Mõrv Viirpuu villas

Melissa Craig #1

by Betty Rowlands, Piret Lemetti (Translator)

Saage tuttavaks, see on Melissa: kassiarmastaja, hell ema, krimikirjanik … julge ja vapper detektiiv?

Melissa Craig on oma uuest elust vanas päevinäinud majakeses tohutus vaimustuses, kavatsedes veeta oma päevi roose kärpides ja naabri punase Binkie-nimelise kassiga tutvust sobitades. Ta soovib vaid seda, et oleks taibanud juba varem maale kolida. Aga koputus uksele toob uudiseid šokeerivast avastusest ning naine leiab end ühtäkki jahmatava mõistatuse keskpunktist: metsast tema maja tagant leiti äsja noore naise luud. Ehk ei olegi väike Ülem-Benbury külake nii idülliline, kui esimesel pilgul tundus?

Veidrad öised telefonikõned veenavad Melissat, et politsei on kõike muud kui õigel teel, niisiis ei suuda naine kiusatusele vastu panna ja hakkab ise väikest viisi nuhkima. Bingosaali, ilusalongi ja mujalegi oma nina toppides torgib ta üksjagu herilasepesi ning toob päevavalgele mõned selle küla kõige skandaalsemad saladused, kuid kurjami tabamisele see teda lähemale ei vii … Sahtlist leitud vana päevinäinud foto on viimane kild, mida ta asja lahendamiseks vajab, aga kas Melissa, uustulnukas kokku hoidvas kogukonnas, suudab üksinda selle erakordse mõrvamüsteeriumi tuumani jõuda?

Raamatuga „Mõrv Viirpuuvillas“ alustame Melissa Craigi müsteeriumite sarja. Betty Rowlands tutvustab meile väljamõeldud Ülem-Benbury külakest, mis ei jää maalilisuse osas sugugi alla telest tuntud Midsomerile. Melissa Craigi lood on ehe külakrimi parimal kujul: kaunis ümbrus, (enda meelest) kole kavalad amatööruurijad, kassid, koogid, skandaalsed kuriteod, kuulujutuveskid ja kukalt kratsima panevad müsteeriumid, mis kohaliku külakogukonna ja muidu nii uniselt kulgeva elu Ülem-Benburys põhjalikult kihama panevad.

Mõnus kerge krimilugu sobib ideaalselt kõigile, kes hindavad üle kõige vana head vajaduspõhist kuritegu ja loevad oma lemmikuteks Miss Marple’i (Agatha Christie) ja Jessica Fletcher („Mõrv sai teoks“) stiilis lugusid „Midsomeri mõrvadele“ omases keskkonnas.

Kas te arvasite tõesti, et maalilistes Inglise külakestes valitsevad rahu, vaikus ja idüll? Kahjuks peame selle mulli purustama …

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

312 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

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

Reviews

[Holly B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

This is the first book in the series and I really enjoyed meeting the character Melissa Craig. She is a mystery writer and is currently working on her next mystery detective novel. While she is trying to concentrate on her writing, a "real" murder victim is discovered and she finds herself "playing detective". She even contemplates what her fictional detective might do. Maybe her crime writing experience will assist her in solving the case!

The countryside cottage setting seems like it would be the "perfect" quiet environment, but soon after she moves in things begin to "rattle" her. Mysterious phone calls, a shocking discovery in the woods, and building tension in the community. One thing leads to another, and Melissa finds herself piecing together clues and getting closer to the truth.

There are some red herrings that threw me, some interesting eccentric characters and some foreboding throughout that gave this cozy mystery some character.

Recommend for fans of light mysteries who enjoy a lead character who has charm, persistence and is one "smart cookie".

[Beata · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an ARC which I received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The novel is an ideal summer/holiday read, with a writer-cum-sleuth trying to solve a murder which was committed in the vicinity of her cottage. Ideal for the fans of Agatha Raisin!

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming cozy perfect for book lovers📚

I love a book where a crime writer turns real life detective... even more fun in this book Melisa Craig tries to channel her fictional character, to figure out what would she do in this situation? This is the first book in this cozy series, it is a bit of a slow burn, but overall a pleasant read!

Mellisa moves to the Causwells for some peace and quiet... but soon the body start dropping and Melisa dons her sleuthing cap... I liked Melissa I thought she was smart and savvy, and actually cut out to do some amateur detecting.... I like this village and I am looking forward to getting to know the secondary characters better in future books... my one niggle with this book is that I liked a little more humor in my cozies... but this is a matter of taste, it’s a me thing!

A good start to this cozy and quaint series!

*** huge thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Murder at Hawthorn Cottage' is the first book in the highly acclaimed Melissa Craig Cozy Mystery series by highly successful crime writer Betty Rowlands. Despite the fact that this book was first published way back in 1990, it has a timeless plot that certainly stands the test of time. I loved some of the detail that reminded me of a bygone era, although I suspect that some editing was done to bring it up-to-date.

The setting in the beautiful Cotswolds was vivid and reminded me a lot of the villages in Midsomer Murders. At least that's what I had in my minds eye when reading. The pace was pretty gentle with lots of background given for the various characters, so we have the relevant information on them for when we progress on to further books. The story is well thought out, and I appreciated the excellent writing. I had wrongly assumed that cozy crime fiction would be too slow and nicey-nicey for me, which it wasn't if this book is anything to go by. However, I did have an issue with the fact that it was implied that by forty-five you are old - this is simply not realistic, and really quite offensive to some people, I would imagine. This is an ideal read if you are looking for a tame mystery novel, I had fun with this lighthearted read, but ultimately it was not as compelling as I would've liked.

Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Fictionophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Melissa Craig is a mystery novelist in her mid-forties. Single, and the mother of a grown son, she has just moved from London into an isolated Cotswold cottage where she intends to write her next book. One of her other reasons for moving was to distance herself from Aubrey, a married man who loves her, but whom she does not love back. He has become to clingy and solicitous.

Melissa meets her new neighbour, Iris, who is a vegan fabric designer and accomplished organic gardener. Iris has a wonderful cat named Binkie who adds some feline presence to the book.

Melissa meets some colorful residents. A clergyman with secrets, a vivacious cleaning lady, and a grounds-keeper who wants to find 'tid-bits' that she might use in her next mystery novel.

Only a week after her move, a body is found by her next-door neighbour as she digs leaf mulch for her garden. The corpse has been buried in the wood for several months.

With the aid of a young journalist, Melissa does some 'gentle sleuthing' and helps to uncover the seamier side of the idyllic Cotswolds. Murder suspects are discovered, and danger lurks...

MY THOUGHTS

On the cover, beneath the author's name is the tagline: "An absolutely gripping cozy mystery". It is exactly that! A while back I wrote a post about cozy mystery covers and how some of the more cartoonish of them might do them a disservice. I think this is true even more now that I've read a cozy.  The beautiful covers of this series (published by Bookouture) are what drew me to the novel. I would never have requested it if it had one of those typical 'cozy' covers.

This is the first in a series of 13 books featuring the fictional crime novelist Melissa Craig (many of which were published previously under different titles). Undoubtedly a series that will be enjoyed by lovers of the 'cozy' mystery sub-genre.

The Cotswold setting was divine. The protagonist, Melissa Craig, was engaging. The mystery was interesting. What more could you ask for in a light, easy to read, escapist whodunit?

NOTE: "Murder at Hawthorn Cottage" was originally published under the title
"A little gentle sleuthing". Other titles in this series have differing titles as well.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my way of saying thank you.

3.5 STARS rounded down

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really surprised me. In a good way. Originally published in 1990, Bookouture is re-issuing this mystery series featuring Melissa Craig, a crime writer who moves from London to the Cotswolds and becomes embroiled in finding out about some dodgy goings on. First of all, apart from the obvious lack of technology, this has aged surprisingly well. Great setting, nicely drawn characters, a good mystery. If you like a cosy, then I suggest you get this one in Ready for autumn.

I also liked some of the underlying themes of the book: Does a woman need a man for protection and to look after her? What is it like to move from a bustling city to a rural idyll? Different types of relationships etc.

I am keen to pick up more in this series, I can see myself already curled up on the sofa with a hot mug of tea and wandering with Melissa through the Cotswolds.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely addictive, wonderful story. Loved it from start to finish. Great pace and a delightful setting, colourful characters and thrilling mystery. This was a brilliant story and I cannot wait for more!

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writer Melissa Craig moved to the Cotswolds. Soon her neighbor discovers a corpse near her home. A reporter seeks Melissa's help investigating the person whom he believes to be "Babs Carter" who worked at a local nightclub and disappeared without a trace. A young man interested in Babs suffered an automobile accident leaving him impaired a couple days after her disappearance. Melissa's investigation for her own novel conveniently yields clues for the puzzle at hand. Unfortunately the plot is not very believable. The prostitution and drugs concepts in the novel are not "cozy" at all and seem a bit seedy to include for people who enjoy this genre. While the Cotswold setting is nice, the seediness somewhat negated the sense of place that might have been achieved if the author had stuck to typical cozy plots. I received an electronic galley through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review. This book was originally published as A Little Gentle Sleuthing.

[Anissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author Melissa Craig thought her move from chaotic London to the Cotswolds would be idyllic and full of bucolic charm. Unfortunately, she's found a hamlet with linked murders and some crazy seedy dealings going on and before she knows it, her new novel ideas are all too like life and if she can't solve the mysteries it won't just be the end of her novel, it'll be the end of her life.

As cozy mysteries go, this was a good start to a series and a very fast read. While I found a few threads a bit too fantastical, it wasn't serious enough to throw the whole book off for me. I would read more in the series and look forward to meeting more of the characters who live there. I liked her relationship with her editor and hope her son comes to visit. Her artist neighbour was also a favourite and I felt most everyone was described in the colourful way expected in a cozy. I have Kindle Unlimited and this series was pretty persistent in my recommendations and is one of the better mystery offerings.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty light escape reading that allows one to dream of living in the Cotswolds, just not in this crime writer's neighborhood where, after newly arriving, she uncovers a rather unhealthy amount of crime.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey guys, hope you’re having a wonderful Tuesday! Today is the Publication Day for Betty Rowlands’ book, Murder at Hawthorn Cottage. I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of the first novel to feature amateur sleuth, crime writer Melissa Craig, originally published in 1990. And I am telling you, if you’re looking for a cozy mystery to enjoy over the week, this is your thing. So get a comfy seat and enjoy this wonderful book!

Melissa Craig is a mystery writer. She finally settles into her new home in the country and step after step tries to accommodate to the peaceful and slow life of the village of Upper Benbury . She needs that in order to find herself again and prepare for her new book. Her only neighbor is Iris, a vegetarian, a decorator who gardens, has a cat and practices yoga.

Then, small things begin to bother her peaceful new start. Strange phone calls upset her, someone is asking for Babs. But soon, Melissa finds out that a young woman named Babs is missing. The local journalist-to-be approaches her and together they begin the search for Babs.

But, everything changes when Melissa’s neighbor, Iris, finds a dead body near her house. A body of a young woman.

Can Melissa solve the mystery of the missing young woman?

Whose body has been found?

Was the woman killed, and if so, who was the murderer?

After all, this is the real life, not one of her mystery novels.

Can Melissa solve a true crime?

Murder at Hawtorn Cottage is a lovely, peaceful and funny cozy mystery novel. I say peaceful because there are no cell phones, just land lines, no emails, just ordinary letters, people don’t call when they want to see you, they just pop up at your door. But in everything else, the village of Upper Benbery is far away from peaceful. Mafia, gambling, drugs, strippers. Local people can manage that all. There are plenty very good laugh-out-loud moments. I was reading it on the beach, and some were so funny they made me look weird while I was giggling on the beach :). Melissa reminded me of Agatha Raisin little bit, like she stepped into the Midsomer County to solve some murder. I loved her as character and the characters around her. I loved the writing of the story, the beautifully written descriptions of the village and the nature and the Hawthorn Cottage. I’ll be definitely in the search of other books from this author in future. A perfect cozy mystery!

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a speculative download that didn’t work out. Potentially there was an interesting collection of characters, but they never really grabbed me.
However the big problem was the actual story, firstly I couldn’t work out when it was set. Initially I made a mistake with the published date of 2018, not realising this was a re-release and the book was probably written in the late 1980s, but it felt more like the 50s.
Then there was the build up to the Babs/Clive mystery, I presume the author was trying to make this intriguing, but I just found it boring. After ploughing through numerous descriptions and boring conversations I finally admitted defeat and gave up.

[Triinu · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

FROM THE PUBLISHER: We are beyond excited to announce that we've signed up twelve titles from cosy crime writer, Betty Rowlands. First published over twenty years ago, the Melissa Craig Mysteries remain a classic of the genre. We are thrilled to be able to introduce these utterly charming, page-turning murder mysteries to a new audience.

Murder at Hawthorn Cottage, the first book in this absolutely unputdownable series, will publish in August, with the next eleven books to following monthly intervals.

Melissa Craig, a successful crime novelist, has just moved to a countryside cottage in the village of Upper Benbury. Not only does she receive a worrisome phone call almost immediately upon arriving, a shocking discovery is made: that of the bones of a young woman. As a seasoned crime writer, her desire to solve the murder takes over, especially when prodded along by a local journalist.

Murder at Hawthorn Cottage is a curious mystery that captivated my interest from the very start. I have always loved amateur detectives and Melissa joins those ranks marvelously. This cozy mystery was very well-written and is a teriffic beginning to the series and is also a very quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed the danger and surprising twists in this story, as well as the unexpected humor. It is always a pleasure when publishers can revive classics of this sort. I truly look forward to devouring the rest of the series.

Many thanks to Bookouture for this ARC to review in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Clyde Parrott · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know who this author is, but she writes like someone taking weekly writing lessons from a volunteer at the local seniors center. Puts in w-a-y too much stuff that has nothing to do with or to add to the plot...Iris's unrequited love for the rector, out of the freakin' blue...the rector's repeated dalliance with the stripper...the packet of porno photos. Nothing more than a red herring so a "twist" can be claimed. The male stripper "Gorgeous George and his Colossal Cucumber"...gimme a break! I think this author in her heart of hearts really wants to write a porno novel. These British Gripping Mysteries with a Huge Twist are getting long in the tooth, particularly as they keep being re-published as something else. There must be, what, maybe 30 or 40 of these formulaic works which are continually re-appearing, morphing into some other title, gripping with a twist.

[Reelika Kullerkan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tore ajaviitelugemine krimikirjanikust, kes hakkab päriselus ette juhtunud mõrva niidiotsi harutama. Peategelane mulle aga nii armsaks ei saanud, et peaks järgmisi osi lugema hakkama.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read most of Betty Rowland's Melissa Craig books when they first came out in the 1990s and discovered recently that they are being re-issued in paperback and on Kindle and Audio under new titles.

It's so long since I read this book that I had no memory of the plot but the various characters were familiar. It was interesting to read a fairly modern plot, where communication was important, involving landline telephones with not a mobile or computer in sight. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to revisiting the rest of the series.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the Melissa Craig series was a cracker! Formerly titled A Little Gentle Sleuthing this cosy mystery has all the ingredients for an enthralling who done it with the bonus of being set in the stunning Cotswolds. With unique characters and complex criminal activities Betty Rowland’s has created a riveting world of intrigue and I look forward to continuing the journey with the next book. #NetGalley

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first book of series.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Murder at Hawthorn Cottage, the first novel to feature amateur sleuth, crime writer Melissa Craig, originally published in 1990.

After a failed relationship Melissa leaves London for the Cotswolds village of Upper Benbury where life is quiet until her neighbour discovers a skeleton in the woods. Local reporter Bruce Ingram believes he know the victim's identity and soon recruits Melissa to his investigation.

Murder at Hawthorn Cottage is a bit of a mixed bag for me. It has an interesting and convoluted plot which certainly hold the attention as the reader tries to work out what is going on and, as befits a cosy mystery, no real danger to the protagonists despite a couple of tight situations. On the other hand it is exasperatingly old fashioned and twee in its approach to sex, even for the 90s when it was published - among other gems who ever heard of a woman having "sex appeal" after the 60s? It is definitely amateur hour in the sleuthing with Bruce and Melissa muddling through the few slender leads they have and luckily seeing developments at every step.

Murder at Hawthorn Cottage is not really to my taste as I prefer a grittier, more believable read but it is well done and an easy way to pass a few hours.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Melissa Craig is a writer, having just taken the bold step to move to the countryside. Imagining an idyllic life, with plenty of time for writing. Little does she know that she soon becomes heavily involved in detective work - a disappearance and subsequent murder - enlisting local journalist Bruce Ingram as her right-hand man. The question is, will she be able to solve the murder and write the plot of her new book...

Betty Rowlands writes brilliantly, and I really enjoyed her in-depth descriptions of places and people alike. The array of language, both figuratively and literally, was fantastic and really allowed a sense of being immersed in the novel.

I liked the neutral references such as, “An actor from a popular soap opera” which allowed for nods to common knowledge. This meant it wouldn’t be an unknown or confusing reference to certain ages or date heavily in years to come.

Melissa Craig is a great character, very likeable! I enjoyed her quirks and she had a warmth about her. Often channeling her main protagonist when unsure of what to do, I found this to be a unique and interesting idea.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Annabel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not a cosy mystery. While the murders are not described in graphic detail it fails on almost every other point: repeated profanity, detailed on-screen sexual activity, pornography and sex work, on-screen violence.

If you enjoy women judging each other harshly for their sexual history and experiencing sexual desire while being wildly hypocritical, spouting patriarchal nonsense about women being the cause of men’s unfaithfulness and how men need to be protected against the consequences of their actions as though we’re back in the 1950s - you might enjoy this book. Most of the relationships described in this are emotionally abusive and coercive but characters are encouraged to continue in them because being in a relationship is better than being single.

If you can over look all of that, the mystery itself isn’t badly plotted. Good balance of clues and red herrings.

Women who:
- engage in and enjoy sexual activities deserve respect!
- express sexual thoughts and desires deserve respect!
- engage in sex work deserve respect!
- avoid or decline participation in sexual activities deserve respect!

[Lillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - may try another on down the road but not really connecting with the main character.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings on this one.

I wasn't keen on the main character at the beginning, but as she softened a bit later in the story I felt she was okay. Other reviewers have mentioned that they didn't care for the narrator's male voices, but I was fine with them as a matter of fact, I believe the audio edition works well with the crusty next door neighbor.

Unfortunately, I felt the plot itself was rather silly. Also, I wasn't real keen on the minister and his wife. He came off as dippy enough that his later revealed role in the plotline was difficult to swallow.

[Marija · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice introduction of the new character, Melissa Craig, mystery writer that happens to solve real murder and playing "real detective", while preparing her new mystery book. During that process she is asking what her book character will do in some situations. Very enjoyable catchy book that had me hooked until I finished it in almost one sitting. Perfect book for Agatha Raisin book lovers and all cozy mystery readers!

[Christopher Roden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betty Rowlands is a new writer to me, and I understand that this is the first book in her Melissa Craig series about a writer-turned-detective. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I'll be looking out for more Craigs as they appear.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder At Hawthorn Cottage is exactly what is says on the cover. It’s a gripping cozy mystery. I must admit, I hadn’t heard of Betty Rowlands before Bookouture announced they were republishing her Melissa Craig series. But having had a look at Fantastic Fiction, she’s written 26 novels! And she’s 95!!!! I hope I’m that capable at 95!

Saying that, there is a very nostalgic feel to the book. I had to keep reminding myself that this was written in the late 80s/early 90s as there were no mobile phones, computers, email or internet mentioned – Mel, our heroine, writes to her agent and her son and she only has a landline for people to contact her on. But other than the communication method employed, this story fits well in the modern day – murder and secrets.

There is very much a cozy mystery feel to it. It reminded me of the family friendly crime dramas on the TV. I half expecting DCI Tom Barnaby or Miss Marple to pop up but I knew they wouldn’t! Mel is the Gloucestershire answer to Jessica Fletcher! She’s the best selling author who manages to get herself involved in a bit of amateur sleuthing.

I loved the relationships Mel developed in her first few weeks in the village. She gains the trust of people so easily – is this because she’s a best selling author or people just want to share with a stranger?!

Mel’s neighbour Iris is a wonderful character. In today’s world, no one would bat an eyelid at her lifestyle of vegetarianism, yoga and kitchen garden but when Ms Rowlands originally wrote this novel, she’d have then been classed as a bit of a hippie!

Ms Rowlands has encapsulated village life to a T. News travelling by the village gossip, the WI managed by the vicar’s wife. Everyone knowing everyone else, a close sometimes claustrophobic community.

This is an ideal introduction to crime fiction for anyone who wants to dip their toe into the genre. No gore, swearing, scary stuff, just a “clean” tale of murder. I’ve even recommended it to my dad!

[Els · Rating 4 out of 5]

In helping others, you might become the target ...

It was nice getting to meet Melissa. I really liked her character. She always wants to help everybody and can hardly say no, but sometimes she does put herself first and draws a line.

So If you are looking for heart-stopping suspense, you will be disappointed. You have to keep in mind that it's not a thriller. If you are looking for an entertaining book with an amateur sleuth doing all the work, you will be pleased. Cozy mysteries are always a bit softer but not less interesting.

I prefer them with a bit more humour and a more playful cover, but that is personal taste.

This does not mean that this one was not captivating and I enjoyed the story. It's fluently written and there were beautiful metaphors used in descriptions.

I would certaily put it in the same league as Agatha Christie.

Thank you, Betty Rowlands, Bookouture and Netgalley.

https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com

[Heatherinblack · Rating 4 out of 5]

great mystery!

the solution came a little fast and a little easy, but the mystery as a whole was great. do not think they needed a second murder, but it did help with connections. greatly enjoyed the lead character actively thinking about how her murder mystery series character would deal with the clues. it worked.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

First books can be a tough go. The story alternated between moving quickly and slogging, so it was hard to move smoothly through it.