What do you think?
Rate this book
DI Hillary Greene #1-5
Detective Hillary Greene Books 1-5
In this five book box set:
Book 1: Murder on the Oxford Canal
The death of her husband leaves DI Hillary Greene fighting to save her career. His actions have put her under investigation for corruption. Meanwhile, a body is found floating in the canal. Everyone is saying he fell off a boat, but Hillary is not so sure. Can she clear her name and get to the bottom of a fiendish conspiracy on the water?
Book 2: Murder at the University
A pretty French student is found dead in her room at college. Her death has all the hallmarks of an accidental overdose. But Hillary Greene knows there’s more to the story. This girl was involved in some troubling extracurricular activities. When the shocking true cause of death is revealed, the high-profile hunt for her murderer begins.
Book 3: Murder of the Bride
DI Hillary Greene is called out to a farm, where there’s a wedding reception in full swing. A grim discovery awaits her in the cowshed: a dead bride. This stunning redhead has been strangled on her special day. Who wanted her dead? Many of the partygoers had motive and means, but they’re not giving up their secrets easily.
Book 4: Murder in the Village
A politician is found battered to death in his own designer kitchen. His wife’s alibi is full of holes and there’s another woman in the picture. And what about his political rivals? DI Hillary Greene is on the case, but is her search for the killer about to lead her into mortal danger?
Book 5: Murder in the Family
15–year-old Billy Davies is found dead in his father’s shed. A pair of shears thrust brutally into his chest. Who wanted him dead and why? To catch this killer, Hillary will need to dig deep into the dark secrets of a small community. And she soon realizes teenaged Billy was no innocent.
Book 1: Murder on the Oxford Canal
The death of her husband leaves DI Hillary Greene fighting to save her career. His actions have put her under investigation for corruption. Meanwhile, a body is found floating in the canal. Everyone is saying he fell off a boat, but Hillary is not so sure. Can she clear her name and get to the bottom of a fiendish conspiracy on the water?
Book 2: Murder at the University
A pretty French student is found dead in her room at college. Her death has all the hallmarks of an accidental overdose. But Hillary Greene knows there’s more to the story. This girl was involved in some troubling extracurricular activities. When the shocking true cause of death is revealed, the high-profile hunt for her murderer begins.
Book 3: Murder of the Bride
DI Hillary Greene is called out to a farm, where there’s a wedding reception in full swing. A grim discovery awaits her in the cowshed: a dead bride. This stunning redhead has been strangled on her special day. Who wanted her dead? Many of the partygoers had motive and means, but they’re not giving up their secrets easily.
Book 4: Murder in the Village
A politician is found battered to death in his own designer kitchen. His wife’s alibi is full of holes and there’s another woman in the picture. And what about his political rivals? DI Hillary Greene is on the case, but is her search for the killer about to lead her into mortal danger?
Book 5: Murder in the Family
15–year-old Billy Davies is found dead in his father’s shed. A pair of shears thrust brutally into his chest. Who wanted him dead and why? To catch this killer, Hillary will need to dig deep into the dark secrets of a small community. And she soon realizes teenaged Billy was no innocent.
935 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2021
2008 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Faith Martin
99 books981 followersFaith Martin is a pen name of English author Jacquie Walton, who is best known for her popular detective series, starring Detective Inspector Hillary Greene.
As Joyce Cato, she writes more classically-inspired 'cosy' murder mysteries, such as the Monica Noble mystery series.
As Maxine Barry, her latest romance novels are now available from Corazon Books.
As Jessie Daniels, her 'spooky' crime novel, The Lavender Lady Casefile came out in November 2017.
As Joyce Cato, she writes more classically-inspired 'cosy' murder mysteries, such as the Monica Noble mystery series.
As Maxine Barry, her latest romance novels are now available from Corazon Books.
As Jessie Daniels, her 'spooky' crime novel, The Lavender Lady Casefile came out in November 2017.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Want to read
February 17, 2021Joffe Books 99
June 2, 2021
This is a great set of books with a believable protagonist in Hillary Greene. I enjoyed the other characters as well. The plots are entertaining, each focusing on a single murder, but with lots of side stories. I'm looking forward to more from this author!
Highly Recommended.
Highly Recommended.
April 7, 2021
An enjoyable read.
A brilliant set of Hilary Greene books. I love the books of Faith Martin they keep you guessing and entertained.
A brilliant set of Hilary Greene books. I love the books of Faith Martin they keep you guessing and entertained.
August 30, 2023
I enjoy reading Faith Martin's books and I recently received (and enjoyed) the latest Hillary Greene book so I thought I would start from the beginning and see where it all began.
Murder on the Oxford Canal - 4 stars
DI Hillary Greene is a widow. Her estranged, now dead, husband who was also a police officer has been found guilty of various crimes. Internal Affairs are convinced that she was part of the con and are investigating her. Meanwhile, a body has been found in the Oxford Canal. Initially everyone assumes it is someone who fell off a narrowboat, or slipped into the canal whilst intoxicated. But it turns out to be far more sinister.
Coping with junior officers, one of whom might have a crush on Hillary, misogynist sergeants, DCIs trying to wrestle the case from her, Hillary really has her work cut out for her. Oh, and her husband was being awkward about the divorce so she's living on an uncle's narrowboat and hating every second.
A good solid start to what turned out to be a lengthy series. My only gripe is that every other character seems to fancy Hillary.
Murder at the University - 4 stars
Hillary and her team are called out when a young French scholarship student is found dead in her rooms at a minor Oxford college. Initially the team suspect a drug overdose, but there is only one injection mark and the victim was vehemently anti-drugs. And how does the daughter of a provincial pharmacist on a scholarship afford her designer clothes and handbags?
As Hillary and her team uncover the truth it seems the victim had a very lucrative side-line - but did that lead to her death?
Another clever detective story.
Murder of the Bride - 3 1/2 stars
Hillary and her team are called to a cow barn where they find a woman, in a bride's dress, strangled. The woman, a local hairdresser, was a guest at a twenty-fifth wedding anniversary party hosted by a local landowner.
It turns out that the victim, a beautiful young woman, was very forthright in her views and the wedding dress was a big hint to her boyfriend that she wanted a proposal. However, the boyfriend's father, the owner of a large upmarket hotel, was opposed to the marriage thinking she wasn't good enough.
What I like about these books is that they aren't predictable. The murderer turned out to be someone I hadn't suspected but it all pulled together nicely.
Reading these books one after the other, I am getting a bit tired of the same things either being explained or just plain stated over and over eg Janine's irritation that Hillary telling her things that she already knows, or Hillary's name for her car. Also, Janine is the femme fatale but there are three people with the hots for Hillary and they seem to be in a holding pattern or at least moving at a glacial pace. Ditto Hillary's decision about what to do with her dead husband's ill-gotten gains.
Murder in the Village 3 1/2 stars
An aspiring local MP is found by his campaign secretary clubbed to death in his own kitchen. Hillary and her team check the usual suspects, the wife, the mistress and her husband, the political rivals, no-one has a watertight alibi but no-one seems to have a motive either.
A new Superintendent arrives from London, Mel's relationship with Janine has meant the top brass think he's unsuitable for promotion, something that has Mel rethinking his relationship with the DS.
Then, on what should have been a night of unqualified success when the team catch Luke Fletcher receiving a large shipment of drugs, Hillary gets injured.
Finally, the ongoing story with Hillary's husband's ill-gotten gains is resolved ... or is it?
Murder in the Family - 4 stars
When a fifteen year old boy is found in his father's allotment shed with a pair of garden shears sticking out of his chest DI Hillary Greene is called to investigate. She finds that young Billy Davies was a bit of a bully, not above extorting money from other children and seemed to have a lot of expensive 'toys' for a boy whose parents had saved all year to buy him a camera for Christmas.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Murder on the Oxford Canal - 4 stars
DI Hillary Greene is a widow. Her estranged, now dead, husband who was also a police officer has been found guilty of various crimes. Internal Affairs are convinced that she was part of the con and are investigating her. Meanwhile, a body has been found in the Oxford Canal. Initially everyone assumes it is someone who fell off a narrowboat, or slipped into the canal whilst intoxicated. But it turns out to be far more sinister.
Coping with junior officers, one of whom might have a crush on Hillary, misogynist sergeants, DCIs trying to wrestle the case from her, Hillary really has her work cut out for her. Oh, and her husband was being awkward about the divorce so she's living on an uncle's narrowboat and hating every second.
A good solid start to what turned out to be a lengthy series. My only gripe is that every other character seems to fancy Hillary.
Murder at the University - 4 stars
Hillary and her team are called out when a young French scholarship student is found dead in her rooms at a minor Oxford college. Initially the team suspect a drug overdose, but there is only one injection mark and the victim was vehemently anti-drugs. And how does the daughter of a provincial pharmacist on a scholarship afford her designer clothes and handbags?
As Hillary and her team uncover the truth it seems the victim had a very lucrative side-line - but did that lead to her death?
Another clever detective story.
Murder of the Bride - 3 1/2 stars
Hillary and her team are called to a cow barn where they find a woman, in a bride's dress, strangled. The woman, a local hairdresser, was a guest at a twenty-fifth wedding anniversary party hosted by a local landowner.
It turns out that the victim, a beautiful young woman, was very forthright in her views and the wedding dress was a big hint to her boyfriend that she wanted a proposal. However, the boyfriend's father, the owner of a large upmarket hotel, was opposed to the marriage thinking she wasn't good enough.
What I like about these books is that they aren't predictable. The murderer turned out to be someone I hadn't suspected but it all pulled together nicely.
Reading these books one after the other, I am getting a bit tired of the same things either being explained or just plain stated over and over eg Janine's irritation that Hillary telling her things that she already knows, or Hillary's name for her car. Also, Janine is the femme fatale but there are three people with the hots for Hillary and they seem to be in a holding pattern or at least moving at a glacial pace. Ditto Hillary's decision about what to do with her dead husband's ill-gotten gains.
Murder in the Village 3 1/2 stars
An aspiring local MP is found by his campaign secretary clubbed to death in his own kitchen. Hillary and her team check the usual suspects, the wife, the mistress and her husband, the political rivals, no-one has a watertight alibi but no-one seems to have a motive either.
A new Superintendent arrives from London, Mel's relationship with Janine has meant the top brass think he's unsuitable for promotion, something that has Mel rethinking his relationship with the DS.
Then, on what should have been a night of unqualified success when the team catch Luke Fletcher receiving a large shipment of drugs, Hillary gets injured.
Finally, the ongoing story with Hillary's husband's ill-gotten gains is resolved ... or is it?
Murder in the Family - 4 stars
When a fifteen year old boy is found in his father's allotment shed with a pair of garden shears sticking out of his chest DI Hillary Greene is called to investigate. She finds that young Billy Davies was a bit of a bully, not above extorting money from other children and seemed to have a lot of expensive 'toys' for a boy whose parents had saved all year to buy him a camera for Christmas.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
August 25, 2022
Well done Faith, thoroughly enjoyable reads. Beauty of a box set is that if you can't wait for the next book, voila, you have it, If you didn't, just ditch it, (and usually the box set is at a bargain price so it's not money down the drain). DI Greene is a bit of a superstar, very thorough in her work which culminates in the perpetrator being sussed, usually out of the blue. She has an unusual team with two DS's, one a drunk and the other a 'looker' with ambition and a novice DC whio is very willing to learn, (and in 'love' with Hillary). The cases are set in and around Oxford and are great reads, plots that are very carefully put together with the usual blind alley's to keep you interested. Recommended.
May 27, 2023
Not a new to me author, but a new to me character and I'm glad these bubbled to the top on my kindle. It's one of the few multi book purchases I've binge read lately and not regretted it.
Like everything about it - the writing, the plotting, the pacing, the character development, the mysteries, the interoffice politics, the relationships between the characters … And somehow in a Covid-induced haze I ended up buying the next five books in the series when I finished this compilation. It was a surprise when I looked at my Kindle the other day, but I'm OK with it, I would have done so high fever or no. Hillary Greene is someone I want to follow.
Like everything about it - the writing, the plotting, the pacing, the character development, the mysteries, the interoffice politics, the relationships between the characters … And somehow in a Covid-induced haze I ended up buying the next five books in the series when I finished this compilation. It was a surprise when I looked at my Kindle the other day, but I'm OK with it, I would have done so high fever or no. Hillary Greene is someone I want to follow.
December 17, 2023
Good mysteries with realistic characters and relationships
I bought the first five books in this series and loved every minute of reading them. Hillary is smart, practical and a very interesting character. I was pleased that none of Hillary's team took any stupid investigating risks, resulting in attacks or being held hostage, which is a common dramatic ploy in other series. As a reader, I find that unrealistic and a turn off to the story line. Faith Martin creates more than enough mystery and drama while keeping her characters professional. Highly recommend this series.
I bought the first five books in this series and loved every minute of reading them. Hillary is smart, practical and a very interesting character. I was pleased that none of Hillary's team took any stupid investigating risks, resulting in attacks or being held hostage, which is a common dramatic ploy in other series. As a reader, I find that unrealistic and a turn off to the story line. Faith Martin creates more than enough mystery and drama while keeping her characters professional. Highly recommend this series.
Read
May 13, 2021Great Box Set
It's a!ways nice to see the good guys win, especially when it's a good girl! DCI Green has had more than her share of problems and people wanting to undo her. She's way too smart to be undone by rivals, especially inexperienced ones. These books are very well written with forward motion start to finish. Great, well developed characters. The twists and turns are cleverly constructed keeping the reader engaged to the end.
It's a!ways nice to see the good guys win, especially when it's a good girl! DCI Green has had more than her share of problems and people wanting to undo her. She's way too smart to be undone by rivals, especially inexperienced ones. These books are very well written with forward motion start to finish. Great, well developed characters. The twists and turns are cleverly constructed keeping the reader engaged to the end.
May 7, 2022
regarding Jenny Deavers boss
You mentioned twice that her boss was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and that Jenny thought she wouldn’t get the promotion she wanted if her boss found out she was a lesbian. It’s true that the Bible is clear that Jehovah God condemns homosexuality; however the judgment belongs to God and His son Jesus. If Jenny was the best person for the job she would get it. I found Hillary’s detective skills fascinating and the plots and characters well developed.
You mentioned twice that her boss was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and that Jenny thought she wouldn’t get the promotion she wanted if her boss found out she was a lesbian. It’s true that the Bible is clear that Jehovah God condemns homosexuality; however the judgment belongs to God and His son Jesus. If Jenny was the best person for the job she would get it. I found Hillary’s detective skills fascinating and the plots and characters well developed.
May 11, 2025
This Box Set of Mysteries Is a Real Bargain!
Books 1-5 introduce Detective Hillary Greene who leads a team of four police officers in the investigation of murders. She has real talent in deciphering clues and following up on leads with their help. This box set chronicles five murders that she solves unraveling the unusual circumstances of each. This set is a great way to get to know her and become a fan of her work.
Books 1-5 introduce Detective Hillary Greene who leads a team of four police officers in the investigation of murders. She has real talent in deciphering clues and following up on leads with their help. This box set chronicles five murders that she solves unraveling the unusual circumstances of each. This set is a great way to get to know her and become a fan of her work.
August 3, 2025
absolutely first rate
Faith Martin’s complex, compelling and smart characters keep you involved from page 1. And the plots are sharp, neatly solved and in these first five novels always surprise. I can’t believe, as an avid reader of British police procedurals, that I’m just getting round to these books, but I’m delighted I have 16 more ahead of me. My only complaint is the ex-husbands loot thread, dropped or? I trust her to settle it clearly.
Faith Martin’s complex, compelling and smart characters keep you involved from page 1. And the plots are sharp, neatly solved and in these first five novels always surprise. I can’t believe, as an avid reader of British police procedurals, that I’m just getting round to these books, but I’m delighted I have 16 more ahead of me. My only complaint is the ex-husbands loot thread, dropped or? I trust her to settle it clearly.
May 1, 2021
Give good books in one
DO Hillary Green is an unusual copper in more ways than one. A fever educated policewoman is unusual enough but.one who was married to a very bad criminal husband would surely be corrupt? No way. An unusually talented investigator she often got to train the best and worse of the new detectives in Thames Valley.
DO Hillary Green is an unusual copper in more ways than one. A fever educated policewoman is unusual enough but.one who was married to a very bad criminal husband would surely be corrupt? No way. An unusually talented investigator she often got to train the best and worse of the new detectives in Thames Valley.
Read
September 3, 2021Excellent crime series
Well-written British crime series with a good, strong female character as the main character - a great mix of mystery and murder and police procedural stories. Hillary is the down-to-earth heroine everyone wants to succeed. Her coworkers are likeable, too, and the stories flow quickly. All enjoyable and can't wait to start on book number six.
Well-written British crime series with a good, strong female character as the main character - a great mix of mystery and murder and police procedural stories. Hillary is the down-to-earth heroine everyone wants to succeed. Her coworkers are likeable, too, and the stories flow quickly. All enjoyable and can't wait to start on book number six.
December 6, 2021
These 1-5 were excellent books.
Faith Martin really knows how to write mystery. From page one she had me hooked. Hillary Green is just about the best character I've read. You get to really know and understand her. I just hope Faith keeps Hillary going for a long time.
This is one of those series that any mystery reader would love.
Faith Martin really knows how to write mystery. From page one she had me hooked. Hillary Green is just about the best character I've read. You get to really know and understand her. I just hope Faith keeps Hillary going for a long time.
This is one of those series that any mystery reader would love.
January 13, 2022
Faith Martin‘s usual very high standard
Faith brings every character to life, warts and all. The feeling of suspense grows with the stack of pages already read. Very hard to leave the book alone, especially towards its climax. Most enjoyable read and a total surprise at the conclusion. Very, very, highly recommended
Faith brings every character to life, warts and all. The feeling of suspense grows with the stack of pages already read. Very hard to leave the book alone, especially towards its climax. Most enjoyable read and a total surprise at the conclusion. Very, very, highly recommended
April 21, 2022
really good series
I have really enjoyed reading these 5 books in the series. I love the way the people interact with one another and the story line are interesting. A real page turner, I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
The only disappointment I had was the losing of the offshore money to a person that was a murderer. And in a way that was slightly unbelievable.
I have really enjoyed reading these 5 books in the series. I love the way the people interact with one another and the story line are interesting. A real page turner, I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
The only disappointment I had was the losing of the offshore money to a person that was a murderer. And in a way that was slightly unbelievable.
December 19, 2022
Outstanding in every way but one
Great mysteries with excellent characters. Plot twists are believable as well as unexpected. A large flaw - everybody is crazy ambitious, and seems to think sleeping with a subordinate is just fine, and sleeping with the boss is a grand way to get ahead.
Great mysteries with excellent characters. Plot twists are believable as well as unexpected. A large flaw - everybody is crazy ambitious, and seems to think sleeping with a subordinate is just fine, and sleeping with the boss is a grand way to get ahead.
January 31, 2023
Great, gripping reading
This book really holds one's attention, as do the previous four books. I do wish the author would get people's names in the right places, instead of 'he' or ' she' when referring to someone who is not the last name to be mentioned. Also 'a row of .....' is not a plural using 'were' but singular and the verb should be 'was'. Quite irritating.
This book really holds one's attention, as do the previous four books. I do wish the author would get people's names in the right places, instead of 'he' or ' she' when referring to someone who is not the last name to be mentioned. Also 'a row of .....' is not a plural using 'were' but singular and the verb should be 'was'. Quite irritating.
August 11, 2024
Throughly enjoyable reading
Books 1 to 5
The first five of 21 books in this series they have been a pleasure to read.
So much so I have purchased them all.
The storyline weaving between the plot in each book makes everything more interesting as each character evolves.
Each book has a crime that keeps you guessing right up to the final chapter.
I cannot wait to read the remaining 16 book.
If you like this genre of British police detective inspectors with good DS sidekicks, then this is a must read
Books 1 to 5
The first five of 21 books in this series they have been a pleasure to read.
So much so I have purchased them all.
The storyline weaving between the plot in each book makes everything more interesting as each character evolves.
Each book has a crime that keeps you guessing right up to the final chapter.
I cannot wait to read the remaining 16 book.
If you like this genre of British police detective inspectors with good DS sidekicks, then this is a must read
February 18, 2021
Easy to read book, harder to work out who done it.
Characters well described together with brief history of their past. Good crime novel with touch of romance and Gore. Good start to hopefully good series.
Characters well described together with brief history of their past. Good crime novel with touch of romance and Gore. Good start to hopefully good series.
March 9, 2021
Brilliant series of detective novels, totally recommend
Thoroughly enjoyed this group of books. A few complicate s deaths, murdres, nice little twists. Genuine 'who dunnuts' you won't be disappointed
Thoroughly enjoyed this group of books. A few complicate s deaths, murdres, nice little twists. Genuine 'who dunnuts' you won't be disappointed
April 16, 2021
I really do like Faith Martin's literary style.
The Hillary Greene books are very enjoyable: I just finished a Kindle "boxed set" of five first books. It's a great way to get to know the protagonists better.
The Hillary Greene books are very enjoyable: I just finished a Kindle "boxed set" of five first books. It's a great way to get to know the protagonists better.
April 23, 2021
Avid reader
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading all these books,getting to know Hillary Greene, Faith Martin is a very good murder mystery write keeps you guessing all the time.
Sometimes I find the books a bit too descriptive and long winded, that may ha e to do with my impatience!
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading all these books,getting to know Hillary Greene, Faith Martin is a very good murder mystery write keeps you guessing all the time.
Sometimes I find the books a bit too descriptive and long winded, that may ha e to do with my impatience!
May 8, 2021
Detective Greene
She's done it again Faith Martin is rapidly becoming one of my favourite authors she never fails to please plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing descriptive writing which makes the reader feel that they are right there with the team until next time
She's done it again Faith Martin is rapidly becoming one of my favourite authors she never fails to please plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing descriptive writing which makes the reader feel that they are right there with the team until next time
May 10, 2021
Rubbish
If you enjoy to!ance mills and boon this is for you.
Pages of descriptions of flowers,clothes, plants perfumes , suicides with descriptions of the flowers strewn around enjoy
If you enjoy to!ance mills and boon this is for you.
Pages of descriptions of flowers,clothes, plants perfumes , suicides with descriptions of the flowers strewn around enjoy
May 17, 2021
Does what it says on the cover
Crime stories that really grip hold & make it difficult to put the book down. The love interest plot lines with the main character however are so slow that I can’t decide if it’s a good thing or a bit unbelievable.
Crime stories that really grip hold & make it difficult to put the book down. The love interest plot lines with the main character however are so slow that I can’t decide if it’s a good thing or a bit unbelievable.
June 12, 2021
Hillary is awesome!
Although it is a challenge to convert the British terms to what I am used to I really enjoy these books and characters. Once in a while I can even figure out who committed the crime but the WHY is another story. I will definitely continue to read this series.
Although it is a challenge to convert the British terms to what I am used to I really enjoy these books and characters. Once in a while I can even figure out who committed the crime but the WHY is another story. I will definitely continue to read this series.
July 8, 2021
Great books
Love Hillary Greene books I have read the first 5 now. They make you want to keep reading to find out who did it and it is always a surprise when you finfd out. Great books.
Love Hillary Greene books I have read the first 5 now. They make you want to keep reading to find out who did it and it is always a surprise when you finfd out. Great books.
July 18, 2021
Superb series.
Thoroughly enjoying this series. Gritty real and hugely enjoyable. Throughout you are woven into the various lead characters .. I have just read books 1-5 straight off. Can’t wait to continue until they’re all done!
Thoroughly enjoying this series. Gritty real and hugely enjoyable. Throughout you are woven into the various lead characters .. I have just read books 1-5 straight off. Can’t wait to continue until they’re all done!
October 6, 2021
Murder
Faith Martin is a good writer. Makes her characters come to life. Hillary !Lakes a totally believable detective. You want to keep reading. Hope Faith keeps writing her character. Read!!l
Faith Martin is a good writer. Makes her characters come to life. Hillary !Lakes a totally believable detective. You want to keep reading. Hope Faith keeps writing her character. Read!!l
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews