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A Thorn in the Rose
Secrets bloom where the roses die – and Mel Greenway is digging up the truth.
In post-war Britain, Avonby estate is a crumbling relic hiding deadly secrets. Lady Melinda 'Mel' Greenway, a former army mechanic and the family's poor relation, seeks solace in its overgrown gardens – until she unearths a body beneath the roses.
The discovery drags Mel into a tangled web of lies, resentments, and buried truths, forcing her to clash with Inspector Derrin Bradley, her wartime lover turned investigator. As Derrin digs into the dark web of secrets entangling Avonby's privileged residents and its resentful staff, Mel is determined to solve the mystery herself. As sparks fly and old wounds resurface, Mel's relentless pursuit of the truth puts her at odds with both her family and Derrin, while making her a target for a killer desperate to keep the past buried.
A tale of resilience, forbidden romance, and suspense, A Thorn in the Rose is a richly atmospheric mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
In post-war Britain, Avonby estate is a crumbling relic hiding deadly secrets. Lady Melinda 'Mel' Greenway, a former army mechanic and the family's poor relation, seeks solace in its overgrown gardens – until she unearths a body beneath the roses.
The discovery drags Mel into a tangled web of lies, resentments, and buried truths, forcing her to clash with Inspector Derrin Bradley, her wartime lover turned investigator. As Derrin digs into the dark web of secrets entangling Avonby's privileged residents and its resentful staff, Mel is determined to solve the mystery herself. As sparks fly and old wounds resurface, Mel's relentless pursuit of the truth puts her at odds with both her family and Derrin, while making her a target for a killer desperate to keep the past buried.
A tale of resilience, forbidden romance, and suspense, A Thorn in the Rose is a richly atmospheric mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2026
5 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Lee Howe
14 books99 followersMULTI-AWARD WINNING SCREENWRITER AND
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR.
Samantha Lee Howe began her professional writing career in 2007 and has been working as a freelance writer for small, medium and large publishers ever since. She is a multi-award winning screenwriter and a USA Today! Bestselling author.
Samantha’s breakaway debut psychological thriller, 'The Stranger In Our Bed', was released in February 2020 with HarperCollins imprint, One More Chapter. The book rapidly became a USA TODAY bestseller.
In June 2020, Samantha signed a three-book deal with One More Chapter for her explosive spy thriller trilogy, 'The House of Killers' (Book 1), 'Kill Or Die' (Book 2) and 'Kill A Spy' (Book 3) were all released in 2021. Pitched as 'Killing Eve' meets Jason Bourne this is a nerve shredding, enemies to lovers tale that is simmering with obsession and espionage.
In August 2020, Samantha signed a deal with production company Buffalo Dragon for the option and screenplay for 'The Stranger in Our Bed'. The feature film went into production in November 2020 and premiered on Showtime in the USA on 1 July 2022. The film has been sold to USA, Canada, China, and various countries in Europe and was released on British TV channels on 5th September 2022.
To date, Samantha has written 27 novels, 4 novellas, 4 collections, over 60 short stories, an audio drama, a 'Doctor Who' spin-off (White Witch of Devil’s End) that went to DVD, as well as the screenplay for 'The Stranger in our Bed'.
'The Stranger In Our Bed' film was nominated and then won BEST THRILLER for the NATIONAL FILM AWARDS which was announced at the prestigious televised awards on 3rd July 2023. Since then, Samantha has won several more Film Festival Awards which include: Jio De Janiero World Film Festival: BEST WRITER. Milan Filmmaker Awards: BEST SCRIPT. And Paris Lady Movie Maker Awards: BEST SCRIPT WRITER and BEST FEMALE FEATURE FILM WRITER, Austin International Arts Festival: BEST SCRIPT IN A FEATURE FILM and Hollywood Best Indie Film Awards: BEST THRILLER SCREENPLAY.
As well as writing thrillers and crimes, Samantha’s extensive backlist includes horror, fantasy and SF novels.
A former high school English and Drama teacher, Samantha has a BA (Hons) in English and Writing for Performance, an MA in Creative Writing and a PGCE in English.
An ardent supporter of charities, Samantha is Patron of advocacy charity POhWER and Survivor Ambassador for domestic abuse charity IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) which is based in Yorkshire.
She also supports Anna Kennedy Online as sponsor, judge and presenter for the AUTISM HERO AWARDS and also AUTISM’S GOT TALENT.
Samantha lives in South Yorkshire with her husband, Historian, Writer and publisher, David J Howe and their cat Skye. She is the proud mother of a lovely daughter called Linzi.
Samantha’s next novel, 'The Soul Thief', a supernatural horror thriller will be released by One More Chapter in Winter 2024.
For further information please visit www.samanthaleehowe.co.uk
Follow Samantha on social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/samanthaleeh...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthalee...
Threads: samanthaleehowe
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthaleehowe
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR.
Samantha Lee Howe began her professional writing career in 2007 and has been working as a freelance writer for small, medium and large publishers ever since. She is a multi-award winning screenwriter and a USA Today! Bestselling author.
Samantha’s breakaway debut psychological thriller, 'The Stranger In Our Bed', was released in February 2020 with HarperCollins imprint, One More Chapter. The book rapidly became a USA TODAY bestseller.
In June 2020, Samantha signed a three-book deal with One More Chapter for her explosive spy thriller trilogy, 'The House of Killers' (Book 1), 'Kill Or Die' (Book 2) and 'Kill A Spy' (Book 3) were all released in 2021. Pitched as 'Killing Eve' meets Jason Bourne this is a nerve shredding, enemies to lovers tale that is simmering with obsession and espionage.
In August 2020, Samantha signed a deal with production company Buffalo Dragon for the option and screenplay for 'The Stranger in Our Bed'. The feature film went into production in November 2020 and premiered on Showtime in the USA on 1 July 2022. The film has been sold to USA, Canada, China, and various countries in Europe and was released on British TV channels on 5th September 2022.
To date, Samantha has written 27 novels, 4 novellas, 4 collections, over 60 short stories, an audio drama, a 'Doctor Who' spin-off (White Witch of Devil’s End) that went to DVD, as well as the screenplay for 'The Stranger in our Bed'.
'The Stranger In Our Bed' film was nominated and then won BEST THRILLER for the NATIONAL FILM AWARDS which was announced at the prestigious televised awards on 3rd July 2023. Since then, Samantha has won several more Film Festival Awards which include: Jio De Janiero World Film Festival: BEST WRITER. Milan Filmmaker Awards: BEST SCRIPT. And Paris Lady Movie Maker Awards: BEST SCRIPT WRITER and BEST FEMALE FEATURE FILM WRITER, Austin International Arts Festival: BEST SCRIPT IN A FEATURE FILM and Hollywood Best Indie Film Awards: BEST THRILLER SCREENPLAY.
As well as writing thrillers and crimes, Samantha’s extensive backlist includes horror, fantasy and SF novels.
A former high school English and Drama teacher, Samantha has a BA (Hons) in English and Writing for Performance, an MA in Creative Writing and a PGCE in English.
An ardent supporter of charities, Samantha is Patron of advocacy charity POhWER and Survivor Ambassador for domestic abuse charity IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) which is based in Yorkshire.
She also supports Anna Kennedy Online as sponsor, judge and presenter for the AUTISM HERO AWARDS and also AUTISM’S GOT TALENT.
Samantha lives in South Yorkshire with her husband, Historian, Writer and publisher, David J Howe and their cat Skye. She is the proud mother of a lovely daughter called Linzi.
Samantha’s next novel, 'The Soul Thief', a supernatural horror thriller will be released by One More Chapter in Winter 2024.
For further information please visit www.samanthaleehowe.co.uk
Follow Samantha on social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/samanthaleeh...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthalee...
