MURDER AMONG THE ROSES an utterly gripping cozy murder mystery full of twists (Maybridge Murder Mysteries Book 1)

With a full diary for her gardening business, Abby could have done without having to take on the upkeep of the garden of her soon-to-be ex-husband Howard’s family home – but there are good reasons why it’s a job she couldn’t refuse. Finding the bones of a baby among the roots of an ailing rose, she reports it to the police – and incurs Howard’s wrath, worried about the impact of the ensuing publicity on his political aspirations. But his fury proves short-lived – after an argument, he’s found dead at the very same spot, killed with Abby’s spade. She understandably becomes a prime suspect – but there are plenty more who might have had their reasons for not having regrets about his demise. While endeavouring to clear her name and follow her own clues towards finding Howard’s killer, the unknown baby’s bones and her natural curiosity lead her to investigate the dark family history and there are a few real surprises along the way.The whole story – pursuit of the murderer in the present, laced with red herrings and a sizeable list of credible suspects, and the sad story shrouded in the past – are quite wonderfully told, with all the twists and turns I could possibly have asked for, making it all particularly compelling and engaging. But I’ll admit that what I particularly loved about it was the fantastic characterisation. Abby herself is so very likeable, as she deals with the demands of her work while handling her children’s grief at the loss of their father (and, after a long marriage, some of her own too). Part of a particularly well drawn rural community, she’s supported by good friends – estate agent Meg, police woman Dee, and old school friend Jake (who I have high hopes might become a love interest – as a romance reader, it’s something I always look for!) – all equally well rounded, and I really enjoyed the relationships between them.Something else I thoroughly enjoyed was the pacing of the story – gentle at first, but gathering speed and increasing in tension as the clues proliferate and the discoveries begin to multiply. Although I’m not usually a cosy mystery fan, I was entirely drawn into the story – I sat down, intending to dip in for an hour or so, but finished reading in the early hours, unable to put it down until I’d read the last page. The outcome and ending were unexpected, but entirely convincing and completely believable and, as always, had me looking in entirely the wrong direction.Although there’s a distinctly dark edge to the story at times, there’s a really lovely lightness to the writing – with plenty of warmth, and the most perfectly judged touches of humour. This is the kind of crime writing I enjoy – but the plotting is also challenging enough to give it real appeal for more hard-core crime readers. A wholly successful transition for the author, and wonderful start to a new series – I’m happy to declare myself a fan, and I’ll look forward to the next Maybridge mystery…

Really loved this gripping story. I did get a bit confused over some characters at the end but I’ll certainly read the next book by the author.

A really great read!Abby Finch makes a shocking discovery while digging up roses in her soon to be ex-husband’s family home. While searching through the family archives for answers, Abby learns of family secrets long buried.With a brutal murder, the return of long lost love - Abby’s life is turned upside down as she searches for answers.Fast paced, well written, with strong believable and likeable characters.This is a new author for me - but I will definitely be reading her other books.

Well written with believable characters and an interesting plot. I liked the complexity and fullness of the story. Thank you

This story was very interesting, intriguing and very unexpected. As the plot developed I found myself unable to put it down. Full of twists and secrets, it held me captive! Excellent.

Abby was clearing a corner of the large garden when she finds a baby's bones buried under s rise bush. This set off a chain of events which made an enthralling story. The characters were well developed and felt as if they really existed

A very gripping murder mystery very difficult to put down. Enjoyed the twists and turns and looking forward to the next one.

Quite good, enjoyable mystery. CJ

Some cozy mysteries are cheesy and tedious with poor character development.. Murder Among the Roses was well written with believable characters and lovely plot twists.

As I read, that Liz Fielding is famous for her romantic novels, I didn't expect a really good mystery. But it turned out I was wrong. The book is well written and even the details are correct. It is a page turner and the heroine, mother of 3 children is sympathetic. Not too much romance either, for which I am grateful, as normally this can spoil the suspense and also makes me yawn. Well written, good story and I hope for the next mystery books with this family.

I really liked the complicated relationships between the characters, as well as how the readers understanding of the characters changes. Of course, the twists made the story even more exciting. Sadly, as is so often the case with Kindle Unlimited, even a cursory attempt at editing would have picked up some glaring mistakes, such as an error in dates within several pages of each other that had me going back and reading several times. I hate to see interesting works by talented authors marred by poor editing!

I really enjoyed this book. I loved how the author weaved a very interesting storyline. This book weaves the past with the present. I was Definitely surprised by the twist. I didn't see it coming. This book was a fun entertaining read.

It’s a fun read, but the writer should realize that she herself has decided to set the story in Britain and that means using British expressions and the names of British institutions.In Britain there is no High school, but secondary school; no twelfth year but sixth form for school pupils that take their A-levels when they are 17 or 18 years old and want to go to university, which is NOT called college.Hash browns are not commonly eaten in Britain, it’s not a British dish.The writer should make up her mind: EITHER the story is set in Britain and everything should be British OR it’s set in the US with all things American.