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Sukey Reynolds #1
Death at Hazel House: An Utterly Addictive Cozy Murder Mystery: A Sukey Reynolds Mystery, Book 1
Meet Sukey proud mother, wonderful cook...and police photographer turned amateur detective.
Years ago, Sukey was hoping to become a detective, but life took a different turn. Now she’s happy to be involved with the local police force, as long as she still gets to work the occasional murder case....
When Sukey arrives to photograph the body of Lorraine Chant, the beautiful wife of a wealthy businessman, she’s baffled. At first, it looks like a botched burglary, as the huge family safe has been left wide open and empty. But why does Lorraine’s rich husband claim nothing was taken? And what is he not telling the police?
Deciding to do a little investigating of her own, things take a darker turn for Sukey when she is set upon by a shady figure. What do they think she knows? As Sukey finds herself in the firing line, can she expose the true killer before it’s too late?
If you love murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin, or Joy Ellis, then this novel from the best-selling queen of cozy crime will have you hooked!
This book was previously published as An Inconsiderate Death.
Years ago, Sukey was hoping to become a detective, but life took a different turn. Now she’s happy to be involved with the local police force, as long as she still gets to work the occasional murder case....
When Sukey arrives to photograph the body of Lorraine Chant, the beautiful wife of a wealthy businessman, she’s baffled. At first, it looks like a botched burglary, as the huge family safe has been left wide open and empty. But why does Lorraine’s rich husband claim nothing was taken? And what is he not telling the police?
Deciding to do a little investigating of her own, things take a darker turn for Sukey when she is set upon by a shady figure. What do they think she knows? As Sukey finds herself in the firing line, can she expose the true killer before it’s too late?
If you love murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin, or Joy Ellis, then this novel from the best-selling queen of cozy crime will have you hooked!
This book was previously published as An Inconsiderate Death.
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First published November 1, 1997
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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 131 reviews
May 10, 2019
A great start to a new series. Twisty, gripping and entertaining!
The wife of a rich businessman is murdered. Her jewelry is missing and the safe is empty. The police assume this to be a case of burglary gone wrong. The victim’s husband has an alibi and seemingly no motive to kill his wife.
Enter Sukey Reynolds, a Scene of Crime Officer whose job is to photograph the crime scene. And as soon as she enters the house she feels the case is not as simple as the police think and there is a lot more to it than meets the eye.
Thanks to the author, Bookouture and the NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
The wife of a rich businessman is murdered. Her jewelry is missing and the safe is empty. The police assume this to be a case of burglary gone wrong. The victim’s husband has an alibi and seemingly no motive to kill his wife.
Enter Sukey Reynolds, a Scene of Crime Officer whose job is to photograph the crime scene. And as soon as she enters the house she feels the case is not as simple as the police think and there is a lot more to it than meets the eye.
Thanks to the author, Bookouture and the NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
May 2, 2019
Death at Hazel House, previously published as An Inconsiderate Death, is the series opener featuring ambitious amateur sleuth and police photographer Sukey Reynolds from the Queen of cosy mysteries. Originally written in the 1990s the book hasn't aged well but that is certainly part of its charm, in my opinion. It took me back to my formative years with the spot-on descriptions of 90s Britain. Whilst not an active investigator Sukey helps steer the police in the right direction in order to solve the case. I would've liked it to have been more centred around her, but as this is the first of thirteen in this rereleased series there is plenty of time for her to grow into her role. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
August 10, 2019
Viss, ko var vēlēties no pavieglā gala jeb cosy detective. Laba valoda, ticama un patīkama galvenā varone, kas žonglē darba un privātās dzīves jautājumus, kā arī pusaugu dēla (un viņš ir visnotaļ jaukums) audzināšanu vienatnē. Grāmatas noziegumu sižets ir sapiņķerēts vairāk, nekā biju gaidījusi, vietām varbūt šis tas drusku neveikli saķibināts un dažas no izkaisītajām mājienu drupatām bija tik lielas, ka mazāki putni ar tādām aizrītos. Bet tas viss nekādi neliedza izbaudīt šo grāmatu, labs un ātrs atslodzes detektīvs, noteikti turpināšu sēriju.
May 18, 2019
Once upon a time, Sukey Reynolds had a promising career in the police. She had to abandon that dream when her husband left her for another woman on her son's 10th birthday. Fergus is now 16 and Sukey has recently returned to work as a civilian Scene of Crime Officer. She still has friends in the police, most notably a romantic interest, DI Jim Castle, and she receives assignments to take photographs and obtain other crime data or information as needed. This cozy murder mystery opens with Sukey attending at Hazel House in Marsdean to gather information at the scene where the body of Lorraine Chant is found in the master bedroom.
This is a well-plotted mystery with plenty of red herrings and a complex set of related crimes involving a group of people connected to a past bank robbery. Although Sukey is the main character, and a woman I'd like to get to know better, there are other points of view within the narration as the investigation into the murder leads to evidence of other nefarious activities. Since this is the first of a long-running series originally published in the 90s, the technology and investigative methods are a bit dated but that doesn't negatively affect the outcome of the case. This isn't the grisly chiller thriller type of book, nor is it really suspenseful, but demonstrates overtones of a police procedural where dogged detectives and serendipitous findings lead to the solve.
I enjoyed this change of pace and I look forward to reading the next few in the series that I happen to have on my TBR. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a well-plotted mystery with plenty of red herrings and a complex set of related crimes involving a group of people connected to a past bank robbery. Although Sukey is the main character, and a woman I'd like to get to know better, there are other points of view within the narration as the investigation into the murder leads to evidence of other nefarious activities. Since this is the first of a long-running series originally published in the 90s, the technology and investigative methods are a bit dated but that doesn't negatively affect the outcome of the case. This isn't the grisly chiller thriller type of book, nor is it really suspenseful, but demonstrates overtones of a police procedural where dogged detectives and serendipitous findings lead to the solve.
I enjoyed this change of pace and I look forward to reading the next few in the series that I happen to have on my TBR. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
September 20, 2019
Not a "cozy mystery"
This doesn't fit my idea of a cozy mystery. It focuses heavily on the sleazy womanizing wife beater criminal and his sexual exploits instead of a heroine figuring out clues. I kept thinking it would get better but I just had no interest in reading about this guy ogling every woman over and over. There's no mystery, the murderer is named when it occurs. This is more of a thriller genre than a mystery genre read.
This doesn't fit my idea of a cozy mystery. It focuses heavily on the sleazy womanizing wife beater criminal and his sexual exploits instead of a heroine figuring out clues. I kept thinking it would get better but I just had no interest in reading about this guy ogling every woman over and over. There's no mystery, the murderer is named when it occurs. This is more of a thriller genre than a mystery genre read.
February 26, 2023
In the first five minutes of this book, the subject of sex comes up and a man is admiring the body of a woman on the exercise equipment. He gets an erection and hopes it doesn't show in his shorts. This is not a cozy mystery, or the definition of "cozy" has changed dramatically. I listen to audiobooks, and unfortunately, I can't get my money back.
August 9, 2019
Patīkams cozy detective stila pārstāvis. Interesanta galvenā varone/ izmeklētāja/policijas fotogrāfe. Raiti izveidota detektīva intriga, ticami tēli un laba valoda. Viss ko parasti gribas sastapt labā detektīvā. Bet tā kā sērijā ir 13 grāmatas,laikam pagaidām apstāšos pie šīs,lai nesanāk vilties.
July 10, 2019
I've never read a police procedural where it took them so long to identify excons…..
February 24, 2020
Death at Hazel House is book one in the new series called Sukey Reynolds by Betty Rowlands. Sukey Reynolds, a Police Photographer, called to a scene of a murder at Hazel House and to Sukey, the crime scene at Hazel House did not look right. Sukey, who wanted to be a police detective, decided to investigate the mystery herself. However, The readers of Death at Hazel House will continue to follow Sukey to find out who killed Mrs Chant in her own home.
Death at Hazel House is the first book I have read of Betty Rowlands. Death Hazel House is an enjoyable book to read. For me, the plot of Death at Hazel House did not engage me like other Cozy mysteries. However, I did finish reading Death at Hazel House. I do like Betty Rowlands portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other. Death at Hazel House is well written and researched by Betty Rowlands. Betty Rowlands excellently did the settings of Death at Hazel House. I loved the cover of Death at Hazel House.
The readers of Death at Hazel House will learn about the procedures and the role of police photographer. Also, the readers of Death at Hazel House will learn about the problems that single parents have when they are thinking about starting a new relationship.
I recommend this book.
Death at Hazel House is the first book I have read of Betty Rowlands. Death Hazel House is an enjoyable book to read. For me, the plot of Death at Hazel House did not engage me like other Cozy mysteries. However, I did finish reading Death at Hazel House. I do like Betty Rowlands portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other. Death at Hazel House is well written and researched by Betty Rowlands. Betty Rowlands excellently did the settings of Death at Hazel House. I loved the cover of Death at Hazel House.
The readers of Death at Hazel House will learn about the procedures and the role of police photographer. Also, the readers of Death at Hazel House will learn about the problems that single parents have when they are thinking about starting a new relationship.
I recommend this book.
May 3, 2019
' Death at Hazel House', the first of the Sukey Reynolds Mystery series, is a fusion of genres. Written originally in the late 1990s, like the Melissa Craig mysteries, this has a retro feel to it, most notably in its lack of political correctness.
I was expecting a cozy/murder mystery, and in part it is. There are multiple character points of view, murder, lots of suspects and misinformation. However, the language, tone and crimes are more aligned to police procedurals. So this story has wide appeal, for readers that want to try something different.
Suzy a scene of crimes officer (SOCO) becomes an unwilling amateur detective, although her role is not developed in this first book, she is likeable, intelligent and courageous, and I am looking forward to reading her next adventure.
I received a copy of this book from bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I was expecting a cozy/murder mystery, and in part it is. There are multiple character points of view, murder, lots of suspects and misinformation. However, the language, tone and crimes are more aligned to police procedurals. So this story has wide appeal, for readers that want to try something different.
Suzy a scene of crimes officer (SOCO) becomes an unwilling amateur detective, although her role is not developed in this first book, she is likeable, intelligent and courageous, and I am looking forward to reading her next adventure.
I received a copy of this book from bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 16, 2020
A Sukey Mystery
This was a pretty fast read for me. I thought it was well written. I identified with the characters, which doesn't always happen. I would like to read more from this series.
This was a pretty fast read for me. I thought it was well written. I identified with the characters, which doesn't always happen. I would like to read more from this series.
August 20, 2023
not a cozy
Use of “f” word so obviously doesn’t qualify as cozy. 10 more words required so this should count to that end.
Use of “f” word so obviously doesn’t qualify as cozy. 10 more words required so this should count to that end.
April 9, 2019
This is a new edition of the first book in the Sukey Reynolds series by veteran cozy mystery author Betty Rowlands. It was originally released in 1997 as An Inconsiderate Death. From the 3rd of May, it will be available for the Kindle, retitled as Death at Hazel House.
The story is set in the village of Marsdean in Gloucestershire, where we are introduced to Scene of Crime Officer Sukey Reynolds. She is in her thirties, with a teenage son and an ex-husband. She is also dating a CID officer, Detective Inspector Jim Castle. Her job is to collect evidence, not solve crimes, but she doesn’t let that stop her from trying her hand at detection, almost becoming a victim herself in the process.
The first murder is that of Lorraine Chant, the wife of a wealthy businessman, who is found spreadeagled on her bed, strangled. This is just the beginning. As the novel unfolds, Rowlands presents us with a packed programme of villainy: illicit affairs, tax evasion, a double-crossing bank robber, fake identities, domestic violence, burglary, assault and another murder. There is plenty going on and motives galore. And we see it all at first hand, because Rowlands has chosen an unusual structure for a mystery novel.
