Exhaustive Enquiries: A Melissa Craig Mystery

Let me start by saying that Melissa Craig has nothing, nil, nada, zilch to do with Miss Marple other than that they both "live" in a village and both investigate crimes. Apart from that they are very distinct characters, and enjoyably so. And now back to this book: Betty Rowlands really has her Melissa Craig character down to a "t" - civilised, yet quite capable of being both brash and rash; intelligent without being unrealistic or overwhelming; and above all, consistent and therefore believable. This is the fourth book in the series, and is possibly a little more restrain than its predecessors. Nevertheless, it moves along at a good pace that keeps the reader's attention, and there are enough clues spread through the book to make the ending entirely credible. If there was anything about the book I'd change I think I'd like to have seen a little more of Charlotte and Penelope - and possibly a little less of Mitch. Chris, on the other hand is given just the right amount of space to make him interesting, and amusing, without getting in the way of the plot. In other words, a very well-crafted story which keeps to the high standard of the previous novels in the series (and not a ball of wool in sight!). Highly recommended.

In the 4th book in the Melissa Craig mystery series, the reader finds Mel at work again on her latest mystery novel. Living in the Cotswolds of England was a decision that she treasures, and she has settled down to life in her peaceful bungalow. Having best friend, Iris Ash, nearby, Melissa feels that her life is nearly perfect. When millionaire, Richard "Mitch" Mitchell asks her to write a spooky play for his birthday celebration, Mel tries her hand at something a bit out of the ordinary. Attending one of the rehearsals for her "pantocrime", Melissa is there when the dead body of one of the actors is found. Never one to believe that suicide is the reason for death, Melissa immediately becomes suspicious. And when Mitch approaches her about some strange business dealings at his hotel, she reluctantly agrees to help him find the culprit. Are the spooks rumored to be in residence at the hotel causing the disturbances or could it be the illicit activities of a member of the staff? Was the actor pushed or did he simply fall down the cellar steps accidentally? Mel finds herself immersed too deeply to back away, and helps crack a case with international ties.I enjoyed the latest Mel Craig mystery much more than I had the previous case, Over the Edge, set in France. I wished that the character, Iris Ash, had played a larger role in this case, however as she lends a levelheaded tone to each of Melissa's cases. One of the developments that I enjoyed was a new romantic interest for Mel (although the vocation of which is largely overused in this genre) and the plot was both fresh and interesting. I highly recommend this series and this book even if you have not read any of the previous novels in the series.The first book in the series is "A Little Gentle Sleuthing". Enjoy!A Cozy Lover