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DI Hillary Greene #9
Across the Narrow Blue Line
A shattered DI Hillary Greene returns to work following the death of her friend, Superintendent 'Mellow' Mallow, and is immediately plunged into another murder case. An old man is found dead by his terminally ill daughter. This leaves her with no one to care for her children after she's gone, and Hillary and her angry team are determined to find the killer. But Hillary, already far from being on her best form, faces solving her most tragic case to date whilst coping with two severe handicaps. Her new superintendent is a man she's crossed swords with in the past, and she knows that from now on she's going to have to watch her back. And to make matters even worse, her ex-Sergeant Janine Mallow is out for revenge on the man she, and everyone else at Thames Valley HQ feels is responsible for Mel's death. In the end, Hillary is faced with making a decision that could not only end her career, but could even put her behind bars!
224 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2010
5690 people are currently reading
1034 people want to read
About the author
Faith Martin
93 books954 followersFaith 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
June 10, 2018
This is a 4.5 star read.
I must admit that I was really hesitant to start this book, I just didn't know what to expect given the shocking conclusion to the previous book in the series. (DI Hillary Green #8) But I need not have worried as author Faith Martin did an exemplary job of picking up the story a couple of months later, albeit with a distinct change of pace and feeling.
The author did a stupendous job of immersing the reader into the mindset of Hillary, who is struggling to cope with her return to work after two months of compassionate leave following the sniper death of her boss. Hillary is cloaked in a miasma of depression and apathy which colours her thinking, how she feels about her job and her inability to deal with team problems she had previously temporarily dismissed. When Hillary pops into work to check things out, before officially starting back the following day, she is handed the murder investigation of a senior citizen bludgeoned with his gardening shovel. In true Faith Martin style we are left perplexed by a case with numerous red herrings but no real suspects. Hillary's team are treading "softly, softly" with their boss and are quite concerned about her depression and "Meh!" attitude. By delegating more of the investigation to her team members we see Hillary trying to break through her inertia by secretively trying to solve her bosses murder. Keeping Hillary on her toes and both annoyed and worried is the pregnant widow who seems determined to forge ahead with her own investigation.
As always, the author's true talent lies in creating complex characters that draw you in and connect with you - the murder investigations are really just the icing on the cake. Be prepared to be shocked by people's actions in this story - the murderer's as well as long standing characters, in what is one of the most appallingly shocking conclusions to a novel that I have read this far. What will it mean to Hillary and her team? Can they deal with the consequences of their actions? All I know is that I'm waiting with baited breath to see how the drama unfolds in the next book.
I received an ARC of this novel directly from the author and publisher Joffe Books. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book, and the gifting in no way determines my review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion.
I must admit that I was really hesitant to start this book, I just didn't know what to expect given the shocking conclusion to the previous book in the series. (DI Hillary Green #8) But I need not have worried as author Faith Martin did an exemplary job of picking up the story a couple of months later, albeit with a distinct change of pace and feeling.
The author did a stupendous job of immersing the reader into the mindset of Hillary, who is struggling to cope with her return to work after two months of compassionate leave following the sniper death of her boss. Hillary is cloaked in a miasma of depression and apathy which colours her thinking, how she feels about her job and her inability to deal with team problems she had previously temporarily dismissed. When Hillary pops into work to check things out, before officially starting back the following day, she is handed the murder investigation of a senior citizen bludgeoned with his gardening shovel. In true Faith Martin style we are left perplexed by a case with numerous red herrings but no real suspects. Hillary's team are treading "softly, softly" with their boss and are quite concerned about her depression and "Meh!" attitude. By delegating more of the investigation to her team members we see Hillary trying to break through her inertia by secretively trying to solve her bosses murder. Keeping Hillary on her toes and both annoyed and worried is the pregnant widow who seems determined to forge ahead with her own investigation.
As always, the author's true talent lies in creating complex characters that draw you in and connect with you - the murder investigations are really just the icing on the cake. Be prepared to be shocked by people's actions in this story - the murderer's as well as long standing characters, in what is one of the most appallingly shocking conclusions to a novel that I have read this far. What will it mean to Hillary and her team? Can they deal with the consequences of their actions? All I know is that I'm waiting with baited breath to see how the drama unfolds in the next book.
I received an ARC of this novel directly from the author and publisher Joffe Books. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book, and the gifting in no way determines my review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion.
February 19, 2023
The ninth book in the DI Hillary Greene series and I am sure each one gets better than the one before.
Hillary Greene is a really excellent character and her confrontation with Gemma, which has been such a long time coming, is just superb. The main characters are all front and centre as they try to recover from the death of their boss in the previous book. Hillary herself is depressed and not feeling her job the way she usually does.
There is a lot going on with the possibility of another policeman getting shot, several investigations all going nowhere very fast and then, at the end, one important character takes the opportunity for the ultimate revenge.
Anything could happen now. I cannot wait to get to the next book!
Hillary Greene is a really excellent character and her confrontation with Gemma, which has been such a long time coming, is just superb. The main characters are all front and centre as they try to recover from the death of their boss in the previous book. Hillary herself is depressed and not feeling her job the way she usually does.
There is a lot going on with the possibility of another policeman getting shot, several investigations all going nowhere very fast and then, at the end, one important character takes the opportunity for the ultimate revenge.
Anything could happen now. I cannot wait to get to the next book!
February 23, 2018
DI Hillary Greene Book 9.
DI Hillary Greene, a policewoman struggling to save her career and catch criminals. Edward Philpot is found bludgeoned with his own spade in the garden of the home he shared with his daughter Rachel and his two grandchildren. Hillary's only lead is a rival at the local flower show who used to argue with the victim. Hillary has returned to work after the slaying of her boss and is determined to track down his murderer. Can Hillary cope with two complex investigations.
This is a well written crime mystery. DI Hillary Greene is still grieving the death of her old boss. She is back at work after two months leave. She's heading the the murder investigation of a grandfather who had been hit over the head with a spade. This is quite an easy book to read. Although this book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone, but we do get a buildup of the characters in the previous reads.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the Faith Martin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
DI Hillary Greene, a policewoman struggling to save her career and catch criminals. Edward Philpot is found bludgeoned with his own spade in the garden of the home he shared with his daughter Rachel and his two grandchildren. Hillary's only lead is a rival at the local flower show who used to argue with the victim. Hillary has returned to work after the slaying of her boss and is determined to track down his murderer. Can Hillary cope with two complex investigations.
This is a well written crime mystery. DI Hillary Greene is still grieving the death of her old boss. She is back at work after two months leave. She's heading the the murder investigation of a grandfather who had been hit over the head with a spade. This is quite an easy book to read. Although this book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone, but we do get a buildup of the characters in the previous reads.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the Faith Martin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2023
When DI Hillary Greene returned to work after two months compassionate leave from when her boss was murdered, she still didn't feel quite right. And when she knew who was replacing her boss, it felt like fate was dealing her a hand, but she didn't particularly care. Called out to the murder of a grandfather in his vegetable garden saw Hillary joining Gemma and Keith, and as they began the investigation, Hillary was glad of something to take her mind off whatever it was that bothered her.
Janine Mallow, the five month pregnant widow of Hillary's boss, was frustrated by the lack of success in discovering the killer of her husband. They all knew who was responsible, but finding the evidence was the difficult thing. Janine also knew Hillary wasn't able to investigate herself - the crew doing so were from a different division. But Janine was determined to catch the person who did it, whatever it took...
Murder in the Garden is the 9th in the DI Hillary Greene series by Faith Martin and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Hillary is an excellent character, strong, compassionate and clever, while those around her admire her fortitude. I found myself chuckling as Hillary and all she spoke to "sighed" their way through discussions. I've noticed it in the previous books, and it continues to gather momentum! I'm loving this series, and look forward to #10. Recommended.
Janine Mallow, the five month pregnant widow of Hillary's boss, was frustrated by the lack of success in discovering the killer of her husband. They all knew who was responsible, but finding the evidence was the difficult thing. Janine also knew Hillary wasn't able to investigate herself - the crew doing so were from a different division. But Janine was determined to catch the person who did it, whatever it took...
Murder in the Garden is the 9th in the DI Hillary Greene series by Faith Martin and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Hillary is an excellent character, strong, compassionate and clever, while those around her admire her fortitude. I found myself chuckling as Hillary and all she spoke to "sighed" their way through discussions. I've noticed it in the previous books, and it continues to gather momentum! I'm loving this series, and look forward to #10. Recommended.
January 8, 2022
It was okay and it served the purpose that I got it for...another challenge. There were far too many side issues in the book and too little about the main crime. DI Greene’s relationships with the other characters seemed to be the main focus of the writer. Poor dead as a doornail, Edward... was almost forgotten and DI Hillary didn’t appear too interested finding out who killed him. Maybe I’m being too critical since I am not a cozy mystery fan. There have been very few of this genre that I have read that can say I truly liked or ever wanted to continue with...the exception being Josh Lanyon’s Scruples and Scramble (Pirate Cove) series. Anyone that really likes cozy mysteries will more than likely find things to like about this series that I just couldn’t see.
February 22, 2018
MURDER IN THE GARDEN (DI HILARY GREENE, BK 9) by FAITH MARTIN 2/23/18
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A REVISED EDITION OF A BOOK FIRST PUBLISHED AS “ACROSS THE NARROW BLUE LINE.”
DI Hilary Greene is back .. but she's not the same feisty, strong, justice-driven, female detective that she's always been in the past. She's been on a 2-month compassionate leave because someone she's been close to for many years was murdered. The killer has never been caught.
She is determined that she will get whoever the killer is, even though her supervisors have warned her against getting involved. There's only one person who is more determined than Greene .... the very pregnant widow.
As Greene tries to get her emotions under control and keep the widow out of trouble, she's called in on her first day back to investigate the murder of an elderly man. It looks like he was gardening when someone knocked him in the head with a shovel.
Plowing through family and friends is like swimming in concrete. No clues, no apparent motive. Who would want this senior citizen dead?
As I have found with the first 8 books in this series, this is a well-written crime mystery. Hilary and her team have matured over time, some are now gone but replaced by credible others. There always seems to be a touch of realism to her cases. I like that she's older, experienced, and willing to share those experiences with the younger ones coming up the ladder.
Many thanks to the author / Joffee Books / Netgalley for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A REVISED EDITION OF A BOOK FIRST PUBLISHED AS “ACROSS THE NARROW BLUE LINE.”
DI Hilary Greene is back .. but she's not the same feisty, strong, justice-driven, female detective that she's always been in the past. She's been on a 2-month compassionate leave because someone she's been close to for many years was murdered. The killer has never been caught.
She is determined that she will get whoever the killer is, even though her supervisors have warned her against getting involved. There's only one person who is more determined than Greene .... the very pregnant widow.
As Greene tries to get her emotions under control and keep the widow out of trouble, she's called in on her first day back to investigate the murder of an elderly man. It looks like he was gardening when someone knocked him in the head with a shovel.
Plowing through family and friends is like swimming in concrete. No clues, no apparent motive. Who would want this senior citizen dead?
As I have found with the first 8 books in this series, this is a well-written crime mystery. Hilary and her team have matured over time, some are now gone but replaced by credible others. There always seems to be a touch of realism to her cases. I like that she's older, experienced, and willing to share those experiences with the younger ones coming up the ladder.
Many thanks to the author / Joffee Books / Netgalley for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 31, 2021
loved it from start to finish I plan to read more of her books in the future.
April 16, 2018
Enjoyed this DI Greene book. There were passages that were overlong, but I may be impatient. There is ongoing threat of a sniper who had already killed Greene's boss when he was standing next to her in a police parking lot and he has others on his list. The team assigned to keep tabs on this dude are made to look inept as well as foolish, but Greene and her former sergeant who was married to the slain Superintendent are warned to keep their distance...something the pregnant wife cannot abide.
Separately, a murder takes place that Greene's team is assigned to investigate. A devoted gardener, accustomed to winning prizes for his flowers, is dispatched by his spade.
I thought I tried earlier book by Faith Martin that was not at all up to snuff, but that would be me apparently - not up to snuff. This was a well written and gently entertaining police procedural.
Separately, a murder takes place that Greene's team is assigned to investigate. A devoted gardener, accustomed to winning prizes for his flowers, is dispatched by his spade.
I thought I tried earlier book by Faith Martin that was not at all up to snuff, but that would be me apparently - not up to snuff. This was a well written and gently entertaining police procedural.
February 27, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for a review copy of Murder in the Garden, the ninth police procedural to feature DI Hillary Greene of Thames Valley police.
Hillary is returning to work after two months compassionate leave and is not in the mood to take prisoners but before she can sort out her team she is called out to a murder scene, keen gardener Eddie Philpott has been killed with his own spade. With little to go on the case is difficult even without the distraction of having to babysit the increasingly volatile and pregnant Janine Mallow and deal with the malevolent Superintendent Brian Vane.
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder in the Garden which is another undemanding but very pleasant read. Eddie Philpott's murder is not the main focus of the novel and is rather lacklustre, both in terms of plotting and investigation. In fact I guessed most of it almost from the start. The main focus is on Janine and the investigation into her husband's death. She is convinced that Clive Myers is responsible (see Murder in a Mansion) and that the task force is getting nowhere so starts taking more on herself, relying on Hillary to help her. This part of the novel is gripping, exciting and very well done.
Much of the pleasure in this series comes from the ongoing saga of the protagonists' lives. Hillary has changed since the death of her old friend, Mel Mallow, and is harder and less worried about the consequences of her actions, not that she doesn't cover the bases politically before opening her mouth. I love this new outspokenness and the way things fall into place for her and I adored her first real conversation with Gemma, her underhand sergeant. What a masterclass in oneupmanship! I'm desperate to find out about her history with Superintendent Vane as they obviously don't get on. Janine is another well drawn character in this novel. Her instability and volatility are made very understandable.
Murder in the Garden is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Hillary is returning to work after two months compassionate leave and is not in the mood to take prisoners but before she can sort out her team she is called out to a murder scene, keen gardener Eddie Philpott has been killed with his own spade. With little to go on the case is difficult even without the distraction of having to babysit the increasingly volatile and pregnant Janine Mallow and deal with the malevolent Superintendent Brian Vane.
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder in the Garden which is another undemanding but very pleasant read. Eddie Philpott's murder is not the main focus of the novel and is rather lacklustre, both in terms of plotting and investigation. In fact I guessed most of it almost from the start. The main focus is on Janine and the investigation into her husband's death. She is convinced that Clive Myers is responsible (see Murder in a Mansion) and that the task force is getting nowhere so starts taking more on herself, relying on Hillary to help her. This part of the novel is gripping, exciting and very well done.
Much of the pleasure in this series comes from the ongoing saga of the protagonists' lives. Hillary has changed since the death of her old friend, Mel Mallow, and is harder and less worried about the consequences of her actions, not that she doesn't cover the bases politically before opening her mouth. I love this new outspokenness and the way things fall into place for her and I adored her first real conversation with Gemma, her underhand sergeant. What a masterclass in oneupmanship! I'm desperate to find out about her history with Superintendent Vane as they obviously don't get on. Janine is another well drawn character in this novel. Her instability and volatility are made very understandable.
Murder in the Garden is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
November 10, 2021
This is a well written book, but it went off on too many tangents. I usually like having a few mysteries to solve that are centered around the main, but I figured out the whodunit fairly quick. After that it was just Hillary making sure her bereaved and pregnant Sergeant didn't do anything stupid. She did. Other problem taken care of...ta da! Look how smart and brilliant Hillary is. Honestly, it wasn't as bad as I make it sound, and the location was pretty. I even liked the characters enough to download the next book in the series. We'll see how that one goes. My thanks to Joffe/Netgalley.
March 2, 2018
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This is another solid addition to the DI Hillary Greene series by Faith Martin, I do enjoy reading a new book by Faith as she has an excellent writing style and you know you are in for a treat!
