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Rina Martin #3
Murder on the Boat
Originally published as The Power of One.
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.
One glorious morning, Rina heads out for a stroll along Frampton promenade, where all is picture-perfect . . .
Until she spots somethingthat stops her in her tracks.
A luxury yacht sailing round in circles. Rina knows that can’t be right.
As for the captain, he is nowhere to be seen.
Until coastguards board the yacht — to find him shot dead. Execution-style.
The captain's name is Paul de Freitas: a high-powered software designer from out of town.
What was he doing in Frampton, and who is the mystery man who shared his fate?
Rina’s determined to get to the bottom of it all — but has she finally bitten off more than she can chew?
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.
One glorious morning, Rina heads out for a stroll along Frampton promenade, where all is picture-perfect . . .
Until she spots somethingthat stops her in her tracks.
A luxury yacht sailing round in circles. Rina knows that can’t be right.
As for the captain, he is nowhere to be seen.
Until coastguards board the yacht — to find him shot dead. Execution-style.
The captain's name is Paul de Freitas: a high-powered software designer from out of town.
What was he doing in Frampton, and who is the mystery man who shared his fate?
Rina’s determined to get to the bottom of it all — but has she finally bitten off more than she can chew?
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
458 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Jane A. Adams
59 books151 followersSome 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 29, 2015
This is the best Rina Martin so far (it's #3). But it still has its share of flaws.
This is some sort of espionage, stealth submarines, Ministry of Defense plot. Rina, the 63-year-old local busybody, Tim the magician, and Mac the Detective Inspector set out to solve a double murder that leads them into the world of spies, double-cross, and computer programming.
WHAT I LIKED:
The slow developing romance between certain characters. Mac + Miriam and Tim + Joy.
The subtle British-ness of the books.
Some passages were well done. I particularly liked when Hale is describing types of men:
Some men, Hale reflected, live scared for themselves. Some live frightened of what might happen to others. Some, like Paul de Freitas, are almost untouchable in their assurance, their confidence, their simple inability to understand that they should feel intimidated. Hale had known a few men like that in his life. Most had been military men, others had been psychopaths. A few had been both, one occupation not of necessity excluding the other. A rare few, like Paul de Freitas, lived what looked like normal lives until you dug a little below the surface and you realized that they didn't really have a clue. Or rather, they didn't know how to see the social cues that said "care now," "respond now," "kiss me now," or "be afraid." They knew those rules for living existed; learned by rote how to respond. They didn't have the inherent cruelty that came with some traits of abnormal psychology; oddly, for Paul, that was another cue that passed him by.
Life fascinated Paul de Freitas, but it didn't frighten him not even on behalf of others.
There's another good one about a woman waiting in a really dangerous situation and being surprised to find how quickly her terror turns to boredom and an urge to fall asleep. So there are little gems in the writing.
Abe Jackson is a badass undercover secret agent. And not in an annoying cliché way but in a pretty realistic way. I enjoyed seeing him rescue Lyndsey and look after her (nothing sexual at all, which I also appreciated.) In my head I kept calling him Ah-bay, as in Shinzo - not Abe, as in Lincoln. Too much reading of current events on my part, I guess. LOL
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
While he's improved, I still feel like Mac is a moron who is too letter-of-the-law. Also, in this volume he frequently chooses NOT to utilize Rina's skill and finesse. It's stupid of him.
Adams making her characters occasionally talk like Yoda. Here are the two examples I found in this book:
"Psychic, she expects us to be."
"Like her mother in that respect, is Joy."
These are two different characters talking. I've never heard people talk this way in real life and it's jarring. I like it on Yoda, I don't like it in my British mystery novels.
Abe saying But always a fool for a pretty face. Was she worth it, is what I want to know? Frankly, my old friend, I think not. It is completely not his place to be judging whether this woman - who he doesn't even know - is worth falling in love with. Asshole.
Lastly, and most importantly, the handling of Tim and Joy. Tim is 32, he's a magician who I find a bit silly. Joy is 20, the daughter of a mob-type man. The endless analyzing of everyone around them regarding their relationship is annoying. Listen, I don't care if he's 12 years older than her. I DON'T CARE. She's legal. She can choose to have sex with whoever she wants. And Tim is far from a predatory jerk - he's a great guy, if a bit silly and naïve.
And here's another thing, I know this is going to blow your mind. Plenty of women enjoy sex and also want to have sex. I know, I know. Crazy, right? The book sets it up like Tim is hesitant to touch her because he's 12 years older than her. While I appreciate his consideration and restraint, I feel frustrated on Joy's behalf. If she wants to be made love to, tells him she wants to be made love to, and Tim wants to make love to her then what is the problem!?!?!!? (They're in love, so I'm using the term "make love" here.) She shouldn't have to beg or cajole her own boyfriend into making love to her. That's wrong.
Listen, this whole "for her own good" thing DRIVES ME NUTS. She is 20. She wants to have sex with Tim. He's in love with her. He also wants to have sex with her. It's none of the other characters *&^%ing business when, why, how, where or how often they decide to have sex. NOT EVEN HER MOTHER. The fact that even Tim buys into this "she's too young, I should stay the heck away from her" bullshit makes me FURIOUS.
Also, Rina's joking little comment about "My question is," she added mischievously, "will Tim know what to do with her? He is a little naïve, you know." This is completely inappropriate. At age 32, I'm sure he knows a thing or two about the female body. And even if he doesn't, I'm sure he'll learn quickly. Not to mention the fact that... IT'S NONE OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS. Stay out of other people's sex lives. Jeez.
That's all.
This is some sort of espionage, stealth submarines, Ministry of Defense plot. Rina, the 63-year-old local busybody, Tim the magician, and Mac the Detective Inspector set out to solve a double murder that leads them into the world of spies, double-cross, and computer programming.
WHAT I LIKED:
The slow developing romance between certain characters. Mac + Miriam and Tim + Joy.
The subtle British-ness of the books.
Some passages were well done. I particularly liked when Hale is describing types of men:
Some men, Hale reflected, live scared for themselves. Some live frightened of what might happen to others. Some, like Paul de Freitas, are almost untouchable in their assurance, their confidence, their simple inability to understand that they should feel intimidated. Hale had known a few men like that in his life. Most had been military men, others had been psychopaths. A few had been both, one occupation not of necessity excluding the other. A rare few, like Paul de Freitas, lived what looked like normal lives until you dug a little below the surface and you realized that they didn't really have a clue. Or rather, they didn't know how to see the social cues that said "care now," "respond now," "kiss me now," or "be afraid." They knew those rules for living existed; learned by rote how to respond. They didn't have the inherent cruelty that came with some traits of abnormal psychology; oddly, for Paul, that was another cue that passed him by.
Life fascinated Paul de Freitas, but it didn't frighten him not even on behalf of others.
There's another good one about a woman waiting in a really dangerous situation and being surprised to find how quickly her terror turns to boredom and an urge to fall asleep. So there are little gems in the writing.
Abe Jackson is a badass undercover secret agent. And not in an annoying cliché way but in a pretty realistic way. I enjoyed seeing him rescue Lyndsey and look after her (nothing sexual at all, which I also appreciated.) In my head I kept calling him Ah-bay, as in Shinzo - not Abe, as in Lincoln. Too much reading of current events on my part, I guess. LOL
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
While he's improved, I still feel like Mac is a moron who is too letter-of-the-law. Also, in this volume he frequently chooses NOT to utilize Rina's skill and finesse. It's stupid of him.
Adams making her characters occasionally talk like Yoda. Here are the two examples I found in this book:
"Psychic, she expects us to be."
"Like her mother in that respect, is Joy."
These are two different characters talking. I've never heard people talk this way in real life and it's jarring. I like it on Yoda, I don't like it in my British mystery novels.
Abe saying But always a fool for a pretty face. Was she worth it, is what I want to know? Frankly, my old friend, I think not. It is completely not his place to be judging whether this woman - who he doesn't even know - is worth falling in love with. Asshole.
Lastly, and most importantly, the handling of Tim and Joy. Tim is 32, he's a magician who I find a bit silly. Joy is 20, the daughter of a mob-type man. The endless analyzing of everyone around them regarding their relationship is annoying. Listen, I don't care if he's 12 years older than her. I DON'T CARE. She's legal. She can choose to have sex with whoever she wants. And Tim is far from a predatory jerk - he's a great guy, if a bit silly and naïve.
And here's another thing, I know this is going to blow your mind. Plenty of women enjoy sex and also want to have sex. I know, I know. Crazy, right? The book sets it up like Tim is hesitant to touch her because he's 12 years older than her. While I appreciate his consideration and restraint, I feel frustrated on Joy's behalf. If she wants to be made love to, tells him she wants to be made love to, and Tim wants to make love to her then what is the problem!?!?!!? (They're in love, so I'm using the term "make love" here.) She shouldn't have to beg or cajole her own boyfriend into making love to her. That's wrong.
Listen, this whole "for her own good" thing DRIVES ME NUTS. She is 20. She wants to have sex with Tim. He's in love with her. He also wants to have sex with her. It's none of the other characters *&^%ing business when, why, how, where or how often they decide to have sex. NOT EVEN HER MOTHER. The fact that even Tim buys into this "she's too young, I should stay the heck away from her" bullshit makes me FURIOUS.
Also, Rina's joking little comment about "My question is," she added mischievously, "will Tim know what to do with her? He is a little naïve, you know." This is completely inappropriate. At age 32, I'm sure he knows a thing or two about the female body. And even if he doesn't, I'm sure he'll learn quickly. Not to mention the fact that... IT'S NONE OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS. Stay out of other people's sex lives. Jeez.
That's all.
January 8, 2022
Another fantastic read fro Jane Adams. I'm only giving it a 4 stars because I did fond it quite confusing in terms of the actual crime/mystery as it involved a lot of computing and technology stuff that most people wouldn't get as it was supposed to be very high end tech.
Nonetheless, it was another great read and I'm onto the next book in the series. Looking forward to it.
Nonetheless, it was another great read and I'm onto the next book in the series. Looking forward to it.
December 13, 2021
Wonderful book
Beautifully written, great characters and a plot that keeps you intrigued. What more could a reader want? I’d definitely recommend this series.
Beautifully written, great characters and a plot that keeps you intrigued. What more could a reader want? I’d definitely recommend this series.
December 31, 2013
Her first two Rina Martin books were 5 star. I did not totally like this one at all. Unlike the first two, Rina looses some of that dignity and charm by interfering rather than helping and getting her feelings easily hurt. What's up with that? Even the ending was not as clear cut. Hoping #4 is another 5 star as I liked Rina as well if not better than Miss Marple mysteries.
August 26, 2022
In the third book of this entertaining series, the irrepressible Rina Martin seems be at the heart of everything in the seaside town of Frampton. She’s a strong, resourceful character with an entourage of helpers from the world of entertainment.
While it seems unlikely, the author makes it all seem plausible and natural as she teams up with local inspector to solve another murder.
Unlike the previous two books, which were sharply focused, this one went beyond a standard investigation to encompass national forces and secretive organisations, which took this cosy mystery/police procedural into the realms of James Bond. Though well-handled and written, this took away some of the impact and interest the stories usually have.
While it seems unlikely, the author makes it all seem plausible and natural as she teams up with local inspector to solve another murder.
Unlike the previous two books, which were sharply focused, this one went beyond a standard investigation to encompass national forces and secretive organisations, which took this cosy mystery/police procedural into the realms of James Bond. Though well-handled and written, this took away some of the impact and interest the stories usually have.
June 12, 2023
Gripping plot complete with spies mixed in with Rina’s Tim
This book is stand-alone. Rina’s houseful of “family” becomes more endearing. The book starts with 2 murders on a boat. The fallout from that is far-reaching. One of the murdered men was a computer geek, who developed games, but agreed to do special projects for the government. Paul’s death unleashes some very bad people trying to possess his latest development, which would make submarines undetectable. Mac has the murders to solve. Paul’s family is threatened. No one can be trusted. One of the bad guys from first 2 books turns out to be a good guy working undercover. Things end well, of course. Mac is in love. Tim is in love. Satisfying conclusion.
This book is stand-alone. Rina’s houseful of “family” becomes more endearing. The book starts with 2 murders on a boat. The fallout from that is far-reaching. One of the murdered men was a computer geek, who developed games, but agreed to do special projects for the government. Paul’s death unleashes some very bad people trying to possess his latest development, which would make submarines undetectable. Mac has the murders to solve. Paul’s family is threatened. No one can be trusted. One of the bad guys from first 2 books turns out to be a good guy working undercover. Things end well, of course. Mac is in love. Tim is in love. Satisfying conclusion.
August 15, 2023
Following the retirment of his former boss, Mac is now in charge of policing in Frantham. A double murder of two men discovered in a boat offshore is his latest case. One of them is a local entrepeneur who creates challenging computer games. This plot gets pretty complicated because no one really knows who the "bad guys" are. There are multiple layers of secret government operatives involved. But are these people who they really claim to be? It gets a bit confusing for a while. Rina and her odd group of family members come to the rescue and assist Mac as he tries to sort things out. An excellent read!
January 5, 2022
Very clever plot
I enjoyed this, the third book in the series. A very intricately woven plot. Once again, Rena and her cast of characters were involved, but not over the top. This was a well crafted st ok try with quite a bit to follow. I like how the characters are developing as the series moves on. Even though the Author recaps and references bits from previous books, I would recommend reading this series in order. And I am now going to start book four. If you like cozy British crime, this series won't disappoint.
I enjoyed this, the third book in the series. A very intricately woven plot. Once again, Rena and her cast of characters were involved, but not over the top. This was a well crafted st ok try with quite a bit to follow. I like how the characters are developing as the series moves on. Even though the Author recaps and references bits from previous books, I would recommend reading this series in order. And I am now going to start book four. If you like cozy British crime, this series won't disappoint.
April 1, 2023
old friends are good times
I like catching up with old friends. That is what reading this book feels like. I have read the first two and now I have spent time with them and met a few new ones. They had a good story to tell. I listened with excitement and anticipation right through to the end when it was time to go again. But I am going just for a while, I will be back to visit and catch up again soon.
I like catching up with old friends. That is what reading this book feels like. I have read the first two and now I have spent time with them and met a few new ones. They had a good story to tell. I listened with excitement and anticipation right through to the end when it was time to go again. But I am going just for a while, I will be back to visit and catch up again soon.
April 20, 2023
thank goodness Geoge made it through this book unscathed. Nice development of the some of the minor characters. I thought the story was more confusing than Books 1 and 2 and it was mentioned that there were 3 strands that they were following. But there was Alex and Hale and their background, plus Lindsey and Ray plus a complex computer issue that Paul was able to create on his own but he trusted Lindsey with the solution. Rina running things more than she should as a civilian.
September 3, 2023
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the two previous ones. It started well, but when it veered into spy/counter-spy territory and RPG’s (Role Playing Games) about which I understand almost nothing, I began to lose interest. Also, near the end, a lot of new characters were added, without any indication as to whether they were good guys or the contrary, and I wondered why Mac seemed so willing to accept them.
December 9, 2021
Compelling and oh so complicated!
Love the characters in this ongoing series. The storyline is filled with subterfuge and no one can be trusted. Mac and Rina struggle to put all the puzzle pieces together when a murder on a boat turns into so much more. Entertaining read filled with wit and very interesting characters. I hope there is a further book in this series.
Love the characters in this ongoing series. The storyline is filled with subterfuge and no one can be trusted. Mac and Rina struggle to put all the puzzle pieces together when a murder on a boat turns into so much more. Entertaining read filled with wit and very interesting characters. I hope there is a further book in this series.
April 24, 2022
I stumbled upon this on kindle unlimited, and perhaps reading the first book might have helped, but I found it hard following the flow of the book, and most certainly found the ending strange, it left me not knowing and still don't feel who the killer was, just that Hale was arrested.
Not sure I will read any of the other series of the book if they’re like this.
Not sure I will read any of the other series of the book if they’re like this.
March 30, 2024
Murder on the boat
I always enjoy PI type series and this one fit right in. I have to say that starting with the 3rd book may have hurt my review just a bit because it took me a bit to catch up to the characters. This was fairly high tech so was a bit over my head and interest.
I will be back to check on more of this series but right now I am on another path!
4 stars
Happy Reading!
I always enjoy PI type series and this one fit right in. I have to say that starting with the 3rd book may have hurt my review just a bit because it took me a bit to catch up to the characters. This was fairly high tech so was a bit over my head and interest.
I will be back to check on more of this series but right now I am on another path!
4 stars
Happy Reading!
September 18, 2025
This was another enjoyable story in the box set I have.
Bodies are found on a yacht...
This mystery had a spy theme integral to the plot, who to trust was therefore uncertain. All the characters suited the plot and Tim was particularly clever.
Well-written, engaging and entertaining.
Recommended.
Bodies are found on a yacht...
This mystery had a spy theme integral to the plot, who to trust was therefore uncertain. All the characters suited the plot and Tim was particularly clever.
Well-written, engaging and entertaining.
Recommended.
December 9, 2021
Read this book
What a great read! Literally could not put it down, read it in one go. Action, adventure, intrigue, romance, humor, loved it. Love the characters. Each book in this series is better than the last. Can't wait to read the next one.
What a great read! Literally could not put it down, read it in one go. Action, adventure, intrigue, romance, humor, loved it. Love the characters. Each book in this series is better than the last. Can't wait to read the next one.
December 10, 2021
Oh just WOW
I really hope this series continues! The characters are just so different, but so wonderful.
The mysteries are not "cozy", they are thinking and really exciting. I didn't even realize that I had actually been holding my breath in some places!
I really hope this series continues! The characters are just so different, but so wonderful.
The mysteries are not "cozy", they are thinking and really exciting. I didn't even realize that I had actually been holding my breath in some places!
December 12, 2021
Lights, camera, etc.
Nothing or no one is quite who it seems in this Rina Martin thriller. The characters are, as usual, quite believable and the main ones continue to become like old friends!
Nothing or no one is quite who it seems in this Rina Martin thriller. The characters are, as usual, quite believable and the main ones continue to become like old friends!
February 4, 2022
Decent
Really love the series. This one was all over the place. The characters well thought out. Ending was rushed and incoherent. I have faith that the next one will be a little more together. Miss the kids.
Really love the series. This one was all over the place. The characters well thought out. Ending was rushed and incoherent. I have faith that the next one will be a little more together. Miss the kids.
April 6, 2022
Another great story
Another great story in the Rina Martin series and every bit as good as the previous two. Full of great characters and lots of intrigue and action. I hope there are more to come in the series.
Another great story in the Rina Martin series and every bit as good as the previous two. Full of great characters and lots of intrigue and action. I hope there are more to come in the series.
October 23, 2023
As Exciting as Ian Fleming!
Black Ops, Computer game design,puzzles espionage! It all begins with two men shot dead in a boat and ends with a magic trick. Exciting mystery with lots of characters whose backgrounds are dubious. Quite the riddle!
Black Ops, Computer game design,puzzles espionage! It all begins with two men shot dead in a boat and ends with a magic trick. Exciting mystery with lots of characters whose backgrounds are dubious. Quite the riddle!
November 27, 2024
This is turning out to be a great series. Rina and her motley crew are great. The author shares their lives without making it into a soap opera.
The plot in this one got into serious intrigue and there’s some suspense but no serious or gratuitous violence.
The plot in this one got into serious intrigue and there’s some suspense but no serious or gratuitous violence.
December 11, 2024
Exceptional!
Phenomenal stories, well written, marvelous characters, and seat of your pants thrill ride!
Rina Martin, her eclectic housemates, her wonderful friends, solve some of the best mysteries!
I love these books!
Phenomenal stories, well written, marvelous characters, and seat of your pants thrill ride!
Rina Martin, her eclectic housemates, her wonderful friends, solve some of the best mysteries!
I love these books!
December 21, 2024
It was an interesting read. More cloak and dagger than I would have expected given the first two books. Now comes the question of how these new characters will figure in the next books in the series.
December 23, 2021
Very Complex
Try not to take too many breaks while reading this book. All the twists, turns, dips,and swoops will not make sense if you forget any little thing or nuance.
Try not to take too many breaks while reading this book. All the twists, turns, dips,and swoops will not make sense if you forget any little thing or nuance.
January 3, 2022
Cozy?
Ok cozy characters. But industrial espionage spy's . Who is real who is fake . Computer puzzles. Really good story .
Ok cozy characters. But industrial espionage spy's . Who is real who is fake . Computer puzzles. Really good story .
February 1, 2022
Exceptional and brilliant
Thrilling story great characters and wonderful plot that twists and turns . technology is excellent and the magic couldn’t put it down!
Thrilling story great characters and wonderful plot that twists and turns . technology is excellent and the magic couldn’t put it down!
February 3, 2022
Good read
Another wonderful Jane Adams mystery book.
This book was just a bit confusing for me to follow but it was still a great read. onto the next book in the series.
Another wonderful Jane Adams mystery book.
This book was just a bit confusing for me to follow but it was still a great read. onto the next book in the series.
February 22, 2022
Superb mystery
This is truly a stimulating mystery that keeps you expecting and questioning how the puzzle will be solved and at what cost.
This is truly a stimulating mystery that keeps you expecting and questioning how the puzzle will be solved and at what cost.
March 13, 2022
Brilliant as usual
Now I have read three books, love 5he main characters and the various plots are always fun, gripping, entertaining and most enjoyable.
Now I have read three books, love 5he main characters and the various plots are always fun, gripping, entertaining and most enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews