Reading a Sukey Reynolds book is like watching another episode of your favorite TV show. Trouble seems to find Sukey, this time at the site of an accidental death. The victims family insist it cannot be an accident so of course, our Sukey must see what she can find. When her police detective co-workers don't believe her...when will they ever learn...she takes her investigation farther. Betty Rowlands always gives the readers an entertaining cozy mystery that we can all love.

Scene of Crimes Officer Sukey Reynolds is called to photograph the scene of what appears to be a tragic accident. Arthur Soames, a retired teacher, fell to his death from the ornate iron staircase above his perfectly manicured lawn. But when the police notify his fiancé & daughter, they are adamant that this is no accident…
When Arthur’s daughter Sabrina 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. Sabrina disappears after visiting Arthur’s old school then a headless body is found in a ditch are the two related?
Yet another engrossing read, it’s the sixth book in the series & could easily be read on its own but as I love series I’m finding the more of the series I read the more I'm drawn into Sukey's world & the threads that run through the series. There are red herrings & twists & turns in this delightful whodunit. I love Sukey who just can’t resist a mystery & she always ignores Jim’s advice. If you love a good murder mystery then give this series a try & become as hooked as I am, I can't wait for more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This installment in the Sukey Reynolds series had a little more meat to it and I loved it! While trying to unofficially investigate whether a man dies from a slip or was murdered, Sukey plays things a bit smarter (finally). With multiple angles and a couple competing stories, the book had a bit more depth to it. I even liked some of the additional characters added for this story line and wouldn't mind seeing a few of them stick around for future books. I do wonder if something needs to shake up Sukey and Jim's relationship. They seem to be stuck in a rut. However, I did like that he offered to bring by food a couple times instead of her cooking for him all the time. That felt very old fashioned and sexist! So maybe they are growing?

This is book 6 in the Sukey Reynolds Mystery series and I must say that I'm becoming quite enchanted with Betty Rowlands and her amateur detective Sukey. She is a part time photographer for the local police and usually ends up helping investigate. When she is called to work on an apparent accidents of a man falling down some stairs it seems open and shut. But his family is positive it's murder. They rope Sukey into working on the very sparse clues. Great story, I love how the characters have all developed. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

When Sukey is called out to an accidental death the man's fiancé will not accept that it was an accident. Then the man's daughter asks Sukey if she will he[p her find the truth but With DI Jim Castle away Sukey is unsure of what to do.
This an enjoyable murder mystery in the Sukey Reynolds series with many twists and a surprising ending

This is number 6 in the series of crime photographer Sukey and her son Fergus and boyfriend police detective Jim. This one has a retired schoolteacher found dead in his garden, and his fiance and daughter are convinced it wasn't an accident. While I did like how Sukey struggled a bit more to guide them instead of jumping in herself, I did find it troubling how much she evaded and kept Jim out of the loop of her involvement. Those two really need to talk more, as I do like them together. I have read each of these in order, so that helps, but it can be read as a stand alone. A lot of twists and turns, with secrets from the past coming to light make a nice cozy mystery. Highly recommend this book, series and author.

An interesting and enjoyable Sukey Reynolds story. With her ongoing love life taking ups and downs she finally gets to the bottom of another murder mystery.

Retired schoolteacher Arthur lies dead in his garden. It looks as if it was an accident, but his family aren't convinced.

Sukey Reynolds tries to put his family's mind at ease, but inevitably becomes embroiled in secrets on her way to uncovering the truth

I had been a little concerned that as these books progressed, Sukey's going against her boyfriend and the police, in general, to investigate on her own might get a little much. Surely someone can't just keep doing that. Fortunately, in this instalment at least, that little issue has been dealt with to some extent. While Sukey does get involved in her own investigations again in this book, it's really quite reluctantly and she does, on more than one occasion try to involve Jim with her thoughts and ideas.
I do enjoy these mysteries. Sukey is a very likeable character and I enjoy reading about her attempts to get to the bottom of various mysteries. This time she gets drawn in after the seemingly accidental death of a man, while his fiance and daughter won't accept that he wasn't murdered. Sukey manages to solve at least part of the mystery, but not get to the bottom of things completely. (Although I did this time.)
I'm looking forward to the next in this series. I am really enjoying them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Another strong entry in the Sukey Reynolds series, although part of a series, it stands alone. Sukey is searching for the truth behind Arthur Soames and his daughter Sabrina. Totally estranged from birth, Arthur is found dead and Sabrina wants answers. She enlists Sukey to investigate her father’s past. Sabrina gets impatient with Sukey’s lack of progress and she begins her own search to dismal results. Sukey almost meets the same fate when she follows up on Sabrina. Twisted story, twisted people, thankfully Sukey has Jim and Gus in her corner.
Not a traditional cosy, but provides an easy read without gore, sex, language, or violence. Slipping between the pages it’s nice to reconnect with some familiar characters. Always enjoy a journey back to the Cotswolds’.
Thank you to netgalley and Bookouture for an electronic copy.

I really enjoyed this book. I adored the story line and loved the main characters. I read this book in one sitting and would highly recommend this book.

Death on a Summer Morning is another intriguing story about SOCO Sukey. This character will win you over with her determination to help solve crimes. Lots of twists that will keep you guessing who dunit and why. Very enjoyable read.

Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher. Another great Sukey Reynolds book. I really look forward to reviewing books from this author, can't waiting for Book 7.

This is the sixth book in the Sukey Reynolds mystery book.

I really enjoy these series but for me some of them are a bit hit or miss however this was great. The mystery had me hooked and enjoyed how sassy Sukey was. It's also nice to see Fergus grow up a bit too.

Thank you for providing me with an ARC.

When SOCO Sukey Reynolds is called to photograph the scene of an accidental death in a beautiful country garden she has no idea how deep she will end up digging to find out what actually happened. The family of the deceased man are convinced he was murdered and hound both the police and Sukey to try and make them take their claims more seriously.

The case this time moves speedily from accidental death through problems at home and on towards the denouement whilst including all the familiar much loved group of characters now so much a part of these wonderful stories. It also includes subject matter which has become more widely reported as awareness grows and the author covers it very well considering this is a re-release of a book first published in 2005

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this series of books so obviously lovingly written by Ms Rowlands.

Another great Sukey Reynolds Mystery!
Sukey once again gets tangled up in secretly trying to solve a murder. Only difference is, no one believes the death of Arthur Soames was murder, but rather a tragic accident. Sukey gets involved when the deceased's daughter and fiancé both make allegations that Soames's death was really a murder, and finding a sympathetic ear in Sukey, seek her help proving it.
As with any Betty Rowlands' mysteries, there are some twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book to any mystery lover. The book is number 6 in the series. They can be read in any order, but the main characters' relationships develop over the course of the series.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Another well-written cozy detective starring SOCO Sukey Reynolds as the main character along with her 18 year old son, Fergus, and her police detective lover, Jim. The main characters are developing nicely with Fergus becoming even more grown up and sensible than in previous stories. Essentially a retired man, Arthur, is found dead at the bottom of his spiral stairs out to his garden. Police and coroner conclude an accidental death. The trouble is his estranged daughter and his 30 something fiancee disagree, each "knowing" that the other murdered him. Sukey inevitably interferes and digs into his background on behalf of both of these women. It turns out that he had a colourful background and was lying to both of them. Sufficient red herrings to keep me happy. A satisfying if rather rapidly developed conclusion. Whilst the stories remain interesting I am beginning to get fed up with Sukey who does not seem to learn or appreciate that her rummaging around could mess up lines of evidence (well, she does realise but goes ahead anyway) or put herself and others into danger. I understand that she is an independent woman who is not going to be told what to do by Jim but it is getting a bit repetitive for me. I'm also getting jaded about the all too often paraded child abuse stories. Horrendous yes, topical to a degree yes but there must be more to detecting surely. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Title: Death On Summer Morining

Series: Sukey Reynolds #6

Authur: Betty Rowlands

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.)



My thoughts

Rating: 4.5

this one had a lot of twist and tuners in it because at first you didn't know who was telling the truth and who wasn't , plus there seemed to be a lot of lies that was told , and dark secrets that was kept , which came out in the open , once again I can't wait to read more of this series since I've already have read books 1-6 , with that said I want to thank Netgalley for letting me read it and review it .

When the owner of a quaint little house and sumptuous garden is found dead it at first appears to be a fatal accident but when his fiancée and daughter suspect more Suki again starts to a little digging with the help of her son , Can she discover the truth and put their minds at rest

Another flowing story and highly recommended

Finally, 10 years after moving into his home Arthur Soames had won the annual garden competition.  With delphiniums and hollyhocks blooming he set out to enjoy his breakfast in the garden and began reflecting on what the future might hold for him and his fiancée.  Later, the police report would say that he had lost his footing coming down the garden steps that morning, resulting in an accidental death.  However, his estranged daughter, Sabrina, refuses to believe that his death was anything but murder committed by the fiancée and begins camping out at the police station day after day insisting that they continue to look into it.  To help ease the situation Sukey talks to the daughter and suggests she ask a few questions on her own to see if she can find anything that can help to reopen the case.  In the mean time, Sukey begins to 'unofficially' look into a few things herself...starting with the fiancée.  Things take a turn when the fiancée reports Sabrina missing while another separate murder is discovered.

Although this is the sixth book in the series, this was my first Sukey Reynolds mystery so I had no preconceived expectations nor knew who any of the characters were going into it.  I found it easy to understand the overall setting as well as who everyone was and didn't find readers needed to read the prior books in the series to understand what was going on. 

After finishing the book I found that what I had enjoyed most about this was how the flow felt natural.  Sukey never sets out to force the issue or find all the clues, instead it was more of "let's have a conversation and see where it takes us" approach.  I also appreciated how Sukey knew when there wasn't enough evidence for the police to move forward with and let Sabrina or the fiancée know.  

While I enjoyed the book I did find a particular connection between certain characters to be a bit too coincidental and easy and I wish I could go into detail about this a little bit more, but since this is a mystery it probably wouldn't be too wise.  I also found the end wrapped up too quickly for my own personal tastes.  I typically find the discovery at the end the most enjoyable and satisfying part of the mystery, but felt a little left out as we are told about certain events after the fact. 

Although I had a few minor issues overall I found the book a quick read and believe fans of this series and cozy mysteries will find it enjoyable.