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The Secret of the Angel Who Died at Midnight
In the quiet wine-growing town of Martinborough, Detective Senior Sergeant Kate Sutton is called to investigate the murder of respected local physician Dr. Geoffrey Scott. Found dead in his own garden, the doctor's death sends ripples of unease through the close-knit community.
Recently divorced and still settling into her new home, Kate methodically begins to piece together the puzzle. As the investigation deepens, she discovers unexpected connections to the three-year-old disappearance of a young French woman—a case that has lingered unresolved in her career.
In this meticulously crafted mystery set in New Zealand's picturesque Wairarapa region, Rosy Fenwicke delivers a compelling police procedural that rewards careful attention and offers satisfying twists in the tradition of classic detective fiction. As Kate follows the clues to their logical conclusion, she discovers that even in the most idyllic settings, the past never truly stays buried.
EDITORIAL Reedsy Reviewer Jennifer UK. 'LOVED IT.'
"Readers who enjoy gritty mysteries and classic detective fiction will relish the challenge of guessing “whodunnit” and their motive in The Secret of the Angel Who Died at Midnight. With steady pacing, clues are unveiled gradually up until the final pages. This lifelike police procedural played out like a movie in my mind, from the small-town New Zealand setting to the raw portrayal of the characters.With such attention to detail in plotting and character development, I am looking forward to reading the upcoming installments in this murder mystery series."
Australian Crime Fiction Karen Chisholm, "In a police procedural style novel, readers will be looking for a believable investigative scenario, something not necessarily new, but well delivered, and increasingly a good balance between angst and hard work, inspiration and solid investigation. All of which THE SECRET OF THE ANGEL WHO DIED AT MIDNIGHT delivers well. The characters are good, the tension within the team believable and the slightly different angle of supportive boss / tricky colleague is a nice touch. As were the complications about the victim that were revealed as the case went on, and the way that the problems in his life took a while for people to be willing to talk about.I think I saw somewhere that the second novel in this series is due out early in 2026, which is very good news as this is definitely a series worth keeping an eye out for.
The Booklife "The book's setting-New Zealand's Wairarapa Region-is vividly crafted, and Fenwicke's combination of two murders, with potential links to the past, makes this an engaging read." "The novel strikes a nice balance between action and plot development." "Fenwicke carefully plots the novel's necessary details keeping readers engaged with twists and intrigue that add depth and suspense."
Recently divorced and still settling into her new home, Kate methodically begins to piece together the puzzle. As the investigation deepens, she discovers unexpected connections to the three-year-old disappearance of a young French woman—a case that has lingered unresolved in her career.
In this meticulously crafted mystery set in New Zealand's picturesque Wairarapa region, Rosy Fenwicke delivers a compelling police procedural that rewards careful attention and offers satisfying twists in the tradition of classic detective fiction. As Kate follows the clues to their logical conclusion, she discovers that even in the most idyllic settings, the past never truly stays buried.
EDITORIAL Reedsy Reviewer Jennifer UK. 'LOVED IT.'
"Readers who enjoy gritty mysteries and classic detective fiction will relish the challenge of guessing “whodunnit” and their motive in The Secret of the Angel Who Died at Midnight. With steady pacing, clues are unveiled gradually up until the final pages. This lifelike police procedural played out like a movie in my mind, from the small-town New Zealand setting to the raw portrayal of the characters.With such attention to detail in plotting and character development, I am looking forward to reading the upcoming installments in this murder mystery series."
Australian Crime Fiction Karen Chisholm, "In a police procedural style novel, readers will be looking for a believable investigative scenario, something not necessarily new, but well delivered, and increasingly a good balance between angst and hard work, inspiration and solid investigation. All of which THE SECRET OF THE ANGEL WHO DIED AT MIDNIGHT delivers well. The characters are good, the tension within the team believable and the slightly different angle of supportive boss / tricky colleague is a nice touch. As were the complications about the victim that were revealed as the case went on, and the way that the problems in his life took a while for people to be willing to talk about.I think I saw somewhere that the second novel in this series is due out early in 2026, which is very good news as this is definitely a series worth keeping an eye out for.
The Booklife "The book's setting-New Zealand's Wairarapa Region-is vividly crafted, and Fenwicke's combination of two murders, with potential links to the past, makes this an engaging read." "The novel strikes a nice balance between action and plot development." "Fenwicke carefully plots the novel's necessary details keeping readers engaged with twists and intrigue that add depth and suspense."
- GenresMystery
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2025
58 people are currently reading
1667 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 26, 2025
Would actually give it 4.5 stars if I could. I liked it.
I liked the writing, the style, the pace. I thought Kate Sutton was a great character.
Only disappointment, have to wait till Feb 2026 for Kate's next adventure
I liked the writing, the style, the pace. I thought Kate Sutton was a great character.
Only disappointment, have to wait till Feb 2026 for Kate's next adventure
August 15, 2025
The Secret of the Angel who Died at Midnight is a well written police procedural set in Martinborough, which is a small town in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand, just North of Wellington where I live, so I know it well. I’ve read and enjoyed a few of this author’s novels across several genres, but this was her go at first crime fiction, and I loved it, both for the carefully plotted mystery and the quintessentially Kiwi elements. It recently became available in Kindle Unlimited.
DSS Kate Sutton is the recently divorced mother of two nearly adult boys. She’s something of a workaholic loner, but gets on well enough with her seniors, even if her junior constable doesn’t trust her judgement. When Martinborough’s solo GP is found dead in his garden with a suspicious head injury, and a second murder follows soon after, the pressure is on Kate’s to solve the case quickly, but how is it related to the unsolved disappearance of a young French backpacker three years earlier?
I haven’t read much NZ crime, which clearly I need to rectify. The mark of a good mystery is when the baddie and their motivation is finally revealed, it seems completely obvious - except you didn’t guess it before the reveal. I liked the atmospheric descriptions of the various Wairarapa locales, and all the medical details - the author is a former Wellington GP, like me, so knows her stuff. I was happy to see that a sequel is due out next year, as I liked Kate a lot as a heroine so hopefully this is the start of a new favourite series.
DSS Kate Sutton is the recently divorced mother of two nearly adult boys. She’s something of a workaholic loner, but gets on well enough with her seniors, even if her junior constable doesn’t trust her judgement. When Martinborough’s solo GP is found dead in his garden with a suspicious head injury, and a second murder follows soon after, the pressure is on Kate’s to solve the case quickly, but how is it related to the unsolved disappearance of a young French backpacker three years earlier?
I haven’t read much NZ crime, which clearly I need to rectify. The mark of a good mystery is when the baddie and their motivation is finally revealed, it seems completely obvious - except you didn’t guess it before the reveal. I liked the atmospheric descriptions of the various Wairarapa locales, and all the medical details - the author is a former Wellington GP, like me, so knows her stuff. I was happy to see that a sequel is due out next year, as I liked Kate a lot as a heroine so hopefully this is the start of a new favourite series.
June 22, 2025
A well-rounded murder mystery with a slow-burn and small town charm.
DSS Kate Sutton takes the lead in unraveling the murder of a local GP in this layered and thoughtful whodunnit. While the pace is unhurried and the descriptions occasionally drift beyond the central plot, the depth of detail adds atmosphere and a strong sense of place. The investigation itself is fascinating, full of quiet tension and intrigue. Though the ending didn’t quite hit the mark for me, the journey there was compelling and worth the read.
Thank you, Rosy, for sending me a copy of your book. those who are familiar with the Wairarapa region of Aotearoa/New Zealand, would enjoy reading this story set in a beautiful and familiar setting.
DSS Kate Sutton takes the lead in unraveling the murder of a local GP in this layered and thoughtful whodunnit. While the pace is unhurried and the descriptions occasionally drift beyond the central plot, the depth of detail adds atmosphere and a strong sense of place. The investigation itself is fascinating, full of quiet tension and intrigue. Though the ending didn’t quite hit the mark for me, the journey there was compelling and worth the read.
Thank you, Rosy, for sending me a copy of your book. those who are familiar with the Wairarapa region of Aotearoa/New Zealand, would enjoy reading this story set in a beautiful and familiar setting.
September 30, 2025
The Secret of the Angel Who Died at Midnight by Rosy Fenwicke is a meticulously crafted police procedural that combines suspense, intricate plotting, and the charm of a small-town setting. Detective Senior Sergeant Kate Sutton investigates the murder of a respected local physician while uncovering links to a long-unsolved disappearance, revealing that the past never truly stays buried. Fenwicke’s careful attention to character development, realistic investigative procedures, and gradual clue-revealing creates a story that is both immersive and intellectually satisfying. With vivid descriptions of New Zealand’s Wairarapa region and expertly balanced tension, this novel is perfect for readers who enjoy classic detective fiction with layered intrigue and thought-provoking twists. Critics and readers alike have praised its engaging plotting and believable characters, making it a standout in modern police procedurals.
June 12, 2025
This book is a first by this author for me. It is a gripping murder mystery with lots of twists and turns. I will admit the book initially started out a bit slowly for me. However, the book does quickly build momentum towards the middle and continues to pick up the pace. I had a hard time putting it down after that as I absolutely wanted to know what was happening. The book did keep me guessing until well towards the end! Overall, it is an enjoyable read!
August 22, 2025
Sorry I can't stick around for a longer review; I have to run out and buy the rest of the DSS Sutton books!
October 24, 2025
Loved it.
June 11, 2025
another great read from this author
This book delivers everything a top tier mystery should do well constructed twisty plot and a relatable determined detective a vividly described setting and emotional depth. Another must read from this author
This book delivers everything a top tier mystery should do well constructed twisty plot and a relatable determined detective a vividly described setting and emotional depth. Another must read from this author
June 10, 2025
A great detective novel, ticks all the boxes
July 13, 2025
A good read. nicely paced building to an exciting conclusion. Good descriptions of the landscapes of the Wairarapa. Will be interesting to see how DSS Kate develops in future novels.
reviewed
August 4, 2025The first in a new series from NZ author Rosy Fenwicke, THE SECRET OF THE ANGEL WHO DIED AT MIDNIGHT is a police procedural novel introducing DSS Kate Sutton.
Set in a wine-growing region of New Zealand, the sense of place in this one is pretty strong, drawing on a small town, with tensions between the old residents and newcomers staying very close to home. The victim in this novel is the local GP, Dr Geoffrey Scott, a man who has taken over his father's practice, a well known figure in the small community in which he's lived his life, his wife being the incomer. Younger, an artist, and right from the start seemingly somebody very different from her quiet, garden loving husband. Turns out that the relationship between these two is complicated, as it the truth behind Dr Geoffrey Scott's own position.
The full review of this book can be found at my website: https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Set in a wine-growing region of New Zealand, the sense of place in this one is pretty strong, drawing on a small town, with tensions between the old residents and newcomers staying very close to home. The victim in this novel is the local GP, Dr Geoffrey Scott, a man who has taken over his father's practice, a well known figure in the small community in which he's lived his life, his wife being the incomer. Younger, an artist, and right from the start seemingly somebody very different from her quiet, garden loving husband. Turns out that the relationship between these two is complicated, as it the truth behind Dr Geoffrey Scott's own position.
The full review of this book can be found at my website: https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
July 9, 2025
My favourite of Rosy’s books yet! There’s always a time and a place for a murder mystery and its Martinborough NZ gave a comparative sense of nostalgia as though I was reading one of my cosy young adult fictions back in the day. Great story telling overall, I think there were a few editorial errors throughout but they didn’t detract from the plot line itself - which was great!
April 21, 2025
This mystery, the first in a new series by Rosy Fenwick, introduces DSS Kate Hutton. Kate has been recently promoted and the case, the murder of a local doctor is her first significant investigation in her new role as senior officer in the Wairapa CIB. An older case, the disappearance of a young French woman that has remained unsolved also haunts Kate. The interweaving of these two mysteries is compelling and Kate is a refreshing character who is leaning into a newly independent life. ‘It was liberating having no expectations to meet… her mind to herself’.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy.
December 29, 2025
That was excellent and very well executed. I eagerly anticipate more.
June 15, 2025
Excellent, attention-grabbing plot
This is a very straightforward whodunnit, chronologically told in a no nonsense way. Detective Kate Sutton is a likeable and very human character who slogs her way to the truth, which is far different from the one that other characters believe to be the case. Always satisfying when one of elite gets comeuppance. She does get chewed out by her superior for eschewing protocol and putting herself in danger one time. She acted alone again when a man in a backhoe knocks her into a grave, but she got away with that one. Like many a novel, the tone is slightly stilted at first, but soon gets rolling. As a police procedural, it feels believable and the New Zealand setting is great. My only criticism is the copy editing. “Ava” instead of “Mimi”, words omitted/wrong, an over abundance of commas etc. I’ll certainly be reading more books by Rosy Fenwicke though.