Instead of following Sukey or even the CID officers, as we would in a police procedural or a typical amateur sleuth story, we dip in and out of scenes shown from the point of view of several other characters, most often Hugo Bayliss, Lorraine’s former lover. Thus, we discover situations, relationships and motives that Sukey and the police know nothing about until much later. This adds variety and suspense, and gives the story a lot of forward momentum. It’s a page-turner in a way that cozies often aren’t.
However, it does mean that we see relatively little of Sukey herself. What we do observe of her home life and relationships is well drawn, and I especially liked the relationship she has with her son, Fergus. But sometimes, it doesn’t feel as though she is the protagonist, merely one character among many. I didn’t mind this, but some readers may prefer a more typical approach.
Rowland’s style is simple and straightforward, with no flashbacks or other complications. Her writing is very fluid and quick to read, but she does stop now and then for some nice snippets of description:
“A hand like a slab of concrete landed, none too gently, on his chest and forced him back among the cushions, where he lay staring up into eyes like grey pebbles set in flesh-coloured granite.”
And then she’s off again at a rapid pace, with dialogue and action. She spins many threads and confidently keeps them all in her hands until she ties them up neatly in the end. She makes it look easy.
Death at Hazel House is a quick and satisfying read, and a whole level above the typical cozy mystery, in characterisation, plot, pacing and complexity. I thoroughly recommend it and I’ll be catching up with more in this series.
A digital A.R.C. of this novel was supplied to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story is set in the village of Marsdean in Gloucestershire, where we are introduced to Scene of Crime Officer Sukey Reynolds. She is in her thirties, with a teenage son and an ex-husband. She is also dating a CID officer, Detective Inspector Jim Castle. Her job is to collect evidence, not solve crimes, but she doesn’t let that stop her from trying her hand at detection, almost becoming a victim herself in the process.
The first murder is that of Lorraine Chant, the wife of a wealthy businessman, who is found spreadeagled on her bed, strangled. This is just the beginning. As the novel unfolds, Rowlands presents us with a packed programme of villainy: illicit affairs, tax evasion, a double-crossing bank robber, fake identities, domestic violence, burglary, assault and another murder. There is plenty going on and motives galore. And we see it all at first hand, because Rowlands has chosen an unusual structure for a mystery novel.
Instead of following Sukey or even the CID officers, as we would in a police procedural or a typical amateur sleuth story, we dip in and out of scenes shown from the point of view of several other characters, most often Hugo Bayliss, Lorraine’s former lover. Thus, we discover situations, relationships and motives that Sukey and the police know nothing about until much later. This adds variety and suspense, and gives the story a lot of forward momentum. It’s a page-turner in a way that cozies often aren’t.
However, it does mean that we see relatively little of Sukey herself. What we do observe of her home life and relationships is well drawn, and I especially liked the relationship she has with her son, Fergus. But sometimes, it doesn’t feel as though she is the protagonist, merely one character among many. I didn’t mind this, but some readers may prefer a more typical approach.
Rowland’s style is simple and straightforward, with no flashbacks or other complications. Her writing is very fluid and quick to read, but she does stop now and then for some nice snippets of description:
“A hand like a slab of concrete landed, none too gently, on his chest and forced him back among the cushions, where he lay staring up into eyes like grey pebbles set in flesh-coloured granite.”
And then she’s off again at a rapid pace, with dialogue and action. She spins many threads and confidently keeps them all in her hands until she ties them up neatly in the end. She makes it look easy.
Death at Hazel House is a quick and satisfying read, and a whole level above the typical cozy mystery, in characterisation, plot, pacing and complexity. I thoroughly recommend it and I’ll be catching up with more in this series.
A digital A.R.C. of this novel was supplied to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2019
Know how you love it when the next book in a favorite series comes out? And then the accompanying torture once you've finished it and have to wait for the next one? Well, thankfully I have just now heard of the Sukey Reynolds' cozy series. This is the first in a series that currently has 13 books. That should hold me for a while right? The series supposedly features a police photographer, Sukey, as an amateur detective. I didn't feel this book highlighted her as much as I would have expected, but as it is the first in the series, I like to give a bit of leeway while the author develops the characters. Hopefully we will see Sukey being a more active participant in solving the crimes instead of being an accidental contributor!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of the book. This review is my own honest opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of the book. This review is my own honest opinion.
August 23, 2019
If you enjoy cozy mysteries, the Sukey Reynolds series is a good one for you add to your reading list. This, the first book in the series, has a feisty single mother policewoman, a developing love story rumbling beneath the murder mystery, and an unsolved death of a nasty individual. All set in the English countryside with a fast enough pace for you not to want to put the book down. All in all, a good read (excuse the pun).
May 17, 2019
enjoy this character much more than Mel
this feels more real. i had a major gotcha at the end. the mystery was more feel crafted and there weren’t and crazy leaps in the solution. it all spiraled nicely. looking forward to more.
this feels more real. i had a major gotcha at the end. the mystery was more feel crafted and there weren’t and crazy leaps in the solution. it all spiraled nicely. looking forward to more.
May 1, 2023
I didn’t really enjoy this book. It was one I bought on a whim. Not a book I would recommend.
December 9, 2023
This was my first mystery book. I must say in enjoyed it and I think it was a good first impression of the genre. Wasn’t super crazy or shocking though.
May 2, 2019
Sukey Reynolds is a police photographer or SOCO which is a Scene of Crime Officer. Being a single Mom to Fergus, her son, she leads a busy schedule balancing her career and home responsibilities. Crime drama with many avenues for the reader to puzzle together to help Sukey figure out who is the murderer. "A copy of this book was provided by Bookouture via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion." LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE IN THIS SERIES!!
January 4, 2024
An enjoyable read which kept my attention throughout although I did think it got a bit messy at the end. However I will read other books by this author
August 9, 2019
Meet Susan aka Sukey Reynolds single mum of Fergus & a Scenes of Crime Officer (SOCO)
When Sukey arrives to photograph the body of Lorraine Chant, the beautiful wife of a wealthy businessman, she’s baffled. At first, it looks like a botched burglary but nothing is as it seems. Sixteen year old Fergus would love to go on a school trip to the Dordogne but money is tight, however Sukey is offered the moonlighting job of photographing a business owners house to raise some cash. She takes the photos is attacked whilst there & then Hugo, the businessman is found dead. There’s also the second chance developing romance between Sukey & Jim Castle a police inspector.
This book was first written in the 1990’s. I was drawn in from the start & read it in two sittings. Very well paced with well portrayed characters. I particularly liked how the story developed from individual characters, there were plenty of twists & turns whilst most were obvious a couple took me by surprise. There was also the personal relationships Sukey had with Fergus & Jim, which I hoped continue in further books. This is the first book I've read by the author but will certainly be reading more & hope the rest of the series is re released
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
When Sukey arrives to photograph the body of Lorraine Chant, the beautiful wife of a wealthy businessman, she’s baffled. At first, it looks like a botched burglary but nothing is as it seems. Sixteen year old Fergus would love to go on a school trip to the Dordogne but money is tight, however Sukey is offered the moonlighting job of photographing a business owners house to raise some cash. She takes the photos is attacked whilst there & then Hugo, the businessman is found dead. There’s also the second chance developing romance between Sukey & Jim Castle a police inspector.
This book was first written in the 1990’s. I was drawn in from the start & read it in two sittings. Very well paced with well portrayed characters. I particularly liked how the story developed from individual characters, there were plenty of twists & turns whilst most were obvious a couple took me by surprise. There was also the personal relationships Sukey had with Fergus & Jim, which I hoped continue in further books. This is the first book I've read by the author but will certainly be reading more & hope the rest of the series is re released
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
April 8, 2025
I am always ready to start a new series, and cozy mysteries have their own allure. When I saw that this was the first of a series I was tempted to request and read it.
This introduces Sukey who is a SOCO which translates to being a Scene of crime officer or the person who collects forensic evidence. Her dream was to be higher up the investigative chain but life got in the way and now she makes do with what she gets. It is an interesting position to be in and so was the basic plot line. There were multiple things going on simultaneously in the story and Sukey puts pieces in the lead investigator's hands and while she gets into trouble herself she does not do much of the solving. This probably might change later down the series but at this point, she literally just collects the evidence either by coming to physical harm or noticing small things. The actual mystery itself is best approached blind for the best impact.
I liked the narration and the characters. It seems to be a good way to start a series, unfortunately, I guessed a lot of the twists and that took away a lot of the shock factor. I would recommend this to those familiar with the genre.
This introduces Sukey who is a SOCO which translates to being a Scene of crime officer or the person who collects forensic evidence. Her dream was to be higher up the investigative chain but life got in the way and now she makes do with what she gets. It is an interesting position to be in and so was the basic plot line. There were multiple things going on simultaneously in the story and Sukey puts pieces in the lead investigator's hands and while she gets into trouble herself she does not do much of the solving. This probably might change later down the series but at this point, she literally just collects the evidence either by coming to physical harm or noticing small things. The actual mystery itself is best approached blind for the best impact.
I liked the narration and the characters. It seems to be a good way to start a series, unfortunately, I guessed a lot of the twists and that took away a lot of the shock factor. I would recommend this to those familiar with the genre.
April 2, 2019
Betty Rowlands is a terrific author. She can really set the scene where you feel you are there with the character. Her characters are interesting and you can relate to them. In this series, the main character, Sukey, is a single mom with a teenage son. I do feel this book is a little darker than her Mel Craig series, but you are dealing with a main character that has some ties to the police so it works.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review. - I look forward to more in this series.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review. - I look forward to more in this series.
May 3, 2019
A new lovely and entertaining series by Betty Rowlands.
I'm a fan of this writer and this book met all my expectations.
It's fast paced, engaging, entertaining and well written.
I liked the well written cast of characters, the plot full of twists and turns and the mystery.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I'm a fan of this writer and this book met all my expectations.
It's fast paced, engaging, entertaining and well written.
I liked the well written cast of characters, the plot full of twists and turns and the mystery.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
April 19, 2019
I was really looking forward to this series as I really enjoyed the mel Craig series.
This book is completely different in the way it is written from rowlands other series but was still enjoyable it was fast paced and I did like main character but overall it wasn't for me.
Thank you to netgalley for providing me an arc.
This book is completely different in the way it is written from rowlands other series but was still enjoyable it was fast paced and I did like main character but overall it wasn't for me.
Thank you to netgalley for providing me an arc.
April 16, 2019
I was very sad when I read the last of the Melissa Craig novels, I needn't have worried, as I now have the Sukey Reynolds series to work my way through.
If you have read and enjoyed Betty Rowland's Melissa Craig series, then I think that it's highly likely that you will enjoy these too. There is something that is familiar with the books, while at the same time they have a new and different feel to them. Unlike Melissa, Sukey actually has a reason to get involved in crime and trying to work out who done it. She is a scene of crime officer, primarily a photographer, but she also seems to take fingerprints and other similar jobs. In addition to having this role herself, she also has a relationship with a local policeman. This is the first in the series and at this stage, they seem to be more friends than anything. I suspect that this will develop into something more as the series progresses.
This story is perhaps a little more modern than the Melissa Craig books. Characters have mobile phones and other 'modern' inventions. It still has that charm that made the other books so appealing. Sukey herself is an interesting and engaging character and it's the little things, such as her relationship with her teenage son that add to the appeal and readability of the book.
I have to admit that I didn't solve the mystery this time. I had a few ideas that were in the right direction, but I hadn't got it all. This is less like a puzzle mystery to solve though, the story unfolds and there is a mystery, but there is more to it than that.
