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Inspector David Graham #1
The Case of the Screaming Beauty
★★★★★ "My favourite mystery series of all time!"
A charming bed and breakfast. A diabolical murder. A guest with a secret to hide…
The prestigious Lavender bed and breakfast in Chiddlinghurst, England has stylish decor, lovely gardens… and a deadly problem.
Norah Travis, a beautiful young woman, has been found murdered in one of their rooms. Detective Inspector Graham, a crusader for justice with a penchant for tea, and a dark side of his own is assigned to the case. Joining Sergeant Harris at the sprawling estate, the duo set their caps to solving the vicious crime.
But with no witnesses and no motive, their investigation is quickly mired in a web of lies and deceit. The jocular proprietors, Amelia and Cliff, seem to have nothing to hide, but the same cannot be said for their long-time guest, Tim. Then there’s the bitter ex-husband, the tight-lipped housekeeper, a doddering old man…
There’s no shortage of suspects, but Graham’s instincts lead him to investigate Norah’s mysterious past. And a heinous secret soon comes to light… A secret that just might be worth killing for.
The Case of the Screaming Beauty is the first book in this best-selling traditional British detective mystery series with a modern twist. Fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, and CSI will want to share a sip of tea with Detective Inspector Graham and his team as they become like friends.
“I toss and turn at night worrying about how the characters are doing.”
Praise for the Inspector David Graham mystery “Refreshingly unique and so well written.”"Just finished it this morning! What a great story!""I was shocked by the ending and had so much fun reading this book!"
Books in the Inspector David Graham mystery The Case of the Screaming BeautyThe Case of the Hidden FlameThe Case of the Fallen HeroThe Case of the Broken DollThe Case of the Missing LetterThe Case of the Pretty LadyThe Case of the Forsaken ChildThe Case of Sampson's LeapThe Case of the Uncommon Witness
Dive into this quintessentially British mystery series today!
A charming bed and breakfast. A diabolical murder. A guest with a secret to hide…
The prestigious Lavender bed and breakfast in Chiddlinghurst, England has stylish decor, lovely gardens… and a deadly problem.
Norah Travis, a beautiful young woman, has been found murdered in one of their rooms. Detective Inspector Graham, a crusader for justice with a penchant for tea, and a dark side of his own is assigned to the case. Joining Sergeant Harris at the sprawling estate, the duo set their caps to solving the vicious crime.
But with no witnesses and no motive, their investigation is quickly mired in a web of lies and deceit. The jocular proprietors, Amelia and Cliff, seem to have nothing to hide, but the same cannot be said for their long-time guest, Tim. Then there’s the bitter ex-husband, the tight-lipped housekeeper, a doddering old man…
There’s no shortage of suspects, but Graham’s instincts lead him to investigate Norah’s mysterious past. And a heinous secret soon comes to light… A secret that just might be worth killing for.
The Case of the Screaming Beauty is the first book in this best-selling traditional British detective mystery series with a modern twist. Fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, and CSI will want to share a sip of tea with Detective Inspector Graham and his team as they become like friends.
“I toss and turn at night worrying about how the characters are doing.”
Praise for the Inspector David Graham mystery “Refreshingly unique and so well written.”"Just finished it this morning! What a great story!""I was shocked by the ending and had so much fun reading this book!"
Books in the Inspector David Graham mystery The Case of the Screaming BeautyThe Case of the Hidden FlameThe Case of the Fallen HeroThe Case of the Broken DollThe Case of the Missing LetterThe Case of the Pretty LadyThe Case of the Forsaken ChildThe Case of Sampson's LeapThe Case of the Uncommon Witness
Dive into this quintessentially British mystery series today!
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2015
1035 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
Alison Golden
103 books332 followersAlison Golden is the USA Today bestselling author of the Inspector David Graham mysteries, a traditional British detective series, and two cozy mystery series featuring main characters Reverend Annabelle Dixon and Roxy Reinhardt. As A. J. Golden, she writes the Diana Hunter thriller series.
Alison was raised in Bedfordshire, England. Her aim is to write stories that are designed to entertain, amuse, and calm. Her approach is to combine creative ideas with excellent writing and edit, edit, edit. Alison’s mission is simple: To write excellent books that have readers clamoring for more.
Alison is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and twin sons. She splits her time between London and San Francisco.
To receive three free books, updates about new releases, exclusive promotions, and other insider information, sign up at: http://www.alisongolden.com.
Alison was raised in Bedfordshire, England. Her aim is to write stories that are designed to entertain, amuse, and calm. Her approach is to combine creative ideas with excellent writing and edit, edit, edit. Alison’s mission is simple: To write excellent books that have readers clamoring for more.
Alison is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and twin sons. She splits her time between London and San Francisco.
To receive three free books, updates about new releases, exclusive promotions, and other insider information, sign up at: http://www.alisongolden.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
July 25, 2016
Ho hum ho haa...
It seemed so familiar. I almost felt like I had read it before. It is that cliched.
The author here has been influenced by most of the crime detective novel authors. You can see a bit of most the styles here. A mish-mash of all the classic sleuths, if I may say so.
An easily passable affair. Unless, you haven't read that many detective novels. Then, you just might enjoy this book (and most likely the series too), immensely. Though, I would suggest an Agatha Christie anyday. DI Graham is a poor caricature of the legendary Poirot.
In short this book is - Presumptious, Predictable and Erratic.
It seemed so familiar. I almost felt like I had read it before. It is that cliched.
The author here has been influenced by most of the crime detective novel authors. You can see a bit of most the styles here. A mish-mash of all the classic sleuths, if I may say so.
An easily passable affair. Unless, you haven't read that many detective novels. Then, you just might enjoy this book (and most likely the series too), immensely. Though, I would suggest an Agatha Christie anyday. DI Graham is a poor caricature of the legendary Poirot.
In short this book is - Presumptious, Predictable and Erratic.
April 10, 2021
Super fun cozy! Great mystery and loved the main detective. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
January 25, 2019
The Swansbournes ran The Lavender, a top-rated English country B & B. One of the main attractions was the beautiful garden, maintained personally by Amelia Swansbourne. She had inherited it, unexpectedly, from her uncle and found it filled in for the children she never had. Her husband, Cliff, did a lot of the work necessary for running the operation but he really wanted to sell it and retire.
One morning, while weeding, she heard a piercing scream through an open window. She immediately ran upstairs and asked Norah Travis, the guest occupying the room, if everything was all right. Norah said she was fine and that she hadn’t heard anything.
Shortly afterwards, Doris Tisbury, the housekeeper, came running into the kitchen, where Cliff was preparing lunch, and told him that she found Norah’s body on her bathroom floor. There are not a lot of possible perpetrators, some in the vicinity, some from people who knew Norah.
It was up to the police, particularly Detective David Graham, to solve the crime. And solve it they did after determining the cause of death checking out a few red herrings.
The confession at the end seemed rather abrupt.
There were several interesting observations:
Norah’s husband, James, was described by someone who knew the couple as a “chronic underachiever, even when he was on the wrong side of the law.” Norah had finally decided she didn’t want to spend her time visiting him in jail, “trying to keep it together on the outside while he relaxed in some daycare for the unforgivably stupid”
“Beg pardon?” Sykes said. In these last few years, as his deafness took a greater hold, this pair of words were perhaps his most common response.”
“[M]uch as every police officer dreamed of open-and-shut cases, detectives, for their part, relished the lengthy chase, the complex back story, and the teasing clues that lead only to more clues. Or to dead ends.”
A quick and satisfying read, THE CASE OF THE SCREAMING BEAUTY is a novella that hides a full story within it pages. Except for the use of “alright” instead of “all right” and several sentence fragments, it was written. I shall definitely read other books by Alison Golden.
One morning, while weeding, she heard a piercing scream through an open window. She immediately ran upstairs and asked Norah Travis, the guest occupying the room, if everything was all right. Norah said she was fine and that she hadn’t heard anything.
Shortly afterwards, Doris Tisbury, the housekeeper, came running into the kitchen, where Cliff was preparing lunch, and told him that she found Norah’s body on her bathroom floor. There are not a lot of possible perpetrators, some in the vicinity, some from people who knew Norah.
It was up to the police, particularly Detective David Graham, to solve the crime. And solve it they did after determining the cause of death checking out a few red herrings.
The confession at the end seemed rather abrupt.
There were several interesting observations:
Norah’s husband, James, was described by someone who knew the couple as a “chronic underachiever, even when he was on the wrong side of the law.” Norah had finally decided she didn’t want to spend her time visiting him in jail, “trying to keep it together on the outside while he relaxed in some daycare for the unforgivably stupid”
“Beg pardon?” Sykes said. In these last few years, as his deafness took a greater hold, this pair of words were perhaps his most common response.”
“[M]uch as every police officer dreamed of open-and-shut cases, detectives, for their part, relished the lengthy chase, the complex back story, and the teasing clues that lead only to more clues. Or to dead ends.”
A quick and satisfying read, THE CASE OF THE SCREAMING BEAUTY is a novella that hides a full story within it pages. Except for the use of “alright” instead of “all right” and several sentence fragments, it was written. I shall definitely read other books by Alison Golden.
March 12, 2019
Inspector Graham and Sergeant Harris have been called to the Lavender Bed and Breakfast. One of the guests, Norah Travis, has been found bludgeoned to death.
Inspector Graham has just returned to homicide after being on compassionate leave. He is out of practice and he is finding it difficult to get back into his normal procedure.
There are several suspects, but unfortunately, none of them apparently had a motive for murder. But, as things move forward, we find that there was a motive.
I enjoyed meeting Inspector Graham. This is the first in a series and I look forward to reading more about him.
Ms Golden creates interesting, well developed characters. The reader gets to know each of the suspects well.
The plot is fast moving and follows closely as the policemen work their way through suspects and motives.
I enjoyed this as a good British cozy.
Inspector Graham has just returned to homicide after being on compassionate leave. He is out of practice and he is finding it difficult to get back into his normal procedure.
There are several suspects, but unfortunately, none of them apparently had a motive for murder. But, as things move forward, we find that there was a motive.
I enjoyed meeting Inspector Graham. This is the first in a series and I look forward to reading more about him.
Ms Golden creates interesting, well developed characters. The reader gets to know each of the suspects well.
The plot is fast moving and follows closely as the policemen work their way through suspects and motives.
I enjoyed this as a good British cozy.
January 17, 2017
More like a very rough draft. No "middle" to it. The author "cheats"--withholding vital information from the reader. She also withholds that vital information from the police even though it is right there in their hands--which makes them all look like incompetents. The main clue=motive. Nothing is convincing except the description of the B&B and the gardens (which was why I decided to read it in the first place). And the protagonist definitely needs more work--he is extremely cringeworthy through clumsy handling by the author. There are just too many flaws to name them all. I would like to see if this author improves cos I am always looking for a good cozy series to enjoy.
January 27, 2025
This novel fits within that "cosy crime" genre and although I expect entertainment rather than Capital L literature this book was far too simplistic in plot and writing. Not for me.
August 31, 2020
This book was exactly what I was looking for, a quick British mystery with an interesting lead detective. The first in a series and I will definitely read more.
December 13, 2016
I quite enjoyed this (more than I enjoyed the other prequel I've read by this author) but I thought had the culprit figured out quite early on and wasn't really proved wrong. I've got the next in the series on the kindle (both of these are free) and I'll give that a go - which I haven't/won't with the second book in the other series of Golden's that I tried
January 7, 2022
A quite interesting introduction to a series. I really enjoyed the characters.
April 6, 2025
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; APRIL 5, 2025
Narrator: Matt Jamie
A few good things I can say about this: it felt cozy, no annoying characters, no TSTL moments by the protagonist because he is a detective, not a woman running a cafe or bookshop with no business poking her nose in the murder investigation; narrated in BBC English, so no strong accents - which I dislike, no matter British or American.
The negative? I guessed the identity of the killer rather early and his motive. The second point - his motive - was confirmed towards the end and it was easy to figure out, too. While I dislike it when an author drops in a ton of secondary characters so that it's impossible to guess, much less figure out, who the killer is, it also works against the plot when there are too few, as in this case. With only a handful of possible suspects, the reader doesn't even have to be an Agatha Christie fan (which I am not) to guess who killed the young woman.
Being the prequel to the series I expected to learn more about Inspector Graham but he was just dropped into the story with hardly any accompanying information. From this sequel the reader wouldn't know Graham gets a series named after him.
I bought the 4-book bundle from Audible to see if I like it enough to buy more. I'm listening to the second book now. I hope the murder mystery gets more polished as the books get longer. The first 4 books are less than 5 hours and this prequel is only 2 hours 55 minutes, hence the investigation and the book being wrapped up so quickly.
Narrator: Matt Jamie
A few good things I can say about this: it felt cozy, no annoying characters, no TSTL moments by the protagonist because he is a detective, not a woman running a cafe or bookshop with no business poking her nose in the murder investigation; narrated in BBC English, so no strong accents - which I dislike, no matter British or American.
The negative? I guessed the identity of the killer rather early and his motive. The second point - his motive - was confirmed towards the end and it was easy to figure out, too. While I dislike it when an author drops in a ton of secondary characters so that it's impossible to guess, much less figure out, who the killer is, it also works against the plot when there are too few, as in this case. With only a handful of possible suspects, the reader doesn't even have to be an Agatha Christie fan (which I am not) to guess who killed the young woman.
Being the prequel to the series I expected to learn more about Inspector Graham but he was just dropped into the story with hardly any accompanying information. From this sequel the reader wouldn't know Graham gets a series named after him.
I bought the 4-book bundle from Audible to see if I like it enough to buy more. I'm listening to the second book now. I hope the murder mystery gets more polished as the books get longer. The first 4 books are less than 5 hours and this prequel is only 2 hours 55 minutes, hence the investigation and the book being wrapped up so quickly.
October 12, 2020
I enjoyed this story with rich character development and a great mystery plot. There was a lull to the developing of the main character, which was a bit disappointing. However, the last 5 chapters made up for the slow character progression. Finally, the location and descriptions the area was wonderfully engrossing.
April 21, 2020
This is a fun book with the bantering of the married couple, and Inspector Graham is solid. A great book, not overly heavy, interesting characters and tricky plot.
November 15, 2019
Inspector David Graham is handily introduced in this, the prequel to his series. It's a quick read and, as a taste of things to come, though very sparing in the development of both plot and characters. As sleepy as I was when I first began the book, however, I believed that the innkeeper and her husband were going to be the detectives! They were nicely fleshed out, almost more than our hero! But, when all's said and done, it was a fun read and over too soon.
August 30, 2021
This was a quick read and very enjoyable. The mystery was quite good and I am not hooked to read more about Detective Inspector David Graham.
January 13, 2018
On my search for some short but fun cozy mysteries I found this on Kindle Unlimited. It was quick easy reading and Inspector Graham grew on me as the story progressed and we learned about the tragedy in his past. Will definitely be reading the next in the series.
May 12, 2018
A quick read but an enjoyable prequel to this series.
October 10, 2021
What I find disturbing is this: There is another cozy mystery by Penelope Sotheby entitled "Murder at the Inn" and it has the same basic plot as this one albeit the setting is in Graham Island in Canada. Ms. Sotheby's version ~ A retired couple and owners of an inn left as inheritance by a deceased uncle of the female senior. The senior female owner was in the garden, then came a woman's scream from a window underneath where she was weeding, she runs up to investigate, the room's occupant denied hearing or doing anything like screaming, the male owner comes laden with food from the farmers' market... etc...etc... then the unacknowledged screamer was murdered. The similarities are so spot on (the same murder weapon and killer) that this CAN BE a case of plagiarism or theft of intellectual property but since both literature came out in (Sotheby's in 2011 according to amazon) 2015 (according to both my Kindle copies); it is then a question of as to who plagiarized whom. OR there MAY NOT even be any theft of intellectual property here, MAYBE just a case of re~packaging and a bit of tweaking the same plot by the authors written under the guise of a pseudonym? (Though I like this version~Alison Golden's~because it is more solid and simply because I prefer the English setting.)
p. s. ~ According to the Net, Ms. Golden was born in England but now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and twin sons dividing her time between London and the US while Penelope Sotheby lives Somewhere? or Everywhere? There are also these connections or coincidences: the name Graham as in "Graham" Island (the setting of Sotheby's first book, Murder at the Inn) and Ms. Golden's DI David "Graham" plus "graham" too, is in this book's URL address and here is one other similarity ~ Ms. Sotheby's "Diane" Dimbleby Cozy Mysteries and Ms. Golden's "Diana" Hunter series set in Vancouver another Canadian connection. Just wondering...
p. s. ~ According to the Net, Ms. Golden was born in England but now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and twin sons dividing her time between London and the US while Penelope Sotheby lives Somewhere? or Everywhere? There are also these connections or coincidences: the name Graham as in "Graham" Island (the setting of Sotheby's first book, Murder at the Inn) and Ms. Golden's DI David "Graham" plus "graham" too, is in this book's URL address and here is one other similarity ~ Ms. Sotheby's "Diane" Dimbleby Cozy Mysteries and Ms. Golden's "Diana" Hunter series set in Vancouver another Canadian connection. Just wondering...
June 22, 2020
This case is really weak. The keystone clue has no correlation to the culprit reveal. Much like the sleuth, I could see how it leads to motive but it didn't clarify anything to shine a spotlight on a single suspect. Graham goes into a grand unmasking meeting in the tradition of Poirot but unlike the Agatha Christie sleuth, he doesn't know whodunnit. His hope that the killer will reveal himself plays out but felt tacked-on. Even the confession felt fake and made up at the last minute for the sole purpose of tying things up with a neat bow to call it done.
There was no connection between the killer and the murder weapon revealed by any of the suspects or witnesses or informants. Foxes running through the gardens or across the property are mentioned but readers have no hint that anyone would need an old golf club to chase after them. When the SOCO tests the stored golf clubs, they're all accounted for but there's still a chance that one of them could have been taken and replaced which points to a couple of people with access to the storage shed but all of that is thrown out with the arrival of a convenient plot device - I mean groundskeeper.
There's no way readers could work out whodunnit instead of just guessing between the two men presented. After the ex-husband is eliminated from suspicion you really only have the obvious lover/BF or the hotelier. Such an unsatisfying ending to an otherwise promising premise.
There was no connection between the killer and the murder weapon revealed by any of the suspects or witnesses or informants. Foxes running through the gardens or across the property are mentioned but readers have no hint that anyone would need an old golf club to chase after them. When the SOCO tests the stored golf clubs, they're all accounted for but there's still a chance that one of them could have been taken and replaced which points to a couple of people with access to the storage shed but all of that is thrown out with the arrival of a convenient plot device - I mean groundskeeper.
There's no way readers could work out whodunnit instead of just guessing between the two men presented. After the ex-husband is eliminated from suspicion you really only have the obvious lover/BF or the hotelier. Such an unsatisfying ending to an otherwise promising premise.
October 5, 2019
"Fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, and CSI will want to share a sip of tea with Detective Inspector Graham, and dive into this quintessentially British mystery series today." That's what's Amazon says. It also says that the book has 142 pages. And that it's about "a diabolical murder". None of these statements are true.
First of all, it isn't possible to put Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and CSI in the same category. Sherlock Holmes is a character, Agatha Christie is an author, and CSI is a TV show. Of course we can compare Arthur Conan Doyle (Holmes creator) to Agatha Christie; or Sherlock Holmes to Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple (Christie's most famous characters). CSI is a show that focuses on forensic science. And this author or this character can't compare to any of them. The ingenuity that was present in Doyle's and Christie's stories is completely absent in this book. And there's not a "diabolical murder". A simple "murder for greed" suffices.
False advertisements are very common, but I'd appreciate not to see them in a book description, thank you very much.
Amazon also informs us that the book has 142 pages (I should have suspected that a "book" shouldn't be so short). In reality, there are 100 pages. The rest is propaganda and a chapter of the author's next book.
I wish I could have my money back.
First of all, it isn't possible to put Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and CSI in the same category. Sherlock Holmes is a character, Agatha Christie is an author, and CSI is a TV show. Of course we can compare Arthur Conan Doyle (Holmes creator) to Agatha Christie; or Sherlock Holmes to Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple (Christie's most famous characters). CSI is a show that focuses on forensic science. And this author or this character can't compare to any of them. The ingenuity that was present in Doyle's and Christie's stories is completely absent in this book. And there's not a "diabolical murder". A simple "murder for greed" suffices.
False advertisements are very common, but I'd appreciate not to see them in a book description, thank you very much.
Amazon also informs us that the book has 142 pages (I should have suspected that a "book" shouldn't be so short). In reality, there are 100 pages. The rest is propaganda and a chapter of the author's next book.
I wish I could have my money back.
May 18, 2019
This is a short mystery, but a good one. The owner of a B&B hears a scream. When she investigates, she can't find any reason for someone screaming. Later, one of the guests is found dead. When DI Graham starts investigating, there are no witnesses and no motive. As he and his colleagues try to figure out the mystery, they stumble upon the real reason and the killer. Could it be her ex or is it someone random? DI Graham will find out.I
December 20, 2016
A British cozy mystery. Passable, but not particularly memorable. The death of Graham's young daughter is disclosed, but feels more like a device for me to remember him, rather than something he actually endured.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2017
An enjoyable cozy mystery
April 18, 2020
"That's the thing about murder, isn't it? They never quite happen as one would prefer. For the most part, they're crimes of passion, committed suddenly and without much planning."
The Case of the Screaming Beauty by Alison Golden is the first book in the Inspector David Graham cozy mystery series.
The series is set in the UK, but the first book is set in Chiddlinghurst – I struggled to pronounce that name throughout the book. The novel opens with a married couple in their sixties, Amelia and Cliff, who have inherited The Lavender, a countryside bed and breakfast (B&B).
The setting is beautiful from the start and you can't help but love the couple, especially Amelia. However, early on Amelia hears one of her guests screaming, only to knock on her door and find the woman, Norah, all smiles. A day later, they discover Norah dead in the bathroom.
"It makes me nervous when there isn't even the whiff of a suspect. Tends to mean that there's a juicy backstory I haven't heard yet."
Enter Detective Inspector David Graham, whom the series is primarily about. Graham has to sort through little evidence and a strange pool of suspects to find out Norah's killer.
The Case of the Screaming Beauty is my first read for Alison Golden, but certainly not my last. I've already downloaded a few of her books in this series because I'm part of her newsletter and she's offering 1 free book a week as part of her #StaySafeAtHome hashtag on Twitter and Newsletter. So, yes, The Case of the Hidden Flame, here I come.
Unlike other cozy mystery series where there is an amateur sleuth, the main character in The Case of the Screaming Beauty, and later books in the series, is a police officer.
I also liked how Alison Golden sprinkled bits of information on how things are processed like when getting samples.
"Bert drew blood for toxicology screens and requested a full work-up of the lab results, which would show, among other things, whether Norah was pregnant, taking drugs, drunk, or poisoned."
The Inspector David Graham series is indeed a combination of cozy mystery with a CSI-like feel. And I loved it!
And for some reason, I couldn't help but feel that The Case of the Screaming Beauty reminded me of Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile. The two are significantly different but there's that feel.
When I finished reading the book, I learnt that Golden describes Inspector Graham as a kind of Hercule Poirot and I could totally feel that. Also, the ending where all the suspects were gathered for the finale is very Agatha Christie.
Golden describes Graham as "a British detective who is part-Sherlock Holmes, part-Poirot, and, of course, uniquely himself."
The only thing I disliked was the long chapters. The book is divided into 7 chapters, some I think were over 20 pages long. It was a quick read, but it would have been faster if there were more chapters.
That said, my overall rating for The Case of the Screaming Beauty by Alison Golden: 4.5 stars
The Case of the Screaming Beauty by Alison Golden is the first book in the Inspector David Graham cozy mystery series.
The series is set in the UK, but the first book is set in Chiddlinghurst – I struggled to pronounce that name throughout the book. The novel opens with a married couple in their sixties, Amelia and Cliff, who have inherited The Lavender, a countryside bed and breakfast (B&B).
The setting is beautiful from the start and you can't help but love the couple, especially Amelia. However, early on Amelia hears one of her guests screaming, only to knock on her door and find the woman, Norah, all smiles. A day later, they discover Norah dead in the bathroom.
"It makes me nervous when there isn't even the whiff of a suspect. Tends to mean that there's a juicy backstory I haven't heard yet."
Enter Detective Inspector David Graham, whom the series is primarily about. Graham has to sort through little evidence and a strange pool of suspects to find out Norah's killer.
The Case of the Screaming Beauty is my first read for Alison Golden, but certainly not my last. I've already downloaded a few of her books in this series because I'm part of her newsletter and she's offering 1 free book a week as part of her #StaySafeAtHome hashtag on Twitter and Newsletter. So, yes, The Case of the Hidden Flame, here I come.
Unlike other cozy mystery series where there is an amateur sleuth, the main character in The Case of the Screaming Beauty, and later books in the series, is a police officer.
I also liked how Alison Golden sprinkled bits of information on how things are processed like when getting samples.
"Bert drew blood for toxicology screens and requested a full work-up of the lab results, which would show, among other things, whether Norah was pregnant, taking drugs, drunk, or poisoned."
The Inspector David Graham series is indeed a combination of cozy mystery with a CSI-like feel. And I loved it!
And for some reason, I couldn't help but feel that The Case of the Screaming Beauty reminded me of Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile. The two are significantly different but there's that feel.
When I finished reading the book, I learnt that Golden describes Inspector Graham as a kind of Hercule Poirot and I could totally feel that. Also, the ending where all the suspects were gathered for the finale is very Agatha Christie.
Golden describes Graham as "a British detective who is part-Sherlock Holmes, part-Poirot, and, of course, uniquely himself."
The only thing I disliked was the long chapters. The book is divided into 7 chapters, some I think were over 20 pages long. It was a quick read, but it would have been faster if there were more chapters.
That said, my overall rating for The Case of the Screaming Beauty by Alison Golden: 4.5 stars
June 29, 2022
Eh - Ok
An English murder-mystery told from multiple POV in the cast of characters with a Detective Inspector that is some combination of the 'unique genius' and the 'tortured past' type. On Sunday morning a guest at the Lavender Inn screams, but claims she did not. On Monday morning she is found dead. With only the Inn owners, the housekeeper, and one other guest around who could've done it and why?
I didn't really like this one. The multiple POV made it difficult to connect to any of the characters - including the one the series is named after. I didn't feel the case moving forward, so much as we learn a few things and the detective suddenly solves the puzzle. It didn't help that I didn't believe the character chosen in the end was a murderer. The way the character was previously described I just couldn't buy in to that. Overall I just felt that with multiple POV you need the story to be the glue that holds it all together and the glue was not quite strong enough here.
*****Spoiler Alert*****
This Book Includes
Violence. Crime scene of dead woman hit in the head, reference to child killed in car crash, reference to domestic abuse.
Sex. None.
Cast of Characters
Amelia Swansbourne - co-owner of Lavender Inn, in early 60's, avid gardener, Inn left to her by her Uncle Terry
Cliff Swansbourne - co-owner of Lavender Inn, chef, wants to retire to Mexico, married to Amelia for over 30 years
Mrs. Norah Travis - 27 years old, beautiful, divorced, from London
Doris Tisbury - near 60, housekeeper, possibly OCD
Tim Lloyd - investigative journalist, regular guest at Inn, from London
Sergeant Harris - tall & burly, wears uniform, worked with DI Graham before
Detective Inspector David Graham - in 30's, wears suit, observant, first case back since compassionate leave 5 months ago due to a reckless driver that ran a light and killed his 5-year-old daughter Katie, separated from wife Isabelle since the accident
'Bert' Gilbert Hatfield - pathologist, near 60
James Arthur Travis - Norah's ex-husband, low-level criminal in London
Nikki Watkins - Norah's sister, aged by cigarettes and alcohol
Chris Stevens - SOCO (Scenes of Crime Officer - aka CSI), 30's, nerdy glasses
Mr. Bob Sykes - 90's, golf course groundskeeper
Louise - Bert's assistant / receptionsit
Fiona - 15-year-old student interested in pathology
An English murder-mystery told from multiple POV in the cast of characters with a Detective Inspector that is some combination of the 'unique genius' and the 'tortured past' type. On Sunday morning a guest at the Lavender Inn screams, but claims she did not. On Monday morning she is found dead. With only the Inn owners, the housekeeper, and one other guest around who could've done it and why?
I didn't really like this one. The multiple POV made it difficult to connect to any of the characters - including the one the series is named after. I didn't feel the case moving forward, so much as we learn a few things and the detective suddenly solves the puzzle. It didn't help that I didn't believe the character chosen in the end was a murderer. The way the character was previously described I just couldn't buy in to that. Overall I just felt that with multiple POV you need the story to be the glue that holds it all together and the glue was not quite strong enough here.
*****Spoiler Alert*****
This Book Includes
Violence. Crime scene of dead woman hit in the head, reference to child killed in car crash, reference to domestic abuse.
Sex. None.
Cast of Characters
Amelia Swansbourne - co-owner of Lavender Inn, in early 60's, avid gardener, Inn left to her by her Uncle Terry
Cliff Swansbourne - co-owner of Lavender Inn, chef, wants to retire to Mexico, married to Amelia for over 30 years
Mrs. Norah Travis - 27 years old, beautiful, divorced, from London
Doris Tisbury - near 60, housekeeper, possibly OCD
Tim Lloyd - investigative journalist, regular guest at Inn, from London
Sergeant Harris - tall & burly, wears uniform, worked with DI Graham before
Detective Inspector David Graham - in 30's, wears suit, observant, first case back since compassionate leave 5 months ago due to a reckless driver that ran a light and killed his 5-year-old daughter Katie, separated from wife Isabelle since the accident
'Bert' Gilbert Hatfield - pathologist, near 60
James Arthur Travis - Norah's ex-husband, low-level criminal in London
Nikki Watkins - Norah's sister, aged by cigarettes and alcohol
Chris Stevens - SOCO (Scenes of Crime Officer - aka CSI), 30's, nerdy glasses
Mr. Bob Sykes - 90's, golf course groundskeeper
Louise - Bert's assistant / receptionsit
Fiona - 15-year-old student interested in pathology
October 4, 2023
I loved this book. I enjoyed the author's Reverend Annabelle Dixon series and thought I would give it ago. So glad I did because i think it is a great start/introduction to a new series. In this series the author has decided to make a break from the a amateur sleuth giving the reader (or listener) a look at how the professionals do it and not just with the detective as he struggles to put the clues together but also the help he receives from others, like in the lab. Good job Detective Inspector Graham was on the case because I never would have made an arrest, mainly because there was a number of suspects with possible motives and all of them were credible. I also liked the epilogue at the end, it was a nice way to end the case and find out what happened to the rest of the suspects. The characters were likeable and down to earth and I think I am going to enjoy solving crimes with Detective Inspector Graham.
In a quiet English town, a housekeeper in a small B&B discovers a body. Detective Inspector Graham and Sergeant Harris are called in to investigate. Can they find the killer? And what made her scream the day before and then deny it? Did she know she was going to be killed? Possible by the angry ex husband or the new man in her life? With no murder weapon, witnesses or obvious motive the pair will have to think out side the box to solve this case.
I liked the narrator. At first I thought his voice was a little bit to gruff but he soon had me convinced he was the right man for the good. I liked the use of sound effects it really made it sound like he was talking on the phone.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
In a quiet English town, a housekeeper in a small B&B discovers a body. Detective Inspector Graham and Sergeant Harris are called in to investigate. Can they find the killer? And what made her scream the day before and then deny it? Did she know she was going to be killed? Possible by the angry ex husband or the new man in her life? With no murder weapon, witnesses or obvious motive the pair will have to think out side the box to solve this case.
I liked the narrator. At first I thought his voice was a little bit to gruff but he soon had me convinced he was the right man for the good. I liked the use of sound effects it really made it sound like he was talking on the phone.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 4, 2024
Entering Alison Golden's literary realm through "Mardi Gras Madness," was like stepping into a cosy haven for mystery lovers. The book is part of a series but can be read alone. You are enveloped in her narrative embrace, I devoured this one very quickly, each page offering a delightful escape into a world where suspense and comfort perform a delightful dance.
Golden's prose is a comforting melody, smoothly flowing through the pages like a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly evening. Her characters, crafted with endearing charm, feel like old friends, and the quirky storylines add a touch of whimsy to the mystery genre. It's as if the book is a puzzle, and Golden masterfully weaves clues into the fabric of her tales, inviting readers to join in the delightful unravelling.
Alison Golden's signature style creates an atmosphere that's not just engaging but warmly inviting. It's the kind of writing that makes you want to curl up in your favourite reading nook, sipping your favourite warming drink, and losing yourself in the unfolding mysteries. If you're a fan of cosy mysteries, Golden's books are a must-read. A delightful blend of charm, suspense, and warmth, her stories will leave you eagerly anticipating the next inviting adventure.
Golden's prose is a comforting melody, smoothly flowing through the pages like a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly evening. Her characters, crafted with endearing charm, feel like old friends, and the quirky storylines add a touch of whimsy to the mystery genre. It's as if the book is a puzzle, and Golden masterfully weaves clues into the fabric of her tales, inviting readers to join in the delightful unravelling.
Alison Golden's signature style creates an atmosphere that's not just engaging but warmly inviting. It's the kind of writing that makes you want to curl up in your favourite reading nook, sipping your favourite warming drink, and losing yourself in the unfolding mysteries. If you're a fan of cosy mysteries, Golden's books are a must-read. A delightful blend of charm, suspense, and warmth, her stories will leave you eagerly anticipating the next inviting adventure.
May 18, 2020
I was able to buy the first four books of this collection as one in a Kindle, and I'm glad I did. These works are a serious joy to read and I finished them one right after the other. Then purchased #5 immediately upon finishing the set.
Detective Inspector David Graham is a well-thought out character with strengths, weaknesses and even an excess (who can drink that much tea?). The setting description took me away, making me want to plan a trip to the Lavender Bed & Breakfast right away. I wanted to experience the lush English garden and be surrounded by such a feeling of peace. And have a cup of Chinese tea with DI Graham.
In this prequel, the co-owner of the B&B hears a woman scream and runs to help. Only the lovely young lady answers her door and says she is just fine. All is well until her body is found early the next morning.
The writing is superb and the plot engaging. I highly recommend this for those who love British mysteries set in the 21st century but with a nod to Agatha!
Detective Inspector David Graham is a well-thought out character with strengths, weaknesses and even an excess (who can drink that much tea?). The setting description took me away, making me want to plan a trip to the Lavender Bed & Breakfast right away. I wanted to experience the lush English garden and be surrounded by such a feeling of peace. And have a cup of Chinese tea with DI Graham.
In this prequel, the co-owner of the B&B hears a woman scream and runs to help. Only the lovely young lady answers her door and says she is just fine. All is well until her body is found early the next morning.
The writing is superb and the plot engaging. I highly recommend this for those who love British mysteries set in the 21st century but with a nod to Agatha!
August 16, 2025
It was an interesting murder case. See note
Amazon synopsis:
A charming bed and breakfast. A diabolical murder. A guest with a secret to hide…
The prestigious Lavender bed and breakfast in Chiddlinghurst, England has stylish decor, lovely gardens… and a deadly problem.
Norah Travis, a beautiful young woman, has been found murdered in one of their rooms. Detective Inspector Graham, a crusader for justice with a penchant for tea, and a dark side of his own is assigned to the case. Joining Sergeant Harris at the sprawling estate, the duo set their caps to solving the vicious crime.
But with no witnesses and no motive, their investigation is quickly mired in a web of lies and deceit. The jocular proprietors, Amelia and Cliff, seem to have nothing to hide, but the same cannot be said for their long-time guest, Tim. Then there’s the bitter ex-husband, the tight-lipped housekeeper, a doddering old man…
There’s no shortage of suspects, but Graham’s instincts lead him to investigate Norah’s mysterious past. And a heinous secret soon comes to light… A secret that just might be worth killing for.
Amazon synopsis:
A charming bed and breakfast. A diabolical murder. A guest with a secret to hide…
The prestigious Lavender bed and breakfast in Chiddlinghurst, England has stylish decor, lovely gardens… and a deadly problem.
Norah Travis, a beautiful young woman, has been found murdered in one of their rooms. Detective Inspector Graham, a crusader for justice with a penchant for tea, and a dark side of his own is assigned to the case. Joining Sergeant Harris at the sprawling estate, the duo set their caps to solving the vicious crime.
But with no witnesses and no motive, their investigation is quickly mired in a web of lies and deceit. The jocular proprietors, Amelia and Cliff, seem to have nothing to hide, but the same cannot be said for their long-time guest, Tim. Then there’s the bitter ex-husband, the tight-lipped housekeeper, a doddering old man…
There’s no shortage of suspects, but Graham’s instincts lead him to investigate Norah’s mysterious past. And a heinous secret soon comes to light… A secret that just might be worth killing for.
November 27, 2016
Cliff and Amelia Swansbourne own and operate The Lavender Bed & Breakfast Inn with its lush gardens. Business is somewhat slow, with only two guests in residence, Tim Lloyd and Norah Travis. Norah Travis is young, beautiful, and recently divorced. Tim Lloyd is a visiting journalist from New York.
When the housekeeper, Doris Tisbury, goes to clean Norah's room on a quiet Sunday morning, she finds Norah dead in her bathroom. Sergeant Harris and Detective Inspector Graham are called to investigate. They seem to make a great team, with the Inspector's gruffness and the Sergeant's easy going manner.
After questioning everybody at the Inn, there are virtually no clues and no suspects. It seems to be a dead end.
Will Inspector Graham and Sgt. Harris be able to solve the mystery?
A great book with interesting characters and a well-developed plot. Great start to the series and definitely looking for more to come.
When the housekeeper, Doris Tisbury, goes to clean Norah's room on a quiet Sunday morning, she finds Norah dead in her bathroom. Sergeant Harris and Detective Inspector Graham are called to investigate. They seem to make a great team, with the Inspector's gruffness and the Sergeant's easy going manner.
After questioning everybody at the Inn, there are virtually no clues and no suspects. It seems to be a dead end.
Will Inspector Graham and Sgt. Harris be able to solve the mystery?
A great book with interesting characters and a well-developed plot. Great start to the series and definitely looking for more to come.
February 22, 2018
The Case of the Screaming Beauty - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Detective Inspector David Graham is on the case again in this well-plotted 'cozy' murder-mystery by the talented writer Alison Golden.
Our charming 'hero' is summoned to the country weekend retreat, The Lavenders, inherited by Amelia Swansbourne from her late uncle, after one of the guests - Nora Travis is found mysteriously dead in her bathroom. With Nora's petty criminal estranged husband in jail once more and staff and guests rather thin on the ground [consisting of keen gardener Amelia, husband/handyman Cliff and housekeeper/finder of the corpse, Doris Tisbury], DI Graham finds it hard to know where to start the investigation.
Several red herrings and confusing clues later, he rises triumphant from the chase and the culprit is unmasked and apprehended to let justice take its course.
A definite 'must' for cozy-mystery and Agatha Christie's Miss Marple fans - get your copy now and you'll be hooked too!
Detective Inspector David Graham is on the case again in this well-plotted 'cozy' murder-mystery by the talented writer Alison Golden.
Our charming 'hero' is summoned to the country weekend retreat, The Lavenders, inherited by Amelia Swansbourne from her late uncle, after one of the guests - Nora Travis is found mysteriously dead in her bathroom. With Nora's petty criminal estranged husband in jail once more and staff and guests rather thin on the ground [consisting of keen gardener Amelia, husband/handyman Cliff and housekeeper/finder of the corpse, Doris Tisbury], DI Graham finds it hard to know where to start the investigation.
Several red herrings and confusing clues later, he rises triumphant from the chase and the culprit is unmasked and apprehended to let justice take its course.
A definite 'must' for cozy-mystery and Agatha Christie's Miss Marple fans - get your copy now and you'll be hooked too!
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