I enjoyed the plot with this one and that there were two main themes running through the book. I don't want to say too much or give the plot away. I enjoyed the interaction that Hillary has with her team and have given this one four and a half stars rounded up to five stars for Amazon and Goodreads - I am very much looking forward to reading the next in the series!
** If you are planning on reading the whole series, you do need to have read Murder in the Mansion before you pick up this one or you will get a massive spoiler - you have been warned! **
This is another solid addition to the DI Hillary Greene series by Faith Martin, I do enjoy reading a new book by Faith as she has an excellent writing style and you know you are in for a treat!
I enjoyed the plot with this one and that there were two main themes running through the book. I don't want to say too much or give the plot away. I enjoyed the interaction that Hillary has with her team and have given this one four and a half stars rounded up to five stars for Amazon and Goodreads - I am very much looking forward to reading the next in the series!
** If you are planning on reading the whole series, you do need to have read Murder in the Mansion before you pick up this one or you will get a massive spoiler - you have been warned! **
June 24, 2023
I gave this a 4.5. It is the most suspenseful of the 9 Hilary Greene books I have read so far. The underlying case was interesting and Hilary helping Janine was a good touch. I have enjoyed all the books by Faith Martin I have read so far.
December 12, 2022
I actually read this one first (bad move, Audible!), and after the other series being almost clear of foul language, I was dismayed to find that in this, but even though I had a few series spoilers by starting at the latter end, I jumped into it all without getting lost once. It was excellent.
April 15, 2018
LOVE This Series .. Hillary is a Fantastic Character and totally Believable ....Non... Where is Book 10
March 11, 2018
Hillary Greene's 9th outing was a fair read. The main plot follows a gentleman bludgeoned to death in his back garden, while the secondary plot follows investigations into Hillary's boss and friend's murder.
As a character, Hillary is evolving. She makes some understandable decisions due to the loss of her friend, but she is much firmer in this particular novel.
I plan to carry on with the series.
As a character, Hillary is evolving. She makes some understandable decisions due to the loss of her friend, but she is much firmer in this particular novel.
I plan to carry on with the series.
March 10, 2018
I love the style of writing from this author, the story flows really well and the characters are believable. Hilary doesn't mind bending the rules a bit but will she get away with it this time ?
March 15, 2018
Another rousing success in the Hillary Greene series, she is faced with such inner torment and sadness, along with lots of sleepless nights, but she still held it together on her job. With a new murder to solve and her ex-DI Janine to keep in check, since the death of her new husband Mel and Greene ‘s friend and Supervisor who was shot by a sniper two months ago. It was a task to keep to volatile and fully pregnant Janine at bay, she wanted justice and in her point of view, they were taking too long to arrest the one whom they knew did it. He spoiled everything for her and made her unborn child fatherless and for that, he had to pay, she was determined he would pay somehow, in her pregnant state she couldn’t see she was losing control but Hilary did and took care of things if you know what I mean. Hillary is tired and stress, not being able to sleep properly does that to a person, she kept wondering if she could have done more to aid Mel with the rape case that another DI botched in his hastiness. With Janine putting herself at risk not just with her job but the baby, Hillary had no choice but to aid her the best way she can. One of the culprits involved in the rape case, the one who actually perpetrated the act was found buried in a forest in Wales, which convinces Janine even more that, the father of the victim was the one, she was like a bloodhound and refuse to step back, in her mind she had already lost everything and getting the bugger who took it all away was her main focus. For Hillary solving the murder of a very likable old gent took her back twenty years to find the answer. I have to say these books are never boring, filled with intrigue and suspense, the thrill factor is very gripping, heck I couldn’t put the book down, with every new addition to the series Faith Martin creativity shines brighter, great work of art and yes writing is art.
February 28, 2018
This is the ninth in the Hillary Greene series and they just go on getting better and better!
When an elderly man is found dead in his own back garden, Hillary returns to work from a leave of absence following the death of a colleague. His killer has still not been caught and Hillary is determined to get him as well as finding the murderer of the quiet man who didn't seem to have any enemies. Hillary is not at her best and, for once in her life, she struggles with the day-to-day problems at work.
