Book 1

A Fatal Obsession

by Faith Martin

Published 11 June 2018
Don’t miss Faith Martin’s fiendishly clever new novel, Murder by Candlelight, set in the 1920s and described as ‘the perfect village mystery’ by J.M. Hall

‘A brilliant book! The pairing of Ryder and Loveday is a stroke of genius.’ Clare Chase, author of the Eve Mallow and Tara Thorpe mysteries

Oxford, 1960. There's a murderer on the loose and two unlikely heroes are poised to solve the case.

Meet Probationary WPC Trudy Loveday – smart, enthusiastic and always underestimated.

In the hope of getting her out of the way, Trudy’s senior officer assigns her to help coroner Clement Ryder as he re-opens the case of a young woman's death. She can't believe her luck – she is actually going to be working on a real murder case.

Meanwhile, the rest of the police force are busy investigating a series of threats and murders in the local community, and Clement can't help but feel it's all linked.

As Trudy and Clement form an unlikely partnership, are they going to be the ones to solve these crimes before the murderer strikes again?

A gripping, twisty cozy crime novel that you won't be able to put down. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Richard Osman and M.C. Beaton.

‘Absolutely loved it… The characters were some of the best I’ve read in a long time.’ Angela Marsons, no. 1 bestselling author of the Kim Stone series

The Ryder and Loveday Series

Book 1: A FATAL OBSESSION

Book 2: A FATAL MISTAKE

Book 3: A FATAL FLAW

Book 4: A FATAL SECRET

Book 5: A FATAL TRUTH

Book 6: A FATAL AFFAIR

Book 7: A FATAL NIGHT

Book 8: A FATAL END

Readers love Faith Martin:

Absolutely perfect! This is the book I have been craving since I last read the Thursday Murder Club series!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Very entertaining… Full of red herrings, plot twists and turns. I thought I knew who was the killer but I was wrong.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Have become an addict of Faith Martin – love her novels.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This author's books are soothing to the soul. Her characters are likable, and the plots always keep me guessing. Excellent fun.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Book 2

A Fatal Mistake

by Faith Martin

Published 5 September 2018
Don’t miss Faith Martin’s fiendishly clever new novel, Murder by Candlelight, set in the 1920s and described as ‘the perfect village mystery’ by J.M. Hall

‘A beautifully crafted crime mystery I could not put down.’ Anita Davison, author of the Flora Maguire series

Summer 1960, Oxford

In the glorious sunshine of Oxford, on a day when everyone should be celebrating, tragedy strikes when a university student is found floating in the river, dead.

Probationary WPC Trudy Loveday finds herself paired with coroner Clement Ryder to investigate and it soon becomes clear that this case is not going to be easy.

The witnesses all refuse to give a straight answer, each new lead sends them in a new direction and tales of other missing youngsters add further mystery to the investigation.

One thing is certain though, something doesn’t seem quite right about the university’s most popular student….

A gripping, twisty crime novel that you won't be able to put down. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Richard Osman and M.C. Beaton.

The Ryder and Loveday Series

Book 1: A FATAL OBSESSION

Book 2: A FATAL MISTAKE

Book 3: A FATAL FLAW

Book 4: A FATAL SECRET

Book 5: A FATAL TRUTH

Book 6: A FATAL AFFAIR

Book 7: A FATAL NIGHT

Book 8: A FATAL END

Readers LOVE Faith Martin’s books:

Absolutely perfect! This is the book I have been craving since I last read the Thursday Murder Club series!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Very entertaining… Full of red herrings, plot twists and turns. I thought I knew who was the killer but I was wrong.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This author's books are soothing to the soul. Her characters are likable, and the plots always keep me guessing. Excellent fun.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Have become an addict of Faith Martin – love her novels.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Cracking good read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Plenty of action and drama to keep the reader gripped through to the end' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys crime fiction' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Compelling murder mystery' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Book 3

A Fatal Flaw

by Faith Martin

Published 1 February 2019
Don’t miss Faith Martin’s fiendishly clever new novel, Murder by Candlelight, set in the 1920s and described as ‘the perfect village mystery’ by J.M. Hall

‘A beautifully crafted crime mystery I could not put down.’ Anita Davison, author of the Flora Maguire series

Oxford, 1960. As the city of Oxford prepares itself for the inaugural Miss Oxford Honey Beauty Pageant at The Old Swan Theatre, excitement is in the air.

Then, tragedy strikes the competition when one of the leading contestants is found dead.

Initially, the authorities assume her death was suicide. But after a malicious series of pranks and blackmail attempts are reported, WPC Loveday and Coroner Clement Ryder are called upon to solve the case.

In an atmosphere of fierce competition, the list of suspects is endless. Could what have started as harmless fun become a deadly race to win the prize?

With time running out, the duo need to spot the killer before tragedy strikes again…

A gripping cosy crime novel, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Richard Osman and M.C. Beaton.

‘Absolutely loved it… The characters were some of the best I’ve read in a long time.’ Angela Marsons, no. 1 bestselling author of the Kim Stone series

The Ryder and Loveday Series
Book 1: A FATAL OBSESSION
Book 2: A FATAL MISTAKE
Book 3: A FATAL FLAW
Book 4: A FATAL SECRET
Book 5: A FATAL TRUTH
Book 6: A FATAL AFFAIR
Book 7: A FATAL NIGHT
Book 8: A FATAL END

Readers LOVE Faith Martin’s Ryder & Loveday series!

Absolutely perfect! This is the book I have been craving since I last read the Thursday Murder Club series!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Very entertaining… Full of red herrings, plot twists and turns. I thought I knew who was the killer but I was wrong.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Have become an addict of Faith Martin – love her novels.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This author's books are soothing to the soul. Her characters are likable, and the plots always keep me guessing. Excellent fun.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Book 4

A Fatal Secret

by Faith Martin

Published 6 September 2019
Don’t miss Faith Martin’s fiendishly clever new novel, Murder by Candlelight, set in the 1920s and described as ‘the perfect village mystery’ by J.M. Hall

‘The pairing of Ryder and Loveday is a stroke of genius.’ Clare Chase, author of the Eve Mallow and Tara Thorpe mysteries

Oxford, 1961. A family day out at Briar’s Hall ends in tragedy when a young boy goes missing – and his body is found at the bottom of a disused well in the orchard.

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

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

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

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

‘Absolutely loved it… The characters were some of the best I’ve read in a long time.’ Angela Marsons, no. 1 bestselling author of the Kim Stone series Readers LOVE A Fatal Secret!

Absolutely perfect! This is the book I have been craving since I last read the Thursday Murder Club series!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Very entertaining… Full of red herrings, plot twists and turns. I thought I knew who was the killer but I was wrong.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Have become an addict of Faith Martin – love her novels.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This author's books are soothing to the soul. Her characters are likable, and the plots always keep me guessing. Excellent fun.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A brilliant book! This is Faith Martin at her scintillating best!A cracking good read… Highly recommend this book and I give it a delighted 5 stars!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Gripping suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat. I was hooked from page one.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Great plot, excellent main characters and I read it in one sitting! I would highly recommend this book.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gripping… Crime-busting nostalgia at its very best.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Ryder and Loveday Series
Book 1: A FATAL OBSESSION
Book 2: A FATAL MISTAKE
Book 3: A FATAL FLAW
Book 4: A FATAL SECRET
Book 5: A FATAL TRUTH
Book 6: A FATAL AFFAIR
Book 7: A FATAL NIGHT
Book 8: A FATAL END


Book 5

A Fatal Truth

by Faith Martin

Published 11 June 2020
‘An explosive read… Characters, dialogue and plot were superb.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars

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…

Perfect for fans of Betty Rowlands, Richard Osman and Agatha Christie, you won’t be able to put this down until you’ve cracked the case!

‘The pairing of Ryder and Loveday is a stroke of genius.’ Clare Chase, author of the Eve Mallow and Tara Thorpe mysteries Readers LOVE Faith Martin!

Absolutely perfect! This is the book I have been craving since I last read the Thursday Murder Club series!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Very entertaining… Full of red herrings, plot twists and turns. I thought I knew who was the killer but I was wrong.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Have become an addict of Faith Martin – love her novels.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This author's books are soothing to the soul. Her characters are likable, and the plots always keep me guessing. Excellent fun.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved this… The best one to date… Reminiscent of Agatha Christie's gentle style and incisive detection… I look forward to more in this series!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Fresh and different… Will get you hooked!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Yet again Faith Martin delivers… A proper whodunit mystery… A very good book… I’m looking forward to the next.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fabulous mysteryHighly recommended, the perfect way to spend an afternoon on the sofa.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Another great Trudy Loveday novel… Love the twist… Great addition to the series.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Marvellous… I cannot wait for more in this fabulous series.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Ryder and Loveday Series
Book 1: A FATAL OBSESSION
Book 2: A FATAL MISTAKE
Book 3: A FATAL FLAW
Book 4: A FATAL SECRET
Book 5: A FATAL TRUTH
Book 6: A FATAL AFFAIR
Book 7: A FATAL NIGHT
Book 8: A FATAL END


Book 6

A Fatal Affair

by Faith Martin

Published 4 March 2021
Don’t miss Faith Martin’s fiendishly clever new novel, Murder by Candlelight, set in the 1920s and described as ‘the perfect village mystery’ by J.M. Hall

‘The pairing of Ryder and Loveday is a stroke of genius.’ Clare Chase, author of the Eve Mallow and Tara Thorpe mysteries

She was dressed in a long white gown, embroidered with tiny flowers. Her body was wrapped in colourful ribbons that floated in the breeze. But underneath the swathe of golden hair, a string of darkly smudged bruises ringed her neck.

As May Day dawns in the peaceful village of Middle Fenton, a young woman is found brutally strangled, her body tied up with ribbons in the middle of the green. A week later, her boyfriend is found hanged in a local barn, and the police assume guilt over murdering his beloved has driven him to suicide – but not everyone is convinced.

WPC Trudy Loveday and coroner Clement Ryder are sent to investigate, and quickly realise that there’s a double murderer on the loose.

But the killer has already shown willingness to remove anyone who threatens to discover their identity… As Trudy and Clement circle in on the culprit, can they crack the case before they too come to a nasty end?

Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Agatha Christie and Val McDermid, this is one murder mystery you won’t be able to put down!

Readers LOVE A Fatal Affair!

Absolutely perfect! This is the book I have been craving since I last read the Thursday Murder Club series!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The sixth of the series, and they keep getting better and better.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Very entertaining… Full of red herrings, plot twists and turns. I thought I knew who was the killer but I was wrong.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Have become an addict of Faith Martin – love her novels.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This author's books are soothing to the soul. Her characters are likable, and the plots always keep me guessing. Excellent fun.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved this… The best one to date… Reminiscent of Agatha Christie's gentle style and incisive detection… I look forward to more in this series!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Fresh and different… Will get you hooked!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fabulous mysteryHighly recommended, the perfect way to spend an afternoon on the sofa.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘You can’t beat Faith Martin for a bit of highly enjoyable light relief… First class and a joy to read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Ryder and Loveday are a fab crime fighting odd couple… More please.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Martin’s books never disappoint. This is another very good simple mystery “whodunnit” that will keep you guessing until the very end.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Having read and enjoyed all of the books in the series so far, I sat down looking forward to another story filled with mystery and intrigue. I was not disappointed… I can thoroughly recommend this book to lovers of thrilling mystery stories.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Ryder and Loveday Series:
Book 1: A FATAL OBSESSION
Book 2: A FATAL MISTAKE
Book 3: A FATAL FLAW
Book 4: A FATAL SECRET
Book 5: A FATAL TRUTH
Book 6: A FATAL AFFAIR
Book 7: A FATAL NIGHT
Book 8: A FATAL END


Book 7

A Fatal Night

by Faith Martin

Published 11 November 2021
‘A light-hearted twisty thriller… Reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel, with a great cast of characters. A real page-turner!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

New Year’s Eve, 1962

New Year’s Eve, 1962. As a snowstorm rages outside, Oxford high society gathers to ring in the new year at the city’s most exclusive party. This is a soiree no one will forget… not least because a guest is found dead in his car the next morning.

