Death On A Summer Morning An Absolutely Gripping Cozy Mystery Novel

A handsome house sits proudly next to a luscious lawn, where birds sing in the cherry tree. But on this summer morning, the birds have taken flight and the owner of the house lies too still to be asleep... Sukey Reynolds is delighted that summer has arrived. Her garden is in glorious form, and the long, warm days give her a chance to enjoy the countryside, and even play a bit of tennis. The only digging she plans to do is in her flowerbeds. But then Sukey is called to photograph the scene of what appears to be a tragic accident. Arthur Soames, a retired school teacher, fell to his death from the ornate iron staircase above his perfectly manicured lawn. But when the police notify his family, they are adamant that this is no accident... Is this summer's day turning out to be curiously chilly? When Arthur's daughter won't leave the police in peace, Sukey reluctantly agrees to help put her mind to rest. As she starts to poke about in the dead man's past, she realises he was keeping secrets, and several people might well have wanted him dead. But who would resort to murder? Could it have been Arthur's enchanting fiancée, a sullen ex-student or maybe a nettled neighbour? An old address written on a small piece of paper is the clue that Sukey needs, but can she convince her police colleagues that this death on a summer morning was no accident and solve this baffling mystery at last? If you love cozy mysteries by P.D. James, Agatha Christie or Faith Martin, then this addictive novel from the bestselling queen of cozy crime will have you hooked! This book was previously published as Deadly Obsession. What readers are saying about Betty Rowlands: 'Riveting, can't put it down! I love this story... a wonderfully twisted tale of a crime that has more twists than I thought possible... fantastic.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'It was unwise of me to begin this book in late afternoon because it held me to the pages until I finished it!... diabolical twists and red herrings... addictive!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'OMG I loved this book! A proper whodunnit with great characters and a fabulous plot. This reminded me of the Agatha Christie mysteries I used to read as a child... Excited for the next in the series!' Mrs Roadley Reads, 5 stars 'BRILLIANT!... Having read and enjoyed the Melissa Craig series as well, I find the Sukey Reynolds even more engaging and I can't wait to ready more in this series!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'Yay, a new series by Betty Rowlands and a new heroine to cheer for in Sukey Reynolds. I am a huge fan of this author's books and this one with all its twists and turns is another delicious book and series to follow.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars

In this Sukey Reynolds Mystery, a wealthy, bestselling author is drowned in her bath just days after being threatened by a disturbed fan who has subsequently disappeared. It is just the start of the investigation, as Sukey's apparently straightforward case becomes more complicated.

A manor house hotel, a musical weekend... and a mysterious murder? Spring has arrived in the Bristol countryside and Sukey Reynolds is enjoying the fine weather and lovely views from her quaint apartment. She has found love with an intrepid crime reporter, and they are busy planning a romantic weekend in London. During her time away she is determined to avoid any more amateur sleuthing. But life is never quiet for Sukey and one night before her holiday she is summoned to the charming Dallington Manor, a country house hotel nestled on the coast in Sandy Bay. She arrives at the starlit grounds to find a terrible tragedy has occurred. Lance Rainbird, a guest at a weekend gathering, has been discovered murdered in the lake. Her superiors close in on a suspect, the man who hosted the party, but Sukey can't shake the feeling that they've got this case completely wrong. During her weekend in the city, she follows a hunch, pokes around Rainbird's house and finds an address book that might just be the golden ticket to clearing an innocent man and nailing the true villain. As Sukey examines Rainbird's acquaintances, she finds old flames, combative colleagues and an estranged brother, but no one with an obvious motive for murder. He had a reputation for being difficult, but who could have wanted him dead? Then Sukey finds a name in the address book that shouldn't be there. Suddenly she knows who the killer is, but can she convince her boss he's got the wrong suspect before it's too late? If murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis have you gripped, then you'll love this twisty whodunnit from the queen of cozy crime! This book was previously published as The Scent of Death. Readers love Betty Rowlands! 'Riveting, can't put it down! I love this story... a wonderfully twisted tale of a crime that has more twists than I thought possible... fantastic.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'OMG I loved this book! A proper whodunnit with great characters and a fabulous plot. This reminded me of the Agatha Christie mysteries I used to read as a child... Excited for the next in the series!' Mrs Roadley Reads, 5 stars 'BRILLIANT!... Having read and enjoyed the Melissa Craig series as well, I find the Sukey Reynolds even more engaging and I can't wait to read more in this series!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'It was unwise of me to begin this book in late afternoon because it held me to the pages until I finished it!... diabolical twists and red herrings... addictive!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'Betty Rowlands is the mistress of cozy whodunnits... I simply cannot wait for the next book in the series to be released... Fantastic.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

