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Sukey Reynolds #5
The Dirty Work
A crime Sukey shouldn?t be investigating . . . if she wants to stay alive The work of a Scenes of Crime Officer is usually straightforward but this particularly gory murder is messy in more ways than one. Sukey's habit of getting overly involved in cases has been putting a strain on her affair with DI Jim Castle, but this time he can?t afford to be indifferent to her conclusions.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2003
283 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Betty Rowlands
47 books142 followersBetty Rowlands is an member of the Crime Writers' Association and appears on panels at writers' conferences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 30, 2019
A police procedural and cozy mystery involving SOCO Sukey Reynolds of the Gloucester Police.
What it's about: A woman, known to be a former prostitute, is found bludgeoned to death at Ivy House. She'd been set up as mistress there by Trevor Blackton whose had a couple of run-ins with police in the past. Did he kill Evie Stanton in a jealous rage? The police can't seem to find Blackton nor any evidence that he committed the crime. There are some other factors that lead DI Jim Castle to believe that someone else may be behind the murder. Then another victim is found, one with some strange links to the Ivy House murder. And how is a homeless man, a magazine street vendor, connected -- but they can't find him either. The bodies pile up, there are multiple suspects, and wouldn't you know, it's Sukey who starts piecing it all together. NO SPOILERS.
Should you read it? If you like detective novels that are complicated and require them to chase down a lot of leads, interview many different people, and put all the information together to close a case, then this is a series for you. You have to accept that Sukey Reynolds, divorced mom to teenage Fergus, secret girlfriend of Jim Castle, was meant to be a detective but due to circumstances, ended up being a SOCO, a civilian, instead. Given her interest in helping to solve the crimes, which is definitely beyond her remit, she often goes off and makes discoveries on her own. I like her as a character but she needs to stop listening to her boyfriend and get herself qualified as a police officer or detective in her own right. DI Castle is quite protective and patronizing and Sukey is always getting put down for her efforts even though they always result in her finding something important. I've read all of this series, in order, to date and will continue on with the rest of them as they come available as I like the writing style and the interesting cases. In fact, I'd love to have her job!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC to read and review. Keep them coming! I know these were published years ago, some with different titles, but they are still timely and I'm sure that other readers will love discovering these gems.
What it's about: A woman, known to be a former prostitute, is found bludgeoned to death at Ivy House. She'd been set up as mistress there by Trevor Blackton whose had a couple of run-ins with police in the past. Did he kill Evie Stanton in a jealous rage? The police can't seem to find Blackton nor any evidence that he committed the crime. There are some other factors that lead DI Jim Castle to believe that someone else may be behind the murder. Then another victim is found, one with some strange links to the Ivy House murder. And how is a homeless man, a magazine street vendor, connected -- but they can't find him either. The bodies pile up, there are multiple suspects, and wouldn't you know, it's Sukey who starts piecing it all together. NO SPOILERS.
Should you read it? If you like detective novels that are complicated and require them to chase down a lot of leads, interview many different people, and put all the information together to close a case, then this is a series for you. You have to accept that Sukey Reynolds, divorced mom to teenage Fergus, secret girlfriend of Jim Castle, was meant to be a detective but due to circumstances, ended up being a SOCO, a civilian, instead. Given her interest in helping to solve the crimes, which is definitely beyond her remit, she often goes off and makes discoveries on her own. I like her as a character but she needs to stop listening to her boyfriend and get herself qualified as a police officer or detective in her own right. DI Castle is quite protective and patronizing and Sukey is always getting put down for her efforts even though they always result in her finding something important. I've read all of this series, in order, to date and will continue on with the rest of them as they come available as I like the writing style and the interesting cases. In fact, I'd love to have her job!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC to read and review. Keep them coming! I know these were published years ago, some with different titles, but they are still timely and I'm sure that other readers will love discovering these gems.
June 30, 2019
I have heard goods things about Betty Rowlands books. I have read a couple and like them so I requested this book when I saw it on my NetGalley site.
Sukey is a COSO Crime of Scene Officer. Her work consists of finding all the physical items at scene for the detectives. Before her marriage her aims where on track for a homicide detective which gave up upon marriage and children. She has one son.
In the fifth book of series Sukey is called to collect items on a woman beaten to death and at reception same time she collects material s from break In at a nearby hotel. Sukey feels the two cases are connected but the detectives don't feel the same. Is Sukey correct? Or does put herself in danger again? It is an excellent police procedure.
Disclosure: Thanks to Bookouture for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Sukey is a COSO Crime of Scene Officer. Her work consists of finding all the physical items at scene for the detectives. Before her marriage her aims where on track for a homicide detective which gave up upon marriage and children. She has one son.
In the fifth book of series Sukey is called to collect items on a woman beaten to death and at reception same time she collects material s from break In at a nearby hotel. Sukey feels the two cases are connected but the detectives don't feel the same. Is Sukey correct? Or does put herself in danger again? It is an excellent police procedure.
Disclosure: Thanks to Bookouture for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
August 9, 2019
Sukey Reynolds is enjoying a quiet period at work, taking time to get her garden in hand, catch up on some cooking and spend time with her son. Then she’s called to the charming Ivy House to photograph the dead body of a young woman, whilst collecting evidence at a nearby hotel, which had a break-in around the same time as the murder, she starts to wonder if the two cases might be linked.
Although she voices her theories, her detective colleagues are in no mood for any more of her amateur sleuthing & Jim Castle tells her to leave things alone but Sukey being Sukey once she’s got the bit between her teeth there's no letting go. She’s also concerned about a homeless young man Matt who seems to have disappeared.
Another enthralling read that had me drawn in from the start. I love then ongoing romances of Sukey & Jim & Fergus & Anita. Red herrings abound plus there are twists & turns along he way that had me guessing & I must admit I didn't guess who the true villain was. This is the fifth book in the series & whilst it could easily be read on its own, I’d recommend reading the series in order
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Although she voices her theories, her detective colleagues are in no mood for any more of her amateur sleuthing & Jim Castle tells her to leave things alone but Sukey being Sukey once she’s got the bit between her teeth there's no letting go. She’s also concerned about a homeless young man Matt who seems to have disappeared.
Another enthralling read that had me drawn in from the start. I love then ongoing romances of Sukey & Jim & Fergus & Anita. Red herrings abound plus there are twists & turns along he way that had me guessing & I must admit I didn't guess who the true villain was. This is the fifth book in the series & whilst it could easily be read on its own, I’d recommend reading the series in order
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 1, 2019
4 stars
It all starts with a woman, a former prostitute, hideously beaten to death in a flat provided by her boyfriend Trevor. Trevor is known to be insanely jealous and the woman was known to play around.
So begins the latest in the Sukey Reynolds series by Betty Rowlands. Sukey is very observant and just can't help getting involved in the police investigation. She enjoys her job as a SOCO, but dreams of joining the CID as a detective. Her boyfriend Inspector Castle is not crazy about the idea though. Sukey's son Fergus thinks it would be cool.
She begins to link several occurrences in the neighborhood and of course, she gets herself in trouble.
This is an enjoyable little mystery that reads quickly. It is well witten and plotted and one event follows another in a logical progression. I liked reading it as I have the others in this series. Ms. Rowlands writes a heck of a story. I am very much looking forward to reading more of her work.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this delightful book for me to read, enjoy and review,
It all starts with a woman, a former prostitute, hideously beaten to death in a flat provided by her boyfriend Trevor. Trevor is known to be insanely jealous and the woman was known to play around.
So begins the latest in the Sukey Reynolds series by Betty Rowlands. Sukey is very observant and just can't help getting involved in the police investigation. She enjoys her job as a SOCO, but dreams of joining the CID as a detective. Her boyfriend Inspector Castle is not crazy about the idea though. Sukey's son Fergus thinks it would be cool.
She begins to link several occurrences in the neighborhood and of course, she gets herself in trouble.
This is an enjoyable little mystery that reads quickly. It is well witten and plotted and one event follows another in a logical progression. I liked reading it as I have the others in this series. Ms. Rowlands writes a heck of a story. I am very much looking forward to reading more of her work.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this delightful book for me to read, enjoy and review,
July 2, 2019
I thoroughly enjoy Betty Rowlands books, always well written with a good plot and fabulous characterisation.
Just perfect for a few hours of escapism.
Just perfect for a few hours of escapism.
June 11, 2019
Sukey Reynolds is an intelligent woman working as a Scene of Crime Officer while wishing she had been able to follow her original career path and become a police officer instead. She quite often gets involved in the cases she collects evidence from and is sometimes a great help or conversely gets completely the wrong end of the stick. This is quite encouraging as I almost always fail to guess whodunnit in Ms Rowlands' crime stories and usually end up surprised at who is responsible. Don't let the gentle nature of the story style fool you; they are very cleverly worked out and written in a flowing and easily readable manner.
When a badly beaten woman is found Sukey is sent to the scene to collect evidence and finds she is unable to distance herself from the young victim and her obviously painful death. She wonders if nearby crime scene at an hotel is linked in any way to the first and investigates on her own time when a young man she has befriended goes missing from the same hotel after finding out about the original death.
The main characters are all present once again, as they try and solve what becomes a spate of nasty murders which Sukey's lover, Jim Castle, is now investigating. There is far more crime in this book and I loved all of it. The procedural aspects are fascinating and meld well with the family time which is the second mainstay of this series.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to all fans of Ms Rowlands and cosy crime aficionados everywhere. The story was really good and I enjoyed it thoroughly, I hold out hope for more very soon.
When a badly beaten woman is found Sukey is sent to the scene to collect evidence and finds she is unable to distance herself from the young victim and her obviously painful death. She wonders if nearby crime scene at an hotel is linked in any way to the first and investigates on her own time when a young man she has befriended goes missing from the same hotel after finding out about the original death.
The main characters are all present once again, as they try and solve what becomes a spate of nasty murders which Sukey's lover, Jim Castle, is now investigating. There is far more crime in this book and I loved all of it. The procedural aspects are fascinating and meld well with the family time which is the second mainstay of this series.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to all fans of Ms Rowlands and cosy crime aficionados everywhere. The story was really good and I enjoyed it thoroughly, I hold out hope for more very soon.
July 3, 2019
Five books into the Sukey Reynolds series and I'm really enjoying this scene of crime officer who spends a little too much time investigating things herself. Although unlike some amateur detectives, Sukey has a reason to be involved in the crimes that she investigates, really she shouldn't be looking into them the way that she does. Fortunately for us, the fact that she ignores that and does get involved makes for a good read.
Again with this book, we know a little bit more than Sukey and her detective boyfriend Jim do. If you haven't read any of this series, I should perhaps mention that while Sukey is romantically involved with the lead detective on most of the mysteries that she gets involved in, it isn't really with his blessing, or often even his knowledge. She does seem to have an uncanny knack for getting to the bottom of things.
This was an enjoyable read. The plot did have quite a few twists, turns and players which made me a little confused. I have to admit though, that despite having the extra knowledge to the detectives, I didn't guess who done it until it was revealed.
I'm loving this series and will be reading the next very shortly. If you're looking for a good detective story that itsn't too dark, but doesn't have that frothy rubbish that you often get with so-called 'cosy' mysteries, then this may well be one for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Again with this book, we know a little bit more than Sukey and her detective boyfriend Jim do. If you haven't read any of this series, I should perhaps mention that while Sukey is romantically involved with the lead detective on most of the mysteries that she gets involved in, it isn't really with his blessing, or often even his knowledge. She does seem to have an uncanny knack for getting to the bottom of things.
This was an enjoyable read. The plot did have quite a few twists, turns and players which made me a little confused. I have to admit though, that despite having the extra knowledge to the detectives, I didn't guess who done it until it was revealed.
I'm loving this series and will be reading the next very shortly. If you're looking for a good detective story that itsn't too dark, but doesn't have that frothy rubbish that you often get with so-called 'cosy' mysteries, then this may well be one for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 18, 2019
Death at Ivy House by Betty Rowlands is the fifth book in the Sukey Reynolds series. I have just loved reading these books by Betty.
They're a cosy mystery easy read.
Sukey Reynolds is a brilliant photographer, and a SOCO Plus helps out to solve murders etc. She is enjoying the quiet period of her work life by pottering in her much loved garden. Cooking great meals and spending time with her much loved son.
Sukey is called out to the charming Ivy House to photograph a dead body of a young woman. Whilst Sukey os collecting all the evidence for her colleagues her mind starts to wonder to a recents break-in around the same time as this murder. She wonders if these cases maybe linked to each other? and how!
Sukey voices her theories to her detective colleagues and they do not want to hear what she is trying to tell them!!!
Jim Castle tells her to leave things alone! they can deal with it. But, we know Sukey once she's got the bit between her teeth there's no letting go. She has to go and do her own thing and start an investigating herself!
She has also become concerned about a homeless young man called Matt who seems to have disappeared.
I highly recommend these books By Betty Rowland if you love a cosy mystery read with lots of twists and turns.
I love these books.
Big Thank you, NetGalley, Betty Rowlands and Bookouture, for granting my request to read this book in exchange for my honest review. The opinions and thoughts are my own.
They're a cosy mystery easy read.
Sukey Reynolds is a brilliant photographer, and a SOCO Plus helps out to solve murders etc. She is enjoying the quiet period of her work life by pottering in her much loved garden. Cooking great meals and spending time with her much loved son.
Sukey is called out to the charming Ivy House to photograph a dead body of a young woman. Whilst Sukey os collecting all the evidence for her colleagues her mind starts to wonder to a recents break-in around the same time as this murder. She wonders if these cases maybe linked to each other? and how!
Sukey voices her theories to her detective colleagues and they do not want to hear what she is trying to tell them!!!
Jim Castle tells her to leave things alone! they can deal with it. But, we know Sukey once she's got the bit between her teeth there's no letting go. She has to go and do her own thing and start an investigating herself!
She has also become concerned about a homeless young man called Matt who seems to have disappeared.
I highly recommend these books By Betty Rowland if you love a cosy mystery read with lots of twists and turns.
I love these books.
Big Thank you, NetGalley, Betty Rowlands and Bookouture, for granting my request to read this book in exchange for my honest review. The opinions and thoughts are my own.
September 7, 2022
I have missed Sukey, our SOCO and I am very pleased to be allowed to accompany her on a new adventure.
I would not like to be in her shoes. Well, to be honest I would not like to be in the shoes of the police or anyone in the medical world. Blood is not my best friend and I am afraid I would faint each and every time. Not the best colleague to have around, right? 😊
But back to Sukey. She has a very important job, because she finds clues to help to solve the cases the police are dealing with. Her dream is to become a detective too, but not yet.
She is certainly clever enough to fill that role. She has eyes and ears everywhere and the fact she works for the police, but is not an officer, make people rather talk to her.
She often puts two and two together and thus comes up with very reasonable answers to the questions, but the DI does not always believes what she says. So Sukey would not be Sukey if she would let it be. No, no, no, no. She takes the matters in her own hands and starts sleuthing.
Often the detectives have to admit she had the right end of the stick, but sometimes she also comes to the wrong conclusion and that’s when it get very tricky…
This case was a very complicated one with a lot of characters.
DI Castle should sometimes step down from his high horse and stop sulking too. Good for Sukey for not giving in.
I enjoyed this puzzle a lot. 4 stars
Thank you
I would not like to be in her shoes. Well, to be honest I would not like to be in the shoes of the police or anyone in the medical world. Blood is not my best friend and I am afraid I would faint each and every time. Not the best colleague to have around, right? 😊
But back to Sukey. She has a very important job, because she finds clues to help to solve the cases the police are dealing with. Her dream is to become a detective too, but not yet.
She is certainly clever enough to fill that role. She has eyes and ears everywhere and the fact she works for the police, but is not an officer, make people rather talk to her.
She often puts two and two together and thus comes up with very reasonable answers to the questions, but the DI does not always believes what she says. So Sukey would not be Sukey if she would let it be. No, no, no, no. She takes the matters in her own hands and starts sleuthing.
Often the detectives have to admit she had the right end of the stick, but sometimes she also comes to the wrong conclusion and that’s when it get very tricky…
This case was a very complicated one with a lot of characters.
DI Castle should sometimes step down from his high horse and stop sulking too. Good for Sukey for not giving in.
I enjoyed this puzzle a lot. 4 stars
Thank you
July 13, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was the 5th visit with Sukey Reynolds and with each mystery we learn more about her, her work, family and friends. In this book she once again places herself in grave danger as she tries to do the right thing by helping a homeless person.
When she is called to several crime scenes she feels that there is a link between them. As usual she is told by DI Jim Castle to leave her amateur sleuthing and stick to her job as a SOCO (Scene of Crime Officer) because she'll get hurt. Sukey admit it or not has her hear set on returning to the CID as a detective, not just a civilian employee.
There are different pieces to this puzzle.... stolen art, murder, people sneaking about, homeless youth selling papers around Gloucester..... Sukey and her son Fergus set about piecing together all the bits of the case ..... they may have the answer or they may have made a fatal miscalculation.....
