I received this ARC via Netgalley in return for an honest review. This is the second in a new series and I read it before reading the first book, so it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. Melissa (Mel) Craig is a published author, now living in the country. Her neighbor, Iris, is a well-known artist of textiles. When invited to accompany Iris to a college awards ceremony at Iris' alma mater, Mel watches an unexpected display of artistic temper by award recipients. A year later, she's amazed to discover that, Angelica, the object of the temper is now working at the local college where Mel has been dragooned into teaching a writing course. Unfortunately, Angelica is killed and Mel is thrust into helping solve the murder. It's a well-written and interesting story. I recommend it and the others in the series.

A welcome second book in this series. The main character is wonderfully dizzy and although a murder mystery, this book is great fun. A light story which makes a lovely quick read. I will be interested in seeing how the characters develop as the series progresses.

Perfect for lovers of COSY CRIME!
Melissa Craig is settling in nicely to a new teaching position in the quaint little village of Upper Bembury, getting to know her way around, drinking tea with the eccentric staff, even sewing the first seeds of romance…
But when she arrives one morning to find police outside her classroom, Melissa is shocked to hear that her beautiful colleague Angelica has been found dead in her home.

This is the second in a set of four stories about crime novelist Melissa Craig, the small village she lives in, and the friends she makes. The victim was very well written and the different facets of her personality were vital to the story. Melissa's new job, teaching creative writing one day a week, introduces a new group of characters and keeps her novel writing experiences current but not as important to the story as in the first book .
I enjoyed this very much although maybe not quite as much as the first instalment. Once again the story is easy to read and moves along at a very good pace. Melissa and Iris's friendship is still strong and they once again support each other throughout.  The prospect of more books in this series is an exciting one. Thanks to Netgalley I was able to read an advanced copy of this book and I am already looking forward to the next two.

Melissa Craig becomes embroiled in another real-life crime, when one of her colleagues at the local college is murdered and her friend is prime suspect

Another great story

What a nice cozy mystery, this second book in what I hope will be a longer series. The plot is easy to follow, the story flows, there are some surprises and Melissa Craig is a nice person. It is like eating a cupcake: you know the ingredients and so you know what the outcome is.
Very nice for a lazy read in the sun on the beach or in winter when you need a something to light up your day.

Thank you Netgalley.

MURDER IN THE MORNING by Betty Rowlands

This is the second in the Melissa Craig series. It reminds me a lot of Angela Lansbury. This one is like the first one in that a friend of hers is found dead in her home and Melissa wants to find out what happened and who murdered her friend. Melissa has taken a job teaching and now must also question friends and acquaintances about the murder. Again the author brings you into the story as though you are the main character. I love the way she writes and the fact that her books are very easy to read.

Thanks to netgalley as well as the author/publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

5 ⭐️ out of 5