Capable of Murder by Brian Kavanagh (eBook)
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The old lady's decaying body lay at the foot of the stairs.     The police believe it was simply an accidental fall that killed great-aunt Jane.     But was it?     Young Australian, Belinda Lawrence is convinced it was murder and when she inherits her great-aunt's ancient cottage and garden on the outskirts of Bath, England, she finds herself deep in a taut mystery surrounding her legacy.     A secret room. Unknown intruders. A hidden ancient document. They all contribute to the mounting dread.     A second vicious murder by a ruthless killer intensifies the tension and Belinda, now under threat herself, is befriended by two charming men: her neighbour Jacob and real-estate agent Mark Sallinger. But can she trust them? And what interest has befuddled antique dealer Hazel Whitby in the cottage?     Could one of them be the killer? An excellent example of a time-honoured English village murder mystery with a lively young heroine pitting her intellect against an evil killer, both bent on solving the riddle of an ancient garden.     An inventive puzzle glazed with wit and the first of the Belinda Lawrence series. Read an excerpt from Capable of Murder Click here for more information about Brian Kavanagh Also by Brian Kavanagh: The Embroidered Corpse Bloody Ham         Reviews: The characters in this book are wonderfully defined. They all behave in a sinister manner at one time or another. The descriptions of the gardens and cottage are quite vivid. Historical information interspersed with the story is wonderful. I very much enjoyed learning about the gardens and their various incarnations. Mary Fairchild, Mystery Lovers Corner Capable of Murder is a good mystery with a number of lively characters. Pat Reid, Books n Bytes Mysteriously summoned by her relative, Belinda finds Great-Aunt Jane's body dead on her own stairs. Too dead – the letter summoning her was mailed days after her aunt died. Much to her surprise, Belinda inherits the ancient cottage and grounds. Should the city girl move to the village? Belinda rather likes the idea. Then she begins to notice that all of her neighbors seem to have ulterior motives. Her elusive solicitor, her determinedly friendly next door neighbors, a handsome real estate agent, and an alcoholic antique dealer all seem to think there is something valuable in Belinda's new home. Belinda seems to be alone in her belief that Great-Aunt Jane was murdered, until another murder occurs in the same house. It was obviously meant to be Belinda lying dead there. Knowing the motive doesn't tell her who did the killing – it is a big, juicy motive almost in plain sight, enough to tempt any of her neighbors. Read CAPABLE OF MURDER when you are in the mood for a village cozy. Relax and enjoy the puzzle. Cozy is definitely the category: you will never be afraid, although Belinda often is. Belinda shivers at harmless atmospherics yet walks casually into the arms of death. CAPABLE OF MURDER is nicely written and pacey, with the momentum to keep you moving along at a quick clip. You will have your favorite suspects, cheering and sneering as occasion arises. Why does Belinda trust this person? Why does she enter that building alone? Why does she get into a fight at that particular spot? The object of all the fuss is new – I don't think I've ever seen this motive before. Author Brian Kavanagh's years of creative experience have been in film. CAPABLE OF MURDER begins a successful new venture for him. Belinda returns in the second of the series, THE EMBROIDERED CORPSE. Joy Calderwood, Reviewer's Choice Finished " Capable of Murder" last night. Wonderful book! Now I can't decide whether to read "The Embroidered Corpse" next or keep it for a little while. I could hardly put the book down, but I did have to sleep! I really enjoyed this book. Antiques and collectables are what I like to read about. They are so interesting. I didn't know that there were specialists in landscaping in the 1700's. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I really like the characters and want to follow their lives. Sheilah in LynnwoodWA I finished Brian Kavanagh's "Capable of Murder" last night, I told you I couldn't put it down. Belinda Lawrence is a believable, likable and real character. While the book was somewhat suspenseful, it was not extremely violent. The descriptions of the village give the reader a feeling of being there. I was taken aback when the murderer was revealed and that is not usual for me, I usually know at least half way through the book. I plan to start reading Brian's next book in the series, "The Embroidered Corpse". Thanks Brian for a good read. unepassionneedemystere Belinda Lawrence discovers the body of her reclusive great aunt on the floor of her home and becomes an heiress as the old lady's death is labeled an accident by the police. But Belinda can't stop the niggling doubt at the back of her mind. The problem was who would kill an old woman and why. There seemed to be nothing missing in the house. Belinda learns there are great differences from living in the lights of the city and the darkness that descends on the unlighted streets of the village once she claims her inheritance with the intention of living in the house. It isn't long before an antiques dealer turns up looking for old furniture and a realtor wants to sell the house for her. The only people who seem friendly are her closest neighbors. A break in at the house, another murder in the house keep the action in this well crafted story moving forward as Belinda has to decide who to trust among the people who have taken an interest in her new home. Why did the lawyer who wrote her aunt's will disappear? Why does the neighbor feel so strongly about the overgrown garden? These and other questions will keep the reader turning pages as they try to identify the villain of the tale and solve the mystery before Belinda does. Recommended as a fun read written by talented author Brian Kavanagh who introduces us to a cast of characters not soon forgotten. A story with a surprise in store for the reader. I am pleased to recommend this book to any mystery fan. Enjoy. I did. Anne K. Edwards My Rating: Choccies, coffee, sparkling shiraz, book in hand, comfy chair late on a Sunday afternoon in the fading sun read. A young Australian girl's elderly english great-aunt leaves everything to her after she dies in her home, seemingly from an accidental fall down the stairs. After Belinda moves into her great-aunt's house it seems that everyone is very interested in her and the house and in particular the garden. Brian is a recent member of one of my favourite online reading groups, has been very circumspect and is, I hasten to add not somebody I've ever met. Some may not be aware but amongst other editing credits Brian boasts two of the greatest all time Australian movies Odd Angry Shot and The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (IMNSHO of course) so his presence piqued my interest and I had to move a few planets to get my hands on one of his books. Karen Chisholm: IT'S A CRIME REVIEWS. "When writing a mystery, you've got to juggle a believable motive, an interesting hook and complicated characters. In Capable of Murder, Brian manages to keep all balls in the air. His protagonist, Belinda, leaves the city to inhabit a cottage she's inherited from her recently-passed aunt. But there are complications. Belinda isn't convinced that her aunt's death was accidental, she has conflicting feelings about her strapping neighbor, and she soon finds evidence that there's more to the garden on her property than meets the eye. As if adjusting to a new life isn't hard enough, Belinda has to follow her instincts to solve what she believes was a murder. Mayhem, as it usually does, ensues. Capable of Murder has all the hallmarks of a classic mystery: a secret room, sudden disappearances, and a setting steeped in a history that comes to life on every page. Capable of Murder is available at amazon and bn.com. If you're looking for a pleasant diversion, be sure to order a copy." Gabriel Gregoire: born2write “…a genius in designing gardens, gardens that he would never live to see in their maturity. He had an insight that allowed him to predict the way that his work would mature…His gardens express an ideal. The native English landscape.” A garden run amok in a small suburban village near the famous city of Bath , England waits for restoration! Belinda Lawrence hasn't really known her great-Aunt all that well but is surprised to get an invitation to discuss something important. Belinda hardly expects to find something highly suspicious – indeed, an English village murder rivaling the best of Miss Marple tales. After the initial shock and brief mourning, it seems that one (or more) of three men could be the criminal. And it seems that everyone Belinda meets has an interest in the 80,000 pounds and cottage her aunt has left as an inheritance – or is it only the garden? Just what is so intriguing about this particular garden and this singular spot well-known in literary and horticultural circles of the past? This fast-paced plot is laced with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader enthralled and guessing to the very last chapter! Descriptions of details fill in the gaps with more questions and answers, thus making the reader part of the enfolding mystery! Humor and “real” personalities will induce laughter and annoyance alike, along with appreciation of the bucolic character of this sleepy yet oh so busy country English town! More will die before the discovery of the criminal and his or her twisted motive! Hope Brian Kavanagh will write more sleuth mysteries in this classic mystery style and pace! Viviane Crystal: Crystal Reviews Set in England, Belinda Lawrence visits her aunt but is shocked by her discovery. Her aunt is dead and her body is rotting. From this moment on Belinda's life changes and will never be the same again. Belinda inherits her aunt's estate and doesn't believe her aunt's death was an accident. Whilst mingling with the villagers she receives clues and soon finds some old hidden information within the property. The police, however, do believe her aunt's death is an accident. Belinda does her own investigating and soon realizes she could be in serious trouble. Unsure whether to sell the estate or keep it, Belinda knows one thing, she has to unravel this murderous mystery. Her dear neighbors Jacob and Rosemary are generous to her. Jacob agrees to help her with the garden and Rosemary offers Belinda a job, but soon even destruction hits their relationship. Rosemary is found murdered in Belinda's home and it becomes obvious who the murderer is really after. Death and intrigue abound as the plot gradually unravels in this cleverly written book. The information slowly seeps out and the characters show their true colors. For those who like murder mysteries, this book should really make their day. Belinda Lawrence becomes her own detective, leading the way through the trail of death, mystery and fear. Caroline Lake: gottawritenetwork.com Belinda Lawrence has been invited to spend an afternoon at the cottage of her great-aunt Jane during the weekend. Jane has something of interest for Belinda, but wishes to tell her what it is face to face. When Belinda arrives at her aunt’s cottage she finds her aunt on the floor in the hall. Dead. The death of Aunt Jane seems to be an accident as the inspector, who's investigating the case, thinks she tripped on the stairs. Only Belinda isn’t convinced. What was it that she wanted to tell Belinda that was so urgent? And above all, how is it possible for Aunt Jane to send a letter to Belinda a few days ago, while she died the Saturday before the letter was written? It soon seems that Aunt Jane wasn’t really loved in the village… Capable of Murder is a novel with lot of suspense. Brian Kavanagh wrote the story down in such a way that you really can’t guess the outcome, it remains a mystery throughout the story… I loved reading Capable of Murder because it was a very captivating story. Once you start reading, the story gets a grip on you and you won’t find rest until you know who murdered Aunt Jane and why… Believe me when I tell you that with Capable of Murder, Brian Kavanagh has written a master piece! The beginning of a new witty mystery series around the life of Belinda Lawrence! Annick: Euro-Reviews Out of the blue, Belinda Lawrence receives a letter from her great aunt Jane imploring Belinda to come to the old woman’s cabin that weekend. Feeling a sense of urgency hidden in the words of the note, Belinda complies with the Jane’s request. Sadly, once Belinda arrives at the cabin she discovers that her great aunt is dead, seemingly of an accidental fall down the stairs. However, as more and more strange clues suggest that Jane had a secret that she was about to tell her niece, Belinda starts to wonder if her great aunt’s death was actually the result of an accidental fall. Capable of Murder is a wonderful mystery with lots of great twists and turns. The reader quickly finds him or herself in the same situation as Belinda, wondering if a crime was actually committed and if so why would someone want to kill a reclusive old lady whom no one seemed to know much about. Moreover, every clue that Belinda uncovers leads to a dozen more questions and wonderings keeping the reader guessing and wondering until the very end. Tami Brady "Mr. Kavanagh managed to do what one of my favorite authors, M C Beaton, does so well, incorporate humor within the confines of a credible mystery." Mary Lynn, author of 'Dear Cari' "With interesting characters, Brian Kavanagh's well-crafted, seductive tale, Capable of Murder lulls the reader into a false sense of security then attacks when least expected. There are many twists and turns as the story winds its way toward its startling conclusion. This is a must-read book. It is definitely recommended." Nancy Madison, author of 'Clues to Love' "Twists and turns abound keeping the reader from guessing the killer early on. If you are looking for a light, entertaining mystery to get lost in for a few hours, CAPABLE OF MURDER is an excellent choice." Tracy Farnsworth "If you like to read puzzling mysteries set in eerie old houses with hidden rooms and endangered damsels in distress -- with a helping of horror and a dash of girlish romance, plus a surprise ending to haunt you-- then you will enjoy this book, written by an award-winning Australian film producer and editor." Joan Riley "It owes much to the classic English village mystery, with its reclusive older resident and the suspicious cast of characters, including the somewhat dense village constable. It's fun and worth searching for." Barbara Franchi "There are splashes of excellent local color and descriptions. The writing is very visual … There are some very good descriptions and metaphors. The first meetings of Belinda and Jacob are funny, involving spilled coffee, bumped heads, torn clothes, seeds, and nudity. There are delightfully loopy minor characters: The gin-swilling middle-aged antiques dealer. The malodorous, hairy-handed and rather gross bookseller who reads Barbara Cartland novels. The Dickensian solicitor … light mystery for a rainy afternoon." eBook Reviews Weekly "This is a short, fast paced book, the pages seem to turn themselves. It's a cosy mystery set in a quintessential English village. The story itself is well plotted … I finished the book quickly, keen to see what would happen next and find out the identity of the murderer. It has a little twist at the end too, which I'm very partial to. I did enjoy the book and if you like old-fashioned whodunnits with an amateur sleuth, you'll enjoy this too." Annette Gisby, author of Silent Screams