The Staveley Suspect

Hidden wickedness is exposed in the Lake District

Simmy Brown has a lot on her mind. Not just keeping her florist business afloat, but the challenge of developing a long-term relationship with Christopher, while coping with her father's failing health. It is also only a few weeks until Mother's Day, which is her busiest day of the year, as well as bringing painful memories of personal loss.

But, in taking an order for a retirement party in Staveley, Simmy is unwittingly pulled into her most challenging investigation yet. When a daughter starts accusing her own mother of murder, Simmy feels she has no choice but to offer assistance, putting her relationships under strain as her loyalty to Ben and Bonnie is tested. With Detective Inspector Moxon himself floundering in the face of a murder with so many unpleasant implications, Simmy has to learn to leave her own concerns behind to uproot the killer.

'Bringing characters to life is clearly one of the author's great strengths . . . beautiful and well-evoked surroundings, emphasis on solving a puzzle, characters it's easy to warm to . . . a cracking good read' Mystery People

'A good plot with oodles of atmosphere makes this a real page-turner' Bookbag

'Rich in psychological insight . . . Tope is particularly skilled in creating interesting and unique characters' Deadly Pleasures