It seems the young man tragically froze to death overnight after crashing into a snowdrift – but when WPC Trudy Loveday and coroner Clement Ryder are called in to investigate, they discover a tangled web of secrets that plainly points to murder.

With everyone telling different stories about that fateful night, only one thing is clear: several people had reason to want the victim dead.

And if Trudy and Clement don’t find the cracks in each lie, the killer will get away with the perfect crime…

Perfect for fans of Betty Rowlands, Richard Osman and Agatha Christie, this mystery will keep you hooked until you’ve solved the case!

‘Absolutely loved it… The characters were some of the best I’ve read in a long time.’ Angela Marsons, no. 1 bestselling author of the Kim Stone series Readers LOVE Faith Martin!

Absolutely perfect! This is the book I have been craving since I last read the Thursday Murder Club series!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Very entertaining… Full of red herrings, plot twists and turns. I thought I knew who was the killer but I was wrong.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I just love this series… Faith Martin is the modern day Agatha Christie, deftly drawing her characters with a couple of lines… A delight as always.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Well written with likeable and credible protagonists… A perfect addition to this excellent series and perhaps the best to date.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I thoroughly enjoyed reading it… Loved the interaction between the two unlikely main characters who complemented each other so very well as they tried to solve the crime.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘[This] "who done it" is a bit of nostalgiaA great read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I've enjoyed most of Faith Martin's books but this Fatal series is my clear favourite.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This author's books are soothing to the soul. Her characters are likable, and the plots always keep me guessing. Excellent fun.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Ryder and Loveday Series
Book 1: A FATAL OBSESSION
Book 2: A FATAL MISTAKE
Book 3: A FATAL FLAW
Book 4: A FATAL SECRET
Book 5: A FATAL TRUTH
Book 6: A FATAL AFFAIR
Book 7: A FATAL NIGHT
Book 8: A FATAL END


Book 8

A Fatal End

by Faith Martin

Published 22 June 2022
Don’t miss Faith Martin’s fiendishly clever new novel, Murder by Candlelight, set in the 1920s and described as ‘the perfect village mystery’ by J.M. Hall

‘There is so much to love about A Fatal End… Another nail-biting mystery awaits.’ The Lancashire Post

Oxford, 1963. In a backstreet club, people dance the night away to their favourite band. But behind the scenes there is trouble afoot. An argument is brewing between bandmembers, two possessive girlfriends have plans for their partners, the club manager is creaming off profits – and a tragic accident leaves the lead singer dead.

But was it an accident at all? Coroner Clement Ryder is suspicious, and WPC Trudy Loveday knows there’s only one thing for it. She’s going undercover, deep into the seedy underbelly of Oxford nightlife.

Meanwhile Clement’s own secret is becoming increasingly difficult to keep hidden, and discovering the singer’s murderer might not be the only shock in store for Trudy…

An unputdownable murder mystery perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Agatha Christie and Val McDermid!

‘A brilliant book! The pairing of Ryder and Loveday is a stroke of genius.’ Clare Chase, author of the Eve Mallow and Tara Thorpe mysteries Readers LOVE A Fatal End!

Excellent dramatic storyline!… I was kept guessing until the very end. An excellent read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Another great read… A fab murder mystery.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I absolutely love this series, and this book may be my favorite… A fast paced, engaging mystery.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Highly recommended… Ms Martin’s best series.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Another fabulous Ryder and Loveday book from the always brilliant Faith Martin… Great characters and superb plotting.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Ryder and Loveday Series
Book 1: A FATAL OBSESSION
Book 2: A FATAL MISTAKE
Book 3: A FATAL FLAW
Book 4: A FATAL SECRET
Book 5: A FATAL TRUTH
Book 6: A FATAL AFFAIR
Book 7: A FATAL NIGHT
Book 8: A FATAL END