Murder in a Country Garden

Melissa Craig #12

by Betty Rowlands

Aidan Cresney seems to be a model citizen. An active member of the parish council and a former barrister, he took up beekeeping as a retirement hobby. One day he is found dead after suffering multiple stings, and when a second family member dies in similar circumstances, tongues begin to wag. Soon Melissa Craig, the Cotswolds' intrepid crime-writing sleuth, starts to uncover some disturbing secrets.

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

266 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

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

Reviews

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

Murder in a Country Garden, the twelfth and last novel in the Melissa Craig Cozy Mystery series, uses the beautiful spring 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 twelve is just as exciting as the rest of the series.

It's an engaging mystery with a menacing undertone and chilling atmosphere running through it, and this time the intrepid amateur sleuth investigates the deaths of a family of beekeepers. Importantly for a cozy there is no profanity, sexual liaisons or blood and gore, and the conclusion was unexpected and satisfying. Previously published as Sweet Venom, 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 a popular and thoroughly enjoyable series; I am genuinely bereft to have come to the end of the journey with Melissa but it's encouraging to know that there is a new series of mysteries set in the lush Cotswolds coming soon from Ms Rowlands.

Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.

[Helga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, entertaining and engaging. These are the characteristics of Betty Rowlands’ cozy mysteries.

A beekeeper is found dead, stung by his own bees. Though the deceased is known to be meticulous and well-informed, initially the incident is thought to be a freak accident. But when the sister-in-law of the beekeeper also dies under similar circumstances, Melissa begins to suspect something fishy is going on.
Was the death of the tyrannical beekeeper an accident? Or did someone had enough of his cruelty and decided to put an end to it? Is there a connection between the two deaths? Who is innocent and who has secrets to hide?

Thanks to the author, Bookouture and the NetGalley for providing me with a copy.

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bookouture has reissued Sweet Venom, the 12th book in Betty Rowland’s Melissa Craig cozy mystery series, under the more appealing title of Murder in a Country Garden. I’ve never read any of the series — indeed, I’ve never read anything by Betty Rowland at all — and I still was able to follow and enjoy this novel.

Melissa Craig, newly married and now Melissa Martin, has given up writing cozy mysteries and the amateur sleuthing that went with it. Yet, old habits die hard. When curmudgeonly beekeeper Aiden Cresney is stung to death by his own bees, it turns out to be more than just a tragic accident. How could Melissa resist poking around? Rowland’s plots and characters never rise to the level of, say, M.C. Beaton or Ann Granger, but the novel kept my attention and I really liked Melissa a lot.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new author for me and the twelfth book in the series. I have been seeing a number of this series and wonder about. It worked quite well as a standalone as I had no trouble collecting with the characters who were developed and descriptions are first-rate. Domestic violence is touch on. The method of the killings is unique. I will read this author again.
Melissa Craig and her husband Joe have settled in their new home. She is dismay to learn that a neighbor has been stung to death by his bees. There is a second bee stringing of another member of the household. Melissa sets out to find an answer as to why do the bees swarm to an individual. Will she succeed? I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure: Thanks to Bookouture for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are moments in life where you meet new people whether they are real or fictional. I was lucky to ‘get to know’ Melissa Craig a bit more. Now though, it’s time to say goodbye. This is the last book in the series and I will miss her a lot.

It’s one of the best cosy mystery series I have ever read and I can strongly recommend them to everybody.

Bees are fascinating creatures, but I do not know a lot about them. What makes them tick? I don’t have the faintest idea and I always look at them from afar and leave them in peace to do what they do best.

In this story they play a very important role and I am glad the author clarified some aspects of their lives. It’s a bit terrifying to realise that something so innocent can have such a disastrous effect on other living beings.

I certainly will remember that trying to teach someone a lesson can seem to be a very good idea at a certain point, but you better think twice before you act and it turns into a tragedy.

I loved this book, I loved the series. The atmosphere the author created is one of a small village where people are always ready to give a helping hand, but where gossip is often still number one entertainment. 5 stars

Thank you, Bookouture

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading book one in this series ‘Murder at Hawthorn Cottage’, I said in my review’ that the book is ‘The quintessential cozy mystery… the storyline is fast-paced and engaging… builds to an adrenaline fuelled ending, full of action and powerful imagery. An enjoyable, escapist read that I suspect may become my secret addiction.’.

Now, after reading book twelve ‘Murder In A Country Garden’ the end of the series, all these things are still true, and since I have read twelve books in under eight months the stories are addictive.

If you enjoy dastardly crimes, committed in beautiful country settings, with larger than life characters, who all have secrets, but are not all murderers this series is for you.

Melissa Craig is the perfect reluctant detective, with sound knowledge of crime, and how its perpetrators are motivated, from her career as a crime novelist. Melissa is perfectly placed to discover the truth behind the crimes she discovers.

The last book in the series can be read as a standalone, as the story is complete and the main protagonist and characters are well described. The plot is clever and full of twists and the family where the deaths have occurred very mysterious. For fans of the series, we get to enjoy the final instalments of developments in Melissa’s private life, which adds depth and authenticity to this likeable retro cozy murder mystery.

This is an enjoyable end to a lovely series.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining visit with Melissa Craig or rather Melissa Martin now that she is married! It is interesting that she is no longer a mystery writer, but can not keep her mystery mind from getting embroiled in a mysterious death in her community. The plot was well written and was quite interesting how it unfolded and for once I was wrong about the who's of the "whodoneit" while I had figured out who was involved, I didn't quite have the how/why pinned down and must admit that I had lumped an innocent person in with the other villain or villains as the case may be! I don't want to give away spoilers as that ruins the fun! If you haven't read the entire series, you will be find reading this as a stand alone, however you will be missing out on a multitude of entertainment as this is the 12th book. The character development is quite interesting as I really like the main character and how she works through the mystery to come to her conclusions, the auxiliary characters are quite well developed and for the most part quite likeable. I haven't yet decided if I like Melissa as a married woman as I am not convinced that I like her new husband, but doesn't that mean that the author will need to keep writing Melissa stories to convince us of his worth!!! LOL, my not so subtle hint that I am ready for another Melissa adventure!

Merged review:

Another entertaining visit with Melissa Craig or rather Melissa Martin now that she is married! It is interesting that she is no longer a mystery writer, but can not keep her mystery mind from getting embroiled in a mysterious death in her community. The plot was well written and was quite interesting how it unfolded and for once I was wrong about the who's of the "whodoneit" while I had figured out who was involved, I didn't quite have the how/why pinned down and must admit that I had lumped an innocent person in with the other villain or villains as the case may be! I don't want to give away spoilers as that ruins the fun! If you haven't read the entire series, you will be find reading this as a stand alone, however you will be missing out on a multitude of entertainment as this is the 12th book. The character development is quite interesting as I really like the main character and how she works through the mystery to come to her conclusions, the auxiliary characters are quite well developed and for the most part quite likeable. I haven't yet decided if I like Melissa as a married woman as I am not convinced that I like her new husband, but doesn't that mean that the author will need to keep writing Melissa stories to convince us of his worth!!! LOL, my not so subtle hint that I am ready for another Melissa adventure!

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Melissa “Mel” Craig has moved and made a new life for herself and her new husband, Joe. Her mother Sylvia now lives with them and they all seem to get along very well. Melissa is working on a new novel and has sworn to herself that she will not get drawn into any more detecting.

However, when an experienced beekeeper dies of bee stings and the police call it an accidental death, Melissa gets drawn – quite against her will – into an investigation. When another member of the same family dies in the same manner, Melissa is drawn even furter into the mystery. Somewhat on the sly, for she knows that Joe wouldn't approve.

This is an interesting tale. It is certainly an original idea for a book and I enjoyed the newness of it. It made me think. Some theories are posited that I'm not sure about, but it is entertaining reading and I enjoyed the book. The killer comes as somewhat of a surprise, for I did not consider them a suspect. I like Ms. Rowland's writing style. It is clear and easy to read. I will certainly read the next in this series.

I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read,enjoy and review.

[Seema Rao · Rating 3 out of 5]

Atmospheric ~ Cozy

tl:dr: Murder comes to a small town

This book is the equivalent to Midsommer Murders. Both exist, and have audiences, including me, because there are times you want an easy mystery. This book is set in an English town, not unlike many other ones. In this one, the dead person is a beekeeper. The story is cozy, for sure, and enjoyable, but not groundbreaking.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.


Seema Rao Write : Instagram| Blog| Twitter|

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Aidan Cresney seems to be a model citizen. An active member of the parish council and a former barrister, he took up beekeeping as a retirement hobby.

"Cresney confidently boasts that bees will never attack an apiarist 'who knows what he's doing'. Yet one day he is found dead after suffering multiple stings.

"When a second family member dies in similar circumstances, tongues begin to wag. And Melissa Craig, the Cotswolds' intrepid crime-writing sleuth, starts to uncover come disturbing secrets ..."
~back cover

Betty Rowlands went on to write nine more books in her Sukey Reynolds series and one stand alone novel, but this is the last book in the Melissa Craig series, and it seemed a little less intrepid than the former books. The clues were all there, until the last one towards the end ... but I didn't fathom the killer out. It's set entirely in Upper Benbury where Melissa lives, and we get a nice slice of village life: the gossip, the cliqueishness, the Cotswolds landscape. All in all, the series has been a very enjoyable read and I'm rather sad that there are no more books to come.

[Ilze Paegle-Mkrtčjana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nav brīnums, ka autore nolēma beidzot sūtīt savus varoņus pelnītā atpūtā...

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel quite sad. This is the last in the Mel Craig series. I've been enjoying reading them over the last few months and now it has come to an end. Actually, that's not quite true, I missed book three in the series and will be going back to that. Even so, it seems to leave me feeling a bit emotional to get to the end. I suppose that there is a limit to how many bodies that Mel could fall upon and she is Melissa Martin by this book.
The storyline this time revolves around the seemingly accidental death of a local man after he was stung by his bees while beekeeping. After another similar death and details emerging about what kind of man the first victim was, it becomes clear to Mel and her new husband Joe that there might be something sinister at work here.
The manner of death in this story was a little unusual, being stung to death seems like a pretty horrid way to go! I have to admit that I didn't manage to solve this one. Not because I was blaming the wrong person, but simply because I hadn't a clue who had actually done the murder.
This was another great read and instalment in the Mel Craig series. I'm quite sad that it's come to an end, but I have really enjoyed reading them all.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book by NetGalley. This book review is my opinion and is not influenced by the publisher, author or NetGalley.
Even though this is part of the series, I had not read any of the others in The Melissa Craig books. I didn't feel like it mattered that there were 11 books before this, I was able to connect with the characters and the story quite easily. The author, Betty Rowlands, has a gift with words. She is able to build well-rounded characters. She also was able to develop details with descriptions so I was able to see the story in my mind as I went along.
Moving into their new home, Melissa Craig and her husband have begun to settle, until Melissa discovers that her neighbor, who raises bees, was stung to death. When a second member of the household died in the same manner, Melissa feels she needs to investigate as to why the bees seem to swarm to specific persons. Is there foul play or is it nature doing what it does.
The story will pull you in until you have answers.
I recommend this book to those who like mysteries.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that's it - I've finished the final book in the Melissa Craig series. I can't recall reading this one the first time round so I may have missed it when it was originally published, the plot was certainly completely new to me. Melissa is now married to Joe and has her mother living in the extension to their cottage, so this book has a different feel to it. Melissa, Joe and Sylvia seem to be taking part a lot more in village affairs like going to church together and Sylvia is friendly with several of the other inhabitants of the village. I don't know if Betty Rowlands intended this to be the last in the series, it does have a settling down atmosphere but the ending is left open as to how Mel, Joe and Sylvia's lives will develop in the future.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did enjoy this, and as usual with Ms Rowlands' work was miles off guessing whodunnit! This sadly is the final book in the series of Melissa Craig books and I have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. They are beautifully written and evoke the atmosphere of the English village so well, if you take out the murders that is! The characterisation of the stalwarts of all the books, Gloria, the cleaner, Mrs Foster in the village shop, as well as other more transient inhabitants were a joy to read but Melissa's best friend Iris was my favourite.

In this final outing a domineering egomaniac is found dead, attacked by his beloved bees, an attack regarded as a tragic accident. Melissa is getting used to having her mother, Sylvia, living in the extension she had built for her as well as being a new wife; she married Joe in between this and the previous book and has no intention of investigating crimes any more. Befriending the devastated widow changes all that and she soon finds herself deeply involved once again in the darker side of village life.

Each book in this series has shown an evolving talent; both the cases and their resolutions became more complex and satisfying, the characters richer and multi layered. It was the beautiful cover of book one which drew me in but the entirely compelling storytelling which kept me hooked through each following outing to Upper Benbury and I will miss the excitement evoked by each new visit there.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it highly to anyone who has enjoyed the previous 11 books or wants to read first class mystery writing.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mel, Joe and Sylvia are now all happily living in Hawthorne Cottage. It's late summer and everything is buzzing, especially the bees in Cold Wells Manor garden. What they don't know is that Aiden Cresney, the elder brother and owner of the house, has been stung to death by his own bees. When Mel visits to offer her sympathy to the widow, Caroline Cresney is grateful and leans on her for comfort. Sarah and Quentin Cresney also live in a wing of the house, but Caroline prefers to talk to Mel. A few days later, Sarah is also stung to death by bees. Quentin runs off to go and live with his former wife, Poppy, and Caroline needs Mel's comfort even more, left alone in a huge house. Mel wonders what would cause two people to be stung by normal honey bees, and learns that there's a naturally occurring chemical which smells like bananas which causes bees to get angry and sting. When a little pot of banana-scented cream is found in Sarah's garbage, wheels begin to turn.

The Cresneys are not people I feel sympathy for, as they are too needy. Aiden was a bully to his brother and his wife and I thought it was a good thing that he was out of their way. Mel is very clever to find the cream, but it causes her own life to be in danger. Joe is a good addition to the story as he's the voice of reason when Mel wants to investigate, but it doesn't stop her at all! I love this series and am happy that even though this is a last one written there are still more earlier one to enjoy.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: I may have come late to the Melissa Craig party, but I have become a fan of her mysteries. I love how fully fleshed out she is. She’s the author of a highly successful mystery series who lives in the Cotswolds and helps solve murders. While she met with full on resistance from the local police initially, many of them have come to admire her skills and are grateful for her assistance, as long as she is not putting herself in harm’s way. Unfortunately, that is often the case.
This time two deaths that are considered accidental at first do not sit well with her. She is convinced there is more to it and that both deaths by bee stings were well planned murders. There are suspects but she cannot figure out how it was done until the murderer decides she is nearing too close to the truth and tries to use the same “murder weapon” on her. It comes frighteningly close to success.
It is a jolly good story with a terrific twist that would be entertaining in its own right. But it ups it game with some very astute observations on village life and the toxic results of gossip. It all adds up to a great read.
Five purrs and two paws up for Mel.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery writer and her new literary agent husband are back from the honeymoon and settling in to their new digs. The newly remodeled adjoining cottage is where her mother resides following surgery to remove the brain tumor. The three are acclimating to the village and it's inhabitants when an odious near neighbor dies under peculiar circumstances and the widow suddenly clings to Melissa for support and help. And then things really get messy! Everyone knows Melissa is a mystery writer and too many of them expect her to become involved, much to her husband's disgruntlement. Even her mum seems to feel a need to get involved. But when things get too odd Melissa runs things past a former police inspector who passes the info on to the local. There are some credible suspects, vicious gossips, strange entanglements, and it's all tied up in a grand whodunit!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Bookouture via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mel has returned from her honeymoon with her new husband, her literary agent, Joe. She’s completed the renovation on her cottage and her mother Slyvia is living in the new little annex. Life is settling into a nice, quiet pattern of writing, coffee breaks, and country strolls. Unfortunately the peace is shattered by the death of a detested neighbor who has been stung to death by the bees he keeps. Within a day, his sister-in-law has met the same fate. The family has always “kept themselves to themselves “ but these unexpected deaths have the gossips in the village in high gear., the poor widow Caroline is highly suspected of committing the murders, because no believes either death is an accident. Much to Joe’s dismay, Mel once again finds herself investigating the crimes. The ending was a complete surprise.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advance copy. I do recommend this book, and the entire series.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a bittersweet book as it's the last time that we will visit with Melissa Martin (formerly Craig) in Upper Benbury. It was great to visit once again with Mel, Joe, Iris, Sylvia and the others in the Village. It was like spending time with old friends.

This time Mel becomes involved when there is a suspicious death next-door where a beekeeper is found dead near his hives with multiple bee stings under his protective netting. Apparently, he was considered a bully and many people had cause to want him dead. Soon there is another person from the house stung in a similar way..... Coincidence or is someone killing off the members of this family. The sting comes very close to Mel's home during her investigating as she places her mother in danger.

There are a few surprises in this book which makes it a lovely send off to Melissa Martin. Worth 5 stars and more!

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is with a heavy heart that I finished this last in series. I have adored this series but understand that authors must move on to further works. As the 12th and last book I savored this book to enjoy the last read in series. I have read the entire series and highly recommend it as one of my favorite cozy mysteries.
Mel and her husband are investigating a death of a man apparently stung to death by bees. When a 2nd death occurs in a similar fashion they find clues that link the two deaths and a possible suspect list grows. The way they died was shocking and Mel is determined to solve these murders. The clues abound and soon she is on the right track.

This was a wonderful addition to the series. I I have really enjoyed reading the entire series.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
I look forward to further work, by the author. This is a charming and enjoyable cozy mystery series.

[LittleRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mel and Joe are back from their honeymoon and Sylvia has moved into the new addition they added for her. While Mel has written the last of her murder-mystery books, it seems murder and mystery are not yet done with her. When a neighbor who dabbles in beekeeping, is found dead from multiple bee stings, Mel provides support and to his young widow.

When the sister in law who also lives on the estate is also attacked by bees, it seems that it might be more than just a coincidence. Never one to let something go without looking deeper, Mel and Joe find themselves more involved than they thought they would be. But when Mel gets too close to figuring out what happened, she finds herself tagged for an attack as well.

Not quite as good as the previous book in the series, but still engaging and the method of murder was unique. Not quite 4 stars, but definitely a solid 3.5.

[Mrsk Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written murder-mystery with just what you want, and expect, from the busybody British wanna-be female detective.
The story is well written, the story arc proceeds exactly how it should and the character develop is delightful. I have not read any of the other Melissa Craig mystery series, but this one makes perfect sense as a stand alone. There are characters and circumstances that have obviously been visited before but Rowlands artfully explains them in just a sentence or two without losing the flow of the story.
I received a free copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Anna Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I typically read Ms. Rowlands books in one sitting, and this was no exception. I like Mel and her husband,. I liked that we get a bit of Ivy as well. The fact that Mel really wants to stop investigating murders and yet just keeps getting pulled in is understandable. As this mystery takes place in Mel's hometown, we don't get descriptions of new locations, but I like the village and the necessary verbal take downs of unpleasant neighbors is refreshing.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Clbplym · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read in the series but I believe Melissa, a crime writer, has been solving murders for 12 books now. This case follows the death of Aiden, a generally despised retired barrister. He has died from bee stings and, at first, it seems like an accident. However, Melissa digs a little deeper and starts to suspect otherwise. I can see why this is described as a ‘cosy murder story’ as the characters are gentle and the threat never feels real. It seems a bit like Midsummer Murders and the kind of book my mother would really enjoy.

[Leyla Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst I enjoyed this book, I found it not as good as Melissa Craig's earlier books in the series, the bee sting has been done before a few times and the ending was predictable, even without the final clue. Having said that, I did find the book good to read and I really enjoy the writing style and the characters that have develop in this series. This book can be read as a stand alone book, which I really favour in a series.

[Fiona Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from the author. Melissa finds herself once again caught up in a mystery which leads not only her, but those closest to her, into the danger zone.

I love that these stories don’t feel too samey to me. The author still manages to surprise the reader with her ability to continue Melissa’s story seamlessly while at the same time giving her a new mystery to solve.

Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a copy.

[Charlotte Pawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect summers day with a walk through the village seeing new neighbours. The scene is set for the perfect English village murder. A swarm of bees round the body it must be an accident. The family keeping to themselves leaves the village gossips a field day. You will be very happy to take a few hours in this village with an appealing cast of characters and test your skills of deduction.
I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had forgotten how much I liked reading Betty Rowlands' Melissa Craig series. This was a real page turner and I enjoyed the combination of Melissa and her young newspaper reporter friend. Together they make a great duo.

I had forgotten about the romance with the detective, so that was a nice surprise. All in all, a great read. So sorry that we have lost this dear writer. She was so dependable.

[Gea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never get tired of this series; this installment does not disappoint, either with the plot, or the development of the main characters, and there is always a twist! Melissa's mother is back to play a starring role, and it's good to see that relationship developing. The sub-title says it all: A completely addictive cozy mystery novel!