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DI Hillary Greene #17
Hillary's Final Case
Can Hillary finally close the case of the missing young women?
Can she take down one of Oxfordshire's most wanted criminals?
Can she handle her new boss?
Can she help one of her team get answers on his long lost sister?
And will she really get married and leave her beloved boat?
Can she take down one of Oxfordshire's most wanted criminals?
Can she handle her new boss?
Can she help one of her team get answers on his long lost sister?
And will she really get married and leave her beloved boat?
8 pages, Audiobook
First published January 1, 2016
6198 people are currently reading
1069 people want to read
About the author
Faith Martin
99 books981 followersFaith 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
April 10, 2024
As the November weather sent chills down Hillary's spine, and Puff the Tragic Wagon objected to starting, Hillary and both her outgoing, and ingoing, bosses were setting the scene for a face-off with Jake. When Hillary discovered why he'd been doing what he'd been doing, she used her usual wiles to get Jake to talk. And he did. Hillary knew then that to help Jake would also help the force to bring down one of the worst criminals on their streets. But they had to be careful as they were dealing with dangerous characters. Would it all work out the way they hoped? Or was Hillary putting Jake in terrible danger?
Hillary's Final Case is #17 in the DI Hillary Greene series by Faith Martin and while it isn't her final case, I only have 3 more to go until I'm caught up. I do hope Ms Martin writes some more of Hillary's stories - I'm completely involved as she sets to catching her criminals, in a way only Hillary can. Recommended.
Hillary's Final Case is #17 in the DI Hillary Greene series by Faith Martin and while it isn't her final case, I only have 3 more to go until I'm caught up. I do hope Ms Martin writes some more of Hillary's stories - I'm completely involved as she sets to catching her criminals, in a way only Hillary can. Recommended.
November 11, 2018
DI Hillary Greene #17
Ex-DI Hillary Greene is still working on cold cases. She has to reopen all the missing person cases of a group of young women, in an attempt to help Detective Chief Superintendent Stephen Crayle bring down one of Thames Valleys most wanted. Hillary has been watching Jake, one of her team members, for a little while now. He's an IT multi-millionaire. So why does he want to be a civilian in the police force? Will all the secrets come out, will all the loose ends be tied up, will Hillary and Stephen make a go of their relationship? You will have to read this book to find out.
In this book we say a fond farewell to Hillary Greene. I have truly loved this series. The pace is fast and it has more than a satisfactory ending. What else can I say except read this series from the beginning. You won't regret it.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Faith Martin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ex-DI Hillary Greene is still working on cold cases. She has to reopen all the missing person cases of a group of young women, in an attempt to help Detective Chief Superintendent Stephen Crayle bring down one of Thames Valleys most wanted. Hillary has been watching Jake, one of her team members, for a little while now. He's an IT multi-millionaire. So why does he want to be a civilian in the police force? Will all the secrets come out, will all the loose ends be tied up, will Hillary and Stephen make a go of their relationship? You will have to read this book to find out.
In this book we say a fond farewell to Hillary Greene. I have truly loved this series. The pace is fast and it has more than a satisfactory ending. What else can I say except read this series from the beginning. You won't regret it.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Faith Martin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2018
Abrupt and clumsy ending to a series that usually provided enjoyable light reading through Kindle Unlimited subscription.
February 1, 2020
Despite the fact that my TBR is toppling over, this book by Faith Martin sat for quite some times. Hillary's last book. Her final case. Call it denial, but if I didn't read it, I didn't have to see the Detective Hillary Greene series ending.
As the blurb states, this is Hillary's final case, while at the same time carving a path to a new future. Hillary was a celebrated DI for years. She had a solve rate "second to none". Having retired, she is now a civilian cold-case consultant for the Crime Review Team. The unit she works for is rather small, and her boss is Chief Superintendent Stephen Crayle, and her life partner, or could be if she would accept his marriage proposal. She finally has an answer for Stephen. But, for now the team must deal with an ongoing problem.
One of their own, Jake, has been spying on Hillary. After having gathered sufficient evidence against him Faith, with Stephen allowing her to take the lead, questions Jake, who is an IT millionaire apparently eager in his job as a civilian consultant like Hillary. Why, then, is he spying on her, breaking into her computer?
Meanwhile, the team's current case is a missing persons case involving the disappearance of several young women. The team focuses on a slippery criminal named Dale Medcalfe. They are convinced that he is behind things and they try and set a trap to catch him once and for all.
These mysteries by Faith Martin are always interesting, fast-moving and rather tricky. I admire Hillary Greene as the perfect detective, knocking on as many doors as possible, and as this book deals with something very serious when it comes to the women they are trying to track down, this book is one of the best in the series.
Although I didn't get a chance to read the entire series, only having read a few, I loved the no-nonsense way Hillary took at getting to the bottom of things and seeing how she earned her reputation. Since reading the previous book in this series, Murder in Mind, I have had the privilege of reading another series by her and have really come to love her writing. With regard to Hillary, stay tuned.
Many thanks to Joffe Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
As the blurb states, this is Hillary's final case, while at the same time carving a path to a new future. Hillary was a celebrated DI for years. She had a solve rate "second to none". Having retired, she is now a civilian cold-case consultant for the Crime Review Team. The unit she works for is rather small, and her boss is Chief Superintendent Stephen Crayle, and her life partner, or could be if she would accept his marriage proposal. She finally has an answer for Stephen. But, for now the team must deal with an ongoing problem.
One of their own, Jake, has been spying on Hillary. After having gathered sufficient evidence against him Faith, with Stephen allowing her to take the lead, questions Jake, who is an IT millionaire apparently eager in his job as a civilian consultant like Hillary. Why, then, is he spying on her, breaking into her computer?
Meanwhile, the team's current case is a missing persons case involving the disappearance of several young women. The team focuses on a slippery criminal named Dale Medcalfe. They are convinced that he is behind things and they try and set a trap to catch him once and for all.
These mysteries by Faith Martin are always interesting, fast-moving and rather tricky. I admire Hillary Greene as the perfect detective, knocking on as many doors as possible, and as this book deals with something very serious when it comes to the women they are trying to track down, this book is one of the best in the series.
Although I didn't get a chance to read the entire series, only having read a few, I loved the no-nonsense way Hillary took at getting to the bottom of things and seeing how she earned her reputation. Since reading the previous book in this series, Murder in Mind, I have had the privilege of reading another series by her and have really come to love her writing. With regard to Hillary, stay tuned.
Many thanks to Joffe Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
November 16, 2018
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A REVISED EDITION OF A BOOK FIRST PUBLISHED AS “THE WORK OF A NARROW TRAJECTORY.”
It's time to say good-bye to retired DI Hilary Greene, DS Steven Crayle and all the various members of her teams since she first appeared in print in 2004. This has been a super series, one I highly recommend.
Now retired, Greene is working for the Crime Review Team, taking a second look at cold murder cases. She has a new supervisor since Crayle is leaving to lead another team. ... and she's been keeping an eye on one of her interns, Jake Barnes.
Jake has been pretty secretive, even going so far as to snooping through Greene's computer. And now is the time she and Crayle are going to confront him.
What Barnes tells them leads them into one last case to work together. Girls / ladies have gone missing. Prime suspect is one of their most wanted crime lords.
This is a crime mystery, action-packed, a real page turner. The characters are unforgettable. The story line is gripping, leading to an unexpected ending.
And importantly on its own, Hilary must answer a question put to her by Steven Crayle.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
4.5 Stars for HILARY'S FINAL CASE .... 5 stars for the SERIES.
November 7, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this arc.
This was sort of a bittersweet read for me. I love the Hillary Greene series and this looks to be the last of them. She will be missed. This book delivered the expected case results for me (the good, the bad, and the jury's still out). The pacing was excellent as always... But the feelings of changes in the character's futures felt like a dark cloud throughout. But then again, don't we all feel unsettled by change? However, Faith Martin continues to write, so all hope is not lost. But I really like the team and they will be greatly missed.
This was sort of a bittersweet read for me. I love the Hillary Greene series and this looks to be the last of them. She will be missed. This book delivered the expected case results for me (the good, the bad, and the jury's still out). The pacing was excellent as always... But the feelings of changes in the character's futures felt like a dark cloud throughout. But then again, don't we all feel unsettled by change? However, Faith Martin continues to write, so all hope is not lost. But I really like the team and they will be greatly missed.
November 13, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Hillary’s Final Case, the seventeenth novel to feature former DI turned civilian cold case consultant, Hillary Greene of the Thames Valley police.
With DSupt Rollo Sale due to take over the Cold Case Unit and Acting DCS Steven Crale moving on to pastures new it’s all change so Hillary decides to confront civilian trainee Jake Barnes about what he’s been up to over the past few months. The upshot of this confrontation is the team making a push to re-examine several missing persons cases, with special reference to any that link to Dale Medcalfe, the gangster Steven’s new unit is tasked with shutting down.
I thoroughly enjoyed Hillary’s Final Case which is a deftly plotted mystery with some good twists and turns. Being set in the world of prostitution it has a slightly harder edge than the previous novels without being overly graphic although it still has the same light hearted banter and tone. The novel, as usual, has a couple of plot lines with Jake Barnes and Steven Crale handling the efforts to “turn” Medcalfe’s lieutenant, Darren Chivnor while Hillary and her team look into the missing women. Mostly it all comes together in another twist at the end, maybe not as satisfactorily as some of the novels but that’s part of the harder edge and I really liked it as it seems realistic.
Even Hillary seems tougher in this novel. She’s not known as a pushover but her attitude surprised me on some occasions, in a good way, and I loved her final interview. Steven had better look out when she moves in with him as she doesn’t seem in the mood to take prisoners!
Hillary’s Final Case is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
With DSupt Rollo Sale due to take over the Cold Case Unit and Acting DCS Steven Crale moving on to pastures new it’s all change so Hillary decides to confront civilian trainee Jake Barnes about what he’s been up to over the past few months. The upshot of this confrontation is the team making a push to re-examine several missing persons cases, with special reference to any that link to Dale Medcalfe, the gangster Steven’s new unit is tasked with shutting down.
I thoroughly enjoyed Hillary’s Final Case which is a deftly plotted mystery with some good twists and turns. Being set in the world of prostitution it has a slightly harder edge than the previous novels without being overly graphic although it still has the same light hearted banter and tone. The novel, as usual, has a couple of plot lines with Jake Barnes and Steven Crale handling the efforts to “turn” Medcalfe’s lieutenant, Darren Chivnor while Hillary and her team look into the missing women. Mostly it all comes together in another twist at the end, maybe not as satisfactorily as some of the novels but that’s part of the harder edge and I really liked it as it seems realistic.
Even Hillary seems tougher in this novel. She’s not known as a pushover but her attitude surprised me on some occasions, in a good way, and I loved her final interview. Steven had better look out when she moves in with him as she doesn’t seem in the mood to take prisoners!
Hillary’s Final Case is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
November 13, 2018
This 17th and final book in the series left me a little disappointed. Although Hillary does her 'magic' again and solves all cases that are thrown at her, although her love for Steve is still growing and although she is actually way too young to stop working, the story feels as though the author lost her inspiration a bit.
In earlier books Hillary had to concentrate on one or just two cases at the time. Now, she officially has four, but that is meant to throw a smokescreen to hide her real purpose: bring down Dale Medcalf. So Hillary and her colleagues are running around (well, driving) interviewing people left and right, and I lost my way in so many names for so many characters that frankly, stayed as flat as cardboard. Next to that, in my humble opinion, not everything is solved...
Hillary is constantly thinking how she hates the name Greene and she doesn't want to be called Mrs. Greene. Well, I keep thinking, why keep the name then? Use your own name. It's a little thing but it keeps nagging a bit at me.
Then why give the book 4 stars? Well, Faith Martin deserves these four stars because, as with the other books, it was still very hard to put down and of course, a little sad to have come to the end of a very nice series of books. I keep a glimmer of hope we will see more of Hillary in the future ;-)
Thank you NetGally and Joffe Books for sending me a digital copy of this book.
In earlier books Hillary had to concentrate on one or just two cases at the time. Now, she officially has four, but that is meant to throw a smokescreen to hide her real purpose: bring down Dale Medcalf. So Hillary and her colleagues are running around (well, driving) interviewing people left and right, and I lost my way in so many names for so many characters that frankly, stayed as flat as cardboard. Next to that, in my humble opinion, not everything is solved...
Hillary is constantly thinking how she hates the name Greene and she doesn't want to be called Mrs. Greene. Well, I keep thinking, why keep the name then? Use your own name. It's a little thing but it keeps nagging a bit at me.
Then why give the book 4 stars? Well, Faith Martin deserves these four stars because, as with the other books, it was still very hard to put down and of course, a little sad to have come to the end of a very nice series of books. I keep a glimmer of hope we will see more of Hillary in the future ;-)
Thank you NetGally and Joffe Books for sending me a digital copy of this book.
July 19, 2020
This is a 3.5 star read.
A VERY disappointing and clunky ending!
A VERY disappointing and clunky ending!
March 6, 2020
This book completes the story started in The Work of a Narrow Mind, in theory it also finishes Hilary’s story, although it only took a couple of years for the author to write another book.
I found the stories surrounding the ‘missing women’ interesting, but a bit depressing to read. The case involving Jake’s sister is sort of resolved, but I didn’t find it very satisfying.
The only reason I can think why the author renamed the book Hilary’s Last Case was she was tired of writing them, because there wasn’t really anything in this story that implied Hilary was finished.
I found the stories surrounding the ‘missing women’ interesting, but a bit depressing to read. The case involving Jake’s sister is sort of resolved, but I didn’t find it very satisfying.
The only reason I can think why the author renamed the book Hilary’s Last Case was she was tired of writing them, because there wasn’t really anything in this story that implied Hilary was finished.
May 17, 2019
"Disappointing conclusion"
It must be difficult for a successful author to end a popular series. They have become so attached to the characters that unless they kill them off there's little scope left. On the evidence of this book, the author decided against any optimistic high note but allowed the series to slowly trickle down the drain. No satisfactory conclusion, no grand ceremony. What a shame.
It must be difficult for a successful author to end a popular series. They have become so attached to the characters that unless they kill them off there's little scope left. On the evidence of this book, the author decided against any optimistic high note but allowed the series to slowly trickle down the drain. No satisfactory conclusion, no grand ceremony. What a shame.
January 5, 2019
This is a good-bye to the retired DI Hillary Greene, DS Steven Crayle and all the characters that have appeared in this long running series of books.
The retired, Hillary Greene is still working for the Crime Review Team, reviewing past cold cases. She has a new supervisor as her partner, Steven Crayle is leaving to lead another team.
One of her civilian team, Jake Barnes, a dot.com millionaire is still under observation after being found snooping on Hillary’s PC. They know he’s up to something, just not what it is. After confronting him, it leads to the final case involving their most wanted criminal, a violent, ruthless man.
I found this to be a gripping, engrossing read with the great characters I have come to know throughout this series by Faith Martin. It brings it to a satisfying end, but I will miss Hillary Greene’s determined, strong character.
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
The retired, Hillary Greene is still working for the Crime Review Team, reviewing past cold cases. She has a new supervisor as her partner, Steven Crayle is leaving to lead another team.
One of her civilian team, Jake Barnes, a dot.com millionaire is still under observation after being found snooping on Hillary’s PC. They know he’s up to something, just not what it is. After confronting him, it leads to the final case involving their most wanted criminal, a violent, ruthless man.
I found this to be a gripping, engrossing read with the great characters I have come to know throughout this series by Faith Martin. It brings it to a satisfying end, but I will miss Hillary Greene’s determined, strong character.
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
January 5, 2019
This is a good-bye to the retired DI Hillary Greene, DS Steven Crayle and all the characters that have appeared in this long running series of books.
The retired, Hillary Greene is still working for the Crime Review Team, reviewing past cold cases. She has a new supervisor as her partner, Steven Crayle is leaving to lead another team.
One of her civilian team, Jake Barnes, a dot.com millionaire is still under observation after being found snooping on Hillary’s PC. They know he’s up to something, just not what it is. After confronting him, it leads to the final case involving their most wanted criminal, a violent, ruthless man.
I found this to be a gripping, engrossing read with the great characters I have come to know throughout this series by Faith Martin. It brings it to a satisfying end, but I will miss Hillary Greene’s determined, strong character.
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
The retired, Hillary Greene is still working for the Crime Review Team, reviewing past cold cases. She has a new supervisor as her partner, Steven Crayle is leaving to lead another team.
One of her civilian team, Jake Barnes, a dot.com millionaire is still under observation after being found snooping on Hillary’s PC. They know he’s up to something, just not what it is. After confronting him, it leads to the final case involving their most wanted criminal, a violent, ruthless man.
I found this to be a gripping, engrossing read with the great characters I have come to know throughout this series by Faith Martin. It brings it to a satisfying end, but I will miss Hillary Greene’s determined, strong character.
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
November 11, 2018
Well here we are, Book 17 and the end of my journey with Hillary Greene. So I was unsure what to expect when I picked this up. Would Hillary meet an untimely end or live to maybe fight another case some time in the future?
I love detective books the cold case/PI books not so much so although I loved the first 1-11 I was not as gripped with the latter ones but they are still a good read and will appeal to many readers.
Jake is a civilian working with Hillary but he has an agenda and Hillary has been keeping an eye on him but the reasons for the deceit still come as a shock and this kicks off the investigation into the Final Case which is actually a series of cases revolving around one man.
There are lots of twists and turns and shocks as the pages keep turning towards the end.
I personally felt the ending was a bit of a let down because nothing was really tied up but maybe she will be back and the door is still open for that to happen.
4 stars from me
I love detective books the cold case/PI books not so much so although I loved the first 1-11 I was not as gripped with the latter ones but they are still a good read and will appeal to many readers.
Jake is a civilian working with Hillary but he has an agenda and Hillary has been keeping an eye on him but the reasons for the deceit still come as a shock and this kicks off the investigation into the Final Case which is actually a series of cases revolving around one man.
There are lots of twists and turns and shocks as the pages keep turning towards the end.
I personally felt the ending was a bit of a let down because nothing was really tied up but maybe she will be back and the door is still open for that to happen.
4 stars from me
March 31, 2021
Hillary’s Final Case - Faith Martin
Well, even before I started this book, I knew it wasn’t her ‘final’ one as I was aware of the next title in the series! I am also aware of some reviews of that next title...
I think the plot in this book was good, and I love the way the author has continued and developed the story around Jake’s missing sister, however, it all gets tied up a bit too quickly and conveniently at the end. I would have been happy to keep reading to discover the ins and outs of the story but the author chose to tie it up and that is her prerogative. I enjoyed it and would recommend it!
Well, even before I started this book, I knew it wasn’t her ‘final’ one as I was aware of the next title in the series! I am also aware of some reviews of that next title...
I think the plot in this book was good, and I love the way the author has continued and developed the story around Jake’s missing sister, however, it all gets tied up a bit too quickly and conveniently at the end. I would have been happy to keep reading to discover the ins and outs of the story but the author chose to tie it up and that is her prerogative. I enjoyed it and would recommend it!
January 6, 2023
Once again the h solves a terrible cold case, and her team learn valuable lessons from her. One of her team is ailing, and I liked how she observed without interfering. Another great murder mystery and finally, the h is ready to commit to her lover.
December 1, 2022
Initially, when I saw the title of this installment, I worried that, once more, a favorite series was ending. In truth, there are times when the end, though sad, is appropriate--the story line is getting repetitive, the character's life is not undergoing much more change and it is time to move on. Here neither seemed to be true. Yes, Hillary is still trying to close cold cases and most involve murder but the situations and motives and suspects are all sufficiently different to make for interesting stories. And certainly, Hillary's choice to move in with Steven and off her beloved narrow boat, the Malvern, would involve a titanic change in her personal life.
In this, her Final Case, Hillary , Steve and Rolo , the new Super, Jimmy and Wendy try to locate women listed through the years as Missing Persons. So,the new case is the MisPers file. It is made clear that often the missing person returns home or is found living somewhere else and that just as often the police are not notified of these " solutions '. Yet there are many women who remain unaccounted for. Some are alive but are drug addicts or prostitutes who are not easily found, others are dead and some, not many, have just chosen to leave their old lives and families behind and are perfectly safe but successfully hidden.
This particular line of investigation was instigated by the actions of Jake, one of the interns, in the last book. Jake's stepsister, Jasmine, disappeared eight years ago and he took it upon himself to hack Hillary's case files and contact an underworld mobster with an offer of a million dollars for information on Jas' whereabouts. Having discovered his actions but appointing Jimmy as his shadow, Hillary finally brought the info to Steven and Rolo. It was decided that, since Steven was moving up to take over the investigation and hopefully the imprisonment of the hoodlum's boss, it would be wise to use Jake's improper behavior to launch the full-fledged missing persons' case as a cover to carry it out.
And so, the book carries on a dual plot--the work of Jimmy, Hillary and Wendy and their conversations with friends and family of a select group of women AND the continued interaction of Jake and his informant under the direction and supervision of Hilary, Steve and Rolo. At the end, Jimmy, Wendy and Jake all make life changing decisions, cases are solved and Hilary and Steven move into his big home with the Malvern tied up to dock at the foot of his garden.
Happily, the end also brings the news that the series will continue with a book appropriately called Hillary's Back!
In this, her Final Case, Hillary , Steve and Rolo , the new Super, Jimmy and Wendy try to locate women listed through the years as Missing Persons. So,the new case is the MisPers file. It is made clear that often the missing person returns home or is found living somewhere else and that just as often the police are not notified of these " solutions '. Yet there are many women who remain unaccounted for. Some are alive but are drug addicts or prostitutes who are not easily found, others are dead and some, not many, have just chosen to leave their old lives and families behind and are perfectly safe but successfully hidden.
This particular line of investigation was instigated by the actions of Jake, one of the interns, in the last book. Jake's stepsister, Jasmine, disappeared eight years ago and he took it upon himself to hack Hillary's case files and contact an underworld mobster with an offer of a million dollars for information on Jas' whereabouts. Having discovered his actions but appointing Jimmy as his shadow, Hillary finally brought the info to Steven and Rolo. It was decided that, since Steven was moving up to take over the investigation and hopefully the imprisonment of the hoodlum's boss, it would be wise to use Jake's improper behavior to launch the full-fledged missing persons' case as a cover to carry it out.
And so, the book carries on a dual plot--the work of Jimmy, Hillary and Wendy and their conversations with friends and family of a select group of women AND the continued interaction of Jake and his informant under the direction and supervision of Hilary, Steve and Rolo. At the end, Jimmy, Wendy and Jake all make life changing decisions, cases are solved and Hilary and Steven move into his big home with the Malvern tied up to dock at the foot of his garden.
Happily, the end also brings the news that the series will continue with a book appropriately called Hillary's Back!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2018
4 stars
Hillary and Steven have come to an agreement on their relationship. Jimmy is closer to seventy than sixty now and his back is causing all sorts of problems, but he doesn’t want to quit. Of course, Hillary notices. Jake is found out and Steven and Hillary call him out. Wendy is feeling very deeply about the young women in their latest case. The relatives and their photographs are getting to her.
While Jimmy and Wendy go about trying to solve the missing girls case, Hillary and Jake go on a related search to solve Jake’s little problem.
This is, of course, a well written and plotted novel, as are all of Faith Martin’s books. I like Hillary, Jimmy and Wendy is growing on me. I like her enthusiasm and drive –and her ability to not give a darn what anyone else thinks of her Goth style. The plot follows a logical progression and the writing is clear and straightforward. I didn’t care for this book as much as Ms. Martin’s previous Hillary novels. Whether or not this is truly Hillary’s “last case,” this reader can appreciate the notion that perhaps Ms. Martin has said all she can say about Hillary and her adventures. I’ll be sad to see her go, but I suspect that the author is not done writing her outstanding novels.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
Hillary and Steven have come to an agreement on their relationship. Jimmy is closer to seventy than sixty now and his back is causing all sorts of problems, but he doesn’t want to quit. Of course, Hillary notices. Jake is found out and Steven and Hillary call him out. Wendy is feeling very deeply about the young women in their latest case. The relatives and their photographs are getting to her.
While Jimmy and Wendy go about trying to solve the missing girls case, Hillary and Jake go on a related search to solve Jake’s little problem.
This is, of course, a well written and plotted novel, as are all of Faith Martin’s books. I like Hillary, Jimmy and Wendy is growing on me. I like her enthusiasm and drive –and her ability to not give a darn what anyone else thinks of her Goth style. The plot follows a logical progression and the writing is clear and straightforward. I didn’t care for this book as much as Ms. Martin’s previous Hillary novels. Whether or not this is truly Hillary’s “last case,” this reader can appreciate the notion that perhaps Ms. Martin has said all she can say about Hillary and her adventures. I’ll be sad to see her go, but I suspect that the author is not done writing her outstanding novels.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
August 23, 2019
This didn't feel like the last of a series, has the way been left open for a new series based around Steven's new position in vice? While I enjoyed the book I found it vaguely unsatisfying. I want to know more about Jake and how things pan out with him, will Jimmy's back problem force him into unwanted retirement, what about Hillary herself?
July 15, 2023
Can it really be the final case? This has been an excellent series, each book ending with a tantalizing hint of what's to come. There are some gripping interview scenes in this last one (as there have been before) but while it clears up several cases on the 'books' both cold and current we're left not knowing if Steven succeeds in catching Medcalfe. Hopefully we'll find out later.
November 29, 2018
A blooming good read
A really good final book in this series. Kept me entertained from start to finish. Intriguing and totally web spinning with twists and turns. One of the best crime books I've read for along time.
A really good final book in this series. Kept me entertained from start to finish. Intriguing and totally web spinning with twists and turns. One of the best crime books I've read for along time.
November 14, 2018
This is the seventeenth in the series featuring former Detective Inspector Hillary Greene and sadly it’s the last in the series. Of course I wanted to read it to see how the series ended but I also didn’t want to read it because it meant that I would have to say goodbye to Hillary. I gave myself a talking to, picked the book up and began to read. Oh my goodness me, ‘Hillary’s Final Case’ is a fantastic read and I absolutely loved it but more about that in a bit.
‘Hillary’s Final Case’ sees Hillary having to make some tough decisions. Her boyfriend, who also is her current boss, has asked her to marry him and although she is serious about him, she is dragging her heels over giving him an answer. Hillary also has to decide whether or not she can bear to give up life on her narrowboat and move into her boyfriend’s house. I was pleased that Hillary had finally got something nice and a dose of happiness in her life again. Hillary was married to a bent policeman called Ronnie Greene. He sadly (not) died in a car accident. There was some query as to whether or not Hillary was bent too but an investigation exonerated her. She retired from the police force but was eventually tempted back to take a role in the Cold Case Squad. She isn’t a police officer anymore but she can apply some of the skills she developed whilst she was a police officer. Hillary is an intelligent, clever, quick thinking, honest and at times sneaky woman. Hillary has a gut instinct which is almost always accurate. If something doesn’t feel right to her, then it usually isn’t and she endeavours to investigate the matter until her curiosity has been satisfied and until she gets a conclusion. In the CCS, Hillary has a former detective sergeant who is viewed as being her work partner and second in command. She also has two civilians working for her and she has question marks over one of them, as he has been displaying some odd behaviours and poking his nose into matters that don’t concern him. He has even hacked into her computer. Hillary has his number and she is on to him, although to start with he doesn’t know that. Will Hillary be able to find out what happened to the missing girls? Why has a civilian staff member been hacking into her computer? Will Hillary say ‘yes’ to her marriage proposal? Will Hillary be able to leave her narrowboat? Will Hillary still be a member of the CCS by the end of the book? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves as I am not going to tell you.
OMG this was certainly a read and a half. From the moment I picked the book up I was hooked on the story, the characters and the investigation. I found ‘Hillary’s Final Case’ nigh on impossible to put down. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because I couldn’t bear to be parted from it. The pages seemed to take on a life of their own and they were turning so quickly at one point that it was almost as if they were turning themselves. Before I knew what was happening, I had finished the book and said goodbye to Hillary.
‘Hillary’s Final Case’ is extremely well written. Faith Martin has a writing style that grabs your attention from the start and she doesn’t let you go- much like a spider attracting its prey into its web. The chapters are a fair bit longer to those you usually find in books but I was so into the zone and following the story that I didn’t notice how long they were if that makes sense? It certainly didn’t seem to take that long for me to get through them.
Reading ‘Hillary’s Final Case’ was much like riding on an occasionally scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride, with twists and turns aplenty. At the same time because I knew that it was the last book in the series I found myself dreading finishing the book. I know it might sound daft but getting to the end of the book almost felt like a bereavement because I know that I won’t be seeing Hillary again or following any further cases. Not to worry though because I have a plan! I am going to read the series in order and from the beginning. I’m sure that 17 books in the series will keep me out of mischief for a little while.
In short, I loved ‘Hillary’s Final Case’ but I hated it at the same time. No before you jump on me, I don’t mean that in a negative way. I hated it because it meant that it was the end of the friendship I felt I had with Hillary and it was the last case that she was going to investigate. I would definitely recommend this author and her books to other readers. I look forward to reading more by Faith Martin. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
‘Hillary’s Final Case’ sees Hillary having to make some tough decisions. Her boyfriend, who also is her current boss, has asked her to marry him and although she is serious about him, she is dragging her heels over giving him an answer. Hillary also has to decide whether or not she can bear to give up life on her narrowboat and move into her boyfriend’s house. I was pleased that Hillary had finally got something nice and a dose of happiness in her life again. Hillary was married to a bent policeman called Ronnie Greene. He sadly (not) died in a car accident. There was some query as to whether or not Hillary was bent too but an investigation exonerated her. She retired from the police force but was eventually tempted back to take a role in the Cold Case Squad. She isn’t a police officer anymore but she can apply some of the skills she developed whilst she was a police officer. Hillary is an intelligent, clever, quick thinking, honest and at times sneaky woman. Hillary has a gut instinct which is almost always accurate. If something doesn’t feel right to her, then it usually isn’t and she endeavours to investigate the matter until her curiosity has been satisfied and until she gets a conclusion. In the CCS, Hillary has a former detective sergeant who is viewed as being her work partner and second in command. She also has two civilians working for her and she has question marks over one of them, as he has been displaying some odd behaviours and poking his nose into matters that don’t concern him. He has even hacked into her computer. Hillary has his number and she is on to him, although to start with he doesn’t know that. Will Hillary be able to find out what happened to the missing girls? Why has a civilian staff member been hacking into her computer? Will Hillary say ‘yes’ to her marriage proposal? Will Hillary be able to leave her narrowboat? Will Hillary still be a member of the CCS by the end of the book? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves as I am not going to tell you.
OMG this was certainly a read and a half. From the moment I picked the book up I was hooked on the story, the characters and the investigation. I found ‘Hillary’s Final Case’ nigh on impossible to put down. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because I couldn’t bear to be parted from it. The pages seemed to take on a life of their own and they were turning so quickly at one point that it was almost as if they were turning themselves. Before I knew what was happening, I had finished the book and said goodbye to Hillary.
‘Hillary’s Final Case’ is extremely well written. Faith Martin has a writing style that grabs your attention from the start and she doesn’t let you go- much like a spider attracting its prey into its web. The chapters are a fair bit longer to those you usually find in books but I was so into the zone and following the story that I didn’t notice how long they were if that makes sense? It certainly didn’t seem to take that long for me to get through them.
Reading ‘Hillary’s Final Case’ was much like riding on an occasionally scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride, with twists and turns aplenty. At the same time because I knew that it was the last book in the series I found myself dreading finishing the book. I know it might sound daft but getting to the end of the book almost felt like a bereavement because I know that I won’t be seeing Hillary again or following any further cases. Not to worry though because I have a plan! I am going to read the series in order and from the beginning. I’m sure that 17 books in the series will keep me out of mischief for a little while.
In short, I loved ‘Hillary’s Final Case’ but I hated it at the same time. No before you jump on me, I don’t mean that in a negative way. I hated it because it meant that it was the end of the friendship I felt I had with Hillary and it was the last case that she was going to investigate. I would definitely recommend this author and her books to other readers. I look forward to reading more by Faith Martin. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
December 4, 2018
Hillary has been onto Jake for a while. Being an IT multi-millionaire what are his reasons
for wanting to be a civilian in the police force? He has spun a tale of “putting something
back” which the brass and PR machine have loved, however Hillary is ever cautious and
being Hillary can spot a rat a mile away. This has been brewing in the last couple of
books and now comes to fruition. Gangs are taking working girls and trafficking them
and worse- something that is high on the list for Hillary’s other half Acting Chief
superintendent Steven in his new role to sort out. There is a link between what Jake
is after and a potentially high profile case. Can CRT do their thing without compromising
the Police? I have loved Hillary and her cases. She is one of those characters that you
“get to know” and wouldn’t bat an eyelid if she walked past you down the street.
A reliable, tenacious detective with a sense of humour in the right places with an
interesting team around her. I shall miss Hillary as she is now starting a new chapter
in her life (every pun completely intended!). Thank you Faith for many hours of
entertainment. I understand that a new detective is hovering on the sidelines-
one who bakes- perfect! I look forward to the new series.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
Amazon Top 1000 reviewer.
for wanting to be a civilian in the police force? He has spun a tale of “putting something
back” which the brass and PR machine have loved, however Hillary is ever cautious and
being Hillary can spot a rat a mile away. This has been brewing in the last couple of
books and now comes to fruition. Gangs are taking working girls and trafficking them
and worse- something that is high on the list for Hillary’s other half Acting Chief
superintendent Steven in his new role to sort out. There is a link between what Jake
is after and a potentially high profile case. Can CRT do their thing without compromising
the Police? I have loved Hillary and her cases. She is one of those characters that you
“get to know” and wouldn’t bat an eyelid if she walked past you down the street.
A reliable, tenacious detective with a sense of humour in the right places with an
interesting team around her. I shall miss Hillary as she is now starting a new chapter
in her life (every pun completely intended!). Thank you Faith for many hours of
entertainment. I understand that a new detective is hovering on the sidelines-
one who bakes- perfect! I look forward to the new series.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
Amazon Top 1000 reviewer.
October 31, 2024
This book might not be the last in the series (although perhaps it was originally intended to be) but it does bring us a number of changes and endings. With her boss DS Stephen Crayle leaving to head a new unit, he and Hillary have an opportunity to take their relationship further. She just has to decide if she will accept his offer of marriage and move out of her narrowboat into his house. She is also hopeful that the new incoming boss will allow her the freedom to work in the way she does and follow up her intuition about cases. She also finally finds out what Jake, their wealthy civilian recruit, is up to and what he is trying to find out from them.
Hillary’s team have been tasked with reviewing all the outstanding cold cases of missing young women to determine if any have since reappeared and to look at those that haven’t with fresh eyes. Some of the women were involved with drugs and prostitution before they disappeared so they are sadly expecting a number will be dead and finding their remains unlikely. However, there may also be a chance to find evidence against one of the leaders of organised crime in the county and Jake may just be able to help.
As always, I enjoyed Hillary’s policing style and intuition when it comes to reading people and their motives. The cases were interesting, as were their resolutions. In some ways I’m disappointed the series isn’t finishing here as it leaves Hillary in a good place which she thoroughly deserves.
Hillary’s team have been tasked with reviewing all the outstanding cold cases of missing young women to determine if any have since reappeared and to look at those that haven’t with fresh eyes. Some of the women were involved with drugs and prostitution before they disappeared so they are sadly expecting a number will be dead and finding their remains unlikely. However, there may also be a chance to find evidence against one of the leaders of organised crime in the county and Jake may just be able to help.
As always, I enjoyed Hillary’s policing style and intuition when it comes to reading people and their motives. The cases were interesting, as were their resolutions. In some ways I’m disappointed the series isn’t finishing here as it leaves Hillary in a good place which she thoroughly deserves.
November 9, 2018
Hillary has been onto Jake for a while. Being an IT multi-millionaire what are his reasons for wanting to be a civilian in the police force? He has spun a tale of “putting something back” which the brass and PR machine have loved, however Hillary is ever cautious and being Hillary can spot a rat a mile away. This has been brewing in the last couple of books and now comes to fruition. Gangs are taking working girls and trafficking them and worse- something that is high on the list for Hillary’s other half Acting Chief superintendent Steven in his new role to sort out. There is a link between what Jake is after and a potentially high profile case. Can CRT do their thing without compromising the Police? I have loved Hillary and her cases. She is one of those characters that you “get to know” and wouldn’t bat an eyelid if she walked past you down the street. A reliable, tenacious detective with a sense of humour in the right places with an interesting team around her. I shall miss Hillary as she is now starting a new chapter in her life (every pun completely intended!). Thank you Faith for many hours of entertainment. I understand that a new detective is hovering on the sidelines- one who bakes- perfect! I look forward to the new series.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
Amazon Top 1000 reviewer.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
Amazon Top 1000 reviewer.
November 19, 2018
This is the final Hillary Greene book and I'm so disappointed the series is finished! I've enjoyed every single one and I'm wondering what I will read next! I've got used to Hillary always being there and I even coped with her retirement and when she joined the Crime Review Team but now there is nothing left. Oh well!
Hillary's superior office, Steven Crayle, is moving to another department and Rollo Sale is taking over. Hillary doesn't know if she will get along with Sale and he is wary of her but they both have work to do and they seem to manage well enough. Jake Barnes, a young, very rich, civilian member of staff has been causing Hillary concern as she is sure he has his own agenda and it comes out into the open in this, Hillary's final case. Jake's stepsister Jasmine is missing and there is evidence that she is linked to the master criminal Dale Medcalfe, who rules the underworld. Jake wants to use a member of Dale's team to gain insight into where Jasmine is, which fits in with Crayle's desire to arrest Medcalfe.
Of course, Hillary's intuition and common sense give them the lead they need but we are led down many alleys before we reach the end. All loose ends are tied up and we are left with an idea of how Hillary's life will pan out. A riveting read and one I would recommend.
Hillary's superior office, Steven Crayle, is moving to another department and Rollo Sale is taking over. Hillary doesn't know if she will get along with Sale and he is wary of her but they both have work to do and they seem to manage well enough. Jake Barnes, a young, very rich, civilian member of staff has been causing Hillary concern as she is sure he has his own agenda and it comes out into the open in this, Hillary's final case. Jake's stepsister Jasmine is missing and there is evidence that she is linked to the master criminal Dale Medcalfe, who rules the underworld. Jake wants to use a member of Dale's team to gain insight into where Jasmine is, which fits in with Crayle's desire to arrest Medcalfe.
Of course, Hillary's intuition and common sense give them the lead they need but we are led down many alleys before we reach the end. All loose ends are tied up and we are left with an idea of how Hillary's life will pan out. A riveting read and one I would recommend.
May 23, 2021
If you see "tears" on the page, it's because I have finished the last book in this series. Ok I know there's another book, but this was the culmination of series of books which were about the best of the best.
The books were like the holiday's with your family and they were the best of times, and you hated to see them end. EVERY one of these books in this series is a winner and this one was no different, Hillary at here best as she uses her team to put the pieces together to solve the crime or murders.
Now if your just picking up this book to read. DON'T!! Start with book 1 (murder on the Oxford Canal) and work forward from there. Though all books "stand alone" the main characters move from book to book which makes the books that much better to read (though Faith Martin is not above killing off or adding new characters to her books.)
I think I read them all within a year (started when the Pandemic hit) but definitely slowed down my reading of these books because I knew the series was ending.
Read them all, you will love them, all 5 stars with a few where I would give them 6 stars!!!!!!!!!
The books were like the holiday's with your family and they were the best of times, and you hated to see them end. EVERY one of these books in this series is a winner and this one was no different, Hillary at here best as she uses her team to put the pieces together to solve the crime or murders.
Now if your just picking up this book to read. DON'T!! Start with book 1 (murder on the Oxford Canal) and work forward from there. Though all books "stand alone" the main characters move from book to book which makes the books that much better to read (though Faith Martin is not above killing off or adding new characters to her books.)
I think I read them all within a year (started when the Pandemic hit) but definitely slowed down my reading of these books because I knew the series was ending.
Read them all, you will love them, all 5 stars with a few where I would give them 6 stars!!!!!!!!!
April 17, 2022
The story continues where the last one finished. Jake, who works for Hillary, is prepared to risk his life to find out what happened to his missing sister. As he could bring down a major criminal in the process, the police decide to use him and the progress he’s made to their advantage.
The Crime Review Team announces it’s revisiting a number of disappearances among local women, many of whom were drawn into prostitution to fund drug addiction. Was Jake’s sister one of these women?
Throw in a change of leadership for the team with a new boss and a change in Hillary’s life, and all the ingredients are there for another riveting story that doesn’t disappoint. While Jake’s story and actions take centre stage, there’s still a murder to be solved and some unpleasant surprises to come.
As with previous stories, the characters and relationships are first rate, the investigations intriguing and twisting, and at the centre, Hillary Greene commands centre stage, taking everything in her stride.
The standard and quality of the writing and storytelling have remained consistently high throughout the series, making the books compelling and always entertaining.
The Crime Review Team announces it’s revisiting a number of disappearances among local women, many of whom were drawn into prostitution to fund drug addiction. Was Jake’s sister one of these women?
Throw in a change of leadership for the team with a new boss and a change in Hillary’s life, and all the ingredients are there for another riveting story that doesn’t disappoint. While Jake’s story and actions take centre stage, there’s still a murder to be solved and some unpleasant surprises to come.
As with previous stories, the characters and relationships are first rate, the investigations intriguing and twisting, and at the centre, Hillary Greene commands centre stage, taking everything in her stride.
The standard and quality of the writing and storytelling have remained consistently high throughout the series, making the books compelling and always entertaining.
November 16, 2018
Oh bitter sweet feelings on this one! A great story for tying up all the loose ends but I really wish the fantastic Hillary Greene series isn't ending. Hillary's lover and former boss Superintendent Steven Crayle is off to head up a new department investigating gangs who are grooming teenage girls whilst still awaiting the answer to his marriage proposal. Hillary has the job of to breaking in new boss Supt Rolland Sale with the help of retired ex-sergeant Jimmy and her latest two new civilian trainees, goth girl and sociology graduate Wendy, and Jake Barnes, an older wealthy IT and property entrepreneur. There is no murder investigation for the CRT in this book, but now Jake has been unmasked as having his own agenda, that being wanting to investigate the disappearance of his step-sister, Hillary is persuaded to add this cold case to a number of other similar missing girls. Ones that might also have tie-ins to Steven's suspects in his new enquiries as he works his week with Hillary. Thoroughly enjoyable.
November 16, 2018
Oh bitter sweet feelings on this one! A great story for tying up all the loose ends but I really wish the fantastic Hillary Greene series isn't ending. Hillary's lover and former boss Superintendent Steven Crayle is off to head up a new department investigating gangs who are grooming teenage girls whilst still awaiting the answer to his marriage proposal. Hillary has the job of to breaking in new boss Supt Rolland Sale with the help of retired ex-sergeant Jimmy and her latest two new civilian trainees, goth girl and sociology graduate Wendy, and Jake Barnes, an older wealthy IT and property entrepreneur. There is no murder investigation for the CRT in this book, but now Jake has been unmasked as having his own agenda, that being wanting to investigate the disappearance of his step-sister, Hillary is persuaded to add this cold case to a number of other similar missing girls. Ones that might also have tie-ins to Steven's suspects in his new enquiries as he works his week with Hillary. Thoroughly enjoyable.
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