What do you think?
Rate this book
Melissa Craig #6
Smiling at Death
After a third murder within three months, the residents of Thanebury village now live in fear. Despite her local reputation for solving mysteries, crime writer Melissa Craig has no intention of getting involved, until a fourth victim turns up in her own village of Upper Benbury. As Melissa hunts for clues, a fifth murder occurs, and it becomes clear that at least one very disturbed mind is at work...
368 pages, Hardcover
First published May 2, 1996
1075 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Betty Rowlands
47 books143 followersBetty Rowlands is an member of the Crime Writers' Association and appears on panels at writers' conferences.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 16, 2019
I found a new cozy series!
First of all I should state I have not been a huge fan of cozy mysteries, but I am opening up to them more and I am glad because I could have missed out on this one.
Set in England Melissa Craig, a mystery novelist, decides to go to a “writer’s retreat”. She is immediately drawn into a mystery. The character Melissa was a very entertaining and intelligent protagonist. Sometimes amateur sleuths can be annoying, but not so here. She is a well developed character. Secondary characters also helped with the theme and pace of the novel.
The book is fast paced with twists leading to the climax of the story and then the unexpected ending. I didn’t quite figure out whodunnit and that added to my enjoyment.
Although this is the sixth book of the series I had no difficulty with reading and can be a standalone novel. I loved that the author was able to accomplish continuing the series with new readers jumping aboard midway and not getting lost. There was not a lot of backstory to catch the reader up. This is skillful on the author’s part.
I am definitely going to read the previous books in the series. 4 1/2 stars.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
First of all I should state I have not been a huge fan of cozy mysteries, but I am opening up to them more and I am glad because I could have missed out on this one.
Set in England Melissa Craig, a mystery novelist, decides to go to a “writer’s retreat”. She is immediately drawn into a mystery. The character Melissa was a very entertaining and intelligent protagonist. Sometimes amateur sleuths can be annoying, but not so here. She is a well developed character. Secondary characters also helped with the theme and pace of the novel.
The book is fast paced with twists leading to the climax of the story and then the unexpected ending. I didn’t quite figure out whodunnit and that added to my enjoyment.
Although this is the sixth book of the series I had no difficulty with reading and can be a standalone novel. I loved that the author was able to accomplish continuing the series with new readers jumping aboard midway and not getting lost. There was not a lot of backstory to catch the reader up. This is skillful on the author’s part.
I am definitely going to read the previous books in the series. 4 1/2 stars.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
January 11, 2019
Already book six in this series and I am still not getting tired of it. On the contrary. In my opinion the stories are more and more interesting and this one really had me hooked.
Some people don’t like cozy mysteries because … well, yes I sometimes wonder because of what actually. But everybody is of course free to choose what they want to read. I certainly can thoroughly appreciate this genre.
The main character is getting stronger and stronger and this time she was almost a full time sleuth.
When I finished the previous book, I thought I had found my favourite one. I have to change my opinion. I liked this one even more. This was the one with the most surprising outcome and I do love that.
It will be hard to top this story, but I will keep you posted when I have finished number 7.
Overall a very good series with a very likeable sleuth. 5 stars.
Thank you, Betty Rowlands, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
Some people don’t like cozy mysteries because … well, yes I sometimes wonder because of what actually. But everybody is of course free to choose what they want to read. I certainly can thoroughly appreciate this genre.
The main character is getting stronger and stronger and this time she was almost a full time sleuth.
When I finished the previous book, I thought I had found my favourite one. I have to change my opinion. I liked this one even more. This was the one with the most surprising outcome and I do love that.
It will be hard to top this story, but I will keep you posted when I have finished number 7.
Overall a very good series with a very likeable sleuth. 5 stars.
Thank you, Betty Rowlands, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
December 10, 2018
4 and ½ stars
Melissa “Mel” Craig is a quite well known mystery writer who goes on a writer’s retreat at Uphanger Estate. The police officer called to deal with the murder is DCI Ken Harris, who happens to be Mel’s love interest.
Stewart Haughan is the victim. He has received what he believes are threatening notes. He is not a very likeable person. He berates his employees and his wife. He rages at the little things that happen in the office.
Mel arrives in the orchard and finds the gardener staring at a body. It turns out to be the unlikeable Stewart Haughan. She doesn’t want to get involved, but not to her own surprise, she does. She is soon joined aby another writer who happens to be a journalist. Together they brainstorm. Mel notices that the journalist likes his drink and seems to have a very strong dislike for someone he says he only met once.
When Ken appears on the scene, he is surprised to see Mel but takes her presence in his stride. He believes that it must be a business associate or other outside person who committed the crime. Mel thinks otherwise and begins to put the pieces together and in an exciting conclusion, the murderer is revealed.
This is a great little cozy mystery. It is well written and the story flows nicely. I like Mel and Ken. (She just can’t seem to stay out of trouble – it just finds her). The story moves along at a good pace, the pages fly by so quickly that the reader hardly notices time passing. Very nice! This is my first Betty Rowlands boon, but it won’t be my last. I immediately went to Amazon to look for others of her novels.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
Melissa “Mel” Craig is a quite well known mystery writer who goes on a writer’s retreat at Uphanger Estate. The police officer called to deal with the murder is DCI Ken Harris, who happens to be Mel’s love interest.
Stewart Haughan is the victim. He has received what he believes are threatening notes. He is not a very likeable person. He berates his employees and his wife. He rages at the little things that happen in the office.
Mel arrives in the orchard and finds the gardener staring at a body. It turns out to be the unlikeable Stewart Haughan. She doesn’t want to get involved, but not to her own surprise, she does. She is soon joined aby another writer who happens to be a journalist. Together they brainstorm. Mel notices that the journalist likes his drink and seems to have a very strong dislike for someone he says he only met once.
When Ken appears on the scene, he is surprised to see Mel but takes her presence in his stride. He believes that it must be a business associate or other outside person who committed the crime. Mel thinks otherwise and begins to put the pieces together and in an exciting conclusion, the murderer is revealed.
This is a great little cozy mystery. It is well written and the story flows nicely. I like Mel and Ken. (She just can’t seem to stay out of trouble – it just finds her). The story moves along at a good pace, the pages fly by so quickly that the reader hardly notices time passing. Very nice! This is my first Betty Rowlands boon, but it won’t be my last. I immediately went to Amazon to look for others of her novels.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
January 12, 2019
Another enjoyable instalment of the Melissa Craig Mysteries. I've read all of them so far and Melissa is an engaging sleuth and memorable character. There is a definite flavour of the early Nineties in this series, but it adds to the ambience and authenticity
.
Melissa is worried about her relationship with Detective Chief Inspector Ken Harris, is she ready for the commitment he seeks? The chance to visit a writers' retreat seems the perfect opportunity to take time out and decide what she wants. Things, of course, do not go to plan and she finds her investigative skills are needed.
Conspiracy, lies, murder and secrets provide a difficult mystery for the intrepid crime writer to solve and bring her into close contact with the very person she was avoiding. The plot is particularly twisty, with several people having excellent motives for murdering the victim and it takes all her skill and strength of character to discover the truth.
An entertaining, retro story, for everyone who enjoys authentic English murder mystery.
I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
.
Melissa is worried about her relationship with Detective Chief Inspector Ken Harris, is she ready for the commitment he seeks? The chance to visit a writers' retreat seems the perfect opportunity to take time out and decide what she wants. Things, of course, do not go to plan and she finds her investigative skills are needed.
Conspiracy, lies, murder and secrets provide a difficult mystery for the intrepid crime writer to solve and bring her into close contact with the very person she was avoiding. The plot is particularly twisty, with several people having excellent motives for murdering the victim and it takes all her skill and strength of character to discover the truth.
An entertaining, retro story, for everyone who enjoys authentic English murder mystery.
I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
December 22, 2018
I do not read cozy mysteries very often but when I do, I just love them! Author Melissa Craig goes to Uphanger Learning Center for a week of working on her novel and to think about her current relationship. The day after she arrived Stewart Haughan, head of the center, is found murdered. He had been receiving anonymous notes and had asked Melissa to see what she could find out. Shortly after Stewart's murder, another guest write is found murdered. Melissa's love interest, DI Kenneth Harris comes to investigate. Stewart Haughan was very much disliked and lots of secrets start to surface. Of course, Melissa gets right in on the investigation and things get really interesting. This was book 6 in this series and is first one that I have read. It is fine as a stand alone and I did not feel like I was "lost" in terms of characters and/or story line. I liked this book so well, I am going to read the previous ones. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this delightful book.
Read
January 9, 2019British murder mystery series featuring author, Melissa Craig. Readable in one sitting is a series bonus that I love. Intriguing storylines are another.
Melissa decides a local writing retreat centre will provide her an ideal getaway as autumn arrives in the Cotswolds. Beautifully descriptive writing invites readers into the settings. Characters very well drawn without initial overloading of introductions. Pacing of the story is spot on for both comfort and suspense. Well plotted, I'm left anticipating next in series!
Appreciation to Bookouture for the review eArc without cost or obligation .
Melissa decides a local writing retreat centre will provide her an ideal getaway as autumn arrives in the Cotswolds. Beautifully descriptive writing invites readers into the settings. Characters very well drawn without initial overloading of introductions. Pacing of the story is spot on for both comfort and suspense. Well plotted, I'm left anticipating next in series!
Appreciation to Bookouture for the review eArc without cost or obligation .
January 6, 2019
Rereleased and retitled this 6th book in the Melissa Craig series is another winner. I am a fan of these cosy mysteries and enjoy following our heroine’s adventures, finding bodies and mysteries wherever she goes. This time Mel is at a writers retreat when the body count begins to stack up and it’s a race against time to solve the case, and get her friendly Policeman to take her seriously before she joins the list. #NetGalley
March 25, 2019
way too abrupt
after a brilliant mystery, i am seriously disappointed in this one. it was abrupt and rough. it seemed too fast. i’ll give her credit for not trusting the murder or sharing all the secrets with them like she usually does. but something was off about this book
after a brilliant mystery, i am seriously disappointed in this one. it was abrupt and rough. it seemed too fast. i’ll give her credit for not trusting the murder or sharing all the secrets with them like she usually does. but something was off about this book
August 25, 2019
Another in a series that I'm enjoying. These are great for a distraction when I'm in pain and have a hard time concentrating. The characters and plots are interesting.
December 20, 2018
I’ve had a bit of a binge session reading these books, so I’ll do my reviews all on my post! They are fabulous books to pick up and put down when you have five minutes here and there. The books are all part of the Melissa Craig series, but they can be read as standalone books with no problems at all. They also have all been released under different titles in the past, but the book fairy has come along and brought them right up to date with new covers and titles! They are delightful in the way that they are “cosy crime” books, meaning that there is no blood and gore, no overly violent scenes and a little bit of humour thrown in for good measure. If you like books written by the great Agatha Christie or MC Beaton, then you will love these!
Murder on a Winter Afternoon
This has previously been released as Deadly Legacy. Crime author and amateur sleuth, Melissa Craig is back in this Christmas themed mystery. Following the death of local author, Leonora Jewell, Melissa is asked to finish off Leonora’s last book. But when she visits Leonora’s cottage, she finds an iron blood which is covered in blood and suspects that Leonora was murdered. With the Police not believing her, Melissa decides to investigate Leonora’s death herself.
Murder in the Orchard
This has previously been released as Malice Poetic. Melissa Craig is asked to investigate some threatening notes which have been received by the owner of a nearby country house, but before she can do any kind of investigating, the owner is found dead in his own orchard. Universally hated, Melissa discovers that he wouldn’t have won any prizes in a popularity contest, but who hated him enough to kill him. Can she find the killer before they strike again?
Murder at Larkfield Barn
This has been previously been released as Smiling at Death. We are back in Upper Benbury where Melissa is shocked to discover one of her old neighbours has been murdered and the killer has painted a horrific smile on her face. Looking at her other neighbours and people who live in the Village, is the killer closer to home than Melissa could have imagined?
These were all great books to read. I love the character of Melissa Craig! Being a crime writer, she obviously finds it useful when she is investigating all these terrible murders that she appears to always be caught up in! I would like to imagine her to be your typical quintessential English lady, all dressed in tweed with thick ribbed tights and very sensible shoes, but reality probably has Melissa as a bit more ‘normal’ than that! She comes across as a bit of a “nosey neighbour”, but one that definitely has a heart of hold! One thing you could definitely say of Melissa though is how unlucky she must be to always be around when a murder has been committed!!
The characters, not just in these three books but in all of them I’ve read so far, are fun, interesting and likeable. As the books move on and some of the earlier characters begin to come back into the later stories, you begin to build a relationship with not just Melissa, but some of her friends as well. The locations of the books, and particularly the village of Upper Benbury, are beautifully set and you can just picture Melissa rushing round the countryside looking for clues as you read!
I would whole heartedly recommend these books if you’re after a good old fashioned whodunit! You won’t have to cover your eyes from fear or rest your uneasy stomach after too much blood and gore! What you will get though is a series of very easy to read books that are fun and light-hearted, but with enough crime and mystery to keep you trying to work out the clues before Melissa does!! If you’ve never tried a cosy mystery book before, then what are you waiting for!
Murder on a Winter Afternoon
This has previously been released as Deadly Legacy. Crime author and amateur sleuth, Melissa Craig is back in this Christmas themed mystery. Following the death of local author, Leonora Jewell, Melissa is asked to finish off Leonora’s last book. But when she visits Leonora’s cottage, she finds an iron blood which is covered in blood and suspects that Leonora was murdered. With the Police not believing her, Melissa decides to investigate Leonora’s death herself.
Murder in the Orchard
This has previously been released as Malice Poetic. Melissa Craig is asked to investigate some threatening notes which have been received by the owner of a nearby country house, but before she can do any kind of investigating, the owner is found dead in his own orchard. Universally hated, Melissa discovers that he wouldn’t have won any prizes in a popularity contest, but who hated him enough to kill him. Can she find the killer before they strike again?
Murder at Larkfield Barn
This has been previously been released as Smiling at Death. We are back in Upper Benbury where Melissa is shocked to discover one of her old neighbours has been murdered and the killer has painted a horrific smile on her face. Looking at her other neighbours and people who live in the Village, is the killer closer to home than Melissa could have imagined?
These were all great books to read. I love the character of Melissa Craig! Being a crime writer, she obviously finds it useful when she is investigating all these terrible murders that she appears to always be caught up in! I would like to imagine her to be your typical quintessential English lady, all dressed in tweed with thick ribbed tights and very sensible shoes, but reality probably has Melissa as a bit more ‘normal’ than that! She comes across as a bit of a “nosey neighbour”, but one that definitely has a heart of hold! One thing you could definitely say of Melissa though is how unlucky she must be to always be around when a murder has been committed!!
The characters, not just in these three books but in all of them I’ve read so far, are fun, interesting and likeable. As the books move on and some of the earlier characters begin to come back into the later stories, you begin to build a relationship with not just Melissa, but some of her friends as well. The locations of the books, and particularly the village of Upper Benbury, are beautifully set and you can just picture Melissa rushing round the countryside looking for clues as you read!
I would whole heartedly recommend these books if you’re after a good old fashioned whodunit! You won’t have to cover your eyes from fear or rest your uneasy stomach after too much blood and gore! What you will get though is a series of very easy to read books that are fun and light-hearted, but with enough crime and mystery to keep you trying to work out the clues before Melissa does!! If you’ve never tried a cosy mystery book before, then what are you waiting for!
December 29, 2018
Book 6 of the Melissa Craig Mysteries and I think that each one just gets better and better. I have to admit that I polished this off in one day, not quite one sitting, but I didn't want to put it down. This time Melissa finds herself in the middle of another mystery when she is supposed to be on a writers retreat. Needless to say, she doesn't get a great deal of writing done.
As well as the small cast of suspects, we have the return of regular characters in the form of Gloria the cleaner, next door neighbour and artist Iris and boyfriend and tame policeman Ken. I have to admit that I haven't decided how I feel about the Ken and Melissa relationship. On the whole, I think that I'm in favour, but with Melissa being a bit unsure herself and the two of them continually butting heads when it comes to how involved she seems to get in these mysteries, the jury is still out.
As ever the mystery worked well and I really enjoyed it. I didn't manage to solve the whole thing this time, but I had picked up on most of the clues and got my head around quite a bit before the big reveal.
I love these classic mystery stories and can't wait to see what trouble Mel manages to find herself in the middle of in the next book. No doubt Ken will be less than impressed with her snooping around.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
As well as the small cast of suspects, we have the return of regular characters in the form of Gloria the cleaner, next door neighbour and artist Iris and boyfriend and tame policeman Ken. I have to admit that I haven't decided how I feel about the Ken and Melissa relationship. On the whole, I think that I'm in favour, but with Melissa being a bit unsure herself and the two of them continually butting heads when it comes to how involved she seems to get in these mysteries, the jury is still out.
As ever the mystery worked well and I really enjoyed it. I didn't manage to solve the whole thing this time, but I had picked up on most of the clues and got my head around quite a bit before the big reveal.
I love these classic mystery stories and can't wait to see what trouble Mel manages to find herself in the middle of in the next book. No doubt Ken will be less than impressed with her snooping around.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 5, 2019
Life is moving on for Melissa; she is now totally at home in the Cotswolds, Ken Harris seems to be a permanent fixture and she is more than content with her lot. Iris and Gloria are still an important part of both her life and the latest mystery to befall them.
Once again Betty Rowland paints a brilliant picture of an idyllic life with grisly undertones. The cocktail party that turns deadly, the new neighbours with distressing backgrounds, the officious police officers all are written with a mixture of wit and detail that gives them identities which enable you to picture scenes and characters easily. The description of the new lady of the manor is both humorous and poignant.
These books are getting better and better, the mysteries are more complex, have more layers to them and the back stories link things in a seemingly effortless manner. This time they are also ghoulish and with more than a hint of copycat killings to confuse the issue. The series was originally released in the nineties and finally ex-detective Ken has a mobile phone. The Cotswolds life of Mel Craig will never be the same again!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to Netgalley in return for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who has read the previous stories in the series or enjoys cosyish crime. Each novel stands alone but does work better in its rightful place in the series.
Once again Betty Rowland paints a brilliant picture of an idyllic life with grisly undertones. The cocktail party that turns deadly, the new neighbours with distressing backgrounds, the officious police officers all are written with a mixture of wit and detail that gives them identities which enable you to picture scenes and characters easily. The description of the new lady of the manor is both humorous and poignant.
These books are getting better and better, the mysteries are more complex, have more layers to them and the back stories link things in a seemingly effortless manner. This time they are also ghoulish and with more than a hint of copycat killings to confuse the issue. The series was originally released in the nineties and finally ex-detective Ken has a mobile phone. The Cotswolds life of Mel Craig will never be the same again!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to Netgalley in return for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who has read the previous stories in the series or enjoys cosyish crime. Each novel stands alone but does work better in its rightful place in the series.
January 12, 2019
‘This book is part of the "Melissa Craig" series but can be read as a stand alone. These are some of my favorite mysteries as they have all the enjoyable elements of a fun mystery read , fast paced and engaging to the last page. . I highly recommend this book for all who enjoy cozy mysteries. The charcters are all very likable, the protagonist Melissa Craig is believable and a great sleuth.
Melissa “Mel” Craig is a quite well known mystery writer who goes on a writer’s retreat at Uphanger Estate. A murder occurred of a writer she was asked to work for and she is soon involved in the investigation. The police officer is Ken Harris, who happens to be Mel’s love interest. They work together well in investigations and soon the suspects are many as more murders occurs.
I enjoyed this re release and its Christmas time theme. The retreat location is described so pleasing that you want to visit . The story is fast paced with a well plotted mystery that is delightful to the end. I enjoyed reading this very much and do recommend the entire series.
Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my review.
Melissa “Mel” Craig is a quite well known mystery writer who goes on a writer’s retreat at Uphanger Estate. A murder occurred of a writer she was asked to work for and she is soon involved in the investigation. The police officer is Ken Harris, who happens to be Mel’s love interest. They work together well in investigations and soon the suspects are many as more murders occurs.
I enjoyed this re release and its Christmas time theme. The retreat location is described so pleasing that you want to visit . The story is fast paced with a well plotted mystery that is delightful to the end. I enjoyed reading this very much and do recommend the entire series.
Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my review.
February 18, 2019
First published in May 1996 as Malice Poetic.
This is book 6 in the Melissa Craig Series and this series goes from strength to strength.
In this tale, Melissa again finds herself in the middle of another mystery while she is at a writers retreat. As usual, for Melissa, her writing is put on the back burner, while she investigates. There’s a few suspects and we have the return of the marvellous Gloria, the cleaner, Melissa’s next door neighbour Iris, an artist and vegetarian, and of course, Ken, the Police Officer boyfriend.
As always Betty Rowlands creative writing brings the mystery to life and it works well in this thoroughly enjoyable cosy mystery. There are the usual surprises and I’m already looking forward to the next in the series...
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review
This is book 6 in the Melissa Craig Series and this series goes from strength to strength.
In this tale, Melissa again finds herself in the middle of another mystery while she is at a writers retreat. As usual, for Melissa, her writing is put on the back burner, while she investigates. There’s a few suspects and we have the return of the marvellous Gloria, the cleaner, Melissa’s next door neighbour Iris, an artist and vegetarian, and of course, Ken, the Police Officer boyfriend.
As always Betty Rowlands creative writing brings the mystery to life and it works well in this thoroughly enjoyable cosy mystery. There are the usual surprises and I’m already looking forward to the next in the series...
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review
January 15, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another enjoyable read from Ms. Rowlands. As our author/sleuth is hiding from her distractions so that she can write her new book, she stumbles upon another murder. The peace and quiet that she was craving is exactly the opposite of what she gets. Her accommodation in a converted stable is perfect for an author's retreat, the meals at the main house are wonderful but the staff are a bit on the odd side.
The most recent murder victim had more enemies than friends. There are many possible murderers. While the police are searching, the killer strikes again and is Melissa going to be the next victim?
Another enjoyable read from Ms. Rowlands. As our author/sleuth is hiding from her distractions so that she can write her new book, she stumbles upon another murder. The peace and quiet that she was craving is exactly the opposite of what she gets. Her accommodation in a converted stable is perfect for an author's retreat, the meals at the main house are wonderful but the staff are a bit on the odd side.
The most recent murder victim had more enemies than friends. There are many possible murderers. While the police are searching, the killer strikes again and is Melissa going to be the next victim?
January 23, 2019
This is a series of stories which is fast becoming a firm favourite of mine. Melissa Craig once more finds herself embroiled in investigating a murder close to her home. She has a knack of being in the thick of things before she even realises.
Her continuing relationship with Ken is lovely. I didn’t like it when she got involved with someone else a few books earlier in the series, so I’m happy she is once more on track.
Melissa is a lovely character to follow, and her friendship with her next door neighbour, Iris, brings so much more to the storyline. I look forward to future cases involving her.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a copy.
Her continuing relationship with Ken is lovely. I didn’t like it when she got involved with someone else a few books earlier in the series, so I’m happy she is once more on track.
Melissa is a lovely character to follow, and her friendship with her next door neighbour, Iris, brings so much more to the storyline. I look forward to future cases involving her.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a copy.
January 17, 2019
This is number 6 in the Melissa Craig Series. I had never read one before but now I am hooked..
I love the main character Melissa Craig, she is an author of mysteries. She is taking a retreat for authors when the owner of the retreat is killed. She immediately starts looking into the murder against the advice of her boyfriend DCI Kenneth Harris. But Melissa is fond of the owner's wife Verity and grounds guy Martin. But then another author Ben is also killed.
This book was just delightful to read.
I love the main character Melissa Craig, she is an author of mysteries. She is taking a retreat for authors when the owner of the retreat is killed. She immediately starts looking into the murder against the advice of her boyfriend DCI Kenneth Harris. But Melissa is fond of the owner's wife Verity and grounds guy Martin. But then another author Ben is also killed.
This book was just delightful to read.
February 11, 2019
Book 6 in the Melissa Craig series.
Melissa goes to a retreat at Miles Haughan’s Uphanger Learning Centre to have peace to concentrate on her new novel and to see if she would like to take her relationship further with DCI Ken Harris. Miles Haughan has been receiving threatening poems but the police do not take them seriously until murder is committed. Melissa is a good central character who makes her own investigations but must watch she does not become too close when another murder occurs.
I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Melissa goes to a retreat at Miles Haughan’s Uphanger Learning Centre to have peace to concentrate on her new novel and to see if she would like to take her relationship further with DCI Ken Harris. Miles Haughan has been receiving threatening poems but the police do not take them seriously until murder is committed. Melissa is a good central character who makes her own investigations but must watch she does not become too close when another murder occurs.
I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2022
Mel Craig takes a week's accommodation at a writer's retreat at a nearby college. But it is not a relaxing place - the manager and owner is a strange creature - smiling one minute, raging in anger the next. While having dinner with him and his wife Verity, he rages about some haiku's that have been sent to him for the past few weeks, indicating something nasty in his past and indicating his end is nigh. The next morning, Mel takes an early stroll and she and the gardener find his body, dead in a ditch.
This was a fast read, but deadly. Almost finished this series, one to go.
This was a fast read, but deadly. Almost finished this series, one to go.
January 10, 2019
Every new installment in this series is better than the previous one. This one was no exception and I really loved it.
It was engaging and entertaining, well written as usual and with a very good plot.
I like how the characters evolve and I liked the characters in this book, well written and very human.
I look forward to reading the next instalment.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC
It was engaging and entertaining, well written as usual and with a very good plot.
I like how the characters evolve and I liked the characters in this book, well written and very human.
I look forward to reading the next instalment.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC
June 18, 2019
These books are okay. They feel like 1950's culture but the technology is newer. I grow impatient with her accommodation of the male dominated point of view with some exceptions. They are a good read otherwise
These are okay, not great but okay. A fast and easy read for an afternoon. No brain power needed. I would like to see a better example of a male character. By better I mean less macho or I would like the lead to not put up with it but that is my own prejudice.
These are okay, not great but okay. A fast and easy read for an afternoon. No brain power needed. I would like to see a better example of a male character. By better I mean less macho or I would like the lead to not put up with it but that is my own prejudice.
April 12, 2020
Murder in the Orchard
Melissa Craig finds herself involved with another murder while on a writers retreat. Can she stop an innocent man from being charged with a crime she doesn't believe he carried out.
Betty Rowlands has written another fast paced novel with a strong story, well defined characters and a twist I for one never saw coming.
I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Highly recommended.
Melissa Craig finds herself involved with another murder while on a writers retreat. Can she stop an innocent man from being charged with a crime she doesn't believe he carried out.
Betty Rowlands has written another fast paced novel with a strong story, well defined characters and a twist I for one never saw coming.
I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Highly recommended.
December 27, 2018
I really enjoy this series. I read this under its re released title - Murder at Larkfield
Barn. The detail of the area always makes it seem like you are truly visiting the area. Iris is a great secondary character. The main character, Mel, has more going on in her life than many main characters in other cozies. I hate putting these books down and look forward to others.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.
Barn. The detail of the area always makes it seem like you are truly visiting the area. Iris is a great secondary character. The main character, Mel, has more going on in her life than many main characters in other cozies. I hate putting these books down and look forward to others.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.
February 2, 2019
Like all of her books, this one read so quickly. This one isn’t my favorite of the series but it is still a good read. I love Betty Rowland’s voice coming through all the characters. Whenever something is written in the third person, it can be difficult to connect with characters but I feel very in-tune with Melissa’s thoughts the majority of the time.
March 22, 2019
Good ... But Not Her Best
Another good read from Betty but not 5 star material as are some of her other novels in this series. Rather easier to put down as the plot was not as paced or gripping as previous reads. To date, Murder at the Old Manor is without doubt the best I have read.
Another good read from Betty but not 5 star material as are some of her other novels in this series. Rather easier to put down as the plot was not as paced or gripping as previous reads. To date, Murder at the Old Manor is without doubt the best I have read.
March 31, 2019
I'm starting to get a little sympathy with Harris, when Mel ignores his wishes and doesn't share information she's found... And as for who the villain turned out to be at the end here... It felt completely random and desperate, there were no clues to suggest that earlier on, and it felt like the author had to desperately grab any unused *gender* character to use.
July 8, 2019
I very much enjoyed this Melissa Craig instalment but there were some disappointing aspects. The leaps of logic Mel made, although correct, were not sufficiently explained which made it seem like "deus ex machina" or divine intervention in the plot, and therefore contrived. However, an entertaining story.
January 19, 2019
Another age turner!
Everyone has a motive for doing away with the head of the retreat Melissa is going to stay at for a week. Allot of herrings, with a big twist coming at end. This is an amazing book with lots of fun & exciting parts.
Everyone has a motive for doing away with the head of the retreat Melissa is going to stay at for a week. Allot of herrings, with a big twist coming at end. This is an amazing book with lots of fun & exciting parts.
February 2, 2019
Another mystery solved
Enjoyable tale of murder and mystery as Mel Craig finds herself embroiled when all she wanted was a week away. She only wanted to have some time to assess her relationship with the good detective Harris.
Enjoyable tale of murder and mystery as Mel Craig finds herself embroiled when all she wanted was a week away. She only wanted to have some time to assess her relationship with the good detective Harris.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews