Le Secret de Briar's Hall (Une enquête de Loveday & Ryder)

Ryder & Loveday Mystery #4

by Faith Martin

Que peut bien cacher le manoir de la famille de Lacey ?

Oxford, Pâques 1961. La journée s’annonce festive, une immense chasse aux œufs est organisée au manoir de Briar’s Hall pour les enfants du village. Néanmoins, l’événement tourne au drame quand Eddie, onze ans, disparaît. Son corps sera retrouvé peu de temps après au fond d’un puits.
Si les investigations du coroner concluent à un accident tragique, le Dr Clement Ryder, médecin légiste, a des doutes. Lorsque Martin de Lacey, propriétaire de la demeure, et le père de la victime lui demandent de reprendre l’enquête, Clement obtient de la police locale que sa partenaire Trudy Loveday soit affectée à l’affaire.
Domestiques, jardiniers, visiteurs et habitants : c’est tout le petit monde de Briar’s Hall et de la famille de Lacey qu’il leur faudra étudier de près…
Traduit de l'anglais (Royaume-Uni) par Hanna Chabchoub et Alexandra Herscovici-Schiller.
 
À propos de l’autrice
Faith Martin , également connue sous son véritable nom, Jacquie Walton, est l’autrice de nombreux romans policiers à succès. Née à Oxford et amoureuse de la campagne anglaise, elle situe nombre de ses romans dans le cadre bucolique de la région oxonienne.

« Une série vraiment bien troussée et agréable. » Les pipelettes en parlent

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Crime, Cozy Mystery, British Literature, Historical Mystery

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 6, 2019

About the author

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

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

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

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

Reviews

[Gail C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A FATAL SECRET by Faith Martin is the fourth in the Ryan and Loveday police procedural. This series features an unlikely pairing between women’s probationary constable Trudy Loveday, a young 19 year old from a working class family and Dr. Clement Ryder, a retired surgeon who now works as a coroner for the Oxford police. The series is set in the ‘60’s, and gives a fascinating look into the place of women in the police force at that time as well as a social system that still put more emphasis on a young woman marrying rather than having a career.

As a woman in the police service, Trudy encounters a great deal of resistance from her superior officer who questions the place of women in the police force. Since he can’t refuse to have her in the precinct his solution is to assign Trudy to more menial tasks such as filing and logging personal items for people being booked into jail. Dr. Ryder, on the other hand, sees Trudy as an asset and someone with a sharp mind to be nurtured and grown.

Dr. Ryder is called in to investigate when a member of the local landed gentry is unsatisfied with the conclusion brought by an inquest in the death of a child on his estate. Because there is still significant political weight afforded the gentry, his request is given the green light and Dr. Ryder is assigned the investigative duties. Because of his high regard for Trudy, he immediately requests her assistance and because he also has considerable weight within the police service, his request is granted.

As WPC Loveday and Dr. Ryder begin to explore the child’s death, they become convinced he was murdered and it was made to look like an accident. There are numerous twists and turns as they question people attached to the estate, many of whom have secrets they wish to keep. Not all of these secrets refer to the child’s death and it becomes Ryder and Loveday’s job to separate out what’s relevant.

In addition, there is an ongoing storyline of Dr. Ryder’s self diagnosed Parkinson’s Disease. He has noticed signs such as tremors and unsteady gait and is trying to hide this information for fear it will mean he is judged medically unfit for his position as coroner which requires he be able to pass a police physical. Trudy has noticed some of his problems and has her suspicions, but is reluctant to ask for fear of the answer.

As expected, Ryder and Loveday solve the murder and identify the murderer but not before experiencing some trauma themselves. Trudy is in a quandary because she is nearing the end of her probationary period, her parents are pressing her to leave the dangerous field of police work, and the solution of this murder pressed her into actions she had never fully considered when joining the force. Her choices, as well as Dr. Ryder’s fate, are left for future books.

Because the relationship between Dr. Ryder and WPC Loveday is central to this series and develops with each book, the series is probably best enjoyed being read in order. The mysteries themselves are stand alone, so that is not necessary for the enjoyment of solving the puzzle of “who done it”. My thanks to HQ Digital Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Alan Cotterell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

 
This is the fourth in the Ryan and Loveday series, which centres around the unusual pairing of women’s probationary constable Trudy Loveday, from a working-class family and Dr. Clement Ryder, a retired surgeon who now works as a coroner. It is set in the ‘60’s, and gives an insight into the place of women in society and the police force, at that time. It is refreshing to read a police procedural with no slashing, blood and guts or profanity investigated without mobile communication, databases and the internet. Relying more on sifting through police records and research at the local library. Cycling around the villages as there were very few cars.

Over the series the bond between Trudy and Clement is growing stronger. He doesn't treat her as a woman who should be pursuing a husband, not a career, and he respects her opinions. Whereas this book could be read as a standalone, I suggest that they are read in order, so you get the benefit of the excellent character development between these 2 as well as the progression of Dr Clements Parkinson’s Disease.


Trudy has her own personal dilemmas, as she is getting closer to the end of her probationary period. And her parents, while pleased with her achievements are trying to persuade her to leave the dangerous field of police work, and settle down with a nice man, preferably one of the neighbour’s boys.

Personally, this was the best of the series so far, all excellent with a slight dip with the third book.  With this book, I was hooked from page one. It is very well written, and I look forward to the fifth book.

[Alan Cotterell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

This is the fourth in the Ryan and Loveday series, which centres around the unusual pairing of women’s probationary constable Trudy Loveday, from a working-class family and Dr. Clement Ryder, a retired surgeon who now works as a coroner. It is set in the ‘60’s, and gives an insight into the place of women in society and the police force, at that time. It is refreshing to read a police procedural with no slashing, blood and guts or profanity investigated without mobile communication, databases and the internet. Relying more on sifting through police records and research at the local library. Cycling around the villages as there were very few cars.

Over the series the bond between Trudy and Clement is growing stronger. He doesn't treat her as a woman who should be pursuing a husband, not a career, and he respects her opinions. Whereas this book could be read as a standalone, I suggest that they are read in order, so you get the benefit of the excellent character development between these 2 as well as the progression of Dr Clements Parkinson’s Disease.

Trudy has her own personal dilemmas, as she is getting closer to the end of her probationary period. And her parents, while pleased with her achievements are trying to persuade her to leave the dangerous field of police work, and settle down with a nice man, preferably one of the neighbour’s boys.

Personally, this was the best of the series so far, all excellent with a slight dip with the third book. With this book, I was hooked from page one. It is very well written, and I look forward to the fifth book.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read in this series, and it has confirmed 2 things: I like Dr. Ryder, but I do not like Trudy Loveday. She is naive and less-than-intelligent about certain things. Having Dr. Ryder as her mentor may not be the best thing for her as she relies on him too much to explain what she should already know. I'm also not too crazy about the heavy-handed efforts to make her a heroine. I suspect this will be my last foray into this series.

[Diane Challenor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the Ryder and Loveday series

I’ve given this series five stars because I love it. I’ve read four books of the series so far, one after the other; I’m just about to start book five. Faith Martin is a master storyteller. Set in the 1960s in the surrounds of Oxford, with two very likeable sleuths, a WPC and a Coroner, it’s a recipe for a clever comfort read with intriguing insights, twists, and turns; one of the best. Additionally the audio narrator, Stephane Racine, reads it perfectly.

[Christa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find the concept of the Ryder & Loveday Mystery Series to be very original, and I enjoyed this 4th book as much as the previous ones. What sets this series apart is that it takes place in the early 1960's in Great Britain and features a former surgeon. Clement Ryder, who is in the early stages of Parkinson's Disease. He doesn't want anyone to know that he suffers from this, but knows he has to change careers, so becomes a Coroner. He meets nineteen year old Probationary Woman Police Constable Trudy Lovejoy, and soon begins to send requests to her obnoxious supervisor for her assistance in resolving some cases. Coroner Ryder teaches her quite a bit, and is about the only person she comes across who respects her career choice and her ability. The two make a very unlikely, yet brilliant, team.

In this latest installment, a young boy is found dead at the bottom of the well, and the coroner soon determines that it was no accident. Once again, he requests approval for Trudy's assistance. She is thrilled to get out of her regular, boring tasks and spend some time again with Clement Ryder on an actual investigation. The two have challenges ahead in solving this one.

Fans of British mysteries should enjoy this book, as well as the earlier ones in the series. If you are already a fan of this series, you will want to read this one.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pleasant enough but I want more than pleasant in a book where there is a murder. It is set in the 1960s which I remember well but sometimes it seems to be earlier. I won't be rushing to read the next book in the series.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ Digital for an advance copy of A Fatal Secret, the fourth novel set in early 1960s Oxford to feature WPC Trudy Loveday and coroner Dr Clement Ryder.

When 11 year old Eddie Proctor is found at the bottom of a Well with a broken neck Coroner Dr Clement Ryder has no option but to declare his death an accident, until the well’s owner, local squire Martin de Lacey, asks Ryder to take a closer look.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Fatal Secret which has a good mystery at its heart, well drawn characters and a good insight into the preoccupations of the era. The novel is told from various points of view but doesn’t seem choppy as is often the case, rather it gives the reader a wider view of events and as it concentrates mostly on Ryder and Loveday a better understanding of their characters. The mystery of the who and why is kept well hidden, even from our plucky protagonists, so it makes for an absorbing read. The tone is light and fairly cozy but it doesn’t shy away from some of the more sordid aspects of the Cold War that was a high priority at the time. (I can’t say more than that without spoilers). It is well done, covering all the salient points without labouring them or passing judgement. It is amusing to modern readers but no laughing matter at the time.

Loveday and Ryder are great characters whom I’m really coming to love as the series progresses. Ryder is smart, educated and worldly wise but hiding a life changing illness. Trudy Loveday is the star. As a probationary Woman Police Officer she has no status in the force but her association with Ryder gives her self esteem. What I really like about her portrayal is the way the mores of the time are reflected in her character. Her mum and dad want her to get married and give up her job which was the norm at the time but she’s ambitious and determined to get on - I’d love to read about her ten or twenty years down the line to see if she succeeded. The highlight of the novel for her parents is the chance to rent their first television! It’s a different, more naïve world.

A Fatal Secret is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Renske · Rating 3 out of 5]

It felt like this book suffered from second book syndrome, even if it's the 4th in the series. This one was my least favourite so far. I had hoped Trudy had learned more about the world by now, but she's still naive, and it's a lot more obvious in this one. I still love Dr. Ryder he is such a good man and a good mentor to Trudy. I'm still going to finish the series even though this one wasn't my favourite

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fatal Secret by Faith Martin is another gripping historical crime novel. It is the fourth book in the Ryder And Loveday Mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone.
I enjoyed returning to Oxford in 1961, being reunited with the crime busting duo of probationer WPC Loveday and aging coroner Dr Ryder. They are an engaging couple with her copper’s nose and his education. A perfect blend of youth and experience. Whenever the police shelve a case, Ryder and Loveday spring into action.
A terrible crime? Or an unfortunate accident? The reader tries, alongside Ryder and Loveday, to piece together the clues, as the locals seem tight lipped. Some seem burdened with a terrible secret. Relationships are strained as lives are exposed and the questions mount up.
I love these Ryder and Loveday mysteries, it is a nostalgic step back in time that is juxtaposed with what seem to us, outdated views on life. Women are seen as weak and inferior to men, good for marriage and childbearing but not for ‘real’ work. Even within the police force, women are good for making tea, filing paperwork and handing out tissues. The young, forward thinking Loveday is a breath of fresh air and perfectly paired with the crusty old coroner who sees her for what she is – a competent young woman. Together they solve the crimes of Oxford.
For me, this series is reminiscent of a blend of the television series Inspector George Gently and Inspector Morse. I think Ryder and Loveday would make a fabulous television series – any producers out there please take note. I would cast Martin Shaw as Ryder and Joanne Frogatt as Loveday. Anyone want to make my dream come true?
These Ryder and Loveday books are crime busting nostalgia at its very best. I love all the books.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second Ryder and Loveday historical crime mystery I've read. Although the mysteries are standalone, the relationship between the two unusual detectives develops with each book. So, if you get the opportunity, start with book one.

Clement Ryder, former surgeon, now coroner, and Trudy Loveday, a probationary policewoman in the Oxford constabulary, in the early 1960s investigate cases referred to Ryder by various powerful sources. After their first meeting, Ryder sees the intelligence and potential detecting skill in Loveday, and always requests her assistance, despite the resistance of her misogynous bosses in the police force.

Loveday, is ambitious, intuitive and hard-working, the perfect police officer, yet in the 1960's she is thwarted every time she seeks practical experience in police work, by jealous and bigoted colleagues and bosses. Their attitude to a working woman reflects the societal view of women in the workplace, and society. The idea of the 1950's woman as a homemaker was challenged in the 1960s by women like Loveday and forward-thinking intelligent men like Ryder. The book showcases 1960s' society and attitude well. I was a child in the 1960s, and recognise many of the attitudes and societal norms portrayed in this series, which is well- researched.

The plot is in the murder mystery style, nothing too graphic, although serious crime and issues are explored throughout the investigation. There are many suspects and numerous clues, many of which lead nowhere. The pacing is good, even though you follow Ryder and Loveday's investigative pace. This is detective work in the 1960s, so forensics and technological help are minimal. Deduction and observation are key skills used here, and it makes interesting reading.

Perfect if you're a fan of 'Inspector Gently', 'Morse' and 'Prime Suspect. This series explores policing in the 1960s, with a unique partnership, astute observations of 1960's society, and a well-plotted murder mystery.

I received a copy of this book from HQ Digital UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Melliane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mon avis en Français

My English review

J’avais beaucoup apprécier les trois premiers tomes et j’étais impatiente de découvrir la suite des aventures de Clement et Trudy.

Le corps d’un enfant a été découvert dans un puits, mort après une chasse aux œufs de Pâques. Mais voilà, si ce décès est considéré comme accidentel, le propriétaire du manoir se présente au docteur Clement Ryder pour lui demander de rouvrir l’enquête, car il est persuadé que le petit a été assassiné.

Trudy et Clement vont refaire équipe pour découvrir ce qui a bien pu se passer. Dans un petit village, tout le monde cache des secrets et comprendre la vérité ne sera pas facile. Le danger se rapproche et peut-être que Trudy n’en réchappera pas aussi facilement cette fois-ci.

C’était une bonne suite et j’étais ravie de retrouver les personnages. L’histoire est prenante et je ne m’attendais pas du tout à cette fin. Les histoires annexes de Trudy et de Clement sont aussi intéressantes et je suis curieuse de voir comment ça va évoluer.

Une très bonne suite, comme à chaque fois !

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed some of this author’s DI Hillary Green novels. This is the fourth in the Ryder/Loveday series, although it works well as a standalone. I like the books that have been published under the author’s pen name, Faith Martin. They have solid stories; more substantial than “cosy” mysteries yet still pleasant reads.

This one takes place in 1960, back to a time before cell phones and internet; it seems an appropriate setting for an English country mystery and a young woman trying to be accepted as a serious police officer.

[Gary Van Cott · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I don't think this book was quite as good as the previous books in this series.

[Herb Evans · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you manage to climb out of the well of this plot, you have my admiration. Trudy Trudy Trudy

[Renee(Reneesramblings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Ryder and Loveday series. I didn't think that Faith Martin could introduce new stories and characters that would help me get over her ending the DI Hillary Greene series, but Loveday is starting to grow on me. Dr. Clement Ryder is a coroner dealing with some potentially severe health issues. Trudy Loveday is a probationary WPC and the only female officer in the police department.
The bond between Trudy and Clement is particularly strong and noteworthy; he doesn't treat her like a woman who should be pursuing a husband, not a career, and he respects her opinions. Trudy gets very little support or credit from her coworkers and superiors, so the fact that he is mentoring her is a welcome change. It is the growing relationship between these two that appeals to me the most in this series.
In A Fatal Secret, a young boy, Eddie, is found at the bottom of a well, and what initially appears to be a tragic accident, may well be murder. Once again, I found myself following the clues as I tried to stay one step ahead of Loveday and Ryder and beat the author reveal of whodunnit and why. It wasn't a furious page flipper for me, but I did enjoy the story and it was a pleasant read at the beach. ( I didn't figure it out BTW!)
I received a DRC from HQ Digital through NetGalley.

[Javier · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a young boy goes missing during an Easter hunt and his body is later found at the bottom of a well, Coroner Clement Ryder and Probationary WPC Trudy Loveday team up once again to try to find the truth. Was it a tragic accident or was it murder?

In this 4th installment in the Ryder & Loveday series we get to know a little bit more about Trudy's private life, her relationship with her parents, what they expect of her, their opinion about her work in the police and her frustation about being "practically nothing more than a glorified clerk". The author does a good job portraying the role of women at the time, what was expected of them at home and at work, and Trudy's rebellion against that.

What I particularly like about this series is the relationship between Ryder and Loveday, because he never treats her as his superior, but as an equal, seeing her, in spite of her youth, as a woman able to do anything she sets her mind on.

As Trudy herself did, I found the ending a little bit unsatisfying as, in her own words, "the answer had just been thrust upon them"

Thanks to Netgalley and HQ Digital for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4 book in the Ryder and Loveday series and once again it did not disappoint.

Its Easter and the village children have been invited to an Easter Egg hunt to be held in the grounds of Briars Hall.
A young village boy Eddie Proctor, special friend of the owners daughter, goes missing.
Poor Eddies body is discovered at the bottom of a disused well.
Dr Clement Ryder presided over the inquest and although it appears to have been a tragic accident when the squire and owner of Briars Hall asks him as a favour to himself and the childs father to investigate further the circumstances that led to Eddies death he naturally calls for Wpc Trudy Loveday to assist him.
Throughout the course of their investigations it seems there are lots of people with secrets they`d rather keep hidden.
As Ryder and Loveday sift through all the clues and secrets to discover the truth they unearth a lot more than they could have imagined.
This is a well written plot, plenty clues for the reader to follow and of course the developing relationship between the two main characters.
A real feel of nostalgia about the team of Ryder and Loveday and their crime solving partnership.
An excellent read that left me looking forward to the next in the series.
Many thanks to Netgalley and HQ Digital for the chance to read this as an ARC.

[Chautona Havig · Rating 5 out of 5]

All in all, a great mystery with intriguing characters. I loved seeing character growth and the story arc continuing. I even think the constant overuse of adverbs dwindled some nearer the end, which made for a more interesting read.

Eager to read (or listen to) the next. All in all, this might be the best actual mystery of the series, although I did wonder if Trudy and the children were just a tiny bit TOO naive. It all depends, I suppose, on how much one could see and that was deliberately kept ambiguous.

[Alyson Million · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another story with unlikely leading characters which makes it all the more believable, and in my opinion, enjoyable.
I love the way that Loveday stands her ground against her parents wishes for her to be a police officer. The author conveys the sexism that was rife against women in the force and in life in general. I can't wait for the next book - I have to wait for them to come up as free on kindle unlimited!

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much information gathered but what does it point to? As usual Trudy and Clement have several theories some more far fetched than others, then the big guns arrive and they are forced to step back. As they attempt to report back to the person who had involved them in the first place things turn violent and Trudy is left wondering if she has killed a man.

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of the Ryder & Loveday books, but this has been the best so far. There was far more of the partnership between Trudy and Dr Ryder and there was less of Trudy being the station’s dogsbody
If possible I would have given 4.5 stars.

[Swetha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery didn't seem that great and the pacing was weird. I still very much enjoyed our main characters and their own personal dilemmas so it's still a win in my opinion.

[Nancy]

‘Great characters, great plot and a totally dazzling finish… Wonderful.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars
Oxford, 1961

A family day out at Briar’s Hall ends in tragedy when a young boy goes missing – and his body is found at the bottom of a disused well in the orchard.

It looks like a simple case of an eleven-year-old exploring where he shouldn’t: a tragic accident. But Coroner Clement Ryder and Probationary WPC Trudy Loveday aren’t convinced. If Eddie had been climbing and fallen, why were there no cuts or dirt on his hands? Why would a boy terrified of heights be around a well at all?

Clement and Trudy are determined to get to the truth, but the more they dig into Briar’s Hall and the mysterious de Lacey family who live there, the murkier things become.

Could it be that poor Eddie’s death was murder? There are rumours of blackmail in the village, and Clement and Trudy have a horrible feeling that Eddie stumbled on a secret that someone was willing to kill for…

Fans of Betty Rowlands, Agatha Christie and Faith Martin’s DI Hillary Greene series will not want to miss this!

Readers LOVE A Fatal Secret!
‘A brilliant book! This is Faith Martin at her scintillating best!… A cracking good read… Highly recommend this book and I give it a delighted 5 stars!’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars

‘Gripping suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat. I was hooked from page one.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars

‘Great plot, excellent main characters and I read it in one sitting! I would highly recommend this book.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars

‘Gripping… Crime-busting nostalgia at its very best.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars

The Ryder and Loveday Series
Book 1: A FATAL OBSESSION
Book 2: A FATAL MISTAKE
Book 3: A FATAL FLAW
Book 4: A FATAL SECRET

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Published September 6th 2019 by HQ Digital
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SeriesRyder & Loveday Mystery #4
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Gail C.
Aug 05, 2019 Gail C. rated it really liked it
A FATAL SECRET by Faith Martin is the fourth in the Ryan and Loveday police procedural. This series features an unlikely pairing between women’s probationary constable Trudy Loveday, a young 19 year old from a working class family and Dr. Clement Ryder, a retired surgeon who now works as a coroner for the Oxford police. The series is set in the ‘60’s, and gives a fascinating look into the place of women in the police force at that time as well as a social system that still put more emphasis on a ...more
flag16 likes · Like · 4 comments · see review
Alan Cotterell
Sep 04, 2019 Alan Cotterell rated it it was amazing
Shelves: read-2019, arc
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.


This is the fourth in the Ryan and Loveday series, which centres around the unusual pairing of women’s probationary constable Trudy Loveday, from a working-class family and Dr. Clement Ryder, a retired surgeon who now works as a coroner. It is set in the ‘60’s, and gives an insight into the place of women in society and the police force, at that time. It is refreshing to read a police procedura ...more
flag12 likes · Like · comment · see review
Alan Cotterell
Sep 04, 2019 Alan Cotterell rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

This is the fourth in the Ryan and Loveday series, which centres around the unusual pairing of women’s probationary constable Trudy Loveday, from a working-class family and Dr. Clement Ryder, a retired surgeon who now works as a coroner. It is set in the ‘60’s, and gives an insight into the place of women in society and the police force, at that time. It is refreshing to read a police procedural with ...more
flag9 likes · Like · comment · see review
Christa
Aug 26, 2019 Christa rated it really liked it
Shelves: ebook-arc
I find the concept of the Ryder & Loveday Mystery Series to be very original, and I enjoyed this 4th book as much as the previous ones. What sets this series apart is that it takes place in the early 1960's in Great Britain and features a former surgeon. Clement Ryder, who is in the early stages of Parkinson's Disease. He doesn't want anyone to know that he suffers from this, but knows he has to change careers, so becomes a Coroner. He meets nineteen year old Probationary Woman Police Consta ...more
flag4 likes · Like · comment · see review
Elaine Tomasso
Sep 05, 2019 Elaine Tomasso rated it really liked it
I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ Digital for an advance copy of A Fatal Secret, the fourth novel set in early 1960s Oxford to feature WPC Trudy Loveday and coroner Dr Clement Ryder.

When 11 year old Eddie Proctor is found at the bottom of a Well with a broken neck Coroner Dr Clement Ryder has no option but to declare his death an accident, until the well’s owner, local squire Martin de Lacey, asks Ryder to take a closer look.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Fatal Secret which ...more
flag3 likes · Like · comment · see review
Julia
Sep 06, 2019 Julia rated it it was amazing
A Fatal Secret by Faith Martin is another gripping historical crime novel. It is the fourth book in the Ryder And Loveday Mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone.
I enjoyed returning to Oxford in 1961, being reunited with the crime busting duo of probationer WPC Loveday and aging coroner Dr Ryder. They are an engaging couple with her copper’s nose and his education. A perfect blend of youth and experience. Whenever the police shelve a case, Ryder and Loveday spring into action.
...more
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Jane Hunt
Sep 06, 2019 Jane Hunt rated it it was amazing
Shelves: netgalley-read-and-reviewed, sept-19-blog

This is the second Ryder and Loveday historical crime mystery I've read. Although the mysteries are standalone, the relationship between the two unusual detectives develops with each book. So, if you get the opportunity, start with book one.

Clement Ryder, former surgeon, now coroner, and Trudy Loveday, a probationary policewoman in the Oxford constabulary, in the early 1960s investigate cases referred to Ryder by various powerful sources. After their first meeting, Ryder sees the int ...more
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Renee
Aug 08, 2019 Renee rated it really liked it · review of another edition
This is the fourth book in the Ryder and Loveday series. I didn't think that Faith Martin could introduce new stories and characters that would help me get over her ending the DI Hillary Greene series, but Loveday is starting to grow on me. Dr. Clement Ryder is a coroner dealing with some potentially severe health issues. Trudy Loveday is a probationary WPC and the only female officer in the police department.
The bond between Trudy and Clement is particularly strong and noteworthy; he does ...more
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Javier
Aug 19, 2019 Javier rated it really liked it
When a young boy goes missing during an Easter hunt and his body is later found at the bottom of a well, Coroner Clement Ryder and Probationary WPC Trudy Loveday team up once again to try to find the truth. Was it a tragic accident or was it murder?

In this 4th installment in the Ryder & Loveday series we get to know a little bit more about Trudy's private life, her relationship with her parents, what they expect of her, their opinion about her work in the police and her frustatio ...more
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Marion
Aug 25, 2019 Marion rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
This is the 4 book in the Ryder and Loveday series and once again it did not disappoint.

Its Easter and the village children have been invited to an Easter Egg hunt to be held in the grounds of Briars Hall.
A young village boy Eddie Proctor, special friend of the owners daughter, goes missing.
Poor Eddies body is discovered at the bottom of a disused well.
Dr Clement Ryder presided over the inquest and although it appears to have been a tragic accident when the squire and ow ...more
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Erin Britton
Sep 07, 2019 Erin Britton rated it really liked it
A Fatal Secret is the fourth book in Faith Martin’s excellent Ryder and Loveday mystery series (the earlier books being A Fatal Obsession, A Fatal Mistake and A Fatal Flaw). Her detectives are an unusual pair – Trudy Loveday is a young probationary Woman Police Constable (WPC), while Clement Ryder is a retired surgeon turned coroner – who have a charming and undeniably effective working relationship. The series is set during the 1960s, which means that their investigations follow a decidedly dif ...more
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Cozy Cat Reviews
Sep 08, 2019 Cozy Cat Reviews rated it it was amazing
This is the 4th in series . Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher for the opportunity.
I have read the previous in series and enjoyed the entire series. The author has a talent for writing a gripping mystery that holds the reader entranced until the last page. This was my favorite in series and I highly recommend this for your reading enjoyment.

I loved the setting of 1960's Britain and good old fashioned crime solving techniques prior to technology.
The detectives are an unlikely pair – ...more
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Lynda Birch
Aug 11, 2019 Lynda Birch rated it really liked it
Shelves: mystery, cozy-mystery, 2019
The more I read of the Ryder and Loveday series the more I enjoy it. The relationship between the two is one of friends and respected co-worker, each learns from the other. They are intrepid in their search for the truth and persistent and secretive about their personal problems. The search for the murderer of young Eddie Proctor leads them to a family full of secrets and international espionage but remains essentially a story about the fragility of human nature. The class system and sexism are ...more
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Debra Dowling
Sep 06, 2019 Debra Dowling rated it liked it · review of another edition
The story is set in the 60's, and Trudy is paving the way as the only female police officer. She is not usually taken very seriously and is working hard to prove herself.
Dr. Clement is her ally. He is the county coroner, and generally likes to do some investigating when possible.
The two join forces to find out what happened to Eddie, a 10 year old boy found dead at the bottom of a well on Easter Day. The initial findings are that he fell and broke his neck, but the pieces do not all add up. As ...more
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Carol Bisig
Sep 03, 2019 Carol Bisig rated it liked it · review of another edition
This has the potential to be Faith Martin's good new series. Set in the early sixties, it is the story of the first female WPC Trudy Loveday, her mentor, a famous former Surgeon, now the head Coroner for Oxford. The problem is, this has already been done and made famous on the BBC. I liked the Mystery, somewhat. I do not like the killing of children stories, real, or imagined. The story is very well written, good depth to both new characters, her parents seem very credible, in fact, too credible ...more
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Susan
Jul 31, 2019 Susan rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: netgalley
April 1961 and the police are called out to Briar's Hall. An Easter Hunt in the grounds for the local children has resulted in one boy - Eddie Proctor - gone missing. Unfortunately his body is discovered. His father unhappy with the Coroner's verdict asks the Squire to intervene, resulting in Dr Clement Ryder and probationary WPC Trudy Loveday investigating. What secrets with they uncover, but what about the personal lives of Ryder and Loveday.
The book is easily read as a standalone story ...more
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Kalima
Sep 15, 2019 Kalima rated it it was amazing
This is a pitch-perfect rendition of attitudes young women in the 1960’s encountered as they took what were regarded as men’s jobs. I worked as a Wilderness Ranger in the US Forest Service in the early 1970’s, and at times while reading A Fatal Secret I found my stomach clenching in memory as Trudy navigated conversations with her boss and other policemen — and I so appreciated Ryder Clement and the more progressive officers.

And this is a well-plotted mystery, reminiscent of the older British o ...more
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Vickie
Aug 17, 2019 Vickie rated it really liked it
I have read and enjoyed some of this author’s DI Hillary Green novels. This is the fourth in the Ryder/Loveday series, although it works well as a standalone. I like the books that have been published under the author’s pen name, Faith Martin. They have solid stories; more substantial than “cosy” mysteries yet still pleasant reads.

This one takes place in 1960, back to a time before cell phones and internet; it seems an appropriate setting for an English country mystery and a young woman trying ...more
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Terri
Sep 17, 2019 Terri rated it really liked it
Shelves: netgalley
Another enjoyable read from Faith Martin. Set in the 1960s the story features Probationary WPC Trudy Loveday and Coroner Clement Ryder. A young boy disappears during the annual Easter egg hunt at Briars Hall. His body is found in a disused well in the grounds and it seems to be a tragic accident. The boy’s family are not convinced and the Coroner is asked to look into the circumstances surrounding his death, ably assisted by Trudy.
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OK

[Balthazar Lawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A boy has died at Briar Hall and the coroner records a verdict of accidental misadventure as as the cause. This of verdict doesn't really explain what happened and when the coroner is approached by the Lord of the Manor, at the behest of the boys family, to look closer at the death, Dr Ryder and WPC Loveday have a new case on their hands. They quickly discover that the family at Briar Hall have lots of secrets that they want to keep secret. But how does this explain the boy's death?

Together they question everyone they can think of to question but all to no avail as they are told in no uncertain terms that the investigation is to be closed. Only then does the truth reveal itself.

Over shadowing the investigation is Dr Ryder's Parkinson's disease and Trudy Loveday's growing suspicion that there is something wrong with the doctor.

Unfortunately the ending, abrupt as it was, was too drawn out by inserting reminiscing in the middle of action. The climactic action should be allowed flow freely and not interrupted. It's so annoying when this happens.

[Debra Dowling · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is set in the 60's, and Trudy is paving the way as the only female police officer. She is not usually taken very seriously and is working hard to prove herself.
Dr. Clement is her ally. He is the county coroner, and generally likes to do some investigating when possible.
The two join forces to find out what happened to Eddie, a 10 year old boy found dead at the bottom of a well on Easter Day. The initial findings are that he fell and broke his neck, but the pieces do not all add up. As Trudy and Clements delve deeper into the case, lies are uncovered, true characters are revealed, and they end up in a dangerous situation neither could have predicted.
I did enjoy the story, but felt the middle dragged on a bit. Felt almost repetitive, and then the mystery was solved and the story suddenly ended, Good book if want a light, easy mystery.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Caz Bo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this so disappointing considering I thought these books were getting steadily better! Disclaimer, I have been listening to them rather than reading them. There were some really good reveals that I felt could have been done so much better, instead they just happen, it's not what you want from cosy crime! Also I like Trudy because she's strong and a feminist of her time, in this book there was none of that. Oh and I had to listen to it at X2 sometimes because I feel the "suspense" writing was taking the mick a bit and was a bit annoying. Sorry! I've liked the others until this one!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Faith’s books for a couple of years now. I have read each and every book that she has released via Joffe Books and via HQ. My favourite series written by Faith is the series featuring Detective Inspector Hilary Greene although the series featuring Coroner Clement Ryder and Probationary Woman Police Constable Trudy Loveday is a close second. ‘A Fatal Secret’ is the latest book in the Ryder and Loveday series and it was released a few days ago. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Fatal Secret’ but more about that in a bit.
What can I say about Coroner Clement Ryder and Probationary Woman Police Officer Trudy Loveday? At face value they are a bit of an odd pairing. Ryder is a distinguished older gentleman, who has been the area’s Coroner for a fair while now. It’s a role that he enjoys and he finds extremely interesting. Ryder has a way of getting people to talk and to extract information from them without them realising what he is doing. Ryder treats everybody the same irrespective of their social standing. Ryder is determined to get to the truth no matter what obstacles are placed in his way. Ryder has a soft spot for Loveday and he has worked with her a few times now. Both of them work really well together and there is a lot of mutual respect going on. Ryder knows that Loveday doesn’t exactly have it easy with her other police colleagues but when they work together Ryder allows Loveday a chance to shine and to reach her full potential. Loveday is full of youthful enthusiasm. She throws herself into her work and endeavours to do the best she can. She knows that she is looked down on by several of her colleagues and she is given the crappy jobs to do but she doesn’t let it get her down. Loveday is feisty, determined, stubborn, compassionate and sensitive to the needs of others. Both come across as slightly rebellious and I could definitely see why they got on with each other as well as they do. I loved the Ryder and Loveday partnership and I felt as though I was reuniting with old friends whilst reading this book. In fact, I felt as though I was the invisible third member of their gang or team.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into this book. As I mention above, I felt as though I was reuniting with old friends in Ryder and Loveday. As soon as I began to read, that was it. I just knew that I would not be able to put the book down and so it proved to be. I picked the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters and the first time I looked up to check how long I had been reading for, I was staggered to learn that I had actually been reading for a couple of hours and I had read a lot more than a couple of chapters. I just couldn’t put the book down. The book wasn’t glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me. The book had definitely developed a hold over me and I didn’t want to break that hold. Plus I didn’t want to miss a single second of the story as I feared missing some vital clue or a crucial piece of gossip. As a result of this addiction to ‘A Fatal Secret’ , I finished the book far quicker than I had anticipated- within 24 hours in fact.
‘A Fatal Secret’ is well written but then all of Faith’s books are well written. She certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and she keeps that attention throughout the book by keeping the story fresh and the characters interesting. Faith writes so realistically and she uses such vivid descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself. I even found that I was trying to interact with the book in the sense that I was ‘talking’ to the characters as if they could hear me. I know it’s not real but if I enjoy a book to the extent that I enjoyed this one then I tend to ‘live’ the story as if it were real.
‘A Fatal Secret’ is a cozy sort of mystery, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I would definitely recommend this book, this series and the rest of Faith’s books to other readers. The Ryder and Loveday series just goes from strength to strength. I can’t wait to read the next case in the Ryder and Loveday series. Here’s hoping that we don’t have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Lainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time taken to read - 1.5 days

Pages - 384

Publisher - HQ Stories

Source - Review Copy

Blurb from Goodreads -

Oxford, 1961

A family day out at Briar’s Hall ends in tragedy when a young boy goes missing – and his body is found at the bottom of a disused well in the orchard.

It looks like a simple case of an eleven-year-old exploring where he shouldn’t: a tragic accident. But Coroner Clement Ryder and Probationary WPC Trudy Loveday aren’t convinced. If Eddie had been climbing and fallen, why were there no cuts or dirt on his hands? Why would a boy terrified of heights be around a well at all?

Clement and Trudy are determined to get to the truth, but the more they dig into Briar’s Hall and the mysterious de Lacey family who live there, the murkier things become.

Could it be that poor Eddie’s death was murder? There are rumours of blackmail in the village, and Clement and Trudy have a horrible feeling that Eddie stumbled on a secret that someone was willing to kill for…


My Review

We open with a nice day and someone pondering over the fact they need to kill, there is no other option, how is that for a wee opening! A boy is reported missing and the search is on, the police aren't overly concerned but sure enough they find the lad and it isn't good news. Coroner Clement Ryder and Probationary WPC Trudy Loveday are asked to look into it, on behalf of the family whose grounds it happened on. Not everyone likes people poking around in their business and of course when investigating one matter others tend to arise and someone has much to hide, enough to kill a child over!

So this is book 4 in the series, I haven't read anything by this author and can honestly say I don't feel at a disadvantage starting here. There is reference to things gone past in the previous book(s) and I think haven't my interest piqued I will absolutely be checking out the previous books. Means I will also get to know the characters better.

A chunk of the story is obviously the "investigation" into what happened to the wee boy, who was around, anyone who knew him. However we also have a huge focus on WPC Trudy, her personal life, her family and how important the job is to her. I do enjoy when a book has depth to the characters and a bit of meat in the story, not just the police procedural parts. Ryder and Loveday seem to have a tight friendship which is unusual for both the time, opposite sexes and job differences but it works. I look forward to going back to the beginning of this series and seeing how their friendship comes about. I like how it highlights how unusual Trudy's choice is to focus on a career, despite being good/successful at it. It reminds us of just how apt that was for that time and I do like books that capture a different time period and how things are so very different now! 4/5 for me this time, it may be my first dance with this author but it won't be my last, it also kept me guessing, I had no idea who the baddie was!

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A FATAL SECRET is the fourth instalment and one I can best describe as "what is someone made a murder mystery of Downton Abbey?"

Instead of dealing with upper middle class professionals or those with "new money", this time the murder happened on the estate of old, landed gentry. And naturally the family has lots of tensions and secrets and squabbles, with the "upstairs" and "downstairs" having their own worlds. I really enjoyed it.

It's probably unsurprising, given my field, but I really liked that Oliver (one of the rich family) was a nuclear engineer. It brings in some little bits of civil nuclear power history and also a fun side plot about some things happening within academic circles during the cold war. I, naturally, would have liked more of this, but I understand why it was so small (wouldn't fit the series' vibe as much.)

On the personal front, Trudie and her parents have a few blazing rows over her job and her (finally) calling it off with the lad she doesn't really want to date. This lad is equally lukewarm on her, and feels insecure over her having a job, she good on her for calling it off on her own terms. Trudie is also nearing the end of her probationary period, and her parents aren't comfortable with the idea of her job (too dangerous and means she might not get married, oh no.) I liked this tension within the family, it made them feel a bit more rounded. It's not concluded in this book, so I'm expecting a few more fireworks to come.

The book also only had three real perspectives - Trudie, Clement, and Emily (best friend of the murdered boy.) It made the book feel a lot tighter, honing in on the conflicts the characters are facing in their personal lives.