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Sukey Reynolds #4
Death at Burwell Farm
When Sukey's son Fergus returns from a weekend away with his girlfriend's family, he has a strange request to make. Anita's aunt has become involved with the RYCE cult and her worried family want Sukey and her partner DI Jim Castle to investigate.
234 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
322 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Betty Rowlands
47 books143 followersBetty Rowlands is an member of the Crime Writers' Association and appears on panels at writers' conferences.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 15, 2019
“The air is alive with cosmic vibrations. They are all around us, destroying your demons with their divine power. Your internal shackles are crumbling, the Inner Wheel is within your grasp. Picture it, see it, reach out for it, ride on it with thankfulness. Drink from the sacred wellspring of cosmic energy and feel it bearing you towards the Great Unlimited!”
This is what they preach in Release Your Cosmic Energy or RYCE for short.
What they don’t promise, is an apparent suicide, a suspicious death and a murder.
What is going on within the walls of this organization? Is it just a place to meditate and heal? Is the cult as innocent as its founders claim it to be?
Thanks to the author, Bookouture and the NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
This is what they preach in Release Your Cosmic Energy or RYCE for short.
What they don’t promise, is an apparent suicide, a suspicious death and a murder.
What is going on within the walls of this organization? Is it just a place to meditate and heal? Is the cult as innocent as its founders claim it to be?
Thanks to the author, Bookouture and the NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
August 12, 2019
Sukey Reynolds is a SOCO for Goucester City Police. She has a teenaged son, Fergus, and a hot boyfriend, DI Jim Castle. They often butt heads with her being so intent on getting involved in cases beyond the remit of her job. But hey, she only gave up working for the police when she got pregnant.
In this 4th outing, Sukey goes undercover at the RYCE (Release Your Cosmic Energy) Foundation after a couple of deaths seem to have ties to the place. Located at Burwell Farm, Sukey is trying to find out if a suicide and a heart attack death were in any way connected to the new age center. Although she finds the course somewhat calming, there's a murder that disrupts the course and her equilibrium. NO SPOILERS.
I enjoy this cozy mystery series and have read them all in order to date. The characters are nice people without all the pent up angst and psych damage that tend to be a staple in this genre. The stories are fast reads and provide a pleasant entertainment. I'm becoming quite attached to Sukey, her son, and DI Jim. Looking forward to the next one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
In this 4th outing, Sukey goes undercover at the RYCE (Release Your Cosmic Energy) Foundation after a couple of deaths seem to have ties to the place. Located at Burwell Farm, Sukey is trying to find out if a suicide and a heart attack death were in any way connected to the new age center. Although she finds the course somewhat calming, there's a murder that disrupts the course and her equilibrium. NO SPOILERS.
I enjoy this cozy mystery series and have read them all in order to date. The characters are nice people without all the pent up angst and psych damage that tend to be a staple in this genre. The stories are fast reads and provide a pleasant entertainment. I'm becoming quite attached to Sukey, her son, and DI Jim. Looking forward to the next one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
May 30, 2019
On the overall I liked this book. The characters are very nice although the plot is not a very complicated one. The writing is good and I enjoyed reading it. I'm quite sure I'll be reading more of Betty Rowlands books in the future.
June 8, 2019
4.5 Stars
Sukey Reynolds is a Scenes of Crimes Officer & is sent to Burwell Farm to look for evidence of a burglary & discovers the old farm is now a retreat, the owners do make some extraordinary claims about healing the soul with their RYCE organisation. Sukey's she’s called to another break-in at a& whilst there a policewoman arrives & tells the owner that her husband Oliver Drew has died, & it emerges that he spent a great deal of time at Burwell Farm.
Sukey is asked by her son’s girlfriends parents to investigate RYCE because their elderly aunt recently died unexpectedly & she also spent time at Burwell Farm. So Sukey joins a five morning course at the farm. Then a murder is committed in the garden while she is there & soon she realises she has landed herself in deep water.
Another well written page turning novel. I love the cases, which Sukey becomes involved in but there’s also the continuing relationships which develop throughout the series. Sukey always happens to be at right or wrong place at the right time & her inquisitive nature makes her become involved usually to the despair of Jim Castle. I'm loving this series & eagerly await the next book.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Sukey Reynolds is a Scenes of Crimes Officer & is sent to Burwell Farm to look for evidence of a burglary & discovers the old farm is now a retreat, the owners do make some extraordinary claims about healing the soul with their RYCE organisation. Sukey's she’s called to another break-in at a& whilst there a policewoman arrives & tells the owner that her husband Oliver Drew has died, & it emerges that he spent a great deal of time at Burwell Farm.
Sukey is asked by her son’s girlfriends parents to investigate RYCE because their elderly aunt recently died unexpectedly & she also spent time at Burwell Farm. So Sukey joins a five morning course at the farm. Then a murder is committed in the garden while she is there & soon she realises she has landed herself in deep water.
Another well written page turning novel. I love the cases, which Sukey becomes involved in but there’s also the continuing relationships which develop throughout the series. Sukey always happens to be at right or wrong place at the right time & her inquisitive nature makes her become involved usually to the despair of Jim Castle. I'm loving this series & eagerly await the next book.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 2, 2019
Two people die. Their only connection is a lovely spiritual spa. Is it a con? Did it have something to do with their deaths? Of course Sukey can't help but look into the situation after being begged by the widow of one victim and the uncle of another, who also happens to be Gus' girlfriend's father. Follow that? This was a great way to get the two families to interact, especially since Ms. Rowlands likes to include Sukey's son in her conversations about the crimes she isn't supposed to be looking in to. But once again Sukey gets herself in trouble and someone else has to rescue her. I keep my fingers crossed that she can save herself some day. Until then, she shouldn't have eyes on becoming a detective and should remain a SOCO.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
June 5, 2019
The fourth in the series featuring Sukey Reynolds, a Civilian attached to the Gloucestershire police SOCO department. Sukey is called out to photograph evidence of a burglary at Burwell Farm, a new age healing centre. Coincidentally she hears of a recent suicide by one of the centre’s clients, shortly after that another client is found dead in her car after leaving the facility. Sukey’s curiously is piqued and she soon goes undercover. As always with this author, the book is well written with good characterization and a strong sense of place. I am really enjoying this series and hope there are many more adventures for Sukey.
Thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an electronic arc, I strongly recommend. If you enjoy “Midsomer Murders” you will enjoy this.
Thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an electronic arc, I strongly recommend. If you enjoy “Midsomer Murders” you will enjoy this.
March 10, 2020
A cult-ish organization promoting healing and being unshackled from stress and what-not soon has two of their members dead. A grieving but suspicious widow ropes in Sukey to investigate undercover. What follows is a lot of discussion: between Sukey and her love interest Jim, Sukey and her very nosy son Fergus, Sukey and the persistent relatives of the deceased; and very little detection, as the killer (of a different victim) is only revealed upon Sukey eavesdropping and finally needing to be rescued by the police.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2019
I do enjoy the Sukey Reynolds mysteries. As a SOCO- and ex police - she sees things others miss. Supporting her are her fella DI Jim Castle and, probably her biggest fan, her teenage son Fergus. This story she joins a sort of cult. Personally, I'd have checked out the herbal tea.
A good read
A good read
June 4, 2022
Book 4 already in this series and I am so happy I discovered this author.
Is this a cozy mystery book? Yes and no. Yes, because the main character Sukey is not a detective which means she is an amateur sleuth. On the other hand though she is a SOCO and part of a police team so some people would say she is not an amateur. Anyway, whatever the genre is, the books are great and that is the most important thing. 😊
This time Sukey is determined to find out what is going on behind the walls of Burwell Farm. It’s no longer a working farm, but it serves as a retreat now. A peaceful environment with lush gardens to destress. That like a dream come true. There are some therapies too and they really seem to help. This is wonderful, right? People feel like reborn after a few sessions of what some people would call a load of mumbo jumbo. But mumbo jumbo or not, if it helps, that’s what counts. Until it does not anymore…
Sukey has a plan, but not everybody agrees it’s a good one. Sukey is an independent young woman and nobody will decide for her. If it’s in her head, she goes for it. Sometimes though she acts before she thinks which brings her in a not so comfortable and even dangerous situation. Thank God for the cavalry. 😊
Another very entertaining story. Sometimes there is a lot more going on than meets the eye. 5 stars
Thank you
Is this a cozy mystery book? Yes and no. Yes, because the main character Sukey is not a detective which means she is an amateur sleuth. On the other hand though she is a SOCO and part of a police team so some people would say she is not an amateur. Anyway, whatever the genre is, the books are great and that is the most important thing. 😊
This time Sukey is determined to find out what is going on behind the walls of Burwell Farm. It’s no longer a working farm, but it serves as a retreat now. A peaceful environment with lush gardens to destress. That like a dream come true. There are some therapies too and they really seem to help. This is wonderful, right? People feel like reborn after a few sessions of what some people would call a load of mumbo jumbo. But mumbo jumbo or not, if it helps, that’s what counts. Until it does not anymore…
Sukey has a plan, but not everybody agrees it’s a good one. Sukey is an independent young woman and nobody will decide for her. If it’s in her head, she goes for it. Sometimes though she acts before she thinks which brings her in a not so comfortable and even dangerous situation. Thank God for the cavalry. 😊
Another very entertaining story. Sometimes there is a lot more going on than meets the eye. 5 stars
Thank you
May 19, 2019
Sukey Reynolds finds her work and personal lives coming together when two deaths occur and both deceased are linked to a mysterious cult that promises cosmic peace. Are they merely a coincidence or is there something more to it? Sukey agrees to help the families of both deceased members find out a little more about RYCE.
While Sukey goes against her boyfriend’s mandate that she not get involved, Jim truly does worry about her and shares Sukey’s plan with his superior who agrees with Sukey and sees no harm in it. But Sukey’s intuition is right, yet again, and there is something not quite right about the people at RYCE, but it doesn’t seem sinister to her.
When the leader of RYCE is murdered while Sukey is in a session and being close to the people and place, she is able to help the police dig further into who might be the most likely suspects. But will Sukey figure it out before she is silenced and sent to her own cosmic ending?
Another great entry in the Sukey Reynolds series! The pace is quick and the mysteries are so involved that you might wager a guess at whodunit, but you’re likely not able to figure out why until all is finally revealed. Can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
While Sukey goes against her boyfriend’s mandate that she not get involved, Jim truly does worry about her and shares Sukey’s plan with his superior who agrees with Sukey and sees no harm in it. But Sukey’s intuition is right, yet again, and there is something not quite right about the people at RYCE, but it doesn’t seem sinister to her.
When the leader of RYCE is murdered while Sukey is in a session and being close to the people and place, she is able to help the police dig further into who might be the most likely suspects. But will Sukey figure it out before she is silenced and sent to her own cosmic ending?
Another great entry in the Sukey Reynolds series! The pace is quick and the mysteries are so involved that you might wager a guess at whodunit, but you’re likely not able to figure out why until all is finally revealed. Can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
June 21, 2019
I think that I may have mentioned on one of the previous Sukey Reynolds books, that they are a little different from Betty Rowlands' other series. Unlike her other female lead, Mel Craig, Sukey doesn't really set out to investigate the mysteries that she finds herself in the middle of. Unlike Mel, Sukey actually has a reason to get close to crimes, in her role of SOCO, which is possibly why the approach is slightly different here. Either way, it doesn't really matter as the story itself is very enjoyable.
Having said all of that, this time, Sukey is asked by more than one person to look into a potentially dodgy alternative therapy, meditation retreat type place. Although she does set out to find out what is going on there, once the murder takes place, events unfold around her, rather than her actively trying to get to the bottom of them.
This really is a very enjoyable series. There is the chance to try and work out who-done-it, but just reading the story is entertaining in itself. This is only book number four in the series and I'm looking forward to reading more about Sukey, her son Gus and boyfriend Jim Castle.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Having said all of that, this time, Sukey is asked by more than one person to look into a potentially dodgy alternative therapy, meditation retreat type place. Although she does set out to find out what is going on there, once the murder takes place, events unfold around her, rather than her actively trying to get to the bottom of them.
This really is a very enjoyable series. There is the chance to try and work out who-done-it, but just reading the story is entertaining in itself. This is only book number four in the series and I'm looking forward to reading more about Sukey, her son Gus and boyfriend Jim Castle.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 5, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was our fourth visit with Sukey Reynolds, Fergus, DI Jim Castle and the others at the Gloucester Constabulary. Once again Sukey finds herself in the middle of an intriguing mystery. As a SOCO (Scene of Crime Officer) Sukey has been called to Burwell Farm to take photos of a burglary scene. At her next assigned location she finds another burglary and a link to Burwell Farm. As a couple of deaths have links to Burwell Farm, Sukey at the request of a young widow and the father of Fergus' girlfriend Anita - who lost his Aunt Vera, Sukey decides to investigate the RYCE (Release Your Cosmic Energy) Foundation. Of course, DI Castle is no happy about his girlfriend putting herself in danger once again but Sukey follows her instincts and while putting herself in the path of very serious harm, once again triumphs. Perhaps she should return to the force as a police officer instead of just a SOCO......
Miss Rowlands has written an engaging and very hard to put down book that had me reading very late into the night.
This was our fourth visit with Sukey Reynolds, Fergus, DI Jim Castle and the others at the Gloucester Constabulary. Once again Sukey finds herself in the middle of an intriguing mystery. As a SOCO (Scene of Crime Officer) Sukey has been called to Burwell Farm to take photos of a burglary scene. At her next assigned location she finds another burglary and a link to Burwell Farm. As a couple of deaths have links to Burwell Farm, Sukey at the request of a young widow and the father of Fergus' girlfriend Anita - who lost his Aunt Vera, Sukey decides to investigate the RYCE (Release Your Cosmic Energy) Foundation. Of course, DI Castle is no happy about his girlfriend putting herself in danger once again but Sukey follows her instincts and while putting herself in the path of very serious harm, once again triumphs. Perhaps she should return to the force as a police officer instead of just a SOCO......
Miss Rowlands has written an engaging and very hard to put down book that had me reading very late into the night.
May 21, 2019
Burwell Farm is a retreat where the stressed go for some peace and tranquillity as they try to relax and 'find' themselves. However, there are secrets hidden there and when two suspicious deaths are linked to the RYCE organisation, which owns and runs the centre, Sukey Reynolds finds herself unable to avoid looking into what goes on behind closed doors.
The main characters in this series are very familiar by now and eminently likeable. The humour and day to day occurrences slip seamlessly in alongside the mayhem of the murders which inevitably occur to provide a cosy, comfy reading experience which is as familiar as the return of a favourite friend. I love this series of books and hope there will be more to come from Sukey, Jim et al before too long.
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 to anyone who enjoys the world of cosy crime or the works of Ms Rowlands; once again neither disappoint.
The main characters in this series are very familiar by now and eminently likeable. The humour and day to day occurrences slip seamlessly in alongside the mayhem of the murders which inevitably occur to provide a cosy, comfy reading experience which is as familiar as the return of a favourite friend. I love this series of books and hope there will be more to come from Sukey, Jim et al before too long.
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 to anyone who enjoys the world of cosy crime or the works of Ms Rowlands; once again neither disappoint.
June 7, 2019
Sukey Reynolds is a police photographer who is sent to photograph the aftermath of a burglary. The young woman of the house confides that her husband has been missing. He is later found murdered after becoming involved with a cult occupying Burwell Farm. Sukey thinks there’s a connection, but can’t convince her colleagues to investigate that possibility. When Sukey is sent to Burwell Farm to photograph another burglary, and a murder victim is found on the grounds, she is asked by the families to find out what she can about the cult and its connection their loved ones’ murders.
This is the fourth book in Rowlands’ Sukey Reynolds series. You need not have read the first three books to become engrossed in this story, but will want to read them after reading this one as well as the others forthcoming in this series.
This is a well-written book, the characters well developed, and the storyline interesting.
If you like your mysteries cozy, this is a book for you.
My thanks to Bookoutre and NetGalley for an eArc.
This is the fourth book in Rowlands’ Sukey Reynolds series. You need not have read the first three books to become engrossed in this story, but will want to read them after reading this one as well as the others forthcoming in this series.
This is a well-written book, the characters well developed, and the storyline interesting.
If you like your mysteries cozy, this is a book for you.
My thanks to Bookoutre and NetGalley for an eArc.
June 24, 2019
This is book #4 in the Sukey Reynolds Mystery Series. I have read the entire series and am a fan of the author's writing. This was a outstanding mystery and one of my favorite of the series.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for your generosity.. My review is my own opinion.
In this next in series Sukey is called out to go undercover at a mysterious old retreat center called Burwell Farm. She finds it charming and loves the beautiful grounds. She is soon to find out behind the charm it hides secrets and is operating like as a cult. The center has had mysterious deaths that she is hoping to find the truth behind how they occurred and possible suspects.
The characters are likable and I enjoyed the description of the setting of the retreat center. The sleuth is well crafted to a pleasing conclusion. I look forward to the next in series.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for your generosity.. My review is my own opinion.
In this next in series Sukey is called out to go undercover at a mysterious old retreat center called Burwell Farm. She finds it charming and loves the beautiful grounds. She is soon to find out behind the charm it hides secrets and is operating like as a cult. The center has had mysterious deaths that she is hoping to find the truth behind how they occurred and possible suspects.
The characters are likable and I enjoyed the description of the setting of the retreat center. The sleuth is well crafted to a pleasing conclusion. I look forward to the next in series.
July 8, 2019
Great British Police Cozy Mystery
I love this series! In this, the 4th episode of the series, Sukey investigates a religious cult. There are many twists and turns in this exciting British police mystery. The case has no clear motives, no clear bad guys and is all brought together for a very satisfying conclusion. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
I love this series! In this, the 4th episode of the series, Sukey investigates a religious cult. There are many twists and turns in this exciting British police mystery. The case has no clear motives, no clear bad guys and is all brought together for a very satisfying conclusion. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
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June 20, 2019Another good entry in the Sukey Reynolds series, and this time the family of Fergus' girlfriend are featured as a beloved aunt dies in odd circumstances. I enjoy the continued relationships of the main characters, blending everyday life with police work.
July 22, 2019
Another great story
Another great story by Betty with all the usual characters.She makes them seem so real that you actually feel that you know them. I am really pleased to see that more stories are planned. Soon please.
Another great story by Betty with all the usual characters.She makes them seem so real that you actually feel that you know them. I am really pleased to see that more stories are planned. Soon please.
January 2, 2020
Yet another great addition to the series. This book can be read as a stand-alone but in order to fully understand the characters you should read the series from the start.
Sukey continues to grow as a character, and again finds herself in the thick of things. Bring on the next one.
Sukey continues to grow as a character, and again finds herself in the thick of things. Bring on the next one.
February 25, 2020
Not m kind of waking center
This series continues with very different types of crimes. The main characters remained to be true to their portrayal in previous books. The reasons behind the murder are very twisty
This series continues with very different types of crimes. The main characters remained to be true to their portrayal in previous books. The reasons behind the murder are very twisty
June 13, 2017
3.5 stars enjoyed the journey but a bit of an abrupt ending. Also no closure to Fergus's girlfriend's great aunt's death. The suicide and suspicious deaths kind of came to nothing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2019
This very well written police procedural has an excellent plot and fantastic characters. There is a few surprising twists, and the pace is very good. A very easy read.
July 31, 2019
A most enjoyable read a book you don’t want to put down.
June 17, 2025
Kiire lugemine, veidi naiivne
November 6, 2023
Lots of twist and turns
Sukey goes to a burglary to make a report and while there the victim of the theft gets a report that her husband was found dead and had committed suicide. Things escalate from there.
Sukey goes to a burglary to make a report and while there the victim of the theft gets a report that her husband was found dead and had committed suicide. Things escalate from there.
June 20, 2019
Death at Burwell Farm by Betty Rowlands it's the forth book in the Sukey Reynolds series and it can be read as a stand alone book as well. Sukey Reynolds is a Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) she sees things others miss within the Police force. There's a few surprising twists within this book.
These books are a cosy quick read for a rainy day or a read for your holidays.
Highly recommend these books.
Big Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley in return for an honest review.
These books are a cosy quick read for a rainy day or a read for your holidays.
Highly recommend these books.
Big Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley in return for an honest review.
September 8, 2020
A rambling old house, surrounded by a gorgeous rose garden with an elegant fountain, looks too perfect to be true. But could this beautiful place be the link between a string of peculiar deaths?
Sukey Reynolds is photographing the scene of a burglary at Burwell Farm for the police, when she finds herself drawn to the crumbling building and peaceful surroundings. Burwell Farm doesn’t grow crops or raise animals, but as a retreat, the owners do make some extraordinary claims about healing the soul…
But before Sukey can get too intrigued, she’s called to another break-in at the house of a young widow, whose husband spent a great deal of time at… Burwell Farm. Sukey starts to wonder if there is something more sinister going on behind the perfectly manicured lawns…
After her police colleagues refuse to take her suspicions seriously, Sukey decides the time has come to do some sleuthing on her own. But who is the thorn in the rose garden? Is it the beautiful receptionist, the gardener with a secret to hide, or perhaps the leader who inspires such devotion?
Then someone is murdered in the garden of Burwell Farm while she is there and Sukey realizes she has landed herself in deep water. Can Sukey solve the mystery that has blighted this stunning house? And can she catch the killer before they turn on her?
A completely addictive murder mystery for fans of P.D. James, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis that will have you hooked from the first page!
This book was previously published as Touch Me Not.
I wasn't super thrilled by this book. The characters fell flat, the mystery wasn't really there for me, and there were also a bunch of grammatical and spelling errors that kept me from getting hooked.
*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Sukey Reynolds is photographing the scene of a burglary at Burwell Farm for the police, when she finds herself drawn to the crumbling building and peaceful surroundings. Burwell Farm doesn’t grow crops or raise animals, but as a retreat, the owners do make some extraordinary claims about healing the soul…
But before Sukey can get too intrigued, she’s called to another break-in at the house of a young widow, whose husband spent a great deal of time at… Burwell Farm. Sukey starts to wonder if there is something more sinister going on behind the perfectly manicured lawns…
After her police colleagues refuse to take her suspicions seriously, Sukey decides the time has come to do some sleuthing on her own. But who is the thorn in the rose garden? Is it the beautiful receptionist, the gardener with a secret to hide, or perhaps the leader who inspires such devotion?
Then someone is murdered in the garden of Burwell Farm while she is there and Sukey realizes she has landed herself in deep water. Can Sukey solve the mystery that has blighted this stunning house? And can she catch the killer before they turn on her?
A completely addictive murder mystery for fans of P.D. James, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis that will have you hooked from the first page!
This book was previously published as Touch Me Not.
I wasn't super thrilled by this book. The characters fell flat, the mystery wasn't really there for me, and there were also a bunch of grammatical and spelling errors that kept me from getting hooked.
*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews