Joseph Bevan

Downloaded this book to my Kindle before my holiday to Cyprus and was thoroughly impressed by it. Years ago, Sukey was hoping to become a detective but life took a different turn. Now she’s happy to be involved with the local police force, as long as she still gets to work the occasional murder case... When Sukey arrives to photograph the body of Lorraine Chant, the beautiful wife of a wealthy businessman, she’s baffled. At first, it looks like a botched burglary, as the huge family safe has been left wide open and empty. But why does Lorraine’s rich husband claim nothing was taken? And what is he not telling the police? Once I'd picked this up, I couldn't put it back down again. It is written in a lovely style and really does leave you wanting more as you finish each chapter. You really do feel like you get to know the characters. Sure, it is a little dated in places, but to be honest, it adds to the charm. The only thing that I would argue is that it isn't really a 'cozy'. In places it is a little gruesome and the language certainly isn't akin to a cozy mystery. I would say that it reminds me of an early episode of Minder or The Sweeney- gritty but with a hint of Cozy. Perhaps 'police procedural'. Overall- an amazing read and I can't wait to read book two.