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Rina Martin #6
Cause of Death
Meet Rina Martin, a retired actress with a taste for tea, gardening and crime solving.
She played a TV sleuth for years, but now she has to do it for real.
On a lazy summer’s day in Frampton, what could be better than a refreshing pint in a country pub?
Too bad Rina’s local just became a crime scene.
A man is stabbed to death on the pub doorstep. And that’s not the worst of it.
The skeleton of a mystery woman is uncovered during excavations at a local airfield. Forensics say she’s been dead twenty years at most, and she didn’t die on site — leaving Detective ‘Mac’ MacGregor with not one but two baffling murder cases on his hands.
He needs Rina’s help like never before. But his timing couldn’t be worse.
Rina thought her acting days were behind her, but now the TV execs want her back onscreen.
As much as she’d love to oblige, her instincts tell her this is no time to be leaving town.
Storm clouds are gathering over Frampton, and Rina and Mac are about to be swept up in the maelstrom . . .
Originally published as Cause of Death.
She played a TV sleuth for years, but now she has to do it for real.
On a lazy summer’s day in Frampton, what could be better than a refreshing pint in a country pub?
Too bad Rina’s local just became a crime scene.
A man is stabbed to death on the pub doorstep. And that’s not the worst of it.
The skeleton of a mystery woman is uncovered during excavations at a local airfield. Forensics say she’s been dead twenty years at most, and she didn’t die on site — leaving Detective ‘Mac’ MacGregor with not one but two baffling murder cases on his hands.
He needs Rina’s help like never before. But his timing couldn’t be worse.
Rina thought her acting days were behind her, but now the TV execs want her back onscreen.
As much as she’d love to oblige, her instincts tell her this is no time to be leaving town.
Storm clouds are gathering over Frampton, and Rina and Mac are about to be swept up in the maelstrom . . .
Originally published as Cause of Death.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
605 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Jane A. Adams
60 books152 followersSome of her early books were published under the name of Jane Adams. This should not be confused with this Jane Adams who is a different author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 29, 2016
This volume (#6) was better than the previous one (#5) which I felt was the only real slump in this series.
Rina Martin is back on home ground and once again things are coming to a head. This is when Adams is at her best. Stan, the muscle-for-hire, has been released from prison and is taking shelter with Rina and her "family." Karen, the sociopathic killer is back as well. Meanwhile, Andy, the deputy, is cutting his teeth on his first big case - bones are discovered in an archeological dig, but these bones are too new.
....
I liked this series but didn't love it. I wouldn't exactly call it a "cozy" mystery series since things get pretty serious. It's a very strange blend of real/gritty and sweet. Sometimes that blend does NOT go down smoothly. There's times when it's been unpleasantly jarring. Also, people are always comparing Rina Martin to Miss Marple, and I don't think they are alike. So they are both old ladies. So what. That doesn't make them similar. Marple is much more "busybody" and Martin is much more human. In my opinion.
The absolute best chapter in the book is when Karen has broken into a thug's room, and she's waiting for him to get home so she can murder him. She saw him rape her mother years ago, and it's personal. I really enjoyed this chapter, the waiting and subsequent murder. It was well-done. Not over-the-top or unrealistic in any way.
Actually, Karen is one of my favorite characters in the series. Hardass, badass, and not afraid to kill people when they mess with her or her family, I adore a 21-year-old avenging angel who is really a violent sociopath. She was well-done, and not made to dress slutty, or do ridiculous things like fight in high heels. Also, even though she's presented as attractive, no one acts sexually towards her in any way - mainly because she scares the crap out of them. It was refreshing.
The subtle British-ness of the books is also fun.
Rina Martin is back on home ground and once again things are coming to a head. This is when Adams is at her best. Stan, the muscle-for-hire, has been released from prison and is taking shelter with Rina and her "family." Karen, the sociopathic killer is back as well. Meanwhile, Andy, the deputy, is cutting his teeth on his first big case - bones are discovered in an archeological dig, but these bones are too new.
....
I liked this series but didn't love it. I wouldn't exactly call it a "cozy" mystery series since things get pretty serious. It's a very strange blend of real/gritty and sweet. Sometimes that blend does NOT go down smoothly. There's times when it's been unpleasantly jarring. Also, people are always comparing Rina Martin to Miss Marple, and I don't think they are alike. So they are both old ladies. So what. That doesn't make them similar. Marple is much more "busybody" and Martin is much more human. In my opinion.
The absolute best chapter in the book is when Karen has broken into a thug's room, and she's waiting for him to get home so she can murder him. She saw him rape her mother years ago, and it's personal. I really enjoyed this chapter, the waiting and subsequent murder. It was well-done. Not over-the-top or unrealistic in any way.
Actually, Karen is one of my favorite characters in the series. Hardass, badass, and not afraid to kill people when they mess with her or her family, I adore a 21-year-old avenging angel who is really a violent sociopath. She was well-done, and not made to dress slutty, or do ridiculous things like fight in high heels. Also, even though she's presented as attractive, no one acts sexually towards her in any way - mainly because she scares the crap out of them. It was refreshing.
The subtle British-ness of the books is also fun.
October 13, 2023
Once again Mac and Rina are involved in the continuing saga of George and Karen's lives. The gang their father had been involved with is still blighting so many lives and Karen is back to even the score. She also wants to check on George who is getting on with his life in the Children's Home. In this book many scores are settled and the reader's interest is held from beginning to end. There is so much interest in all of the books in this series that I'm sure they would make great reading. I can just see Maureen Lipman as Rina the retired actress who, having stopped playing a detective, now helps Mac solve real cases.
Also in this book, Andy the young detective, is put in charge of a case for the first time which brings him much personal sadness.
Also in this book, Andy the young detective, is put in charge of a case for the first time which brings him much personal sadness.
June 15, 2023
exciting, dangerous, and surprises
Book 6 wraps up several “situations” that have been brewing in the other books. Karen has returned and killed a couple of people in a personal vendetta. Some very, very bad men are planning very bad things. An undercover agent, who has asked repeatedly to come home is forced into a dangerous escape. Stan Holden is released from prison and shows up at Rina’s for help. Rina is struggling with her life. Mac is back as DI. Miriam can’t return to work after her abduction. She decides to go back to school for a Master’s degree. Andy has finished with his year of probation and ask to stay with Mac. He is handed cold cases to see if the families of the victims are targets. He ends up arresting an old friend. Again, a surprising end, but not necessarily without danger in the future. I love this series. A good read.
Book 6 wraps up several “situations” that have been brewing in the other books. Karen has returned and killed a couple of people in a personal vendetta. Some very, very bad men are planning very bad things. An undercover agent, who has asked repeatedly to come home is forced into a dangerous escape. Stan Holden is released from prison and shows up at Rina’s for help. Rina is struggling with her life. Mac is back as DI. Miriam can’t return to work after her abduction. She decides to go back to school for a Master’s degree. Andy has finished with his year of probation and ask to stay with Mac. He is handed cold cases to see if the families of the victims are targets. He ends up arresting an old friend. Again, a surprising end, but not necessarily without danger in the future. I love this series. A good read.
January 21, 2022
This is the first of the Rina Martin mystery I have read - number 6 in this series - but I adore Jane Adams and Murder at the Pud does not disappoint. Fisty, a retired actress who loves tea and amateur crime-solving, Rena purchased a house in Frampton with her savings at the cancellation of her ten-year series on British TV in which she starred as a crime-solving senior lady. Her home is called Peverill Lodge and is considered a bed and breakfast, but she has peopled it with friends, for the most part, actors in less comfortable straits than herself. Those residents of Peverill Lodge work together as a unit, sharing meal preparation, housework, and gossip. All of the residents are fun and I enjoyed them very much. The mystery I enjoyed even more. Convoluted and complex, we see it coming but can't look aside anyway. This is a series I want to explore.
Joffe Books
Reviewed on January 21, 2022, at Goodreads, and AmazonSmile. Not available for review atB&N, BookBub, Kobo, or GooglePlay.
Joffe Books
Reviewed on January 21, 2022, at Goodreads, and AmazonSmile. Not available for review atB&N, BookBub, Kobo, or GooglePlay.
January 17, 2022
4+stars
Really good mystery series that is best enjoyed by starting with the first book. There are so many great characters that have back stories and you learn more about them in each successive book.Old bones are discovered in an archaeological dig but when more bones are found they prove to be more recent.There is also an equally interesting side story that brings in some old enemies and introduces some new characters.
Really good mystery series that is best enjoyed by starting with the first book. There are so many great characters that have back stories and you learn more about them in each successive book.Old bones are discovered in an archaeological dig but when more bones are found they prove to be more recent.There is also an equally interesting side story that brings in some old enemies and introduces some new characters.
January 30, 2022
Very Good Story
Once again, a another Rina Martin tale complete. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. As per the talented author this was another intricate plot and well developed story. I very much enjoy all the characters in this series and I'm looking forward to hopefully having the series continue once Rina picks back up on her renewed career. Never an amateur at anything. Excellent words!
Once again, a another Rina Martin tale complete. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. As per the talented author this was another intricate plot and well developed story. I very much enjoy all the characters in this series and I'm looking forward to hopefully having the series continue once Rina picks back up on her renewed career. Never an amateur at anything. Excellent words!
April 2, 2024
This is a great series, and #6 is the best book yet. Several story lines of characters we'd been following get wrapped up. Rina is feeling a bit unsettled and ready for new challenges. She buys a small car and refreshes her driving skills. The directors of her television series plan to bring it back, so Rina will soon be working once again. Each installment makes me want to immediately read the next book - it's that good.
February 5, 2022
Excellent!
Love this series. The characters and exciting storyline are the best I've read in a long time. Loved how the characters follow through to the next book. There is so much happening that holds a reader's interest from beginning to the end. Hope there is more coming in the series. Bravo to Ma Adams!
Love this series. The characters and exciting storyline are the best I've read in a long time. Loved how the characters follow through to the next book. There is so much happening that holds a reader's interest from beginning to the end. Hope there is more coming in the series. Bravo to Ma Adams!
April 24, 2022
Hope the series continues!
Very much enjoyed this book, have read all the others in the series and hope they continue…..
But must admit this one kind of felt like it might be the last in the series, but one never knows?!
Can highly recommend the series to anyone wishing to give them a go.
Very much enjoyed this book, have read all the others in the series and hope they continue…..
But must admit this one kind of felt like it might be the last in the series, but one never knows?!
Can highly recommend the series to anyone wishing to give them a go.
September 22, 2025
This was another enjoyable story in the box set I have.
All manner of deaths need investigating either officially or not and I liked the twists and turns and mystery. The characters suited the multiple plots, some likeable, others not.
Well-written and fast-paced, engaging and entertaining.
Highly recommended.
All manner of deaths need investigating either officially or not and I liked the twists and turns and mystery. The characters suited the multiple plots, some likeable, others not.
Well-written and fast-paced, engaging and entertaining.
Highly recommended.
January 16, 2022
Very enjoyable
I am such a fan of the Rina Martin series!
Highly recommend that you start at the beginning as the characters are in and out of each book. It will make more sense and it's worth your time.
I am such a fan of the Rina Martin series!
Highly recommend that you start at the beginning as the characters are in and out of each book. It will make more sense and it's worth your time.
January 30, 2022
Always terrific!
Another fun ride with Rina, Mac and company! Karen returns with
her accompanying mayhem, an undercover cop and a local unearthing of human bones all make for a cozy mystery story....the norm for this Jane Adams series.
Another fun ride with Rina, Mac and company! Karen returns with
her accompanying mayhem, an undercover cop and a local unearthing of human bones all make for a cozy mystery story....the norm for this Jane Adams series.
March 26, 2022
More, Please!
Please wright more Rina Martin mysteries!!! I've read all 6 and want more. Great read! Just enough violence, but more importantly the character interaction and story line are compelling. I'll now go on the Ms. Adam's other series. I hope they are just as good!
Please wright more Rina Martin mysteries!!! I've read all 6 and want more. Great read! Just enough violence, but more importantly the character interaction and story line are compelling. I'll now go on the Ms. Adam's other series. I hope they are just as good!
December 8, 2025
Back to Frantham and Peverill Lodge again, and I am much more comfortable with the story back here once more. It’s a rounding up of characters for sure, and I know I’m on a journey with one or two more arcs left.
March 3, 2026
So Good!!
I absolutely adore this series. The writing is excellent; the characters are believable and human and you truly care about them. Each book grabs you and doesn't let go.
I hope the series continues for a great many more.
I absolutely adore this series. The writing is excellent; the characters are believable and human and you truly care about them. Each book grabs you and doesn't let go.
I hope the series continues for a great many more.
January 16, 2022
So, they find bones – which they expect to find – just not old bones??? It is a mystery, isn’t it??? I enjoyed the story and recommend the story.
January 21, 2022
A great story.
I love Jane Adams books she is a great author. This is a cosy crime read and the furthest adventurers of Rina Martin and her friends.
I love Jane Adams books she is a great author. This is a cosy crime read and the furthest adventurers of Rina Martin and her friends.
January 23, 2022
Good
Glad I read the series . Sagged a bit in the middle . But this one has made it a very good series overall.
Glad I read the series . Sagged a bit in the middle . But this one has made it a very good series overall.
January 23, 2022
Coziest of mysteries
Multiple adventures keep you needing to turn to the next page. Characters are engaging and believable, and the locale is lovely.
Multiple adventures keep you needing to turn to the next page. Characters are engaging and believable, and the locale is lovely.
March 18, 2022
Excellent job
I would recommend this Series to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. This is one of the best stories with the kind of suspense that holds you to the very end.
I would recommend this Series to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. This is one of the best stories with the kind of suspense that holds you to the very end.
April 19, 2022
Wrong place to start the series ....
I found the casual attitude towards multiple murders in a small locality rather strange. But hey, a better read than many just start with book one rather than 6!
I found the casual attitude towards multiple murders in a small locality rather strange. But hey, a better read than many just start with book one rather than 6!
April 19, 2022
Excellent series
Great amateur contributions that do not make the police appear foolish or incompetent. Justice is more important than blind law.
Great amateur contributions that do not make the police appear foolish or incompetent. Justice is more important than blind law.
August 3, 2022
Good mystery
A good murder mystery. Unbelievable story resolved at the end. Just where it should be. The bad people turned up getting their due.
A good murder mystery. Unbelievable story resolved at the end. Just where it should be. The bad people turned up getting their due.
September 16, 2022
good job
This book was so great pigeon to see it all the time wondering I just really hope he’s gonna be more
This book was so great pigeon to see it all the time wondering I just really hope he’s gonna be more
October 29, 2022
great as always
The usual crowd of characters.
Twists and turns along the way, but you always know it’ll be alright in the end.
The usual crowd of characters.
Twists and turns along the way, but you always know it’ll be alright in the end.
November 14, 2022
Switches entertainingly from cozy to frightening! Need to go back to the start of the series and read.
April 22, 2023
As with the others…excellent. I now feel a part of Rina’s oddball family.
December 2, 2023
Murder at the Pub
Again enjoyed this book and its characters,I seem to know them all,great stories about rights and wrongs of crime.I am sure I will enjoy the whole series.
Again enjoyed this book and its characters,I seem to know them all,great stories about rights and wrongs of crime.I am sure I will enjoy the whole series.
August 8, 2024
cracking good series
I love the way the author builds each book on the ones previous, you get to know the characters in more depth and detail as the series goes along.
Well Done!
I love the way the author builds each book on the ones previous, you get to know the characters in more depth and detail as the series goes along.
Well Done!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews