A Thorn In The Rose- Blog Tour
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.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I’m really pleased I had the opportunity to discover their work.
We are introduced to Mel, a compelling and intriguing protagonist. As she begins her new role as the manager and gardener of the estate, the story gradually reveals that her life experience extends far beyond her current position. There are layers to her character that unfold at a steady pace, allowing the reader to appreciate both her past and the strengths she brings into her present life. Mel comes across as resilient, practical, and quietly determined. When she sets her mind on uncovering something, she shows a strong sense of persistence and intelligence that makes her easy to root for.
The plot takes a darker turn when Mel discovers a body on the estate grounds, drawing her into a mystery that she cannot ignore. From that moment, the narrative develops into an investigation that keeps the reader engaged without becoming overly complicated. Helping her is her former partner from her army days — someone who shares both a professional history and a personal connection with her. Their evolving relationship adds an emotional thread to the story, bringing depth and tension beyond the central mystery. It was interesting to see how their past shaped their interactions and how their dynamic changed as events unfolded.
One of the highlights of the book for me was the atmosphere. I really enjoyed the stately home setting and the sense of isolation and history it created. The story is set in Yorkshire at the Avonby estate in post-war England, and this backdrop adds richness to the narrative. The setting feels well realised, and the time period contributes to both the tone and the motivations of the characters. The estate itself almost feels like a character in its own right, with its grounds, traditions, and secrets shaping the events of the story.
The supporting cast is varied and interesting, with each character bringing something different to the plot. None felt unnecessary, and their interactions helped build both the mystery and the atmosphere. I also appreciated that the story remained easy to follow while still offering enough intrigue to keep me turning the pages.
Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable and satisfying read. It balances character development, setting, and mystery well, making it a good choice for readers who enjoy historical settings combined with a steady, character-driven investigation. I would definitely be interested in reading more from this author in the future.
I really enjoyed this book, gave me Downtown Abbey style. As this is book 1 in the series, I cannot wait to see what happens next.
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