Murder at the Manor Hotel - Betty Rowlands

Murder at the Manor Hotel by Betty Rowlands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm really enjoying these Melissa Craig mysteries. Unfortunately, I've missed out on book number three in this series, but I don't think it really matters and I can go back later. Like the previous books that I've read this is another classic murder mystery. This time with the added threat of some other criminal activity (I won't go into details, as Melissa doesn't find out about it until later in the book).
These stories are marketed as being cosy mysteries. I personally am not a fan of the term and I think in this case it sells the story a little short. Most that fall into that genre are a little more humorous and light-hearted than this. That's not to say that this is some gritty dark tale, but there's more to it than a throwaway read in my opinion.
Melissa is again involved in the thick of the action and looks to find out more. I also like the development of her relationship with some of the other characters. Her next door neighbour is as always an entertaining side character, although she doesn't have a central role in this book and the same can be said for her cleaner. There is a little more of her tame policeman friend too and I suspect that he may feature a little more in future books.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series, although it doesn't really matter if you read this as a one-off or part of the series. It certainly works as a stand-alone novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.


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