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Murder in Devon
She wants the truth, but it may cost her more than she thinks...
An ex-patriot-American living in England, magazine reporter Casey Rowan wakes to find one best friend murdered and another seriously injured. Casey is determined to find the killer, despite running afoul of the detective in charge of the case—a blue-eyed Scot named Rod Carlisle, who considers her a prime suspect. As Casey gets closer to the truth, losing her heart to the sexy cop isn’t the only thing she risks. Now her life is danger, too.
He wants her, but he may have to choose between love and duty...
Rod has no patience with civilians who interfere in police matters, even hot little numbers like Casey. Though he tries to keep things professional, Casey’s beauty and spunk are hard to resist. He warns her that what she’s doing is dangerous, but he only succeeds in alienating her. She refuses to listen and goes off on her own with disastrous results. Now Rod’s in a race to find the killer before the woman he loves becomes the next victim.
An ex-patriot-American living in England, magazine reporter Casey Rowan wakes to find one best friend murdered and another seriously injured. Casey is determined to find the killer, despite running afoul of the detective in charge of the case—a blue-eyed Scot named Rod Carlisle, who considers her a prime suspect. As Casey gets closer to the truth, losing her heart to the sexy cop isn’t the only thing she risks. Now her life is danger, too.
He wants her, but he may have to choose between love and duty...
Rod has no patience with civilians who interfere in police matters, even hot little numbers like Casey. Though he tries to keep things professional, Casey’s beauty and spunk are hard to resist. He warns her that what she’s doing is dangerous, but he only succeeds in alienating her. She refuses to listen and goes off on her own with disastrous results. Now Rod’s in a race to find the killer before the woman he loves becomes the next victim.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
13 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Maggi Andersen
86 books328 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author of Regency romance, and winner of the RONE award, Maggi Andersen wrote her first book for publication after gaining a BA in English and an MA in Creative Writing. She lives on a farm in the beautiful Yarra Valley in Victoria, Australia. She wrote her first adventure story at 8 years old. Her novels are mostly adventure stories, but also sensual romances. Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen inspired her Regencies and Victoria Holt, her Gothic Victorian mysteries She also writes contemporary romantic suspense and young adult novels.
Maggi supports the RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals) and animals often feature in her books.
Maggi supports the RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals) and animals often feature in her books.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 10, 2012
On the surface, Murder in Devon is not much different from many other English mysteries and that’s not a bad thing. There’s a certain comfort to be found in familiar locales and with British police and homes and personalities. A developing romance is not unwelcome and our leading lady is intelligent and perfectly capable of ferreting out some answers although she does jump into the fray a little precipitously perhaps because she herself starts out as a prime suspect. Having said that, I must confess that there’s one thing about Casey that I particularly liked.
Casey stands up for herself.
So often, the heroine defies the police behind their backs and puts herself in harm’s way without thinking through the possible consequences. Casey, though, has a different modus operandi—she tells the detective what she intends to do, listens to him tell her why she shouldn’t do it, and then tells him she’s going to do it anyway. No sneaking around avoiding Rod and, while he may be unhappy about it, Rod knows the score and deals with it accordingly. How refreshing is that?
The mystery here is solid with plenty of possible motives and killers and I, for one, did not figure it out too early. I had my suspicions but that’s all they were until near the end and the unearthing of powerful secrets added a great deal to the story.
Maggi Andersen lives in Australia but has set this mystery in England. Was that a good idea? Well, there are two ways I look at that. I truly love fiction set in the British Isles, especially mystery, and that setting certainly can’t be beat for atmosphere. On the other hand, Australia calls to me and I find myself searching for genre fiction set there so I would not have been unhappy if Ms. Andersen had chosen to locate her story in that part of the world. Then again, the fact that Casey is an American ex-pat probably makes more sense, logistically, if England is her second home. So, I was more than content to be “visiting” England this time and perhaps the author will favor us with an Australian mystery down the road. In the meantime, I’ll look forward to what I hope will be many more investigations for Casey and Rod.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, May 2012.
Casey stands up for herself.
