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Rina Martin #2

Murder on the Cliff

Meet Rina Martin, a retired actress with a taste for tea, gardening and crime solving.

She played a TV sleuth for years, but now she has to do it for real.

It’s lonely out on the cliffs of Marlborough Head. Lonely and dangerous.

When a body washes up on the rocks below, everyone assumes it must be brutish Edward Parker. Weeks ago, he slipped over the cliff’s edge. Never to be seen again.

But on closer inspection, it’s not him.

The dead man is Pat Duggan, son of a wealthy nightclub owner. And it’s not the sea that killed him — it’s a gunshot wound.

In life, Pat had a habit of disappearing. He worked for his father, alongside missing Edward Parker.

Coincidence? Rina and her unlikely new detective friend don’t think so . . .

Can she unravel the mystery before more innocent victims die?

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

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About the author

Jane A. Adams

62 books160 followers
Some of her early books were published under the name of Jane Adams. This should not be confused with this Jane Adams who is a different author.

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5 stars
1,153 (54%)
4 stars
681 (32%)
3 stars
233 (10%)
2 stars
40 (1%)
1 star
15 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Carmen.
1,792 reviews2,454 followers
August 26, 2014
NO SPOILERS FOR THIS BOOK. SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOK: A REASON TO KILL.

Second Rina Martin Book. You MUST read the first one to understand this...it's rare that I say this about a mystery series, but the author is tenacious in continuity here.

George Parker (14) is now living in Hill House, a kind of foster care. His murdering, protective, avenging angel of an older sister is now a fugitive from the cops. Since his dad was killed and his mom's committed suicide, he's all alone in the world.

Luckily he's made a friend - tiny, fierce, intelligent Ursula. She befriends him and then sticks by his side through thick and thin. They go through many adventures together in this book, and Adams hasn't tried to turn it romantic yet - which I really appreciate. I like seeing boys and girls be "just friends" sometimes. :)

Rina Martin is still her nosy, intelligent self. 63, knows everyone in town, and is determined to help the cops, especially her "pet cop" Mac, solve whatever case is current.

This time it's child kidnapping. A group of unscrupulous men have decided to make a living off kidnapping the children of wealthy people with shady business dealings. Unfortunately for them, some people with shady business dealings will also have the means and ruthlessness to seek revenge. Rina, Mac, and George are kind of caught in the crossfire between the evil kidnappers and the equally shady parents-of-the-kidnapped who are seeking retribution.
...

What else? Mac is developing a cute little crush on a forensic scientist named Miriam. On one hand, I am happy for him. I like the way he is with her - excited for every smile, his heart pounding faster when she accidentally brushes against his arm. The way he's eager to spend time with her - even if it's just going shopping with her for her sister's birthday present. Utter cuteness. But, on the other hand, I'm kind of disappointed he and Rina aren't a thing. I mean, is 63 too old? I don't think so. I thought Mac and Rina would be a cute couple, but I guess the author has other ideas. Oh, well, I can deal with it.

And I'm still kind of pissed at Mac and his decision-making skills. I wanted him to be more like Quirk or Benson from the Spenser series. Instead, he's very by-the-book, and refuses to turn a blind eye to good people doing bad things for good reasons. This makes him a great cop - I mean, that's what a cop is supposed to do, he's an excellent cop - but it makes for lousy reading. That's why Rina always has to come in and take matters into her own hands. She's much more flexible than Mac and much more interested in justice than in the letter of the law.

Tim, the magician, annoyed me less in this book, although I'm still thinking he's a pretty worthless addition to the group.

I liked how Stan, a bad guy, It's also interesting to see how permanently damaged Paul was in the last book, and now he's completely falling apart and spiraling into a massive depression. George's frustration that the grown-ups don't notice this or do anything about it is wonderful and moving.

There's all these little goodies that I really like: human relationship goodies. And the plots are fine. So what stops this from getting more stars? Well, she has a disconcerting way of mashing up seriousness and comedy. I don't like it. Real serious sh*t will be going down, and someone will smile or crack a joke, and the other characters, instead of being annoyed or telling the joker to STFU, will laugh or smile, too. THIS IS NOT OKAY. Cutesy, or serious, PICK ONE. Or if you're going to do both, put them in different scenes. The tone and the mash-up is all wrong. It's discordant and jarring.

