[Melissa Craig 09] • Murder at Benbury Brook

**A babbling brook runs alongside a wooded glade, surrounded by autumn light and birdsong. But next to the stream a young woman lies dead, her once bright blonde hair now limp and lifeless…**

**Melissa Craig** has settled into a new job in the charming Cotswolds village of Upper Benbury. She is teaching French to several of the local teenagers, which gives her a fascinating insight into the young people’s lives. Material for a new novel perhaps…

**Her quiet life is interrupted when she sees her new neighbour running out of the woods** in a blind panic. Melissa rushes to help him, but what she finds leaves her breathless: **the body of young woman is lying on the bank of the river.**

When suspicion falls on Melissa’s neighbour, **a man with a difficult past trying to make a new start** , Melissa feels determined to prove his innocence. With the village in turmoil, and the police sure they’ve got their man, **she must act quickly.**

As she interviews the local residents, she realises there are **several sinister characters lurking inside those charming Cotswold cottages… Could one of them have hurt Cissie?** Was it the strange old man with a cottage near the river? Or the ailing ex-choirmaster with quite an eye for the ladies?

When **Melissa Craig** decides to get her teeth into a case, she doesn’t let go – nothing will stop her from solving this murder. **Can she prove the innocence of her new friend? And will she unearth the culprit before another young life is taken?**

**An absolutely unputdownable murder mystery for fans of Faith Martin, Joy Ellis and P.D. James that will have you hooked right from the start.**

**What readers are saying about Betty Rowlands:**

‘ **Hooked from the first pages** … wonderful… fascinating, **full of twists and turns** … **kept me guessing till the end**.’ Goodreads reviewer, **5 stars**

‘ **Brilliant** … **I read this book in one sitting** and could not put it down. I would **highly recommend** this book to anyone.’ NetGalley Reviewer, **5 stars**

‘ **An absolutely addictive** , wonderful story. **Loved it from start to finish**. Great pace and a delightful setting, colourful characters and thrilling mystery. This was a brilliant story and **I cannot wait for more!** ’ Renita D’Silva, author of *The Forgotten Daughter* , **5 stars**

‘ **Perfect for lovers of COZY CRIME!... I loved this book… This is an easily read book but it will keep you on your toes**.’ Goodreads reviewer, **5 stars**

‘ **Once I started reading I couldn't put it down** as it was **entertaining and enthralling** … The mystery was interesting and it **kept me guessing till the end** … **Highly recommended!** ’ *Scrapping and Playing* , **5 stars**

‘ **The quintessential cozy mystery** … the **storyline is fast-paced and engaging** … builds to an **adrenaline fuelled ending** , full of action and powerful imagery. An enjoyable, escapist read that **I suspect may become my secret addiction**.