A perfect country garden is full of flowers and gently buzzing bees… But the man lying dead beneath the trees can no longer see the beautiful scene.
Melissa Craig is thrilled that summer has arrived. She has decided to give up her career as an amateur sleuth and enjoy a quiet life in her beautiful cottage. The only digging in Melissa’s life now happens in her garden.
However, when a keen beekeeper is found dead, covered in multiple stings, her new resolve is tested. As she gets to know the family of the dead man, she realises he was no saint. Could someone have possibly wanted him dead? Could this be a very clever murder?
As Melissa starts to probe the victim’s friends and acquaintances, another member of the family is also stung to death. Who could have turned the bees against their keeper? And when will they strike again?
With the residents of Upper Benbury now fearful to open their windows to the summer air, and the police treating the deaths as accidental, Melissa must solve this case herself. To find the killer with the sharpest sting, she may have to delve deep into the hive…
If you can’t get enough of mysteries by Agatha Christie, P.D. James or Faith Martin, you will love this unputdownable mystery novel.
This book was previously published as Sweet Venom.
What readers are saying about Betty Rowlands:
‘Hooked from the first pages… wonderful… fascinating, full of twists and turns… kept me guessing till the end.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘Brilliant… I read this book in one sitting and could not put it down. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars
‘An absolutely addictive, wonderful story. Loved it from start to finish. Great pace and a delightful setting, colourful characters and thrilling mystery. This was a brilliant story and I cannot wait for more!’ Renita D’Silva, author of The Forgotten Daughter, 5 stars
‘Perfect for lovers of COZY CRIME!... I loved this book… This is an easily read book but it will keep you on your toes.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘Once I started reading I couldn't put it down as it was entertaining and enthralling… The mystery was interesting and it kept me guessing till the end… Highly recommended!’ Scrapping and Playing, 5 stars
‘The quintessential cozy mystery… the storyline is fast-paced and engaging… builds to an adrenaline fuelled ending, full of action and powerful imagery. An enjoyable, escapist read that I suspect may become my secret addiction.’ Jane Hunt’s Blog, 5 stars
‘An enjoyable read, with lots of twists and turns… the mystery is one that keeps you reading well into the night. I will certainly look out for more books in this series.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘A page turner and one that kept me up late.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘A lovely, peaceful and funny cozy mystery novel… plenty of very good laugh-out-loud moments… reminded me ofAgatha Raisin... I’ll be definitely in the search of other books from this author in future. A perfect cozy mystery!’ Licence to Read, 5 stars