Here's my favorite quote, in which Stan talks about whether Karen (who's on the run) will ever come back for her little 14-year-old brother, George:

"Of course she will," he said. "Life moves in circles and one day she'll circle back towards him. She won't be able to help herself. He'll pull her back as surely as if she was tethered to him. And you tell him, when she does, he should hug her and kiss her and tell her that he loves her forever and then buy her the first ticket he can find on any bus or boat or train or dog sled heading out. She doesn't belong in his life any more and he doesn't belong in hers. If he did, she'd have taken him with her."
Profile Image for Text Addict.
432 reviews38 followers
November 9, 2012
The second volume of this Rina Martin series is most definitely the wrong place to start - I have only the most general ideas about the events in the previous book that have such profound influence on this one. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it very much.

It is certainly a book for readers who like this kind of British mystery - far more psychological than action-oriented, containing many long and complex sentences, and populated with a high number of eccentric characters. So steer clear if that's not your thing.

For me, the story of villainy, damaged children, a houseful of happy eccentrics, heroism, and unexpected gestures toward redemption was most satisfying. Highly recommended for those in its intended audience.

(Pay no attention to the book description that appears here as of this writing: it describes a completely different book.)
Profile Image for Jen - Reviews.
448 reviews32 followers
January 2, 2022
I'm really getting to like all the characters in this series. Rina Martin, although supposed to be the main character, isn't really. She shares this titles with Mac the police officer and together they make a great team along with her boarders who are all a bit weird but wonderful people, and a young boy named George who has suffered enormously but is very resilient.
Now, it's on to Book #3....
Profile Image for hana.
437 reviews
February 2, 2022
Enjoyable read

It interesting to meet the characters again.
The second Rina Martin Book. You MUST read the first one to understand this...

It is certainly a book for readers who like this kind of British mystery - far more psychological than action-oriented, containing many long and complex sentences, and populated with a high number of eccentric characters.


147 reviews5 followers
April 3, 2025
This book is filled with great characters, fast pacing, and compulsively readable. Although it has some cozy elements, the writing is sharp and smart. This is the second in the series, and I want to read more by this author asap.
29 reviews
June 21, 2022
Lovely characters, getting to know them now. Story was very well thought out with many twists and turns.
Profile Image for Robert Crouch.
Author 14 books18 followers
July 13, 2022
After loving Murder at Sea, the first book in the series, I was delighted to be back with Mac, Rina and the eclectic tribe of guests at her guest house. This time, the plot’s more complex, involving a ruthless extortionist, who’s not averse to killing the children of his victims if the parents don’t pay up.

Not that DI Mac McGregor understands this straight away. He’s trying to put a name to the body that washed up on shore. Then one of the victim’s parents is shot dead and the whole investigation moves up a notch.

There’s still plenty for Rina to do as she’s drawn into the puzzle and can’t help fitting pieces into place. Her insight, empathy and understanding add a caring, softer counterpoint to the killings and crimes under investigation.

This softer core is one of the reasons I enjoy these novels. The characters are believable and charismatic. The plot is a great thriller as the police play catch up with the killers, relying on Rina to help them out along the way. She takes it all in her stride, being the great character she is.

If you like your cosy mysteries without the twee village elements of the genre, then this series is for you. It has emotion, great characters, a twisting plot and a core of honesty that doesn’t pull punches nor expose you to anything graphic, despite the dark nature of the crimes.
Profile Image for Katherine.
753 reviews33 followers
October 21, 2023
Just love this series--Rina Martin is a retired actress; a widow who has opened her home to fellow thespians--a motley crew for sure. There isn't much that escapes Rina's eyes and ears. A young policeman, Mac, has been assigned to her small seaside community. Single, new to the town and reeling from a botched kidnapping in his former assignment, he has become another of her lost souls, although he has not moved into her home. Still, the group has become somewhat like a family to him and he often has dinner there.

This book is a continuation of the first, so there are characters that carry over and the ramifications of the earlier story are still being felt. In this installment, rich families are victims of a kidnapper who demands large sums of money for the return of their children. The families do not report the events to the police and at times the same families are subjected to a second kidnapping. As the book opens, however, one of the kidnapped is shot in the head and dumped overboard into the sea. When the body washes up on shore and is identified this strange multiple kidnapping scenario is revealed. But how does the kidnapper keep the victims from the police and why are they willing to have their children taken multiple times with the resulting huge ransoms paid?

Quite an exciting story and ingenious scams continuing non-stop--that is, until one child is murdered and the police become involved. Fast paced and fascinating with colorful characters. Hope there are more tales involving Rina Martin and her cohorts!

Profile Image for Bob.
1,984 reviews19 followers
June 25, 2019
Detective inspector Mac McGregor is called to investigate the discovery of a body washed ashore in the English town of Frantham. At first they thought it was that of a missing man they had been searching for, but soon discovered that it was the son of a local man with both a legal and illegal reputation. Further investigation discloses a series of abductions from known crime figures who for good reasons do not report the abductions to the police. Mac has the unofficial help of Rina Martin a retired stage star with a penchant for investigating who runs a boarding house for retired actors and assorted characters. There is much more as the plot thickens and the person behind the abductions is identified but is not about to go down without a fight. I thought it was a bit slow to take off, but it soon picked up and turned into a good read.
1,070 reviews8 followers
August 3, 2023
George is trying to get used to his new living situation with help from his new friend Ursula. Paul is on his way to a nervous breakdown, but his parents and teachers refuse to acknowledge his fragile state of mind. A body washes up on the shore. Mac expects it to be that of George's father, however it is a much younger man who was the victim of a cruel kidnapping scheme. People are going missing and their disappearances go unreported to law enforcement. This makes it very difficult for police to solve the crimes. What information does the kidnapper hold over the person he makes demands from?
There were a lot of characters in this book. I had a hard time keeping track of all of them, and I never quite got the point of what the kidnapper was after.
Profile Image for Amy.
460 reviews3 followers
September 29, 2024
This book definitely kept my interest, but the cover lies.

First, Rina Martin is just one of a whole cast of engaging characters, so why is this dubbed “A Rina Martin Murder Mystery”?

Second, there never any mystery as to the identity of the murderers.

Third, this story is dubbed “cozy” but fails to meet the qualifications for that sub-genre: murders and other violent acts take place right in the reader’s face.

Although I enjoyed the quality of the writing and the the wide range of personalities of the ensemble cast, this book, the one that precedes it, and presumably all of those that come after it, are absolutely not cozy mysteries.
141 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2021
Rina and Mac return.

I was a little disappointed with this story. It was a continuation of book one, taking us on a rapid roller coaster as some of the ends left hanging were addressed and developed.
I found the number of characters and their loyalties a little confusing as the kidnapping plot developed alongside other dastardly deeds.
Rina and her household are great fun and beautifully drawn as is the development of George as he learns to live his new life.
Not too convinced by the police elements but an enjoyable read, if not in the same league, for me, as book one.
167 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2021
Excellent story...very solid second book in this series.

The manner in which the Author wove together all the characters she introduced in the first book was brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed this second well done book. I really like the way the characters are all off beat but not over the top to the point of ridiculousness. This is a well thought out plot with intricacies adeptly woven throughout. If you enjoy British crime, somewhat cozy mystery, but more crime, you will really enjoy this series. Looking forward to book three.
429 reviews
December 1, 2022
I very rarely give a 5

But if this book was more tightly scripted maybe just maybe it would have gotten at least a 4.5. All books start out as a “4” and go up or down based on the the author’s work.

Jane Adams story telling is very good no guessing required to follow her plot lines. Mac and Rina are filling out nicely and the others should also.

This book begins at the end of the first book in the series with a dead body on the coast that Mac thinks is Edward Parker George’s father.

I don’t believe in spoilers so here I stop.
103 reviews
June 12, 2023
Book 2 picks up where Book 1 ends!

Thoroughly enjoyed Book 2. The beloved characters from Book 1 continue their stories. There are many twists and turns. Rina Martin continues being a problem solver with Tim, the magician. Mac’s world as a police detective collides with Rina, as they race to rescue 2 little girls from very bad men. George is living in a foster home and grows into the confident hero he is. The evil men are dangerous. It takes Mac, Rina, Tim and George to step into their roles to rescue the children. Oh, and Mac has a love interest. Love this series.
Profile Image for Betty.
662 reviews6 followers
July 7, 2022
This one kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the reading. The Rina Martin books are billed as cozy novels, but I find them just a tad hard core for me. They are well written and I do like both the characters. Mac is very likeable and Rina is great with her household of ex circus performers. But the descriptions are slightly more vivid than I'm used to. So I will be going through the list as fast as I usually do with the more cozy type of cozy.
291 reviews6 followers
November 26, 2021
Oh what characters!

Diabolical storyline, children are being kidnapped by a criminal mastermind. DI McGregor will need the help of Rina and her household of retired actors to solve this one. George and his new friend Ursula also play a part in this intriguing and complex plot. Wonderfully written book, the cast of characters are so well developed and the scenes come alive.
311 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2022
Mrs Martin Strikes Again

A ruthless gang effort money from those who cannot go to the police. George is moved to a children's home and is soon embroiled in a dangerous situation. Mrs Martin and her "family" of lodgers help out. More than this would spoil the story! I do recommend and really enjoyed the plot, with all it's twists and turns which are carried out at a fast pace.
Profile Image for Bob  Hiscocks.
110 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2022
Good easy read.

This set of books are my first try with Jane Adams. Very Miss Marple-ish. It's amazing how a member of the public wander in and out of crime scenes a t will!! Nevertheless I have really enjoyed the first two books in this series and hope they continue in this fashion. Very easy to follow the storyline. Will definitely be getting more of Janes books
31 reviews
March 31, 2022
Six stars!

Murder on the Cliff (Book 2) could be read as a stand-alone mystery but it’s also an exciting continuation of Murder on Sea (Book 1). With likable, well-developed characters, and a story line with twists and turns that keep you hooked, the Rina Martin Murder Mysteries are part “cozy”, part suspense, and part thriller. Enjoy!
1,694 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2024
This was a little suspenseful and now I remember the first in the series was too. This is a series that you definitely want to read in order. There are good continuing characters of all ages and they're all involved in the action. Re the setting, this is finally a story in which it rains a lot just like is to be expected in the UK.
Profile Image for Julie Powell.
Author 72 books325 followers
September 16, 2025
This was another enjoyable instalment of the new series. A body washes up from the sea...

I love the characters in this series, Rina, Mac, Tim, George, Ursula and some others and even the villains are portrayed well, though not all likeable.

Well-written and fast-paced, this crime drama had twists and turns, tension and suspense...very well done.

Engaging and highly recommended.
Profile Image for Kirk.
656 reviews3 followers
November 24, 2021
Another great one!

I’m loving these books! Very well written, the main characters are fabulous, a really good murder mystery every time, and seat of your pants action! I highly recommend these books!
Profile Image for Sandy Adams.
403 reviews5 followers
December 10, 2021
Charming characters!

Rina is the sort everyone would like to have as a friend..... she knows what is going on but is not a gossip, is generous and caring, yet not above taking charge when she thinks it wise! Now someone is taking children for ransom, but what is the cost?
213 reviews
January 1, 2022
Great

Great story that follows on from the last book. Odd bunch of characters in a lodging house get mixed up in police busines with some kids thrown in. It really should be awful but it works really well , maybe it's just the plot is very good?
Profile Image for Suzanne.
367 reviews8 followers
March 14, 2022
Not my cup of tea.

The story is good and well written but I’m not a fan of the organized crime type of books. But if you enjoy books like that then you will certainly enjoy this book.
1,181 reviews6 followers
March 31, 2022
Another great story

A great follow up story in the Rina Martin series full of the usual quirky characters and a few new ones. Well crafted plot with plenty of twists and turns and an exciting ending. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
39 reviews
June 9, 2022
Excellent read

I very much enjoyed this . The name of the the book is Murder on the Cliff, It keep my interest I had a hard time to but it down when I had to . I believe if you read it your be glad you did
Profile Image for Janet Vickery.
73 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2022
Another good plot

Enjoyed the second book in this series. The characters are getting deeper and more familiar. Such a unique group of characters. Can't wait to start the third book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews