Former army mechanic Mel Greenway uncovers a body in the gardens of the decaying Avonby estate, dragging her into a web of secrets, lies, and old resentments. As tensions rise with Inspector Derrin Bradley—her former lover turned investigator—Mel races to solve the mystery before a killer silences her for good.

'Samantha writes characters that I would love to play. Her Stories and dialogue are an actor's dream!' TV Legend, Frazer Hines

'Samantha Lee Howe writes like a dream...twisty, turny and not to be missed!' Pop Icon, Ayshea Brough

'Downton Abbey turned murderous.' Paul Finch, Sunday Times bestselling author

Secrets bloom where the roses die – and Mel Greenway is digging up the truth.

In post-war Britain, Avonby estate is a crumbling relic hiding deadly secrets. Lady Melinda 'Mel' Greenway, a former army mechanic and the family’s poor relation, seeks solace in its overgrown gardens – until she unearths a body beneath the roses.

The discovery drags Mel into a tangled web of lies, resentments, and buried truths, forcing her to clash with Inspector Derrin Bradley, her wartime lover turned investigator. As Derrin digs into the dark web of secrets entangling Avonby’s privileged residents and its resentful staff, Mel is determined to solve the mystery herself. As sparks fly and old wounds resurface, Mel’s relentless pursuit of the truth puts her at odds with both her family and Derrin, while making her a target for a killer desperate to keep the past buried.

A tale of resilience, forbidden romance, and suspense, A Thorn in the Rose is a richly atmospheric mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page.