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 favorite local Cotswolds hotel. There’s nothing she loves more than getting to know the cast, who are just as colorful behind the scenes as they are onstage.

Rehearsals are running smoothly until the perpetually grumpy supporting actor is found spread-eagle 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 pause-resisting murder mystery!

This book was previously published as Exhaustive Enquiries.

What readers are saying about Betty Rowlands:

"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)

"Absolutely charming!... A good old-fashioned who-dunnit with just the right amount of mystery, intrigue and humour. Would definitely recommend!" (Stardust Book Reviews)