Murder at the Manor Hotel

Melissa Craig #4

by Betty Rowlands

As the stage is set for a local village play in a beautiful countryside manor, Melissa Craig plays the role of detective once again when one of the cast is mysteriously murdered…

Melissa is delighted when she’s asked to help put on a play at her favourite local Cotswolds hotel. There’s nothing she loves more than getting to know the cast, who are just as colourful behind the scenes as they are on stage.

Rehearsals are running smoothly until the perpetually grumpy supporting actor is found spread-eagled at the bottom of a steep flight of stairs leading to a cellar.

As Melissa tries in vain to save his life, she is sure she can hear voices nearby and suspects there is more to this accident than meets the eye. Why on earth was he trying to get down to the hotel’s private cellar? And why does the hotel manager seem so angry about it?

When the hotel floor plans deliver some unexpected revelations, Melissa is convinced that she’s dealing with a murder. But when all of your suspects are actors, how can you tell the good liars from the bad? Can Melissa find the killer before the final curtain falls?

If you’ve devoured books by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and P.D. James, you won’t be able to resist this page-turning murder mystery!

This book was previously published as Exhaustive Enquiries.

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

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 1994

About the author

Betty Rowlands is an member of the Crime Writers' Association and appears on panels at writers' conferences.

Reviews

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at the Manor Hotel, the fourth novel in the Melissa Craig Cozy Mystery series, uses the beautiful Cotswolds setting as one of the central aspects of the story and reminds me a lot of the chocolate-box villages portrayed in Midsomer Murders. It's a story that is full of charm and works well as a standalone - it certainly isn't necessary to have read the previous instalments. The author is adept at moulding interesting characters that you really care about, an intriguing plot and the twists and turns throughout make for a satisfying tale. We also get more development of main protagonist Melissa which is exciting to see and book four is definitely the best of the series so far.

It's an engaging mystery with a menacing undertone and chilling atmosphere running through it. Importantly for a cozy there is no profanity, sexual liaisons or blood and gore, but the ending left a lot to be desired - it felt rushed, confusing and ultimately unsatisfying. Previously published as Exhaustive Enquiries, fans of Agatha Christie and MC Beaton should enjoy this as well as those who love to read cozies. A superb and highly entertaining addition to an already popular series, and a perfect read for those dark, chilly nights.

Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.

[Princess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this From Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for my honest review.

This book had a cute storyline but it just wasn't my type of book. The characters are older and the language is different than what I am used to, but still not a bad read.
The mystery was fun




[Ilze Paegle-Mkrtčjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burvīga "omulīgo detektīvu" sērija, kuras neapstrīdamo pievilcību pastiprina (nevis mazina) fakts, ka lielākoties vēl pirms galvenās varones uzminu, kurš ir slepkava

[Els · Rating 4 out of 5]

Already the 4th part of the series and I have read them all. I really do appreciate a good cozy mystery novel. It's always nice to alternate between different genres and I like the author's style a lot.

I love the banter between Melissa and her neighbour Iris, but there was not a lot of that in this book. On the one hand I missed it, but on the other it makes a nice change as well. It keeps the series from falling into a certain pattern and making it boring and predictable.

Once again the author did a good job in concealing the identity of the culprit until the bitter end. I had, of course as usual, a wrong name in my mind. 

I have to admit that this setting was not my favourite one, but that does not reduce the quality of the story. I am already looking forward to start reading the next book in the very near future. 4 stars. 

Thank you, Betty Rowlands, Bookouture and Netgalley.

https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

eProof given to me by UK publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review. Review on The Pewter Wolf will be up sometime in early February 2019.

I did warn you guys last month that 2019 will be the year I read a lot more fantasy and crime. So, let’s start with this cozy crime as a little out of my comfort zone. But let me explain why I wanted to read this. After reading Mistletoe and Murder last year, I wanted to read another crime. I wasn’t ready to read fantasy or something else and this seemed to be the title I kept leaning towards, even though I had a load of other crime stories to read (I have two more within this series to read/review as well…) but I wanted something warm and cozy. Something I can read in a fluffy dressing gown with a mug of hot chocolate…

The fourth in the Melissa Craig series (though you can probably read these without reading the rest in series), Melissa is meant to be writing her next murder mystery novel. Expect she’s written a panto-crime for the local drama group to be performed at a local Cotswolds hotel. But when one of the supporting actors is found at the bottom of the steep flight of stairs leading to the hotel’s cellar and Melissa tries to save his life, she swears she can hear voices…

Afterwards, Melissa realises that things aren’t what they seem and don’t add up? Why was the hotel manager so angry when he first discovered the actor at the bottom of the stairs? Why was the actor going into the cellar in the first place? Why was the hotel’s owner so desperate to put the actor in the panto-crime when he was so terrified of acting? Something awful is going on… and Melissa is finding herself being dragged into it…

So, what did I think?

Well… that is going to be tricky because as this is my first Betty Rowlands story, I’m not sure if this is best place to start for me or if cozy crime is the subgenre of crime that suits me best. But this was an okay read for me.

I think the biggest issue I had with it was that, while reading it, I always felt that it was out of time with the modern world. But this was first published in the 1990s under a different title and it’s getting a reprint, which is good as I do think there is an audience for this series and with the world as it is now, I do this a little escapism is needed.

I did go “Wait, what?” over the ending. But I think that’s because, while I did like Melissa and kept reading because of her, I found the result for the murder and crime around it a bit… it didn’t appeal to me in the way it should have.

Like I said earlier, cozy crime might not be the genre of crime I’m going to get along with. If you have read my blog or seen my TBR on Goodreads, most of the crime I read or might read in 2019 is more bloody and more pacey - Kathy Reichs, Tess Gerritsen, Sweetpea by CJ Skuse, Agatha Christie (she isn’t as cozy crime as I first thought…), P.D. James and others. However, the point of Year of Blood and Magic is to read more widely within the fantasy and crime genres so am glad I tried as it is an ok cozy read. But I think I wanted more from it. More what is anyone’s guess. Plus, I have two more Melissa Craig stories to try - Murder on a Winter Afternoon and Murder at Larkfield Barn(book 5 and 7 within series) - so am not giving up just yet with this series just yet...

[Christopher Roden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm beginning to like Melissa Craig a lot.

[Thebooktrail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visit the locations in the novel The Manor house of the Cotswolds


This is the kind of book you need when the hard core crime novels are getting too much, you’re not in the mood for romance or action heros and just want a good old fashioned mystery story. This is part of a series although is a standalone novel and set in the Cotswolds it could be described as cosy – but there are murders and mischief all the same!

It reminded me of the high jinks of Agatha Raisin and the cosy crime mysteries I’ve read set in rural hotels. There’s always something mysterious about amateur dramatics to me – plenty of people acting of course and who knows what goes on behind the scenes? The cast of characters both on and off the page are good and plenty of laughs and images of crazy eccentrics in my head now. But I had a lot of fun with this novel and I’m not put off going to the Cotswolds! Maybe of joining a drama club though..

As the reader , you get to solve the clues along with the characters and mystery writer and it felt like one of those Cluedo evenings…but was it the butler in this case?

A cosy classic!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me a bit to read as I have a hard time with the British-isms. But I persevered and in the end I didn't have the bad guy right. Well, there were two mysteries involved and I had one correct because it was obvious and the other, I was wrong with. Overall, I liked the storyline. It was well fleshed out and kept me intrigued until the end. I would definitely read another of these books.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book.

[Heatherinblack · Rating 3 out of 5]

i dunno about that sudden solution

while i figured out how will died earlier, it would’ve completely ruined the plan. cops would have been all over it. smart people with complicated criminal enterprises don’t make silly mistakes like they did. no one risks that. our millionaire just annoyed me and our main character continues to be really smart then really emotional as dumb far too easily. still, i like the overall backstory of the characters, so i will continue reading.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Melissa Craig mysteries never disappoint and this one is no exception. A mysterious murder in a country manor hotel invites consternation amongst the cast and it’s a race to solve it and find the murderer before the curtain goes up on opening night. Perfect cost mystery to while away some hours. #NetGalley

[Marija · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this cold weekend I had a chance to be glued to this book and read it in almost one sitting. I enjoyed in this cozy mystery about Melissa Craig - successful novelist that lives in Costwolds. This time she is investigating a death of a performer of her play. Even this is a book from a serial it can be read as a standalone. and it is a reading material for almost all ages. The story has nice flow and the characters are believable.

[Triinu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minu arvamuse leiab blogist https://triinuraamatud.wordpress.com/...

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

No homophobia or wife beating

It is with great relief I write that there is no homophobia or wife beating in this book. The first book had the protagonist apologizing for a man with a hot temper who slapped the murder victim across the face hard enough to break her skin. That, and subsequent books, have had attitudes about homosexuality that seem much more primitive than the original publication dates would suggest.

The story in this one was better, but all the characters, including the protagonist, seem to be very shallow. Perhaps I’ve read too much Dorothy Sayers.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Murder at the Manor Hotel is the fourth Melissa Craig cozy mystery by Betty Rowlands. Originally published in 1994 under the title: Exhaustive Enquiries , this re-formatting was released 20th Nov 2018 by Bookouture, it's 256 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

I was undecided about continuing with the series after the third book. I decided to pick this one up because it quite often takes several books for an author to find their pace with a new series and I'm so glad I did. This is a taut, deftly plotted, entertaining murder mystery with an amateur sleuth whose day job is writing mysteries. The setting is a stately hotel and the cast of characters is varied and interesting.

I enjoy British mystery as a genre and this one is well written and not too graphic or violent. There's light language use (a few damns, hells, and one 'f'-bomb, used in context) and no sexual violence. For readers from outside the British Isles, the author and slang are British, so expect 'torch', 'bum', 'lift', and 'packet'. It shouldn't prove very onerous for regular readers of mystery or BBC fans.

Possibly worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. This book (and the rest of the series) are included in the KU subscription to download and read for free.

Four stars. Entertaining and well written.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Local amateur sleuth, Melissa Craig has been asked to help put on a play at her local hotel. Rehearsals are running smoothly until one of the supporting actors is found at the bottom of the stairs leading to the cellar. Whilst trying to save his life, Melissa thinks she can hear voices nearby and suspects that this isn’t the accident it appears to be.

This is book number 4 of the recently revamped Melissa Craig series. Whilst it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone novel. This book was also previously published under the title of Exhaustive Enquiries and has been re-published by Bookouture with the new title of Murder at the Manor Hotel.

We’re back with Melissa Craig! I have read the three previous books in the series, and am enjoying them more and more as the series moves on. Melissa Craig is a great character! Being a mystery writer she finds herself more ‘experienced’ in solving these crimes than the actual police are, which doesn’t always put her in the good books of the local constabulary! The books are termed as ‘cosy crime’ mysteries and they are certainly that! There is no blood and gore, just good old fashioned ‘murders’ (if murders can be old fashioned!).

The story is highly entertaining and so easy to read. There are so many suspects as to who the murderer may be and you find yourself working it all out alongside Melissa herself! If you love books by Agatha Christie and MC Beaton, then you will definitely love this series by Betty Rowlands. Would definitely recommend and can't wait to see what Melissa Craig gets up to in the next book!

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying these Melissa Craig mysteries. Unfortunately, I've missed out on book number three in this series, but I don't think it really matters and I can go back later. Like the previous books that I've read this is another classic murder mystery. This time with the added threat of some other criminal activity (I won't go into details, as Melissa doesn't find out about it until later in the book).
These stories are marketed as being cosy mysteries. I personally am not a fan of the term and I think in this case it sells the story a little short. Most that fall into that genre are a little more humorous and light-hearted than this. That's not to say that this is some gritty dark tale, but there's more to it than a throwaway read in my opinion.
Melissa is again involved in the thick of the action and looks to find out more. I also like the development of her relationship with some of the other characters. Her next door neighbour is as always an entertaining side character, although she doesn't have a central role in this book and the same can be said for her cleaner. There is a little more of her tame policeman friend too and I suspect that he may feature a little more in future books.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series, although it doesn't really matter if you read this as a one-off or part of the series. It certainly works as a stand-alone novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melissa is happily writing a pantomime to be performed at a luxurious hotel for it's owner Richard Mitchel (Rich Mitch) on his birthday on Halloween. She attends a few rehearsals at the hotel and meets the cast. The hotel is old and supposed haunted. She goes into the bar at one rehearsal to get a bit player, Will, to come back to perform but he's not in the bar. She hears about the ghosts in the cellar from the bartender and his assistant is disturbed by the stories. When a barrel of beer needs to be changed, the bartender sends the assistant into the deep and dark cellar to change it. He rushes back to say that Will had fallen down the stairs and is bleeding profusely from a head wound. Mel rushes to assist, but when the ambulance arrives, he is pronounced as dead. Mel is devastated. She does not believe it was an accident and is determined to find out the truth. Mitch asks her to investigate and suggests she stay at the hotel for a few days under the pretext of getting background for a future novel.

The story is a little slow in the beginning but picks up when Mel and Mitch's bodyguard Chris begin to investigate in the dark and cold nights. Luckily Mel has Khan, a well trained German shepherd with her and he saves her life. I was a little perturbed that Mel's neighbour Iris is very negative about Mel getting a dog of her own as it would disturb her cat - she's way too controlling! Anyway, I feel that this was a better story that the first three in this series and that they get better as they go along.

[Helin-Mari Arder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Melissa - kirjanikunimega Mel Craig - on lasknud end oma krimiraamatute kirjutamisele vahelduseks ära rääkida hoopistükkis näitekirjanduse kirjutamise teemal. Nimelt on kohalikule mõisaomanikule Richard Mitchell'ile tulnud pähe, et tema sünnipäeva puhul võiks talle kuuluvas Heishilli mõisas etendada üht korralikku krimijanti. Melissa nõustub heameelega ning võtab osa ka näitetrupi proovidest, kus osalevad mitmed huvitavad tegelased - sealhulgas mõisaomanik ise, kaunis raamatukogutöötaja Dittany ning Mitchi poolt välja pakutud vanemapoolne sõber Will Foley, kes näib põdevat tõsist rambipalavikku, ent ei soovi siiski rollist loobuda.

Asjad võtavad aga tõsise pöörde kui Will leitakse mõisa all asuvast keldrist surnuna. Ehkki Melissa ei plaani asja ise täpsemalt uurida, kaasab mõisahärra Mitch teda ikkagi üsna jõuliselt oma uurimisplaanidesse ning naisega liitub ka Mitchi parem käsi Chris, kes ei kohku eriti millegi ees tagasi. Kuigi Will'i surm näib esialgu õnnetusjuhtum olevat, tundub tõesti, et mõisas võib toimuda midagi kahtlast ning omajagu salapära lisavad jutud seal pesitsevatest vaimudest, kelle hääli ja kohalolekut väidavad mitmed tundnud olevat. Ehkki Melissa vaime ei usu, paistis ka talle, et Will Foley surma järgselt kuulis ta keldris hääli.

Kui keerulistesse olukordadesse Melissa end seekord mässib ning kas Willi surm oli tõesti õnnetusjuhtum või sihiti tema asemel hoopiski mõnda teist näitetrupi liiget? Ka see lugu kulgeb tempokalt ning sisaldab parajas koguses üllatavaid pöördeid.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved visiting with crime writer Melissa Craig in the Cotswolds once again. Back from her summer sojourn in France she is prevaricating by writing a Halloween play rather than working on her latest novel.

The scene this time is the country hotel murderers seem to flock to and its luxury and history swiftly become part of the storyline. Once again the characters are well rounded and enjoyable. Iris isn't in it as much as usual unfortunately but Mel's tame policeman friend, Ken Harris, has a more central role which I thoroughly enjoyed.

These gentle crime stories are a welcome change from the psychological thrillers I have been drawn to lately but no less an art form. They are easy to read, friendly, apart from the occasional death, and always entertaining; as normal I am already looking forward to the next one.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this novel thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an unbiased review and recommend this as highly as the previous three re-released novels, all of which I loved.

[Lel Budge · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cozy crime novel

Melissa Craig is a successful crime novelist who lives alone in the Cotswolds. She is friends with her neighbour, Iris, who is an artist.

Melissa is asked to write a play for the local drama group to be staged at Heyshill Manor in honour of the owner, Rich Mitchell.

During rehearsals, one of the troupe is found injured in the cellar, unfortunately he dies and it’s initially believed to be an accident, but Rich Mitch isn’t so sure. And so the mystery begins.

Melissa starts delving into the events and finds much more than she bargained for in this charming, yet thrilling tale with some great twists along the way. I did miss the interactions between Melissa and Iris in this one though as Iris was away in France.

A cosy mystery just perfect to read, snuggled on the sofa with a good cup of tea.

I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review










#MurderAtTheManorHotel #NetGalley

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy an escapist read, the Melissa Craig Mysteries will be the perfect fit. The latest in the series takes place at a Cotswold Country Hotel. Melissa has been asked to write a short pantomime or 'pantocrime', as she calls it for the owner of the hotel's birthday. A successful entrepreneur Mitch is popular but does he have a reason for wanting the play performed on his birthday, at the hotel?

The cast is vibrant and seems to be having fun, but when someone has a tragic fall, the mood changes and Melissa finds herself embroiled in the solving the mystery. The setting adds depth to the story, there is a rumour of ghosts and other funny goings-on. Melissa uses her crime writer detective skills, which inevitably puts her in danger, much to the consternation of her friends.

This is an enjoyable easy read, with a well-thought-out plot, believable characters with a little humour and romance to keep the story becoming too dark.

I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

"A DRAMATIC DEATH
"Melissa Craig is taking a break from her bestselling mystery novels to write something different -- a play for an amateur drama group. They intend to present it at an old hotel in the Cotswolds ... but now the hotel has become the scene of a crime. A cast member has fallen to his death in the damp, chilly cellar -- and it's up to Melissa to find out who sent the actor to his final exit."
~~back cover

A nice exciting little mystery. Lots of misdirection: is Mitch as squeaky clean as he professes to be? If he is, why is his right hand man so ... criminal? And is there something sinister about the Honourable Penelope de Lavier? Or her business partner Lady Charlotte Heighton? Or maybe the play's leading lady, Dittany Blair? Absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to suspects! And a possible budding romance between Melissa and DI Ken Harris? I can certainly see how advantageous it would be if they became a couple, and a crime-fighting couple at that!
Is all's well that ends well here, or is it all going to the dogs?

[Jordan Veach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Usually in series, I find the characters get tired and wearily drawn out but Betty Rowlands has a knack for developing her characters into more complex and interesting people. For instance, I find myself getting as attached to Iris as I do to Melissa. I must applaud her ability to talk about dark subjects without getting too far into that world. Mel’s approach to investigating is exactly what I like in a breezy read and I can read it before bed without having nightmares!
Side note- Joan Walker is an excellent narrator and her voices really help to keep track of who is talking and when.
The only reason it’s not 5 stars is because it wasn’t a super believable plot, as is common with whodunnits. I reserve 5 stars for what I feel are unusually excellent books. In saying that, I’ve listened to two of these books in one week and am looking forward to the next!

[Nancy M Aleksey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at the Manor Hotel

This is the 4th book in the Melissa Craig mysteries. Melissa is a likable character with enough faults/quirks to make her feel real. I like when she gets annoyed at her friend Iris for baby talking to her cat. I can definitely relate. When she's asked to write a script for a short Halloween production she gets involved in tge murder of an ex-cop acting in the pkay. The mystery itself was a bit more complicated then I was anticipating from the earlier books, which shows tge growth of the author. There was something that I was sure was an important clue which turned out to be absolutely nothing. Threw me off for awhile. I was also surprised at the hints of things developing between Melissa and DCI Harris which I wasn't expecting at all. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in mysteries.

[Ilona Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe more 3.5 but still pretty good mystery

In the latest installment, there are funny goings on at a local resort. Melissa has written a pantomime for Halloween to be presented there. Thus she comes to the notice of the hotel owner. He enlists her help in looking into the matter. Since he is extremely wealthy and accomplished, this seems ridiculous. Why not hire a professional? Well, he did but he turns up dead. The story is good but there is too much talking about what’s happening instead of action and some characters’ motivations are only revealed at the end in the book end summary. A successful mystery would have some hints and foreshadowing. The crimes are solved and the criminals are no surprise. Another issue is the continuing characters who are now well known. Some new blood would freshen up the series.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery writer, the bossy tycoon with a henchman and two adorable guard dogs and two women strongly interested in him, a chance to write a simple mystery play and watch it performed at a local posh historic hotel, and what seems to be an accidental death of a man who turns out to be more than he seemed. That's the beginning, but there is a whole lot more and the reader gets to come across clues along with the mystery writer much to the disgruntlement of her friends and the local CID man. It was great fun trying to figure out who was up to no good when evidence was sorely lacking and to follow the twists and red herrings! Loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Bookouture via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourh book in this series, I have also read the third book. You do not need to read the series in order, but I will go back and read one and two because I enjoy the books so much. Melissa (Mel) is a mystery writer who lives in the country in the cotswalds. Taking a break from her latest novel, she writes a play to be performed locally. In the midst of rehearsals, one of the performers is murdered. Mel, working with the local DI, investigate the crime. If you like MC Beaton, without the man mad Agatha, you will enjoy this series. This series is not quite as madcap, but is similar in setting and plot. Highly recommend to all ages high school and up. No language, no sex, and no blood.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Aimi Tedresalu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Krimikirjaniku ja isehakanud detektiivi Melissa Craigi sarja neljandat raamatut lugedes jõudsin kahele järeldusele - see on tõesti nii õdukrimi (või muhe- või mahekrimi, kuidas kellelegi istub) kui ka vajaduspõhisel kuriteol põhineva süžeega. Sest kui ikka juba mõrv toime panna, siis peab sel ka konkreetne põhjus ja vajadus olema, kuid üldiselt pole vaja mõrvast liiga pikalt ega detailselt jahvatada, ja kõige jubedam ongi vast peast voolav veri. Seekordne lugu toimub taas vanas uhkes Inglise hoones ehk mõisahotellis. Ja kui juba mõis ja selles on vana kelder, siis peab ju ometi kollastes kummikutes kummituses kummutis kummitama ka. Või on see kummitis hoopis maisemat sorti... Jätkan sarja lugemist.

[Vanessa-Ann Dowsett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely booked in this series books already. The characters are well formed and diverse and the scenes are so well described you might think that you were there. This time popular crime author, Melissa Craig becomes embroiled in murder and theft when she agrees to write a play to be performed at an hotel for a colleagues ' birthday/ halloween party. Once again, she solves a very nasty series of crimes. This time however, there is an hint that Melissa may have an admirer but this is only hinted upon. On one occasion only is a swear word used but it would have been used in that particular set of circumstances.
Once again the narrator was excellent.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Melissa Craig series and each one gets better and better. I absolutely love English cozy mysteries. No one does mysteries as well as the English!

This story finds Melissa has written a short play for a friend to be performed on Halloween. Things go well until one of the actors turns up dead and the story really gets rolling from there. Great plot, lots of new friends for Melissa and, perhaps, a budding romance with her policeman friend Detective Ken Harris. Here’s hoping anyway.