Threads: samanthaleehowe
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthaleehowe
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 11, 2026
AnReview of advance copy received from Publisher.
When I heard that there was going o be a new book and possible series by Samantha Lee Howe, I was intrigued, having read and loved several of her previous books. I was delighted to be invited to read A Thorn in the Rose.
This is a story set-in post-war England on The Avonby Estate, in Yorkshire. Where Mel now lives as a gardener and “manager” of the plush stately home, as Lady Greenway. But has flashbacks to her life prewar and her service during the war, officially as a mechanic, but frequently seconded into the secret service.
Following a murder on Avonby estate, she is re-introduced to a police inspector who she had worked with during her secret service days. Things get more complicated as more murders occur and more lies and treachery is uncovered during investigations.
This was a great book easy to follow, great characters and story line. Can’t wait for book 2, which I believe will be soonother superb book- full review to follow
When I heard that there was going o be a new book and possible series by Samantha Lee Howe, I was intrigued, having read and loved several of her previous books. I was delighted to be invited to read A Thorn in the Rose.
This is a story set-in post-war England on The Avonby Estate, in Yorkshire. Where Mel now lives as a gardener and “manager” of the plush stately home, as Lady Greenway. But has flashbacks to her life prewar and her service during the war, officially as a mechanic, but frequently seconded into the secret service.
Following a murder on Avonby estate, she is re-introduced to a police inspector who she had worked with during her secret service days. Things get more complicated as more murders occur and more lies and treachery is uncovered during investigations.
This was a great book easy to follow, great characters and story line. Can’t wait for book 2, which I believe will be soonother superb book- full review to follow
February 12, 2026
Secrets bloom where roses die…
I loved this read it was so refreshing a great back to basics murder mystery solved by superior sleuthing without the need for expensive and complex tech.
Set in post war Britain along side the mystery was a story of Mel, a key part of the war effort, rebuilding her life post war as her skills as a female were no longer recognised.
Determined to uncover the truth Mel is a master of determination and relentless drive to find those responsible, using her skills in reading people and their reactions her knowledge of the crimes grew quicker than the police’s. Often being underestimated Mel is a formidable force ready to show her worth.
This was a quick read that kept me engaged throughout, the twists and turns were believable and certainly made me stop and reconsider everything. I loved seeing the complexity of Mel and Inspector Bradley’s grow. This has been set up as a perfect introduction to what I hope becomes a regular female detective series and need the next book already!
I loved this read it was so refreshing a great back to basics murder mystery solved by superior sleuthing without the need for expensive and complex tech.
Set in post war Britain along side the mystery was a story of Mel, a key part of the war effort, rebuilding her life post war as her skills as a female were no longer recognised.
Determined to uncover the truth Mel is a master of determination and relentless drive to find those responsible, using her skills in reading people and their reactions her knowledge of the crimes grew quicker than the police’s. Often being underestimated Mel is a formidable force ready to show her worth.
This was a quick read that kept me engaged throughout, the twists and turns were believable and certainly made me stop and reconsider everything. I loved seeing the complexity of Mel and Inspector Bradley’s grow. This has been set up as a perfect introduction to what I hope becomes a regular female detective series and need the next book already!
February 16, 2026
A good cosy read. Moving between 1941 and 1946 works and the contrast of lifestyles was very effective.
Mildly puzzled about the comments re ladies not serving in the military: Princess Elizabeth served in the army and I expect many hons used her as a model.
Looking forward to the next one. Personally I reckon Laura and Jonathan are hiding something.
Mildly puzzled about the comments re ladies not serving in the military: Princess Elizabeth served in the army and I expect many hons used her as a model.
Looking forward to the next one. Personally I reckon Laura and Jonathan are hiding something.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Samantha Lee Howe does it again!
Easy to read & follow, with so many twists and turns to keep the reader intrigued until the end.
It's rare to find a book where you instantly love the characters but this is that book! Mel & Derrin being my favourite.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series and find out what Mel gets up to next.
Easy to read & follow, with so many twists and turns to keep the reader intrigued until the end.
It's rare to find a book where you instantly love the characters but this is that book! Mel & Derrin being my favourite.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series and find out what Mel gets up to next.
February 13, 2026
A Thorn in the Rose is set in a post war stately home and estate, and it's a tale of mystery, lies and deceit, with a good dose of romance, and more than a dash or two of murder and treachery.
There's twist after twist and turn after turn, and a storyline that's easy to follow and flows along at a nice gentle pace.
Very enjoyable.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
There's twist after twist and turn after turn, and a storyline that's easy to follow and flows along at a nice gentle pace.
Very enjoyable.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
February 19, 2026
This was lovely, a relaxed read full of mystery and intrigued. Set in a grand house after WWII I was transported back in time to a twisty tale that had me guessing between the suspects, but in true whodunnit style it wasn’t that easy to solve the crime but a great read with lots of secrets and lies to discover.
I cannot wait for the next book in this new series.
I cannot wait for the next book in this new series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Think Downton, post WW11
Except this is The Avonby Estate and we meet ‘Mel’ fresh from the war where she was involved with pretty much The Secret Service, however Mel had no idea she was now entitled to a home and payment via her relatives and is now living a half life of gardener and overseer of the plush stately home and half life of Lady Greenway!
Mel muddles through and kinda gets to grip with her hi-bred life until she discovers a dead body in the rose garden and then the past comes a calling with Inspector Bradley who is investigating the murder and who is also her ex lover from her army days
Then things get really complicated with more murders, lies, secrets and treachery
A fine tale, easy to read and easy to follow in your mind as we discover the mansion and gardens and its luxuries, meet the staff and also meet Mel’s relatives including Laura a wonderful aristocratic snob who takes to her bed with ‘one of her heads’ every time something untoward happens
A very enjoyable read that sets us up for a great second book and series
Except this is The Avonby Estate and we meet ‘Mel’ fresh from the war where she was involved with pretty much The Secret Service, however Mel had no idea she was now entitled to a home and payment via her relatives and is now living a half life of gardener and overseer of the plush stately home and half life of Lady Greenway!
Mel muddles through and kinda gets to grip with her hi-bred life until she discovers a dead body in the rose garden and then the past comes a calling with Inspector Bradley who is investigating the murder and who is also her ex lover from her army days
Then things get really complicated with more murders, lies, secrets and treachery
A fine tale, easy to read and easy to follow in your mind as we discover the mansion and gardens and its luxuries, meet the staff and also meet Mel’s relatives including Laura a wonderful aristocratic snob who takes to her bed with ‘one of her heads’ every time something untoward happens
A very enjoyable read that sets us up for a great second book and series
February 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this read. I love our main character Lady Melinda - who just wants to be called Mel! She’s entitled to the title and also living at Avonby estate with her cousin Johnathan and his wife Laura, but she just doesn’t feel that she belongs.
I love how we got to see some of Mel during the war as this really built the picture of who she was. I loved the fact that she was a brilliant mechanic, even if it did upset Laura that Mel was doing something so unladylike!
I thought the storyline itself was brilliant, who was the Jane Doe in the rose-bed and who had killed her? Was it someone from within the estate? It kept me guessing along the way and there were times when I thought id figured it out and then something else happened!
I really enjoyed the writing style and I’m looking forward to reading book 2 to see what Mel gets up to next.
I love how we got to see some of Mel during the war as this really built the picture of who she was. I loved the fact that she was a brilliant mechanic, even if it did upset Laura that Mel was doing something so unladylike!
I thought the storyline itself was brilliant, who was the Jane Doe in the rose-bed and who had killed her? Was it someone from within the estate? It kept me guessing along the way and there were times when I thought id figured it out and then something else happened!
I really enjoyed the writing style and I’m looking forward to reading book 2 to see what Mel gets up to next.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews