This is book 2 in this series featuring Sukey Reynolds. I have not read the first book and even though I know I have missed out on a splendid book, I had not trouble at all picking up and immersing myself in the story.

I have read another series written by this author with Melissa Craig as amateur sleuth and I loved those books. I already knew, before even having opened this one that I would be treated to a few hours of reading pleasure.

As I said, Sukey is the main character, but her sixteen year old son Fergus is important too. He is my favourite person. He is clever, witty and very mature for his age.

A nasty person is Myrna. She is only happy when she can put other people down and enjoys using as much people as she can for her personal gain.

Then there is Paul. He is Sukey’s ex husband and Fergus’ father. He is not a very likeable person either. He counts on Sukey when he needs help, but he is not very happy to return the favour.

I was shocked when the culprit was revealed. I never saw that coming.

Great book without a doubt. 5 stars

Thank you

This is the second book in the Sukey Reynolds series. I had no problem jumping right in and understanding the story.

This book is about Sukey Reynolds, a crime scene evidence tech in England. She gets involved in the investigation of the murder of Myrna Maxfield, a rich heiress and business owner, who happens to be Sukey's ex-husband's wife. For Sukey's son Fergus, Sukey becomes interested in clearing her ex-husband Paul's name, despite the odds being stacked against him.

I enjoyed this book and I was surprised at the identity of the killer. I really didn't expect that outcome. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a great mystery. Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book in the series. Sukey finds herself thrown into yet another mystery which she becomes closely involved with. These stories are following the same formula but that doesn’t mean they are samey. Even with the fact Sukey gets way too close to the action, it still drew me in and had me desperately wanting more. A great addition to the series,

When life deals you a hand, how do you play it out? Betty Rowlands has intrepid SOCO Sukey sent to a crime scene where the victim turns out to be her ex's new wife. Police suspect #1 is of course, Sukey's ex-husband. The dilemma she faces keeps means she must decide how to help. But of course, our girl does her best to clear him and find the real killer. A great cozy mystery but we wouldn't expect anything less from Betty Rowlands.

In this episode, Sukey is called to photograph a break-in, only to discover that the house is that of her ex-husband and his new wife has been killed upstairs. This causes Sukey to be removed from the case, but her son urges her to do some sleuthing on her own to try to clear his dad of the accusations. This book has lots of sub-plots and some very unique characters, making it a fun read. I highly recommend this series!

The author's two mystery series are being reissued as ebooks. Originally published in the mid 1990s, this was one of two Rowlands mystery I read this month, featuring her second amateur detective, Sukey Reynolds. Sukey is a scene of crime officer, and in this, the second book in the series, her ex-husband is accused of the murder of his second wife. I enjoyed this twist on a mystery--Sukey is removed from working on the case because of her connections with the victim and the main suspect, but, those connections, her personal ties, mean that she is drawn into the hunt for the killer. I liked Sukey, and I thought her reactions to the needs of her ex-husband, her son, and her boyfriend the inspector were portrayed realistically. The solution to the mystery left me somewhat disappointed, but the author may have been still developing the character. I enjoyed it enough that I'll overlook that weakness.

A couple of typos were identified.

Death at Dearley Manor is the second book in the Sukey Reynolds series. In this book Sukey, a Crime Scene Officer, is swept into the investigation of the murder of her ex-husband’s wife. Although she tries to distance herself, she begins to learn more about the victim and the many people who might have wished her harm. In order to clear her ex and put her son’s mind to rest, she begins to piece together the events that led up to the murder and, in the process, attempts to track down the killer.

Betty Rowlands is one of my favorite cozy mystery writers. However, this time the story seemed to move too slowly for my taste and the ending seemed a bit rushed. However, that in no way has dissuaded me from reading more of this series. I still enjoyed the various characters and, as always, the author’s descriptions were delightful.

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

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was another fabulous visit with Sukey Reynolds, Fergus, Jim Castle and the other characters that we had met in Book #1. This this case Sukey's ex-husband and Fergus' father Paul has been arrested on suspicion of murdering his second wife Myrna. Sukey having been sent to collect evidence about a break-in, happens upon the body. As she is removed from the case and her romantic involvement with Jim becomes better know, he's removed from the case as well. Sukey has the misfortune of finding a second body and almost a third.

The twists and turns in this book are fantastic. I was hooked from page one and loved not only the story-line but the character development, how we are learning more about Sukey and her family. I was guessing until the very end about who the actual murderer was.

I would love to be able to give more than 5 stars for this book!!

title: Death At Dearly Manor

Series: Sukey Reynolds Mystery Book 2

Author: : Betty Rowlands

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Bookoutrue

May 13 2019

Description
A gorgeous country house, surrounded by sweeping lawns, is warmed by the rising sun. But inside, the lady of the manor will not see the morning…

Police photographer Sukey Reynolds is called to investigate a seemingly routine break-in at the beautiful Dearley Manor estate, but when she arrives, she is shocked to find the body of someone she knows all too well. The owner of Dearley Manor is none other than the wealthy woman whom Sukey’s husband, Paul Reynolds, left her for… And she has been brutally murdered.

With her close personal connection, Sukey is officially pulled off the case. But as the police close in on Paul, convinced he is guilty, Sukey realises she has no choice but to try and prove his innocence. He may not have been the world’s best husband, but he’s no killer.

As she starts to dig around the dead woman’s history, Sukey realises she was certainly no saint, and many of her neighbours might have wanted the late owner of Dearley Manor out of the way…

When yet another woman on the Dearley Estate is found dead, Sukey fears that anyone who knows too much about the troubled family is in danger from a ruthless murderer. Can she prove Paul’s innocence before it’s too late? And will she be able to nail this brutal killer before another life is taken?



My thoughts

Rating: 5

Would I recommend it? yes

Will I read the rest of the series ? yes ( in fact I've already requested book 6 from Netgalley since I've all ready read book 1 and I'm getting ready to read book 3 then I just have books 4-5 to read

Will I read anything else by this author: yes

This series keeps getting better and better , while I give the first one a 4.5 start rating this one gets 5 starts because you get to see more of the characters and more of their lives in this one, you also get to meet Sukey's ex husband who i disliked ( no take that back it went from to dislike to hate) because how he acted , to me his a a whiny baby , and the victim ,wow she's a peace of work , not once did I feel sorry for at all, if you want to know what happens you need to read the series yourself, with that said I want to say thank you to Netgalley for letting me read and review it .

Another great series from Betty Rowlands, I'm running out of things to say about her books as I have enjoyed everyone I have read. Characterisation is fabulous, well written story lines that keep you turning the pages.
It's a good idea to read from the first book as you can follow the character developments but can be read as a stand alone.

I received a free copy for an honest review from Netgalley.

This is the second in the series, so if you haven’t read the first, it’ll still make sense if you pick up here, but I recommend going back for the first. We pick up shortly after where the last book left off, and this time the case revolves around her ex husband, and his disaster of a second marriage.
I’m a big fan of the fact that each of these characters truly grow and become interesting people in these books, that even the villains aren’t entirely 2d, which I’ve noticed happens in some mystery series. In terms of plot, it’s witty, twisty, and totally believable; not one that makes you scream “duh! That’s the killer!” The first second you read about them on the page. I’m looking forward to reading books 3 & 4, as I was also given copies of those for review. So far, I like where the relationships have grown, and look to see if the plot and characters are as tight in the next.

Well-written, twisty and engaging, Death at Dearley Manor is the second book in Sukey Reynolds series.

Sukey’s ex-husband’s second wife Myrna is an out and out loathsome individual. She is manipulative and merciless and has a propensity to hurt others, including her husband.
When her mutilated body is found in her bedroom, who should be the prime suspect but her husband! Didn’t he occasionally threaten to kill her one of these days in a fit of rage?
But there are others with secrets. And there is but one who would feel safe if Myrna didn’t exist at all.

Thanks to the author, Bookouture and the NetGalley for providing me with a copy.

The second book in the Sukey Reynolds mystery finds Sukey investigating a break in at her ex husband's house. The author did a fantastic job describing the places and characters well. I enjoyed the second novel of this series and loved the time period before electronics and constant communication.

I'm enjoying this series by Betty Rowlands. Sukey is a great character and the story gives a little more background on her first marriage. Sukey's developing relationship with Jim adds a touch of romance.

This is the 2nd in series of this endearing Cotswold mystery series. This book was originally written back in the 1990''s and I enjoyed this step back in time before technology took over writing. I recommend the entire series for your reading enjoyment. I have read the entire series and highly recommend it for your reading enjoyment. It is a perfect combination of sleuthing , small village life and smart characters with witty repartee.

Sukey is one of my favorite protagonist. She is smart , savvy and does not suffer fools. The small village atmosphere of this series is so appealing as it lends itself to the creation of more interesting clues and suspects in such a small village with the villagers.

In this next in series Sukey has to solve a mystery involving someone she knows and find the right suspect. Clues abound and soon Sukey is on the right track in the village. I loved this step back in time of this series and look forward to reading further books in the series..
Very well done smart series !

This is the 2nd in the Sukey Reynolds series and I love her character. I read the third book first and have enjoyed both of them immensely. The fact that they are an older series endears them more to me. How did I never know?
Many thanks to Bookoutre and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Located in a wooded valley in the Cotswolds is a beautiful old home dating from the early 18th century. Dearley Manor and surrounding estate land is the home of Myrna Maxford and her husband, Paul Reynolds. Yes, the very same Paul who abandoned civilian Scene of Crimes Officer Sukey Reynolds and their son, Fergus, 5 years ago. Though some bitterness remains between them, Sukey has moved on to a new romantic relationship and is enjoying the resumption of her job with the Country Police Force. When she's assigned to work a barn fire at Dearley Farm, Sukey soon gets drawn into a much larger drama and a murder. It seems that someone has killed Myrna Maxford, and there's no shortage of suspects. Despite her personal connection to Paul and the police finding him a person of interest, Sukey discovers that many believed Myrna to be "a ruthless, power-hungry monster." Of course she's dismissed from any investigation so as not to taint the case, but that doesn't stop Sukey from trying to help her ex-husband and perhaps figure out who else had motive, means and opportunity. NO SPOILERS

This is the second in this cozy mystery series and I'm hooked. The story was fast, fun and kept me guessing. This is not a bloody thriller with lots of suspense, but it is a case that has a lot of red herrings, multiple possible suspects and more than one suspicious death. I enjoy the characters though, for heaven's sake, this penchant writers have for referring to a woman who is 60 years of age as an "old lady" sort of gets my back up! Seriously? I don't know anyone that age who is a doddering, gnarled pathetic wretch! Despite some stereotypical characters that have become cliche, the reader is beginning to see some real personality in Sukey though others need development. It will be interesting to see what new direction Sukey is going to take in subsequent books in the series given the hint at the end. Since I've got the third already queued up on my Kindle, I'll be finding out shortly.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I'm looking forward to Sukey's next case.

Wonderful Cozy Mystery Series
I love this series! The story is very well done. It is written so that the reader learns things as our heroine does. This is a very intelligent series. There is none of that filler about clothes, food, wine or hobbies. There are plenty of twists and red herrings and clues. I have read all of the series that is available and can't wait for the next installment! I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

Sukey Reynolds is back and this time she’s involved with the murder of her ex husbands new wife and her ex is the prime suspect, can sukey prove his guilt or innocence ? Another fun crime with huge gaps in the plot but who cares, just enjoy the simple pleasures of Betty Rowlands.

I had to speed read this as I got approved fairly late, but I really enjoyed this book. This is my first Sukey Reynolds book & now I want to go back and read book #1 in the series. This book is an easy read, but keeps you on your toes. I’m excited to start book 3 in a couple weeks!