The trees are green and hedgerows are bursting with new life as spring arrives in the Cotswolds, but inside a house that Melissa Craig used to know well, something terrible has happened...

Melissa has just finished writing her latest mystery novel and is enjoying the arrival of spring. She's decided to let her fictional detective retire at last, and perhaps put her own days of investigating behind her too. But the ink has barely dried on the page when Melissa receives shocking news: her estranged father has been found dead in the family home and her mother, Sylvia, is under suspicion of murder.

Melissa hasn't seen her parents for nearly thirty years, but on hearing the dreadful news she rushes to her mother's side. Melissa is sure that Sylvia could never commit a murder, but Sylvia does seem to be keeping secrets...

With no-one else to turn to, Sylvia begs Melissa to investigate the case. Melissa knows her father was a difficult man, but now she needs to work out who wanted him dead... A disgruntled employee, the controlling family lawyer or perhaps the woman with whom he was having an affair?

When another body is found, Melissa realises she's dealing with a ruthless killer. As the police close in, trying to pin both deaths on her mother, Melissa must act fast. Can she find a way to unmask the true killer before she loses her mother for a second time, and possibly forever?

If you can't get enough of murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin or P.D. James, you'll love this twisty detective novel

This book was previously published as The Fourth Suspect.

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