All in all, this was a great start to a series and I'm looking forward to reading more about Sukey soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
If you have read and enjoyed Betty Rowland's Melissa Craig series, then I think that it's highly likely that you will enjoy these too. There is something that is familiar with the books, while at the same time they have a new and different feel to them. Unlike Melissa, Sukey actually has a reason to get involved in crime and trying to work out who done it. She is a scene of crime officer, primarily a photographer, but she also seems to take fingerprints and other similar jobs. In addition to having this role herself, she also has a relationship with a local policeman. This is the first in the series and at this stage, they seem to be more friends than anything. I suspect that this will develop into something more as the series progresses.
This story is perhaps a little more modern than the Melissa Craig books. Characters have mobile phones and other 'modern' inventions. It still has that charm that made the other books so appealing. Sukey herself is an interesting and engaging character and it's the little things, such as her relationship with her teenage son that add to the appeal and readability of the book.
I have to admit that I didn't solve the mystery this time. I had a few ideas that were in the right direction, but I hadn't got it all. This is less like a puzzle mystery to solve though, the story unfolds and there is a mystery, but there is more to it than that.
All in all, this was a great start to a series and I'm looking forward to reading more about Sukey soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 4, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a chance to read this book and provide an honest review.
I was very excited to read this first book in the Sukey Reynolds series. Betty Rowlands created such a strong female lead with Melissa Craig, that I was expecting the same from Sukey Reynolds. The book did not disappoint, it far exceeded my expectations!
In this first book of the series we are introduced to Sukey Reynolds who works as a SOCO (Scene of Crime Officer), she's a civilian that works for the police department collecting forensic evidence. Sukey is a single mom to Fergus, a delightful young main who is pivotal to the story. Sukey has a "love" interest in Detective Inspector Jim Castle.
In this book there is a combination of an old armed robbery, tax evasions, burglary and murder. Unknown to Sukey she gets mixed up in this plot by wanting to make some side money to send Fergus on a pricey school trip. Moonlighting is frowned upon by the police department and Sukey is eager not to be caught. Some of the photos that she takes however, lands her in hot water and danger.
Sukey is a strong female lead in this book and she carries the entire story. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Betty Rowlands once again deserves more than 5 stars for engaging the reader from the first page to the last.
I was very excited to read this first book in the Sukey Reynolds series. Betty Rowlands created such a strong female lead with Melissa Craig, that I was expecting the same from Sukey Reynolds. The book did not disappoint, it far exceeded my expectations!
In this first book of the series we are introduced to Sukey Reynolds who works as a SOCO (Scene of Crime Officer), she's a civilian that works for the police department collecting forensic evidence. Sukey is a single mom to Fergus, a delightful young main who is pivotal to the story. Sukey has a "love" interest in Detective Inspector Jim Castle.
In this book there is a combination of an old armed robbery, tax evasions, burglary and murder. Unknown to Sukey she gets mixed up in this plot by wanting to make some side money to send Fergus on a pricey school trip. Moonlighting is frowned upon by the police department and Sukey is eager not to be caught. Some of the photos that she takes however, lands her in hot water and danger.
Sukey is a strong female lead in this book and she carries the entire story. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Betty Rowlands once again deserves more than 5 stars for engaging the reader from the first page to the last.
November 3, 2023
As a civilian affiliated with the local police force, Sukey Reynolds is expected to take scene-of-crime photographs and then hand off her findings to a detective. But Sukey was once on the track to detective herself and finds it difficult to switch off when her part is done. Luckily, her old love is now a detective, and he doesn't mind the input from her keen mind. When a woman is killed, Sukey and the team find that the conclusion a piece of evidence leads them to is not what it seems.
This story was a solid four-plus stars read for me. Sukey, as a character, is a great detective in her own right. No doubt, her situation will lead to some unusual encounters. In this book, we've learnt that Sukey is not afraid to colour outside the lines and that flexibility lends itself to some creative plotting. The side cast contained members who, though some were not as formed as others, felt genuine. As for the mystery, it was satisfyingly twisty. Though the reader has the advantage of the detective (glimpses into the past and present unseen by police eyes), the murderer's identity is skillfully concealed until the reveal.
I adored this fresh approach to a police procedure. I'm looking forward to more both in this series and by this author.
This story was a solid four-plus stars read for me. Sukey, as a character, is a great detective in her own right. No doubt, her situation will lead to some unusual encounters. In this book, we've learnt that Sukey is not afraid to colour outside the lines and that flexibility lends itself to some creative plotting. The side cast contained members who, though some were not as formed as others, felt genuine. As for the mystery, it was satisfyingly twisty. Though the reader has the advantage of the detective (glimpses into the past and present unseen by police eyes), the murderer's identity is skillfully concealed until the reveal.
I adored this fresh approach to a police procedure. I'm looking forward to more both in this series and by this author.
May 2, 2019
After reading and loving Betty Rowlands' Melissa Craig series I was delighted to discover her Sukey Reynolds books were also being re-released. In the first of them we are introduced to Sukey, her son Fergus and love interest Detective Inspector Jim Castle and I think I'll get along with them all just fine.
There is a different feel to these books, not quite so cosy and as Sukey is the mother of a teenage boy there are difficult discussions to be had! The fact that Sook (as Jim Castle calls her) is a Scene of Crime Officer means she has a reason to be at crime scenes but not to actually investigate them, of course that doesn't stop her! In this first installment she seems more hesitant than Melissa but still ends up in danger as she helps clear things up.
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 enjoyed the Melissa Craig series and wants to immerse themselves in Ms Rowlands' world once more. I am looking forward to becoming as involved in this series as I was the previous one.
There is a different feel to these books, not quite so cosy and as Sukey is the mother of a teenage boy there are difficult discussions to be had! The fact that Sook (as Jim Castle calls her) is a Scene of Crime Officer means she has a reason to be at crime scenes but not to actually investigate them, of course that doesn't stop her! In this first installment she seems more hesitant than Melissa but still ends up in danger as she helps clear things up.
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 enjoyed the Melissa Craig series and wants to immerse themselves in Ms Rowlands' world once more. I am looking forward to becoming as involved in this series as I was the previous one.
May 12, 2019
I've never read any of Betty Rowlands books. So, this was my very first book called Death at Hazel House.
Its the first book on the Sukey Reynolds series and I just loved it.
Sukey is a proud single mum to her teenaged son called Fergus and a SOCO which is a scene of crime officer to the local Police.
Lorraine Chant, is the wife of a rich local business man, has been found murdered. Both safes have been opened and all its contents are missing. The local Police are called. Sukey Reynolds takes photos of the crime scene. The police think it's a burglary gone wrong, Lorraine Chant's Husband has a strong alibi and has no motive to murder his wife, as he thinks he is happily married. Something doesn't feel right on this case and there's more to this murder than it seems.
I found this book an "old-fashioned mystery" with some interesting character's.
It was a very good read and I will read more of Betty's Books.
Highly Recommend this book if you Love Old fashion Mystery who done it books.
Thank-you Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Death at Hazel House in exchange for an honest review.
Its the first book on the Sukey Reynolds series and I just loved it.
Sukey is a proud single mum to her teenaged son called Fergus and a SOCO which is a scene of crime officer to the local Police.
Lorraine Chant, is the wife of a rich local business man, has been found murdered. Both safes have been opened and all its contents are missing. The local Police are called. Sukey Reynolds takes photos of the crime scene. The police think it's a burglary gone wrong, Lorraine Chant's Husband has a strong alibi and has no motive to murder his wife, as he thinks he is happily married. Something doesn't feel right on this case and there's more to this murder than it seems.
I found this book an "old-fashioned mystery" with some interesting character's.
It was a very good read and I will read more of Betty's Books.
Highly Recommend this book if you Love Old fashion Mystery who done it books.
Thank-you Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Death at Hazel House in exchange for an honest review.
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