'I will never forget the night I drowned...' Seventeen-year-old Eleanor Parker wakes up cold and alone in the river that twists through her quiet village. She remembers a hand on her chest, another on her head, water in her throat, those final gasps for air... Her brother's girlfriend was drowned in the same river the summer before, held under the water by an unknown killer. Determined to unlock the mystery of what really happened that night, Eleanor can't escape the feeling that something terrible links her to the previous summer's murder. But will she discover the shocking truth, before it's too late? A gripping and extraordinary coming of age novel that will keep you guessing until the very end. What readers are saying about The Death and Life of Eleanor Parker 'Intriguing... compelling... I couldn't put it down. Every page drew me in. Loved it.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'This book was everything a thriller should be and more!... I could not put it down. Every secret slowly comes unravelled to leave you guessing until the very end when it all shockingly comes together.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'I definitely recommend the book... I didn't want to stop until everything was revealed. I enjoyed the story, characters and writing style... twists and turns that you didn't expect.' Library Thing 'Wilkinson's ability to build suspense and keep the reader hanging on... is exceptional. He blends supernatural, thriller, and mystery with real skill... truly an enjoyable read.' Reading Writing Rhetoric 'From the get-go the writing is beautiful and plot enthralling... I didn't see the ending coming.' Goodreads Reviewer 'Very interesting characters and the way the plot was unfolded had me intrigued from the beginning, until the end!!... You will love this book... refreshing!! Goodreads Reviewer 'A thrilling read... didn't see that ending coming!!' Goodreads Reviewer 'What a thrilling and fantastic read!... I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a novel full of tension and great characters.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'Hooked me from the beginning.' A Garden Carried in the Pocket 'I enjoyed it immensely. The narrator my favourite aspect of this book as she is amusing and interesting. I would highly recommend giving it a read.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

When small-town reporter Dee Flanagan is caught up in an unusual ambush, how can she convince people she didn't imagine a gunfight played out between two centuries?

'I thoroughly enjoyed this intriguing mystery set in a beautiful location with deliciously menacing undercurrents.' Frances Evesham The Isle of Wight has always felt like a safe place to live for keen dog-walker and reluctant sleuth Susan. But after being involved in the investigation of a troubling crime near her old home, Susan decides to move to the peaceful village of Bishopstone. Susan loves the sense of community and immediately throws herself into village life, volunteering at the local primary school and joining the choir of St Jude’s. So, when there is an altercation at the meeting of the choir committee, followed by a shocking accident involving head teacher Lawrence, Susan is dismayed to realise her powers of deduction may be needed again. There is a dangerous criminal hiding in plain sight and with the police reluctant to help, Susan must put together the pieces of the fiendish puzzle to flush out a killer before they strike again. A brand new cosy mystery from the author of the bestselling The House Party. Perfect for fans of Frances Evesham, Faith Martin and LJ Ross. 'A masterclass in story-telling.' Owen Mullen What readers are saying about Mary Grand: ‘I’ve read all of Mary Grand’s book and this one is just another brilliant read. I loved the way the characters interact and the twists in finding out who the murderer was. A great book to curl up in a comfy seat and try to work out who done it!’ ‘Mary Grand does it again with a gripping who done it on the beautiful Isle of Wight. A new and exciting cast of characters both two and four legged (dogs as always an important part of the story) lead us on a chase to unravel the clues, ignore the red herrings and guess the murderer. Who knew that such skillduggery happened on this much loved holiday island? I always so enjoy her books and can't recommend them highly enough. I also can't wait for the next one!!!!’ ‘I’ve so enjoyed Death at Castle Cove. I visited the Isle of Wight about 8 years ago for the day and I remember Ventnor very well as we stopped there for an hour. Mary your booked transported me back there and your descriptions of the beaches and area roundabout are lovely. I really had no idea ‘whodunit’ and I loved the way you teased us with snippets sending us in all directions. I’m looking forward to your next one and thank you for a lovely read and an escape around the IOW.’ ‘All Mary Grand’s books are great reading and her latest is no exception. I loved it!’ ‘Truly could not put this book down and read on into the night. The main character is determined to save the mystery of her friend’s death and tho’ she was unwisely outspoken, at risk and often wrong, her efforts bring dividends. A reader has no option but to stay with her all the way.’ ‘I especially liked how the author gradually peeled back the layers. Layers of secrets and lies. I don’t know how many times I changed my mind about who the killer was. It was so well done, and I didn’t guess whodunnit until the reveal. I really enjoyed it and plan to read more from this author in the future.’

In a family like that, you won’t need enemies. In the waning days of the Catskills hotel era, Stanley and Rachel Roth, the owners of the Cuttman Hotel, were practically dynasty—third generation proprietors of a sprawling resort with a grand reputation. The glamorous and gregarious matriarch, Rachel. The cunning and successful businessman, Stan. Four beautiful children. A perfect family deserving of respect and loyalty. Or so it seemed. Fast forward forty years. The Roths have lost their clout. When skeletal remains are found on the side of the road, the disappearance of Trudy Solomon, a coffee shop waitress at the Cuttman in 1978, is reopened. Each member of the Roth family holds a clue to the case, but getting them to admit what they know will force Detective Susan Ford to face a family she’d hoped never to see again.

A summer garden party is in full swing at a grand old house, but under a gorgeous apple tree laden with ripe fruit... a body is discovered. Sukey Reynolds is treasuring the late-summer sun, taking long walks in the countryside, and enjoying the golden views across the Cotswold hills. At home, she's busy cooking up feasts for her growing teenage son - amateur sleuthing is definitely off the menu. When she is called to photograph a crumbling manor, the day suddenly turns cold. In the charming garden, the body of beautiful Una May has been discovered, and all fingers are pointed at the tempestuous owner of the house, who was overheard arguing with Una that morning... But who is the rotten apple in this beautiful orchard? The party was supposed to celebrate a painting of the residents and staff. When the picture is found slashed, the police close in on the landowner, but Sukey is sure they are barking up the wrong tree, and she decides to do a bit of snooping. Which likeness hides a villain? Could it be the lustful lord, the aloof artist or perhaps the heartbroken housekeeper? Despite her sleuthing, Sukey is no closer to catching Una May's killer, until she finds a pair of shoes covered in mud from the orchard. With the police convinced they've caught the right man, Sukey must solve this baffling case alone. But to find the killer holding the poisonous fruit, she may have to delve deep into the garden... If books by Agatha Christie, P.D. James or Faith Martin have you hooked, then you will love this murder mystery by the queen of cozy crime! This book was previously published as Party to Murder. What readers are saying about Betty Rowlands: 'Riveting, can't put it down! I love this story... a wonderfully twisted tale of a crime that has more twists than I thought possible... fantastic.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'OMG I loved this book! A proper whodunnit with great characters and a fabulous plot. This reminded me of the Agatha Christie mysteries I used to read as a child... Excitedfor the next in the series!' Mrs Roadley Reads, 5 stars 'BRILLIANT!... Having read and enjoyed the Melissa Craig series as well, I find the Sukey Reynolds even more engagingand I can't wait to read more in this series!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'It was unwise of me to begin this book in late afternoon because it held me to the pages until I finished it!... diabolical twists and red herrings... addictive!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars