As the stage is set for a local village play in a beautiful countryside manor, Melissa Craig plays the role of detective once again when one of the cast is mysteriously murdered…

Melissa is delighted when she's asked to help put on a play at her favourite local Cotswolds hotel. There's nothing she loves more than getting to know the cast, who are just as colourful behind the scenes as they are on stage.

Rehearsals are running smoothly until the perpetually grumpy supporting actor is found spread-eagled at the bottom of a steep flight of stairs leading to a cellar.

As Melissa tries in vain to save his life, she is sure she can hear voices nearby and suspects there is more to this accident than meets the eye. Why on earth was he trying to get down to the hotel's private cellar? And why does the hotel manager seem so angry about it?

When the hotel floor plans deliver some unexpected revelations, Melissa is convinced that she's dealing with a murder. But when all of your suspects are actors, how can you tell the good liars from the bad? Can Melissa find the killer before the final curtain falls?

If you've devoured books by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and P.D. James, you won't be able to resist this page-turning murder mystery!

This book was previously published as Exhaustive Enquiries.

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