Betty Rowlands

Kena maja kõrgub uhkelt haljendava muruplatsi servas, kirsipuude ladvus siristavad linnud. Kuid sel suvehommikul on linnud lendu kohutatud ja maja omanik lamab nii liikumatult, et magamise moodi see küll ei ole ...Sukey Reynolds tunneb rõõmu suve saabumisest. Ta aed näeb suurepärane välja ning pikad soojad päevad annavad võimaluse nautida maaelu ja isegi veidi tennist mängida. Kaevata kavatseb ta üksnes oma lillepeenraid.Kuid siis kutsutakse Sukey kuriteopaigast fotosid tegema kohta, kus näib olevat aset leidnud traagiline õnnetus. Arthur Soames, pensionil kooliõpetaja, on oma ideaalses korras muruplatsi kohal kõrguvalt sepiskaunistustega metalltrepilt surnuks kukkunud. Aga kui politsei sellest perekonnale teada annab, raiuvad nad nagu rauda, et see polnud õnnetus.Kas see suvepäev on kahtlaselt kõhedaks muutunud?Kui Arthuri tütar politseile rahu ei anna, otsustab Sukey vastu tahtmist keskenduda naisele meelerahu toomisele. Surnud mehe minevikus torkima asudes saab ta teada, et too varjas nii mõndagi saladust ja on üksjagu inimesi, kes võinuksid ta surma soovida. Aga kes neist võis ta mõrvata? Kas seda tegi Arthuri võluv kihlatu, tõre endine õpilane või hoopis häiritud naaber?Väikesele paberitükile kirjutatud aadress on just see vihje, mida Sukey vajab. Kuid kas ta suudab veenda oma kolleege politseist, et see suvehommikune surm polnud õnnetus, ja ühtlasi selle salapärase mõrvaloo lahendada?

Kena viktoriaanliku ridamaja hoolitsetud aias valitseb rahu ja vaikus ... ent magamistoa põrandal lamab surnud naine.Sukey Reynolds naudib tööl rahulikku perioodi, tal on ükskord ometi aega aia eest hoolitsemiseks, küpsetamiseks ja poja seltsis aja veetmiseks. Mõrvadele ei mõtle ta kohe kindlasti.Aga siis kutsutakse ta võluvasse Ivy House'i noore naise surnukeha pildistama ning Sukey tunneb tungi jätta kõik sinnapaika ja keskenduda ihu ja hingega valguse heitmisele sellele jahmatavale saladusele. Mõrvaga samal ajal on sisse murtud lähedal asuvasse hotelli ning seal asitõendeid kogudes hakkab ta endalt küsima, kas need kaks juhtumit võivad omavahel seotud olla.Siis mainib hotelli juhataja kogemata, et üks külalistest tõmbus surmast lugemise järel näost valgeks ja kadus peagi pärast seda. Seesama külaline, kelle tuppa sisse murti ... Sukey aimab, kes see mees olla võib, ja kardab, et temagi võib olla ohus.Ehkki ta mainib oma kahtlusi ja teooriaid, ei taha tema uurijatest töökaaslased tema katsetest uurijat mängida enam midagi kuulda. Sukey taipab, et kui ta oma juhtlõnga edasi harutada soovib, tuleb tal seda teha üksi. Kas Sukey on teinud kohutava vea, kui ta nõustub salajase kokkusaamisega kauge jõe ääres? Kas tapja on ta meelitanud metsa, otse üles seatud lõksu?

Metsaga kaetud kallaste vahel voolab vulisev jõeke, mille vetel mängib sügisvalgus ja puude okstel siristavad linnud. Aga kaldal lamab surnult tüdruk, kelle kunagi nii säravad juuksed on nüüd paklas ja tuhmid ...Melissa Craig on end võluvas Cotswoldis asuvas Ülem-Benbury külakeses mõnusalt sisse seadnud. Ta annab kohalikule teismelisele prantsuse keele eratunde ja see pakub talle suurepärast võimalust heita pilk noorte inimeste mõttemaailma. Ehk on sellest abi isegi uue romaani kirjutamisel ... Melissa vaikne elu saab rikutud, kui ta näeb oma uut naabrit paanikas metsast välja tormamas. Melissa kiirustab asja uurima, kuid leitu võtab temagi hingetuks. Jõekese kaldal lamab surnukeha.Kui kahtlus langeb Melissa naabrile, uue alguse nimel pingutavale minevikutaagaga mehele, otsustab Melissa keskenduda tema süütuse tõestamisele. Külas töötab hoogsalt kuulujutuveski ja politsei on kindel, et nad on mõrtsuka tabanud, niisiis peab ta kiiresti tegutsema.Kohalike elanikega rääkides taipab naine ühtäkki, et võluvates Cotswoldi majakestes varjab end üksjagu kurjakuulutavaid kujusid. Kas üks neist võis neiu oma ohvriks valida? Kas seda tegi jõe lähedal asuvas majas elav veider vanamees? Või oma õdede juurde kolinud endine koorijuht, kes armastab noortele naistele silma heita?Kui Melissa Craig on kord asjaga tegelema hakanud, ei taandu ta enam - miski ei suuda teda selle mõrva lahendamisel takistada! Kas ta suudab oma uue sõbra süütust tõestada? Ja kas tal õnnestub paljastada tegelik kurjategija enne, kui kustub järjekordse noore eluküünal?

Uhke vana maja, mida ümbritseb elegantse purskkaevuga hunnitu roosiaed, näeb välja uskumatult kaunis. Aga kas see imeline paik võib olla veidrate surmajuhtumite jada ühendav lüli?Sukey Reynolds teeb politsei jaoks ülesvõtteid Burwelli talus, kus on aset leidnud murdvargus. Teda tõmbab nagu magnetiga salapärase maja ja selle kauni ümbruse poole. Burwelli talus ei kasvatata vilja ega kariloomi, see on paik, mille omanike sõnul avaldab see külastajate hingele erakordselt tervendavat ja turgutavat mõju ...Aga enne, kui Sukey asjasse süveneda jõuab, kutsutakse ta järgmisse sissemurdmispaika: majja, kus elab noor lesk, kelle abikaasa veetis liigagi tihti aega ... Burwelli talus. Sukey hakkab huvi tundma, kas täiuslikult hooldatud muruplatside taha midagi kurjakuulutavat ei varjata.Kui ta politseinikest kolleegid keelduvad ta kahtlustesse tõsiselt suhtumast, otsustab Sukey ise asja uurima hakata. Kes on selles roosiaias okkaks? Kas kaunis vastuvõtusekretär, saladusi varjav aednik või siis oma järgijates ülimat pühendumist tekitav koha vaimne juht?

Päikesekiired tungivad läbi pilvede ja valgustavad väikest majakest, mille eesukseni viib kitsuke sammaldunud rada. Kuid majas sees on aset leidnud midagi kohutavat ...Kriminalist Sukey Reynolds ootab pikisilmi nädalavahetust aiatöid nautides, kui talle töölt ootamatult helistatakse: kohaliku mõisa peahoonesse on sisse murtud. Asitõendeid koguma hakates taipab Sukey, et tegemist on värskeimaga Cotswoldis toimuvast hästi läbi mõeldud sissemurdmiste seeriast. Keegi on sihikule võtnud härrastemajad, mille seinte vahel asuvad kallihinnalised kunstikollektsioonid.Onneks võtab politsei kahtlusaluse peagi vahi alla. Kuid küsitlemise käigus näeb mees juhuslikult Sukeyt, tõmbub näost kaameks ja hüüab naist. Sukey teab täiesti kindlalt, et pole seda inimest kunagi varem näinud. On see mingi veider nali või tegutseb kuskil võõras, kes on igas mõttes Sukey täiuslik teisik?Just siis, kui Sukey hakkab kahtlustama, et teda jälitatakse, jahmatavad politseid ümbruses aset leidvad mõrvad. Kuna surnukehade arv aina kasvab ja politsei ei tea, kust otsast asja harutama hakata, peab Sukey endalt küsima, kas mitte tema ise ei ole selle veidra juhtumi lahenduseni viiv niidiots. Kas ta suudab rebida mõrvarilt maski enne, kui temast endast saab tapja järgmine ohver?

Maalilise Cotswoldi küla lähedalt leitakse surnukeha - kuid kes võib küll olla mõrvar?Mõrv on viimane asi, mis Melissa Craigi meeltes mõlgub, kui üks ta naabritest läbi astub, et häälekalt kurta mingite väiksemate kohalike varguste pärast. Ta on selleks liiga ametis oma järgmisele raamatule mõtlemisega ...Pealegi ei ole ta enda elus just kõige lihtsam aeg. Aga õhtusest lehest vaatab vastu jahmatav pealkiri. Lähedasest metsasalust on leitud noore naise laip ja paistab sedamoodi, et just seal kandis toimunud vargus pakub olulist juhtlõnga. Korraga räägib kogu küla mõrvast, kuid mitte ükski Melissa naabritest ei kiirusta naise isikut tuvastama.Melissa, kes on veendunud, et politsei läheneb asjale valest otsast, ei suuda vastu panna kiusatusele ise väheke nuhkida. Kui ta leiab foto, millel on surnud tüdruk, taipab naine, et see ongi otsitud juhtlõng - kui ta vaid suudaks välja selgitada, kes selle foto tegi. Melissa kiirustab koos ajakirjanik Bruce Ingramiga asja uurima. Aga äkki tormab ta otse üles seatud lõksu? Kas ta suudab tõe välja selgitada enne, kui on ise surmaohtu sattunud?

Lumega kaetud mäenõlval on väike majake jõuluootel ... kuid selle põrandal lamab surnukeha.Melissa Craig naudib oma jõule Cotswoldis, käib lumega kaetud väljadel reipaid jalutuskäike tegemas ja tunneb rõõmu talvise päikese paitusest. Ja tema ainsad plaanid on seotud jõulukinkide ostmisegaKuid pärast kohaliku kirjaniku Leonora Jewelli ootamatut surma palutakse Melissal Leonora viimane raamat lõpuni kirjutada. Ent juba esimest korda kadunud kirjaniku maja külastades avastab Melissa politseinikel kahe silma vahele jäänud eseme: verega kaetud metallkangi.Kohkunud Melissa kiirustab lähimasse telefoniputkasse politseile oma leiust teada andma. Aga selleks ajaks, kui nemad kohale jõuavad, on mõrvarelv salapärasel kombel otsekui õhku haihtunud.Mõrvarelva puudumise tõttu suhtub juhtumiga tegelev politseinik Melissa kahtlustesse ükskõikselt. Tulivihane ja ärritatud Melissa keskendub Leonora romaani lõpetamisele. Lugedes märkmeid, mida Leonora raamatu tarvis tegi, tekib tal küsimus ... kas Leonora mitte kogemata kombel ise oma tapmist loo süzheesse sisse ei kirjutanud?Iseseisvalt asja uurima hakanud Melissa puutub kokku mitme üsna kahtlase kohaliku tegelasega. Aga kas ta tuleb iseseisvalt selle kohutava kuriteo lahendamisega toime - politsei ju teda aidata ei soovi? Melissa peab, kasvõi nui neljaks või raamat ribadeks, leidma tapjad enne, kui nad taas ründavad ...

Keset puuviljaaeda seisab kena majake ja musträstad tervitavad igal hommikul oma lauluga roosapõsiseid vilju kandvatelt okstelt koitu ... kuid puude all lamajat ei suuda linnulaul surmaunest äratada.Melissa Craig maadleb parasjagu uue romaaniga, kui saabub just see, mida ta vajab - kutse lähedal asuvasse maamajja, kus ta saaks rahus ja vaikuses kirjatööd teha. Maja on imeline ja vastab kõigile ootustele - kui häärberi pisut omapärane teenindav personal välja arvata ...Vaevalt on Melissa asjad lahti pakkinud, kui majaomanik veenab teda uurima, mis on talle saadetud ähvarduskirjade taga. Kuid veel enne, kui naine jõuab midagi ette võtta, leitakse peremehe surnukeha ta enda puuviljaaiast.Mehega seonduvat põhjalikumalt uurima asudes saab Melissa teada, et kadunuke ei meeldinud mitte kellelegi. Aga kes vihkas teda nii väga, et otsustas mõrvani minna? Tema pealtnäha arglik ja uje naine, sekretär, kellega mehel oli salasuhe, või siis hoopis ammust saladust varjav aednik?Sellal kui politsei otsib tapjat väljastpoolt, on Melissa kindel, et mõrvar on palju lähemal. Aga suudab ta seda tõestada? Ja kas tal õnnestub tapja tabada enne, kui veel keegi elu jätab?

Tõusva päikese kiired soojendavad hiiglaslikust muruplatsist ümbritsetud hunnitut maamaja. Kuid majaprouale pole antud seda koidikut näha ...Politseifotograaf Sukey Reynolds kutsutakse kaunisse Dearley härrastemajja, fikseerima pealtnäha tavapärase sissemurdmise sündmuspaika, kuid saabudes leiab ta jahmatusega eest väga tuttava inimese surnukeha. Dearley härrastemaja omanik on seesama jõukas daam, kelle pärast Sukey eksabikaasa Paul Reynolds ta maha jättis. Mõisaproua on jõhkralt mõrvatud.Lähedaste isiklike sidemete tõttu kõrvaldatakse Sukey ametlikult juhtumi uurimisest. Aga kui politsei hakkab süüdlast otsides järjest enam Paulile keskenduma, taipab Sukey, et tal ei jää muud üle, kui proovida tema süütust tõestada. Ta ei pruukinud olla maailma parim abikaasa, kuid tapja ta kindlasti pole.Surnud naise minevikus kaevama asudes avastab Sukey, et tegemist polnud mingi pühakuga ja paljud naabrid oleksid hea meelega Dearley häärberi omanikust vabaneda soovinud ...Kui aga Dearley maadelt leitakse surnuna järgmine naine, hakkab Sukey kartma, et igaühte, kes probleemsest perekonnast liiga palju teab, ähvardab oht jõhkra mõrtsuka käe läbi hukka saada. Kas ta suudab Pauli süütust tõestada enne, kui on liiga hilja? Ja kas tal õnnestub julm tapja tabada enne, kui keegi veel oma elu jätab?

Kauni maahotelli laval on kõik valmis kohaliku näitetrupi etteasteks ja Melissa Craig peab ühe trupiliikme salapärase tapmise järel taas detektiivirolli asuma ...Melissa rõõmustab, kui tal palutakse tema kohalikus Cotswoldi lemmikhotellis etenduva näidendi lavaletoomisel abiks olla. See pakub talle imelise võimaluse tutvuda näitetrupi liikmetega, kes on nii laval kui lava taga ühtviisi värvikad kujud.Proovid kulgevad sujuvalt, kuni üks alalõpmata torisev ja pahas tujus kõrvalosatäitja leitakse järsu keldritrepi jalamilt selili lamamast.Tulemusteta mehe elu päästa üritav Melissa on kindel, et kuuleb lähedusest hääli, ja tajub, et õnnetusega pole asi päris puhas. Miks püüdis mees pääseda hotelli keldrisse, kuhu tal üldse asja polnud? Ja miks hotelli juhataja selle pärast nii kuri on?Kui hotelli projektiga tutvudes üht-teist üllatavat ilmsiks tuleb, on Melissa raudkindel, et tegemist on mõrvaga. Aga kuidas toimida siis, kui kõik su kahtlusalused on näitlejad - mismoodi teha vahet headel ja halbadel valetajatel? Kas Melissa suudab tapja leida enne, kui eesriie viimast korda langeb?

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

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 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

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

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 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