Death on a Gravestone: The Newshound Mysteries

by M.K. Jones, John F. Wake

When the body of well-known and much hated politician Agnes Hunter is found on a gravestone in Wales’ largest cemetery, with a gun and a note, her death is ruled suicide. However, Trevor Gwyn Jones, senior reporter for The Cardiff Sentinel, is sceptical of the verdict, as is his best friend and confidante Sergeant Gareth Roberts. Agnes had made many enemies, both personal and professional, in her relentless pursuit of the top political job in Cardiff and later, Wales.
Trevor and Gareth have nothing to go on to suggest murder, apart from their long-term knowledge and experience of investigating death, plus a gut instinct telling them something isn’t right with this one. Their discovery of another, similar death in 1973 on the same gravestone sends their investigation into an exploration of historical crime.
Is there a motive that links the two deaths? Is there another agenda at work and what danger will it lead them into?

Genres: Mystery, Contemporary, Crime

331 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2024

About the author

Originally from South Wales, I now live in North Wales, close to Conwy and the sea. My passion for genealogy began when I helped out my mother with internet researching on her family and I became engrossed ( my family would say fanatical!). The Maze Investigations series has allowed me to combine my passion with my long held ambition to be a creative writer. I have recently added the first book in a new series. The series is called The Curiosity Club of St Foy and the book is 'All Gone'. My plan is to publish 2 books a year at least, one in each series. Update! I have recently published the fourth book in the Curiosity Club of St Foy series. It's called "The Cult of Flowers". And I have formed a collaboration with South Wales write, John F. Wales. Together we have produced a new series called "The Cardiff Newshound Investigates". Book one, "Death on a Gravestone" is now available in all media, and book two will be available shortly. It's been ten years since the publication of "Three Times Removed", the first book in the Maze series. I'll soon be starting on book no. 10. What a journey!

Reviews

[Ajoyful1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down

A little slow getting started. Once it moved into the historical background I was hooked. Wonderfully complicated murder mystery that wove in genealogy, research, and police procedures over an era. Even though I picked up on clues before the team did, it was fun watching them work to a conclusion. What I love most about M.K. Jones stories is they are clean and without needless profanity, smut, and gratuitous content. Interesting twists and turns. Her collaboration with John F. Wake gave a fresh feel. Good writing!

[CWJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A genealogical mystery with plenty of twists….will there be more to follow?

Death on a Gravestone is what I hop will be a continuing series. The players are each unique in their own way with Trevor leading the way. The mix of an outside reporter with the police makes for a good combination of at times opposing interests….but in the end they come together. Worth the investment i time and money, especially if you are of the bent to enjoy a genealogical mystery.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps 3.5 stars. I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book, especially as it took some time to get to the genealogical part, but then it improved. I thought the use of excerpts from true-crime manuscript to cover the flashback scenes was a novel method. This was part police procedural, since the protagonist, Trevor, a journalist, is friends with two of the investigating officers, so shares his theories with them.

[Debbie ONeill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I have read several of Ms. Jones stories and am happy to say that she did not disappoint in this one. I kept waiting for the genealogy to begin. I am definitely hoping that another book or two is in the works. Thank you Ms. Jones and Mr. Wake for a wonderful reading experience.😀

[Debbie Trammell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

The ends and outs were great. The Genealogy research was top shelf. These two writers produced a very good story. Can't wait for the next one. I recommend if you like true crime and Genealogy mysteries.

[Lisa Shower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good!

A pleasant surprise of a book I was uncertain about at first. Quirky characters, good lead up to the solution and genealogical research. How can it get any better!

[Maree Croxon Mapperson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Making a legacy

Like all history if told from one perspective it can seem an injustices has been committed. The holding on to that ideal can cause generations of pain.

[Christine Pilcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impressive storyline

I loved this book. The characters are likeable and definitely great people. The story was brilliantly written and was fantastic. I was really impressed.

[Debbie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death on a Gravestone

Another wonderful mystery! I must admit, I did expect him to contact Maze Investigators. I wasn’t disappointed though. Thank you and keep writing!