Death at Sandy Bay - Betty Rowlands

Death at Sandy Bay by Betty Rowlands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The last Sukey Reynolds book, what am I going to do now?! I've enjoyed this whole series, following Sukey from her early days as a scene of crime officer, until now when she's a detective constable looking to possibly be promoted to a sergeant.
This latest book has a number of suspicious deaths, with only one of them being definitely a murder, the others might possibly be. There are lots of twists and turns, most of which work quite well. I will admit though, that I wasn't completely convinced by the ending, it was almost left up in the air a bit. I don't' want to go into too many details and give things away. It didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book and I'd still recommend it, particularly to Sukey fans. In fact, I think that it was probably intentional that it was a little ambiguous.
I'll be sorry to see Sukey go, I've enjoyed reading about her. I've said before that I wasn't completely convinced by the sudden change in her life, midway through the series. I've still enjoyed them all though. It was good to see that Sukey settled into new career well and was enjoying life with her journalist friend. There was only a passing reference to her son, who randomly seems to have changed the degree that he's doing for some reason.
Overall, this has been a fantastic series and one that I've really enjoyed. You don't need to have read the other books, but I would encourage you to if you get the chance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

View all my reviews

Death at Sycamore House - Betty Rowlands

Death at Sycamore House by Betty Rowlands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think that Death at Sycamore House is one of my favourite Sukey Reynolds books. Perhaps it's because I 'know' more of the supporting cast now, seeing as they've appeared in the last few books. This one also involved less of Sukey jumping to conclusions for no apparent reason.
The mystery revolves around the death of woman who had certainly ruffled some feathers. There is a fairly obvious main suspect, although there are one or two others who certainly seem to have some kind of motive to do away with the victim. This was one of those stories where I guessed who had done it quite a while before Sukey, but the why remained a complete mystery until the big reveal. I think that there's probably enough clues to work it all out though, it was just me that missed the mark trying to get to the bottom of it.
There was even less of Fergus (Sukeys now grown-up son) in this book, I thought he'd been forgotten all about until he was mentioned in the last chapter. I suppose it would be odd for a grown-up son to be around all the time. One of the great things about these books has always been Sukey's regular supporting characters and as I'm sure I've mentioned before, it's taken a while to adjust to the sudden change that occurred halfway through the series.
This is the second to last Sukey book, I'm going to miss her when I've finished.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

View all my reviews

Death in the Village - Betty Rowlands

Death in the Village: A totally gripping British cozy murder mystery by Betty Rowlands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm going to be really sad when this series comes to an end, I've become quite fond of Sukey and her investigations. This is book eleven and I think that there are only two more left in the series. Reading these books is very much like meeting up with an old friend for a good old chin wag. I've never been a fan of the term cosy mystery and I think in many ways, this doesn't totally fit into that category, but there is something cosy about the familiarity of these books.
This time Sukey is involved in the investigation into a missing girl. There is also a question mark over death from seemingly natural causes. As the story progresses more things need to be looked into and it's not clear if any of them are connected at all. Sukey now has a boyfriend, a journalist who's father happens to live quite close to her. She enlists him to help out with a bit of poking around into something that isn't really an ongoing investigation and in the processes manages to solve the whole thing.
I have to admit that I had got this one all figured out before Sukey and the other detectives. She didn't make as many dramatic leaps this time, but she did seem to miss one or two things that seemed a bit obvious. I did think that there was a bit of a lack of understanding around computers, the idea that the police wouldn't even look at a missing person's computer until it was suggested that she might have met someone online seemed a little unlikely, even if this book was originally written in 2011.
Sukey now has familiar characters around her, although they are different from those that appeared in the earlier books. Her son Gus, who I've always really liked got barely a mention in this book. I suppose that he will have long finished university and moved away from home, but it would still have been nice to have some input from him.
I'm looking forward to the last two books with a mix of pleasure and sadness. They are always a good read, but I will miss them when I've reached the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

View all my reviews

Death on Clevedon Beach - Betty Rowlands

Death on Clevedon Beach: An absolutely addictive English cozy mystery novel by Betty Rowlands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ten books into the Sukey Reynolds series and we've seen quite a few changes. I mentioned in my review of the last couple of books that they marked a change of direction for the amateur detective, as she finally managed to join the ranks of the CID and become a 'real' detective. This book was in many ways, much more like the first few with Sukey now firmly established with a reliable and returning cast of supporting characters. From that point of view, I enjoyed it much more than her first couple of mysteries as a member of the police.
This time we see Sukey involved in the investigation of a suspicious car crash and a body that has been chopped to pieces and washed up on a local beach. At first glance, there seems to be no connection between the two crimes, but as Sukey looks into them further, there are a couple of things that suggest that there might be a link.
Although the story does revolve around a fairly gruesome discovery, the book still has a level of lightness which means that it isn't particularly hard to read. It doesn't rely upon the horror of the crime or focus upon the stomach-churning aspects of the murder.
On the whole, I enjoyed the mystery, as I always do with this series. I will say that this one did seem slightly looser than the previous stories. There were a couple of leaps that I felt pushed it even for a detective book. There were also a couple of things that didn't quite make sense. A friend of a character in the night club appearing from nowhere for no apparent reason and I'm sure that Sukey's son Fergus was attending a different university in previous books. These are just small niggles and as I've read so many of the books in the series already and so feel Sukey to be an old friend I'm happy to let them go. There aren't many more of these books to come, I'll be sad when I get to the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

View all my reviews

Death at the Library - Betty Rowlands

Death at the Library: A completely gripping cozy mystery by Betty Rowlands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit that when I read the last Sukey Reynolds book Death at the Mariners Hotel I was a little disappointed. One of the things that I'd loved about this series was the characters that appeared time and time again. In book eight, however, Sukey had left her previous job and moved to Bristol, leaving behind the people that she had worked with before. I wasn't sure how the series would progress from here on in. Death in the Library appears in some ways to be a bit of a transition book. Sukey still has a little input from her son, Fergus, although now he is at University, he only has a small role. But, Sukey is beginning to gather a small cast of regular characters that I'm sure will grow in future books. She has a sergeant that she works with regularly and a friend and colleague, Vicky, who she is spending more and more time with. Hopefully, in future books, the cast of characters will build back to something similar to what existed before.
I enjoyed this book much more than the previous one. As I said, I wasn't sure about the sudden change that had taken place. I think if you hadn't read any of the earlier books, then you wouldn't be at all bothered by this, as the mystery and the storyline is a good solid one. I really enjoyed this aspect of it and this time around I have to admit that I didn't guess who was guilty, although I was right about who wasn't. That probably doesn't make much sense, but if you read the book, you'll see what I mean.
The question of Sukey's relationship with Jim is finally resolved, although I have to admit, not quite the way that I would like. Although I do see why.
Overall this was a good read and I'm interested to see where next for Sukey.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

View all my reviews

Death at The Mariners Hotel - Betty Rowlands

Death at the Mariners Hotel by Betty Rowlands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've been loving these Sukey Reynolds' mysteries. I have to admit though, that it took me a little while to warm to this one. I'm sure that this was in large part, due to the sudden change in Sukey's life. When we last joined her she was working as a scene of crime officer and getting involved with investigating a little bit more than she should have done. She did want to rejoin the police force though and although I expected that she might eventually manage it, I wasn't expecting her to have achieved that in this book. In fact, things had moved on quite a bit, with Sukey now living in Bristol and having completed her probationary period for a different police force than the one she worked for.
Fortunately, once I got into the swing of the story and the change that had taken place, I really enjoyed it and reading about Sukey's new role. I have to admit that this time I didn't really solve the mystery, but this book was less of a puzzle than some of the previous ones.
I am really enjoying this series. I'm not sure where it's going to go next, with the change in Sukey's role and her relationship with Jim. I had assumed that over time that might become more permanent, but he played such a minor role in this one that I think he might be on his way out. I suppose that time will tell where Sukey will end up... I'll be looking forward to finding out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

View all my reviews

Death under the Apple Tree - Betty Rowlands

Death under the Apple Tree by Betty Rowlands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The only problem with this Sukey Reynolds series is that I am running out of ways to say how much I am enjoying them. Not that that is going to stop me from writing these reviews or reading the books for that matter. There is something that is just so enjoyable about the series. The characters of course help. Over the course of the previous six books, we've seen Sukey's son Gus turn from a young teenager to a young man who is off to University in this book. Her relationship with Jim Castle has rumbled along quietly, with moments of passion for our amateur detective in-between the odd bout of disapproval for her snooping ways. I did wonder if they were going to move to a more permanent arrangement now that Gus is away at university, but that doesn't seem to have happened as yet.
The mystery this time was not one that I was able to solve. Sometimes I seem to get there long before Sukey has a clue, but this time I was completely in the dark. The important thing with a murder mystery for me isn't my ability to solve it or not, but really how well it works and how easy the solution is. Fortunately, in this series, the mystery is believable and never too obvious.
I'm keen to read the next book and find out what is in store for Sukey. Will she finally become a detective for real? Will Jim finally be willing to be more open about their relationship? Will Gus become so skilled through his university course that he can solve all of the mysteries for them? I can't wait to find out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.


View all my reviews

Death on a Summer Morning - Betty Rowlands

Death on a Summer Morning: An absolutely gripping cozy mystery novel by Betty Rowlands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had been a little concerned that as these books progressed, Sukey's going against her boyfriend and the police, in general, to investigate on her own might get a little much. Surely someone can't just keep doing that. Fortunately, in this instalment at least, that little issue has been dealt with to some extent. While Sukey does get involved in her own investigations again in this book, it's really quite reluctantly and she does, on more than one occasion try to involve Jim with her thoughts and ideas.
I do enjoy these mysteries. Sukey is a very likeable character and I enjoy reading about her attempts to get to the bottom of various mysteries. This time she gets drawn in after the seemingly accidental death of a man, while his fiance and daughter won't accept that he wasn't murdered. Sukey manages to solve at least part of the mystery, but not get to the bottom of things completely. (Although I did this time.)
I'm looking forward to the next in this series. I am really enjoying them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.


View all my reviews

Death at Ivy House - Betty Rowlands

Death at Ivy House: An utterly gripping English cozy mystery by Betty Rowlands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Five books into the Sukey Reynolds series and I'm really enjoying this scene of crime officer who spends a little too much time investigating things herself. Although unlike some amateur detectives, Sukey has a reason to be involved in the crimes that she investigates, really she shouldn't be looking into them the way that she does. Fortunately for us, the fact that she ignores that and does get involved makes for a good read.
Again with this book, we know a little bit more than Sukey and her detective boyfriend Jim do. If you haven't read any of this series, I should perhaps mention that while Sukey is romantically involved with the lead detective on most of the mysteries that she gets involved in, it isn't really with his blessing, or often even his knowledge. She does seem to have an uncanny knack for getting to the bottom of things.
This was an enjoyable read. The plot did have quite a few twists, turns and players which made me a little confused. I have to admit though, that despite having the extra knowledge to the detectives, I didn't guess who done it until it was revealed.
I'm loving this series and will be reading the next very shortly. If you're looking for a good detective story that itsn't too dark, but doesn't have that frothy rubbish that you often get with so-called 'cosy' mysteries, then this may well be one for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.


View all my reviews

Death at Burwell Farm - Betty Rowlands

Death at Burwell Farm by Betty Rowlands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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.

View all my reviews

Death at Beacon Cottage - Betty Rowlands

Death at Beacon Cottage: An absolutely addictive cozy mystery novel by Betty Rowlands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This third book in the Sukey Reynolds series is a little different from the first two. Yes, there's a crime and a murder or two that Sukey finds herself interested in, but there isn't a mystery as such to solve.
Sukey is again doing her job as SOCO when she finds herself under threat from a violent gang of criminals. She looks just like an undercover officer, who has been getting close to one of the gang. When a robbery doesn't quite go to plan, people start getting bumped off left right and centre and Sukey is spotted by one of the gang.
Although this book isn't a mystery in the usual sense, I still really enjoyed it. Sukey, her son Gus and boyfriend Jim are becoming characters that I know well and reading a crime story that involves the three of them is always interesting. I think the fact that this was a little different was perhaps a little more believable too, even someone who works for the police as Sukey does isn't always going to find themselves investigating a murder directly.
There was at least one occasion when the police seemed to think that the danger had passed when I'm not entirely sure that they would have been so quick to assume that in reality. that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. I'll certainly be looking for book four in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

View all my reviews

Death at Dearly Manor - Betty Rowlands

Death at Dearley Manor by Betty Rowlands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second Sukey Reynolds book, and like the Melissa Craig series before it, I've got another amateur detective that I'm enjoying reading about. As a rule, I'm not that keen on so-called cosy mysteries. I don't know that I'd entirely label this series as that. It's not particularly dark or nasty, but a lot more true to life than some of the comedy style cosy mysteries. I prefer to call this type a classic mystery myself.
This time the Sukey find's that the murder is close to home, with her ex-husband being married to the victim and therefore a potential suspect himself. Sukey is not able to be involved directly in the investigation herself and she hands the SOCO work over to a colleague. But, with her son, Gus, worried about his father, she can't help but try and help to get to the bottom of who has committed the murder.
Unfortunately, this time I didn't solve the mystery. There were plenty of suspects that might have been guilty and I just didn't guess right. I really enjoyed reading it though and I can't wait to read her next mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

View all my reviews

Death at Hazel House - Betty Rowlands

Death at Hazel House: An utterly addictive cozy murder mystery by Betty Rowlands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was very sad when I read the last of the Melissa Craig novels, I needn't have worried, as I now have the Sukey Reynolds series to work my way through.
If you have read and enjoyed Betty Rowland's Melissa Craig series, then I think that it's highly likely that you will enjoy these too. There is something that is familiar with the books, while at the same time they have a new and different feel to them. Unlike Melissa, Sukey actually has a reason to get involved in crime and trying to work out who done it. She is a scene of crime officer, primarily a photographer, but she also seems to take fingerprints and other similar jobs. In addition to having this role herself, she also has a relationship with a local policeman. This is the first in the series and at this stage, they seem to be more friends than anything. I suspect that this will develop into something more as the series progresses.
This story is perhaps a little more modern than the Melissa Craig books. Characters have mobile phones and other 'modern' inventions. It still has that charm that made the other books so appealing. Sukey herself is an interesting and engaging character and it's the little things, such as her relationship with her teenage son that add to the appeal and readability of the book.
I have to admit that I didn't solve the mystery this time. I had a few ideas that were in the right direction, but I hadn't got it all. This is less like a puzzle mystery to solve though, the story unfolds and there is a mystery, but there is more to it than that.
All in all, this was a great start to a series and I'm looking forward to reading more about Sukey soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

View all my reviews