Feu d'artifice mortel

Ryder & Loveday Mystery #5

by Faith Martin

As the Hughes family celebrate bonfire night, a terrible accident leaves the garden shed in flames – and father and grandfather Thomas trapped inside.

Tragic though it is, Thomas’s death passes without suspicion – until a local journalist makes accusations of a police cover-up in the press. WPC Trudy Loveday is sent to investigate, and asks coroner Clement Ryder to help.

But the more questions the two ask the less clear the case seems. There’s no evidence of foul play, and yet the dead man’s family are obviously hiding something. Then there are Thomas’s dubious business practices – was someone out for revenge?

All Trudy and Clement know for sure is that everyone is lying – and that they must find the truth…

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

300 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2020

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

[Alan Cotterell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested and received a free e-book copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Fatal Truth is the fifth book in the Ryder and Loveday series, I have read them all so far, some are excellent, others not quite so good. Although I still enjoy the premise of Trudy Loveday as the only female officer on the police force, in the 1960’s and the challenges she faces from her colleagues and the public. She has been fortunate to work with Dr. Clement Ryder, the city coroner, to resolve a few crimes. I enjoy reading about the different way of life and attitudes, including car ownership.

I was a little bit disappointed with this one as the author is one of my favourites and it looked from early on that it might be one of the excellent ones in the series. As ever the characters, were very well presented and easy to imagine. But I felt that it plodded along a little too slowly and never quite lived up to the early promise. It was however a pleasant way to spend an afternoon and sink into a different world. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

[Gail C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth in the Ryder and Loveday series, this one was worth the wait. The plotting is excellent, the storyline of Dr. Ryder’s struggle with Parkinson’s deepens in a logical way, and Trudy matures a bit. All these combine to make this an excellent addition to an interesting series that highlights policing in the 1960’s. The period is accurately depicted without rancor, so that the end result for many readers is more likely to be a thought that it’s good to see how we’ve progressed in terms of accepting women on the police force as well as allowing them more independence in general.
Trudy is assigned the task of re-investigating a death ruled a suicide when a reporter writes an article indicating the police got it wrong. DI Jennings, Trudy’s chauvinistic supervisor, decides this is a great case to assign Trudy as he is convinced there is nothing to the allegations and the necessary follow-up will be a waste of time. Trudy, who is still trying to recover from a near-disaster on her last case, reluctantly accepts the assignment and the prospect of once again working with Dr. Ryder.
As the case progresses, Trudy’s confidence and her skill as an investigator increase and she begins to rely more on herself and less on Dr. Ryder. The experience helps her conquer her fears associated with the previous case and develop a stronger self-confidence which is seen as a positive result by both Trudy and Dr. Ryder. Still, she has some stumbles and Dr. Ryder steps in to ensure she isn’t led astray by the reporter in his zeal to further his desires regarding the outcome of the case.
The pacing of the novel is excellent, as is the norm in most Faith Martin novels, and the ending is satisfying on both the case level and Trudy’s maturity level. There are still issues revolving around Dr. Ryder’s health. Martin does not fall into the trap of an annoying cliff-hanger here, but rather leaves it vague enough to satisfy most readers and not affect their enjoyment of this mystery. Most fans of the series can expect to be satisfied and at the same time waiting impatiently for the next book.
While this novel, as others in the series, is a stand-alone mystery; it is highly recommended the reader start with the first novel and progress in order through the series. Both primary characters, Trudy and Dr. Ryder grow throughout the series and being privy to this growth enhances the reader's enjoyment. The biggest frustration for most readers is likely to be having to wait for the next book. My thanks to H O Digital/Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Javier · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the events at the end of "A fatal secret" WPC Trudy Loveday is going through a selfconfidence crisis at work but, after a businessman dies in an apparent accidental fire and some newspaper articles imply that it was murder, she is asked to investigate and soon enlists the help of Dr. Ryder once again.

They are such an appealing pair of investigators and that's in part because Dr.Ryder treats Trudy as an equal, and that's more than any other men in her life do. I still can't understand why, after solving several cases, she's still treated so condescendingly by her work colleagues as she's proved again and again her value as a policewoman.

This time the mystery centers around the Hughes family, hence having a very small pool of suspects. As we follow Loveday and Ryder questioning suspects we learn everything they do thus we can also try to deduce the culprit (I didn't). I can sympathize with their final decision as probably I would have done the same.

Quick and cozy murder mystery with a superb pair of main characters. If you haven't started this series yet do it right now!

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

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ Digital for an advance copy of A Fatal Truth, the fifth novel to feature WPC Trudy Loveday and Coroner Clement Ryder, set in Oxford in 1961.

When Thomas Hughes dies in his shed in a fire caused by a stray firework Dr Ryder has no hesitation in declaring it a tragic accident until a local reporter starts suggesting foul play and a police cover-up. Trudy is assigned to investigate and asks Dr Ryder to help but although they know the family is hiding something they don’t know what as every one of them had quarrelled with Thomas.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Fatal Truth, which is a quietly compelling novel with a small set of suspects. It is told mostly from Trudy’s point of view with an occasional switch to the reporter, Duncan Gillingham, and Dr Ryder. It means that the reader can guess along with Trudy as she carries out her interviews and narrows in on a prime suspect. Of course, the fire destroyed all the forensics so interviews are they have. Is this an old fashioned psychological novel à la Poirot if resolution relies on reading the suspects and between the lines of what they are saying? If so I failed miserably as I didn’t have the least idea of perpetrator or motive.

I thought the plot was clever and suitable to its era, limited suspects and a reliance on verbal cues, although the introduction of Duncan Gillingham and his personal agenda as a subplot errs from the formula. I liked his resolution and I thought the resolution of the main plot was unusual but fitting in the circumstances.

This is the novel where no longer probationary WPC Loveday comes into her own. She starts the novel with a lack of confidence but is soon running the investigation, taking decisions and making deductions. Before, she always relied on Dr Ryder for guidance but now she’s her own woman. It’s good to see and I loved her rout of the cocky Duncan Gillingham.

A Fatal Truth is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Melliane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mon avis en Français

My English review

Comment résister à un nouveau roman de Loveday et Ryder ?

Le patriarche des Hughes est mort dans un incendie. Tout le monde a cru à un accident. Mais quelques mois plus tard, Duncan Gillingham écrit un article qui explique que ça n’en était pas un et qu’il a été assassiné. Cette histoire passionne l’opinion publique et l’affaire est rouverte. Pour essayer de calmer les gens, Jennings demande à Trudy de mener l’enquête. Si elle est frileuse à l’idée de renouer avec Ryder, notre jeune policière n’a pas le choix. Et puis, leur duo est du tonnerre ! Comme toujours !

Nos deux héros vont devoir enquêter et interroger tout le monde pour comprendre ce qui s’est passé, mais la vérité pourrait bien les surprendre. Je dois bien admettre que je ne m’y attendais pas.

C’était un bon tome et j’étais ravie de me lancer dedans. Je suis impatiente d’avoir la suite !

[Sandy Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ending fell short.

I actually really enjoyed this book, but all the build up of evidence against one person and the details of the newspaper man's plans to ruin one suspect then bam! Story over.... Why the build up and no follow through? I for one wanted to know the outcome for them too. Nope....a blinding flash of insight and story over. Loose ends? Too bad...

[Rosin Connolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely series set in the 1960s. The two main characters are believable and likeable. The plot lines have good twists and turns and this one in particular was well done. They're a quick and enjoyable read.

[Chicky Poo · Rating 4 out of 5]

J'ai apprécié de retrouver Trudy et Clement, j'aime énormément leur relation. L'enquête est intéressante bien que pas aussi prenante que les précédentes. Une lecture agréable.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man burns to death in his shed on Guy Fawkes night in 1961, victim of an errant firework. This pretty much happens on page one of A Fatal Truth, Faith Martin’s latest Ryder and Loveday Oxford historical mystery. Well, that would make for a mighty short book, wouldn’t it? So, we know that’s not all there is to it, no siree. Faith Martin has much more to tell us about in this, the fifth in the series.

So, when a “death by misadventure” verdict is brought in, that’s thought to be the end of it. But when one of the local newspaper reporters starts having “trouble with the verdict,” well, Trudy Loveday’s put on the case, because she’s “safe” and won’t cause much of a fuss when she won’t find anything. Well, we know that’s not happening. Because with Ryder’s help, there’s bound to be “something,” or the book WOULD really be short. So they’re going to work together again, even though Loveday is somewhat wary of it, for reasons carried over from the earlier book – no spoilers here, you need to read the earlier entries. Best to start from the beginning, anyway, it will help with character development and you’ll find out what’s going on with Clement Ryder – that’s important to know.

Come to find out the murdered man had a list of enemies – and most of them are in his family – handy, that. But they’re keeping quiet. Very quiet. And with the fire, there’s no evidence. The newspaper reporter – who’s cozying up to Trudy – is trying to cause trouble; he’s got a really good reason.

There’s not a great sense of time or place here, although one does feel that we are in a quieter time frame, not the modern era we’re used to. But we do get the idea that Trudy is being overlooked, as a female policewoman in the early days of such a position, and there is that degree of naivete that we’ve come to know. And with that newspaper reporter that’s introduced in this story – I hope he’s not going to cause any trouble in future books. At least Ryder’s been alerted.

Finally, it becomes obvious why the man had to die. Trudy and Clement figure it out. To give it even more credence, they take their findings to Trudy’s boss, explaining, in a nutshell, “a horrid man, who cared only about money.” Always a good idea to take it to a higher authority, whatever it is. A Fatal Truth will keep you engaged until the last pages, when it will be up to you to be that higher authority.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for a copy of this book, in exchange for this review.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thrilling

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Faith's work for a while now. I have read each and every book that she has released via Joffe Books and via HQ. 'A Fatal Truth' is her latest release and it is another fantastic addition to the series featuring WPC Trudy Loveday and the Coroner Clement Ryder. I absolutely loved reading 'A Fatal Truth' but more about that in a bit.
I love the detective partnership that is Trudy Loveday and Clement Ryder. Their friendship was placed under intense strain during a previous case when things didn't go as planned and Trudy nearly lost her life. Clement and Trudy have something like a father/ daughter type of relationship. He brings knowledge and wisdom to the table and she brings youthful enthusiasm and determination to the table. Each complements the other. Both are feisty characters, who have a strong determination to see a case through to its conclusion. They also seem to have a fairly reliable gut instinct- if something doesn't seem right then it usually means it isn't. Neither seems to be particularly bothered as to whether or not they upset people. To start with I don't think Trudy was taken that seriously as a police officer but she has proved her worth and with the help of Clement, she has solved cases that stumped her colleagues. 'A Fatal Truth' sees Trudy finding her feet and developing some more self confidence, whilst Clement has fears for his health.
As with all of Faith's books, I became addicted to 'A Fatal Truth' from the moment I picked the book up and started to read. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters to fill in the odd half hour but I would become so involved in the story that I would still be sat there reading over half a dozen chapters later. At one point the pages were turning that quickly that the page numbers became a blur. Despite my best efforts as to ration how much I read in one go so I could prolong my enjoyment of the story, I ended up enjoying the story that much that I couldn't have put the book down even if I had wanted to. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story.
'A Fatal Truth' is superbly written but then I think that to be true of Faith's books in general. Faith's writing style is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. The Ryder and Loveday series is written in a slightly different style to the Hilary Greene series. The language is a bit more formal and typical of the time in which the book is set. Faith grabbed my attention from the start with an eye catching synopsis and she drew me into the story from the first word on the first page. For me, 'A Fatal Truth' was a gripping novel, which had me on the edge of my seat throughout. Faith certainly kept me guessing too.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'A Fatal Truth' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Faith's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the Hughes family celebrate bonfire night, a terrible accident leaves the garden shed in flames – and father and grandfather Thomas trapped inside. Tragic though it is, Thomas’s death passes without suspicion – until a local journalist makes accusations of a police cover-up in the press. WPC Trudy Loveday is sent to investigate, and asks coroner Clement Ryder to help.
All Trudy and Clement know for sure is that everyone is lying – and that they must find the truth.
This is the fifth book in the series & is another well written entertaining book. The characters are well portrayed & have depth. I loved how Trudy grew in confidence throughout the novel, I also love how Ryder treats her like an equal unlike the rest of her colleagues. There were twists & turns & I especially loved that I didn’t work out the culprit. A thoroughly enjoyable read & I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fatal Truth is the fifth in the mystery series featuring Trudy Loveday and Dr. Ryder. The plot was slow moving and characters were one-dimensional so connecting with them was difficult. Trudy's detecting skills are sharpening and she is getting more recognition from her superiors. Dr Ryder's mystery illness seems to be progressing much to his dismay. An easy, light read.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

[Renske · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit I was zoned out for a lot of this book, it did not hold my attention like the other ones. I do love that Trudy is getting more recognition for her work. I do think it is finally time to explore more of Dr. Ryder's sickness, yes it is weird to say but it still feels like it is not going anywhere but he keeps mentioning things but nothing follows. I am still very much interested to read the next 3 in the series.

Trigger warning for murder (shocker) and abortion

[Chautona Havig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found a couple of things that didn't quite fit for me. I can't even remember what they were, but of course, they'd be spoilers so I couldn't share anyway. However, the story was excellent, and those things COULD be explained if you chose how you saw it. So...

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series

[Bill Mullin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another excellent "who done it" from Faith Martin. I like the narrative style of the story telling and the character development, particularly the growth of Trudy Lovelady, who is blossoming into a strong female and capable detective. These are not shoot-em-up bang bang stories. More reserved. More British.

My one regret with this book is that WPC Trudy Lovelady did not go back to the obnoxious reporter who was trying to play her for his own gains, and tell him off in the strongest possible language for his duplicitous, sleezy and underhanded behavior towards herself, and she should have let him know she would be talking to his fiancé so she could fully understand the man she was intending to marry. I'm guessing that that story line might come up in future installments, but I believe it should have been another chapter in this book to show the maturation and growth of the young policewoman.

Keep em coming Faith. Love more Hillary Greene too!

[Ed Napiorkowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Fatal Truth, the fifth book in the Ryder and Loveday mystery series was a fair continuation of the series from my perspective however I felt several of the actions taken by both of the two main characters were inconsistent or 'out of character' with how they have been portrayed in the earlier works. Also found the side line exposure of Lovday with the reporter (and the thread left hanging for further involvement in later episodes) a bit off. Not sure why, just didn't come across right. Nevertheless if you enjoyed episodes one through four you are likely to enjoy this one two. I rated it at three stars.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

why am i so obsessed with oxfordian crimes mysteries?

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A FATAL TRUTH is another engaging mystery between a young policewoman and her mentor, an older coroner.

Like last book, A FATAL TRUTH has a family with complicated dynamics at its heart (but not landed gentry). The dead man was not the nicest to his family, giving them all reasons to hate him. Plus there's a reporter with an agenda meddling. It makes for a complicated case with so many overlapping motives to shift through and no one giving anything away.

The ending presents a big moral quandary for Trudie and Clement. I liked seeing them grapple with it and the implications of what they could do about it. It was a nice way of showing that the justice system isn't infallible, and also that there's not always a right answer.

This book didn't quite pick up on elements left over from the last book, such as the argument with her parents. That didn't end with a resolution there but in the time between books it has been, which wasn't that satisfying because it meant I didn't understand why her parents, who had (reasonable) objections, now agreed. I would have liked to see them come to terms with it.

The tension between Trudie and Clement in the book also feels underused. The book starts out so well with there being this palpable tension between them, thanks to Trudie still not having fully come to terms with the events of the last book. However, it then isn't brought up again until the end with Trudie musing that "well, see, I can cope with all this." It just wasn't as satisfying as if that tension have been a push and pull between them all book, Clement wanting to help with appearing too (as I think Trudie would have taken it poorly).

In all, it was an enjoyable listen on a long bus trip, and I will be continuing with the series.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fatal Truth is the fifth book in the Ryder and Loveday mystery series.
PC Trudy loveday has finally been given a case of her own to investigate.
In a fluke accident on Guy Fawkes whilst the Hughes family were holding a bonfire party their garden shed caught alight. Thomas Hughes was burnt to death in the fire.
It appeared an open and shut case and the coroners court presided over by Dr Clement Ryder ruled it an accidental death.
Only days later the local paper leads with an article alleging Mr Hughes death was not an accident, foul play and police cover up being suggested.
Trudy is given the task of investigating .
She really wants to deal with her first case alone but on contacting Dr Ryder for information he assumes she needs his help.
As their enquiries progress it seems Mr Hughes wasnt exactly loved by his family he seems to have quarrelled , been unkind to most of them.
Then there is the journalist, Duncan Gillingham, who seems to have an agenda of his own.
As Trudy and Dr Ryder work together again to gather all the evidence what they uncover faces them with a moral dilemma.
Will they follow their conciences or the letter of the law?
Many thanks to Netgalley and HQ Digital for the chance to read this as an ARC.
I really enjoy this mystery seriesset in the 60`s, the relationship between the main characters is developing and changing.
I`m looking forward to reading the next in the series to see how things progress.

[Scilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

On Guy Faulks day, the family of Mr. Thomas Hughes (a rich retired businessman) has their annual bonfire and fireworks at his large home in Headlington, a suburg of Oxford. Mr. Hughes is always the one to set off the fireworks which have been stored in the shed. The night was very windy. After the bonfire was burning, Mr. Hughes goes to the shed to get the fireworks. Suddenly the family realizes the shed in on fire and call the fire brigade. When the fire is extinguished, they find the burned body of Mr. Hughes inside the shed.

Clement Ryder presides over the Coroner's Court, where the jury returns a verdict of death by misadventure (the fact he had a head injury was attributed to bumping into a shelf). However, two days later, DI Jennings reads an article in the Oxford Tribune which suggests foul play in the death of Thomas Hughes mentioning his enterprises which lost money for many of the investors, but not for Hughes. Also, with so many of the family there, why didn't anyone see how and when the fire started? DI Jennings asks WPC Trudy Loveday to to look into the case. She goes to Ryder to work with her. It turns out the news reporter had a reason he wanted the police to look into the Hughes family, and it didn't really have anything to the death of Thomas Hughes. However, Ryder and Loveday do a very thorough job of interviewing all the family, and they actually find out what happened!

This is a clever story with lots of possible culprits.

[Maine Colonial · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Dr. Ryder, as coroner, accepts the jury’s verdict of death by misadventure after a wealthy family patriarch dies in a shed fire on bonfire night, he’s surprised to see a muckraking local journalist claim that the police have swept under the rug the possibility that there was something more purposeful in Thomas Hughes’s death. Dr. Ryder is not surprised to learn that the publicity spurs the police to open up an investigation, nor that Inspector Jennings has assigned WPC Trudy Loveday to go through the motions (at least Jennings hopes that’s all) for a week or two and then wrap things up without causing any trouble.

Considering the violent end of their last investigation, Trudy is a little reluctant to ask Dr. Ryder to assist in her inquiries, but she gives herself a stern talking-to and calls on him. Off the duo go to ask a lot of questions of Hughes’s extensive family, both grownups and youngsters. This time, though, Dr. Ryder is happy to see that Trudy has progressed and gained in confidence. She leads the questioning and makes astute observations—though she does regret to learn she can almost be led astray by a charming, handsome, and unscrupulous source.

The case turns out to be far more complex—and tragic—than expected, and Trudy is the one who connects the dots that make it clear exactly what happened that night, and why. This is the best of this very entertaining series so far. I have just three more to go to be up to date.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fatal Truth by Faith Martin is a marvellous historical murder mystery. It is the fifth book in the Ryder And Loveday Mystery series which I am loving.
This series has a wonderful retro feel to it, combined with a cosy murder mystery. It would make a perfect prime time television series. This book is set in 1961. It feels very much like Inspector Morse meets Endeavour meets Inspector George Gently. I can easily picture Martin Shaw as the erasable Dr Ryder.
Once more the reader is treated to the crime busting duo of aging coroner Dr Ryder and young WPC Loveday who is a breath of fresh air. Together they aim to solve crimes and keep the streets of Oxford safe.
Faith Martin has created well thought out storylines that have the reader intrigued and guessing. I am familiar with the Oxford streets and landscapes (having visited and also watched all episodes of Morse, Endeavour and Lewis), so it was easy to picture the action.
We all need escapism and this series provides just that. I can exercise my powers of deduction whilst not being offended by anything.
A Fatal Truth is a wonderful way to while away an afternoon. I cannot wait for more in this fabulous series.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Balthazar Lawson · Rating 2 out of 5]

When a newspaper raises question over the death of a man, that the coroner, Dr Ryder, has declared misadventure, the police reluctantly have another look. So reluctantly that they assign it to new full constable, WPC Trudy Loveday, because it only needs to look like they are doing something. Trudy relishes the challenge and together with Dr Ryder they try to determine if the paper's claims are correct.

They start with the family and realise that they are keeping many secrets and that perhaps there maybe something in the paper's claims.

Trudy takes the lead in this story like Clement Ryder did in the previous books in the series. It shows she is growing up, even though she is still young, and becoming more aware of what it means to be a policewoman and that not all cases have a nice ending.

This book felt as if it could have lost a bit of weight before it was published. There is a bit of unnecessary padding and repetition that slows everything down, especially when there are conversations. Some authors fire back and forth between characters and you can loose track of who is saying what. This goes the other way where there is a big delay between responses that you can forget what they are talking about. It's enjoyable enough but a bit lacklustre.

[Jan Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fatal Truth is the fifth in the Trudy Loveday series. WPC Loveday and local coroner Clement Ryder once more join forces to investigate when a local business man is apparently killed on bonfire night when the shed where he stored fireworks catches fire. It soon becomes clear that almost all of the family present had reasons to want the man dead and the case becomes more complex than anticipated.

There is one point with this series that jars - and would dip this book to 3.5 stars if such existed. Ms Loveday is battling the disapproval of her parents, colleagues, bosses and general public. Having worked in an all male profession through the 1970s I know first hand that she would need to be far more assertive.

That said - set in the late 1950 into 1960s (this one takes place in 1961) this series has the warm feel of TV shows of the time. Yes, it is a quiet read, moving at a leisurely pace, though intricately plotted. Probably not something that hard core crime fans would pick up, but its a pleasant read, meticulously researched to evoke the period.
One for the cosy mystery readers to enjoy.

[Carol North · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the writing style of Faith Martin and have read several of the Ryder and Loveday Mystery series. Trudy Loveday is a policewoman in the early 1960s at a time when women police officers were a rarity and there male counterparts saw them as only being useful for typing reports and making tea. In this story the Hughes family have been celebrating Guy Fawkes night around the bonfire when the garden shed goes up in flames with Thomas Hughes inside it. At first it appears that there is no evidence to suggest there is any reason to suspect the death of Thomas Hughes is anything more than an accident. Following the coroners inquest the local newspaper journalist begins to write stories that hint there is more to his death than just an accident. In order to quieten public opinion that the police may have messed up or missed something Trudy is sent to spend a couple of days asking questions. Having worked with the coroner, Clement Ryder before, she asks for his help. Before long they realise that the Hughes family has much to hide and not everyone is being entirely truthful. Together they discover the truth behind the mystery.

[Rachel Manley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read.

As is usually the case, this has been a good read from author Faith Martin. Whilst I feel I may have read this before it could just be that the author is so creative with her character development. I am not able to read this series in order due to access issues, but am pleased to confirm that whilst part of a series the novel stands well as a single issue. You do not need to have read other earlier books to understand the characters, or to find this an easy read. Somehow, with only the slightest of reference, the reader is led along a twisting and interesting plot without any feeling of being left out. This is a remarkable achievement. I have yet to be able to read any other series out of order without feeling
compelled to start at book 1 and follow in numerical order in order to understand the character and plots as they develop. I am finding each novel in this series to be an enjoyable read without feeling the need to change books, and the character continues to grow. Remarkable!

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book in the 'Ryder and Loveday Mystery' series, 'A Fatal Truth' captures the 1960s perfectly. The mystery is a standalone but to appreciate the partnership between coroner Ryder and police officer Loveday read the previous books in the series.

Loveday's confidence needs a boost, at the beginning of this story, and she's apprehensive about working with Ryder again. The story portrays the misogyny prevalent in the 1960s' police force showing that intelligence and solving crimes aren't enough for women to succeed.

The story relies on observation and astute detection skills rather than forensics and technology. The clever plot has authentic characters and dialogue. The character development of Loveday is notable and contrasts with Ryder's ailing health. There is a feeling of the end drawing near for this enigmatic partnership.

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

[Lynda Birch · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy the Ryder and Loveday connection then you should enjoy their latest collaboration in crime solving. They must delve into the relationships of the Hughes family to uncover who is responsible for the death of the patriarch Thomas. His death is initially ruled an unfortunate accident until a reporter starts publishing articles about a police cover-up, then Trudy and Clement are instructed to take a second look. When they do reexamine the crime scene and interview witnesses, they discover Thomas was murdered. The path to finding the truth is a long and winding one as everyone seems to have something to hide and is quite willing to lie about events. Trudy and Clement diligently pursue the truth, a truth that in the end leaves them powerless to act. The ending will not satisfy every reader but is a very apt ending.

Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy another Faith Martin novel.