Mõrv koidikul

Melissa Craig #2

by Betty Rowlands, Piret Lemetti (Translator)

Viirpuu villa on nüüd enam kui aasta Melissa Craigi kodu olnud ja naine maaeluga harjunud. Ta satub oma naabri Irise kutsel Londoni kunstikolledži auhinnatseremooniale, kus üks auhinnasaajatest, noor maalikunstnik, talle auhinna toonud maali, kauni noore naise portree, publiku silme all noaga puruks lõikab. Veidi hiljem kohtub Melissa hiljuti külla kolinud kohaliku õppeasutuse juhatajaga, kes pakub talle võimaluse loovkirjutamise kursust läbi viia. Naine avastab üllatusega, et juhataja sekretär on võluv Angelica, seesama neidis, kelle portree lõhkumise tunnistajaks Melissa oli. Töö verisulis kirjanikega valmistab Melissale suurt rõõmu ja peagi hakkab üks kolleeg talle ka romantilises plaanis huvi pakkuma. Ja siis, ühel päeval tööle saabudes seisavad koolimaja ees politseiautod. Toimunud on mõrv ja Melissa seab oma eesmärgiks tõe väljaselgitamise, kuna politsei peamiseks kahtlusaluseks osutub just naise uus silmarõõm. Peagi leitakse uus surnukeha ja naine teab, et nüüd läheb mõrvari leidmisega kiireks. Kas Melissa jõuab kaunis külas inetu tõe enne päevavalgele tuua, kui järgmine ilmsüütu ohver elu kaotab? Betty Rowlandsi järjekordses vaimukas teoses, mille peategelane on nutikas ja tundlik kirjanik Melissa Craig, saavad kokku Inglismaa maaelu idüll ja inimloomuse räpasemad küljed.

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

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1992

About the author

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

Reviews

[Gail C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advanced digital copy of Murder in the Morning by Betty Rowlands in exchange for an honest review. This is the second in a series of book featuring crime writer, Melissa Craig and is a stand-alone mystery. There may be some light character development in the previous book, but this book is entirely contained within this novel.

In this current book within the series Melissa has been asked to teach a writer’s class at the local college once a week. She meets a number of the faculty and becomes involved in trying to solve the murder of the department head’s secretary, in part because she wants to remove suspicion from one of the faculty members with whom she has become romantically involved.

Throughout the novel there are lots of clues and red herrings, with the red herrings pointing exactly away from where the true solution lies. The mystery was easy to solve and I determined the identity of the actual murderer almost at the same time the murder happened. The book continued to offer clues and suggest solutions that were in other directions, but I never found them particularly compelling.

Pacing throughout the book felt a bit uneven. Large chunks of time passed between one chapter and the next without any sense of what had been taking place in the lives of the characters in the interim. The story itself was gently told, with little tension to compel the reader to move forward, making it an easy book to put down for other activities. There was never any sense of Melissa being in danger or their being any urgency to compel her to solve the mystery.

I would like to see more character development of the police inspector who talks with Melissa and with Iris, Melissa’s next door neighbor. They were more distinctive than Melissa herself in many ways, and added some good personality to the book.

There is a mild love story angle to this book that felt as if it didn’t fit. The attachment Melissa develops feels forced and rushed. Her reactions throughout the book, particularly to the love interest and to other people’s concerns about it seem more consistent with what one might expect from a teenager, not a middle-aged woman with an adult child.

Little attention was given to describing the Cotswolds and I found this a bit disappointing. I had difficulty seeing where Melissa was living and working. It might be more enjoyable for someone who is familiar with the area and who can put their knowledge to use in reading the book.

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

Another cozy read by Betty Rowlands. Melissa as the crime writer, works her charm in this investigation too. There is a gentle mystery set in an English village, the story was a fun read but lacked the freshness of the first book. I knew the identity of the perp long before it was revealed, so it spoiled the fun a bit for me. Overall a good read.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Murder in the Morning' is the second installment in the popular Melissa Craig classic cosy crime series by veteran cosy crime writer Betty Rowlands and was previously published in 1992 as 'Finishing Touch'. Having read the series opener and not finding it particularly compelling, I decided to give the books a second chance to provide me with a top reading experience. Luckily, this story was much more engaging and entertaining. As this book continues from where the previous concluded, I would advise reading the series opener firstly as, although the cases in each book are self-contained, the character development for those who feature throughout the series depends on the happenings and background provided in book one.

One of the main aspects I loved was that there was a distinct lack of technology, with this whole series having been originally published in the 1990s, a time when technology didn't play such a huge part in our lives. This book is worth the read for the nostagia alone! Set in the scenic surroundings of the fictional village of Upper Bembury in the Cotswolds, it brings a cosy, close-knitted community authenticity to the forefront exactly as the villages in Midsomer Murders do. As the mystery unfolds, Melissa becomes emotionally involved with several of the murder suspects, and once again she helps the investigators to collar the culprit.

If you enjoy tame, cosy murder mysteries then this is a great series and will really appeal to those who enjoy programmes such as Midsomer Murders and the like. If you prefer your crime reads at a gentler pace, then give this a go!

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

[Helin Puksand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seal, kus on krimikirjanik Melissa Craig, juhtub ikka midagi. Ta läheb koos sõbranna Irisega Londoni kunstikolledži auhinnatseremooniale ja kõigile üllatuseks purustab võitja oma maali. Kui Melissa läheb aga kohalikku kooli loovkirjutamist õpetama, siis selgub, et seal töötab sekretärina sama tüdruk, kes oli olnud võitnud maalil. Ühel hommikul aga selgub, et tüdruk on mõrvatud. Nagu ikka, kahtlusaluseid on palju, lisandub veel üks mõrv ja lõpp tuleb ootamatult.
Mulle meeldis see raamat pisut rohkem kui sama autori "Mõrv mäeharjadel", ei tea isegi, miks. Ilmselt loen edaspidi veel mõnda sama sarja teost.

[Monica Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading the first book in the series, I wasn't sure I wanted to tackle the second one, but I gave it a go anyway.

Melissa is caught up in investigating Angelica's murder, she does a bit of amateur sleuthing, as you do. She meets various people who were in Angy's life and gradually gets a sense of what this girl was all about. Unfortunately, one of the suspects is a recent love interest of Melissa's, which makes things tricky. I am never convinced that she is actually all that interested in Barney, so it matters not so much at the end of the day.

I wish I could have liked this book more but I am going to have to stop reading this series here. It is really dated - from typewriters, to the subtle "men are in charge and that is that" messages, to a lady having a conniption because it turns out one of the ladies that is being interviewed is gay! I also still couldn't figure out if Melissa and Iris (her neighbour) were actually friends or not, it was a bit of an up and down relationship....or I just misunderstood.

Anyway, I know this is a cosy mystery but surely cosy mysteries don't have to be quite so old-fashioned?

I gave this book 3.5 stars because it IS charming in its own way, just not for me, I'm afraid.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Melissa Craig may be a best selling crime writer in this story, but her own crime solving abilities are far from brilliant. I quite liked the first book in this series and was able to get over how dated it seemed, but this one irritated me no end with its glossing over of or simply ignoring homophobia and violence against women.

[Triinu · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This light crime mystery set in the Cotswolds is a re-release and feels pretty dated - not least by some of the stereotypes and attitudes. Those who enjoyed the first book will probably be happy with more of the same. This mystery has a slower start and the whodunit is not challenging. Our heroine decides to investigate a death, when the man she's getting romantically interested in is a suspect in the case.

I downloaded an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

For someone who deals with creating murder mysteries, Melissa seems a little too dense in figuring out the murderer even when it is staring her in the face. Also the sudden love interest seems contrived. In the first book, she seemed slightly wiser in picking men.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Giving this one three stars, but more like a lackluster 2.5 for me. Gave up on the book partway through when I realized I hadn't enough interest in the plot or characters to keep going.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book of this series and I think while it is good that cozy mysteries aren't really for me.

I found that the slow burn was just that. It was very slow in getting to the mystery part which tended to make me want to put it down.

I am pleased I finished it as it had a good story just needed to jump to the story quicker.

[Cathleen]

In Murder in the Morning, Melissa Craig, a crime writer recently settled in the Cotswolds, becomes embroiled in a murder at a local college. The mystery was a quick read and sustained my interest, despite some reservations with the mystery as a whole.

Melissa is invited to teach a creative writing workshop at the local college, and she agrees. It’s through that position that she meets Angelica Caroli, the head of college’s secretary. Angelica is young, beautiful, and has engendered all kinds of emotions from the faculty—from lust to protectiveness. Angy is sweet to everyone but has the reputation of using her beauty to her own advantage. When Angy is found murdered in her flat, the police have a long list of suspects: faculty members, the head of the college, her former fiancé, other rejected suitors, and her landlord. Melissa Craig gets drawn into the investigation, largely because she believes in the innocence of one of the suspects.

The plotting is brisk, and Melissa’s character is well-developed enough so that she provoked both sympathy and frustration from me. As a reader, I was mystified by Melissa’s interest in one of the suspects, and my response made me question how believable one of the subplots was. I was also surprised by the gender stereotypes and behaviors either considered acceptable or negligible by the characters that most today would consider harassment, at the least. Those elements stopped me cold several times throughout my reading. When I checked,I learned that the mystery was first published in the early 1990s, and while that explains some of the attitudes, it also makes the mystery dated. Although the pacing had enough suspense to keep me turning the pages, the resolution of the mystery, especially in the last few pages, fell flat. It was as if the story had just run out of steam.

Despite the limitations, I found the character of Melissa Craig interesting enough that I could imagine reading another in the series. Readers who enjoy M.C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin series or Alice Boatwright’s Ellie Kent series would likely enjoy Betty Rowland’s Melissa Craig mysteries.
Thank you to Net Galley and Bookoutre for offering me this book in exchange for an honest review

[Jannelies (living between hope and fear) · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a nice cozy mystery, this second book in what I hope will be a longer series. The plot is easy to follow, the story flows, there are some surprises and Melissa Craig is a nice person. It is like eating a cupcake: you know the ingredients and so you know what the outcome is.
Very nice for a lazy read in the sun on the beach or in winter when you need a something to light up your day.

Thank you Netgalley.

Merged review:

What a nice cozy mystery, this second book in what I hope will be a longer series. The plot is easy to follow, the story flows, there are some surprises and Melissa Craig is a nice person. It is like eating a cupcake: you know the ingredients and so you know what the outcome is.
Very nice for a lazy read in the sun on the beach or in winter when you need a something to light up your day.

Thank you Netgalley!

[Mystica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those cozy mystery crime books, where you wish you could live in one of those villages where everyone knows everyone, sometimes not a good thing but mainly fine and all seems nice and bright.

Melissa is just settling into a new job when her colleague is found dead in her own home. Melissa goes digging as to how and why mainly because she has got romantically involved with the chief suspect.

The story flows easily, the characters are spot on if a little too sweet sometimes to be true but it is a cozy to the last.

[Jessica (Read book. Repeat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


Actual rating of 3.5 stars.

So, this is the second book in the Melissa Craig series. Melissa Craig is a crime writer, who moved to the country in the recent past for a change of pace. However, she has a knack for falling into real murder cases happening around her. Think of Murder She Wrote, but a bit more prudish, this installment I found Melissa to relax a little bit, however, there were a few other characters who definitely showed the age of the novel with their old fashioned thoughts and reactions.

This series was originally published in the early 90's, and in parts, it does show. I found this more endearing than taking away from the story though, besides some of the thoughts expressed by the characters as mentioned above, however, thinking about it, I feel like their reactions to certain people added another dimension to their characters, so I believe the story was better having included this than if it hadn't.

In this installment, Melissa has been at Hawthorne cottage for over a year now and has well and truly settled into country life. We meet a few more characters from around Benbury and London, the story actually starts out in London when Melissa has gone with Iris to an awards ceremony at the university. They meet a young woman called Lou, who explains some troubles that have occurred with young man who has won the main award that Iris is presenting, which become evident when he slashes his portrait painting of a beautiful young woman. Fast forward to around six odd months later, and Melissa runs into this young woman who was the model for the portrait when she takes on a writing workshop at a local education center. This throws Melissa into a whirlwind of mystery when a body is found and everyone is a suspect, Mel finds herself racing against the clock to prove the innocence of an art tutor that has taken her fancy.

I found that I enjoyed this one much more than the first, I think it had a lot to do with the fact that I was used to Melissa's idiosyncrasies and ideals, Iris's way of communicating, which I find endearing to her character now, and the setting of the story itself. I felt more of a connection to the characters this time around, even the ones that we were just meeting now I found that I cared about what happened to them.

As for the mystery side, I was pretty puzzled for about two thirds of the book, but worked out the whodoneit aspect with roughly a third still to go. I wasn't sure of a couple of things, but was pretty certain that I had worked out the who and possibly the why, however, the why wasn't exactly what I thought it was. I found it to be a rather abrupt ending, but all my questions were answered so I guess I can't really complain. I just found it rather dropped off when I figured Rowlands would wrap it up a little bit after the initial reveal and following drama.

If you're a fan of old school whodoneit? and nostalgic for Murder She Wrote like myself, I believe you will enjoy this series. It's not a jump off the page, completely engrossing page turner, but I find it to be enjoyable none the less, and I've become quite attached to the characters and wish to see where they will go to from here.

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This 2nd Melissa Craig mystery started well. Melissa was happy to teach a weekly course about writing at a small college in a nearby town. The college president is a new neighbour. She's also become friendly with his wife, Eleanor. The college secretary is a beautiful woman with a great deal of artistic talent. She is found stabbed to death in her modest apartment. Suspicion falls on the head of the art department, a man that Melissa has become quite friendly with. Orly's former boyfriend is another suspect, but he's quickly cleared.

This book moved quite slowly, with Melissa thinking about the case over and over without much action. I find I like the books later in the series much better.

[Els · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still waters run deep ...

I have read the first book as well and although I liked it, I liked the second one better.
They both are fluently written and easy to follow, but the story in this one attracted me more.

It's nice to go back to Melissa, her neighbour Iris and all the other villagers and how they deal with or gossip about what is going on. And what is life without a little love?

This series is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries.

Thank you, Betty Rowlands, Bookouture and Netgalley

https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com

[Fiona Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having previously read, and enjoyed, book 1 of this series, I couldn’t wait to get reading this one. I was not disappointed.

Melissa Craig finds herself in the thick of things once more when someone she knows is found dead. Alongside trying to work out who is responsible, she also finds herself with a new love interest who may or may not be involved. Has she put herself in danger without knowing it?

The love interest side of things was good but it did annoy me a little as Melissa seemed to jump into bed with this person very quickly. Maybe it’s because this story was originally written a number of years back that I didn’t expect it to happen, or maybe because I saw Melissa as someone who wouldn’t do that kind of thing. Either way, it annoyed me but didn’t spoil the story for me.

Another good story from the author.

Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a copy.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in the Melissa Craig series lives up to its predecessor in every way. The feisty crime author is once again up to her eyeballs in murder and mayhem, with a new love interest thrown in for some added intrigue. A riveting story with some unexpected twists and revelations along the way.

[Juuli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aastaid tagasi lugesin sarja esimest osa ning olin vaimustuses. Seekord ei olnud. Melissa käitus täiesti jaburalt. Kes läheb voodisse mehega, keda sa tunned vaid pealiskaudselt, kes tunnistab, et oli teise naise vastu vägivaldne ning on veel selle naise mõrvas kahtlusalune? Krimikirjanik ei saa ju ometi nii juhm olla.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.blogspot.com.M/...

My rating 3.5 Stars

If you enjoy cozy mysteries set in a nice little village, before the age of cell phones and modern policing, then you may very well find Murder in the Morning to your liking. This story is the second in the Melissa Craig series. I enjoyed the first story, which allowed me to get to know the primary character, as well as a few others.

In this entry, Melissa is currently working on her next novel, but is also enjoying a new teaching job. She is happy where she moved a while ago and has found some good friends. However, a colleague has been murdered and Melissa gets involved - in more ways than one. There are several suspects immediately, yet Melissa develops a relationship with one of them, with a firm conviction that he could not possibly be the murderer.

Although cozy mysteries are generally easy reads, I did not find myself as engaged in this book as much as I was with the first one. It is not that there is anything wrong with story, it just plodded along. I did feel that Melissa was a bit reckless in trusting the primary suspect, but it was a relief when others cautioned her. The mystery itself is well done, especially as there are things about the victim that are revealed. I indeed was able to be surprised at the ending.

I will continue on in this series, because it is a nice break from some of the tough psychological thrillers that I read. As noted above, this is a reprint. I do look forward to the next release in this series. It can be read as a standalone, but I think if you want to know Melissa well, then reading the series in order might be beneficial.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second Melissa Craig book in the series and the second that I have read. Like the first, this is an enjoyable who done it in the classic mystery style. It's described as a cosy mystery, but as I've explained before, I'm not keen on this term. The book centres around Mel Craig, a mystery writer, who seems to stumble onto real life (or at least real life in the book) murder mysteries.

Unfortunately, for me, this second book didn't quite work as well as the first. There were a couple of things that just didn't work. One of the biggest problems is that this book is really showing its age. The attitude of some of the characters; forgiving men hitting women (it was just a slap) and just about every character being very homophobic and pearl clutching when it came to a lesbian character. The 'romance' aspect just didn't ring true either, what on earth did she see in the vile man? Nothing as far as I could I could tell.

The mystery itself was quite good, although I solved it a long time before Mel herself had a clue. In fact, when it came to the big reveal she was startlingly obtuse. Fortunately, she got there in the end, if a little slowly.

I wouldn't let this put me off the series. I think as long as you remember when reading it that this book was written quite some time ago it can still be enjoyable. I'd definitely like to see that she'd given up the romantic interest though, he's a complete waste of space.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Ilona Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3 and a half stars

Murder in the Morning? Not even sure what the title is supposed to mean, but this murder mystery involves local academics at a institute for arts where Melissa takes a turn leading a writing course. The mystery is perfectly serviceable and there are plenty of suspects. I think what is missing is her actual interaction with the first murder victim and the suspects. She gets most of her info second hand so the character development is cursory. I was also a bit put off by her supposed romance - mainly because it seemed completely improbable - and a brief episode of homophobia. On the positive side - her friendship with Iris seems based in reality and her budding friendship with Lou sounds promising. Lastly, for a country setting there is precious little descriptions of the country and the people - though there were a couple of classic types casually mentioned. The next book is probably set in France so the local color will not be in evidence. Maybe the fourth book? Not sure I’ll last that long.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Murder in the Morning was previously published in 1992 as 'Finishing Touch'. I did read the first book in the series, and while I was not terribly impressed, decided to give the second book a chance.

Book 2 in the series, pretty much continues where the last book left off. The story is easy and light, as a cozy mystery should be. I was definitely reminded over and over that this book was written around 20 years ago because the content did feel dated.

The story did not seem to have focus and jumped around too much for my liking.

I would consider reading a 3rd book in the series if it was updated more.

[Sherry Perreault · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have been looking for a good cozy mystery series, having finished the MC Beaton books. I read the first in this series (published as Murder at Hawthorn Cottage). While some of the dialogue seemed dated (and a few seemingly throwaway comments raised concerns about a rather dismissive approach of the main character to child abuse), I decided to read this. It was a struggle to complete, as I found the plot predictable and the main character unsympathetic, simpering and adolescent. Moreover, there was quite a lot of homophobia (by numerous characters) and a blasé attitude towards violence against women). I was so annoyed that I don't plan to keep reading the series.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mel was pretty dense in this one so it wasn't nearly as enjoyable as book 1. I'm really tired of all of the patronizing and bigoted characters that surround her. If she doesn't stand up for something soon and tell someone off I going to scream. And she doesn't find that BIZARRE fixation on Angie that Barney has slightly offputting??

[Isabel Winstanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad about the nut cutlets, I have been a vegetarian for most of my life and have never eaten or seen one. Even sadder a lesbian dressed in male clothing, I was a social worker during the period the book was written and never saw a gay woman in mens clothing including myself. I therefore wonder about the rest of the author's research.

[Jacquelin K. Reeves · Rating 1 out of 5]

She's a fool.

I cannot abide foolish investigation stories and this heroine is one. This is the second book I have read in this series and it will be the last. A sensible woman, having just met a suspect, does not sleep with him. No matter what.

So I am done with this series.

[Jillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

The series is not improving. Melissa Craig takes,stupid risks. Her tame police inspector is unreasonably caring and sharing of information - laying the seeds of future plot developments. There’s the germ of a good story here, but also a lot that is dubious.

[phil aspinall/caroline aspinall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed

really enjoyed this book will definitely be reading the rest in the series . Very easy reading my sort of books