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Rina Martin #7
Murder on the Farm
Originally published as Forgotten Voices.
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.
On a bright September day, mother-of-two Ellen Tailor is shot dead while making dinner in her idyllic farmhouse kitchen.
Rina and her policeman friend Mac cannot understand how kindly, popular Ellen could have met with such a violent death in this peaceful, close-knit community.
But all is not as it seems at pretty Low Ridge Farm. Ellen was struggling to make ends meet. Her interfering mother-in-law controls the family with an iron fist. And Ellen’s creepy ex-boyfriend had recently turned up.
As Rina and Mac question Ellen’s family and friends, another local resident meets a sudden end.
Is there a killer on the loose among these gentle farming folk . . . ?
With a little help from Rina, the community must rally round to uncover the murderer in their midst.
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.
On a bright September day, mother-of-two Ellen Tailor is shot dead while making dinner in her idyllic farmhouse kitchen.
Rina and her policeman friend Mac cannot understand how kindly, popular Ellen could have met with such a violent death in this peaceful, close-knit community.
But all is not as it seems at pretty Low Ridge Farm. Ellen was struggling to make ends meet. Her interfering mother-in-law controls the family with an iron fist. And Ellen’s creepy ex-boyfriend had recently turned up.
As Rina and Mac question Ellen’s family and friends, another local resident meets a sudden end.
Is there a killer on the loose among these gentle farming folk . . . ?
With a little help from Rina, the community must rally round to uncover the murderer in their midst.
- GenresMystery
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2015
332 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Jane A. Adams
59 books152 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 32 reviews
September 26, 2015
This murder mystery with a very cosy feel turned out to be a real gem of a read. It is part of the Rina Martin series and can be read as a standalone although you soon realise that the characters here all share a very bloody past that is only alluded to here, but after reading the book I would certainly look forward to reading some of the earlier one and finding out all there is to know about the inhabitants of Frantham, a coastal farming community in the south of England. It really is a case of “Move over Midsomer, Frantham is the REAL murder capital of the UK”.
Rina Martin herself is an actress of a certain age who has just come out of retirement to film a new season of her sleuthing serial. The book may have her name on the front cover but in actual fact she only plays a small, albeit very important role in the story. The main character is D I MacGregor, known as Mac who, with his team of police officers, is involved with solving the murder of Ellen Tailor, a local woman shot dead at point blank range.
It really is a cracking little read, well plotted with some smashing characters who you very soon get attached to (well, some of them). There are plenty of twists, suspects and red herrings that kept me changing my mind about the murderer in nearly every chapter.
I can’t think of anything that I didn’t like about this read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Many thanks to the publishers via Netgalley for the review copy.
Rina Martin herself is an actress of a certain age who has just come out of retirement to film a new season of her sleuthing serial. The book may have her name on the front cover but in actual fact she only plays a small, albeit very important role in the story. The main character is D I MacGregor, known as Mac who, with his team of police officers, is involved with solving the murder of Ellen Tailor, a local woman shot dead at point blank range.
It really is a cracking little read, well plotted with some smashing characters who you very soon get attached to (well, some of them). There are plenty of twists, suspects and red herrings that kept me changing my mind about the murderer in nearly every chapter.
I can’t think of anything that I didn’t like about this read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Many thanks to the publishers via Netgalley for the review copy.
March 3, 2023
A good book but rather an abrupt ending for me.
February 21, 2023
We’re back in Frantham for the seventh novel in the series. Rina, fresh from filming a new series for TV, returns home feeling weary but satisfied. She’s soon drawn into the murder of Ellen Tailor, a popular single mother who’s shot in her kitchen. Mac and his small team investigate, trying to make sense of the killing, struggling to find a motive.
The secondary plot involving a former 2nd World War airfield, and events during the conflict, bring a retired historian into the investigation. Missing archives, his abrupt nature and his friendship to Ellen place him firmly under suspicion. The family of Ellen’s former husband, who never approved of her, are also high on the list of police suspects.
A second murder changes everything, adding pressure to the investigation and casting doubt on some of the leads being followed.