So often, the heroine defies the police behind their backs and puts herself in harm’s way without thinking through the possible consequences. Casey, though, has a different modus operandi—she tells the detective what she intends to do, listens to him tell her why she shouldn’t do it, and then tells him she’s going to do it anyway. No sneaking around avoiding Rod and, while he may be unhappy about it, Rod knows the score and deals with it accordingly. How refreshing is that?
The mystery here is solid with plenty of possible motives and killers and I, for one, did not figure it out too early. I had my suspicions but that’s all they were until near the end and the unearthing of powerful secrets added a great deal to the story.
Maggi Andersen lives in Australia but has set this mystery in England. Was that a good idea? Well, there are two ways I look at that. I truly love fiction set in the British Isles, especially mystery, and that setting certainly can’t be beat for atmosphere. On the other hand, Australia calls to me and I find myself searching for genre fiction set there so I would not have been unhappy if Ms. Andersen had chosen to locate her story in that part of the world. Then again, the fact that Casey is an American ex-pat probably makes more sense, logistically, if England is her second home. So, I was more than content to be “visiting” England this time and perhaps the author will favor us with an Australian mystery down the road. In the meantime, I’ll look forward to what I hope will be many more investigations for Casey and Rod.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, May 2012.
May 24, 2012
I've had a great time reading this romantic suspense. Maggi Andersen's writing hooked me from the first two lines, I think. It might have been the first one though, I don't know. It was that kind of instant connection with a story, you know what I mean?
The plot was intriguing and it did pull me in. I am a sucker for murder mysteries, and I love the ones that really make my think about who did it. I thought about who did in this case until the very end of the story, I had my suspicions and a circle of suspects, so to speak, and I was glad to find out in the end that it was one of my suspects. I'm not letting you know anything, of course, spoilers are d00m. But the murder mystery aspect of it wasn't the only thing keeping me guessing, I was so anxious about Casey and Rod, will they end up together, won't they? So it was a suspenseful read on all accounts, really.
The romantic part of the plot wasn't in your face, more like it was woven into the structure of the story, and it helped built up a lot of tension. The chemistry between the main couple was awesome, but all characters were intriguing and rather charismatic here, even the bad guys in fact. Don and Tessa were really intriguing too, both as a couple and on their own, and though Don's character was an absentee for most of the story, I felt he was quite solidly built, I had a clear sense of who he was.
The writing was, perhaps, my favorite part of it all. Accessible and really well paced action/tension wise, it helped build up all the tension you needed to be on edge of your seat but also gave a lighthearted note to everything going on. Thanks to that charming nature, I felt the whole thing intensely but at no point did I get really overwhelmed. The tensest moment of the plot was indeed tiling more toward overwhelming, but it was a quick spike, enough to keep your adrenaline pumping but not too much. I love that balance in my reads, and I found it here.
Overall, I say you should give this a try if you're into romantic suspense. Definitely had a great time reading it.
The plot was intriguing and it did pull me in. I am a sucker for murder mysteries, and I love the ones that really make my think about who did it. I thought about who did in this case until the very end of the story, I had my suspicions and a circle of suspects, so to speak, and I was glad to find out in the end that it was one of my suspects. I'm not letting you know anything, of course, spoilers are d00m. But the murder mystery aspect of it wasn't the only thing keeping me guessing, I was so anxious about Casey and Rod, will they end up together, won't they? So it was a suspenseful read on all accounts, really.
The romantic part of the plot wasn't in your face, more like it was woven into the structure of the story, and it helped built up a lot of tension. The chemistry between the main couple was awesome, but all characters were intriguing and rather charismatic here, even the bad guys in fact. Don and Tessa were really intriguing too, both as a couple and on their own, and though Don's character was an absentee for most of the story, I felt he was quite solidly built, I had a clear sense of who he was.
The writing was, perhaps, my favorite part of it all. Accessible and really well paced action/tension wise, it helped build up all the tension you needed to be on edge of your seat but also gave a lighthearted note to everything going on. Thanks to that charming nature, I felt the whole thing intensely but at no point did I get really overwhelmed. The tensest moment of the plot was indeed tiling more toward overwhelming, but it was a quick spike, enough to keep your adrenaline pumping but not too much. I love that balance in my reads, and I found it here.
Overall, I say you should give this a try if you're into romantic suspense. Definitely had a great time reading it.
June 6, 2012
Posted on Romancing the Book's blog
Reveiwed by Laci
Review Copy Provided by Book Tour
Murder in Devon by Maggi Andersen was a very enjoyable book. It was the very first mostly suspense novel I’ve ever read, so this review is coming from a complete romantic=suspense newbie. While there were many things I enjoyed about this book, the main thing that I disliked was the fact that you must have some knowledge of life in England. If you don’t know the different rankings and abbreviations of the police force, then you’ll spend much of the first few chapters running back to the computer to Google the meanings, which is what I had to do. Other than that, though, I really liked reading it.
I did enjoy Casey’s dogged determination to find out who killed and injured her friends, no matter the cost. Murder in Devon kept me guessing until the very end. By the time I found out who the true killer was, I was already sure it was someone else at least twice! Throughout the entire book, I found myself feeling the emotions the characters were feeling. I felt the despair, the terror, and the relief. There were several times when I was very grateful that I wasn’t reading in public, because I remember going, you’ve got to be kidding me! During one of the biggest developments, I was as disappointed as the main character. I couldn’t believe it, then when it all changes later, I had to go back and reread the chapter, for I was sure I was imagining it. All of those things are the marks of a fantastic read.
For those who aren’t a romance fan, it’s fairly light in that department, focusing more on the case and the details of the investigation. I prefer a bit more romance in my books. It doesn’t have to be full on smut, but the falling in love emotions. A good read overall if you’re in the mood for a good suspense novel full of intrigue that doesn’t give one hint at who the real culprit is until the very end. Maggi should be proud of Murder in Devon. She did a great job.
Reveiwed by Laci
Review Copy Provided by Book Tour
Murder in Devon by Maggi Andersen was a very enjoyable book. It was the very first mostly suspense novel I’ve ever read, so this review is coming from a complete romantic=suspense newbie. While there were many things I enjoyed about this book, the main thing that I disliked was the fact that you must have some knowledge of life in England. If you don’t know the different rankings and abbreviations of the police force, then you’ll spend much of the first few chapters running back to the computer to Google the meanings, which is what I had to do. Other than that, though, I really liked reading it.
I did enjoy Casey’s dogged determination to find out who killed and injured her friends, no matter the cost. Murder in Devon kept me guessing until the very end. By the time I found out who the true killer was, I was already sure it was someone else at least twice! Throughout the entire book, I found myself feeling the emotions the characters were feeling. I felt the despair, the terror, and the relief. There were several times when I was very grateful that I wasn’t reading in public, because I remember going, you’ve got to be kidding me! During one of the biggest developments, I was as disappointed as the main character. I couldn’t believe it, then when it all changes later, I had to go back and reread the chapter, for I was sure I was imagining it. All of those things are the marks of a fantastic read.
For those who aren’t a romance fan, it’s fairly light in that department, focusing more on the case and the details of the investigation. I prefer a bit more romance in my books. It doesn’t have to be full on smut, but the falling in love emotions. A good read overall if you’re in the mood for a good suspense novel full of intrigue that doesn’t give one hint at who the real culprit is until the very end. Maggi should be proud of Murder in Devon. She did a great job.
July 24, 2012
I had a great time reading Murder in Devon by Maggie Andersen. The heroine is Casey Rowan, a journalist for a women’s magazine in England. While staying with long time friends, Don and Tessa Broughton, she wakes one morning to a gruesome scene. Don has been murdered and Tessa is clinging to life. Although Tessa eventually recovers, she can’t help identify the murderer.
Considered a suspect in the beginning, she is the only one left alive in the house; propels Casey into action, much to Detective Rod Carlisle’s annoyance. He thinks she’s meddling, she thinks she investigating and isn’t about to stop.
The clues lead her down different paths. One which takes her into the world of collectors of famous art and artwork stolen by the Nazis in World War II, which I have always found a fascinating subject. For Casey, the mystery of Don gets deeper and she soon learns you may not know your friends as well as you think. Everyone has secrets and so did Don and Tessa.
When Casey is cleared as a suspect, Rod reluctantly agrees to let her use her journalist privileges to probe certain suspects. Until she becomes a target herself.
There is a nice romance between Rod and Casey. The first time they consummate their relationship, it’s a short but hot scene. After that, their time together is more implied. While I would have liked a little more sizzle in the later scenes, it certainly didn’t take away from my total enjoyment of this novel. The plot was solid and well thought out.
I don’t know what the author’s intentions are, but I would like to see another story or two involving Rod and Casey. Their chemistry is good and I think they’d be a fun and entertaining crime solving duo.
I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you are a fan of murder mysteries. The author keeps you guessing until the end.
Considered a suspect in the beginning, she is the only one left alive in the house; propels Casey into action, much to Detective Rod Carlisle’s annoyance. He thinks she’s meddling, she thinks she investigating and isn’t about to stop.
The clues lead her down different paths. One which takes her into the world of collectors of famous art and artwork stolen by the Nazis in World War II, which I have always found a fascinating subject. For Casey, the mystery of Don gets deeper and she soon learns you may not know your friends as well as you think. Everyone has secrets and so did Don and Tessa.
When Casey is cleared as a suspect, Rod reluctantly agrees to let her use her journalist privileges to probe certain suspects. Until she becomes a target herself.
There is a nice romance between Rod and Casey. The first time they consummate their relationship, it’s a short but hot scene. After that, their time together is more implied. While I would have liked a little more sizzle in the later scenes, it certainly didn’t take away from my total enjoyment of this novel. The plot was solid and well thought out.
I don’t know what the author’s intentions are, but I would like to see another story or two involving Rod and Casey. Their chemistry is good and I think they’d be a fun and entertaining crime solving duo.
I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you are a fan of murder mysteries. The author keeps you guessing until the end.
May 15, 2012
Murder in Devon was a thoroughly enjoyable romantic suspense novel by Australian author Maggi Andersen. Set in the chilly, wary town of Devon, England, women’s magazine journalist Casey Rowan returns from America to spend some time with close friends Don and Tessa. Groggy from sleep one morning she stumbles across a horrific murder scene in their sitting room. Don has been killed and Tessa has been seriously injured and hospitalised.
Casey’s inherent journalistic drive kicks in and she is desperate to find the killer regardless of handsome Detective Rod Carlisle’s advice for her to steer clear of their investigation. Casey is stubborn and persistent and ruffles up the feathers of people who do not want the truth known and will do anything to ensure that happens.
Not only is the crime plot and suspense well-written and engaging, with Casey tramping across England and even over to Germany to investigate the murder, the romantic element of the story is also well paced with plenty of chemistry and tension. Casey is head-strong and determined whereas Rod is more level-headed and sensible and his deep attraction to her drives him to protect her and keep her safe. I really enjoyed the slow-building connection between the two of them, with Rod’s honesty about his feelings for her at the outset and Casey’s defences that put up barriers to their relationship progressing throughout the story.
There’s plenty of interesting characters in this novel and I felt Casey grew as an individual and in her relationship with Rod, overcoming some of the difficulties that prevented her from committing. Murder in Devon is an absorbing romantic suspense novel with plenty of action and twists.
Casey’s inherent journalistic drive kicks in and she is desperate to find the killer regardless of handsome Detective Rod Carlisle’s advice for her to steer clear of their investigation. Casey is stubborn and persistent and ruffles up the feathers of people who do not want the truth known and will do anything to ensure that happens.
Not only is the crime plot and suspense well-written and engaging, with Casey tramping across England and even over to Germany to investigate the murder, the romantic element of the story is also well paced with plenty of chemistry and tension. Casey is head-strong and determined whereas Rod is more level-headed and sensible and his deep attraction to her drives him to protect her and keep her safe. I really enjoyed the slow-building connection between the two of them, with Rod’s honesty about his feelings for her at the outset and Casey’s defences that put up barriers to their relationship progressing throughout the story.
There’s plenty of interesting characters in this novel and I felt Casey grew as an individual and in her relationship with Rod, overcoming some of the difficulties that prevented her from committing. Murder in Devon is an absorbing romantic suspense novel with plenty of action and twists.
May 16, 2012
Casey Rowan, an ex-patriot American living in England, discovers one of her best friends has been murdered, another is lying near death. Her world is totally shattered and she is determined to find out who is behind these horrible events. This does not sit well with the lead detective on the case, Rod Carlisle. Not to mention that Casey is on his list of suspects. In fact, she’s right at the top of the list.
Much to Rod’s dismay, Casey continues to interfere in the murder investigation as well as put herself in harm’s way at every turn. He finds himself quite attracted to the beautiful American despite knowing that nothing good can come of getting involved with a murder suspect. To make matters worse, Casey is obviously getting someone angry with all questions making her the next target. Rod has his hands full finding a killer and keeping Casey safe.
This is a fast-paced mystery that reminds me quite a bit of an Agatha Christie mystery. The suspects are presented in a clear, concise manner giving readers a chance to figure out whodunit themselves. Casey is a very strong-willed heroine who I liked from the beginning. It took me a little longer to warm up to Rod, but I did like him.
This book has it all – a good mystery, great characters, a beautiful setting and a nice romance all mixed into one enjoyable read.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Much to Rod’s dismay, Casey continues to interfere in the murder investigation as well as put herself in harm’s way at every turn. He finds himself quite attracted to the beautiful American despite knowing that nothing good can come of getting involved with a murder suspect. To make matters worse, Casey is obviously getting someone angry with all questions making her the next target. Rod has his hands full finding a killer and keeping Casey safe.
This is a fast-paced mystery that reminds me quite a bit of an Agatha Christie mystery. The suspects are presented in a clear, concise manner giving readers a chance to figure out whodunit themselves. Casey is a very strong-willed heroine who I liked from the beginning. It took me a little longer to warm up to Rod, but I did like him.
This book has it all – a good mystery, great characters, a beautiful setting and a nice romance all mixed into one enjoyable read.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 24, 2014
This book is a great mix of romance and heart stopping suspense. A beginning that hooked me from the eloquent and edgy prologue and kept me guessing throughout the entire book. American magazine journalist, Casey Rowan has just arrived at the Devon home of her two best friends, Tessa and Don. She is expecting Don to serve up a hearty English breakfast on her first morning but instead she is served up a ghastly murder and her friend, Tessa, in a pool of blood, fighting for her life.
DCI Rod Carlisle is in charge of the investigation but Casey can’t sit around waiting for him to miss vital leads. Despite Carlisle’s clear dictate that she leave the case to him, she steps into the murky waters surrounding Don’s death and places herself in danger by digging into the lives of ‘people in high places’. In his attempts to keep her safe, Carlisle’s interest in Casey takes a different turn.
I have read Maggi Andersen’s historical romances but this is my first foray into her Romantic Suspense Mysteries. She pulls off the suspense and intrigue brilliantly and had me guessing until the end. Her characters are expertly developed and come alive on the page and her vivid settings and creative descriptions take the reader into each scene together with the characters. The plot is fast paced with surprises at every turn. A wonderful book and I thoroughly recommend it.
DCI Rod Carlisle is in charge of the investigation but Casey can’t sit around waiting for him to miss vital leads. Despite Carlisle’s clear dictate that she leave the case to him, she steps into the murky waters surrounding Don’s death and places herself in danger by digging into the lives of ‘people in high places’. In his attempts to keep her safe, Carlisle’s interest in Casey takes a different turn.
I have read Maggi Andersen’s historical romances but this is my first foray into her Romantic Suspense Mysteries. She pulls off the suspense and intrigue brilliantly and had me guessing until the end. Her characters are expertly developed and come alive on the page and her vivid settings and creative descriptions take the reader into each scene together with the characters. The plot is fast paced with surprises at every turn. A wonderful book and I thoroughly recommend it.
May 15, 2012
I found Murder in Devon an entertaining read. The whole American character, in England, written by an Aussie author had me intrigued! Casey's dogged determination to uncover the truth behind the murder of her friend had me both cheering and fearing for her. As for her love interest, Rod Carlisle, I'm a sucker for a Scot! You could feel his frustration as he tried to protect Casey and do his job as well. The story moves along a fast pace, meaning you are never left wondering where it's going. False leads and plenty of characters with something to hide have you on the edge of your seat as you try to work out who did it before Casey and Carlisle do - will you be able to solve it?? (for the record, I didn't!
March 21, 2012
Maggi Andersen's Murder in Devon is a riveting suspense story, which I thoroughly enjoyed, despite it not being a genre I usually read.
The plot is fast-paced with lots of twists and turns.
The characters are real and well-developed.
The descriptions are visual, putting you right there.
Maggi Andersen has a great talent in this genre, a departure from her Regency historical novels I have read and enjoyed. The research and details are superbly done.
I highly recommend this book.
The plot is fast-paced with lots of twists and turns.
The characters are real and well-developed.
The descriptions are visual, putting you right there.
Maggi Andersen has a great talent in this genre, a departure from her Regency historical novels I have read and enjoyed. The research and details are superbly done.
I highly recommend this book.
May 7, 2012
Twisty, convoluted, with real to life characters and relationships. This book has all the things needed to make a satisfying mystery novel. Readers of PD James will love this one.
February 26, 2012
TAYLOR JONES SAYS: Murder in Devon by Maggi Andersen is more than a standard murder mystery. Sure, there is all the suspense you’d expect when Casey Rowan, an American ex-patriot and reporter wakes in the country home of old college friends to find one murdered and the other barely alive. What’s more, Casey finds herself “a person of interest”—in more ways than one—of Detective Inspector Rod Carlisle, a man from whom any red-blooded woman would be more than happy to raise their arms and receive a personal pat down.
Determined to find her friend’s killer, Casey ignores warnings from the police and embarks on a mission that drags her into the shadowy and secret world of Nazi art theft, modern-day fascist politics and interviewing possible suspects including wife-beaters and criminals seeking revenge beyond the jail’s walls—all of this at no small threat to her safety. Of course, tracking her killer isn’t the only danger lurking for Casey. There is also the threat that once she allows a certain detective to breach her emotional defense’s, he won’t stop until he’s cuffed her to him good and proper. Yep, I enjoyed observing as Casey and Rod fought and scratched against each other, moved closer, then scratched again.
Andersen has crafted a sharp, twisting plot. Murder in Devon does not hand over its secrets easily, but drags you along and keeps you riveted until the last page. Her characters are real, filled with humor and pathos and you want so much for Casey to find the killer but also for her to achieve a sense of peace at the tragic loss of her friend. Maggie Anderson has a new fan and I can’t wait to read another of her novels. My rating: A standout 5 stars.
Determined to find her friend’s killer, Casey ignores warnings from the police and embarks on a mission that drags her into the shadowy and secret world of Nazi art theft, modern-day fascist politics and interviewing possible suspects including wife-beaters and criminals seeking revenge beyond the jail’s walls—all of this at no small threat to her safety. Of course, tracking her killer isn’t the only danger lurking for Casey. There is also the threat that once she allows a certain detective to breach her emotional defense’s, he won’t stop until he’s cuffed her to him good and proper. Yep, I enjoyed observing as Casey and Rod fought and scratched against each other, moved closer, then scratched again.
Andersen has crafted a sharp, twisting plot. Murder in Devon does not hand over its secrets easily, but drags you along and keeps you riveted until the last page. Her characters are real, filled with humor and pathos and you want so much for Casey to find the killer but also for her to achieve a sense of peace at the tragic loss of her friend. Maggie Anderson has a new fan and I can’t wait to read another of her novels. My rating: A standout 5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews