Deadly Obsession

Sukey Reynolds #6

by Betty Rowlands

This is a crime Sukey Reynolds shouldn't be investigating . . . if she wants to stay alive
When Arthur Soames is found with a broken neck at the foot of the iron staircase in his back garden there seems little doubt that his death was accidental. But his estranged daughter Sabrina insists he was murdered, and when the police refuse to take her seriously she turns to Sukey Reynolds for help. Reluctant to become involved, Sukey says the police might listen if she found evidence to support her claim.
Shortly afterwards, Sabrina announces she is following a line of inquiry but gives no details. And then she disappears. At about the same time, a headless torso is found in a ditch. The police believe the victim to be a woman whose teenage daughter reported her missing after her stepfather left the country, but Sukey fears it may be Sabrina. She sets out to make some enquiries of her own, almost losing her life in the process.

Genres: Mystery

224 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Betty Rowlands is an member of the Crime Writers' Association and appears on panels at writers' conferences.

Reviews

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death on a Summer Morning, previously published as Deadly Obsession, is the sixth instalment of the series featuring ambitious amateur sleuth and police photographer Sukey Reynolds from the Queen of cosy mysteries. Each instalment can be read independently of one another without issue as the stories are self-contained. As a scene of crime officer (SOCO) Sukey has been called to photograph the untimely demise of Arthur Soames, who had tragically fallen from an ornate staircase to his death. However, his family are adamant that it was not an accident and so Sukey begins to investigate by delving into Soames's life and the type of company he kept. What she uncovers makes her believe that his family could be right; this was no accident.

Originally written in the 2000s the book hasn't aged well but that is certainly part of its charm, in my opinion. It takes me back with the spot-on descriptions of 00s Britain and I felt a pang of nostalgia for times past. It's well written and plotted, moves at a sprightly pace and the descriptions of the beautiful British countryside are mesmerising and very much reminiscent of the chocolate-box villages portrayed in Midsomer Murders. Sukey has really grown into herself in the past few instalments as she grapples with some complex cases. If you can overlook the glaring lack of realism in the storyline (and series) in terms of an amateur detective being allowed to investigate serious crimes then this is a great cosy mystery series. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.

[Christi M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, 10 years after moving into his home Arthur Soames had won the annual garden competition. With delphiniums and hollyhocks blooming he set out to enjoy his breakfast in the garden and began reflecting on what the future might hold for him and his fiancée. Later, the police report would say that he had lost his footing coming down the garden steps that morning, resulting in an accidental death. However, his estranged daughter, Sabrina, refuses to believe that his death was anything but murder committed by the fiancée and begins camping out at the police station day after day insisting that they continue to look into it. To help ease the situation Sukey talks to the daughter and suggests she ask a few questions on her own to see if she can find anything that can help to reopen the case. In the mean time, Sukey begins to ‘unofficially’ look into a few things herself…starting with the fiancée. Things take a turn when the fiancée reports Sabrina missing while another separate murder is discovered.

Although this is the sixth book in the series, this was my first Sukey Reynolds mystery so I had no preconceived expectations nor knew who any of the characters were going into it. I found it easy to understand the overall setting as well as who everyone was and didn’t find readers needed to read the prior books in the series to understand what was going on.

After finishing the book I found that what I had enjoyed most about this was how the flow felt natural. Sukey never sets out to force the issue or find all the clues, instead it was more of “let’s have a conversation and see where it takes us” approach. I also appreciated how Sukey knew when there wasn’t enough evidence for the police to move forward with and let Sabrina or the fiancée know.

While I enjoyed the book I did find a particular connection between certain characters to be a bit too coincidental and easy and I wish I could go into detail about this a little bit more, but since this is a mystery it probably wouldn’t be too wise. I also found the end wrapped up too quickly for my own personal tastes. I typically find the discovery at the end the most enjoyable and satisfying part of the mystery, but felt a little left out as we are told about certain events after the fact.

Although I had a few minor issues overall I found the book a quick read and believe fans of this series and cozy mysteries will find it enjoyable.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Sukey gets herself into another pickle in this latest cozy from Betty Rowlands.

Arthur Soames falls to his death down some steep stairs outside his home. Or, was he pushed? His daughter Sabrina thinks so as does his much younger fiance Elspeth. It seems they can't stand one another based on the stories that Arthur told them and each accuses the other woman of killing him. They've never met. When Sabrina haunts the police station wanting to talk to DI Castle, Sukey takes pity on her and draws her away. She then gets involved in another unofficial investigation.

Along with her son Fergus, they look into the life of Arthur Soames and find out things they perhaps wish they hadn't. It appears that the retired school teacher had secrets that someone is trying very hard to keep concealed.

When Sabrina disappears, Elspeth goes nuts. By this time Sukey has convinced them to meet and they discover that they like one another.

As the stakes get higher, Sukey must tell boyfriend DI Castle. The police become deeply involved and Sukey gets in a tight situation.

This is written in Betty Rowlands' usual style – well. It reads quickly as one event follows another in a logical progression. The book is very interesting and the characters are engaging. I like the interfering Sukey and somewhat overprotective Castle. (Of course Sukey has a habit of getting herself in trouble.) I especially like the Fergus character. He seems such a level-headed and nice young man.

I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this delightful book for me to read, enjoy and review.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick moving story with a satisfying ending. Sukey is sent to the home of a man who fell to his death into his garden down a spiral staircase. The man's daughter, Sabrina, will not leave the death alone, insisting it was murder rather than an accident. Sukey takes pity on Sabrina and talks to her and the dead man's fiance Elspeth and they start to make inquiries. When Sabrina disappears, Elspeth is beside herself with worry, and enters a missing person report. The police cannot find anything out of the ordinary and just assume Sabrina had disappeared for personal reasons. Elspeth cannot leave it alone and Sukey tries to make inquiries in her spare time, but taking care not to step on the toes of the local police. While pursuing a lead, Sukey finds herself in danger again, but it finally comes to a quick conclusion. It is obvious that Sukey needs to be taken seriously when she finds evidence.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book. I will continue to read this series and anything else written by this author.

[Mystica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arthur Soames missed his footing on the stairs and died. Retired school teacher living a quiet life in this rural village his death seemed straightforward enough. But we have his youthful fiancée and angry young daughter both insisting that the Police investigate the death, as they suspect foul play.
They cite the other party as suspects with reasons to support their arguments.

The Police dutifully follow up but Arthur had no enemies, no colorful past history to hide or so it seems, until Sukey on her own, with no reference to her seniors starts an investigation into the case and she really unravels a can of worms. With each fact being uncovered, as to who could be responsible for his death widens. The final outcome is totally surprising.

Set in a beautiful rural area, the descriptiveness of both the geography and the characters is old fashioned but spot on.

Love this series of old fashioned detective work

[Triinu · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scene of Crimes Officer Sukey Reynolds is called to photograph the scene of what appears to be a tragic accident. Arthur Soames, a retired teacher, fell to his death from the ornate iron staircase above his perfectly manicured lawn. But when the police notify his fiancé & daughter, they are adamant that this is no accident…
When Arthur’s daughter Sabrina won’t leave the police in peace, Sukey reluctantly agrees to help put her mind to rest. As she starts to poke about in the dead man’s past, she realises he was keeping secrets. Sabrina disappears after visiting Arthur’s old school then a headless body is found in a ditch are the two related?
Yet another engrossing read, it’s the sixth book in the series & could easily be read on its own but as I love series I’m finding the more of the series I read the more I'm drawn into Sukey's world & the threads that run through the series. There are red herrings & twists & turns in this delightful whodunit. I love Sukey who just can’t resist a mystery & she always ignores Jim’s advice. If you love a good murder mystery then give this series a try & become as hooked as I am, I can't wait for more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 6 in the series and I have loved them all.

Sukey has been called to gather evidence in order to help the police team to find out what happened with Mr Soames.

She has dealt with a lot of gruesome cases, but this time it just a tragic accident.

Case closed. Easy, peasy. Nope, sorry. The victims daughter is convinced there is more to it than meets the eye and insists the police investigates more. They do not agree and hope the woman leaves them alone.

Fans of the series know how this will be straight up Sukey’s alley and she will not rest before she has dug deep enough to unravel the truth.

Uncovering the truth also means putting herself in precarious situations, but she is determined to bring justice.

I love the way the author has painted the relationship between Sukey and her son, Fergus. The are more like friends than mother and son and I think that’s great. It is great how a child can feel he can talk about everything with their parents and confide in them. I have the same with my son and I always feel sorry for families where children and parents don’t see eye to eye.

This is a great series and I love the way the author can entertain het audience. 5 stars

Thank you

[Sharon Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of secrets

Arthur Soames is eating his breakfast when he somehow ends up at the bottom of the stairs. His daughter thinks he was murdered but the police don't think so. Lots of secrets about why Arthur retired and why he and his daughter didn't get along.

[Fiona Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am honestly running out of ways to say how much I love this series. The books are such easy reads but with lots of mystery and intrigue to keep you interested.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining cozy mystery featuring Sukey Reynolds, a Scene of Crime Officer attached to the Gloucestershire Constabulary. I've read the prior books in the series, in order, and can't wait for more!

What it's about: Sukey is called to a Victorian house in Rosemount Villas to photograph and gather evidence to rule out a crime in the case of what appears to be an accidental death. The owner was found at the bottom of some wrought-iron steps leading down from the kitchen. DI Jim Castle also attends the scene and the police find nothing suspicious. The dead man was discovered by his much younger fiancée, Elspeth Maddox, and is identified as Arthur Soames. When Elspeth is questioned, she also tells police that Soames had an estranged daughter named Sabrina. The notification is made to Sabrina, and she insinuates that the fiancée killed Arthur for his money and that this was murder. She insists on further investigation, but the police find nothing suspicious at the inquest and close the case. Well, that's not going to work for Sukey, especially after the daughter and fiancée each beg her to do further snooping around. And you know Sukey, she's always done sleuthing on the side as she once had aspirations of being in CID herself. NO SPOILERS.

Why you should read this series: It's extremely entertaining to see Sukey doing her job by day as SOCO and doing her detective work on her off hours. She has good theories and instincts that are often not taken seriously by her cohort at the police station. Her romance, a secret, with her boss, DI Castle, always complicates and confounds Sukey because she's so often right. I like the writing style, the police procedural details and the typically complex cases that ensue. Sukey, as the main character, is completely believable and easy to relate to. I like her relationships with her son and with Castle but two things I'm wondering about. When are Sukey and Jim going to make their liaison public and why doesn't she just go back and pick up her derailed police career? I enjoy, however, hearing about a murder investigation from the viewpoint of one who's not a detective for a change!

I'm working my way through the series as I get them and I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. On to the next!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was book 6 in the Sukey Reynolds series by Betty Rowlands and the series just gets better and better. This book was fantastic and worthy of more than 5 stars. Sukey once again gets in trouble as she goes beyond the scope of a SOCO and investigates the supposed accidental death of Arthur Soames whose fiancee claims that it had to be murder and begs Sukey to help prove it. Soon the fiancee, Arthur's daughter and Sukey have joined forces and are investigating against the advice of Sukey's love interest DI Jim Castle. Arthur's daughter refuses to let the police be, so Sukey decides to draw her attention away from DI Castle and help investigate - which she loves to do anyway. When the daughter disappears and the police feel she's just gone off to mourn, Sukey feels that there is something much worse happening here.

Several deep and painful family secrets are brought to light in this book. A case of mistaken identity over a name puts Sukey's life in grave danger. This was a real page turner and when the last page arrived I really didn't want it to end because the adventure in this book was at such a high level.

All the usual characters are in this book again and it's really nice to see how they are developing and growing. It's especially nice to see that Sukey's son Fergus has been aging along in the stories and has not stayed at the same age. This way he is more of a sounding board and confidant to his mother.

Can't wait for the next installment.....

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death on a Summer Morning by Betty Rowlands is the sixth book in the Sukey Reynolds series. I have just loved reading these books by Betty. They are a cosy mystery easy read.

Sukey Reynolds is a brilliant photographer, and a SOCO Plus helps out to solve murders etc. Sukey loves the summer time when she can get some rays of the sun on her skin and when she can get out in the garden to do some gardening which she loves to do.
Sukey is called to photograph a scene, that appears to be a tragic accident of Arthur Soames a retired school teacher who fell to his death from an ornate iron staircase which is above his perfect manicured lawn. The local police inform his family and they are adamant this is no accident!
Arthur's daughter will not leave the Police in peace. Sukey loves to help out and agrees to put Arthur's daughters mind at rest and she starts to ask questions about Arthur Soames life and what happened leading up to his death.

Sukey realises he was keeping secrets, and several people might well have wanted him dead.

But who?

Could it have been Arthur’s enchanting fiancée,?

An unhappy ex-student?

or maybe his neighbour?

So sit back.....open this book and enjoy a cosy mystery easy read with lots of twists and turns throughout.

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.

[Lghiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Previously published as Deadly Obsession by Severn House, this cozy mystery by Betty Rowlands is being published anew as Death on a Summer Morning by Bookouture as part of a thirteen book series centered around Sukey Reynolds, a Scene of Crime Officer responsible for photographing and collecting evidence at crime scenes. Sukey has a nose for detective work which often leads her into scenarios that she is not prepared for, much to the chagrin of her boyfriend DI Jim Castle.

In this case, Sukey arrives at the home of a somewhat elderly man who appears to have fallen down the stairs. Both the man’s younger fiancée and his estranged daughter are convinced there is more to the story, but are at odds with each other in every other way. Meanwhile a headless torso is found in a watery ditch, and the police have the unpleasant and difficult task of identifying the body.

The characters in this book include Fergus (Gus), Sukey’s amiable son who is ready to enter university. Caught in time between teenager and adult, he acts as a sounding board when Sukey needs a listening ear. The plot moves quickly; the setting is important to the plot and well described. I ended the book satisfied with the outcomes, but wanting to read more in this series.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been a little concerned that as these books progressed, Sukey's going against her boyfriend and the police, in general, to investigate on her own might get a little much. Surely someone can't just keep doing that. Fortunately, in this instalment at least, that little issue has been dealt with to some extent. While Sukey does get involved in her own investigations again in this book, it's really quite reluctantly and she does, on more than one occasion try to involve Jim with her thoughts and ideas.
I do enjoy these mysteries. Sukey is a very likeable character and I enjoy reading about her attempts to get to the bottom of various mysteries. This time she gets drawn in after the seemingly accidental death of a man, while his fiance and daughter won't accept that he wasn't murdered. Sukey manages to solve at least part of the mystery, but not get to the bottom of things completely. (Although I did this time.)
I'm looking forward to the next in this series. I am really enjoying them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death on a Summer Morning, previously published as Deadly Obsession, is the sixth installment of the series featuring our favorite amateur sleuth and police photographer (SOC Officer) Sukey Reynolds.

Its summer and Sukey is thrilled to be taking a slower turn in life with gardening and enjoying the nice summer weather. That all changes when she is asked to photograph a crime scene where a man has fallen from a staircase. His family is sure it was murder and Sukey is on the case with her innate detective skills to find out what really happened. Soon she is deep into clues and suspects and her small village may be hiding many secrets.

I love this series as Sukey is a savvy smart protagonist who always solves the most intricate of murders. The sleuth is always well crafted and the style of writing is pleasing and enjoying with a fast pace and great details. The charcters are likable and its always a enjoyable sleuth to conclusion. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. I highly recommend this entire series for all who enjoy good mysteries in a English setting .

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a retired gentleman falls down the steps of him home and dies, SOCO Sukey Reynolds is on the scene. While the police and medical examiner declare it an accidental death, the daughter and fiancé believe he was murder and Sukey finds herself helping the women find out what really happened.

Sukey’s kindness always seems to get her involved in things she should leave to the detectives, but then again, we wouldn’t have her any other way. When the deadman’s daughter disappears, Sukey eventually confides in Jim and shares her findings. It seems Jim has also come around to believing there is more to the man’s death than they first thought. Sukey yet again manages to figure out what the local detectives couldn’t and is lucky to survive yet another run in with a murderer.

This is a great series and I adore Sukey who won’t let a man tell her what she can and cannot do. She’s a little spitfire and you can’t help but root fo her to solve yet another case. I hope we see her becoming a detective in her own right very soon.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

When SOCO Sukey Reynolds is called to photograph the scene of an accidental death in a beautiful country garden she has no idea how deep she will end up digging to find out what actually happened. The family of the deceased man are convinced he was murdered and hound both the police and Sukey to try and make them take their claims more seriously.

The case this time moves speedily from accidental death through problems at home and on towards the denouement whilst including all the familiar much loved group of characters now so much a part of these wonderful stories. It also includes subject matter which has become more widely reported as awareness grows and the author covers it very well considering this is a re-release of a book first published in 2005

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 anyone who enjoys this series of books so obviously lovingly written by Ms Rowlands.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another strong entry in the Sukey Reynolds series, although part of a series, it stands alone. Sukey is searching for the truth behind Arthur Soames and his daughter Sabrina. Totally estranged from birth, Arthur is found dead and Sabrina wants answers. She enlists Sukey to investigate her father’s past. Sabrina gets impatient with Sukey’s lack of progress and she begins her own search to dismal results. Sukey almost meets the same fate when she follows up on Sabrina. Twisted story, twisted people, thankfully Sukey has Jim and Gus in her corner.
Not a traditional cosy, but provides an easy read without gore, sex, language, or violence. Slipping between the pages it’s nice to reconnect with some familiar characters. Always enjoy a journey back to the Cotswolds’.
Thank you to netgalley and Bookouture for an electronic copy.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment in the Sukey Reynolds series had a little more meat to it and I loved it! While trying to unofficially investigate whether a man dies from a slip or was murdered, Sukey plays things a bit smarter (finally). With multiple angles and a couple competing stories, the book had a bit more depth to it. I even liked some of the additional characters added for this story line and wouldn't mind seeing a few of them stick around for future books. I do wonder if something needs to shake up Sukey and Jim's relationship. They seem to be stuck in a rut. However, I did like that he offered to bring by food a couple times instead of her cooking for him all the time. That felt very old fashioned and sexist! So maybe they are growing?

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌄A good garden can be🚑 deadly!😲,
4-4.5🌟stars
Intriguing, confusing with lots of twists and red herrings, Death on a Summer Morning is a pageturner. Sukey Reynolds, the Crime Scene photographer who persists in investigating a grieving woman's disappearance is a bit of a nosey parker. She simply can't resist an appeal for help or a good mystery that needs solving even when she knows her copper boyfriend would disapprove. Her son Fergus also suffers from an excess of morbid curiosity and imagination. I really liked this pair! I have not read earlier books in the series, so I don't know why Sukey is not doing the investigating as a policewoman rather than as a civilian but she's good; they need her on the case full-time😊👮

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book provided through NetGalley; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The publisher's blurb is kind of sneaky and a bit of a misdirection. There's also a much younger fiancee who has been told things by the victim that cause her to accuse the daughter as well as the daughter accusing the other woman because of misinformation she was given by the victim. If you think that sounds messy,wait until you get a little further into the book! And then there are issues between Sukey and her rather bossy nonresident significant other who is also a DI in her precinct. Lots of twists and red herrings round out this astounding cosy! Wish I could claim that the review is unbiased, but I really love this series and this one is no exception.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Bookouture via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is number 6 in the series of crime photographer Sukey and her son Fergus and boyfriend police detective Jim. This one has a retired schoolteacher found dead in his garden, and his fiance and daughter are convinced it wasn't an accident. While I did like how Sukey struggled a bit more to guide them instead of jumping in herself, I did find it troubling how much she evaded and kept Jim out of the loop of her involvement. Those two really need to talk more, as I do like them together. I have read each of these in order, so that helps, but it can be read as a stand alone. A lot of twists and turns, with secrets from the past coming to light make a nice cozy mystery. Highly recommend this book, series and author.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 6 in the Sukey Reynolds Mystery series and I must say that I'm becoming quite enchanted with Betty Rowlands and her amateur detective Sukey. She is a part time photographer for the local police and usually ends up helping investigate. When she is called to work on an apparent accidents of a man falling down some stairs it seems open and shut. But his family is positive it's murder. They rope Sukey into working on the very sparse clues. Great story, I love how the characters have all developed. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great Cozy Mystery featuring Sukey Reynolds, a Scene of Crimes photographer. The death of retired school teacher Arthur Soames is considered an accident but his daughter Sabrina and fiancé Elspeth refuse to accept the Coroner’s verdict. Sukey is persuaded to help investigate the death and discovers that unknown to his family the deceased has a murky past. When Sabrina disappears and the police refuse to consider her a missing person Sukey investigates further and puts herself in danger. An enjoyable read.

[Michelle Debnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the owner of a quaint little house and sumptuous garden is found dead it at first appears to be a fatal accident but when his fiancée and daughter suspect more Suki again starts to a little digging with the help of her son , Can she discover the truth and put their minds at rest

Another flowing story and highly recommended

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy British Mystery I Couldn't Put Down!
This wonderful cozy mystery is Book 6 in the series and stands alone quite well. Of course, books in a series are always better when read in sequence. This story is very well done and has a few abrupt twists and turns. I can't wait to read the next in the series. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

[michelle Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sukey solves another mystery.

I really enjoy the twist and turns with each of the books. Where all of the main characters are so involved and as they are fighting out how the person that died had more of a last than first revealed. I have really enjoyed reading the mysteries and cannot wait for the next book.😁

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usual great read.

This story lived up to the great standard that we have come to expect from this writer. The characters all worked well ,just about to start the next book in the series.

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

WONDERFUL!!!

Best Sukey mystery of them all.....
So far anyway!
Before this one, I'd have said that I'd enjoyed the Melissa Craig series more. No longer.
This is my favorite Betty Rowlands book so far.