Toasted crumpets, a country house… and a curious murder?

Sukey Reynolds is invited to an evening at her local library to hear Jennifer Cottrell, a noted novelist, speak about her latest book. But instead of an interesting event attended by the author’s fans, a woman in the audience, Wendy Downie, accuses Jennifer of killing her lover. Before a shocked Sukey can go after her, she flees into the night. The very next day, Jennifer is found dead…

The police chase after Wendy, convinced she must have attacked Jennifer. But they find that she too has been killed - in the grounds of Jennifer’s beautiful manor. Why was she at Jennifer’s house? Are all of their suspects going to disappear?

With the police running around in circles, Sukey decides to do some sleuthing on her own. Looking closely at Jennifer’s household and acquaintances, Sukey wonders who could have wanted her dead? The homely housekeeper, the gloomy groundsman or the secretive secretary?

A dog’s lead and a pair of dirty boots direct Sukey to the truth, but will she be able to let her detective colleagues know who the culprit is, before the devious villain realises they’ve been rumbled?

An unputdownable murder mystery for fans of P.D. James, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis from the queen of cozy crime.

This book was previously published as Smokescreen.

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… 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

‘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