Betty Rowlands

Betty Rowlands is a celebrated British author, known for her works in the mystery, crime fiction, thriller, cozy mystery, and romance genres. She has gained a significant following for her successful book series, Melissa Craig and Sukey Reynolds, which have become the cornerstone of her career. These series have helped her gain popularity in the United Kingdom and beyond.

Born on October 6, 1923, in Bristol, England, Rowlands' journey into writing crime fiction began after winning the Veuve Clicquot/Sunday Express crime short story competition. This victory served as a catalyst for her to start writing the Melissa Craig series, which quickly gained popularity. She continues to write mystery stories, enjoying her status as a noteworthy author in the genre. Rowlands is also an active member of the Crime Writers' Association, frequently participating in events such as giving talks, reading books at gatherings, and serving on panels at conventions of crime writing.

Throughout her career, Rowlands has been an inspiration for aspiring writers, demonstrating that success can be achieved at any age. She began her writing career in her mid-sixties, which underscores her belief that it is never too late to start. Rowlands lived in the heart of the Cotswolds, where her Melissa Craig mysteries are set, and later moved to Bristol, closer to Sukey Reynolds' patch. She passed away peacefully in a residential home on July 29, 2020, just a few months before her 97th birthday. She is survived by her two children, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and numerous family members, friends, and fans. The resurgence of interest in her Melissa Craig and Sukey Reynolds books in her later years brought her immense pleasure, and she cherished the emails she received from her fans, knowing that her writing was widely enjoyed.