This is a very straightforward whodunnit, chronologically told in a no nonsense way. Detective Kate Sutton is a likeable and very human character who slogs her way to the truth, which is far different from the one that other characters believe to be the case. Always satisfying when one of elite gets comeuppance. She does get chewed out by her superior for eschewing protocol and putting herself in danger one time. She acted alone again when a man in a backhoe knocks her into a grave, but she got away with that one. Like many a novel, the tone is slightly stilted at first, but soon gets rolling. As a police procedural, it feels believable and the New Zealand setting is great. My only criticism is the copy editing. “Ava” instead of “Mimi”, words omitted/wrong, an over abundance of commas etc. I’ll certainly be reading more books by Rosy Fenwicke though.
June 7, 2025
Huge thank you to Rosy Fenwicke for sending me The Secret of the Angel Who Died at Midnight! I was truly honored to get an early read of this one.
The story follows Detective Senior Sergeant (DSS) Kate Sutton, who’s adjusting to life after divorce while staying fully dedicated to her work. When a beloved neighborhood doctor is found murdered, it kicks off a layered investigation that unexpectedly ties into a second local murder. Set in a charming New Zealand wine-growing town, the setting adds the perfect mix of beauty and tension.
What stood out to me most was how grounded and realistic the story felt. Kate is a strong, capable lead who balances personal struggles while staying focused on the case. The writing flowed smoothly, making this a fast, binge-worthy mystery full of twists and turns that kept me engaged from start to finish.
If you enjoy authors like Mary Higgins Clark or Lisa Jewell, you’ll want to add this to your summer TBR!
The story follows Detective Senior Sergeant (DSS) Kate Sutton, who’s adjusting to life after divorce while staying fully dedicated to her work. When a beloved neighborhood doctor is found murdered, it kicks off a layered investigation that unexpectedly ties into a second local murder. Set in a charming New Zealand wine-growing town, the setting adds the perfect mix of beauty and tension.
What stood out to me most was how grounded and realistic the story felt. Kate is a strong, capable lead who balances personal struggles while staying focused on the case. The writing flowed smoothly, making this a fast, binge-worthy mystery full of twists and turns that kept me engaged from start to finish.
If you enjoy authors like Mary Higgins Clark or Lisa Jewell, you’ll want to add this to your summer TBR!
May 14, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book.
The Secret of the Angel Who Died at Midnight is a murder mystery novel by Rosy Fenwicke. The story follows Detective Senior Sergeant Kate Sutton as she investigates the murder of Dr. Geoffrey Scott in the small town of Martinborough, New Zealand. As she works through the case, she uncovers links to the unsolved disappearance of a young French woman from three years earlier. Detective Kate Sutton is determined to uncover the truth behind Dr. Geoffrey Scott’s murder and the unresolved disappearance of a young French woman.
The story highlights how past events continue to shape the present, as Kate’s investigation reveals unexpected connections between the two cases. The story delves into the hidden tensions and secrets that exist beneath the surface of seemingly peaceful communities. The story is full of twists and reminds me of a classic detective fiction. Well worth a read!
The Secret of the Angel Who Died at Midnight is a murder mystery novel by Rosy Fenwicke. The story follows Detective Senior Sergeant Kate Sutton as she investigates the murder of Dr. Geoffrey Scott in the small town of Martinborough, New Zealand. As she works through the case, she uncovers links to the unsolved disappearance of a young French woman from three years earlier. Detective Kate Sutton is determined to uncover the truth behind Dr. Geoffrey Scott’s murder and the unresolved disappearance of a young French woman.
The story highlights how past events continue to shape the present, as Kate’s investigation reveals unexpected connections between the two cases. The story delves into the hidden tensions and secrets that exist beneath the surface of seemingly peaceful communities. The story is full of twists and reminds me of a classic detective fiction. Well worth a read!
May 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. This is the story of a female detective in New Zealand leading a murder investigation as she is getting over a divorce. I wasn’t particularly drawn to her character with any emotion at all. None of the characters were particularly memorable or notable. The story was mildly interesting and I found it confusing at times but perhaps that was when I zoned out during less interesting chapters when nothing actually happens. Some were better than others with a few quite exciting. I loved the opening and think a heavy edit would make this book far better. But giving it three stars as it was enough to keep me reading to the end and not stopping midway curious how things would wrap up.
June 26, 2025
The highly respected Dr. in the community has been stabbed in his garden. The small community is impatient for the murder to be solved because it is having a bad influence on tourism and the economy. Senior Sergeant Kate Sutton is assigned the case and faces dead ends with no clues, and pressure from both the town and her boss when she refuses to arrest the town's consensus about who did it. She is also has to deal with personal matters. A well done story. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc with no pressure for a positive review.
June 25, 2025
I couldn't put this book down, in just the same way as I couldn't put any of the books I've read written by Rosy down. I live in Martinborough so I felt truly involved in the story, but the author has cleverly written this book so that if you are not local, there is no loss of enjoyment. Rosy always writes with an incredible eye for detail, and this is evident here too. If you enjoy a very clever whodunnit with wonderful character development and many twists then you will love this book.
December 3, 2025
This was a very good police procedural. Characters and dialogue well written and good mystery. The only thing I didn’t like was the constant references to the heat, too many of them. I would certainly read more books in this series so I hope there’s more on the way
June 10, 2025
Great first detective novel, the story was well plotted and with a solid twist at the end. It was a great representation of rural New Zealand and I’m looking forward to reading the next instalment.
June 16, 2025
Just finished reading this and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hard to put down and a lot going on to keep a reader on their toes. I’m looking forward to reading more from Rosy Fenwicke.
June 19, 2025
Read on vacation. engaging.
December 28, 2025
This review was written for Reedsy Discovery
A woman's disappearance and a respected physician's murder reveal the dark secrets of a small town
When a beloved small-town doctor is found dead in an apparent murder, Detective Senior Sergeant Kate Sutton knows he cannot have been the saint everyone claims him to be. Using startling information from his autopsy, she digs for information about any recent changes in his behavior that could have contributed to his demise. Besides the unreliable help of a terrified witness, there is very little evidence to work with. Learning that the doctor’s murder may be linked to the unsolved disappearance of a woman in town, DSS Kate’s careful detective work reveals a web of interconnected lies, an unexpected new witness, and a satisfying conclusion.
Rosy Fenwicke’s The Secret of the Angel Who Died at Midnight is brilliantly plotted from start to finish. With steady pacing, clues are unveiled gradually up until the final pages. This lifelike police procedural played out like a movie in my mind, from the small-town New Zealand setting to the raw portrayal of the characters. In particular, I appreciated the handling of mental illness in this novel. Furthermore, struggling with her own personal obstacles, DSS Kate must overcome her weaknesses while remaining sharp on the job, making her a relatable yet powerful protagonist. With numerous unexpected revelations in the case and a full cast of realistically flawed characters, I was left guessing up until the very end.
Readers who enjoy gritty mysteries and classic detective fiction will relish the challenge of guessing “whodunnit” and their motive in The Secret of the Angel Who Died at Midnight. Difficult subjects such as alcoholism, serious mental illness, and mental decline are handled with grace, preserving each character’s humanity and seeking their redemption amidst the grave circumstances. With such attention to detail in plotting and character development, I am looking forward to reading the upcoming installments in this murder mystery series.
A woman's disappearance and a respected physician's murder reveal the dark secrets of a small town
When a beloved small-town doctor is found dead in an apparent murder, Detective Senior Sergeant Kate Sutton knows he cannot have been the saint everyone claims him to be. Using startling information from his autopsy, she digs for information about any recent changes in his behavior that could have contributed to his demise. Besides the unreliable help of a terrified witness, there is very little evidence to work with. Learning that the doctor’s murder may be linked to the unsolved disappearance of a woman in town, DSS Kate’s careful detective work reveals a web of interconnected lies, an unexpected new witness, and a satisfying conclusion.
Rosy Fenwicke’s The Secret of the Angel Who Died at Midnight is brilliantly plotted from start to finish. With steady pacing, clues are unveiled gradually up until the final pages. This lifelike police procedural played out like a movie in my mind, from the small-town New Zealand setting to the raw portrayal of the characters. In particular, I appreciated the handling of mental illness in this novel. Furthermore, struggling with her own personal obstacles, DSS Kate must overcome her weaknesses while remaining sharp on the job, making her a relatable yet powerful protagonist. With numerous unexpected revelations in the case and a full cast of realistically flawed characters, I was left guessing up until the very end.
Readers who enjoy gritty mysteries and classic detective fiction will relish the challenge of guessing “whodunnit” and their motive in The Secret of the Angel Who Died at Midnight. Difficult subjects such as alcoholism, serious mental illness, and mental decline are handled with grace, preserving each character’s humanity and seeking their redemption amidst the grave circumstances. With such attention to detail in plotting and character development, I am looking forward to reading the upcoming installments in this murder mystery series.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews