Murder on a Winter Afternoon

Melissa Craig #5

by Betty Rowlands

None of the staffers at the country school Uphanger were particularly fond of its tyrannical schoolmaster, Mr. Haughn. But when he's found murdered one dawn on school grounds, no one knows who hated him enough to put a bloody end to his tenure. Melissa hopes she can help the police solve the case--and find a killer whose favorite course of study is Murder 101.

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

198 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1995

About the author

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

Reviews

[Lel Budge · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY REVIEW


This is number 5 in fifth Betty Rowlands series of books featuring her heroine, the author, Melissa Craig. This is again set in the Cotswolds, during a snowy winter.

Her vegetarian neighbour and friend, Iris is also part of this story and the usual Police and press characters and her ever faithful agent.

This is a nice, gentle tale with lovely descriptive walks in the snowy countryside along with a search for clues and suspects in the nasty death of a fellow author, Leonora Jewell. The marvellous Gloria also makes her usual appearance.  Melissa is again caught up in all sorts of scrapes and ends up in danger herself, in this charming, well written, cosy mystery. An absolute pleasure to read.

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

#MurderOnAWinterAfternoon. #netgalley

[Judy Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published in 1996 as Malice Poetic, this reissue is now titled Murder in the Orchard. I have not read any other novels by Betty Rowlands so this was my first time checking out what could become a new reliable series for me. The victim in this story was certainly written to be a prime candidate for murder and Melissa Craig is a character who picks up on atmosphere and clues quickly to guide the reader along the right path to solving the mystery. I enjoyed the story but it does suffer somewhat from the lack of technology - specifically cell phones - which has become so prominent now, but was not so evident in 1996. Even though this is the sixth book in the series I would imagine that readers would not have any problem picking any of the books to read regardless of publication order.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an eGalley of this novel.

[Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite a casual, cozy mystery. It wasn't incredible, and got a bit slow in places, but overall a nice wintery read.

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today I am reviewing #5 of Betty Rowlands’cozy mysteries, Murder on a Winter Afternoon. Remember Melissa Craig, the cozy mysteries writer who solves real murders too? Well, guess what! She can’t stay out of a murder even if she wants to.

This time, Melissa is hired to finish a mystery novel started by another writer who recently passed away. The lady writer Leonora Jewell was old and everyone assumed that she died of natural causes. But, Melissa, in order to finish the book, visits Leonora’s house and there she finds something that looks like a murder weapon. She reports her finding at the police station, but the police can’t find a thing. The murder weapon is gone! So, Melissa, even when specifically ordered not to, starts her own investigation.

Maybe, it was a burgler? Or maybe it has something to do with the book Leonora was writing?

Melissa is not going to involve in the investigation. No, she is just going to satisfy her own curiosity and sense for justice. Just that!

I absolutely love Melissa Craig as a main character. Stubborn, smart, full of imagination, a woman whose fantasy works well both in her books and the real world outside. A younger version of Miss Marple. I love the witty neighbor Iris and her cat. I love these cozy mysteries, written in a old-fashioned way, settled in a rural place, where characters don’t use the modern technology. I know, this story was originally published in 1995 and many things are changed since then. But these cozy mysteries are great relaxation after reading a hard-core thriller with a serial killer in it. This is a perfect read for a cold winter afternoon, settled in an armchair with a cup of warm tea.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melissa Craig is expecting to have a quiet and enjoyable Christmas season when she finished her latest novel. Then she is approached by her publisher to finish a novel by a well known author who had recently passed away, leaving her 100th book with three chapters unwritten. Mel reluctantly agrees to the task, travels to the author's house to retrieve the manuscript and her outline and notes. When Mel leaves, she sees a old well head in the yard. Looking inside, she discovers the well has been filled in, and right on the top is a piece of angle iron with what looks like dried blood and hair on it. Returning it to the well, Mel is shocked and thinks that the author didn't just die, but was murdered.

When she reports her discovery to the lawyer, he calls the police, but when they search they don't find the metal piece. It had disappeared in the hour between her discovery and the police search. Mel starts her reading of the dead woman's notes, and finds a business card for an art gallery. Taking her neighbour Iris and her newspaper friend Bruce, they visit the gallery and find something strange there. When Bruce and Mel make a deeper investigation, it becomes quite dangerous for her.

This was a better story than the previous one. This is a good series which I am glad I found. Two to go.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

"THIS SCHOOL IS KILLER ...
"Melissa Craig gets a quick study in murder when she visits Uphanger, an innovative new school in picturesque Gloucestershire. Uphanger's tyrannical schoolmaster, Stewart Haughan, is less than popular with his long-suffering staff. But when he's murdered one morning on school grounds, his untimely demise sends the campus into an uproar. Haughan had been receiving anonymous verses in the mail -- with mysterious messages that were anything but poetic. Now, Melissa must put on her own thinking cap to help p0lice solve the case -- and find a killer whose favorite course of study is Murder 101."
~~back cover

Nicely written: well plotted, and awash in astounding characters. Haughan's killer seems obvious, until there's a second killing, when the killer seems even more obvious ... to everyone by Melissa. Diggin up clues buried in the past is a speciality of hers, and of course -- she solves the murder in the end, as she always does.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

There a different kinds of crime genres. I really like the psychological and the police procedural ones, but every once in a while I can find myself immersed in a cozy mystery.

This is the 5th book in the series and I have read and enjoyed them all. Melissa, the main character, tries desparately to stay out of trouble, like she always does but never succeeds in. Somehow she can't help herself. She wants to solve the case but this time she needs someone to confide in. No one is better suited for this than a sollicitor, right?

I liked the setting and I was happy to see that Iris was more in the picture again. This is a series that keeps you coming back for more. 5 stars.

Thank you, Betty Rowlands, Bookouture and Netgalley.

https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com

[Heatherinblack · Rating 4 out of 5]

smart, smart, smart, and then dumb as a door nail

the mystery was great! the crazy things Mel did were completely reasonable! until she told the bad guy the while story hunting he was a good guy. DUH! obviously he was involved. so annoying. good mystery otherwise.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another mystery solved by the crime-loving fictitious author Melissa Craig. Betty Rowland’s’ feisty heroine prevails again in her 5th book in the series and Mel’s adventures continue. This time Mel is asked to finish another author’s final novel after her untimely death during a burglary gone wrong. As she becomes more embroiled in writing the mystery she discovers similar criminal activity happening on her very doorstep. #NetGalley

[Triinu · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Arda Karabocek · Rating 1 out of 5]

The tagline for this book is 'you can finish it in one sitting', it appears that it is also the motto for the writing of this book. The reader is few steps ahead of the main character through out the whole book and the worst part is yet to come. If you remove the main character from this story, the ending doesn't change dramatically. If you already think Agatha Christie is a genius, you'll start to worship her after reading this. Do not recommend to anyone besides who never read a detective novel in his/her life.

[Ilona Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

Melissa Craig is once again involved in a mystery but there is no mystery here. Everything is completely obvious from the start and the only one in the dark is her. Also there is again an art scam at the center which seems like maybe it was a leftover plot line from a previous book. There was little character development and the book just seemed lazy. Doubtful I’ll continue with the series.

[Connie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pleasant descriptive writing. Good, likeable main characters. But in the minor cast, must there always be a 'Major?' And that is my central objection to this book. It is just a wee bit obvious. It was evident who was responsible from Melissa's first unwise disclosure. I suppose I prefer cozy novels which have more wry humour and aren't too predictable. And I wanted Melissa to be really clever. For a woman who is described as independent, Melissa seems just a bit too gullible.

[Beachcomber · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the shortest Mel Craig book so far in the series, and the simplest plot. Without even trying, I spotted one character was shifty, and you’d think with Craig being a mystery writer, that she would spot neon clues more quickly and not walk into dangerous situations. It frustrated me more in this book, hence giving it 2 stars instead of 3.

[Reelika Raimet · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://raamaturiiulike.wordpress.com...

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had a bit of a binge session reading these books, so I’ll do my reviews all on my post! They are fabulous books to pick up and put down when you have five minutes here and there. The books are all part of the Melissa Craig series, but they can be read as standalone books with no problems at all. They also have all been released under different titles in the past, but the book fairy has come along and brought them right up to date with new covers and titles! They are delightful in the way that they are “cosy crime” books, meaning that there is no blood and gore, no overly violent scenes and a little bit of humour thrown in for good measure. If you like books written by the great Agatha Christie or MC Beaton, then you will love these!

Murder on a Winter Afternoon
This has previously been released as Deadly Legacy. Crime author and amateur sleuth, Melissa Craig is back in this Christmas themed mystery. Following the death of local author, Leonora Jewell, Melissa is asked to finish off Leonora’s last book. But when she visits Leonora’s cottage, she finds an iron blood which is covered in blood and suspects that Leonora was murdered. With the Police not believing her, Melissa decides to investigate Leonora’s death herself.

Murder in the Orchard
This has previously been released as Malice Poetic. Melissa Craig is asked to investigate some threatening notes which have been received by the owner of a nearby country house, but before she can do any kind of investigating, the owner is found dead in his own orchard. Universally hated, Melissa discovers that he wouldn’t have won any prizes in a popularity contest, but who hated him enough to kill him. Can she find the killer before they strike again?

Murder at Larkfield Barn
This has been previously been released as Smiling at Death. We are back in Upper Benbury where Melissa is shocked to discover one of her old neighbours has been murdered and the killer has painted a horrific smile on her face. Looking at her other neighbours and people who live in the Village, is the killer closer to home than Melissa could have imagined?

These were all great books to read. I love the character of Melissa Craig! Being a crime writer, she obviously finds it useful when she is investigating all these terrible murders that she appears to always be caught up in! I would like to imagine her to be your typical quintessential English lady, all dressed in tweed with thick ribbed tights and very sensible shoes, but reality probably has Melissa as a bit more ‘normal’ than that! She comes across as a bit of a “nosey neighbour”, but one that definitely has a heart of hold! One thing you could definitely say of Melissa though is how unlucky she must be to always be around when a murder has been committed!!

The characters, not just in these three books but in all of them I’ve read so far, are fun, interesting and likeable. As the books move on and some of the earlier characters begin to come back into the later stories, you begin to build a relationship with not just Melissa, but some of her friends as well. The locations of the books, and particularly the village of Upper Benbury, are beautifully set and you can just picture Melissa rushing round the countryside looking for clues as you read!

I would whole heartedly recommend these books if you’re after a good old fashioned whodunit! You won’t have to cover your eyes from fear or rest your uneasy stomach after too much blood and gore! What you will get though is a series of very easy to read books that are fun and light-hearted, but with enough crime and mystery to keep you trying to work out the clues before Melissa does!! If you’ve never tried a cosy mystery book before, then what are you waiting for!

[Carol Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeping with my wintery reading theme, next up is Murder on a Winter Afternoon by Betty Rowlands. It’s also a Christmas read, kind of, since it takes place at that time of the year and two of the characters do help with the script and scenery for a Christmas show, even if it’s only mentioned once or twice. This is the 5th (or 7th depending on how you count) in the series starring Melissa Craig, but the first I’ve read and I though it worked quite well on its own.

Melissa is an author and she’s been asked to finish the last novel of her neighbor, Leonora Jewell. Leonora usually wrote family dramas, but this last one is more of a crime novel, right up Melissa’s ally. Leonora was killed, presumably by the burglars who had been making the rounds and not by the sex strangler who is making women in the area extra cautious. Of course it turns out to be neither and Melissa finds the weapon she was killed with; it had been hidden very purposefully but it disappears before the police show up. Melissa’s convinced Leonora was killed for something she found out during her research, which of course puts Melissa in danger as she is trying to follow Leonora’s thought process.

It’s a good mystery, with plenty of clues and several suspects. I like Bruce, the newspaper man who helps Melissa, he’s useful in ferreting out clues and helping Melissa get into situations that could lead to trouble. He’s a fun character. Melissa’s boyfriend is a detective, but he’s out of most of the action, sick in the hospital. Leonora’s book, Deadly Legacy, centers around shady dealings in the art world, and Melissa’s painter friend Iris is a huge help, too. I’m not sure why, but “art mysteries” tend to be some of my favorites.

I did figure out who the killer was and yelled at Melissa in my head to stop making stupid decisions, but it’s a cozy mystery. . .

Overall, it was a solid book, not outstanding, but enjoyable.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Mel Craig Mysteries just get better and better, I don't know if it's because I know the character a little better with each one. This book has, like the last one, a bit of an art theme going on. It's a bit of a different situation to in the previous book, but is interesting and works well all the same.
You might expect that by the third book, Mel might have been a bit more on the ball with this mystery. Mel is a mystery novelist herself, which is part of the reason that she gets involved in all of these crimes in the first place, so she should surely be able to solve things reasonably easy. In this book, she doesn't spot what I felt was fairly obvious though. I don't know if the mystery would have worked so well if she had, so I'll let her off, I was getting a little stressed and wanting to give her a shake.
One of the great things about reading a series is that you get to see the characters develop over time. In this instalment we see the development of a relationship that grew a little in the last book, I wonder if we'll see more of this in subsequent books?
The only slightly annoying thing about this series is that on the one hand, it is quintessentially English, but the book must have been prepared for the American market. There are a few too many cell phones and cookies for my liking that just detract very slightly from that British setting. Overall though, this is a great classic mystery series and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jennifer Ritter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder on a Winter Afternoon is the fifth book in Betty Rowland’s Melissa Craig Mystery series. This story is set in the village of Upper Benbury in the Cotswold Hills. Author Melissa Craig has pretty much isolated herself to her Hawthorn Cottage except for the occasional walks with her neighbor at Elder Cottage, artist iris Ash. She has finally finished her rewrites and has sent it to her agent, Joe Martin, breathing a sigh of relief and looking forward to a relaxing Christmas.

But when Joe calls her, it is not to discuss her novel, but rather her taking on the assignment to finish the chapters of the 100th book written by elderly author Leonora Jewell who has been found murdered in her remote cottage not far from Melissa. It is thought that she surprised a burglar and the struggle resulted in her death.

With much pleading, Melissa finally arranges with Joe to see the manuscript and visit the late author’s home to look at her notes and research. Her boyfriend, DCI Ken Harris of the Gloucestershire CID, is none too happy that again Melissa will be holed up in her study, but when he needs to travel for work, it becomes a moot point.

When Melissa takes on the assignment, she never expects to be drawn into a calculated murder and an international art theft ring. And even less does she expect who the mastermind will turn out to be!

An interesting story with many twists and turns, I did enjoy this book and would recommend it.

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder on a Winter Afternoon is the fifth book in Betty Rowland’s wonderful Melissa Craig Mystery series. This story is set in the village of Upper Benbury in the Cotswold Hills. I particularly enjoy cozy mysteries in the Cotswold's and this never disappoints . i enjoy the entire series and do highly recommend it for all that enjoy mysteries.. This is such a well crafted mystery with multi layers and a excellent plot sequence.

Author Melissa Craig has isolated herself to her Hawthorn Cottage to do her rewrites and finished just in time to enjoy Christmas. Her editor Joe calls her asking her to consider taking on the assignment to finish the chapters of the 100th book written by elderly author Leonora Jewell who has been found murdered not far from Melissa in the Cotswold's. Melissa arranges to visit the late author’s home to look at her notes and research. As she researches for the assignment she is drawn into the circumstances behind the death of Lenora Jewell Soon she is building clues and a suspect list that may put her in danger as well.
This mystery had such a surprising ending! The story kept me interested and i was unable to figure out the ending. Thank you to the Publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity to review this book. My opinions are my own. I highly recommend this mystery series. I look forward to further work by the author.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the Melissa Craig series of books by Betty Rowland and once again it is just right for an evening or two curled up with a good murder!

This time Melissa is feeling a bit put upon and craves peace and quiet to finish writing her current novel. Of course she finds nothing of the sort when she arrives at a writers retreat a short drive from her home. The story has more levels than the first few books along with the welcome familiarity of the main characters and a few more red herrings than usual ensuring this was my favourite book so far and once again I had no idea who the killer was until Melissa herself worked it out.

I was able to read an advanced copy of the book thanks to Netgalley in return for an unbiased review and would recommend it to any lover of cosy crime stories. Since joining Netgalley I have been delighted to have the chance to read and review this set of books. They are set not too far in the past but with no mobile phones, internet or social media to detract from the basic detective work are an enormous pleasure to read and I look forward to digesting more in the future.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this fifth instalment of Betty Rowlands series of books featuring her heroine, Melissa Craig, the action is once again set in the Cotswolds, this time as the cold sometime snowy weather is prevalent. All the main characters from the previous stories are here, helping or hindering the investigation and trying, usually unsuccessfully, to keep Melissa out of trouble.

As always this is a gentle slow burning story in which the hunt for clues and suspects is interspersed with morning walks, the weekly visit from the cleaner and dinner with friends.  Although this is a re-released novel from the days before social media, blogs and ebooks the mobile phone finally makes an appearance but not with the regularity it would if the book was set in the modern era.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this novel thanks to Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review and recommend it for anyone who likes a cosy mystery to read in one or two sittings. Each book in the series stands alone but I have thoroughly enjoyed reading each of the five titles re-released so far in order and hope more will become available next year.

[Aimi Tedresalu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peab ütlema, et igavesti mõnus on end suvisel pärastlõunal lilleõielisel ja mesilasesumiseval terrassil kerra keerata ja talvist pärastlõunamõrva nautima asuda. Kas mõrv nüüd just nauditav peaks olema, on iseasi, kuid lumiseid kirjeldusi nautisin ma küll. Seekordses ehk Melissa Craigi muhekrimi lugude viiendas raamatus leiab oma otsa eakas perekonnasaagade kirjanik ja Melissa kirjastaja teeb igati loogilisena mõjuva ettepaneku, et krimikirjanikust Melissa võiks ju poolelijäänud loo viimased peatükid ise ära kirjutada. Selleks aga tuleb viimasel end sündmuskohal asjadega paremini kurssi viia ja iseenesestmõistetavalt satub ta ka mõrvaloo keerisesse. Peab ütlema, et teatud teema tundub neis lugudes popp olevat, sest selle ümber keerles asi eelmises osas ja keerleb ka seekordses. Seekordne teos oli eelnevatest saledam, aga võib-olla nautisingi seda seepärast kõige rohkem. Jätkan sarja lugemist.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter always seems to enhance the attractiveness of murder mysteries, especially typically English ones like the Melissa Craig series. This is a particularly atmospheric story both in terms of snow and frost and the air of menace that follows the intrepid crime writer around as she becomes embroiled in another murder mystery.

This story sees the reappearance of Bruce, from earlier books in the series and he definitely brings out Mel's impulsive personality traits. There is a lot going on in the background of this story, some of which seems superfluous to the plot. I worked out whodunnit, early on, this is possibly the author's intention, as it shows up Mel's fallibility, and increases the danger she faces.

Perfect for reading on a cold, stormy Winter's day like today.

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

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melissa Craig,a successful crime novelist, is asked to finish the late Leonora Jewell her final book. Leonora died rather unexpectedly after a nasty fall in her cottage. As Melissa is trying to get as much information as she can in order to accomplish her task successfully, she encounters some discrepancies in different stories ,some things that do not match and all of a sudden poor Leonora's death is perhaps not so straightforward after all...
This is a blend between a cozy/cosy read and a typical English village murder. But it works,it doesn't sound too simplistic, the characters are not overly "vaudeville"and people do more than drink tea and have a chat with the vicar. 
And then,an English(Cotswolds I think) village in the winter is always a bit of a winner.

[Andi Caissie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why isn’t she dead?

As I’ve worked through this series lots of little things have bothered me. At the end of one book Mel gets a dog from a murder victim; the dog is never mentioned again. Several times it has been mentioned that her son is in Texas, working for the oil industry; in this one there is a comment about him living in New York. Mel continuously puts herself into dangerous situations and never seems to learn. She is currently involved in a relationship with a police officer but for some unknown reason they have to keep it a secret. There are more books but I think I’m finished with this silliness. I was hoping this series would be similar to those by Faith Martin; nope, not even close.

[Katy Chessum-Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Melissa Craig is a writer living in the Cotswolds, enjoying long walks in the countryside and chatting afterwards with her neighbour Iris over a bowl of soup. Melissa finds herself drawn into a mystery when she has to step in to finish another writer's novel - Leonora Jewell has been murdered! With the help of a few friends, Melissa sets out to uncover the truth about why Leonora was murdered and has a new scrapes and near-misses along the way! This is described as a 'cosy mystery' and I would agree; there are some twists and turns to keep the pace up and the action is not as grisly as some detective/crime dramas can be.

[Anna Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read in the Melissa Craig series. Some building upon prior books - mainly relationships - so the books don't need to be read in order. This author does a fantastic job with the details of the scenery, so you really feel like you are there. The mystery is interesting, although this time I was able to figure out who-done-it. Probably reading too many of the books back to back having just found this author. I like the character of Melissa, and the Detective.

I thank the publisher & NetGalley for my eARC received for an honest review.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I read this series the better it becomes. This is the fifth instalment I read and it was amazing.
I love to see the evolution in the character and each time is like to meet again some old friends.
This book is fun to read, engaging and entertaining.
I loved the plot that kept me guessing till the end and I wasn't able to stop reading.
I'm happy there's a new book to review so it won't be long before I go back to reading about Melissa and her friends.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC

[Gail Gassen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read!

A great mystery that is quite twisted involving so many different leads and bad people! Also very sad at the lives taken in the name of greed! Of course it is only a book, right? Wrongl!! These are characters that have been brought to life by a wonderful author who breathes life into them. I know you'll enjoy another wonderful mystery, and a blossoming romance that will hopefully turn into more! I'm really happy that our heroine & DCI Harris have finally gotten together!