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DI Hillary Greene #2
Murder at the University
A pretty French student is found dead in her room at an exclusive Oxford college. Everyone thinks it is another tragic case of accidental drug overdose.
But Detective Hillary Greene has a nose for the truth. She quickly discovers that the student was involved in some very unusual activities.
With a shocking cause of death found, the case becomes a high-profile murder investigation.
Adding to the pressure, Hillary’s nemesis is transferred to work with her at the station.
Can Hillary keep her cool and get justice for the unfortunate student?
But Detective Hillary Greene has a nose for the truth. She quickly discovers that the student was involved in some very unusual activities.
With a shocking cause of death found, the case becomes a high-profile murder investigation.
Adding to the pressure, Hillary’s nemesis is transferred to work with her at the station.
Can Hillary keep her cool and get justice for the unfortunate student?
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2005
6974 people are currently reading
1449 people want to read
About the author
Faith Martin
98 books994 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 394 reviews
April 8, 2023
Team Hillary! 👏🏽
We pick up a few months after our first episode.
The investigation into her crooked ex-husband is now over, but Hillary still feels the stress and fallout of her experience.
Even so, she knows her stuff. So, when a young student from France is murdered, Hillary is called upon to solve the case.
Her investigation leads into many different directions. Too many for her pleasure, but she doesn’t mind when it helps to solve other crimes and issues.
Finally, a crime going into a different direction, turns back towards her and helps her catch a murderer.
Team Hillary! Team Hillary! 👏🏽
Four stars. ✨✨✨✨
We pick up a few months after our first episode.
The investigation into her crooked ex-husband is now over, but Hillary still feels the stress and fallout of her experience.
Even so, she knows her stuff. So, when a young student from France is murdered, Hillary is called upon to solve the case.
Her investigation leads into many different directions. Too many for her pleasure, but she doesn’t mind when it helps to solve other crimes and issues.
Finally, a crime going into a different direction, turns back towards her and helps her catch a murderer.
Team Hillary! Team Hillary! 👏🏽
Four stars. ✨✨✨✨
April 24, 2020
As I was entering this on my list of series I want to continue with, I noticed there are eighteen books altogether. That's what I like to see. Lots of good reading into the future!
D.I. Hillary Greene is such a good character. Life seems to throw her more than her fair share of curve balls but she enjoys her work, recognises that she is good at it, and just keeps on keeping on. Other people like her too and appreciate her which makes for comfortable reading.
I would say that this series falls under the genre of police procedural. Throughout the book we follow the ups and downs of solving an unusual murder, experiencing with Hillary and her team the 'lightbulb' moments and the downs when it seems the case is going nowhere. This means the book has a steady pace, not a fast one, but it is always interesting and there is a twist in the tale in case the reader thinks they have solved it faster than Hillary does.
All good and I am looking forward to the next one.
D.I. Hillary Greene is such a good character. Life seems to throw her more than her fair share of curve balls but she enjoys her work, recognises that she is good at it, and just keeps on keeping on. Other people like her too and appreciate her which makes for comfortable reading.
I would say that this series falls under the genre of police procedural. Throughout the book we follow the ups and downs of solving an unusual murder, experiencing with Hillary and her team the 'lightbulb' moments and the downs when it seems the case is going nowhere. This means the book has a steady pace, not a fast one, but it is always interesting and there is a twist in the tale in case the reader thinks they have solved it faster than Hillary does.
All good and I am looking forward to the next one.
January 13, 2023
DI Hillary Greene was called to the Oxford University with her team to look into the death of a French student, Eva Gerainte. It looked like a drug overdose initially, but Hillary was suspicious that wasn't the case. As she sent her team in different directions to find answers, her spidey senses were aroused. With the pathologist's autopsy scheduled, she knew they'd have some of the answers by the time he was finished - and she was correct; it was murder. But would they find the killer?
Murder at the University is the 2nd in the DI Hillary Greene series by Faith Martin, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hillary is an excellent character, living on her boat that she has a love/hate relationship with! With problems arising from the past, plenty of issues in the current day, Hillary manages it all. Admired by many, her monologue with herself is hilarious at times! Highly recommended.
Murder at the University is the 2nd in the DI Hillary Greene series by Faith Martin, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hillary is an excellent character, living on her boat that she has a love/hate relationship with! With problems arising from the past, plenty of issues in the current day, Hillary manages it all. Admired by many, her monologue with herself is hilarious at times! Highly recommended.
March 17, 2020
Reasonable
This was a good read, with some good characters. DI Hillary Greene is a great character that is developing nicely.
However at times it felt more of a plodding story than a fast paced novel.
Overall a good read, but probably won't read it again. Will definitely read more of the series though.
This was a good read, with some good characters. DI Hillary Greene is a great character that is developing nicely.
However at times it felt more of a plodding story than a fast paced novel.
Overall a good read, but probably won't read it again. Will definitely read more of the series though.
December 23, 2022
This is turning out to be a very enjoyable series. The murders are unusual and DI Hillary Greene is a good detective with good intuition and an innate understanding of what makes people tick. She’s also a good leader, with a team and a boss that respect her. She’s been having a difficult time, with her detective husband dead after being found committing fraud and embezzlement, leaving her in financial difficulty and living in her uncle’s houseboat on an Oxford canal. However, despite that, she loves her job and has a positive outlook that helps her to keep going.
The murder of a young student from France at an Oxford college is complicated by the girl’s extra-curricular activity and her unusual death. Hillary and her team find the case difficult with few suspects to focus on and seems to be going nowhere until Hillary makes a chance connection. The novel is well written and the dynamics and relationships between the team members promise to provide interest in the future.
The murder of a young student from France at an Oxford college is complicated by the girl’s extra-curricular activity and her unusual death. Hillary and her team find the case difficult with few suspects to focus on and seems to be going nowhere until Hillary makes a chance connection. The novel is well written and the dynamics and relationships between the team members promise to provide interest in the future.
October 12, 2017
(PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A REVISED EDITION OF A BOOK FIRST PUBLISHED AS “ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW.”)
DI Hillary Greene is called to the scene of what was described to her as a drug overdose. The victim is a young, pretty French student who was found in her room by a friend.
The university isn't all that happy that one of their promising students will be forever linked to the use of drugs. But what Greene finds is going to be even harder for the school to bear.
When the autopsy reveals the real cause of death, DI Greene and her team will have to go all out to find a killer.
There is a new colleague introduced this time around, as well as an appearance by an old colleague .. the man who interrogated her about her late husband's corruptness. Both men seem to be drawn to her .. but are they actually interested in her, or are they both looking for something else?
The book is well written and with the blend of both professional and personal, the characters become quite credible. It's a police procedural as the team interrogates multiple suspects. It's a solidly paced story that moves much more quickly toward the ending. I look forward to reading others in this series.
Many thanks to the author and Joffee Books for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unsolicited, unbiased, and entirely my own.
July 4, 2021
Good characters and plotting. I appreciated the way Martin moves her continuing themes along from book to book. Just enough development to keep them bubbling on the back burner, adding some texture but not taking over the main plot lines.
Martin writes smoothly, and the book flows readily from scene to scene. I suspect this is not especially easy to do, even in light fiction like this.
This series is no more than a pleasant distraction - but so far it is consistently so. An enjoyable "listen" to keep me occupied while catching up on household chores this weekend.
Martin writes smoothly, and the book flows readily from scene to scene. I suspect this is not especially easy to do, even in light fiction like this.
This series is no more than a pleasant distraction - but so far it is consistently so. An enjoyable "listen" to keep me occupied while catching up on household chores this weekend.
November 2, 2023
When a body of an attractive young woman is discovered in her room at St. Anselm College in Oxford, Detective Hillary Greene doesn’t know what to expect. A single needle mark on the body along with some bruising, as well as a closet full of high end clothes, raise Hillary’s suspicions and soon the hunt is on for a killer.
Meanwhile, Hillary is dealing with a lot of personal issues. Her deceased husband was found to be a “bent copper” leaving her with legal and financial issues as she finds herself living on her uncle’s longboat. To make it worse, she has to work with her husband’s questionable former partner and the officer who investigated her possible role in the misdeeds is transferred to her division.
This is Book 2 in a twenty book series. I thought I had read it as I have finished a number of the Hillary Greene stories. When I looked at it closer, I hadn’t.
Faith Martin writes absorbing British police procedurals and this one is no exception. The story is engrossing and entertaining with good character development. Hillary is a strong, capable leader. I really enjoy the humor expressed in Martin’s writing.
I recommend this series for anyone seeking lighter British police procedurals with engaging characters.
Meanwhile, Hillary is dealing with a lot of personal issues. Her deceased husband was found to be a “bent copper” leaving her with legal and financial issues as she finds herself living on her uncle’s longboat. To make it worse, she has to work with her husband’s questionable former partner and the officer who investigated her possible role in the misdeeds is transferred to her division.
This is Book 2 in a twenty book series. I thought I had read it as I have finished a number of the Hillary Greene stories. When I looked at it closer, I hadn’t.
Faith Martin writes absorbing British police procedurals and this one is no exception. The story is engrossing and entertaining with good character development. Hillary is a strong, capable leader. I really enjoy the humor expressed in Martin’s writing.
I recommend this series for anyone seeking lighter British police procedurals with engaging characters.
November 17, 2017
https://inkedbookdragon.blogspot.com
I am reviewing "Murder at the University" by Faith Martin. I received a free copy of it from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes that follow are from the text and not my own words.
I love a great mystery. I always have enjoyed trying to figure out a book as I read it. This one was a good read but I found myself leaning towards the solution about middle of the way through. I was highly disappointed when I did not experience the "A-ha" moment that I long for when reading mysteries.
The author has a way with words and paints the people and locations in such a light that you feel as though you may have encountered them in real life and are remembering them. I did thoroughly enjoy the main character. She has experienced great hardship and has gotten the short end of the stick because of the actions of others yet continues to apply herself with passion for her job. Most people would take the easy road or just give up. It was refreshing to go on this journey with such a strong woman.
I felt that some of the characters were unnecessary but the majority of the characters relatable. I felt myself rooting for the tenacious heroes and shrinking away from the dastardly villains and the similar scum. In interacting with these detestable individuals, I frequently felt drug through the muck and felt in need of a good wash.
I am giving this book three stars because even though it was a good read, I highly doubt that I will read it again. It was billed as a mystery thriller but felt more like a police procedural mystery. It had a solid beginning but the ending felt rushed. I found myself greatly disappointed with the twists and turns of the mystery itself. Overall it was a well written book, however there were pacing problems and the mystery itself became transparent in the latter half.
I am reviewing "Murder at the University" by Faith Martin. I received a free copy of it from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes that follow are from the text and not my own words.
I love a great mystery. I always have enjoyed trying to figure out a book as I read it. This one was a good read but I found myself leaning towards the solution about middle of the way through. I was highly disappointed when I did not experience the "A-ha" moment that I long for when reading mysteries.
The author has a way with words and paints the people and locations in such a light that you feel as though you may have encountered them in real life and are remembering them. I did thoroughly enjoy the main character. She has experienced great hardship and has gotten the short end of the stick because of the actions of others yet continues to apply herself with passion for her job. Most people would take the easy road or just give up. It was refreshing to go on this journey with such a strong woman.
I felt that some of the characters were unnecessary but the majority of the characters relatable. I felt myself rooting for the tenacious heroes and shrinking away from the dastardly villains and the similar scum. In interacting with these detestable individuals, I frequently felt drug through the muck and felt in need of a good wash.
I am giving this book three stars because even though it was a good read, I highly doubt that I will read it again. It was billed as a mystery thriller but felt more like a police procedural mystery. It had a solid beginning but the ending felt rushed. I found myself greatly disappointed with the twists and turns of the mystery itself. Overall it was a well written book, however there were pacing problems and the mystery itself became transparent in the latter half.
October 12, 2017
This is book 2 in the Hillary Greene series which is being republished by Joffe Books.
The story begins with the death of a beautiful French student. DI Hillary Greene is given the lead on this case which becomes more complex as they delve deeper into the girl's history. It is a very intriguing story and the reader keeps turning the pages as we join Hillary and her team in their struggle to find the clues hidden among the false leads.
We learn more about Hillary as life throws more and more bad news at her to add to the mess left behind by her estranged husband. But she won't be broken and she 'mans' up and gets on with the only thing she has left her job.
The relationship between Mel and Janine that we thought was a non-starter in book 1 is very much back on in this book but it isn't the fun and games they thought it was going to be.
A lot going on and plenty of red herrings and twists and turns this is turning into a series a crime fiction lover won't want to miss.
Thank you to Joffe Books for the advance copy
The story begins with the death of a beautiful French student. DI Hillary Greene is given the lead on this case which becomes more complex as they delve deeper into the girl's history. It is a very intriguing story and the reader keeps turning the pages as we join Hillary and her team in their struggle to find the clues hidden among the false leads.
We learn more about Hillary as life throws more and more bad news at her to add to the mess left behind by her estranged husband. But she won't be broken and she 'mans' up and gets on with the only thing she has left her job.
The relationship between Mel and Janine that we thought was a non-starter in book 1 is very much back on in this book but it isn't the fun and games they thought it was going to be.
A lot going on and plenty of red herrings and twists and turns this is turning into a series a crime fiction lover won't want to miss.
Thank you to Joffe Books for the advance copy
October 12, 2017
This is the second book in the DI Hillary Greene series, having not read the first book in the series I would personally say it can be read easily as a stand alone though I am intrigued with Hillary’s past to do with her husband especially.
With is being set in Oxford I had visions of it being like the Inspector Morse crime series. Having only ever watched the series though and not read the books I couldn���t really compare the two but it certainly feels like we get to see a side of Oxford that we don’t in the Inspector Morse series.
I liked Hillary, through her character there is a bit of humour in parts which you don’t usually get in many crime books which makes it more unique. She is someone that people can get on with easily and seems to be a bit of an all rounder.
As for the case they are working on I certainly couldn’t have figured out who the murderer was. The author certainly seems to spread out the case, Hillary’s personal life as well as working life so you get an even feel of what her life is like. I have to admit due to this the pace that I usually prefer in my crime books was slightly lacking but I think if you prefer a more slower pace to your crime books where you get an overall picture then this is the perfect book.
Murder At The University overall is an enjoyable crime book. There’s no getting away that it is set in a great area and I love that the main character currently lives on a boat. The author has certainly made sure that her crime series is quite different to the other books out there in this genre which I think could certainly work in her favour.
My thanks to Jill Burkinshaw and the publisher for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and biased in anyway.
With is being set in Oxford I had visions of it being like the Inspector Morse crime series. Having only ever watched the series though and not read the books I couldn���t really compare the two but it certainly feels like we get to see a side of Oxford that we don’t in the Inspector Morse series.
I liked Hillary, through her character there is a bit of humour in parts which you don’t usually get in many crime books which makes it more unique. She is someone that people can get on with easily and seems to be a bit of an all rounder.
As for the case they are working on I certainly couldn’t have figured out who the murderer was. The author certainly seems to spread out the case, Hillary’s personal life as well as working life so you get an even feel of what her life is like. I have to admit due to this the pace that I usually prefer in my crime books was slightly lacking but I think if you prefer a more slower pace to your crime books where you get an overall picture then this is the perfect book.
Murder At The University overall is an enjoyable crime book. There’s no getting away that it is set in a great area and I love that the main character currently lives on a boat. The author has certainly made sure that her crime series is quite different to the other books out there in this genre which I think could certainly work in her favour.
My thanks to Jill Burkinshaw and the publisher for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and biased in anyway.
October 16, 2017
4 and 1 / 2 stars
This book is a revised edition of the novel previously published as “On the Straight and Narrow.”
DI Hillary Greene is having a particularly bad freezing Monday morning. When she arrives at the station DI Mel Mallow has a case for her. A student at St. Anselm, a college of Oxford University has been found dead. Her name was Eva Gerainte and she was nineteen years old and from France. Found with a new needle track in her arm, the police wonder if it was suicide or an accidental overdose. DI Hillary has her doubts.
She was a scholarship student who lived way above her means. DS Janine finds keys on her key chain that didn’t belong to her college room, but look like house keys. This leads them to an apartment across town that belonged to Eva but was anything but a student apartment. It looks like Eva was up to no good.
Their investigation continues and DI Hillary’s problems drag on. An animal rights group is suing Hillary for her dead husband’s criminal activities. You’ve got to be kidding! She needs to locate a solicitor now. Paul “Yorkie bar” Danvers from the internal investigation squad shows up and says he’s been transferred. Just what is going on? He was one of the officers who investigated Hillary’s dead husband Ronnie for misconduct – and no friend of hers.
As the investigation continues, Hillary’s team zeros in on a suspect. The name of the murderer is a surprise, but the reason Eva was killed is totally out there.
This book is very well written and plotted. The suspense began almost on page one and continued throughout the story. Faith Martin is an author to watch! I like DI Hillary very much and the team works well together – with the exception of Frank Ross, of course. (He’s such a p.i.t.a.) I enjoyed the novel immensely.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this most enjoyable book to read.
This book is a revised edition of the novel previously published as “On the Straight and Narrow.”
DI Hillary Greene is having a particularly bad freezing Monday morning. When she arrives at the station DI Mel Mallow has a case for her. A student at St. Anselm, a college of Oxford University has been found dead. Her name was Eva Gerainte and she was nineteen years old and from France. Found with a new needle track in her arm, the police wonder if it was suicide or an accidental overdose. DI Hillary has her doubts.
She was a scholarship student who lived way above her means. DS Janine finds keys on her key chain that didn’t belong to her college room, but look like house keys. This leads them to an apartment across town that belonged to Eva but was anything but a student apartment. It looks like Eva was up to no good.
Their investigation continues and DI Hillary’s problems drag on. An animal rights group is suing Hillary for her dead husband’s criminal activities. You’ve got to be kidding! She needs to locate a solicitor now. Paul “Yorkie bar” Danvers from the internal investigation squad shows up and says he’s been transferred. Just what is going on? He was one of the officers who investigated Hillary’s dead husband Ronnie for misconduct – and no friend of hers.
As the investigation continues, Hillary’s team zeros in on a suspect. The name of the murderer is a surprise, but the reason Eva was killed is totally out there.
This book is very well written and plotted. The suspense began almost on page one and continued throughout the story. Faith Martin is an author to watch! I like DI Hillary very much and the team works well together – with the exception of Frank Ross, of course. (He’s such a p.i.t.a.) I enjoyed the novel immensely.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this most enjoyable book to read.
October 11, 2020
The writing style of this police procedural is surprising: some might say original, others immature. Ms Martin seems to cram in a maximum of modern expressions and catchphrases which results in slowing the action down considerably. The ending seemed scrambled and contrived. On a more positive note, her main characters are generally likable.
March 18, 2019
I enjoyed the second in the series and am sure I will continue with DI Hillary Greene
January 14, 2024
I really like this series - I will be reading more.
July 17, 2021
A university student from France is found dead in her room. At first everyone assumes that it is a drug overdose but the signs are all wrong: there are no tracks of previous drug use and there are bruises that indicate someone held her down while giving her the drugs that killed her.
For Det. Hillary Greene, murder is definitely afoot. And she and her team plunge into the case, looking into the student's background and situation, friends, etc. And finds that there is more to the woman.
And as usual, Greene is working with not just the case but the current dynamics of her office and her own situation: she thought she had gotten past the investigation of her corrupt late husband and been cleared of any involvement but still dealing with the fall out, including the transfer of the internal investigator to her station.
It may be winter in Oxford, but things are heating up all around the team as they dig deeper for who and why of this student's death. This is another strong showing for the character, great dialogue and a gripping story.
For Det. Hillary Greene, murder is definitely afoot. And she and her team plunge into the case, looking into the student's background and situation, friends, etc. And finds that there is more to the woman.
And as usual, Greene is working with not just the case but the current dynamics of her office and her own situation: she thought she had gotten past the investigation of her corrupt late husband and been cleared of any involvement but still dealing with the fall out, including the transfer of the internal investigator to her station.
It may be winter in Oxford, but things are heating up all around the team as they dig deeper for who and why of this student's death. This is another strong showing for the character, great dialogue and a gripping story.
March 12, 2024
This is very different (well for me anyway) and I am really enjoying it. The descriptions around Oxford work very well and I can relate to it. The relationships are becoming more known and the politics is very interesting. I don't understand the promotion politics but I have a better insight now than I did. The underlying story is still bubbling away in the background.. The crime itself is very interesting and absorbing and I like the various strands coming together.
Now straight onto book 3.
I do like the narration but reading the reviews I made a special effort to listen to anything that grated and I couldn't find anything but again that may because I am not a native British speaker and Australians have different pronunciations etc. I enjoyed listening.
Now straight onto book 3.
I do like the narration but reading the reviews I made a special effort to listen to anything that grated and I couldn't find anything but again that may because I am not a native British speaker and Australians have different pronunciations etc. I enjoyed listening.
August 30, 2021
3.5 stars. Would be 4 but find the constant references to her diet and breasts a bit tiresome.
January 26, 2020
Enjoyable mystery
A good procedural with likable heroine, although I was a little put off in the first chapter when the author evidently thought we would be entertained by a rude gesture. I would read another in the series, though.
A good procedural with likable heroine, although I was a little put off in the first chapter when the author evidently thought we would be entertained by a rude gesture. I would read another in the series, though.
Read
April 22, 2018for whatever reason I went back to beginning and found I did not and do not enjoy the first several books of the series that later becomes a readable series
October 21, 2017
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I am absolutely loving this series!! I love a good crime thriller series and this is definitely one I'm going to be following!! The plot was great and the pace was good, it was a tad slower than some of the other books of this genre but that didn't put me off and it was in keeping with the first in the series and the writers style. This book can easily be read as a stand alone but if you are going to read the series I would recommend reading Murder on the Oxford Canal first - 4 stars from me, great second book in the series and looking forward to the third!!
I am absolutely loving this series!! I love a good crime thriller series and this is definitely one I'm going to be following!! The plot was great and the pace was good, it was a tad slower than some of the other books of this genre but that didn't put me off and it was in keeping with the first in the series and the writers style. This book can easily be read as a stand alone but if you are going to read the series I would recommend reading Murder on the Oxford Canal first - 4 stars from me, great second book in the series and looking forward to the third!!
October 12, 2017
DI Hillary Greene is recovering from an investigation that landed her bent cop husband in jail and put a cloud on her career. If he was bad, perhaps it’s rubbed off on her – and where is all that ill-gotten money he amassed from the illegal importation of endangered animal parts anyway? She doesn’t know, she wishes she did, she could use the money, but no one in the Thames Valley Police Force really believes her. The only thing that saves her is, she’s a he’s a brilliant detective and a case closer. Her boss sends her off to investigate a possibly suspicious death at one of the schools making up Oxford College. What initially looks like a possible suicide turns out to be something much more complicated, with some far-reaching effects.
Faith Martin is a new-to-me author, one I hope to see more from. I came to this series with this book 2, but I didn’t feel lost at all. The author smoothly weaves previous activities into the current story, which is nice. I hate books that leave me feeling lost, or left out. The characters are well drawn, even the criminals. The settings are vividly described; I felt like I was right there in the interview room when Greene was cracking the case, or waking on the boat that is her temporary home. There was also a nice balance between The Job and her home life, and some hints at possible future romance. The action and the office politics felt real to me, and the ending was an action packed surprise.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher, Joffe Books, and am voluntarily giving this review. Absent that, I would have bought my own copy. I’m a big fan of British police procedurals, and this one did not disappoint. I read it in two sittings. I’ll be picking up book 1 in the series, and looking for more from this author.
Faith Martin is a new-to-me author, one I hope to see more from. I came to this series with this book 2, but I didn’t feel lost at all. The author smoothly weaves previous activities into the current story, which is nice. I hate books that leave me feeling lost, or left out. The characters are well drawn, even the criminals. The settings are vividly described; I felt like I was right there in the interview room when Greene was cracking the case, or waking on the boat that is her temporary home. There was also a nice balance between The Job and her home life, and some hints at possible future romance. The action and the office politics felt real to me, and the ending was an action packed surprise.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher, Joffe Books, and am voluntarily giving this review. Absent that, I would have bought my own copy. I’m a big fan of British police procedurals, and this one did not disappoint. I read it in two sittings. I’ll be picking up book 1 in the series, and looking for more from this author.
April 2, 2019
It wasnt that long ago that I read the first in this series and, I think, didnt give it that good a write up. At least , I said that I would give it another chance , and here I am.
I think that I can see why the series ( and the author) appeal so to my wife but, as yet, although I see more in this book than the last, I am not such a big fan.
It was easy enough to slip into the personnel at Oxford Police station again as well as the other continuing aspects of the series. The story was easy enough to follow especially as we were presented with the different groups of suspects clearly separated and labelled for us.
For us 'solve-it-yourself' brigade, there were a couple of hints to point in the right direction but much like DI Hillary Greene, I think that we would have needed a flash of inspiration too.
Unlike the first, there was at least one section that provided an element of excitement but this was more of a 'cozy' read than a page turner.
However, the series has started to grow on me.
I think that I can see why the series ( and the author) appeal so to my wife but, as yet, although I see more in this book than the last, I am not such a big fan.
It was easy enough to slip into the personnel at Oxford Police station again as well as the other continuing aspects of the series. The story was easy enough to follow especially as we were presented with the different groups of suspects clearly separated and labelled for us.
For us 'solve-it-yourself' brigade, there were a couple of hints to point in the right direction but much like DI Hillary Greene, I think that we would have needed a flash of inspiration too.
Unlike the first, there was at least one section that provided an element of excitement but this was more of a 'cozy' read than a page turner.
However, the series has started to grow on me.
November 24, 2019
I quite liked the first book, mainly because of the main character, DI Hillary Greene. However I thought the author concentrated too much on the other characters, in this book Hillary was definitely the main focus.
The book had a few minor irritations, for example; it’s been over a year since DI Greene’s husband died, yet she still hasn’t been able to get her hands back on her own house, Why?
Also there were dozens of references to low pay, including from Hillary, but this just isn't true. As an experienced detective inspector she is well paid, she will be earning at least twice the average annual salary and will be in the country’s top ten percent of earners.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
The book had a few minor irritations, for example; it’s been over a year since DI Greene’s husband died, yet she still hasn’t been able to get her hands back on her own house, Why?
Also there were dozens of references to low pay, including from Hillary, but this just isn't true. As an experienced detective inspector she is well paid, she will be earning at least twice the average annual salary and will be in the country’s top ten percent of earners.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
June 5, 2018
"A series that promises much to look forward to"
I chanced across 'Murder On The Oxford Canal' ten days ago; that may have been a mistake. I enjoyed it so much I suggested in my review that if the rest of the series was as good, I might find myself becoming an avid follower of DI Hillary Greene. Like a fool, I downloaded 'University' straightaway and now I'm hooked. My 'to be read' pile will be getting longer and longer.
The variety of characters, intricate plots and sub-plots, plus Faith Martin's very readable writing style all make for a terrific reading experience.
I chanced across 'Murder On The Oxford Canal' ten days ago; that may have been a mistake. I enjoyed it so much I suggested in my review that if the rest of the series was as good, I might find myself becoming an avid follower of DI Hillary Greene. Like a fool, I downloaded 'University' straightaway and now I'm hooked. My 'to be read' pile will be getting longer and longer.
The variety of characters, intricate plots and sub-plots, plus Faith Martin's very readable writing style all make for a terrific reading experience.
February 12, 2020
Great Mystery
This is a great Mystery novel, and the second book I have read by author Faith Martin. The lead character, Hillary, a detective, that leads us through this murder mystery is interesting and well fleshed out ( pun intended) . She is living on a long boat docked for now on a lovely river in the town of Thrupp. This just makes the story line more and more interesting. The team she leads is full of colourful characters, and only one of them is detestable. The story line has a big twist at the end, and you will never see it coming! I highly recommend this mystery!
This is a great Mystery novel, and the second book I have read by author Faith Martin. The lead character, Hillary, a detective, that leads us through this murder mystery is interesting and well fleshed out ( pun intended) . She is living on a long boat docked for now on a lovely river in the town of Thrupp. This just makes the story line more and more interesting. The team she leads is full of colourful characters, and only one of them is detestable. The story line has a big twist at the end, and you will never see it coming! I highly recommend this mystery!
February 1, 2020
For a mystery I can only say the story was okay. It did not turn out to be a page turner but there was a fairly good twist at the end. Reading was slow paced but since reviews promised a "gripping twist", I did finish it. I did not find the ending to be "gripping" but it was unexpected. If this book is representative of the author's writing, the slow pace will probably keep me from others written by her.
January 23, 2025
It’s been an age since I read the first book but I got back into Hillary’s world comfortably. Faith Martin delivers a well written, easy but satisfying read. The very likeable no nonsense Hillary is a great character with some amusing monologues. The pace of the book is steady and flows nicely with a well thought out plot. The underlying continuing story of her dead husband adds another intriguing layer.
November 29, 2022
Fascinating and well-written mystery, handling difficult topics well. More information about the team, more information about Hillary, and oh my... some stuff is coming out of the woodwork!
Just noting for readers looking for squeaky-clean mysteries, this does contain some foul language and alludes to situations without giving details.
Just noting for readers looking for squeaky-clean mysteries, this does contain some foul language and alludes to situations without giving details.
June 13, 2018
Second in the series of cosy murders based around Oxford. The characters are starting to grow on me; DI Hillary Greene lacks self-esteem, but, unlike many detectives these days, is not flawed. She is surrounded by a variety of colleagues, all of whom have their own personal agendas. The murder plot is a major part of the book, and is an ingenious and interesting twist. Good, easy read.
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