Death under the Apple Tree

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. But when she is called to photograph a crumbling manor, the day suddenly turns cold.

In the charming garden, Sukey finds the body of the beautiful estate manager Una May. All fingers are pointed at the tempestuous owner of the house, a rich lord who was overheard arguing with Una that morning…

Is this wealthy man 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 owner, but Sukey is sure they are barking up the wrong tree, and she decides to do a bit of snooping. Which of the smiling faces in the new painting hides a villain: 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 Death under the Apple Tree:

‘Betty Rowlands is the mistress of cozy whodunits… I simply cannot wait for the next book in the series to be released… A fantastic series.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

‘Extremely well-written. The characters have depth as well as great personalities (both good and bad)… I recommend this book to those that enjoy cozy mysteries and I look forward to reading more of this series.’ Goodreads Reviewer

‘I am running out of ways to say how much I am enjoying this series. Not that that is going to stop me from writing these reviews or reading the books for that matter… So enjoyable.’ Goodreads Reviewer

‘Love this series, devour each book as soon as I get it. This was the perfect holiday read for me: cozy, interesting and exciting. I’m already looking forward to next book in the series.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

‘Addictive… perfect cozy mystery with satisfying resolution… Looking forward to reading more of Sukey’s crime solving successes’ NetGalley Reviewer

‘This story has an interesting twist… Another excellent story in a great series by a wonderful author. Highly recommend this one, as I found it hard to put down.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars

‘I truly enjoyed it!… There’s a lot of twists and deliberate red herrings, especially those involving deceptions by the principals in the case. Well written!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

‘Well written and plotted. Betty Rowlands has obviously thought carefully about the story. Her stories are entertaining and read quickly.’ Goodreads Reviewer

‘This series keeps getting better and better with each book… the story never lets me down.’ Spooky’s Maze of Books