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Ryder & Loveday Mystery #2

Error fatal: Un apasionante y enrevesado misterio de asesinato perfecto para todos los aficionados a la novela negra. Serie Ryder y Loveday, Libro 2

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Un apasionante y enrevesado misterio de asesinato perfecto para todos los aficionados a la novela negra. Serie Ryder y Loveday, Libro 2.

Verano de 1960, Oxford.

Bajo el glorioso sol de Oxford, en un día en el que todos deberían estar de celebración, la tragedia lo eclipsa todo cuando un estudiante universitario aparece flotando en el río, muerto.

La agente de policía en prácticas Trudy Loveday vuelve a ser asignada como compañera del médico forense Clement Ryder para llevar a cabo la investigación, y no tardarán en darse cuenta de que la resolución del caso no será fácil.

Todos los testigos se niegan a dar una respuesta directa, cada nueva pista los lleva en una dirección diferente y las historias de otras jóvenes desaparecidas añaden más misterio a la investigación.

Sin embargo, una cosa es hay algo que no encaja con los estudiantes más populares de la universidad...

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2018

3771 people are currently reading
822 people want to read

About the author

Faith Martin

98 books979 followers
Faith Martin is a pen name of English author Jacquie Walton, who is best known for her popular detective series, starring Detective Inspector Hillary Greene.

As Joyce Cato, she writes more classically-inspired 'cosy' murder mysteries, such as the Monica Noble mystery series.

As Maxine Barry, her latest romance novels are now available from Corazon Books.

As Jessie Daniels, her 'spooky' crime novel, The Lavender Lady Casefile came out in November 2017.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
Profile Image for 8stitches 9lives.
2,853 reviews1,723 followers
September 3, 2018
Having thoroughly enjoyed all of bestselling author Faith Martin's previous books, I was excited to come across this, and naturally grabbed a copy. Her critically acclaimed DI Hilary Greene series has won her many fans, so when I discovered that she was penning a new series, I was filled with both anticipation and trepidation. It's always a risk when an author starts a new series when an original series has been so successful, but I should've known that Faith wouldn't let me down!

We were initially introduced to our shiny new heroine, probationary WPC Trudy Loveday and coroner Dr Clement Ryder in book one entitled 'A Fatal Obsession', and I have already touted this as being one of the most up-and-coming and scintillating new series' currently out there in the crime genre. The first two books have backed up my gut feelings on this. The setting is Oxfordshire, in the 1960s, and conjures up the atmospheric storyline full of intrigue. Throughout the whole duration the story conjured up images of the fictional village of Midsomer featured in Midsomer Murders. The writing, as always, flows effortlessly from one page to the next, and draws you right into the heart of the action, and ceases to relax its grasp over you until the denouement is complete and the book concluded.

I am now chomping at the bit for the next book, 'A Fatal Flaw', set to be published in February 2019. I cannot wait! Although these books, and all of Faith's bibliography, work perfectly fine as standalones, but if you like to follow the progression of the recurring main characters in your novels, then go ahead and read these the series opener and this one. That way, when the third is released you'll be all clued up! I cannot imagine a crime thriller fan encountering any issues Overall, an excellent, thrilling, surprise and suspense filled plot, which will be appeal to ardent Martin fans and newcomers alike!

Many thanks to HQ Digital for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Alan Cotterell.
561 reviews189 followers
October 9, 2018
Easy 5 stars

Book one was acceptable, but nothing too special. However book two, is brilliant. The storyline, characters, general feel for the period, attitudes and realities of people's lives is described in detail. Really feel part of the story. I read in 2 sessions, but could easily have read in one but had to sleep. Can't wait for book three in Feb 2019. Must start it earlier in the day. This is going to be another great series.
Profile Image for Linda Strong.
3,878 reviews1,708 followers
February 1, 2019
Once again, Coroner Clement Ryder 'borrows" Probationary WPC Trudy Loveday to help him investigate the drowning of a young man.

There was a collision of sorts among 3 boats full of University students ... was he one of the passengers that didn't make it? Questioning the other young people involved, no one can remember seeing the victim at any time .. but Ryder senses that most of them are lying throw their teeth. The question is .. Why?

Once again, Trudy is at loggerheads with her superior officer. He doesn't like the idea of a woman wearing a uniform so he keeps her pretty much tied to a desk .... unless the coroner needs her. One of the men that they need to question is the son of a very prominent and wealthy man. Her instructions are to leave him alone ... don't bother him ....

So what does Trudy do?

She may be young, but she's also fearless and right is right no matter who is involved. She doesn't believe in double standards where justice is concerned.

This is the third of a most interesting series, but can easily be read as a stand alone. It's the 60s .. a time before DNA, no smart phones, no data bases to speak of. The detective work consists of a lot of knocking on doors and asking questions .... and then trying to solve the puzzle.

Trudy and Ryder have a unique relationship. He's old enough to be her father and she looks at him as a mentor. There is so much she can learn from him. He loves to see the sparkle in her eyes when she's on the hunt .. and hates when he shoots her ideas down. There is much respect, even humor, between them.

Many thanks to the author / HQ Digital / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Profile Image for Aitziber.
413 reviews101 followers
March 25, 2024
Segundo libro y más entretenido que el anterior.
Truly tiene más protagonismo y Clement deja de ser tan pedante sabelotodo.

El caso se va resolviendo pausadamente metienen a personajes nuevos segun avanza la investigación. Una historia sordida y con un giro final bastante creible.

Este libro me ha gustado más. Espero los siguientes de esta saga
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,278 reviews73 followers
August 27, 2019
A Fatal Mistake is book two in the Ryder & Loveday Mystery by Faith Martin. In summer 1960 in Oxford probationary WPC Trudy Loveday arrived at the crime scene of young university student found floating in the river. Probationary WPC Trudy Loveday and the coroner Clement Ryder started to find out answers. However, during their investigation probationary WPC Trudy Loveday and coroner Clement Ryder found out it will not be easy to find solutions. The readers of A Fatal Mistake will follow the twist and turns of probationary WPC Trudy Loveday and coroner Clement Ryder investigation to find the killer.

I was recommended to read this book by Faith Martin, and I am pleased that I did. I love the interaction between the two main characters that makes A Fatal Mistake an enjoyable book to read. A Fatal Mistake is well written and researched by Faith Martin. I like Faith Martin portrayal of her characters and the way she intertwines them together throughout this book.

The readers of A Fatal Mistake will learn the procedures and the role of the Coroner and how they interact with law enforcement. The readers of A Fatal Mistake will learn about living in Oxfordshire in the 1960s.

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Diane Challenor.
355 reviews81 followers
June 13, 2020
The Ryder and Loveday series is fantastic! It’s a perfect British murder mystery for me! I had trouble putting it down. This series will be a binge read for me. “A Fatal Mistake” is book two of the series; I started it within the hour of finishing book one. And now ... I’ve finished book two, I’ve loaded down book three “A Fatal Flaw” and I’m ready to go. I feel I am securely in the hands of a master storyteller. The story is narrated by Stephanie Racine whose performance is excellent, I’d go further with my compliment by saying Stephanie Racine is the best female narrator I’ve heard.
3,216 reviews68 followers
August 25, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ Digital for an advance copy of A Fatal Mistake, the second novel to feature probationary WPC Trudy Loveday and coroner Dr Clement Ryder set in 1960 Oxford.

When student Derek Chadworth is found drowned in the river after an end of term student party it is regarded as an accident until Dr Ryder gets suspicious of the witness accounts he hears at the inquest. They are all basically the same, vague and noncommittal. He secures an open verdict and Trudy's services to help him investigate.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Fatal Mistake which is an engrossing read and it held my attention so much that I read it in one sitting, unable to put it down. It is the deceptively simple tale of a young man's death but the investigation soon takes a seedy, rather louche turn when it becomes apparent that Derek ran with a rich, dissolute crowd. I found the descriptions of their behaviour fascinating and realistic (so much has been said about the antics of these clubs in the press) and at the same time repugnant and self indulgent.

The novel is mostly told from Trudy's point of view although other characters are given a voice as well. These other voices round out the narrative and give the reader a broader perspective, most interestingly in the case of Lord Jeremy Littlejohn, ringleader of the Marquis club, as one is never sure of the extent of his involvement. It is, however, Trudy's story. She is 19 and decidedly innocent about the ways of the world so she learns some unpalatable truths about it during the course of the investigation. Nevertheless she is smart, ambitious and courageous, despite the casual sexism and degradation she encounters on a daily basis (this extremely well done as it is accepted as the norm it was at the time without introducing modern sensibilities). It is good to see the curmudgeonly Dr Ryder doing his best to hone her skills and encourage her ambition as no one else does. They are a great pair of protagonists.

A Fatal Mistake is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Profile Image for Carole Gourlay .
568 reviews9 followers
September 11, 2018
I just love Faith Martins books, her descriptive writing and command of the English language is such a joy. You really feel as if you are there with her, and taking no part in all that’s going on, from the crimes to the wildlife. She is one excellent writer.

I did wonder, because I just adore Hillary Green if this new duo would be as exciting and thrilling. I didn’t need to worry, it was such a good read, and took me back to my youth when things were so much more innocent.

I did laugh a little at the naivety of the young WPC Trudy, but I suppose it was like that when I think back without the involvement of the internet.

I think Clement and Trudy make a good team and I’m looking my forward to the next one.

My thanks to Faith Martin and Netgalley for the ARC.
619 reviews25 followers
January 5, 2025
2nd in this series and just as enjoyable as the first after introducing the characters. Is this case worth looking into for Ryder and Loveday?- of course it is and a good job they make of it!
Profile Image for Clare Chase.
Author 33 books313 followers
August 27, 2020
Such a treat to join Loveday and Ryder for another fiendishly clever mystery. I love the way they work together and complement each other. Their complex characters and the challenges they face make them especially interesting. As ever, the 1960s Oxford setting felt wonderfully atmospheric. In conclusion, a thoroughly absorbing, gripping read – highly recommended.
Profile Image for Clarabel.
3,813 reviews59 followers
October 15, 2021
Quand j'ai commencé cette série, je fantasmais secrètement sur Du Sang Sur Abbey Road de William Shaw parce que je rêvais de retrouver cette belle osmose entre les deux enquêteurs.
Premier constat : le ton ici est beaucoup plus guindé. Mais ça a du charme aussi ! Une fois que j'ai bien dissocié mes fantasmes de la réalité, j'ai pleinement savouré le cadre, l'énigme, le rythme et l'écriture.
La jeune Trudy Loveday est hyper attachante. Sa motivation et sa volonté à imposer sa place au sein de la police forcent le respect, face à des collègues qui la jugent incongrue. Sa rencontre avec le Dr Clement Ryder a encouragé ses efforts.
Lui n'est pas seulement paternaliste, il est confiant et attentif à ses observations. Il a vite cerné son potentiel et tente du mieux qu'il peut à l'intégrer dans ce milieu très fermé. Certes, il a aussi ses petits secrets et ça l'arrange bien d'avoir la demoiselle dans sa poche.
Bref. Vous cherchez votre dose de lecture vintage avec crime gentillet ? Prenez place. Cette série n'est pas fortiche en humour mais elle met en place un décor et un contexte qui sont sa marque de fabrique. Je trouve ça très intéressant, d'autant plus que les livres se suivent et viennent approfondir le sujet de l'émancipation, de l'aristocratie et de la maladie (entre autres).
Très bonne pioche dans ce créneau très en vogue du cosy crime !
Profile Image for Chicky Poo.
1,015 reviews24 followers
August 1, 2020
J'ai retrouvé avec plaisir Trudy Loveday et Clement Ryder. C'est un bon petit cosy mystery comme on aime, avec une enquête qui prend des tours intéressants.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,026 reviews54 followers
September 14, 2018
I have been a fan of Faith Martin’s books for quite a while now. I absolutely adore reading her Hilary Greene books (published by Joffe Books) and I can safely say that I adore the series featuring Dr. Clement Ryder and Probationary WPC Trudy Loveday. I absolutely loved reading ‘A Fatal Mistake’ but more about that in a bit.
WPC Trudy Loveday truly is a woman trying to make her way in a man’s world. The story is set in 1960 when female police officers were not exactly welcomed with open arms. She cops for all the rubbish and boring jobs. It’s as if they give Trudy the jobs that nobody else will do. Trudy doesn’t let that put her off though and she is still as determined as ever that she will impress her bosses and she will become a successful and well respected police officer. Trudy is one tough, feisty and determined young lady. I also loved the way in which she got on with Dr. Clement Ryder, who is the local coroner. They have worked together before and Dr. Ryder is one of the few men, who actually respect WPC Trudy Loveday and he values her opinions. Dr. Ryder did get on my nerves a bit to start with as he seemed a bit up himself but I soon changed my opinion. Dr. Ryder is just a doctor, who has a need to get to the truth of how and why somebody has died, no matter how ugly that truth might be. Together they make a fantastic working partnership and I look forward to reading many more of their joint investigations.
Oh my days it didn’t take me long at all to get into this book. I picked up this book at an ideal time for me because I was suffering a flare up of my chronic back pain and I was in need of a distraction. Well ‘A Fatal Mistake’ was certainly a distraction and a half. The first chapter started a little slow but it didn’t take long for the action and investigation to take off. When it got going, boy did it get going. I soon became addicted to reading ‘A Fatal Mistake’. The more I read, the more I got into the book and the more I wanted to read. I just couldn’t put the book down. My Kindle wasn’t glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to be parted from the book and I seriously begrudged having to put the book down, which didn’t go down well with my Labradors. The story kept me hooked from the moment I got into the book and kept my attention throughout. Usually when I read a book, my mind wanders part way through and I have to re-read certain parts but not in this case. There were twists, turns and little surprises on almost every page. Reading ‘A Fatal Mistake’ was a lot like riding a sometimes scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride. ‘A Fatal Mistake’ certainly kept me guessing. I smugly thought that I had worked out who the murderer was and what their motives were, only to realise that I was wrong and the story took me down another path entirely.
In short, I absolutely loved reading ‘A Fatal Mistake’ and I can’t wait to read more cases involving Dr. Clement Ryder and WPC Trudy Loveday. Faith Martin is a fantastic writer, who is right up there on my ‘drop everything to read their next book’ favourite authors list. I can’t wait to read what she comes up with next. I adore the series involving Ryder and Loveday just as much as I adore the Hilary Greene series. I would definitely recommend this author and her books to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Profile Image for Betsy.
1,122 reviews144 followers
December 29, 2018
A so-so story. I wasn't all that impressed with Loveday. She seemed incredibly naive and submissive to her parents. I did like the doctor. Unlikely to read more in the series.
Profile Image for Julia.
3,048 reviews92 followers
September 7, 2018
A Fatal Mistake by Faith Martin is a fabulous nostalgic crime novel set in 1960. It is the second book in the Ryder And Loveday Mysteries but can be read as a stand-alone.
Once more the crime busting duo of elderly coroner Ryder and probationer WPC Loveday meet up to crack another crime. They are an unlikely pairing but work well together. Fresh faced and enthusiastic Loveday contrasts with the meticulous and calm Ryder. They bounce off each other much to the readers delight.
1960 was the dawn of the modern era. Female police officers were a new phenomenon and faced much hostility and prejudice. They had to work twice as hard just to maintain an equal footing with their male counterparts.
The reader is treated to the face of Oxford 1960. It is a fabulous trip into the past. For me, it had a curious blend of ITV's Morse and Endeavour with BBC's George Gently. I really hope these books translate onto our television screens as I would love to watch them. I would cast Martin Shaw as Ryder and Joanne Froggat as Loveday. Just perfect.
A Fatal Mistake is a nostalgic thinking man's detective novel. The clues need to be observed, thought through and joined together. The crimes rely on good old fashioned policing and a copper's nose.
I am absolutely loving this series by Faith Martin. Many more books please. Any TV producers out there... please look no further for the next big thing, this is it!
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
142 reviews3 followers
May 9, 2021
The characters are developing nicely although having seen at close quarters what happens when someone doesn't admit to those around them that they have this illness I do find Clement''s refusal to deal with it frustrating. The DI is still pompously ignoring Trudy's potential and I think there may be hints of things to come with some of her colleagues. In this tale Trudy comes up against one of those people who believes he's better than everyone else and that they should be happy to conduct themselves purely for his pleasure or convenience. He's assisted in this by rich, titled family and isn't best pleased when Trudy gets the better of him. He doesn't, however, succeed in getting her fired and is thankful for her intervention in his life later. This is all accompanied by various high jinks involving his privileged set of students which apparently leads to the drowning of one of them during a picnic. Accident or foul play? Reading the book to find out.
Profile Image for Theresa Sandifer.
105 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2024
I think I would read anything Faith Martin writes. Her characters are so real and her plots are intriguing but it the quality of the writing that brings me back time and again. I just started the Ryder & Loveday series after reading all of the DI Hillary Greene available at the time. I think I like Hillary just a bit better but the Ryder & Loveday are growing on me.

In the second book of the series we really get to know Loveday a lot more and it is interesting. I am not sure I am going to like her, but she is growing a spine and so very young to be a police officer. What I do like about her is that she stays in character and doesn't go off doing amazing feats to save the day. She is a bit plodding, but thankfully the writing is not.

I liked this book because the villains were truly nasty, with the exception of the actual murderer. It was hard to accept that at first, but the ending was satisfying.
Profile Image for Annette.
918 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2018
Set in 1960 this book is something a bit different, it evokes nostalgia of how things used to be before all the modern tools that the police have today. A young WPC has to prove herself as she is the only woman in the station and she is also on probation. Assigned to help the coroner in an open verdict case leaves her with very little doubt that being a detective is what she really want's. A really enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Ted Tayler.
Author 78 books299 followers
July 11, 2020
"Lost in a time-warp"

I thoroughly enjoyed the first in the series and this outing was good, but not great. Observation has always been Faith Martin's strong point and her description of the various characters is always right on the money - whether they're 'town' or 'gown' - but the 1960's doesn't readily translate for a modern audience. You had to be there to appreciate many of the subtle nuances in her story. That said, I enjoyed the final unravelling of the case and the growing confidence of WPC Loveday. Onwards and upwards to #3 in the series. Let's do the time-warp again.
Profile Image for Christelle Da Cruz.
Author 10 books17 followers
March 10, 2024
J'ai beaucoup apprécié cette seconde enquête aux côtés du duo Loveday et Ryder ! Le contexte des années 60 avec la place des femmes dans la société et les distinctions de classe font un théatre très intéressant pour leurs enquêtes. L'évolution des persos et de leur relation est vraiment belle. J'ai été embarquée encore une fois !
Profile Image for Chautona Havig.
Author 274 books1,831 followers
November 2, 2022
Really love this series. It's nice to see a woman who isn't instantly superior to very man but who is also strong and capable and has potential to be impressive.
Profile Image for Renske.
417 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2024
Good second book in the series. The characters have more personality for sure. It was a confusing murder but it was wrapped up well.

Trigger warnings for suicide and murder
10 reviews
September 18, 2018
Another good read by Faith Martin

Faith Martin's DI Hillary Greene series is very enjoyable, and now I can add WPC Trudy Loveday's stories to my list of fun reads. Both characters are interesting and believable as women in the male dominated police world. Loveday's youth in these stories, set in the early 1960's, is endearing, but her quick mind and developing abilities are a joy to watch.
I look forward to new releases in both series.
Profile Image for Cat Catch.
123 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2021
Oxford, les années 60, une enquête au cœur de la célèbre université, deux enquêteurs attachants , et me voilà conquise ! Un petit air des romans d'Élisabeth Georges que je lisais il y a des années, mais moins sombres plus "cosy"... Un cosy mystery quoi ! Premier livre de la série que je lis, je me suis rendu compte en cours de lecture que c'était le tome 2. Je ne compte pas m'arrêter à celui-ci !
Profile Image for Damien Tournay.
150 reviews
March 20, 2023
Une nouvelle affaire finement menée par nos deux enquêteurs, à travers l'Oxford étudiant et la haute société britannique des années soixante, dans laquelle on préfère ne pas venir faire de vague...
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