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Maybridge Murder Mysteries #1
Murder Among the Roses
In the peaceful village of Maybridge, you wouldn’t expect to find a dead body in the rose garden. And certainly not two.
Abby Finch is horrified to discover the bones of a baby long-since buried under a rose bush in the garden of her soon-to-be ex-husband Howard’s family home.
She immediately calls the police but she can’t get hold of Howard. He’s off on a jolly with the very pregnant soon-to-be new Mrs Finch.
Abby will do whatever it takes to keep things cordial for the sake of her three children. But when Howard learns the press have found out, he’s livid. He accuses Abby of sabotaging his fledgling political campaign.
And then, just two days later, Abby finds Howard himself.
Lying dead in the very same rose garden.
Throat slashed with her own garden spade.
Now Abby is the prime suspect.
Somebody in this quiet village is hiding a dark secret. And Abby will have to dig deep to uncover the truth.
Abby Finch is horrified to discover the bones of a baby long-since buried under a rose bush in the garden of her soon-to-be ex-husband Howard’s family home.
She immediately calls the police but she can’t get hold of Howard. He’s off on a jolly with the very pregnant soon-to-be new Mrs Finch.
Abby will do whatever it takes to keep things cordial for the sake of her three children. But when Howard learns the press have found out, he’s livid. He accuses Abby of sabotaging his fledgling political campaign.
And then, just two days later, Abby finds Howard himself.
Lying dead in the very same rose garden.
Throat slashed with her own garden spade.
Now Abby is the prime suspect.
Somebody in this quiet village is hiding a dark secret. And Abby will have to dig deep to uncover the truth.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2023
676 people are currently reading
596 people want to read
About the author
Liz Fielding
560 books469 followersHi, I'm Liz Fielding, and I'm a best selling contemporary romance author with more than 15 million books in print and Katie Fforde wrote, when honouring me with the Romantic Novelists' Association's Outstanding Achievement Award in 2019 said - "Liz Fielding's books, with their warmth, humour and emotion, have charmed millions of readers. She is a true star of the romantic fiction genre..."
And now I've turned to a life of crime with my first cozy mystery. Murder Among the Roses, published on 18 April 2023 - of which Katie Fforde also said, "I was gripped from beginning to end..."
Reading is a big part of my life. I love witty, contemporary romances, not too much sex,, Women's fiction by the likes of Fiona Harper, Julie Cohen, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jennifer Crusie and Barbara O'Neal. And I love crime fiction that isn't too gory, or focussed on clue hunting, but is big on character.
My best loved series at the moment are the Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths, The Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch and the Libby Sarjeant Mysteries by Lesley Cookman. I've just read the first in the Georgina Drake crime series from Kate Hardy and looking forward to the next.
For news and excerpts of my new releases, visit me at http://www.lizfielding.com and sign up for my newsletter
And now I've turned to a life of crime with my first cozy mystery. Murder Among the Roses, published on 18 April 2023 - of which Katie Fforde also said, "I was gripped from beginning to end..."
Reading is a big part of my life. I love witty, contemporary romances, not too much sex,, Women's fiction by the likes of Fiona Harper, Julie Cohen, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jennifer Crusie and Barbara O'Neal. And I love crime fiction that isn't too gory, or focussed on clue hunting, but is big on character.
My best loved series at the moment are the Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths, The Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch and the Libby Sarjeant Mysteries by Lesley Cookman. I've just read the first in the Georgina Drake crime series from Kate Hardy and looking forward to the next.
For news and excerpts of my new releases, visit me at http://www.lizfielding.com and sign up for my newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
April 12, 2023
What a delightful book! And just look at that stunning cover.
Abby Finch is busy planting a new rose bush when she finds herself digging up small, fragile bones which turn out to be the skeleton of a baby. Of course she calls in the police which sets a whole lot of events in motion and eventually leads to a murder. Abby herself is a prime suspect but there are many others.
Liz Fielding is a new author to me who is well known in the romance genre. This is her first try at a cosy mystery and she aces it. The book is very well written, nicely paced with lots of suspects, an excellent mystery and some charming characters especially Abby herself. I look forward to her writing more books in this genre.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. Also thanks to Helen for bringing it to my attention!
Abby Finch is busy planting a new rose bush when she finds herself digging up small, fragile bones which turn out to be the skeleton of a baby. Of course she calls in the police which sets a whole lot of events in motion and eventually leads to a murder. Abby herself is a prime suspect but there are many others.
Liz Fielding is a new author to me who is well known in the romance genre. This is her first try at a cosy mystery and she aces it. The book is very well written, nicely paced with lots of suspects, an excellent mystery and some charming characters especially Abby herself. I look forward to her writing more books in this genre.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. Also thanks to Helen for bringing it to my attention!
April 13, 2023
Working in the garden of her soon-to-be ex-husband's family home, nestled in the small village of Maybridge, Abby was horrified to find the long buried bones of a baby, buried underneath the rose bush she was about to replace. Calling the police started a series of events which took Abby back to the Finch family's past, and what she discovered made her wish she'd left the bones covered. Husband Howard was furious, with Abby copping the brunt of his anger, so when he was found dead in the same place that the baby had been found, Abby was on the top of the suspect list.
With Abby's three children distraught about losing their Dad, and Howard's fiance, soon to be mother, angry, Abby knew she needed to find the killer, both to help the police, but to clear her name as well. Would she do it? Could she discover Howard's killer, as well as the baby's origin?
Murder Among the Roses is a exceptional cosy mystery by Liz Fielding, her first as she's an author of the romance genre. I hope she continues in this vein as I'd love to read more cosy mysteries by Ms Fielding. Abby is a really great character, natural, down to earth, while her friend Meg, the police woman Dee and all the cast are well formed and well written. I think also, that Abby would make a fabulous main character in a series! And I must make mention of the divine cover! Absolutely gorgeous - I can smell those roses! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
With Abby's three children distraught about losing their Dad, and Howard's fiance, soon to be mother, angry, Abby knew she needed to find the killer, both to help the police, but to clear her name as well. Would she do it? Could she discover Howard's killer, as well as the baby's origin?
Murder Among the Roses is a exceptional cosy mystery by Liz Fielding, her first as she's an author of the romance genre. I hope she continues in this vein as I'd love to read more cosy mysteries by Ms Fielding. Abby is a really great character, natural, down to earth, while her friend Meg, the police woman Dee and all the cast are well formed and well written. I think also, that Abby would make a fabulous main character in a series! And I must make mention of the divine cover! Absolutely gorgeous - I can smell those roses! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2023
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
MURDER AMONG THE ROSES (Maybridge Murder Mysteries Book #1) by Liz Fielding is an outstanding cozy mystery start to a new series set in the quiet and quaint village of Maybridge featuring a unique protagonist. From the beautiful cover to the resolution of the mystery, I was unable to put this book down.
Abby Finch loves her gardening business and is trying to remain civil with her soon to be ex-husband for the sake of their three children, but he has coerced her into cleaning up his family’s estates gardens after the death of his grandmother. As she is digging up a rose bush, she discovers the small bones of an infant. She immediately reports the find to the local police.
When Harold Finch returns from a weekend trip with his fiancée, he immediately confronts Abby about going to the police and accuses her of trying to destroy his budding political aspirations. After Abby has a run in with his fiancée, she goes looking for Harold and finds him over the baby’s grave, dead.
Even with several people in and out of the garden that day, Abby, the soon to be ex, is the prime suspect. As she begins to investigate estate records researching the time the bones of the baby could have been buried, she begins to bring to light dark secrets Harold’s family tried to keep buried.
This is a fantastic cozy mystery. The author does not begin immediately with the murder, but introduces Abby, her family and friends and other characters associated with Harold and the divorce. It was fascinating to read how Abby went about researching the estate and journals from the past to bring to light the murderer in the present. The story pulled me in with characters that are fully developed and believable. I feel the pacing of this cozy mystery plot is flawless, and the twists and red herrings are perfectly placed. I am very interested in how the author will move forward in this series and cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
I highly recommend this cozy mystery!
MURDER AMONG THE ROSES (Maybridge Murder Mysteries Book #1) by Liz Fielding is an outstanding cozy mystery start to a new series set in the quiet and quaint village of Maybridge featuring a unique protagonist. From the beautiful cover to the resolution of the mystery, I was unable to put this book down.
Abby Finch loves her gardening business and is trying to remain civil with her soon to be ex-husband for the sake of their three children, but he has coerced her into cleaning up his family’s estates gardens after the death of his grandmother. As she is digging up a rose bush, she discovers the small bones of an infant. She immediately reports the find to the local police.
When Harold Finch returns from a weekend trip with his fiancée, he immediately confronts Abby about going to the police and accuses her of trying to destroy his budding political aspirations. After Abby has a run in with his fiancée, she goes looking for Harold and finds him over the baby’s grave, dead.
Even with several people in and out of the garden that day, Abby, the soon to be ex, is the prime suspect. As she begins to investigate estate records researching the time the bones of the baby could have been buried, she begins to bring to light dark secrets Harold’s family tried to keep buried.
This is a fantastic cozy mystery. The author does not begin immediately with the murder, but introduces Abby, her family and friends and other characters associated with Harold and the divorce. It was fascinating to read how Abby went about researching the estate and journals from the past to bring to light the murderer in the present. The story pulled me in with characters that are fully developed and believable. I feel the pacing of this cozy mystery plot is flawless, and the twists and red herrings are perfectly placed. I am very interested in how the author will move forward in this series and cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
I highly recommend this cozy mystery!
April 7, 2023
I am a big fan of Liz Fielding’s romances and now I can say I am a big fan of her cosy mysteries, this is her first foray into cosy mysteries and it is fabulous, awesome characters, fabulous setting and it moves so well and it had me guessing till the very end and it was not what I thought at all, this is one to pick up you will not want to put it down once you start.
Abby Finch is living in the quiet village of Maybridge, with her three children, she is going through a divorce at the moment from Howard, she runs a gardening business in the town and is very good at what she does, she is working on the garden of her soon to be ex-husbands family home, Linton Lodge digging up an old rose when she discovers bones belonging to a baby, stunned and shocked she rings the police, she can’t get hold of Howard as he is having a weekend in Paris with the soon to be new pregnant Mrs. Finch.
Abby will do whatever it takes to keep things as quiet as possible for her children’s sakes and she also knows how much it could affect Howards political ambitions when all of this hits the papers, Abby then runs into and old school friend Jake who she has not seen since her last year at school they have a connection and when Jake hears what has happened he is determined to help Abby.
Howard arrives home and is furious and blames Abby for it all, tempers are fraying and then Abby finds Howard dead in the same rose garden, killed with her spade and Abby becomes number one suspect, Abby is determined to find out what truly happened and when digging she uncovers some secrets that go back many years.
This story had me turning the pages I could not put it down it was a one sitting read for me, it is just so good, so well written I felt like I was in the village as everything was happening and there are quite a few suspects in my opinion, it is moving all of the time, I loved Abby and her friends who stepped up to help and the police are so good.
This is a story that I would highly recommend and I really hope that there will be lots more cosy mysteries from Liz Fielding, thank you so much, this is one for the keeper shelf.
My thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
Abby Finch is living in the quiet village of Maybridge, with her three children, she is going through a divorce at the moment from Howard, she runs a gardening business in the town and is very good at what she does, she is working on the garden of her soon to be ex-husbands family home, Linton Lodge digging up an old rose when she discovers bones belonging to a baby, stunned and shocked she rings the police, she can’t get hold of Howard as he is having a weekend in Paris with the soon to be new pregnant Mrs. Finch.
Abby will do whatever it takes to keep things as quiet as possible for her children’s sakes and she also knows how much it could affect Howards political ambitions when all of this hits the papers, Abby then runs into and old school friend Jake who she has not seen since her last year at school they have a connection and when Jake hears what has happened he is determined to help Abby.
Howard arrives home and is furious and blames Abby for it all, tempers are fraying and then Abby finds Howard dead in the same rose garden, killed with her spade and Abby becomes number one suspect, Abby is determined to find out what truly happened and when digging she uncovers some secrets that go back many years.
This story had me turning the pages I could not put it down it was a one sitting read for me, it is just so good, so well written I felt like I was in the village as everything was happening and there are quite a few suspects in my opinion, it is moving all of the time, I loved Abby and her friends who stepped up to help and the police are so good.
This is a story that I would highly recommend and I really hope that there will be lots more cosy mysteries from Liz Fielding, thank you so much, this is one for the keeper shelf.
My thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
June 17, 2023
A brilliant cozy mystery book which caught my attention immediately. A lot of twists on this one and I didn’t guess right at all. It was such an easy read that I found I couldn’t help but pick it up and read some more. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
April 10, 2023
I received a free copy of, Murder Among The Roses, by Liz Fielding, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Abby finds the bones of a baby, so many questions come about. Who's baby is it, was it a natural death? This was a good read, it kept me guessing all the way to the last page.
June 1, 2024
I liked this book despite being annoyed at times how too nice and naive the main character is.
Her separated husband was awful, but she makes every excuse in the book for him and his bad behavior.
However, when his murder occurs and everyone and then some are within the area and have a motive. Plus, what happened to the baby, and who is the mother?
The biggest character development is Rose and the husband. Which is surprising since they are both dead and only 1 redeems themselves by the end. Very sad, twisted family history. The ending was well rounded.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this.
Her separated husband was awful, but she makes every excuse in the book for him and his bad behavior.
However, when his murder occurs and everyone and then some are within the area and have a motive. Plus, what happened to the baby, and who is the mother?
The biggest character development is Rose and the husband. Which is surprising since they are both dead and only 1 redeems themselves by the end. Very sad, twisted family history. The ending was well rounded.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this.
February 19, 2024
Abby is so willing to jump to the defence of her cheating, disrespectful ex-husband and be nice to his new fiance Issy and his horrible secretary Natalie that it doesn't feel relatable. I struggled to respect Abby as a character and viewed her as weak and pathetic. At one stage, she seriously considered keeping Howard Senior's secrets, even though he raped countless innocent women. I only continued reading as I very much wanted to find out whodunnit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2023
I could not put this book down. It’s interesting, sad, infuriating, and complicated. I was glad to see that most of the mysteries are solved by the end but would have liked to know what happened to Peter and Howard Sr. I would highly recommend this book. I was very surprised by who the killer is #MurderAmongtheRoses #NetGalley
April 8, 2023
The plot is complicated but entertaining and well developed with a good pace which kept my interest and me turning the pages. The ending was a shocker and I certainly never saw it coming. Definately recommended as one to read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 21, 2024
The book was very confusing - so many characters spanning different generations. It was hard to follow and the “mystery” I just didn’t really care about
April 19, 2023
Murder Among the Roses is a cozy mystery by Liz Fielding. This author is one that I have read many of her romances, so I was interested in her new mystery. She has brought her wonderful story telling skills to this murder story. Starting out early with the baby remains found on soon to be ex-husband’s inherited home, Abby Finch I shocked to say the least. The mystery of the baby is intense even though the baby was buried many years ago in a longing way. From there the story progresses with family concerns, drama and reacquaintances making coming back to the village of Maybridge.
For the most part I liked Abby Finch but did not understand her attitude to her soon-to-be ex. She was so much better than him but seemed to defend his cheating ways. There is a pattern or theme for Howard’s family, “A family in which the men lead and the women serve.” It is stated early in a conversation but seems to be important to this story. While I enjoyed getting to know Abby and her family, I am hoping that Howard’s past actions or his family’s will not be part of the next book.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
For the most part I liked Abby Finch but did not understand her attitude to her soon-to-be ex. She was so much better than him but seemed to defend his cheating ways. There is a pattern or theme for Howard’s family, “A family in which the men lead and the women serve.” It is stated early in a conversation but seems to be important to this story. While I enjoyed getting to know Abby and her family, I am hoping that Howard’s past actions or his family’s will not be part of the next book.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 18, 2023
It Kept Me Guessing
Abby Finch is separated from her husband but is doing some work in the garden of his family home when she finds the bones of a baby buried under a rose bush. She calls the police but is unable to contact her soon to be ex husband and when he eventually finds out he is not happy that she reported it to the authorities. They have a row as he is hoping to start a political career and fears this will not bode well for his prospects. Soon after the argument he is found dead in the garden and Abby is the one to find him. Fearing she is a suspect, and wanting to protect their three children, Abby starts her own investigation by researching the history of the house. I really enjoyed this book and I was rooting for Abby to clear her name. I did not see the end coming. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I will look out for more.
Abby Finch is separated from her husband but is doing some work in the garden of his family home when she finds the bones of a baby buried under a rose bush. She calls the police but is unable to contact her soon to be ex husband and when he eventually finds out he is not happy that she reported it to the authorities. They have a row as he is hoping to start a political career and fears this will not bode well for his prospects. Soon after the argument he is found dead in the garden and Abby is the one to find him. Fearing she is a suspect, and wanting to protect their three children, Abby starts her own investigation by researching the history of the house. I really enjoyed this book and I was rooting for Abby to clear her name. I did not see the end coming. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I will look out for more.
April 6, 2023
Abby is removing a rose bush when she discovers the bones of a baby. She calls the police but that sets in motion a series of events that affect her and the people she loves. Whose is the baby? How long has it been there? So many questions and very few answers. Missing people, secrets, lies and cover-ups this story has them all.
The suspense and intrigue start at the beginning and continue all the way through to the totally mind-blowing ending. I was trying to work it out but I had absolutely no idea and that was the last person I suspected.
I like the way the characters developed and how the author dealt with the effect of death on each of them in a way that matched their personalities. The guilt that rears its head when someone dies suddenly and the last words were said in anger is also included and all wrapped up very well within the story.
A very gripping story with the right amount of suspense, intrigue, friendship love and revenge all playing their part.
I am very much looking forward to more from this author.
The suspense and intrigue start at the beginning and continue all the way through to the totally mind-blowing ending. I was trying to work it out but I had absolutely no idea and that was the last person I suspected.
I like the way the characters developed and how the author dealt with the effect of death on each of them in a way that matched their personalities. The guilt that rears its head when someone dies suddenly and the last words were said in anger is also included and all wrapped up very well within the story.
A very gripping story with the right amount of suspense, intrigue, friendship love and revenge all playing their part.
I am very much looking forward to more from this author.
April 11, 2023
If you love a good cosy mystery, this one is for you.
Abby Finch is working in the garden of her ex husband’s family home. She has a gardening business in the town. She finds some bones that were buried under rose bushes. It looks like a baby wrapped in a baby blanket and a cross. So she calls the police. After all, it’s the law. She couldn’t get in touch with her ex husband, Howard because he’s off to Paris with his pregnant mistress even though they aren’t divorced yet.
Now in a small, quiet village that’s a big deal, especially since Howard’s family owned Linton Lodge for several generations back. So now Howard is back and mad. He sees Abby with her old friend, Jake from high school. Jake went to school with both Abby and Howard. Howard never got along with Jake, the geek. Jake and Howard get in a physical fight. Howard walks off and so does Jake. Later on, Abby finds Howard murdered in the same place where the bones were found. Now the police thinks she’s the only one who benefits from his death. Abby will protect her children from everyone no matter what. Could Abby be the murderer? Did Jake do it? There is several people who could be guilty. She still tries to find out who the baby belongs since she knows where all the paperwork for Linton Lodge is located. Who does the baby belong to and why was it buried there? What was they trying to hide? I loved this story because I couldn’t figure out who done it. Love love love it. Worth the read. I’ve read Liz Fielding romance but she has me hooked on her mysteries now.
Abby Finch is working in the garden of her ex husband’s family home. She has a gardening business in the town. She finds some bones that were buried under rose bushes. It looks like a baby wrapped in a baby blanket and a cross. So she calls the police. After all, it’s the law. She couldn’t get in touch with her ex husband, Howard because he’s off to Paris with his pregnant mistress even though they aren’t divorced yet.
Now in a small, quiet village that’s a big deal, especially since Howard’s family owned Linton Lodge for several generations back. So now Howard is back and mad. He sees Abby with her old friend, Jake from high school. Jake went to school with both Abby and Howard. Howard never got along with Jake, the geek. Jake and Howard get in a physical fight. Howard walks off and so does Jake. Later on, Abby finds Howard murdered in the same place where the bones were found. Now the police thinks she’s the only one who benefits from his death. Abby will protect her children from everyone no matter what. Could Abby be the murderer? Did Jake do it? There is several people who could be guilty. She still tries to find out who the baby belongs since she knows where all the paperwork for Linton Lodge is located. Who does the baby belong to and why was it buried there? What was they trying to hide? I loved this story because I couldn’t figure out who done it. Love love love it. Worth the read. I’ve read Liz Fielding romance but she has me hooked on her mysteries now.
December 5, 2024
I like how the Brits write cosy mysteries. There's usually layers of sorrow and deeper emotions to be found under the lovely, picture perfect cottage facade.
The title in itself is so very on point here. The contrast between the lovely rose borders in the cottage garden and the grizzly murder is distinct.
In fact, the book touches a lot of serious topics. Infidelity, grief, growing older, growing apart, and other things, that somehow leaves you feeling warm and cosy when it all wraps up.
I'm not really sure why it works so well, but when done right: This is my absolut favourite kind of cosy mysteries!
The title in itself is so very on point here. The contrast between the lovely rose borders in the cottage garden and the grizzly murder is distinct.
In fact, the book touches a lot of serious topics. Infidelity, grief, growing older, growing apart, and other things, that somehow leaves you feeling warm and cosy when it all wraps up.
I'm not really sure why it works so well, but when done right: This is my absolut favourite kind of cosy mysteries!
October 22, 2023
Wow! I'm surprised by just how much I liked this book. While I've classified it as a "cozy" mystery (because a non-professional solves the case) there is nothing "cozy" about the crimes. Our lead is Abby Finch, a soon-to-be-divorced mother of three who is a gardener.
While working in the garden of an estate owned by her husband, she finds the bones of a baby from sometime in the past. Soon, Abby is swept up in the mystery of the baby, and then the eventual murder of someone at the same site. Along the way, Abby discovers her husband's family had a lot of dark secrets.
I liked Abby and her three children, and some of the friends Abby has. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
While working in the garden of an estate owned by her husband, she finds the bones of a baby from sometime in the past. Soon, Abby is swept up in the mystery of the baby, and then the eventual murder of someone at the same site. Along the way, Abby discovers her husband's family had a lot of dark secrets.
I liked Abby and her three children, and some of the friends Abby has. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
August 1, 2024
A really great read!
Abby Finch makes a shocking discovery while digging up roses in her soon to be ex-husband’s family home. While searching through the family archives for answers, Abby learns of family secrets long buried.
With a brutal murder, the return of long lost love - Abby’s life is turned upside down as she searches for answers.
Fast paced, well written, with strong believable and likeable characters.
This is a new author for me - but I will definitely be reading her other books.
Abby Finch makes a shocking discovery while digging up roses in her soon to be ex-husband’s family home. While searching through the family archives for answers, Abby learns of family secrets long buried.
With a brutal murder, the return of long lost love - Abby’s life is turned upside down as she searches for answers.
Fast paced, well written, with strong believable and likeable characters.
This is a new author for me - but I will definitely be reading her other books.
April 10, 2023
5* ADVANCED READER COPY REVIEW
Liz Fielding is a new author to me, though she's written a large number of books over the past thirty years ( including two decades contracted to Mills & Boon).
Murder Among The Roses is the first in a planned series of crime novels set in the fictional Cotswold town of Maybridge, which will feature her "very amateur sleuth" Abby Finch. Apparently the location will be familiar to regular readers of the romance titles...it certainly comes across as real enough in this novel.
I don't want to give any spoilers but for once the book lives up to the cover promise - this time "an utterly gripping cozy murder mystery full of twists" - though I'm not sure what qualifies as "cozy" when there is death around the corner! I was certainly gripped, finishing the book in four days over a busy Easter period...
I really liked Ms Fielding's story telling style. Each chapter was well paced, and as far as I can recall the transition from one to another was seamless enough every time, letting the story flow with minimal head scratching as to where we'd got to, and where we were going.
I've rarely given a five star review of late, this one's worth an exception as it's been a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Liz Fielding is a new author to me, though she's written a large number of books over the past thirty years ( including two decades contracted to Mills & Boon).
Murder Among The Roses is the first in a planned series of crime novels set in the fictional Cotswold town of Maybridge, which will feature her "very amateur sleuth" Abby Finch. Apparently the location will be familiar to regular readers of the romance titles...it certainly comes across as real enough in this novel.
I don't want to give any spoilers but for once the book lives up to the cover promise - this time "an utterly gripping cozy murder mystery full of twists" - though I'm not sure what qualifies as "cozy" when there is death around the corner! I was certainly gripped, finishing the book in four days over a busy Easter period...
I really liked Ms Fielding's story telling style. Each chapter was well paced, and as far as I can recall the transition from one to another was seamless enough every time, letting the story flow with minimal head scratching as to where we'd got to, and where we were going.
I've rarely given a five star review of late, this one's worth an exception as it's been a thoroughly enjoyable read.
April 14, 2023
In spite of having three school age children Harold was in the process of divorcing Abby even as his wealthy and politically ambitious mistress was nearing her due date and the wedding she planned. Then Abby discovered the corpse of a much loved infant buried beneath a rosebush at Harold's family home. That was strange and Abby was planning to research family records to try to find out more. But then there was a big angry blow up among members of the trio and others, and the next thing she knows Abby is flat out in the garden with Harold's dead body on top of her. And it all gets crazier from then on!
Great cozy mystery with intelligent sleuthing, well drawn characters, and some really wow surprises.
I requested and received an EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Great cozy mystery with intelligent sleuthing, well drawn characters, and some really wow surprises.
I requested and received an EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
April 12, 2023
What a wonderful book this was. A cozy mystery yet one with a complex enough plot and plenty of suspects when Abby's ex husband is killed. Add in the discovery of old bones of a baby and you have the added bonus of a historical mystery to also solve.
The setting of the story was quite vivid and I warmed to Abby immediately. The story moves along at a steady pace and with numerous suspects and a puzzle to solve regarding what possible connection could the baby bones have to do with the killing of Howard, there is plenty to keep the reader intrigued. There were several twists and a few clues that I somehow managed to half ignore until the reveal at the end when suddenly everything made sense. I hope the author writes further similar stories as this was certainly a great start.
My thanks to Joffe Books for an advance copy of this and this is my honest review.
The setting of the story was quite vivid and I warmed to Abby immediately. The story moves along at a steady pace and with numerous suspects and a puzzle to solve regarding what possible connection could the baby bones have to do with the killing of Howard, there is plenty to keep the reader intrigued. There were several twists and a few clues that I somehow managed to half ignore until the reveal at the end when suddenly everything made sense. I hope the author writes further similar stories as this was certainly a great start.
My thanks to Joffe Books for an advance copy of this and this is my honest review.
April 17, 2023
Excellent book, well written and so good I could hardly put it down.
Abby is a gardener and is working in the garden of her soon to be ex husband’s family home. Whilst digging up the roots of a well established rosebush she encounters a bone, thinking it to be that of a dog or cat she digs further, until she discovers the skull. This is no animal but a baby.
Really good read.
Abby is a gardener and is working in the garden of her soon to be ex husband’s family home. Whilst digging up the roots of a well established rosebush she encounters a bone, thinking it to be that of a dog or cat she digs further, until she discovers the skull. This is no animal but a baby.
Really good read.
April 13, 2023
This is one of those books that captured my interest from the very start, and I curled up and thoroughly enjoyed reading to the very end.
This is my first book by this author and definitely not my last.
I found this book a most wonderful and gripping cosy mystery. The first involving Abby Finch.
It has a well written and thought-out gripping storyline and plot with very strong, likeable characters. The descriptive is lovely, and there are clever twists and turns to keep you guessing.
A most enjoyable book, I look forward to reading the next one.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
This is my first book by this author and definitely not my last.
I found this book a most wonderful and gripping cosy mystery. The first involving Abby Finch.
It has a well written and thought-out gripping storyline and plot with very strong, likeable characters. The descriptive is lovely, and there are clever twists and turns to keep you guessing.
A most enjoyable book, I look forward to reading the next one.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
April 2, 2023
Utterly gripping with a beautiful eye catching cover.
Abby Finch is digging up the old rose bush at her ex husband Howards old field cottage Maybridge in the Cotswolds and finds a skull of a baby and immediately calls the police trying to get hold of her ex husband is another matter he now has a new woman in his life she is no longer hostage to his demands. This find looks like it happened decades ago and was once owned by Howards great aunt so who could the mother have been, and where is Howard when you need him?
What a gripping full on story that will have you turning the pages one by one, as the characters bring the book to life, a stand alone cozy murder mystery that I enjoyed to the end.
Abby Finch is digging up the old rose bush at her ex husband Howards old field cottage Maybridge in the Cotswolds and finds a skull of a baby and immediately calls the police trying to get hold of her ex husband is another matter he now has a new woman in his life she is no longer hostage to his demands. This find looks like it happened decades ago and was once owned by Howards great aunt so who could the mother have been, and where is Howard when you need him?
What a gripping full on story that will have you turning the pages one by one, as the characters bring the book to life, a stand alone cozy murder mystery that I enjoyed to the end.
April 5, 2023
MURDER AMONG THE ROSES opens with a horrifying discovery. Subsequently, an incident as gruesome as it is shocking creates a baffling mystery. Secrets, lies and intrigue keep the pages flying by. This riveting, perplexing conundrum will keep you guessing until the dynamite finish you'll never see coming.
March 30, 2023
A story that show what is the real life? You need to think and ask yourself before you make a decision its like a life its like a rose you need to take care of it or destroy your like a murderer rose at the end like wrong decision you will regret
"Life is like a murder rose if you choice is wrong!"
"Life is like a murder rose if you choice is wrong!"
April 17, 2023
MURDER AMONG THE ROSES by Liz Fielding.
MEET ABBY FINCH. SHE’S THE BUSY MUM OF THREE, AN EXPERT GARDENER
In the peaceful Cotswolds village of Maybridge, you wouldn’t expect to find a dead body in the rose garden. And certainly not two.
I did enjoy this book. I loved Abby. Didn't like Howard at all or Natalie. Izzy grew on me. Gripping and twisty. 5*.
Merged review:
MURDER AMONG THE ROSES by Liz Fielding.
MEET ABBY FINCH. SHE’S THE BUSY MUM OF THREE, AN EXPERT GARDENER
In the peaceful Cotswolds village of Maybridge, you wouldn’t expect to find a dead body in the rose garden. And certainly not two.
I did enjoy this book. I loved Abby. Didn't like Howard at all or Natalie. Izzy grew on me. Gripping and twisty. 5*.
MEET ABBY FINCH. SHE’S THE BUSY MUM OF THREE, AN EXPERT GARDENER
In the peaceful Cotswolds village of Maybridge, you wouldn’t expect to find a dead body in the rose garden. And certainly not two.
I did enjoy this book. I loved Abby. Didn't like Howard at all or Natalie. Izzy grew on me. Gripping and twisty. 5*.
Merged review:
MURDER AMONG THE ROSES by Liz Fielding.
MEET ABBY FINCH. SHE’S THE BUSY MUM OF THREE, AN EXPERT GARDENER
In the peaceful Cotswolds village of Maybridge, you wouldn’t expect to find a dead body in the rose garden. And certainly not two.
I did enjoy this book. I loved Abby. Didn't like Howard at all or Natalie. Izzy grew on me. Gripping and twisty. 5*.
June 16, 2025
Confusing from beginning to end. I feel like this book couldn’t decide what to be, or when it was set, or who its characters were, and not much was resolved even when we figured out (or rather, were finally told, since it didn’t make much logical sense to be honest) who the killer was. Neither the husband nor the love interest were likeable characters and Abby was too saintlike and devoid of any negative emotion to be realistic; also, I was under the impression that “prom” was an American thing so it felt odd and out of place in the MC’s backstory, and could have done with a bit more explanation. Not fond of the “crazy stalker secretary” subplot either, and the pacing was all over the place. Overall, not my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2023
A corker of a book. An interesting story with, mainly, believable people. It's not often I can say this but the ending totally shocked me. One thing I can say is that thank goodness times have changed and having living in, very young, orphan girls as servants is no longer seen as philanthropic and that the girls should be grateful.
Loved it. I found it very moving at times.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Joffe I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
Loved it. I found it very moving at times.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Joffe I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
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