legacy. 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

A perfect country garden is full of flowers and gently buzzing bees… But the man lying dead beneath the trees can no longer see the beautiful scene. Melissa Craig is thrilled that summer has arrived. She has decided to give up her career as an amateur sleuth and enjoy a quiet life in her beautiful cottage. The only digging in Melissa's life now happens in her garden.However, when a keen beekeeper is found dead, covered in multiple stings, her new resolve is tested. As she gets to know the family of the dead man, she realises he was no saint. Could someone have possibly wanted him dead? Could this be a very clever murder?As Melissa starts to probe the victim's friends and acquaintances, another member of the family is also stung to death. Who could have turned the bees against their keeper? And when will they strike again?With the residents of Upper Benbury now fearful to open their windows to the summer air, and the police treating the deaths as accidental, Melissa must solve this case herself. To find the killer with the sharpest sting, she may have to delve deep into the hive… If you can't get enough of mysteries by Agatha Christie, P.D. James or Faith Martin, you will love this unputdownable mystery novel.