Plotted in Cornwall

Rose Trevelyan #5

by Janie Bolitho

The fifth book in a series featuring painter/photographer Rose Trevelyan. Rose suspects a murder has been committed. In trying to help young, talented Joel, Rose uncovers family secrets. She is proved right; there is a murder, but not the one she had forseen nor one which the family could possibly have anticipated.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Cozy, British Literature

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 29, 2001

About the author

Aka Jodie Sinclair.

Born in Falmouth, Cornwall, Janie Bolitho enjoyed a variety of careers - psychiatric nurse, debt collector, working for a tour operator, a book-maker's clerk - before becoming a full time writer. She died of breast cancer in 2002.

Reviews

[Cathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read—vivid setting, interesting characters. Pleasant summertime read.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great series by Janie Bolitho. The main character, Rose is an artist and frequently drawn into finding clues that help solve murders. The setting is wonderful and a strong female main character make these reads very enjoyable.

[Rosemary Orme · Rating 5 out of 5]

My lovely daughter gave this to me at Christmas because it's set in Cornwall, where I live, and the heroine shares my nom de plume. But it was a delightful, easy read while I was feeling very unwell, and I'm grateful to it! May look for some more in the series.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, I’ve read these completely out of order and I think this is now the whole series complete for me. It is quite a quick read – I finished it in a day – and luckily it can be read as a stand-alone novel despite being the 5th book in the Rose Trevelyan series by Janie Bolitho. As always, the main thing about these books for me which makes them good solid 3 star reads is the setting. I love the way the author describes in detail various locations around Cornwall. She has a good way of bringing the landscape alive for her readers and I always read them whilst holidaying in the area so I can pick up the vibe and feel more engrossed in the story. The characters are well developed and likeable and it was a good mystery although a bit predictable.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very pleasant read with interesting characters set in Cornwall. Slow paced but with enough to keep you reading until the end.

[Lizzie Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two sisters living in a remote farmhouse on Bodmin Moor, commission painter and photographer Rose Trevelyan to paint their portrait.

The book is intriguing from page one. Although I am not as a rule one for long descriptive passages, mainly reading mysteries for the puzzle, I found the description of the bleakness of driving over Bodmin Moor took me straight to Cornwall, but maybe because I lived there for a number of years.

Back home in the fishing community of Newlyn, in South Cornwall, Rose teaching art at an evening class is asked by one of her students, who shows particular talent and wishes to pursue a career in art to speak to his father on his behalf. Casual conversation elicits the information that two of his closest relatives disappeared over a year ago. When these two relatives prove to have a direct link with the two sisters on Bodmin Moor, Rose’s interest is aroused.

Still vulnerable from the death of her husband, Rose is uncertain how she feels about her sometime lover DI Jack Pearce. With things uneasy between them, Rose pursues her own investigations of the missing relatives and uncovers buried family secrets that lead to murder.

As Christmas approaches Rose ponders her feelings towards Jack, which are about to become complicated.

An enjoyable book, particularly is, as I have, you have visited all the places mentioned.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Hayes

[scarlet · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Plotted in Cornwall" was a very quick-read, and can be read as a stand-alone book despite being one of many in a series. The protagonist, Rose, is painting a portrait for two women who aren't quite as they seem and- as usual- gets involved with another mystery.

The setting was by far my favourite thing about this book; I loved the description of Cornwall, as it really described the scene for the reader and emphasised the quiet, mysterious way of living that the characters inhabited. The characters were all likeable throughout the story, and makes the reader root for the mystery to be solved. Personally, I didn't feel like the plot was very original: the ending had no major plot twist and if you were a few steps ahead you could probably guess the events of the book before they happen. However, despite being safe, the actual mystery was solid and had no major loopholes.

Overall, "Plotted in Cornwall" was a great light-read (I read it whilst travelling) and yet has enough to pull you in with the mystery of Rose's latest case. The book plays it safe, but it pays off- as long as you don't get too bored with the countryside, this book is a decent read.

[Sarah Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose is asked to paint a portrait for 2 sisters, Louisa and Wendy, who live in a remote farmhouse on Bodmin Moor. She also teachers a the local gallery. There she spots the talent of teenager Joel.
Joel wants to go on to study art and asks Rose to help persuade his father. It’s during this meeting she finds that Roger is the sisters brother and he asks her to find out anything as to the whereabouts of his brother-in law Frank.
Meanwhile Jack starts going out with Anna he met in a pub where he was let down by his old work friends. This causes Rose to question her feelings for him.
Very much a who dunnit as the theory after theory is explored

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose is commissioned to paint a portrait of 2 sisters who live in a remote cottage on Bodmin Moor, not her usual type of painting but this intrigues her, why do they want it painted?

When, after a few meetings, the sisters suddenly change their minds, Rose is concerned, and the arrival of a younger girl at the property is source for more investigation.

Rose is drawn into a family with secrets, who also have links to a talented student of hers who asks for her help in persuading his father to support his application for an Art degree at University.

Coupled with her on/off relationship with Jack, it's a good book to read, a little formulaic but quick and easy to read in an evening.

[Deb Omnivorous Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cozy little mystery/crime book set in Cornwall.

It was a fast, undemanding, mood book; fast to read, comforting like a warm cut of tea when the weather is tuning cold. The setting is definitely cold, Cornwall Britain where professional Artist and amateur sleuth Rose Trevelyan is commissioned to paint a double portrait of two very strange sisters and getting putted into the family mystery.

I loved the light lashings of art that helped describe the location (which seems so very exoitc to me) and helped bring the sea and the country to life. It did not matter in the least that it was the first by this author I had read, though this book was a #5.

Comfort reading at it's best.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because I knew the places. We'd just been to Cornwall and up on to Bodmin Moor so I could imagine it all too well. Penzance, Newlyn and Mousehole are all well known to me so it was a delight.
This is the fifth book in a series featuring painter/photographer Rose Trevelyan. Rose suspects a murder has been committed. In trying to help young, talented Joel, Rose uncovers family secrets. She is proved right; there is a murder, but not the one she had thought nor one which the family could possibly have anticipated. So many family secrets - what is relevant and what are red herrings?
I do think this wound up a bit quickly.
You can read this as a stand alone.

[Karen Szyszko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #5 in the series of 7. Was he or wasn't he? Did she do it? Or, did she do it? This is very enjoyable whodunit mystery. And, no, the butler didn't do it. Did anyone do it or was this all a ruse? I liked the way the story kept the reader guessing as to what was going to happen next and with whom. Lots of characters - almost too many - to confuse the reader and stymie the storyline. Otherwise, the story has more substance than the two previous books. It gave me solace that I'm not wasting my time on the teenage melodrama of the Rose and Jack romance. If nothing else, the descriptive beauty of all Cornish seasons makes this series worth reading for those who love Cornwall.

[Sarah Hills · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm gradually getting through this whole series of books. I'm afraid I found this one rather slow and plodding with the plot.
Again set in beautiful Cornwall and some great descriptive passages but for me not enough actions. it seemed more to deal with peoples thoughts.
Rose is annoying me with her thoughtlessness regarding Jack and I do wish he would find a lovely woman he could love and love him back.
An easy read - it can be easily done in a day and it takes very little thinking about so an easy read with little brain power required.

[Don Main · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read set in beautiful Cornwall with easily recognisable places in the story. I havnt read any other books by this author so not sure if others are faster paced and more dramatic but personally I like faster paced and more gruesome and dramatic mysteries. Great read prob closer to 3.5 than 3 stars but not my favourite mystery style personal taste more than the books attributes.

[Jill Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Bolithio. Obviously, this means that I started in the middle of the series. I missed a bit of the backstories and I can’t wait to find and read the others. I guess the mystery was good... but really Cornwall is the STAR. I’ve spent a few days in Penzance and walked from Marazion to St Ives (SWCP) (and more near Falmouth) so the descriptions were WONDERFUL.

[Jo Marchant · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Cornwall and I was very invested in this series being a great set of reads for me to evoke the area and landscape for when I can't visit but I found the writing very spare and the continuity difficult. I had to keep looking back to see if I could understand why everything had jumped. It felt at times like someone had cut out sections of the book. A real shame.

[Tamsin Bramwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Struggled to read this one as it wasn’t obvious if there was even a murder and I often wonder if I am reading an abridged version as the story seems to skip and in this one all the action is in the last 10 minutes of reading. As a Cornish Expat it is nice to read from a detail and places I grew up in but after reading 5 now I just want to get the series finished.

[Wendy Hearder-moan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last in the series, I guess, since the author has died. But it might have been the last anyway, as it ties up some loose ends. I’m still astounded by the amount of wine Rose and her friends manage to put away 😃 I enjoyed reading about the Christmas festivities which overlaid the intriguing plot. Also Rose’s career development was good to know about.

[Dawn Creek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost a vacation with Rose

Very interesting crimes. A wonderful group of Cornish friends. Splendid descriptions of Cornwall. Not to be missed. Have read the whole series and feel I’ve seen Cornwall with out leaving my armchair. I’ve looked up the villages, the pubs and coastal bays. It’s been quite a trip.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoy this series. The characters are interesting, the setting beautiful and vivid, and the storyline has a mystery and keeps me interested while also being sort of calming. I know that is weird way to describe it, but it’s quite enjoyable. I’ve only 2 left to read and will be sad when I finish them. I’ve been stretching them out to continue the enjoyment for a while.

[Lewis Treleaven · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up in a charity shop and it took a little bit more effort to get into this book than most - I didn't find the story that exciting and most of the characters frustrated me slightly. I kept getting distracted, but ploughed on to the end where there was a pretty lacklustre ending. The setting was nice (I'm from Cornwall).

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. The central character was likeable if occasionally annoying. It was written in a simple style. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of her surroundings in Cornwall as some of these were quite familiar to me. I might read some of the other books in the series.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable instalment in this Cornish based Series ..

A good balance of personal life and possible crime .. lots of good threads to follow and discard as the story deepens .. even when you've guessed the what, you have to wait until the end for the why to be revealed ..

More to follow

[Ann Sawyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Descriptions of Cornwall are good but Looe is not on North coast! I felt that the character development is lacking in this series. All the characters do is drink wine and coffee, go to pubs, restaurants and parties! The murder plots themselves are thin to say the least.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cosy whodunnit. I thought it slow to get going but the plot got better as the book progressed. I’ve read the Rose Trevelyan series in order and Rose’s behaviour towards her love interest is becoming annoying now.

[RhiannaH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book in this series!

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it but the conclusion seemed to come and go very quickly. Love reading stories where I know the locations and can picture them!

[Catherine Mustread · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a very satisfying mystery, but the setting and the now familiar characters keep it moving.

[Kathy Dempsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably enjoyed this one the best in the series.

[Evelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the descriptions of the Cornwall scenery which gave this story an interesting aspect not usually found in a mystery.