Cream teas, buttered crumpets and a very curious crime...

Melissa Craig is settling in nicely to a new teaching position in the quaint little village of Upper Bembury, getting to know her way around, drinking tea with the eccentric staff, even sewing the first seeds of romance...

But when she arrives one morning to find police outside her classroom, Melissa is shocked to hear that her beautiful colleague Angelica has been found dead in her home.

As everyone in Angelica's life comes under suspicion, ­Melissa makes it her mission to go in search of the truth, not least because she's romantically entangled with none other than the police's prime suspect.

The discovery of a vandalised portrait of the murdered girl might be just the clue that Melissa needs to clear her lover's name, but when a second body surfaces, she knows she needs to act quickly. Can Melissa uncover the ugly truth in this beautiful village before another innocent life is taken?

Do you love murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, P.D. James and Faith Martin? If so, make this puzzling and absolutely page-turning whodunnit your next read

This book was previously published as Finishing Touch.

What readers are saying about Betty Rowlands:

'Perfect for lovers of COSY CRIME ... I loved this book... This is an easily read book but it will keep you on your toes' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

'An entertaining book... fluently written... In the same league as Agatha Christie.' B for Book Review

'Captivated... very well-written... a terrific beginning to the series... a very quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed the danger and surprising twists in this story, as well as the unexpected humour.' Robin Loves Reading