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