A handsome house sits proudly next to a luscious lawn, where birds sing in the cherry tree. But on this summer morning, the birds have taken flight and the owner of the house lies too still to be asleep…

Sukey Reynolds is delighted that summer has arrived. Her garden is in glorious form, and the long, warm days give her a chance to enjoy the countryside, and even play a bit of tennis. The only digging she plans to do is in her flowerbeds.

But then Sukey is called to photograph the scene of what appears to be a tragic accident. Arthur Soames, a retired school teacher, fell to his death from the ornate iron staircase above his perfectly manicured lawn. But when the police notify his family, they are adamant that this is no accident…

Is this summer's day turning out to be curiously chilly?

When Arthur's daughter won't leave the police in peace, Sukey reluctantly agrees to help put her mind to rest. As she starts to poke about in the dead man's past, she realises he was keeping secrets, and several people might well have wanted him dead. But who would resort to murder? Could it have been Arthur's enchanting fiancée, a sullen ex-student or maybe a nettled neighbour?

An old address written on a small piece of paper is the clue that Sukey needs, but can she convince her police colleagues that this death on a summer morning was no accident and solve this baffling mystery at last?

If you love cozy mysteries by P.D. James, Agatha Christie or Faith Martin, then this addictive novel from the bestselling queen of cozy crime will have you hooked!

This book was previously published as Deadly Obsession.

What readers are saying about Betty Rowlands:

'Riveting, can't put it down! I love this story… a wonderfully twisted tale of a crime that has more twists than I thought possible... fantastic.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

'It was unwise of me to begin this book in late afternoon because it held me to the pages until I finished it!... diabolical twists and red herrings… addictive!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

'OMG I loved this book! A proper whodunnit with great characters and a fabulous plot. This reminded me of the Agatha Christie mysteries I used to read as a child… Excited for the next in the series!' Mrs Roadley Reads, 5 stars

'BRILLIANT!... Having read and enjoyed the Melissa Craig series as well, I find the Sukey Reynolds even more engaging and I can't wait to ready more in this series!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

'Yay, a new series by Betty Rowlands and a new heroine to cheer for in Sukey Reynolds. I am a huge fan of this author's books and this one with all its twists and turns is another delicious book and series to follow.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars