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DI Hillary Greene #11
Murder at Work
Detective Inspector Hillary Greene is due to retire in a matter of weeks. To her dismay her boss, who is determined to get her to change her mind about leaving the force, gives her a murder inquiry to handle. The victim, Michael Ivers, a gambler and a notorious womanizer, had few friends and there is a long list of murder suspects. But unless Hillary wants an unsolved murder as her final case as a police officer, she has just days to find out who killed him. To add to an already complicated case her old foe, ex-Sergeant Frank Ross is back on the scene and he is a prime suspect.
239 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2011
About the author
Faith Martin
112 books1,092 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 206 reviews
April 12, 2018
Detective Inspector Hillary Greene is due to retire soon. Her boss is determined to get her to change her mind about leaving the force, gives her a murder inquiry to solve. The victim, Michael Ivers, a gambler and notorious womaniser, had a few friends and a long list of murder suspects.
With her retirement date insight, Hillary Greene is looking forward to taking the Mollern, her canal boat, along the canals of Great Britain. When the body of Michael Ivers is found, Hillary is sickened to find her ex colleague, Frank Ross, is the night watchman and she know that she should report that Frank is involved with the case. She hopes she can solve this case before she retires. With a long list of suspects to go through, will Hillary manage to solve this case and leave the force on a high? I really enjoy this series.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Faith Martin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With her retirement date insight, Hillary Greene is looking forward to taking the Mollern, her canal boat, along the canals of Great Britain. When the body of Michael Ivers is found, Hillary is sickened to find her ex colleague, Frank Ross, is the night watchman and she know that she should report that Frank is involved with the case. She hopes she can solve this case before she retires. With a long list of suspects to go through, will Hillary manage to solve this case and leave the force on a high? I really enjoy this series.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Faith Martin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2023
With only three weeks until her retirement from the force, DI Hillary Greene was resigned when her boss, Marcus Donleavy, assigned her a murder case. She knew he was trying to get her to change her mind about leaving, especially as she wouldn't want to leave with an unsolved case to her name, so her answer was to dig into it deeply, with her offsiders, DC Mark Chang and Gemma Fordham by her side. The deceased was found by none other than ex-Sergeant Frank Ross - Hillary's nemesis - and was a definite suspect.
Interviews, interrogations, suspicions of what had been going on at the victim's work place - all formed the basis to what was proving a complicated case. There were many suspects, but could Hillary whittle them down to the one she needed before she headed off on her narrowboat?
Murder at Work is the 11th in the DI Hillary Greene series by Faith Martin and it was another gritty, enjoyable read. I'm loving this series, and looking forward to #12 soon. Recommended.
Interviews, interrogations, suspicions of what had been going on at the victim's work place - all formed the basis to what was proving a complicated case. There were many suspects, but could Hillary whittle them down to the one she needed before she headed off on her narrowboat?
Murder at Work is the 11th in the DI Hillary Greene series by Faith Martin and it was another gritty, enjoyable read. I'm loving this series, and looking forward to #12 soon. Recommended.
August 17, 2024
Five stars for this eleventh book in the series.
D.I. Hillary Greene has three weeks left until she voluntarily retires from the police force. She has personal reasons for doing so, but she is very stressed about how she is going to deal with all the free time she is going to have. One solution is to cruise the canals of England in her narrowboat but I do not feel that her heart is really in it.
Her boss is reluctant to see her go and assigns her a murder case which he hopes will get her so involved in what she does best that she will change her mind about leaving. The murder does turn out to have many complications including the fact that the infamous ex cop Frank Ross is the person who discovers the body.
Hillary is one of my favourite characters from all of the mysteries that I read. She has a wonderful scene in this book where she stands up to her nemesis, Bill Vane, and comes away the winner. For now anyway. She is also very smart and solves all her cases. Since there are many more books in the series she obviously returns in some way. I look forward to finding out how and why.
D.I. Hillary Greene has three weeks left until she voluntarily retires from the police force. She has personal reasons for doing so, but she is very stressed about how she is going to deal with all the free time she is going to have. One solution is to cruise the canals of England in her narrowboat but I do not feel that her heart is really in it.
Her boss is reluctant to see her go and assigns her a murder case which he hopes will get her so involved in what she does best that she will change her mind about leaving. The murder does turn out to have many complications including the fact that the infamous ex cop Frank Ross is the person who discovers the body.
Hillary is one of my favourite characters from all of the mysteries that I read. She has a wonderful scene in this book where she stands up to her nemesis, Bill Vane, and comes away the winner. For now anyway. She is also very smart and solves all her cases. Since there are many more books in the series she obviously returns in some way. I look forward to finding out how and why.
April 10, 2018
THIS IS A REVISED EDITION OF A BOOK FIRST PUBLISHED AS “A NARROW EXIT.”
Almost impossible to believe, but Hilary has put in her resignation and is scheduled to retire in just a few weeks. Most of her team have either left or transferred out. And since her best friend was killed in front of her, she just doesn't have the motivation to stay. She spends a lot of time pondering what she will do when she no longer has to chase the bad guys.
Her bosses definitely do not want to see her leave. Her superior comes up with an idea .... put her on a murder investigation. She won't leave in the middle of the case and that will give him some extra time to come up with something else to convince her to stay.
The murder victim, Michael Ivers, was brutally killed with a few bashes to the head. Known as a gambler and a philanderer, he wasn't much liked by anyone. The question is ... which of those who didn't like him actually killed him?
Complicating the case is the return of ex-Sergeant Frank Ross, now a security guard and ultimately a prime suspect. Since he was forced to retire from the department, he has only become more surly and bitter.
There are many suspects to look at. Ross, who may have been blackmailed by Ivers, any number of ladies he has dated and dropped, husbands who may have taken offense of Ivers messing with wives ... partners at work for any number of reasons.
Every time I read one of Faith Martin's books, I'm amazed at how well written they are.. and each seems to be better than the last. The mystery is always a puzzle and so many twists and turns with a variety of suspects keeps me riveted to the story.
Hilary is a terrific character. She's an older woman, approaching 50, who is well known for her dedication to catching criminals and finding justice for those left behind.
It's going to be an amazing ride when she retires (if she does) and goes onto something else. It will be fun following her adventures.
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.
Almost impossible to believe, but Hilary has put in her resignation and is scheduled to retire in just a few weeks. Most of her team have either left or transferred out. And since her best friend was killed in front of her, she just doesn't have the motivation to stay. She spends a lot of time pondering what she will do when she no longer has to chase the bad guys.
Her bosses definitely do not want to see her leave. Her superior comes up with an idea .... put her on a murder investigation. She won't leave in the middle of the case and that will give him some extra time to come up with something else to convince her to stay.
The murder victim, Michael Ivers, was brutally killed with a few bashes to the head. Known as a gambler and a philanderer, he wasn't much liked by anyone. The question is ... which of those who didn't like him actually killed him?
Complicating the case is the return of ex-Sergeant Frank Ross, now a security guard and ultimately a prime suspect. Since he was forced to retire from the department, he has only become more surly and bitter.
There are many suspects to look at. Ross, who may have been blackmailed by Ivers, any number of ladies he has dated and dropped, husbands who may have taken offense of Ivers messing with wives ... partners at work for any number of reasons.
Every time I read one of Faith Martin's books, I'm amazed at how well written they are.. and each seems to be better than the last. The mystery is always a puzzle and so many twists and turns with a variety of suspects keeps me riveted to the story.
Hilary is a terrific character. She's an older woman, approaching 50, who is well known for her dedication to catching criminals and finding justice for those left behind.
It's going to be an amazing ride when she retires (if she does) and goes onto something else. It will be fun following her adventures.
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.
May 31, 2018
Rating only.
April 15, 2018
This is book 11 in the Hillary Greene series and DI Hillary Greene is working her final case before leaving the Police force. Is this the last we will read of Hillary? No I am pleased to confirm there are 6 more books on the way. HILLARY GREENE WILL BE BACK.
Before I continue on to my thoughts on the book I have to advise that i do work with Joffe Books. My thoughts are unbiased and my own but if you doubt that then read no further.
So Hillary is winding down and handing over her cases and her team is sadly depleted. Keith Barrington had left, Gemma is getting married and moving on which just leaves newbie Mark Chang. Danvers is transferring and Superintendent Marcus Donleavy is sad at the way things are going. In a last ditch attempt to persuade Hillary to change her mind he instructs Danvers to hand her the next murder case.
With the station laying bets on her closing the case before she leaves Hillary is up against the clock and making little progress. Add into the mix the stirring that Vane is doing in an attempt to discredit Hillary before she leaves and the Janine saga that keeps rearing its ugly head is Hillary set to fail?
Onto the case. A man is found battered to death at an industrial estate where the obnoxious Frank is night watchman. It is a complicated case with little motive that can be found and with Hillary distracted and being pulled in different directions will she miss vital clues?
This is another book with Faith Martin at her best with twists, turns and plenty of action to keep the reader enthralled from the first page to the last. And what a 'last' it is. In an edge of the seat final chapter that will have the readers gasping.
I wonder what comes next for Hillary? I am sure I wont have to wait long to find out.
Before I continue on to my thoughts on the book I have to advise that i do work with Joffe Books. My thoughts are unbiased and my own but if you doubt that then read no further.
So Hillary is winding down and handing over her cases and her team is sadly depleted. Keith Barrington had left, Gemma is getting married and moving on which just leaves newbie Mark Chang. Danvers is transferring and Superintendent Marcus Donleavy is sad at the way things are going. In a last ditch attempt to persuade Hillary to change her mind he instructs Danvers to hand her the next murder case.
With the station laying bets on her closing the case before she leaves Hillary is up against the clock and making little progress. Add into the mix the stirring that Vane is doing in an attempt to discredit Hillary before she leaves and the Janine saga that keeps rearing its ugly head is Hillary set to fail?
Onto the case. A man is found battered to death at an industrial estate where the obnoxious Frank is night watchman. It is a complicated case with little motive that can be found and with Hillary distracted and being pulled in different directions will she miss vital clues?
This is another book with Faith Martin at her best with twists, turns and plenty of action to keep the reader enthralled from the first page to the last. And what a 'last' it is. In an edge of the seat final chapter that will have the readers gasping.
I wonder what comes next for Hillary? I am sure I wont have to wait long to find out.
April 18, 2018
That's a wrap, or is it? DI Hillary Greene has one final murder case to solve in her last two weeks of service before retirement. She still has Gemma ably assisting with the young constable Chang learning lessons on the job. Whilst the good cops are busy doing good, bad cop Vane is putting all he has into finishing off Greene with a scandal that would reopen the killing of sniper guilty of killing Hillary's old boss and friend Mallow. But she finds an answer for that too. A former cop, also bad, figures in this latest investigation of murder in a guarded business park.
Telling outcomes would spoil it, but Hillary does manage to close her case, sell her car and start her journey in her houseboat - off into retirement. At the close we are promised there will be books 12-17 showing up sharply.
Telling outcomes would spoil it, but Hillary does manage to close her case, sell her car and start her journey in her houseboat - off into retirement. At the close we are promised there will be books 12-17 showing up sharply.
April 18, 2018
Another quick read from Faith Martin. Whilst I enjoyed it, it wasn't my favourite, the story mostly being used to tie up previous loose ends.
January 1, 2023
For me, the first half was a slow burn and then suddenly a few reveals made it very interesting. This book rounds off the h's career and while I'm disappointed she's leaving, I know there's a change of direction. Can't wait to see how it happens.
April 20, 2018
5 stars
Hillary is retiring in three weeks. She has already started to assign some things to her subordinates. Keith Barrington has resigned the force to go off with his boyfriend and to become an agent for sports people. Gemma Fordham and been promoted and has decided to marry her rich and titled boyfriend before she moves on to her new placing. With Mel deceased, her little team is breaking up and she feels somewhat adrift. But is that the real reason she is retiring?