It’s a familiar complex puzzle with Rina at one end and Mac at the other, both investigating and coming together to solve the murders. Their relationship and the bright characters who make up the cast lift the stories and add colour, humour and compassion, casting some welcome light over the grim tale.
Once on the trail, it doesn’t take Mac and Rina long to join the dots and solve the case, wrapping up all the loose ends for a satisfying ending.
While you can read this novel on its own, the whole series is a warming, charming journey with terrific characters, relationships and storylines to keep you turning the pages. It would be a shame not to enjoy them all.
The secondary plot involving a former 2nd World War airfield, and events during the conflict, bring a retired historian into the investigation. Missing archives, his abrupt nature and his friendship to Ellen place him firmly under suspicion. The family of Ellen’s former husband, who never approved of her, are also high on the list of police suspects.
A second murder changes everything, adding pressure to the investigation and casting doubt on some of the leads being followed.
It’s a familiar complex puzzle with Rina at one end and Mac at the other, both investigating and coming together to solve the murders. Their relationship and the bright characters who make up the cast lift the stories and add colour, humour and compassion, casting some welcome light over the grim tale.
Once on the trail, it doesn’t take Mac and Rina long to join the dots and solve the case, wrapping up all the loose ends for a satisfying ending.
While you can read this novel on its own, the whole series is a warming, charming journey with terrific characters, relationships and storylines to keep you turning the pages. It would be a shame not to enjoy them all.
June 15, 2023
another winner…didn’t figure out who-done-it
A widowed young mother is shot by someone she knew and trusted. As the investigation goes forward, bits and pieces of WWII are brought in. An airfield and museum are being opened with donations from local families. A historical researcher, Will Trent, has swiped a journal, letters and a reel-to-reel tape. He is not well-liked. And someone stabs him in the back at the weekend of the grand opening. Two murders! Are they related? Through twists and turns, the murderers are caught. I have never correctly identified the murderer in any of these books. (And I’m usually good at it.)
A widowed young mother is shot by someone she knew and trusted. As the investigation goes forward, bits and pieces of WWII are brought in. An airfield and museum are being opened with donations from local families. A historical researcher, Will Trent, has swiped a journal, letters and a reel-to-reel tape. He is not well-liked. And someone stabs him in the back at the weekend of the grand opening. Two murders! Are they related? Through twists and turns, the murderers are caught. I have never correctly identified the murderer in any of these books. (And I’m usually good at it.)
April 14, 2024
Why would anyone murder a young widow with two children who lives on an isolated farm near Frantham? Mac has his work cut out for him to solve this brutal crime. It was apparently someone Ellen Tailor knew because the murderer approached her as she worked in her kitchen preparing dinner. She would have seen them through the window, then she approached the person carrying the shotgun that was used to kill her point blank. Jeb and Megan found their mother's body upon arriving home from school that afternoon. Everyone in the community who knew Ellen had good things to say about her - she volunteered, she was friendly and helpful - so who wanted her dead?
December 26, 2022
Another jewel in the series
I love thus series, like someone loves the indulgence of a bag of.peanut m&m's. This is not "high minded" literature. This is not a philosophical treatise. This series is a pleasant distraction and strip into a lovely English seaside village. The characters and their eccentricities areas enjoyable as each m&m you pop. Not a fully nourishing meal. No this book is protein rich and good for you it's own cozy way. Great l!ot. Well told story. Doesn't melt in your hand!
I love thus series, like someone loves the indulgence of a bag of.peanut m&m's. This is not "high minded" literature. This is not a philosophical treatise. This series is a pleasant distraction and strip into a lovely English seaside village. The characters and their eccentricities areas enjoyable as each m&m you pop. Not a fully nourishing meal. No this book is protein rich and good for you it's own cozy way. Great l!ot. Well told story. Doesn't melt in your hand!
September 12, 2023
Read this as “Forgotten voices”. The debate about whether private papers about war activity should remain private or be used for educational purposes was interesting and relevant to me. I thought the author was too coy about exactly what was going on in Frantham during the war so I didn’t understand Vera’s motivation as much as I should have. Also I was unclear how Mac and Kendall decided who the killer was. Still, I enjoyed it overall.
January 31, 2024
I enjoyed this new author, and I liked Rina Martin a lot. I am disappointed that my local library doesn't have more in this series. This is a sad story, one that is altogether relatable. There are secrets that someone doesn't want to come out, and there are open hostilities that bubble to the surface and threaten to crush things, children and others. Rina is the good at the center of this, and her intuitions help to bring about the correct conclusion to a murder investigation.
February 24, 2020
I am persevering through the Jane A Adams bibliography, although sometimes its is diffu=icult. They start so well, and have an intriguing premise, and there is little padding, so why are they so difficult to maintain interest? I suspect that it may be the main characters are fairly dull.
Anyway onward I go.
Rina Martin #7
Jane A Adams #27
Anyway onward I go.
Rina Martin #7
Jane A Adams #27
September 24, 2025
This was the last book in the box set I have and it was thoroughly enjoyable. I love the main characters; their eccentricity and relationships.
A woman is shot...
Roots in the past, this story was a psychological thriller alongside some cosy moments. There were plenty of twists and turns and some complex plots.
Well-written and engaging.
Highly recommended.
A woman is shot...
Roots in the past, this story was a psychological thriller alongside some cosy moments. There were plenty of twists and turns and some complex plots.
Well-written and engaging.
Highly recommended.
January 25, 2022
The Characters
While the plots in all seven books are cleverly designed and presented, I read the whole set because I cared about the characters. I heartily recommend you meet these wonderful people for yourself.
While the plots in all seven books are cleverly designed and presented, I read the whole set because I cared about the characters. I heartily recommend you meet these wonderful people for yourself.
November 7, 2022
Excellent read
This latest Rina Martin murder mystery is very good, with a complex "keeps you guessing" plot and interesting and well developed characters. I highly recommend it, and the whole series. You won't be disappointed.
This latest Rina Martin murder mystery is very good, with a complex "keeps you guessing" plot and interesting and well developed characters. I highly recommend it, and the whole series. You won't be disappointed.
January 19, 2023
Another great story
Another great story in the Rina Martin series featuring most of the usual characters. Well crafted plot with plenty of twists and turns.An ideal book to curl up with on a winter's night. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
Another great story in the Rina Martin series featuring most of the usual characters. Well crafted plot with plenty of twists and turns.An ideal book to curl up with on a winter's night. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
April 1, 2023
One of the best Rina Martin books I’ve read. There was too much written about WW2. I understand why it was included for one of the kills, but it made the story somewhat confusing at times. Otherwise I couldn’t put it down.
July 17, 2019
I love this series. If you like Agatha Christie and Patricia Wentworth, give these books a try. More about people than procedure, loving scenery descriptions, interesting stories.
February 12, 2022
I got confused a lot, but enjoyed it anyway.
April 25, 2022
The 7th book in this series, it was great that some of the character changed.
June 21, 2022
Excellent read
Sleepy pace of life is enviable and you can see the scenes so clearly due to the excellent writing. Characters are great and just love the interaction.
Sleepy pace of life is enviable and you can see the scenes so clearly due to the excellent writing. Characters are great and just love the interaction.
November 5, 2022
More of the same
Just more of the same really . Not so many characters from the past and not the best in the series. But still a good read.
Just more of the same really . Not so many characters from the past and not the best in the series. But still a good read.
Read
November 9, 2022Fantastic mystery
The intensity of the suspense of this mystery is awesome. The anticipation of who the culprit is keeps you guessing til the end.
The intensity of the suspense of this mystery is awesome. The anticipation of who the culprit is keeps you guessing til the end.
December 27, 2022
Great
I loved all the books ..kept me glued to the books till the end... all-around believable stories... Very good reacf
I loved all the books ..kept me glued to the books till the end... all-around believable stories... Very good reacf
January 15, 2023
Great Story
The twists and turns are great , the story comes through all the way to the last page just fantastic
The twists and turns are great , the story comes through all the way to the last page just fantastic
November 21, 2023
Murder on the Farm
Very much enjoyed this story,so used to all the characters,all leading separate lives,yet together.Mystery abounds,have to know who the killer is.
