What do you think?
Rate this book
Melissa Craig #11
Murder in the Dining Room
A grand old house soaks up the golden summer sun… but inside the dining room something dreadful has happened.
Melissa couldn’t be happier that summer has arrived. She’s delighted to have her mother back by her side, and she is extending her beloved Hawthorn Cottage so her new family can live together.
Meanwhile, Melissa’s mother Sylvia is back in good health and enjoying a brief stay at a stately retirement home. She loves getting to know the residents, until first a dog and then his owner are both found dead in the dining room. Like mother, like daughter, Sylvia decides to do a little investigating of her own.
Convinced that the deaths are suspicious, Sylvia starts probing her fellow residents, trying to find out who might have wanted the dog and its owner dead. Could it be the once-married couple, or the glamorous actors or the harassed manager of the home?
When one of Sylvia’s friends falls ill in suspicious circumstances, Melissa realises her mother has rattled someone, but who? And what happens if the killer realises they’ve been rumbled? Will Sylvia find herself meeting a villain in the dining room? And can Melissa find the culprit before another life is taken?
An absolutely gripping mystery for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis!
This book was previously published as No Laughing Matter.
Melissa couldn’t be happier that summer has arrived. She’s delighted to have her mother back by her side, and she is extending her beloved Hawthorn Cottage so her new family can live together.
Meanwhile, Melissa’s mother Sylvia is back in good health and enjoying a brief stay at a stately retirement home. She loves getting to know the residents, until first a dog and then his owner are both found dead in the dining room. Like mother, like daughter, Sylvia decides to do a little investigating of her own.
Convinced that the deaths are suspicious, Sylvia starts probing her fellow residents, trying to find out who might have wanted the dog and its owner dead. Could it be the once-married couple, or the glamorous actors or the harassed manager of the home?
When one of Sylvia’s friends falls ill in suspicious circumstances, Melissa realises her mother has rattled someone, but who? And what happens if the killer realises they’ve been rumbled? Will Sylvia find herself meeting a villain in the dining room? And can Melissa find the culprit before another life is taken?
An absolutely gripping mystery for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis!
This book was previously published as No Laughing Matter.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2003
1058 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Betty Rowlands
47 books143 followersBetty Rowlands is an member of the Crime Writers' Association and appears on panels at writers' conferences.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 30, 2019
While Melissa’s mother is staying at a retirement home, the dog of one of the residents is poisoned and soon after, the owner suffers the same fate.
Is it just a case of food poisoning or is there someone with a grudge against the victim?
Who is guilty? What is the motive behind the murder? And is there going to be a next victim?
A fun and engaging cozy murder mystery, Murder in the Dining Room is the eleventh in the Melissa Craig series.
Thanks to the author, Bookouture and the NetGalley for providing me with the book.
Is it just a case of food poisoning or is there someone with a grudge against the victim?
Who is guilty? What is the motive behind the murder? And is there going to be a next victim?
A fun and engaging cozy murder mystery, Murder in the Dining Room is the eleventh in the Melissa Craig series.
Thanks to the author, Bookouture and the NetGalley for providing me with the book.
March 21, 2019
Murder in the Dining Room, the eleventh novel in the Melissa Craig Cozy Mystery series, uses the beautiful Cotswolds setting as one of the central aspects of the story and reminds me a lot of the chocolate-box villages portrayed in Midsomer Murders. It's a story that is full of charm and works well as a standalone - it certainly isn't necessary to have read the previous instalments. The author is adept at moulding interesting characters that you really care about, an intriguing plot and the twists and turns throughout make for a satisfying tale. We also get more development of main protagonist Melissa which is exciting to see and book eleven is just as exciting as the rest of the series.
It's an engaging mystery with a menacing undertone and chilling atmosphere running through it, and this time the intrepid amateur sleuth investigates a death at a stately retirement home. Importantly for a cozy there is no profanity, sexual liaisons or blood and gore, and the conclusion was unexpected and satisfying. Previously published as No Laughing Matter, fans of Agatha Christie and MC Beaton should enjoy this as well as those who love to read cozies. A superb and highly entertaining addition to an already popular series, and a perfect read for those sunny, if chilly, spring days.
Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
It's an engaging mystery with a menacing undertone and chilling atmosphere running through it, and this time the intrepid amateur sleuth investigates a death at a stately retirement home. Importantly for a cozy there is no profanity, sexual liaisons or blood and gore, and the conclusion was unexpected and satisfying. Previously published as No Laughing Matter, fans of Agatha Christie and MC Beaton should enjoy this as well as those who love to read cozies. A superb and highly entertaining addition to an already popular series, and a perfect read for those sunny, if chilly, spring days.
Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
March 1, 2019
This is a fun cozy mystery where we meet Mel and her mother. The murder from the retirement home must be solved.
Thank you Netgalley for this nice book.
Thank you Netgalley for this nice book.
September 3, 2024
Love this one, gave me the feeling of murder she wrote.
March 28, 2019
After a rocky start, relations with her mother seem to be on an even keel and Melissa is keen for renovations to the extension to be finished soon so that her mother can move in and live with her on a permanent basis. In the meantime, the accommodation at the nearby retirement home is very good and her mother seems to have settled in for this short period.
The apparent murder of a pet dog and then the sudden demise of its owner sets Sylvia off on a tangent, determined that foul play is amiss and Melissa is terrified that with her interference that if there is an actual murderer around, her mother is the one in most danger as she is stirring things up without realizing it. Initially skeptical, Melissa begins to think that something is amiss in the Home and that its inmates are not exactly what they seem.
Like everyone else, people are hiding secrets. There are skeletons in the closet that no one wants anyone to find and there are those who are determined to keep them hidden.
An old fashioned mystery murder, with slow detective work being laboriously followed up is this story. It does not mean it is boring though. Reminiscent of Miss Marple mysteries this was a good one.
The apparent murder of a pet dog and then the sudden demise of its owner sets Sylvia off on a tangent, determined that foul play is amiss and Melissa is terrified that with her interference that if there is an actual murderer around, her mother is the one in most danger as she is stirring things up without realizing it. Initially skeptical, Melissa begins to think that something is amiss in the Home and that its inmates are not exactly what they seem.
Like everyone else, people are hiding secrets. There are skeletons in the closet that no one wants anyone to find and there are those who are determined to keep them hidden.
An old fashioned mystery murder, with slow detective work being laboriously followed up is this story. It does not mean it is boring though. Reminiscent of Miss Marple mysteries this was a good one.
April 17, 2019
a mystery well done
still, the final finding of the bad guy was happenstance. but they would have been found soon anyway. mum’s cool. joe is blah. the way different people had different info was very well done. good book.
still, the final finding of the bad guy was happenstance. but they would have been found soon anyway. mum’s cool. joe is blah. the way different people had different info was very well done. good book.
March 6, 2019
This Mel Craig book as a little different to the previous ones in the series. This time, rather than Mel getting involved in a mystery and investigating what had happened, her mother was in the thick of things. Mel was reunited with her estranged mother in the previous book, after the death of her father. Now in a residential home for the elderly, which is more like a hotel than anything, while she waits for the extension to be done to Mel's house, Sylvia finds that she the death of a dog, followed by her owner makes her suspicious that a murderer is at large.
I did find it quite funny that Mel did her best to stop her mother from investigating when in previous books she's been the one nosing into things and ignoring everyone else. Of course, her mother doesn't listen and before long both Sylvia and Mel are independently trying to get to the bottom of what happened.
This was another really enjoyable mystery. Sadly, this time I didn't quite manage to solve it all before the reveal, but that never detracts from the enjoyment of a book like this. I think that there's only one more Mel Craig book to go, which is a bit of a shame, as I've been thoroughly enjoying them.
I did find it quite funny that Mel did her best to stop her mother from investigating when in previous books she's been the one nosing into things and ignoring everyone else. Of course, her mother doesn't listen and before long both Sylvia and Mel are independently trying to get to the bottom of what happened.
This was another really enjoyable mystery. Sadly, this time I didn't quite manage to solve it all before the reveal, but that never detracts from the enjoyment of a book like this. I think that there's only one more Mel Craig book to go, which is a bit of a shame, as I've been thoroughly enjoying them.
July 1, 2019
I am so sorry that I am coming to the end of this lovely series, thank you Betty
March 13, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
An absolute delight to visit with Melissa Craig in Upper Benbury again. Everything is going so well in Mel's life. She finally has a mother again after so many years of forced separation. Even better is that she will be living with her and Joe at Hawthorn Cottage.
Since her brain surgery Sylvia has been enjoying good health. She is temporarily staying at Framleigh House, a posh retirement home until the renovations to Hawthorn Cottage are completed. The home has an interesting array of residents and they seem to have bonds formed.
While getting to know the residents Sylvia stumbles upon a series of unexplained deaths at the home. Like her daughter who is famous for getting involved in murders - Sylvia starts investigating the suspicious deaths of a dog and shortly after his owner. As she begins asking questions, Mel starts to worry about her mother getting in over her head and possibly asking the wrong person.
Sylvia's investigating skills are ramped up when her friend Lily falls ill in Sylvia's room. As both Mel and Sylvia realize that she has rattled the wrong cage, Mel quickly moves Sylvia into Hawthorn cottage to keep her safe until Matt can solve the murders and the attempted murder of Lily or was it supposed to be Sylvia since Lily fell ill in her room?
Iris is back in Upper Benbury for a visit much to the delight of Melissa. Joe Martin and Mel are moving forward with their wedding plans and Iris may figure in their honeymoon plans.
An absolutely wonderful read, a brilliant addition to the series. Incredibly well written, it's like visiting with old friends and family once again. The entire series deserves more than the allotted 5 stars.
An absolute delight to visit with Melissa Craig in Upper Benbury again. Everything is going so well in Mel's life. She finally has a mother again after so many years of forced separation. Even better is that she will be living with her and Joe at Hawthorn Cottage.
Since her brain surgery Sylvia has been enjoying good health. She is temporarily staying at Framleigh House, a posh retirement home until the renovations to Hawthorn Cottage are completed. The home has an interesting array of residents and they seem to have bonds formed.
While getting to know the residents Sylvia stumbles upon a series of unexplained deaths at the home. Like her daughter who is famous for getting involved in murders - Sylvia starts investigating the suspicious deaths of a dog and shortly after his owner. As she begins asking questions, Mel starts to worry about her mother getting in over her head and possibly asking the wrong person.
Sylvia's investigating skills are ramped up when her friend Lily falls ill in Sylvia's room. As both Mel and Sylvia realize that she has rattled the wrong cage, Mel quickly moves Sylvia into Hawthorn cottage to keep her safe until Matt can solve the murders and the attempted murder of Lily or was it supposed to be Sylvia since Lily fell ill in her room?
Iris is back in Upper Benbury for a visit much to the delight of Melissa. Joe Martin and Mel are moving forward with their wedding plans and Iris may figure in their honeymoon plans.
An absolutely wonderful read, a brilliant addition to the series. Incredibly well written, it's like visiting with old friends and family once again. The entire series deserves more than the allotted 5 stars.
March 19, 2019
This is the 11th in this wonderful series and can be read as a stand alone.
I highly recommend the entire series for fans of M.C. Beaton and any that like small English village cozies. This is a favorite series that is always endearing with a great sleuth.
In this next in series Mel's long lost Mom is now the sleuth. Its quite a departure from the earlier books as they have just reunited in the last book. I like how this book has a focus on care of senior parents. Its appreciated by this reader how compassionate this was written into the story.
Mel's renovation is almost done and her Mom is in a care home waiting to move in with her. Before the move can happen a murder of a resident and her dog occurs and Mel's Mother is on the case proving where Mel gets her investigative smarts from . The two work together well to bring the case to fruition.
This was a fun sleuth and a great addition to the series. The whodoneit was expertly configured and had a pleasing conclusion . I understand this series is soon to end and I shall be very sad to see its finale. I highly recommend this series for your reading enjoyment. Very well done with great charcters and the perfect small village location to delight every reader.
I highly recommend the entire series for fans of M.C. Beaton and any that like small English village cozies. This is a favorite series that is always endearing with a great sleuth.
In this next in series Mel's long lost Mom is now the sleuth. Its quite a departure from the earlier books as they have just reunited in the last book. I like how this book has a focus on care of senior parents. Its appreciated by this reader how compassionate this was written into the story.
Mel's renovation is almost done and her Mom is in a care home waiting to move in with her. Before the move can happen a murder of a resident and her dog occurs and Mel's Mother is on the case proving where Mel gets her investigative smarts from . The two work together well to bring the case to fruition.
This was a fun sleuth and a great addition to the series. The whodoneit was expertly configured and had a pleasing conclusion . I understand this series is soon to end and I shall be very sad to see its finale. I highly recommend this series for your reading enjoyment. Very well done with great charcters and the perfect small village location to delight every reader.
February 27, 2019
It is summer in the Cotswolds and Melissa is in the throes of changing her life on almost all fronts. The builders are about to begin an extension on the back of her beloved home while she has a wedding to plan and needs to prepare for her mother to move into the aforementioned extension once it is completed.
While waiting for her much anticipated move to daughter Melissa and future son-in-law Joe's enlarged home Sylvia Ross is convalescing from serious surgery at a very grand looking retirement home in the country.
When one of the less popular residents dies suddenly, Sylvia shows where her daughter got her inquisitive streak by beginning her own investigation into what she is sure is an unexplained death, not realising, in her naivety, how much danger she is putting herself in.
This is a series which improves with every book! I was able to read an advanced copy thanks to Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed the series so far or wants a cosy mystery to read in either case you won't be disappointed.
While waiting for her much anticipated move to daughter Melissa and future son-in-law Joe's enlarged home Sylvia Ross is convalescing from serious surgery at a very grand looking retirement home in the country.
When one of the less popular residents dies suddenly, Sylvia shows where her daughter got her inquisitive streak by beginning her own investigation into what she is sure is an unexplained death, not realising, in her naivety, how much danger she is putting herself in.
This is a series which improves with every book! I was able to read an advanced copy thanks to Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed the series so far or wants a cosy mystery to read in either case you won't be disappointed.
March 20, 2019
It seems that Melissa’ Craig’s talent for becoming embroiled in murder mystery may have been inherited from her mother Sylvia. Whilst convalescing in a retirement home, Sylvia is certain that the death of a beloved pet and then its owner is not from natural causes.
This is quirky murder mystery is set in a retirement community, Melissa’s mother like many there is a temporary resident but she soon makes her presence felt. The plot is fast-paced with many possible suspects and shows older people in a refreshingly positive light.
It is Sylvia, Melissa’s mother who is the main sleuth in this story, which gives it an added dimension. Melissa worries about her mother’s emotional state, can her revelations be trusted or are they the result of her recent surgery?
This is an enjoyable read with cameos from favourite characters and a rekindling of the mother and daughter relationship for Melissa and Sylvia. A lovely escapist read, which lets you test out your detective skills.
I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This is quirky murder mystery is set in a retirement community, Melissa’s mother like many there is a temporary resident but she soon makes her presence felt. The plot is fast-paced with many possible suspects and shows older people in a refreshingly positive light.
It is Sylvia, Melissa’s mother who is the main sleuth in this story, which gives it an added dimension. Melissa worries about her mother’s emotional state, can her revelations be trusted or are they the result of her recent surgery?
This is an enjoyable read with cameos from favourite characters and a rekindling of the mother and daughter relationship for Melissa and Sylvia. A lovely escapist read, which lets you test out your detective skills.
I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 29, 2021
Almost two and a half years since I read the previous book in this series and I had not forgotten about Mel, Joe, Iris, …
Normally when you don’t forget something it means that it has left an impression on you. It can be a either a pleasant or bad one. In this case I can assure you I only have positive memories coming back to me.
Mel does not seem to be the only amateur sleuth in town in this instalment and It’s someone very close to her heart. She is not too happy about that fact and for once Mel and the killer are on the same side when this is concerned…
Time for Mel to put her thinking cap on and to prevent the killer from executing their devilish plan.
Will the help of her journalist friend Bruce and her connections with the police be enough to stop the culprit?
This is another entertaining story in a great cosy mystery series. If you are a fan of the genre, you will enjoy these books very much. If you are not yet familiar with the genre, they are a very good start. 5 stars.
Thank you
Normally when you don’t forget something it means that it has left an impression on you. It can be a either a pleasant or bad one. In this case I can assure you I only have positive memories coming back to me.
Mel does not seem to be the only amateur sleuth in town in this instalment and It’s someone very close to her heart. She is not too happy about that fact and for once Mel and the killer are on the same side when this is concerned…
Time for Mel to put her thinking cap on and to prevent the killer from executing their devilish plan.
Will the help of her journalist friend Bruce and her connections with the police be enough to stop the culprit?
This is another entertaining story in a great cosy mystery series. If you are a fan of the genre, you will enjoy these books very much. If you are not yet familiar with the genre, they are a very good start. 5 stars.
Thank you
February 27, 2019
Melissa is getting her one ready for her Mother to move in with her after Sylvia’s surgery. But while the renovation is ongoing Melissa finds a retirement home nearby until things are ready for Sylvia’s arrival. Unfortunately things aren’t as cozy as they seem at the retirement home when one of the residents and her dog both die.
As Sylvia begins to learn more about her fellow residents, she comes to believe it wasn’t death, but murder in both cases. As Sylvia to determine which resident(s) might be guilty, it looks like Sylvia may have made herself a target.
What a great discovery to find a series with 10 previous books to enjoy all at once. Love the setting and the Mother-daughter relationship. Truly relatable when you are caring for your own aging parents. No issues reading this book without having read the first 10 in the series, though I look forward to reading those as well.
As Sylvia begins to learn more about her fellow residents, she comes to believe it wasn’t death, but murder in both cases. As Sylvia to determine which resident(s) might be guilty, it looks like Sylvia may have made herself a target.
What a great discovery to find a series with 10 previous books to enjoy all at once. Love the setting and the Mother-daughter relationship. Truly relatable when you are caring for your own aging parents. No issues reading this book without having read the first 10 in the series, though I look forward to reading those as well.
March 20, 2019
Modern British Cozy Mystery
This is the 11th in a 12 book series, yet it is the first that I have read. This is a great cozy mystery with lots of suspects in an evolving crime. I found the book a bit slow and was cumbersome for even a British novel. There seemed to be a lot of unnecessary detail that added nothing to the story. While longtime readers are sure to appreciate getting caught up on the details of the lives of favorite characters, I felt it was overdone. While I understand that Melissa's father was very overbearing and bossy with his wife and daughter, mentioning it several times per chapter was overkill. The mystery was very interesting and the background for it was wonderful. I felt the end was too neatly tied up with the villain being very quick to jump into the limelight. Longtime fans will love this addition to the series. I received this book at no cost and this is my honest review.
This is the 11th in a 12 book series, yet it is the first that I have read. This is a great cozy mystery with lots of suspects in an evolving crime. I found the book a bit slow and was cumbersome for even a British novel. There seemed to be a lot of unnecessary detail that added nothing to the story. While longtime readers are sure to appreciate getting caught up on the details of the lives of favorite characters, I felt it was overdone. While I understand that Melissa's father was very overbearing and bossy with his wife and daughter, mentioning it several times per chapter was overkill. The mystery was very interesting and the background for it was wonderful. I felt the end was too neatly tied up with the villain being very quick to jump into the limelight. Longtime fans will love this addition to the series. I received this book at no cost and this is my honest review.
May 12, 2019
Another excellent addition to the Melissa Craig series! Apparently sleuthing is genetic as Melissa's mom gets in on the sleuth action as she starts poking around in suspicious activities at the senior center she is residing in while renovations are completed at Melissa's home, but mom may bungle her way into an early grave if she doesn't watch out! Excellent character development as the author really does make the characters come alive for you which only enhances an already intriguing plot! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book! This series is so well thought out with interesting characters and plots that you really should read the entire series, but you could just pick up this book and not feel like you have gotten lost somewhere. Each book could be a stand alone book, but why not get the full enjoyment of the full series!
May 25, 2019
Melissa Craig’s mum, Sylvia has had surgery and is recovering in a retirement home. Mel wants her mum to live with her, so has work done on Hawthorn Cottage.
While this is being completed, Sylvia is concerned when a residents dog dies, then it’s owner dies soon after…...Sylvia decides to take a leaf out of Mel’s book and investigate the mystery herself…..which could put her own wellbeing at risk…
Told mainly from Sylvia’s point of view this is another fun cosy mystery from Betty Rowlands…..it will be sad to see the end of the series as it’s been such an entertaining journey…
I’ll be looking out for more of Melissa Craig.
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review
#NetGalley #MurderInTheDiningRoom
While this is being completed, Sylvia is concerned when a residents dog dies, then it’s owner dies soon after…...Sylvia decides to take a leaf out of Mel’s book and investigate the mystery herself…..which could put her own wellbeing at risk…
Told mainly from Sylvia’s point of view this is another fun cosy mystery from Betty Rowlands…..it will be sad to see the end of the series as it’s been such an entertaining journey…
I’ll be looking out for more of Melissa Craig.
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review
#NetGalley #MurderInTheDiningRoom
March 19, 2019
Melissa Craig wants her mother to come and live with her, but Hawthorn Cottage is too small. While renovations are being made, she's arranged for her mother to live at a nearby seniors' residence. Sylvia likes the residence and quickly makes a few friends. When a resident's dog dies of poison, the owner thinks it's deliberate, but Melissa points out that the dog probably got oleander pollen on its nose and licked it. A few days later, the dog's owner also dies, but it's determined to be food poisoning. Sylvia decides to be like Mel and investigate, which puts her own life at risk.
I really like this series. They are nice short stories about good people, with a bit of humour and a bit of romance. I look forward to reading the entire series.
I really like this series. They are nice short stories about good people, with a bit of humour and a bit of romance. I look forward to reading the entire series.
April 8, 2019
A new detective in the family
I've loved all of these books about Mel Craig from the beginning and feel they've all deserved the five stars. There are always some that are my favorites but it doesn't lessen the others at all. This is both a funny a serious one with Melissa's mom starting the snooping around to find the murderer that they don't even know if it is murder yet. Except Sylvia is positive it is. While Melissa try to keep her from it because of her safety. Which is so funny, because it's what everyone always has told Melissa to do when she starts her "snooping" around trying to find clues to a murder. Now she'll have to keep her eyes on her mum in the future! Great read!
I've loved all of these books about Mel Craig from the beginning and feel they've all deserved the five stars. There are always some that are my favorites but it doesn't lessen the others at all. This is both a funny a serious one with Melissa's mom starting the snooping around to find the murderer that they don't even know if it is murder yet. Except Sylvia is positive it is. While Melissa try to keep her from it because of her safety. Which is so funny, because it's what everyone always has told Melissa to do when she starts her "snooping" around trying to find clues to a murder. Now she'll have to keep her eyes on her mum in the future! Great read!
February 20, 2019
Sylvia needs to get herself back together following surgery for a brain tumor, and while waiting for needed work on her mystery writer daughter's new home she is temporarily ensconced in a pricey retirement home. Sounds boring, eh? Not when first a small dog and then its rather nasty owner are poisoned! Who was this old lady and why would someone in the home want to eliminate her? Sylvia knows the means and opportunity, and seems to be the only one interested in finding out the motive and who. Let the sleuthing begin! Enjoy!!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Bookouture via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Bookouture via NetGalley. Thank you!
February 28, 2019
This is a fun series. I loved reading this one as so much of it is from Mel's mother's (Sylvia) POV. We find out where Mel gets her crime solving abilities in this book! Sylvia has moved into a retirement home while she recovers from her surgery and Mel's house gets remodeled. Mel believes Sylvia is suffering from the after effects of Sylvia's surgery, but not so much that Mel doesn't become involved in the mystery. Well written, interesting mystery and once again scene writing that has you feeling you are there.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. - Do try this charming English countryside mystery.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. - Do try this charming English countryside mystery.
February 17, 2019
So sad to see the end coming for the Mel Craig mysteries. In this novel, Mel’s mother is staying in a retirement home while Mel has renovations done to her cottage. Mel and Joe will be marrying and then Slyvia, Mel’s mother will be moving in with them. In the retirement home one of the residents dies in suspicion circumstances and Slyvia places her own life in danger as she attempts to investigate the murder. Another enjoyable read, easy to recommend especially to anyone who enjoys cosies.
Thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
Thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
March 3, 2019
I enjoyed "Murder in the Dining Room." This fun book is a who-dun-it that leads readers to make conclusions and discover dead ends before the final reveal. I appreciate that the main sleuth Sylvia Ross is an elderly woman, but I do wish her daughter Mel Craig would have respected her mom more.
Although this book is #11 in the series, it's a read-alone book. I sensed as I read that I was missing out on some of the backstory, but that didn't affect this book.
If you're looking for a fun read that also keeps you guessing, this book is for you!
Although this book is #11 in the series, it's a read-alone book. I sensed as I read that I was missing out on some of the backstory, but that didn't affect this book.
If you're looking for a fun read that also keeps you guessing, this book is for you!
April 2, 2019
Another great read from the author, and one with a slightly different feel to it. This one features heavily the character of Melissa Craig’s mum, Sylvia. She seems to be following in her daughters footsteps by finding herself embroiled in something which may lead to her being put in harms way.
I love this series, I’m a huge fan of the authors writing, and I can’t praise her books highly enough. If you are looking for nice easy to read mysteries then this is the series for you.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a copy.
I love this series, I’m a huge fan of the authors writing, and I can’t praise her books highly enough. If you are looking for nice easy to read mysteries then this is the series for you.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a copy.
January 6, 2020
I'm nearing the end of my re-read of the Melissa Craig series now, just one more to go. I've really enjoyed revisiting the series and as it was some years ago that I originally read them, I don't generally remember too much about the plots. It's good to see Mel happy with Joe, her agent, in this book and planning an extension for her mother to live in. I'm not sure whether I actually read the last book in the series at the time so I'm looking forward to finding out how the series ends.
March 20, 2019
I read all the books in this series and I loved them all.
It's an amazing series and each book is better than the previous one.
This one was no exception.
The mystery was solid, it was great to meet again the cast of characters and read about their life, the setting as lovely as usual.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's an amazing series and each book is better than the previous one.
This one was no exception.
The mystery was solid, it was great to meet again the cast of characters and read about their life, the setting as lovely as usual.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
March 26, 2019
I never get tired of this series; this installment does not disappoint, either with the plot, or the development of the main characters, and there is always a twist! Melissa's mother is back to play a starring role, and it's good to see that relationship developing. The sub-title says it all: A completely addictive cozy mystery novel!
May 7, 2019
Another decent entry into the cosy mystery series, this time mostly set in a kind of retirement home, with little bits at Melissa's house. Iris cameos back, which was lovely. I am finding Sylvia a bit simpering, tittering and nervously fluttering though. Hope that's toned down a bit going forward...
May 24, 2019
Good read
I enjoyed this book , finding the unravelling of the murder interesting. I am warming towards Melissa but still get very irritated by her friend Iris! Do we really have to be told how wonderful and tasty vegetarian food is in each book. Can the author give it a rest please!!
I enjoyed this book , finding the unravelling of the murder interesting. I am warming towards Melissa but still get very irritated by her friend Iris! Do we really have to be told how wonderful and tasty vegetarian food is in each book. Can the author give it a rest please!!
March 22, 2019
Wonderful cozy mystery
I love these books, they are lovely books to curl up with on a cold winters night. The characters come across as really nice ,friendly, warm people. If you like watching or reading mysteries like Midsummer Murders then you would like these books.
I love these books, they are lovely books to curl up with on a cold winters night. The characters come across as really nice ,friendly, warm people. If you like watching or reading mysteries like Midsummer Murders then you would like these books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews