This is already the third book in the Melissa Craig series, and even though I haven't read the previous books, this one read nicely as a standalone. I will make a plan to read the previous two in the series, I promise!
The book was well written, and I can't wait for the next one in the series.
Recommended.

This book looked fantastic but admittedly I found it hard to get into and ultimately didn't finish it. However, this is partly due to the fact I hadn't realised it was a continuation. As I hadn't read the first two books in the series, I wasn't familiar with the characters and found this to be a struggle. However I may go back and get the first two as it does look like a good series!

Having read others in the series, I was a little disappointed with the slow pace of this one. I dipped in and out of it for quite a while and struggled to feel gripped. Even halfway through, I didn't feel that the plot had really got going at all. As before, I really liked Melissa's character but didn't care too much for the others. It's not a bad book by any means but didn't hold my interest as others in the series have,

Murder on the Clifftops is the 3rd book in the Melissa Craig series by Betty Rowlands. Released 15th Oct 2018 by Bookouture, it's 268 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. Originally published in 1993 as Over the Edge , the entire series is being reformatted and re-released in order of publication.

This is an enjoyable cozy series. This one sees titular character, mystery author Melissa, on location in France with neighbor Iris. They're a part of a school/workshop in southern France, Iris as a painting instructor and Melissa doing research for an upcoming mystery she's writing.

The author definitely has a deft touch with historical details and the setting and history are as much a character in the book as any of the human characters. There was a great deal of the history of the area of which I was previously completely unaware. The murders were sufficiently 'bloodless' as to fit with the cozy genre, there wasn't anything to distress or detract from a pleasurable read. I liked the convoluted plot building and the denouement was satisfying. The language is quite clean and there's very little sexual content at all (just secondhand comments on some characters' personal lives). Nothing gratuitous.

There are elements of a thriller and long shadows from WW2 and betrayals lasting down generations. I did enjoy the book and will seek out further installments. Though this is the third book in the series, it works very well as a standalone and I had no trouble following the plot or figuring out who was who.

Four stars. Entertaining and well written.

I received this ARC via Netgalley in return for an honest review. This is the third book in the Melissa Craig Mystery series, and can be read as a stand-alone. I like this series and Ms. Rowlands does an excellent job of combining the skills of each of the protagonists, crime writer Melissa and her neighbour, friend, and textile designer/artist Iris. In this book, they head to southern France, at the invitation of Iris' friend, Philipe, for Iris to teach at a course he's offering. He is a French entrepreneur and possible love interest for Iris; Melissa goes along to do some research for her next novel. Things get tricky when Melissa actually meets Philipe, as she soon suspects him of taking advantage of Iris' good nature and personal interest. There are several student guests who provide more friction and, ultimately, the first death. When the second person dies, Melissa begins to suspect murder, not accidents. The local French Gendarme is a fan of Melissa and serves as a foil for her perceptions. This is particularly important as her friendship with Iris is tested by Philipe and his intentions. If you like 'Poirot' or 'Midsomer Murders', this is the right cosy mystery series that you'll enjoy.

The third installment in this (re-released) series takes Melissa and Iris to France, where Iris is an art instructor for a friend's artists retreat. Melissa accompanies her and utilises her time researching for her new book.

A body is found at the foot of some cliffs near the retreat, shortly after they arrive, and while at first it is dismissed as an accident, Melissa is not quite convinced. When a second murder happens, she starts to investigate alongside the gendarmerie, the inspector of which is a huge Melissa Craig fan.

Again, this is a more 'back to basics' mystery, with none of the modern computer, smartphone, Internet, etc., information that accompanies more modern mysteries. The investigation relies on conversations, literal legwork and the researching of clues in books, libraries, etc. It therefore moves along more slowly than more contemporary novels might.

I enjoyed it enough to finish it and unravel the mystery and I didn't guess the murderer until shortly before Melissa did but because it moves at such a slow pace, it took me almost a month to read because it was easy to NOT read it, too. Still, it will hold appeal to many people and is a solid mystery overall.

The third book in the 'Melissa Craig Mystery' series, sees crime writer Melissa and her neighbour and friend Iris, artist and textile designer, leaving their Cotswold cottages for southern France. Iris is lending her services to her Philippe, her French entrepreneurial friend and Melissa who knows the region decides to do some research for her next novel.

Melissa and Iris' relationship is tested as they live and work in close proximity, especially when Melissa questions Philippe's motives. There are an interesting set of players; artists and those interested in the French way of life and particularly its language.

A tragic but seemingly accidental death causes disruption in the students' ranks. When someone else dies, Melissa begins to suspect foul play. A keen but bumbling French Gendarme, makes Melissa think beyond the obvious explanations, and she finds herself in danger whilst searching for the truth.

This story reads well as a standalone, especially with the change of location but the threat to Melissa and Iris'previously harmonious relationship adds additional conflict to the plot and Melissa finds she misses having someone to bounce ideas off, and you really need to have read the previous novels to appreciate its effect on both women.

There are lots of suspects, an interesting backstory, that illuminates current events and a charismatic crime writer turned sleuth. Don't expect twenty-first-century political correctness and attitudes, these mysteries take place in the late twentieth century and the storylines and characters' reflect this.

The murders are gruesome, but the story's ethos is gentle, as is expected in a cosy mystery. Definitely, something that will interest 'Midsomer Murder' fans and those who enjoy 'Miss Marple' and 'Poirot'.

I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Murder on the Clifftops is the third book in the Melissa Craig Mystery series. As with the first two books, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Melissa, a mystery writer, and her neighbor and friend, Iris, travel to France from their home in Upper Benbury, England in order for Iris to teach at an artists’ retreat, while Mel does research for her newest book. When a body is found at the bottom of the cliffs near the retreat, their stay quickly morphs into a murder investigation.

This book is filled with a cast of quirky and delightful characters. The dialogue is snappy and the mystery itself is complex enough to keep the reader engaged. The vocabulary is rich and the author paints wonderful descriptions of the location as well as the various people Mel and Iris encounter. Once again, I found the time spent with Melissa and her new acquaintances to be quite enjoyable. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a cozy mystery that has depth and a good mystery that will definitely hold your attention.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review

Murder on the Clifftops is a great murder mystery. I enjoyed the plot, setting and the author’s writing. I received an arc from Netgalley and this is my unbiased review review.

A very entertaining book. Having followed this series, I was pleased to find the main character on a break in a different location, but still with the same amount of mystery. The secondary character is also interesting and I feel sure we will find out more of her in subsequent books. A range of personalities are described along with the different setting, and these, together with the main storyline make the book a delight to read.

Murder on the clifftops

A cozy crime novel

Melissa Craig is a successful crime novelist who lives alone in the Cotswolds. She is friends with her neighbour, Iris, who is an artist, vegetarian, yoga enthusiast.

Iris is invited to run an art course in France and Melissa tags along to do research for her new book.

Shortly after their arrival a body is found at the base of a cliff, which is deemed an accident, however a further death occurs and this could be murder.

The investigation begins and Melissa is asked by the local gendarmes for her input and so begins a tale of old family hostilities between German Gestapo and French resistance fighters descendants. The book does take quite a while to get going and there were some odd instances of making fun of the French accent, which seemed a little old fashioned and even the French policeman was a little too Poirot, with his moustache and nose tapping to be taken seriously. I did enjoy the book overall though.

I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review










#MurderOnTheClifftops #NetGalley

This was a terrific read., it started out well and it delivered. Even though it is the 3rd book in the series, it wasn't necessary to have read the previous two. Melissa, a mystery writer, and her friend/ neighbor Iris, an artist are on a working holiday in southern France. Melissa is gathering research for her latest book, and Iris is teaching an art course. I really appreciated the descriptions of the mountainous counryside and the inclusion of the local history. The supporting characters were all really well developed and the book was a real pleasure to read. I presume the book is set in the 80’s, no cell phones, no internet searches. It really doesn’t matter, the writing is clean and clear, the characters are interesting, and the setting gorgeous. The mystery involves two separate deaths, both appear to be falls from the rocky clifftop. The local gendarme thinks one an accident and one suicide, but Melissa doesn’t agree. With the support of the second victims mother, Melissa sets out to find some answers.
Thanks to netgalley for a free eARC. In my honest opinion, I will definately read the others in the series. Highly recommend.

Even when she’s away from home Melissa Craig finds herself embroiled in a murder which has her doubting those around her. Accompanied by her loyal neighbour, Iris, she attempts to discard the lies being told and figure out the who and why before anyone else gets hurt.

I am becoming a huge fan of these stories as they are easy to read and follow, yet they still retain the ability to surprise me when the perpetrator is discovered.

I went straight into book 4 as soon as I finished this one.

Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a copy.

Author does a great job giving detail about the setting and giving character information. The interaction between Melissa and Ivy makes for a nice friendship background. I like the fact they travel away from home for this murder. The mystery was interesting and not who I thought it would be so I liked that as well.

I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for letting me read Murder on the Clifftops by Betty Rowlands for an honest review. All opinions are my own!

My first time reading that author I don't regret it!

I haven't read the previous books but still enjoyed this one a lot. I give it 4 stars. It's well written and keeps the reader wanting to read more!
This is good and refreshing!

Review shared online!

Murder on the Clifftops, the third novel in the Melissa Craig Cozy Mystery series, is as wonderful an affair as the previous two. Sharp, snappy prose, engaging characters and the usual village setting is replaced by the stunning Cevennes mountain range in the South of France. This is an excellent choice of series for those who prefer their crime fiction to be tame and clean but at the same time losing none of the thrills and spills that come together to create an interesting and intriguing story. The best way of describing this series is as Midsomer Murders but in book form and set abroad. Highly recommended.

I read the other books in this series and always loved them. This one was no exception: once I started reading I couldn't put it down as it was entertaining and enthralling.
Even if I was missing some of the usual characters and the Gloucestershire setting, I found this one well described and reaserached.
This book does a good job in describing the relationship between Melody and Iris, especially the first time they have to face what is sharing a common space.
The mystery was interesting and it kept me guessing till the end.
A very good, enjoyable mystery.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC

Melissa Craig, author of detective novels, accompanies her neighbor and friend Iris to a retreat in France where Iris is teaching an art class. Mel hopes to do some research for her next novel, but instead becomes embroiled in solving the mystery of a death. I read the first novel in this series, and found this third book to have much more interesting secondary characters than the first one. The mystery unfolds with several possible suspects, and kept my interest throughout. There were also some romantic entanglements as well as interesting descriptions of the history and scenery at the site. Perhaps some additional cultural side-notes could have been added, but overall the book was a good read!

This is the third part in the series and I have read the previous 2 as well. It's always nice to be able to follow the recurring characters from the beginning, but you can also read it as a stand alone. 

The author takes us on a trip to sunny France, where, once again Melissa and Iris are in the middle of a murder case. Of course Melissa would not be Melissa if she did not try to find the perpetrator.

So, while she racks her brain under a baking sun, we learn a bit more about the village and it's history. A pinch of romance is also added and the whole story is covered with an emotional veil.

It's a very likeable story, a typical cozy mystery novel and out of the three, this one pulled my hearstrings the most.

Thank you, Betty Rowlands, Bookouture and Netgalley.(review will be posted on Amazon, Goodreads and my blog on publication day)

This is the third book in the series and the setting is an artists retreat in France. I enjoyed the story but found it difficult to connect with some of the characters, finding them one dimensional and irritating. Melissa and her friend Iris are fabulous so it was easy to overlook the less engaging characters.
These books may come under the heading of "cosy crime" but at the heart there is a well written good old fashioned who-dunnit.
I look forward to reading more in this series.