Very much enjoyed this story,so used to all the characters,all leading separate lives,yet together.Mystery abounds,have to know who the killer is.
September 26, 2022
I have enjoyed all the books I have read in this series. The main characters are interesting and have humanity. The plots always have a captivating twist.
September 30, 2015
FORGOTTEN VOICES – JANE A ADAMS 2 STARS
A tediously slow book
Ellen Tailor, recently widowed is found by her young children when they return from school shot at close range by someone using a double barrel shotgun.
DI "Mac" MacGregor together with DI Kendall and the support of the local police are left with very few clues as to why this very popular woman has been so brutally murdered. They quickly discover that her mother-in-law despised her, but would she go to the lengths of murder to get rid of her to claim the farm and become the children's legal guardian?
Also on their radar is William Trent a man not generally liked, who will stoop to any lengths to gain possession of private and confidential papers that the local community have loaned to the committee wanting to set up a memorial of the town's participation during the war years. He is discovered murdered shortly after the opening day of the exhibition. Are the two murders linked? If so, what is the link?
Can Rina Martin, home after filming in her latest series together with her mismatched house guests help solve the murders?
It was obvious from the beginning who stood the most to gain from from these murders. Rina Martin's bizarre involvement with one of the detectives and her motley crew of guests were more of an irritant than an added benefit to the story.
Not one character stood out and all were drawn in a one dimensional manner, which made reading the story hard going.
Sorry Jane A Adams, the stories you've written so far following Rina Martin might have a huge following, but I for one will not be looking for the next book in the series.
Treebeard
Best Selling Crime Thrillers received an advanced copy of this book to review
A tediously slow book
Ellen Tailor, recently widowed is found by her young children when they return from school shot at close range by someone using a double barrel shotgun.
DI "Mac" MacGregor together with DI Kendall and the support of the local police are left with very few clues as to why this very popular woman has been so brutally murdered. They quickly discover that her mother-in-law despised her, but would she go to the lengths of murder to get rid of her to claim the farm and become the children's legal guardian?
Also on their radar is William Trent a man not generally liked, who will stoop to any lengths to gain possession of private and confidential papers that the local community have loaned to the committee wanting to set up a memorial of the town's participation during the war years. He is discovered murdered shortly after the opening day of the exhibition. Are the two murders linked? If so, what is the link?
Can Rina Martin, home after filming in her latest series together with her mismatched house guests help solve the murders?
It was obvious from the beginning who stood the most to gain from from these murders. Rina Martin's bizarre involvement with one of the detectives and her motley crew of guests were more of an irritant than an added benefit to the story.
Not one character stood out and all were drawn in a one dimensional manner, which made reading the story hard going.
Sorry Jane A Adams, the stories you've written so far following Rina Martin might have a huge following, but I for one will not be looking for the next book in the series.
Treebeard
Best Selling Crime Thrillers received an advanced copy of this book to review
December 29, 2015
Jumping into this series late in the game, I understand I am missing important pieces of the characters’ histories. That did not keep me from enjoying the resolution of the ghastly murder of a young, well liked mother of two children who has been assisting in creating a museum for WWII artifacts in a small English town. Sgt. Frank Baker is the police detective with some mystery in his past; Rina Martin is a retired actress living in a house filled with intriguing housemates, mostly performers. Other residents of the small town of Frantham weigh in to complicate the plot, a study in psychology at times.
February 1, 2016
Very frustrating became like homework and read less than a few pages per day but was determined to finish it. Around the last forty or so pages I got into and started to enjoy the pace and story but the ending just was beyond frustrating. So much so that I went back to the beginning and skimmed thru twice to see how it was all possible. I will give the author credit for the misleads and keeping one guessing in who did it.
November 13, 2015
The early entries in this series were some of my very favorites. Just a little disappointed in this one.
January 15, 2016
Rina Martin mystery....detective and mystery fiction.....DI MacGregor and Rina Martin (retired actress)
January 18, 2016
Another engaging cozy mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews