Over the Edge

Melissa Craig #3

by Betty Rowlands

In Cevennes to research the history of the Camisards for her next novel, writer Melissa Craig must soon use her sleuthing skills to solve the murder of two people there

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Crime, Audiobook, Murder Mystery

252 pages, Hardcover

First published June 3, 1993

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 on the Clifftops, the third novel in the Melissa Craig Cozy Mystery series, is as wonderful an affair as the previous two. Sharp, snappy prose, engaging characters and the usual village setting is replaced by the stunning Cevennes mountain range in the South of France. This is an excellent choice of series for those who prefer their crime fiction to be tame and clean but at the same time losing none of the thrills and spills that come together to create an interesting and intriguing story. The best way of describing this series is as Midsomer Murders but in book form and set abroad. Highly recommended.

[Els · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third part in the series and I have read the previous 2 as well. It's always nice to be able to follow the recurring characters from the beginning, but you can also read it as a stand alone.

The author takes us on a trip to sunny France, where, once again Melissa and Iris are in the middle of a murder case. Of course Melissa would not be Melissa if she did not try to find the perpetrator.

So, while she racks her brain under a baking sun, we learn a bit more about the village and it's history. A pinch of romance is also added and the whole story is covered with an emotional veil.

It's a very likeable story, a typical cozy mystery novel and out of the three, this one pulled my hearstrings the most. 4 stars.

Thank you, Betty Rowlands, Bookouture and Netgalley.

https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another mystery to be solved by Melissa, the crime writer. An old fashioned way of investigating, the first two books had its quaint English charm. This book was set in the French countryside. Though the landscape appeared charming, the book lacked its overall appeal. Though I loved Melissa, the other characters were just okay. I couldn't get into the investigation too. I needed a bit more mystery to keep my interest running.
Overall a good book by Betty Rowlands

[Triinu · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mel Craig’s investigations continue in this third retitled adventure. This time set in France. A quirky cast of characters makes this an enthralling mystery with the ‘who done it’ factor complicated by historical revenge and modern love interests. Another fascinating, quick read from the pen of Betty Rowlands. #NetGalley

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book of the series. I love Cotswolds, I enjoy reading thrillers. This time, Melissa happend to be in Frace and I was struggling to get through it. I could't keep track of the characters, sometimes called by their first, sometimes by their last names. The plot was meh. At least I can dream of Cotswolds with the previous books. There was no excitement, unfortunately.

[Michelle Singer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t finish just could not hold my attention

So many different and confusing characters which seemed to go nowhere. The tiring plot as it unfolded could not hold my attention and I simply didn’t care who murdered whom. I very much enjoyed book one. But book 2 had the lead character acting like a sex crazed teenager and violence against women and anti-gay undertones and now booked three was a snooze. Not sure if I will go on to book four.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Murder on the Clifftops is the 3rd book in the Melissa Craig series by Betty Rowlands. Released 15th Oct 2018 by Bookouture, it's 268 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. Originally published in 1993 as Over the Edge , the entire series is being reformatted and re-released in order of publication.

This is an enjoyable cozy series. This one sees titular character, mystery author Melissa, on location in France with neighbor Iris. They're a part of a school/workshop in southern France, Iris as a painting instructor and Melissa doing research for an upcoming mystery she's writing.

The author definitely has a deft touch with historical details and the setting and history are as much a character in the book as any of the human characters. There was a great deal of the history of the area of which I was previously completely unaware. The murders were sufficiently 'bloodless' as to fit with the cozy genre, there wasn't anything to distress or detract from a pleasurable read. I liked the convoluted plot building and the denouement was satisfying. The language is quite clean and there's very little sexual content at all (just secondhand comments on some characters' personal lives). Nothing gratuitous.

There are elements of a thriller and long shadows from WW2 and betrayals lasting down generations. I did enjoy the book and will seek out further installments. Though this is the third book in the series, it works very well as a standalone and I had no trouble following the plot or figuring out who was who.

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

[Helin Puksand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Krimikirjanik Melissa Craig sõidab koos oma sõbranna Iris Ashiga Prantsusmaale, kus Iris viib läbi üht kursust, kuid Melissa soovib tutvuda kohaliku ajalooga. Idüllilist reisi rikub aga mägedest leitud laip. Kuigi asja uurib ka politsei, ei suuda Melissa uurimisest kõrvale jääda. Lisaks mõrvaloole on siin raamatus ka mitmeid suhtedraamasid.
Teos liigitub muhekrimi alla ja sobib neile, kes armastavad põnevust, kuid mitte veriseid kuritegusid.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

"MURDER ON THE ROCKS
"At home in the Cotswolds, Melissa Craig solves the most tangled crimes -- in her popular novels and in real life. But on a sojourn to the French countryside to research her next book, Melissa stumbles upon a spine-chilling 'coincidence' ... Two bodies turn up, only days apart, smashed upon the rocks beneath a scenic overlook. The local gendarmes call the deaths accidental. But Melissa's instincts for foul play tell her there's more to the story ...

"It's crime by the book for Melissa Craig. Plotting mystery novels has given this delightful, determinedly independent woman an encyclopedic knowledge of all the gristly ways to commit murder. And since art mirrors life, she has become a lady worldly-wise to love, to hate, to passion ... but most of all, to whodunnit!"
~~back cover

Nicely plotted, with a very generous array of suspects along with a nice helping of minor subplots. Since this is an older mystery (1992) it's somewhat lacking in the sophistication of more modern mysteries, but it's still a nice little page turner.

[Elizabeth Roxburgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Craig mystery

Enjoyed this book very much. I did not work out so the killer was which is how I like my books. Good characters and good plot.

[Reelika Raimet · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mel and Iris have travelled to south central France where Iris is leading a workshop on art at Pierre Bonnar's newly opened adult education facility. On their first day, they are led to a belvedere at the top of a cliff overlooking a lake, and see a body lying crumpled on the shore below. When the police recover the body, it is determined that the young man had fallen to his death. Mel is very interested in the area as she wants to set her next book in this area.

Even though the setting of this book was beautiful and the food sounded delicious, I found this book not at good as the ones set in the Cotswolds. I will continue this series, though, as I like the character of Mel, although I find Iris bossy and sarcastic.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #3 in the Melissa Craig Mysteries series. Whilst it can be read as a standalone, it does make sense to read the books in order for continuity. This book has previously been published in 1993 under the title Over The Edge but has had, along with the rest of the series so far, a makeover and new title thanks to its Publishers, Bookouture.

We are back with Melissa Craig in this cosy crime series. Melissa and her friend Iris are in France. Iris has gone to teach an art course and Melissa is doing some research for her next crime book. When a man’s body is found at the bottom of a cliff, Melissa is there ready to help with her expert crime solving abilities. Was it an accident, or was he pushed? The answer becomes obvious when a second body is found, almost exactly in the same spot. With lots of suspects to choose from, can Melissa work out what is going on?

A refreshing change in scenery for the third book in this series. I love the village of Upper Bembury, where Melissa lives, but thoroughly enjoyed the different view I was given from their visit to France. As usual with this series of books you do work out quite early on what is going on, but I have to say this book made me work a bit harder in working out the culprit! There are a lot of suspects in the story and any of them could have won first prize in the ‘Who Done It’ category!

The beauty of these books is that there is no blood and gore, and whilst there are more murders than you can imagine, it’s all done in a nice and rather jolly way!! As I have said on the reviews for the previous books, I love Melissa’s character! She comes across as a bit of a busybody and always wants to know everyone’s business, but you just know she has a heart of gold really!! I also loved the fact that even though all she really wants is a quiet life, murder and mystery seems to follow her around, even across to the Continent!

A great murder mystery story with some humour thrown in, ideal for Agatha Christie and MC Beaton fans! I shall look forward to reading the next book in the series!

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the 'Melissa Craig Mystery' series, sees crime writer Melissa and her neighbour and friend Iris, artist and textile designer, leaving their Cotswold cottages for southern France. Iris is lending her services to her Philippe, her French entrepreneurial friend and Melissa who knows the region decides to do some research for her next novel.

Melissa and Iris' relationship is tested as they live and work in close proximity, especially when Melissa questions Philippe's motives. There are an interesting set of players; artists and those interested in the French way of life and particularly its language.

A tragic but seemingly accidental death causes disruption in the students' ranks. When someone else dies, Melissa begins to suspect foul play. A keen but bumbling French Gendarme, makes Melissa think beyond the obvious explanations, and she finds herself in danger whilst searching for the truth.

This story reads well as a standalone, especially with the change of location but the threat to Melissa and Iris'previously harmonious relationship adds additional conflict to the plot and Melissa finds she misses having someone to bounce ideas off, and you really need to have read the previous novels to appreciate its effect on both women.

There are lots of suspects, an interesting backstory, that illuminates current events and a charismatic crime writer turned sleuth. Don't expect twenty-first-century political correctness and attitudes, these mysteries take place in the late twentieth century and the storylines and characters' reflect this.

The murders are gruesome, but the story's ethos is gentle, as is expected in a cosy mystery. Definitely, something that will interest 'Midsomer Murder' fans and those who enjoy 'Miss Marple' and 'Poirot'.

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

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

"Murder on the Clifftops" on algse pealkirjaga "Over the Edge" (1992) ning selle tegevus leiab aset maalilises prantsuse külakeses kuhu krimikirjanik Melissa Craig on koos oma kunstnikust sõbra ja naabri Iris Ash'iga tööd tegema tulnud. Iris nimelt annab siin asuvas Cévenol'i koolituskeskuse kursust ning Melissa on otsustanud tutvuda lähemalt kohaliku ajalooga, mis tähendab peamiselt tutvumist kamisaaride ehk kohaliku vastupanuliikumisega. Irisel paistab olevat lisaks nõrkus keskuse juhataja, stiilse prantsuse härrasmehe Philippe Bonard'i vastu.

Asjalood kisuvad aga kiirelt tõsiseks, sest leitakse ühe õppetöös osalenud noormehe surnukeha. Ehkki politsei jõuab pärast asjaoludega tutvumist seisukohale, et tegu oli õnnetusjuhtumiga, ei paista kõik korras olevat. Pinged kasvavad õpilaste seltskonnas nii mõnede sõprade vahel (näiteks inglannad Dora ja Rose) kui ka keskuse abijuhataja Alain Gebrec'i ning keskuses prantsuse keelt õppiva sakslase Dieter Erdle vahel. Viimane on ka Dora ning Rose'i vaheliste lahkhelide põhjuseks kuivõrd tundub, et ta kavatseb varaka Rose'i pimedat kiindumust enda vastu kurjasti ära kasutada.

Melissa ei plaani uurimisse sekkuda, ent ikka ja jälle sattub ta olukordadesse, kus ta sündmuste tagamaadest rohkem aimu saab. Ka kohalik politseiinspektor Hassan on tema suhtes väga postiivselt meelestatud, ning Melissa avastab end ühel hetkel ikkagi uurimuse keskpunktist, kaalumas poolt- ja vastuargumente pea kõikide kursuslaste suhtes, kellel õõvastavate sündmustega võiks oma seosed olla.

Järjekordne õdus krimijutt, kus võib raamatut lugedes nautida hubaseid restoraniõhtuid, vestlusi ning ümbritsevaid meeleolusid ning põgusaid vaateid keerukatesse minevikusündmustesse.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a terrific read., it started out well and it delivered. Even though it is the 3rd book in the series, it wasn't necessary to have read the previous two. Melissa, a mystery writer, and her friend/ neighbor Iris, an artist are on a working holiday in southern France. Melissa is gathering research for her latest book, and Iris is teaching an art course. I really appreciated the descriptions of the mountainous counryside and the inclusion of the local history. The supporting characters were all really well developed and the book was a real pleasure to read. I presume the book is set in the 80’s, no cell phones, no internet searches. It really doesn’t matter, the writing is clean and clear, the characters are interesting, and the setting gorgeous. The mystery involves two separate deaths, both appear to be falls from the rocky clifftop. The local gendarme thinks one an accident and one suicide, but Melissa doesn’t agree. With the support of the second victims mother, Melissa sets out to find some answers.
Thanks to netgalley for a free eARC. In my honest opinion, I will definately read the others in the series. Highly recommend.

[Lel Budge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder on the clifftops

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, vegetarian, yoga enthusiast.

Iris is invited to run an art course in France and Melissa tags along to do research for her new book.

Shortly after their arrival a body is found at the base of a cliff, which is deemed an accident, however a further death occurs and this could be murder.

The investigation begins and Melissa is asked by the local gendarmes for her input and so begins a tale of old family hostilities between German Gestapo and French resistance fighters descendants. The book does take quite a while to get going and there were some odd instances of making fun of the French accent, which seemed a little old fashioned and even the French policeman was a little too Poirot, with his moustache and nose tapping to be taken seriously. I did enjoy the book overall though.

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










#MurderOnTheClifftops #NetGalley

[Annie (is so far behind 😬) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third installment in this (re-released) series takes Melissa and Iris to France, where Iris is an art instructor for a friend's artists retreat. Melissa accompanies her and utilises her time researching for her new book.

A body is found at the foot of some cliffs near the retreat, shortly after they arrive, and while at first it is dismissed as an accident, Melissa is not quite convinced. When a second murder happens, she starts to investigate alongside the gendarmerie, the inspector of which is a huge Melissa Craig fan.

Again, this is a more 'back to basics' mystery, with none of the modern computer, smart phone, Internet, etc., information that accompanies more modern mysteries. The investigation relies on conversations, literal legwork and the researching of clues in books, libraries, etc. It therefore moves along more slowly than more contemporary novels might.

I enjoyed it enough to finish it and unravel the mystery and I didn't guess the murderer until shortly before Melissa did but because it moves at such a slow pace, it took me almost a month to read because it was easy to NOT read it, too. Still, it will hold appeal to many people and is a solid mystery overall.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.

[Ilona Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better book than the two previous

I liked Murder on the Clifftops better than the previous two. Melissa has actual personal contact with all the suspects. There is a back story from history related to the Camisards as well as the Resistance during WWII. It’s interesting from a history perspective, and not too far-fetched that old wounds could fester and boil over. I thought though that the ending didn’t quite come to grips with “why now.” The characters are fairly clear. Interestingly homosexuality is also in the book and is handled perhaps a bit better. Than the last book. After reading Clifftops I’m interested in the next one. Of course, typical of this kind of book, the central character learns many things because he/she is the center of everything. This can get a bit ridiculous, but it is the traditional style so I go with it. Miss Marple with her many nieces and nephews and knitting, Miss Silver with her discrete cough and her knitting. Melissa Craig isn’t quite in their league but a mystery author can easily end up in the middle of a murder in book land.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The English countryside of the first two books in this series is replaced by a baking hot French summer for the third. Set in the Cévennes mountain range, Melissa is researching a new novel while Iris teaches an art course for an old friend at his new residential educational facility. Once again this book hits the spot as an easy to read cosy mystery and I found myself lost in its pages almost immediately. The details of the research Melissa is undertaking was fascinating and the mix of characters worked brilliantly. I didn't guess the killer and was surprised by the identity of the culprit. As always there was a wealth of red herrings to keep me guessing. I am thoroughly enjoying this series of books and was able to read an advanced copy of this novel (reissued as Murder on the Clifftops) thanks to Netgalley. I hope all of these stories will be re-issued as I would love to read them all.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the other books in this series and always loved them. This one was no exception: once I started reading I couldn't put it down as it was entertaining and enthralling.
Even if I was missing some of the usual characters and the Gloucestershire setting, I found this one well described and reaserached.
This book does a good job in describing the relationship between Melody and Iris, especially the first time they have to face what is sharing a common space.
The mystery was interesting and it kept me guessing till the end.
A very good, enjoyable mystery.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC

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

Another murder mystery with author Melissa Craig who is also an amateur sleuth. This time she has been invited by her neighbour Iris to spend a week in France so that Iris can teach an art class. It's an ideal opportunity for Melissa to research for her new book. It's a lovely book for not only are there murders to solve but the history of France during the occupation is fascinating. I was a little sorry when it began, to think that it was not set as the others had, in England but I need not have worried. Another gem from Betty Rowlands, no swearing, fun between the serious pieces. Highly recommend

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed in Book 2 of this series I kept reading as I had bought the first three in one volume. Book 3 bounced back a little. The victims were no longer women and the mystery was nicely set in a landscape infused with history and long shadows of past disputes and cruelty.

Melissa still wrestles with personal loyalty and civic responsibility, shallow romantic attachment still threatens to take over women’s lives but in the end of this volume commonsense prevails. The narrative in this volume is pleasingly more focused on motivation, history and connection. These aspects work well and kept me reading. i hope the trend continues.

[Mizloo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Convoluted story, admirable mostly for its evocation of the possibilities and variations of love affairs in women "of a certain age." Otherwise, the little known history of that part of France, and the interplay of it's long ago story of hiding refugees with similar efforts during WWII could have been interesting if more clearly described.

I found it hard to stay interested, waiting for the varying strands of plot to merge. Might be better appreciated by someone with stronger background in French & German languages.

[Fiona Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even when she’s away from home Melissa Craig finds herself embroiled in a murder which has her doubting those around her. Accompanied by her loyal neighbour, Iris, she attempts to discard the lies being told and figure out the who and why before anyone else gets hurt.

I am becoming a huge fan of these stories as they are easy to read and follow, yet they still retain the ability to surprise me when the perpetrator is discovered.

I went straight into book 4 as soon as I finished this one.

Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a copy.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mel and Iris go to France- Mel to research history of the area for her next book; Iris to teach a class at a school a friend of hers owns. The day of arrival a mans body is found on the rocks below a cliff - verdict is suicide. The personalities and interactions of the “students” are embellished to create a toxic atmosphere in some cases. Another mans body is found a few days later in the same place-verdict murder. Was it one of the students? A villager? Suicide? Mel helps the local inspector solve the case.

[Leyla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book in the Melissa Craig mysteries had a better storyline, and was more realistic than her first two book - but I really enjoyed the other two better. Again, as with the other two, it was a page turner and one that kept me up late, the background story was good and it moved along well, and I love the fact that there isn't any "to be continued..." endings.. Waiting to see what the next book brings.

[Peter Winstone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something Wrong??!!

I found this book in the series too easy to put down, a bit of a slog in fact! I couldn't understand why as the writing is as superb as the first two I have read! Then I realised it was my attitude ... to me a Cosy Crime novel is quintessentially English and should be set in England, particularly the Cotswolds ... the setting in France didn't do it for me, sorry; but as I said the was superb hence 3 stars and not 2.

[Jude Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Melissa Craig crime writer and amateur detective work a her magic again, this time In France. Really enjoyed this, couldn't put it down. Betty has me on the edge of my seat, and just when I thought I had worked out the killer, there was another brilliant twist. Betty has a great way of bringing all the characters to life and throws lots of twists into all her books. For me this deserved 5 star rating, can't wait to read book 4