Commander Marcus Donleavey doesn’t want her to retire and comes up with a scheme with Superintendent Paul Danvers to assign the next big case to Hillary in an effort to get her to change her mind. Frank Ross is back on the scene and still up to no good.
When they arrive at the scene, the victim has been bashed in the head and is lying outside a newspaper distribution office. His identification shows him to be Michael Ivers. Hillary is distressed to learn that Frank Ross is the security guard and questions him closely. He is, of course, rude and dismissive to her but she finally gets some semblance of truth out of him – she thinks. The interviews with other employees at the center show that he wasn’t well liked. He was something of a lothario and a gambler. It is also rumored that he had an affair with his boss Harry Welles’ wife. Hillary, Gemma and Keith interview scores of people seemingly without any leads. Ivers’ love life seems to last about three months per woman, and then he moves on. He solicits new gamblers to his favorite casino – and gets kickbacks for doing so. He drives a fancy car, lives in a posh apartment and throws money around while his former wife and step son languish in near poverty.
Meanwhile Brian Vane is being transferred out next week, but he hasn’t given up on his search for a way to get DI Janine Mallow and Hillary into deep trouble.
Now, Hillary doesn’t want to give up the case as she worries about turning it over if it is not solved by the time she retires. It seems Commander Donleavey’s plan is working.
When the pathologists delivers a time bomb, the small team’s workload doubles. Now, they must re-interview all of the women that Ivers “dated.” When Hillary goes to interview Ivers’ GP, she senses something off. But she can’t decide what it is. Then she has one of her famous epiphanies. The identity of the killer is a surprise, but the reason for the killing is very sad.
This book is very well written and plotted, as are all of Ms. Martin’s novels. It shows the painstaking police investigation, following it step by step as Hillary, Mark and Gemma chase an unknown killer. The suspense begins immediately with the discovery of Ivers’ body by none other than Frank Ross. He and Brian Vane continue to be a pain in the backside for Hillary. I really like the Hillary character and the way she gets along with her team – shrinking though it is. Hillary is smart, persistent and very good at her job. I’m not going to tell you too much about Hillary’s personal situation; whether she leaves the police or not. You’ll have to read the book.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely wonderful book to read, enjoy and review.
Hillary is retiring in three weeks. She has already started to assign some things to her subordinates. Keith Barrington has resigned the force to go off with his boyfriend and to become an agent for sports people. Gemma Fordham and been promoted and has decided to marry her rich and titled boyfriend before she moves on to her new placing. With Mel deceased, her little team is breaking up and she feels somewhat adrift. But is that the real reason she is retiring?
Commander Marcus Donleavey doesn’t want her to retire and comes up with a scheme with Superintendent Paul Danvers to assign the next big case to Hillary in an effort to get her to change her mind. Frank Ross is back on the scene and still up to no good.
When they arrive at the scene, the victim has been bashed in the head and is lying outside a newspaper distribution office. His identification shows him to be Michael Ivers. Hillary is distressed to learn that Frank Ross is the security guard and questions him closely. He is, of course, rude and dismissive to her but she finally gets some semblance of truth out of him – she thinks. The interviews with other employees at the center show that he wasn’t well liked. He was something of a lothario and a gambler. It is also rumored that he had an affair with his boss Harry Welles’ wife. Hillary, Gemma and Keith interview scores of people seemingly without any leads. Ivers’ love life seems to last about three months per woman, and then he moves on. He solicits new gamblers to his favorite casino – and gets kickbacks for doing so. He drives a fancy car, lives in a posh apartment and throws money around while his former wife and step son languish in near poverty.
Meanwhile Brian Vane is being transferred out next week, but he hasn’t given up on his search for a way to get DI Janine Mallow and Hillary into deep trouble.
Now, Hillary doesn’t want to give up the case as she worries about turning it over if it is not solved by the time she retires. It seems Commander Donleavey’s plan is working.
When the pathologists delivers a time bomb, the small team’s workload doubles. Now, they must re-interview all of the women that Ivers “dated.” When Hillary goes to interview Ivers’ GP, she senses something off. But she can’t decide what it is. Then she has one of her famous epiphanies. The identity of the killer is a surprise, but the reason for the killing is very sad.
This book is very well written and plotted, as are all of Ms. Martin’s novels. It shows the painstaking police investigation, following it step by step as Hillary, Mark and Gemma chase an unknown killer. The suspense begins immediately with the discovery of Ivers’ body by none other than Frank Ross. He and Brian Vane continue to be a pain in the backside for Hillary. I really like the Hillary character and the way she gets along with her team – shrinking though it is. Hillary is smart, persistent and very good at her job. I’m not going to tell you too much about Hillary’s personal situation; whether she leaves the police or not. You’ll have to read the book.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely wonderful book to read, enjoy and review.
June 27, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this arc.
I started reading this series backwards! Didn't mean to. This one got "lost" on my Kindle. I read book 13 first...backed up to this one, Book # 11.....and had such a great time with these, I went straight onto Amazon for the whole series!. Hillary is just great as is the rest of her team. These are fast paced books with very personable / authentic characters. Great reading for a rainy afternoon.
I started reading this series backwards! Didn't mean to. This one got "lost" on my Kindle. I read book 13 first...backed up to this one, Book # 11.....and had such a great time with these, I went straight onto Amazon for the whole series!. Hillary is just great as is the rest of her team. These are fast paced books with very personable / authentic characters. Great reading for a rainy afternoon.
May 18, 2020
This was definitely better than the previous book in the series, but not one of the best. Lots of story lines piddling out without much fanfare as if the author had decided to wrap up the story of Hillary with “satisfactory” endings all around. Whether or not that was once true, we do know that many more Hillary books follow, either by the author’s design or by her publisher’s insistence, I don’t know.
April 13, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Murder at Work, the eleventh police procedural to feature DI Hillary Greene of Thames Valley police.
Hillary is winding down to retirement but in an effort to derail her plans she is given a murder case. Her ex-sergeant Frank Ross, now working as a security guard at a local industrial estate, discovers the battered body of Michael Ivers as he finishes his rounds. Frank becomes a suspect when Hillary realises he is up to something but he is not the only one as Michael was deeply unpopular.
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder at Work which, while not being particularly profound, is an entertaining mixture of pleasant characters and a puzzling mystery. I like the logical nature of the investigation, investigate all possible leads until one makes sense. This takes the team deep into the life of an unpleasant man and allows them to eliminate several suspects along the way. The subplot of what Frank Ross is up to is amusing as Hillary bests him on several occasions.
The novel revolves around Hillary Greene and her last few days on the job. It is poignant to see her giving up the job she loves for loyalty and the greater good. She is in reflective mood but it doesn't stop her settling a few scores and solving her case because despite her regrets she's going to do her best. I love that she always comes up trumps. I'm looking forward to seeing how she takes her life forward.
Murder at Work is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Hillary is winding down to retirement but in an effort to derail her plans she is given a murder case. Her ex-sergeant Frank Ross, now working as a security guard at a local industrial estate, discovers the battered body of Michael Ivers as he finishes his rounds. Frank becomes a suspect when Hillary realises he is up to something but he is not the only one as Michael was deeply unpopular.
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder at Work which, while not being particularly profound, is an entertaining mixture of pleasant characters and a puzzling mystery. I like the logical nature of the investigation, investigate all possible leads until one makes sense. This takes the team deep into the life of an unpleasant man and allows them to eliminate several suspects along the way. The subplot of what Frank Ross is up to is amusing as Hillary bests him on several occasions.
The novel revolves around Hillary Greene and her last few days on the job. It is poignant to see her giving up the job she loves for loyalty and the greater good. She is in reflective mood but it doesn't stop her settling a few scores and solving her case because despite her regrets she's going to do her best. I love that she always comes up trumps. I'm looking forward to seeing how she takes her life forward.
Murder at Work is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
February 8, 2020
The book starts two months after the last one ended, Hilary has handed in her notice, but has done nothing about DS Vane, even though she went out of her way be in a position to thwart him before he could do any harm. In fact time was of the essence, as she knew he had stolen all of Janine’s previous case notes.
Then as Vane digs deeper and deeper, flushing out more information about Janine, what does Hilary do? Nothing
Is the delay a cheap ploy by the author to try to add some tension? I’m afraid it just annoyed me and put me off the entire book.
As for the investigation, this was fairly run-of-the-mill and may have been OK if I hadn’t already been irritated by the Vane affair.
Then as Vane digs deeper and deeper, flushing out more information about Janine, what does Hilary do? Nothing
Is the delay a cheap ploy by the author to try to add some tension? I’m afraid it just annoyed me and put me off the entire book.
As for the investigation, this was fairly run-of-the-mill and may have been OK if I hadn’t already been irritated by the Vane affair.
July 11, 2019
Hillary triumphs again against the odds. The case is a tricky one, (as ever), with all sorts of added difficulties, not least the obnoxious Vane and finding the equally obnoxious Ross working at the business park where the murder took place. Everything at the station is in a state of flux which does not help the general mood and Hillary herself has handed in her notice. Will she be back in a different role? I hope so.
August 24, 2024
Even though Hillary is retiring in several weeks, she and her team are assigned to a murder case. The person calling it in is, of all people, lowlife former cop Frank Ross, who is now employed as a night security guard. The victim was a gambler and a ladies man (or "Jack-the-Lad" as they say in Britain) so there are no shortage of suspects. Janine and her problems keep coming back to haunt Hillary, Vane is still out for revenge, and even though much of the book (which is #11 in the series) is like an ongoing soap opera it's still a good mystery.
July 28, 2019
This is a solid mystery series! I am a fan!
July 2, 2021
I really like this series. Faith Martin really does a great job coming up with new and interesting cases. It is already 11th book and I like it as much as in the beginning. At this point I also like the main characters we meet all the time, especially Hillary. Once I am done with this series I will definitely read more by the author.
I noticed that how much I like the book in DI Hillary Green depends also on how much the side stories take off the book. In this one it was just right. We had a little going on about Janine and Hillary's story but that was it and mostly it was the main case in the book.
The case was really fun to read. I kind of suspected who did it but I was not 100% sure so it worked for me. Was also great to see Frank Ross back and be such a big part of this story. I actually like this character even if I wouldn't be friends with him in real life but I feel he really added a lot to the books with his personality.
Good thing that I know that there are about 10 more books so I don't have to be sad about Hillary's retirement. She will obviously be back!
I noticed that how much I like the book in DI Hillary Green depends also on how much the side stories take off the book. In this one it was just right. We had a little going on about Janine and Hillary's story but that was it and mostly it was the main case in the book.
The case was really fun to read. I kind of suspected who did it but I was not 100% sure so it worked for me. Was also great to see Frank Ross back and be such a big part of this story. I actually like this character even if I wouldn't be friends with him in real life but I feel he really added a lot to the books with his personality.
Good thing that I know that there are about 10 more books so I don't have to be sad about Hillary's retirement. She will obviously be back!
August 31, 2012
‘A Narrow Exit’ by Faith Martin
Published by Robert Hale, 29th April 2011. ISBN: 978-0-7090-9204-9
DI Hilary Greene is due to retire in a few weeks, and despite pressure from her boss to change her mind and stay Hilary is still on track to leave, planning to take a leisurely trip to the waterways for an extended holiday on her narrowboat, The Mollern..
Called to the discovery of a body at the Aynho Islip Business Park near Banbury, Hilary is dismayed to find that the Security Guard is her ex-Sergeant Frank Ross, who she had been glad to ease out of the force, and now here he is in the thick of things. The deceased is Michael Ives, a manager of a shoe warehouse. Enquiries elicit that Michael Ives was a gambler and a womaniser and there is no shortage of suspects. Whilst Hilary is aware that she should really not work this case in view of her past association with Frank Ross, she sees this case as a way to exit the force on a high, and so decides not to report the presence of Frank Ross to her boss.
A request for a meeting from her ex-Sergeant, now DI Janine Mallow, alerts Hilary to the danger of Superintendent Brian Vane who although shortly to move to a new position up north is keen to discredit his old enemy Hillary Greene before he goes. Janine had shot and killed the killer of her husband Philip Mallow, and turned to Hilary for help. Philip Mallow had been one of Hilary’s great friends and with Janine heavily pregnant at the time of the killing, Hilary had struck her neck out for Janine, and it appears that Brian Vane is sniffing around in the hope of finding something that will bring Hilary down.
With her retirement drawing ever closer, a complicated case, and the need to watch her back this is a gripping entry in this excellent series. Despite the title I so hope that this isn’t the last of Hilary Greene. Highly recommended.
-----
Lizzie Hayes
Published by Robert Hale, 29th April 2011. ISBN: 978-0-7090-9204-9
DI Hilary Greene is due to retire in a few weeks, and despite pressure from her boss to change her mind and stay Hilary is still on track to leave, planning to take a leisurely trip to the waterways for an extended holiday on her narrowboat, The Mollern..
Called to the discovery of a body at the Aynho Islip Business Park near Banbury, Hilary is dismayed to find that the Security Guard is her ex-Sergeant Frank Ross, who she had been glad to ease out of the force, and now here he is in the thick of things. The deceased is Michael Ives, a manager of a shoe warehouse. Enquiries elicit that Michael Ives was a gambler and a womaniser and there is no shortage of suspects. Whilst Hilary is aware that she should really not work this case in view of her past association with Frank Ross, she sees this case as a way to exit the force on a high, and so decides not to report the presence of Frank Ross to her boss.
A request for a meeting from her ex-Sergeant, now DI Janine Mallow, alerts Hilary to the danger of Superintendent Brian Vane who although shortly to move to a new position up north is keen to discredit his old enemy Hillary Greene before he goes. Janine had shot and killed the killer of her husband Philip Mallow, and turned to Hilary for help. Philip Mallow had been one of Hilary’s great friends and with Janine heavily pregnant at the time of the killing, Hilary had struck her neck out for Janine, and it appears that Brian Vane is sniffing around in the hope of finding something that will bring Hilary down.
With her retirement drawing ever closer, a complicated case, and the need to watch her back this is a gripping entry in this excellent series. Despite the title I so hope that this isn’t the last of Hilary Greene. Highly recommended.
-----
Lizzie Hayes
September 4, 2022
I dont know if it is me, but the books seems to be getting worse as you progress through the series. Maybe it is bit too much about politics, maybe it is just too many things happening round the story, which do not seem to be completely related to it.
Or maybe it is me. But I cannot say I am upset that Hillary finally retired, as I am bit hoping this will mean an future book may be bit less police politics. I may give it a try.
Or maybe it is me. But I cannot say I am upset that Hillary finally retired, as I am bit hoping this will mean an future book may be bit less police politics. I may give it a try.
April 10, 2018
Faith Martin's DI Hillary Green novels never fail. This was another excellent read.
April 10, 2021
So much going on for Hilary. This one keeps you guessing.
April 15, 2018
I have been a fan of Faith Martin for a while- in fact since the moment I ‘gatecrashed’ the blog tour for ‘Murder At The University’. I eagerly devour (not literally as paper doesn’t taste very nice) each and every book that is released in the series featuring Detective Inspector Hilary Greene and her team. The latest book in the series ‘Murder At Work’ has just been released and I absolutely loved it but more about that in a bit.
I love the character of Detective Inspector Hilary Greene. She is a woman of a certain age with a lot of life and professional experience. She has been a police officer for quite a long time and she has seen it all. She was married to a less than savoury character called Ronnie Greene, who was a corrupt police officer. There were whispers that Hilary must have known of his activities but I believe her when she says that she didn’t know. Hilary is winding down for retirement and I don’t think that she is altogether looking forward to it. She is so work focused and her work is her life. I get the impression that her work is what keeps her going and she will not be able to cope with all this free time. Hilary is in charge of a small team, who work well together as a team but equally they can work just as well on their own. They also look out for each other. Hilary is a good judge of character and her gut instinct is right 99.9% of the time. However, somebody has the knives out for Hilary and will do anything to get dirt on her before she retires and so that she loses her pension as well as other things. It takes one twisted, passive aggressive person to take such enjoyment out of the downfall of somebody else. Hilary needs to keep her wits about her and remain one step ahead of her enemy, whilst also trying hard to solve her current case before her retirement date. One person, who Hilary no longer has to work with on a daily basis is Frank Ross, who is no longer a police officer but he is the night security guard for a business park which is involved in Hilary’s latest case and he is just as lazy at being a night security guard as he was as a police officer. What can you politely say about Frank Ross? Well a sexist, racist and homophobic blob are the kindest things you can say about him. Hilary still has to liaise with Ross but she is under no illusions about what he is capable of. Will Hilary and her team solve the case? Will Hilary reach retirement age with her pension and reputation in tact? Will Hilary’s enemy win in his campaign against her? What is Frank Ross up to? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
To say that ‘Murder At Work’ is a page turner is an understatement. Once I picked the book up, I couldn’t put it down and the pages seemed to be flying past in a blur. As the investigation progressed and the tension intensified I raced through to the end of the book as I really needed to know how the case concluded and if Hilary was going to be allowed to sail off into the sunset. The author’s writing style is such that I can’t help but be drawn into the story every time I read one of her books and as usual I really do feel as though I am part of Hilary’s team. ‘Murder At Work’ took me through a whole range of emotions. I shared the team’s sense of frustration when the case appeared to stall and the excitement when they had a new lead, I really did want to bop Frank Ross on the nose end for just being Frank Ross and treating Hilary like poop and I wanted to poke the eyes out of the person who seems to have it in for Hilary. As I have read most of the series and love the character of DI Hilary Greene, I have grown to know her and feel as if she is a friend of mine, so when somebody upsets her, they in turn upset me and I feel protective of her. I know, I know ‘Murder At Work’ is a work of fiction and the characters are not real but the story and the author’s writing style at so good that the characters really do seem to come alive. Reading ‘Murder At Work’ was also very much like riding on a rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns.
In short, I absolutely LOVED reading ‘Murder At Work’ and I just love anything that Faith Martin writes. I would definitely recommend her and her books to anybody. I can’t wait to read what comes next from this fantastic author. Here’s hoping that we don’t have too long a wait in store. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I love the character of Detective Inspector Hilary Greene. She is a woman of a certain age with a lot of life and professional experience. She has been a police officer for quite a long time and she has seen it all. She was married to a less than savoury character called Ronnie Greene, who was a corrupt police officer. There were whispers that Hilary must have known of his activities but I believe her when she says that she didn’t know. Hilary is winding down for retirement and I don’t think that she is altogether looking forward to it. She is so work focused and her work is her life. I get the impression that her work is what keeps her going and she will not be able to cope with all this free time. Hilary is in charge of a small team, who work well together as a team but equally they can work just as well on their own. They also look out for each other. Hilary is a good judge of character and her gut instinct is right 99.9% of the time. However, somebody has the knives out for Hilary and will do anything to get dirt on her before she retires and so that she loses her pension as well as other things. It takes one twisted, passive aggressive person to take such enjoyment out of the downfall of somebody else. Hilary needs to keep her wits about her and remain one step ahead of her enemy, whilst also trying hard to solve her current case before her retirement date. One person, who Hilary no longer has to work with on a daily basis is Frank Ross, who is no longer a police officer but he is the night security guard for a business park which is involved in Hilary’s latest case and he is just as lazy at being a night security guard as he was as a police officer. What can you politely say about Frank Ross? Well a sexist, racist and homophobic blob are the kindest things you can say about him. Hilary still has to liaise with Ross but she is under no illusions about what he is capable of. Will Hilary and her team solve the case? Will Hilary reach retirement age with her pension and reputation in tact? Will Hilary’s enemy win in his campaign against her? What is Frank Ross up to? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
To say that ‘Murder At Work’ is a page turner is an understatement. Once I picked the book up, I couldn’t put it down and the pages seemed to be flying past in a blur. As the investigation progressed and the tension intensified I raced through to the end of the book as I really needed to know how the case concluded and if Hilary was going to be allowed to sail off into the sunset. The author’s writing style is such that I can’t help but be drawn into the story every time I read one of her books and as usual I really do feel as though I am part of Hilary’s team. ‘Murder At Work’ took me through a whole range of emotions. I shared the team’s sense of frustration when the case appeared to stall and the excitement when they had a new lead, I really did want to bop Frank Ross on the nose end for just being Frank Ross and treating Hilary like poop and I wanted to poke the eyes out of the person who seems to have it in for Hilary. As I have read most of the series and love the character of DI Hilary Greene, I have grown to know her and feel as if she is a friend of mine, so when somebody upsets her, they in turn upset me and I feel protective of her. I know, I know ‘Murder At Work’ is a work of fiction and the characters are not real but the story and the author’s writing style at so good that the characters really do seem to come alive. Reading ‘Murder At Work’ was also very much like riding on a rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns.
In short, I absolutely LOVED reading ‘Murder At Work’ and I just love anything that Faith Martin writes. I would definitely recommend her and her books to anybody. I can’t wait to read what comes next from this fantastic author. Here’s hoping that we don’t have too long a wait in store. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
May 24, 2018
Hillary has decided it’s time to retire and nothing is going to change her mind but Commander Marcus Donleavy is giving it one last try to get her to stay, a murder case. Michael Ivers works for newspaper distribution warehouse and is widely known to be a Lothario, an awful boss and a gambler that was until he is found dead with his head caved in. There is an unpleasant surprise when Hillary and her team arrive at the warehouses in the form of her old DS and general pain in her backside Frank Ross. Will she solve the case before she retires?
Another entertaining and enjoyable read from Faith Martin! Last year, when I read the first novel in the series, Murder On The Oxford Canal, I honestly didn’t think I’d enjoy these books as much as I have done so far. I want to thank Jill Burkinshaw and Joffe Books for introducing me to the fantastic series.
Poor Hillary! In her heart she doesn’t want to retire, the thought terrifies her but after the majority of her team has left and feeling that she is compromised as an officer she feels this is the only way.
I loved the re-introduction of Frank Ross, a character, even though he’s a nasty piece of work, I kind of missed from the last book. The obvious antagonism between him and the rest of the team makes it even more entertaining to read.
The case is a tough one, with no obvious suspects. Then we have Brian Vane in the background, her former boss who’s being transferred up to Hull but still wants to take revenge on Hillary (see previous two books, I don’t want to spoil it for you). Altogether it makes a gripping and enthralling read.
I think this has to be one of my favourites in the Hillary Greene series and while I know there are more books, which I’m happy about, even if there wasn’t this still would have been a good ending.
Another entertaining and enjoyable read from Faith Martin! Last year, when I read the first novel in the series, Murder On The Oxford Canal, I honestly didn’t think I’d enjoy these books as much as I have done so far. I want to thank Jill Burkinshaw and Joffe Books for introducing me to the fantastic series.
Poor Hillary! In her heart she doesn’t want to retire, the thought terrifies her but after the majority of her team has left and feeling that she is compromised as an officer she feels this is the only way.
I loved the re-introduction of Frank Ross, a character, even though he’s a nasty piece of work, I kind of missed from the last book. The obvious antagonism between him and the rest of the team makes it even more entertaining to read.
The case is a tough one, with no obvious suspects. Then we have Brian Vane in the background, her former boss who’s being transferred up to Hull but still wants to take revenge on Hillary (see previous two books, I don’t want to spoil it for you). Altogether it makes a gripping and enthralling read.
I think this has to be one of my favourites in the Hillary Greene series and while I know there are more books, which I’m happy about, even if there wasn’t this still would have been a good ending.
April 2, 2023
Wraps up several storylines
It appears this is the end of the DI Hillary Greene series but we all know there’s no way Hillary is going gently into that good night. Several storylines are wrapped up here and the team disbands but the door is also left open for future books.
In this book we start with the reappearance of one of the more dislikable character in the series making a return appearance. Being his typical lazy, s he,sing self he ends up discovering a body and neither he nor Hillary are happy when Hillary gets assigned the murder case.
Hillary is only a couple weeks from her retirement. She’s wrapping things up so she doesn’t leave anything hanging when she goes. No one can really believe she’s going (neither can she) but the author does a good job of conveying the emotion that lies behind her decision. You can feel the qualms in your own gut as you read. She’s also still dealing with fallout from the Myers shooting and Janine’s actions that put her in the middle of it. She’s got one of her bosses out to get her and her big boss scheming to keep her around.
This book does a great job of blending the crime story with the personal/professional stories. I twigged to the motive behind the murder pretty early but it took a while to figure out the who. I got it just before Hillary did. There are some great red herrings and I was all in on one of them until a new piece of information was introduced and led me to change my focus.
I’m really looking forward to where the series goes from here. I normally genre hop to keep things fresh but I’m all in on a binge right now with this series.
It appears this is the end of the DI Hillary Greene series but we all know there’s no way Hillary is going gently into that good night. Several storylines are wrapped up here and the team disbands but the door is also left open for future books.
In this book we start with the reappearance of one of the more dislikable character in the series making a return appearance. Being his typical lazy, s he,sing self he ends up discovering a body and neither he nor Hillary are happy when Hillary gets assigned the murder case.
Hillary is only a couple weeks from her retirement. She’s wrapping things up so she doesn’t leave anything hanging when she goes. No one can really believe she’s going (neither can she) but the author does a good job of conveying the emotion that lies behind her decision. You can feel the qualms in your own gut as you read. She’s also still dealing with fallout from the Myers shooting and Janine’s actions that put her in the middle of it. She’s got one of her bosses out to get her and her big boss scheming to keep her around.
This book does a great job of blending the crime story with the personal/professional stories. I twigged to the motive behind the murder pretty early but it took a while to figure out the who. I got it just before Hillary did. There are some great red herrings and I was all in on one of them until a new piece of information was introduced and led me to change my focus.
I’m really looking forward to where the series goes from here. I normally genre hop to keep things fresh but I’m all in on a binge right now with this series.
September 3, 2023
In this eleventh episode of Faith Martin's DI Hillary Greene series, we find Hillary counting down the weeks to her retirement. After the death of her boss and best friend Mel Mallow and Hillary's involvement in covering up his widow and ex colleague Janine Mallow's shooting of his murderer, she's decided that retirement is the safest way to exit the force. Especially while her Superintendent Bill Vane is still sniffing around the evidence given in the internal review into the killing.
Hillary's new boss, DCI Paul Denver is hoping he can change her mind. Although she only has three weeks left to retirement, he assigns her the next murder case, knowing that once she's got her teeth into it she won't let go. A body has been found on the grounds of a business park in the early hours of the morning by the night watchman, who just happens to be Frank Ross, the deadwood and previous member of Hillary's team who she managed to finally get rid of.
This is another good case with a lot of good twists as Hillary battles to find why the man was killed. He was a womaniser and not popular with his colleagues so there are a number of suspects. There is also some stealing from the park going on under Frank's nose (or is he involved?) which leads Hillary's newest keen young team member Michael Chang to investigate. The big question of course, is whether Danvers' ploy to keep Hillary works or whether this will be her last case or whether she'll soon be heading off into the sunset in her narrowboat, Mollern to explore the canals of Britain.
Hillary's new boss, DCI Paul Denver is hoping he can change her mind. Although she only has three weeks left to retirement, he assigns her the next murder case, knowing that once she's got her teeth into it she won't let go. A body has been found on the grounds of a business park in the early hours of the morning by the night watchman, who just happens to be Frank Ross, the deadwood and previous member of Hillary's team who she managed to finally get rid of.
This is another good case with a lot of good twists as Hillary battles to find why the man was killed. He was a womaniser and not popular with his colleagues so there are a number of suspects. There is also some stealing from the park going on under Frank's nose (or is he involved?) which leads Hillary's newest keen young team member Michael Chang to investigate. The big question of course, is whether Danvers' ploy to keep Hillary works or whether this will be her last case or whether she'll soon be heading off into the sunset in her narrowboat, Mollern to explore the canals of Britain.
April 26, 2018
Hillary Greene quickly became one of my favorite characters after I read Murder in the Garden. Some series are hard to jump into if you haven't started with Book 1, but I haven't found that to be the case with this Murder series. I have liked what I read enough though to add the first 8 to my TBR list. Murder at Work is the third book I have read and once again DI Hillary, her team, their current murder investigation and the various supporting characters held my interest. There were enough potential suspects to keep me guessing whodunit and DI Greene solved the case before I did, yet again.
When Murder at Work begins, we find Hillary counting down the days to her retirement. Her belief that it is time for her to go along with the discomfort of not knowing what will come next is well written and kept me wishing she would change her mind. From the moment the body of Michael Ivers is discovered and DI Greene is assigned the case, it is a race against time to uncover the murderer's identity as Hillary is loathing retiring and leaving her final case unsolved. I won't spoil anyone's reading enjoyment by saying whether or not Hillary retires, but I did note that there are more books in this series, so it seems there will be more DI Greene in some capacity.
If you enjoy a good mystery, I would recommend this Murder series, since each book I have read has been entertaining and enjoyable.
Thank you, Faith Martin, Joffe Books and NetGalley for the complimentary digital ARC.
When Murder at Work begins, we find Hillary counting down the days to her retirement. Her belief that it is time for her to go along with the discomfort of not knowing what will come next is well written and kept me wishing she would change her mind. From the moment the body of Michael Ivers is discovered and DI Greene is assigned the case, it is a race against time to uncover the murderer's identity as Hillary is loathing retiring and leaving her final case unsolved. I won't spoil anyone's reading enjoyment by saying whether or not Hillary retires, but I did note that there are more books in this series, so it seems there will be more DI Greene in some capacity.
If you enjoy a good mystery, I would recommend this Murder series, since each book I have read has been entertaining and enjoyable.
Thank you, Faith Martin, Joffe Books and NetGalley for the complimentary digital ARC.
April 16, 2018
This is the eleventh book in the Hillary Greene series and still hasn't sated my appetite for them. I understand that there are going to be 6 more and I look forward to those with unabated desire.
Officially, Hillary Green is taking early retirement but is handed a murder case to solve in the hopes of keeping her in the force, but she is determined to go.
I loved the story and squeaked at each twist and turn in my usual way. Although Hillary's team has been depleted by Keith's departure and Gemma's forthcoming marriage, Hillary still gives the investigation her full attention, not allowing even Janine's ongoing troubles to faze her. The investigation isn't helped by the fact that ex-Sergeant Frank Ross is now the night-watchman at the business park where the murder of Michael Ivers took place and Frank has his own agenda, as always.
There are numerous problems with the investigation and numerous candidates for the murderer as Ivers was a gambling womaniser with no thought for the welfare of other people but, true to form, Hillary comes through with the result.
I am anticipating the next book but I am worried at Hillary's disappearing into the sunset on her boat. How will she come back???
This is another page-turning, un-put-down-able read and I recommend to all lovers of police procedural crime novels.
Officially, Hillary Green is taking early retirement but is handed a murder case to solve in the hopes of keeping her in the force, but she is determined to go.
I loved the story and squeaked at each twist and turn in my usual way. Although Hillary's team has been depleted by Keith's departure and Gemma's forthcoming marriage, Hillary still gives the investigation her full attention, not allowing even Janine's ongoing troubles to faze her. The investigation isn't helped by the fact that ex-Sergeant Frank Ross is now the night-watchman at the business park where the murder of Michael Ivers took place and Frank has his own agenda, as always.
There are numerous problems with the investigation and numerous candidates for the murderer as Ivers was a gambling womaniser with no thought for the welfare of other people but, true to form, Hillary comes through with the result.
I am anticipating the next book but I am worried at Hillary's disappearing into the sunset on her boat. How will she come back???
This is another page-turning, un-put-down-able read and I recommend to all lovers of police procedural crime novels.
October 9, 2022
Hilary doesn't want to retire but her cover-up of Janine Mallow's murder of her husband's murderer hangs over both their heads. Supt Vane is due to move to Hull but he is bound and determined to get to the bottom of that murder and hang Janine and Hilary in the process. In Hilary's mind, it is only a matter of time so it is best for all concerned if she just fades away on her narrowboat to parts unknown.
To that end she is trying to clean up all her cases before retirement day. Her top boss, Donleavy doesn't want her to go so he tells her immediate boss, Danvers, himself soon to be reassigned to Yorkshire, to hand a new murder case to Hilary and her team. Her team now consisting of Gemma, soon to marry into a title and therefore also going to be reassigned, and a new DI,Mark Chang, a true eager beaver. Not happy that she is now trying to solve a convoluted case in too short time, she is even more distressed when she finds, Frank Ross, whom she forced into retirement a major player at the crime scene.
All ends well, in the knick of time and at the end, Hilary, home from Gemma's wedding and having delivered Puff the Tragic Wagon to a local teenager, heads the Mollern north in the canal to a new life.
Hopefully, she packed that A4 folder Donleavy handed her earlier in the week. Maybe she'll get bored out there on those quiet lazy canals.
To that end she is trying to clean up all her cases before retirement day. Her top boss, Donleavy doesn't want her to go so he tells her immediate boss, Danvers, himself soon to be reassigned to Yorkshire, to hand a new murder case to Hilary and her team. Her team now consisting of Gemma, soon to marry into a title and therefore also going to be reassigned, and a new DI,Mark Chang, a true eager beaver. Not happy that she is now trying to solve a convoluted case in too short time, she is even more distressed when she finds, Frank Ross, whom she forced into retirement a major player at the crime scene.
All ends well, in the knick of time and at the end, Hilary, home from Gemma's wedding and having delivered Puff the Tragic Wagon to a local teenager, heads the Mollern north in the canal to a new life.
Hopefully, she packed that A4 folder Donleavy handed her earlier in the week. Maybe she'll get bored out there on those quiet lazy canals.
April 12, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
Another great read, which sees DI Hillary Green two weeks from her retirement, shocking and dismaying her team. She helped Janine Mallow, widow of Hillary's former boss and best friend Phillip Mallow, clean up after Janine killed Phillip's murderer. The subsequent intense police investigation and media storm made her realize she could no longer in good conscience remain in her job. Being in the crosshairs of Superintendent Danvers, who is also leaving, only reinforces her decision. Danvers, her nemesis, is eager to muddy her spotless reputation by proving Janine
brought a gun to the killing and Hillary helped her hide that fact.
When the murder of a womanizer and gambler falls into Hillary's lap, she only has 2 weeks to solve it before her retirement. Determined to leave with a stellar clear up rate, she's anxious to finish the job. On arriving at the scene of the crime, she's horrified to find the night watchman is none other than Frank Ross, her former odious sergeant (who she nudged out of his job), who is up to his usual nasty tricks. Poor Hillary, that's all she needs!
It's amazing how this continuing series continues to stay fresh and I can't wait to immerse myself into the next chapter of Hillary's life.
Another great read, which sees DI Hillary Green two weeks from her retirement, shocking and dismaying her team. She helped Janine Mallow, widow of Hillary's former boss and best friend Phillip Mallow, clean up after Janine killed Phillip's murderer. The subsequent intense police investigation and media storm made her realize she could no longer in good conscience remain in her job. Being in the crosshairs of Superintendent Danvers, who is also leaving, only reinforces her decision. Danvers, her nemesis, is eager to muddy her spotless reputation by proving Janine
brought a gun to the killing and Hillary helped her hide that fact.
When the murder of a womanizer and gambler falls into Hillary's lap, she only has 2 weeks to solve it before her retirement. Determined to leave with a stellar clear up rate, she's anxious to finish the job. On arriving at the scene of the crime, she's horrified to find the night watchman is none other than Frank Ross, her former odious sergeant (who she nudged out of his job), who is up to his usual nasty tricks. Poor Hillary, that's all she needs!
It's amazing how this continuing series continues to stay fresh and I can't wait to immerse myself into the next chapter of Hillary's life.
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