Once again a wonderful read worth more than the 5 stars available for allotment. Looking forward to the next adventure!
This was the 5th visit with Sukey Reynolds and with each mystery we learn more about her, her work, family and friends. In this book she once again places herself in grave danger as she tries to do the right thing by helping a homeless person.
When she is called to several crime scenes she feels that there is a link between them. As usual she is told by DI Jim Castle to leave her amateur sleuthing and stick to her job as a SOCO (Scene of Crime Officer) because she'll get hurt. Sukey admit it or not has her hear set on returning to the CID as a detective, not just a civilian employee.
There are different pieces to this puzzle.... stolen art, murder, people sneaking about, homeless youth selling papers around Gloucester..... Sukey and her son Fergus set about piecing together all the bits of the case ..... they may have the answer or they may have made a fatal miscalculation.....
Once again a wonderful read worth more than the 5 stars available for allotment. Looking forward to the next adventure!
Read
July 11, 2019Sukey Reynolds is not a detective. She is a photographer of crime scenes but that does not prevent her from having her own ideas of how and why murder happens. Her instincts have proven her right before but it does not go down well with her superior officer who thinks she is giving in to her fancies of how and why things should be done.
When a young woman is found battered to death in a gruesome way, many incidents at the same time seem to be linked to this crime but not in an apparent way. The links are hard to find and sometimes surface accidentally, and in some cases after a long time but there are many links and Sukey manages to connect the dots.
Sukey going off on her own investigation however brings with it, its own hidden dangers and the killer is now on guard knowing that the net is drawing closer and closer.
Old fashioned detection, though I did not care very much for the attitude of the senior detectives towards the women working in the force!
When a young woman is found battered to death in a gruesome way, many incidents at the same time seem to be linked to this crime but not in an apparent way. The links are hard to find and sometimes surface accidentally, and in some cases after a long time but there are many links and Sukey manages to connect the dots.
Sukey going off on her own investigation however brings with it, its own hidden dangers and the killer is now on guard knowing that the net is drawing closer and closer.
Old fashioned detection, though I did not care very much for the attitude of the senior detectives towards the women working in the force!
July 1, 2019
I did that one thing I really dislike doing: I read the series out of order. Thankfully I don't think this installment gave anything in the previous book away. Well, anything that really matters. However, by this book I have come to not only realize that Sukey is not a overly smart detective but that I am okay with that. She does notice little clues and make connections that others might miss, but she does not have a knack for actually solving crimes or keeping herself out of anger. Instead of reading these books as an amateur detective series with a strong female main character, they seem to be more enjoyable as books about a woman and mother who stumbles into crimes. Good fluff reading!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
July 20, 2019
Another great read from Betty Rowlands. This is the fifth in the Sukey Reynolds series. Sukey is a conscientious SOCO for Gloucester police. The first case she is sent to is the brutal murder of a woman. A few days later, it's the murder of the woman's boyfriend. Sukey has ideas about how to proceed, but they are brushed aside by her boss and boyfriend, Jim Castle. Sukey investigates on her own, which results in new leads in the case. Eventually, Sukey's investigation leads her into danger.
I love the character of Sukey, and her relationship with her college aged son Fergus. I will continue to read this series until I've read them all, I know!
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of the book to review.
I love the character of Sukey, and her relationship with her college aged son Fergus. I will continue to read this series until I've read them all, I know!
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of the book to review.
July 5, 2019
Another Exciting British Cozy Whodunnit
This is an excellent addition to the Sukey Reynolds Mystery Series. There are many crimes to solve, plenty of suspects and lots of danger. The story is full of logical thinking, light humor, and police procedure. Each book in this series seems better than the last. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
This is an excellent addition to the Sukey Reynolds Mystery Series. There are many crimes to solve, plenty of suspects and lots of danger. The story is full of logical thinking, light humor, and police procedure. Each book in this series seems better than the last. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
August 4, 2019
Another great story
Another great story in the Sukey series. This series is as good as if not better than the Melissa Craig series. Well written and crafted with plenty of twists and turns.More please.
Another great story in the Sukey series. This series is as good as if not better than the Melissa Craig series. Well written and crafted with plenty of twists and turns.More please.
January 2, 2020
Sukey Reynolds finds herself going against the advice of her colleagues in this story as she investigates another mystery to try to find the truth.
This has quickly become one of my favourite series, and the author is definitely up there in my top ten.
This has quickly become one of my favourite series, and the author is definitely up there in my top ten.
November 16, 2020
Last one I’ll read.
Totally unbelievable rubbish.
A non police officer investigating crime, the character is totally unbelievable, and not even a touch on Miss Marple, or Poiret. No more for me.
Totally unbelievable rubbish.
A non police officer investigating crime, the character is totally unbelievable, and not even a touch on Miss Marple, or Poiret. No more for me.
August 18, 2019
Sukey the sleuth
Another good story by Betty Rowlands, I like our S.O.C.O heroine
Who nearly got herself into trouble again , But good story and
Interesting till the end
Another good story by Betty Rowlands, I like our S.O.C.O heroine
Who nearly got herself into trouble again , But good story and
Interesting till the end
August 21, 2019
Another enjoyable mystery with twists looking forward to the next one.
November 6, 2023
Sukey and DI Castle have another mystery to solve. Matt a homeless man gets mugged and then he is made to do things for the criminal.
June 5, 2019
When SOCO Sukey Reynolds arrives at the scene of a murder little does she realize that she would see some things the detectives didn’t. While it at first appears the murdered woman was killed by her jealous boyfriend, Sukey starts connecting dots to some other calls she has been on and things she has overheard.
Unfortunately her boyfriend, DI Jim Castle, doesn’t believe her theory is strong and dismisses it out of hand. But Sukey being Sukey, she keeps poking around and eventually DCI Lord hears her theory and tells Jim to pay more attention to Sukey. Unfortunately Sukey doesn’t always listen when her superiors tell her not to get involved in investigations and gets herself into a sticky spot trying to find a homeless man she believes is in danger and could help the police solve the murder. But Sukey’s luck may have run out and she could be the third victim, because things aren’t exactly as she thought.
I truly adore this series and the main character, Sukey Reynolds. She has a good head on her shoulders and it’s time for her to move over and become a detective in her own right. The mysteries in this series keep you guessing until the very end as to who truly did it and why. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series! A MUST READ series for those who enjoy British and police cozy mysteries.
Merged review:
When SOCO Sukey Reynolds arrives at the scene of a murder little does she realize that she would see some things the detectives didn’t. While it at first appears the murdered woman was killed by her jealous boyfriend, Sukey starts connecting dots to some other calls she has been on and things she has overheard.
Unfortunately her boyfriend, DI Jim Castle, doesn’t believe her theory is strong and dismisses it out of hand. But Sukey being Sukey, she keeps poking around and eventually DCI Lord hears her theory and tells Jim to pay more attention to Sukey. Unfortunately Sukey doesn’t always listen when her superiors tell her not to get involved in investigations and gets herself into a sticky spot trying to find a homeless man she believes is in danger and could help the police solve the murder. But Sukey’s luck may have run out and she could be the third victim, because things aren’t exactly as she thought.
I truly adore this series and the main character, Sukey Reynolds. She has a good head on her shoulders and it’s time for her to move over and become a detective in her own right. The mysteries in this series keep you guessing until the very end as to who truly did it and why. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series! A MUST READ series for those who enjoy British and police cozy mysteries.
Unfortunately her boyfriend, DI Jim Castle, doesn’t believe her theory is strong and dismisses it out of hand. But Sukey being Sukey, she keeps poking around and eventually DCI Lord hears her theory and tells Jim to pay more attention to Sukey. Unfortunately Sukey doesn’t always listen when her superiors tell her not to get involved in investigations and gets herself into a sticky spot trying to find a homeless man she believes is in danger and could help the police solve the murder. But Sukey’s luck may have run out and she could be the third victim, because things aren’t exactly as she thought.
I truly adore this series and the main character, Sukey Reynolds. She has a good head on her shoulders and it’s time for her to move over and become a detective in her own right. The mysteries in this series keep you guessing until the very end as to who truly did it and why. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series! A MUST READ series for those who enjoy British and police cozy mysteries.
Merged review:
When SOCO Sukey Reynolds arrives at the scene of a murder little does she realize that she would see some things the detectives didn’t. While it at first appears the murdered woman was killed by her jealous boyfriend, Sukey starts connecting dots to some other calls she has been on and things she has overheard.
Unfortunately her boyfriend, DI Jim Castle, doesn’t believe her theory is strong and dismisses it out of hand. But Sukey being Sukey, she keeps poking around and eventually DCI Lord hears her theory and tells Jim to pay more attention to Sukey. Unfortunately Sukey doesn’t always listen when her superiors tell her not to get involved in investigations and gets herself into a sticky spot trying to find a homeless man she believes is in danger and could help the police solve the murder. But Sukey’s luck may have run out and she could be the third victim, because things aren’t exactly as she thought.
I truly adore this series and the main character, Sukey Reynolds. She has a good head on her shoulders and it’s time for her to move over and become a detective in her own right. The mysteries in this series keep you guessing until the very end as to who truly did it and why. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series! A MUST READ series for those who enjoy British and police cozy mysteries.
July 10, 2019
Death at Ivy House is such a lovely treat of a book to read. This is the first book I have read by the author and I now need to go back and read the rest of the books in this fabulous cozy mystery series. It's a story full of drama, gritty characters and light hearted humour.
Sukey Reynolds is a seasoned Scene of Crime Officer with a desire to become a police detective one day. She's a woman who is incredibly good at her job, and who cares deeply for the victims she meets. But this professional does stray from her own role in the team, as she begins her own investigation into the murder of a woman in the village. What follows is a murder mystery with many twists and turns and many surprises.
Set in the time before smartphones and laptops, this cozy mystery has the distinct feeling of an Agatha Christie novel, and Sukey most definitely has the same determination and drive as Miss Marple. This novel is such a treat because of this character. You can't help but like her. A mum who is juggling it all, trying to do the best for her teenage son and her community.
This book, although a crime mystery, is also full of humour and the blossoming relationship between herself and detective Jim Castle is fun to read. But it was the relationship between Sukey and her son,.Gus, that I found more illuminating. I loved their conversations and easy way they had with each other. Such a joy.
Death at Ivy House is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It has a plot that holds your attention throughout, a cast of colourful characters and a great sense of community and justice. I loved it.
Sukey Reynolds is a seasoned Scene of Crime Officer with a desire to become a police detective one day. She's a woman who is incredibly good at her job, and who cares deeply for the victims she meets. But this professional does stray from her own role in the team, as she begins her own investigation into the murder of a woman in the village. What follows is a murder mystery with many twists and turns and many surprises.
Set in the time before smartphones and laptops, this cozy mystery has the distinct feeling of an Agatha Christie novel, and Sukey most definitely has the same determination and drive as Miss Marple. This novel is such a treat because of this character. You can't help but like her. A mum who is juggling it all, trying to do the best for her teenage son and her community.
This book, although a crime mystery, is also full of humour and the blossoming relationship between herself and detective Jim Castle is fun to read. But it was the relationship between Sukey and her son,.Gus, that I found more illuminating. I loved their conversations and easy way they had with each other. Such a joy.
Death at Ivy House is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It has a plot that holds your attention throughout, a cast of colourful characters and a great sense of community and justice. I loved it.
June 19, 2019
Death at Ivy House was my first encounter with the author (Betty Rowlands) and with the protagonist of this series (Sukey Reynolds). Later I discovered that this was already the fifth book in the series.
I had no great difficulty reading the book without having read the previous episodes as there are not many references to previous books.
One thing I found confusing: the main character has a relationship with one of the detectives in the book and sometimes he is referred by his first name and at other times as DI Castle. Even the protagonist (Sukey) is sometimes referred to as Mrs Reynolds. I can understand that in dialogues in a work situation Sukey would refer to her lover as Sir or DI but in the narrative I found the constant switch between formal and private names confusing and unnecessary.
I found the story quite entertaining and well written. Don't know if I will read the other episodes, but might just give them a try.
I want to thank Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I had no great difficulty reading the book without having read the previous episodes as there are not many references to previous books.
One thing I found confusing: the main character has a relationship with one of the detectives in the book and sometimes he is referred by his first name and at other times as DI Castle. Even the protagonist (Sukey) is sometimes referred to as Mrs Reynolds. I can understand that in dialogues in a work situation Sukey would refer to her lover as Sir or DI but in the narrative I found the constant switch between formal and private names confusing and unnecessary.
I found the story quite entertaining and well written. Don't know if I will read the other episodes, but might just give them a try.
I want to thank Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 10, 2019
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Death at Ivy House is Book 5 in the Sukey Reynolds Mystery series. These can be read as stand alone books, but the character development does happen over the course of the series, and may be more enjoyable read in order. Sukey once again finds herself in the midst of multiple murder investigations. She alone believes there are connections that others, especially her boyfriend and lead detective, do not agree with. This book, like the others in the series, is full of twists and turns and the story always keeps me guessing. Unlike the other four books I read, this one was a little harder to follow at times, as there seemed to be many names and characters that continually pop up. Several times I had to look back to figure out who a character was.
With that being said, it was still a great read, I truly love this series and I am looking forward to Book 6. Thank you NetGalley!
Death at Ivy House is Book 5 in the Sukey Reynolds Mystery series. These can be read as stand alone books, but the character development does happen over the course of the series, and may be more enjoyable read in order. Sukey once again finds herself in the midst of multiple murder investigations. She alone believes there are connections that others, especially her boyfriend and lead detective, do not agree with. This book, like the others in the series, is full of twists and turns and the story always keeps me guessing. Unlike the other four books I read, this one was a little harder to follow at times, as there seemed to be many names and characters that continually pop up. Several times I had to look back to figure out who a character was.
With that being said, it was still a great read, I truly love this series and I am looking forward to Book 6. Thank you NetGalley!
June 10, 2019
This is another cozy mystery.
Sukey finds herself investigating a brutal murder of ex hooker who turned mistress. When she arrive at the scene you think it be the jealous boyfriend who did it but as she see things aren't what they appear especially when a another murder happens and she believes it's connected.
DI Jim doesn't believe her theory and dismiss it when she is told not get involve she put herself in danger to prove she right.
I like this series but I annoy with Sukey boyfriend Jim you'll think he would listen to her and ask her for help because it seems to me she sees more then what detectives see.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Sukey finds herself investigating a brutal murder of ex hooker who turned mistress. When she arrive at the scene you think it be the jealous boyfriend who did it but as she see things aren't what they appear especially when a another murder happens and she believes it's connected.
DI Jim doesn't believe her theory and dismiss it when she is told not get involve she put herself in danger to prove she right.
I like this series but I annoy with Sukey boyfriend Jim you'll think he would listen to her and ask her for help because it seems to me she sees more then what detectives see.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
June 9, 2019
SOCO staffer Suzy Reynolds is investigating a very brutal murder of an ex hooker turned mistress. Before she gets too far into her investigations another violent murder occurs. Without much evidence to go on, Sukey is sure they are connected. Soon a body is found in the river, three murders and a missing “Big Issue” seller. Is there a connection? Inspector Jim Castle is none too pleased when Sukey puts herself in harms way.
The fifth in the series, find as a stand alone. I enjoy Betty Rowlands books, so easy to pick up and escape into the story. Thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an electronic arc. I recommend this book.
The fifth in the series, find as a stand alone. I enjoy Betty Rowlands books, so easy to pick up and escape into the story. Thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an electronic arc. I recommend this book.
July 2, 2019
This is my first read of the Sukey Reynolds mystery series and it won't be my last. I took a chance as was aware this was book 5 in the series but did not feel lost with the characters at all. I will read the first 4 now in order to catch up.
I felt it was a well written mystery with a very good plot and plenty of twists and turns. I enjoyed the characters and the author's style of writing.
I received this book for an honest review which is what I have given. If the first 4 books are as good as this then I recommend this series of books.
I felt it was a well written mystery with a very good plot and plenty of twists and turns. I enjoyed the characters and the author's style of writing.
I received this book for an honest review which is what I have given. If the first 4 books are as good as this then I recommend this series of books.
June 17, 2019
This is the fifth book in the Sukey Reynolds series however it is fine to read as a standalone. I do think it would be more enjoyable if you knew the background of the characters though Rowlands does alluded to previous cases and history.
This is an enjoyable mystery that reads well and quickly. However I preferred the previous book more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an ARC.
This is an enjoyable mystery that reads well and quickly. However I preferred the previous book more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an ARC.
July 17, 2019
If you love cozy mysteries, you'll love Betty Rowland's Sukey Reynolds books. The characters are well developed, they grow and mature with each book. The back stories are well developed, you can see the crime scenes and feel the apprehension when things get tense. Sukey may not be a detective, but she has eyes and ears and common sense so her input should be sought. But she ends up looking into things with her long suffering friends and family to again solve the crimes and stop a killer.
May 31, 2019
Death at Ivy House is another mystery to be solved by Sukey. This one has lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing. The characters are complex and deceitful. You'll love following the clues.
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