4 stars

Melissa “Mel” Craig has moved and made a new life for herself and her new husband, Joe. Her mother Sylvia now lives with them and they all seem to get along very well. Melissa is working on a new novel and has sworn to herself that she will not get drawn into any more detecting.

However, when an experienced beekeeper dies of bee stings and the police call it an accidental death, Melissa gets drawn – quite against her will – into an investigation. When another member of the same family dies in the same manner, Melissa is drawn even furter into the mystery. Somewhat on the sly, for she knows that Joe wouldn't approve.

This is an interesting tale. It is certainly an original idea for a book and I enjoyed the newness of it. It made me think. Some theories are posited that I'm not sure about, but it is entertaining reading and I enjoyed the book. The killer comes as somewhat of a surprise, for I did not consider them a suspect. I like Ms. Rowland's writing style. It is clear and easy to read. I will certainly read the next in this series.

I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read,enjoy and review.

Whilst I enjoyed this book, I found it not as good as Melissa Craig's earlier books in the series, the bee sting has been done before a few times and the ending was predictable, even without the final clue. Having said that, I did find the book good to read and I really enjoy the writing style and the characters that have develop in this series. This book can be read as a stand alone book, which I really favour in a series.

Mel has returned from her honeymoon with her new husband, her literary agent, Joe. She’s completed the renovation on her cottage and her mother Slyvia is living in the new little annex. Life is settling into a nice, quiet pattern of writing, coffee breaks, and country strolls. Unfortunately the peace is shattered by the death of a detested neighbor who has been stung to death by the bees he keeps. Within a day, his sister-in-law has met the same fate. The family has always “kept themselves to themselves “ but these unexpected deaths have the gossips in the village in high gear., the poor widow Caroline is highly suspected of committing the murders, because no believes either death is an accident. Much to Joe’s dismay, Mel once again finds herself investigating the crimes. The ending was a complete surprise.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advance copy. I do recommend this book, and the entire series.

Another cosy in the Mel Craig series.

A local beekeeper is found dead after an unexplain bee attack. At first it seems an unfortunate accident, but the more time Mel spends with the Cresney family the more suspicious she becomes.

There's lots of twists and turns and a very satisfying ending. Mel tries to stay out of the investigation and despite warning the nosy villagers not to gossip she can't help but get involved herself.

This is an easy, enjoyable read. It's the last of the Mel Craig mystery series and I will definitely be making sure I have read them all.

Thanks Netgalley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.

An addictive series, can be read on its own or as part of the series. Easy read, with a satisfying conclusion. Very addictive! Can’t wait to read more!

I did enjoy this, and as usual with Ms Rowlands' work was miles off guessing whodunnit! This sadly is the final book in the series of Melissa Craig books and I have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. They are beautifully written and evoke the atmosphere of the English village so well, if you take out the murders that is! The characterisation of the stalwarts of all the books, Gloria, the cleaner, Mrs Foster in the village shop, as well as other more transient inhabitants were a joy to read but Melissa's best friend Iris was my favourite.

In this final outing a domineering egomaniac is found dead, attacked by his beloved bees, an attack regarded as a tragic accident. Melissa is getting used to having her mother, Sylvia, living in the extension she had built for her as well as being a new wife; she married Joe in between this and the previous book and has no intention of investigating crimes any more. Befriending the devastated widow changes all that and she soon finds herself deeply involved once again in the darker side of village life.

Each book in this series has shown an evolving talent; both the cases and their resolutions became more complex and satisfying, the characters richer and multi layered. It was the beautiful cover of book one which drew me in but the entirely compelling storytelling which kept me hooked through each following outing to Upper Benbury and I will miss the excitement evoked by each new visit there.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it highly to anyone who has enjoyed the previous 11 books or wants to read first class mystery writing.

So Betty Rowlands cosy murder mysteries featuring Melissa Craig have come to an end, in this book, Melissa is now happily married and back in touch with her mother after 30 years estrangement, life and everything in it should be idyllic but when one of her neighbours dies from an attack from his bees, but something doesn't feel right about it, The family is falling apart and secrets are spilling out and Melissa is dragged into the middle of it. Much to the annoyance of her husband. I've enjoyed the stories, they have been like old friends, there is no graphic violence or bad language they are just something to curl up with and enjoy, In today's world we need a little Melissa Craig.

I typically read Ms. Rowlands books in one sitting, and this was no exception. I like Mel and her husband,. I liked that we get a bit of Ivy as well. The fact that Mel really wants to stop investigating murders and yet just keeps getting pulled in is understandable. As this mystery takes place in Mel's hometown, we don't get descriptions of new locations, but I like the village and the necessary verbal take downs of unpleasant neighbors is refreshing.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Bees. Death by stinging. And more than one victim...

More local intrigue for Melissa, husband Joe and mother Sylvia

Mel tried her hardest to stay out of this death. She was slowly drawn in. Lots of twists to keep you reading until the end.

I ARC received via NetGalley and in exchange for an honest review.

Melissa and Joe just came back from their honeymoon and starts to settled down and enjoy marry life.

Melissa decide she doesn't want to sleuth anymore but gets rope in when an neighbor dies under peculiar circumstances and when she investigate she realize the man who died mysterious wasn't very like and when another family member dies she has her hand full.

This was another great cozy mystery and I said before this could easily be on hallmark movie mystery channel.

Another Melissa Craig one sitting read and I am hoping this is not the last in the series

This time whilst not wanting to get involved in another murder mystery , Melissa along with her husband Joe are plunged into the mystery surrounding 2 deaths and an attempt on a loved ones life all in the name of bee keeping ….

10 out of 10 and highly recommended

cosy-mystery, law-enforcement, England

***** The mystery writer and her new literary agent husband are back from the honeymoon and settling in to their new digs. The newly remodeled adjoining cottage is where her mother resides following surgery to remove the brain tumor. The three are acclimating to the village and it's inhabitants when an odious near neighbor dies under peculiar circumstances and the widow suddenly clings to Melissa for support and help. And then things really get messy! Everyone knows Melissa is a mystery writer and too many of them expect her to become involved, much to her husband's disgruntlement. Even her mum seems to feel a need to get involved. But when things get too odd Melissa runs things past a former police inspector who passes the info on to the local. There are some credible suspects, vicious gossips, strange entanglements, and it's all tied up in a grand whodunit!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Bookouture via NetGalley. Thank you!