I don't want to give any more of the story away because that would spoil it for those of you who haven't read it yet and, believe me, you will want to read it. Faith is a master storyteller whose characters are so real. I worried about Hillary's mental health after all the shocks she has had and then an old enemy of hers (Brian Vane) becomes her boss. How can she work with a man who desires nothing more than to bring her down? At least her new sergeant is coming round to her way of thinking and is a bit easier to deal with.
I stopped the world from spinning while I read this. It is so good that sleep, food and work become unnecessary and the reader has to keep going to the end. And then sigh because it is over and there will be a wait before the next one comes out.
When an elderly man is found dead in his own back garden, Hillary returns to work from a leave of absence following the death of a colleague. His killer has still not been caught and Hillary is determined to get him as well as finding the murderer of the quiet man who didn't seem to have any enemies. Hillary is not at her best and, for once in her life, she struggles with the day-to-day problems at work.
I don't want to give any more of the story away because that would spoil it for those of you who haven't read it yet and, believe me, you will want to read it. Faith is a master storyteller whose characters are so real. I worried about Hillary's mental health after all the shocks she has had and then an old enemy of hers (Brian Vane) becomes her boss. How can she work with a man who desires nothing more than to bring her down? At least her new sergeant is coming round to her way of thinking and is a bit easier to deal with.
I stopped the world from spinning while I read this. It is so good that sleep, food and work become unnecessary and the reader has to keep going to the end. And then sigh because it is over and there will be a wait before the next one comes out.
November 26, 2018
"First-class thriller"
I was gripped by this one from the first page to the last. Full of incidents, packed with great characters and set at a furious, unrelenting pace. It fairly crackles with tension. Loved it. Pass me the next in the series, please.
I was gripped by this one from the first page to the last. Full of incidents, packed with great characters and set at a furious, unrelenting pace. It fairly crackles with tension. Loved it. Pass me the next in the series, please.
April 6, 2021
Wow! What a book! I guessed the identity of the murderer in the garden at 34% through the book as well as the reason (well sort of). Nevertheless the writing all through the rest of the book, collecting evidence for this case and continuing on from the last book's cliffhanger, keeps the reader on tenterhooks right to the end. Can't wait to read the next one.
December 31, 2022
Another great angsty story with the h still mourning and not at her best. Of course her best is ridiculously good, and she really doesn't understand so holds herself to a higher standard that others. Very angsty story.
August 19, 2024
A police officer has been murdered by a sniper. An elderly man has been found dead in his garden. Hillary is assigned to the latter case, but tries to help the wife of the murdered officer since she believes no one will ever take responsibility for her husband's murder. Hillary has a new boss with whom she has some history, and they dislike each other.
July 9, 2025
I love these books and still can't decide whether it is solving the crime or following the story of the police team that makes me enjoy them so much. As usual this one does not disappoint with lots of possible suspects, unexpected twists and a continuing story , in fact 2 storylines, of Hilary and her team. So much going on after the dramatic death of Mel.
February 16, 2021
Best one so far!! Loved the way the two themes intertwined; loved the build up and suspense! Almost felt sorry for Ross and hoped he might mend his ways.
July 25, 2019
A very satisfying mystery read!
May 10, 2018
A new series and author for me! I would like to have read the previous books in this series, but I did enjoy this book as a stand-alone. D.I. Hillary Greene returns to work after compassionate leave and struggles to believe in herself. She is a character I am enjoying getting to know, as she feels so real. The plot unfolds nicely along with the development of the characters. There are some very poignant moments too.
April 5, 2019
3.5 actually.
March 4, 2018
5 stars
It’s been two months since the shooting death of Superintendent Mel Mallow and DI Hillary Greene is returning to work. His killer still has not been caught, and that only adds to the tension in the department.
Hillary and her team get a call out to a man who has been bludgeoned to death in his garden. He is sixty-five years old and lived with his daughter Rachel Warner and her two children. His name was Edward Philpott. When Hillary meets the daughter, she is struck by how ill she looks. DS Gemma Fordham and DS Frank Ross have begun interviewing the neighbors.
It seems that Eddie and a man from a neighboring village named Thomas Cleaves are rivals at the local flower show. Cleaves accused the judges of being biased. Upon interviewing Cleaves, Hillary and DC Keith Barrington learn that while Cleaves freely admits to not liking Eddie, he denies killing him.
Meanwhile, with the new Superintendent Brian Vane in the office, the reader learns that he and Hillary have a history – and it’s not good. She approaches her bosses Chief Donleavy and Paul Danvers to get DS Frank Ross to retire. She’s had enough of him, as have all the force at the Kidlington station. Hillary also confronts DS Gemma Fordham with her knowledge that she knows what Gemma is up to and that she had an affair with her now dead, no good husband.
Clive Myers is the suspect for shooting Mel, but no evidence has yet come to light. The reader of this story gets to learn the identity of the killer early on in the book.
Martha Hepton had plenty of reason to murder Eddie. His lover of twenty years was to be turned out of her (free) home which belonged to Eddie’s family so that he could sell it to raise capital for his daughter and grandchildren. Thus, she had no place to go. She equivocates, hems and haws around and outright lies to the police. But Hillary and her team are on to her.
Meanwhile, the situation with Clive Myers comes to a head. DI Janine Mallow gets too involved.
Hillary has another epiphany. She can’t believe she didn’t see it before. The identity of the killer comes as a surprise. The reasoning behind the murder is somewhat understandable, but very sad.
This is another very well written and plotted novel in this series. Faith Martin keeps getting better and better. We have two major cases going on in this story and the tension increases and decreases as the stories unfold. I like Hillary and her little narrowboat and Puff the Tragic Wagon. She is a very good boss, understanding when she needs to be, but she can be hard as well. Well done, Ms. Martin!
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read and enjoy.
It’s been two months since the shooting death of Superintendent Mel Mallow and DI Hillary Greene is returning to work. His killer still has not been caught, and that only adds to the tension in the department.
Hillary and her team get a call out to a man who has been bludgeoned to death in his garden. He is sixty-five years old and lived with his daughter Rachel Warner and her two children. His name was Edward Philpott. When Hillary meets the daughter, she is struck by how ill she looks. DS Gemma Fordham and DS Frank Ross have begun interviewing the neighbors.
It seems that Eddie and a man from a neighboring village named Thomas Cleaves are rivals at the local flower show. Cleaves accused the judges of being biased. Upon interviewing Cleaves, Hillary and DC Keith Barrington learn that while Cleaves freely admits to not liking Eddie, he denies killing him.
Meanwhile, with the new Superintendent Brian Vane in the office, the reader learns that he and Hillary have a history – and it’s not good. She approaches her bosses Chief Donleavy and Paul Danvers to get DS Frank Ross to retire. She’s had enough of him, as have all the force at the Kidlington station. Hillary also confronts DS Gemma Fordham with her knowledge that she knows what Gemma is up to and that she had an affair with her now dead, no good husband.
Clive Myers is the suspect for shooting Mel, but no evidence has yet come to light. The reader of this story gets to learn the identity of the killer early on in the book.
Martha Hepton had plenty of reason to murder Eddie. His lover of twenty years was to be turned out of her (free) home which belonged to Eddie’s family so that he could sell it to raise capital for his daughter and grandchildren. Thus, she had no place to go. She equivocates, hems and haws around and outright lies to the police. But Hillary and her team are on to her.
Meanwhile, the situation with Clive Myers comes to a head. DI Janine Mallow gets too involved.
Hillary has another epiphany. She can’t believe she didn’t see it before. The identity of the killer comes as a surprise. The reasoning behind the murder is somewhat understandable, but very sad.
This is another very well written and plotted novel in this series. Faith Martin keeps getting better and better. We have two major cases going on in this story and the tension increases and decreases as the stories unfold. I like Hillary and her little narrowboat and Puff the Tragic Wagon. She is a very good boss, understanding when she needs to be, but she can be hard as well. Well done, Ms. Martin!
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read and enjoy.
February 21, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
The 9th in this terrific series (now called Murder in the Garden) is my favorite so far; it was impossible to put it down, especially towards the end. Wow, what a ride that was; I had to remind myself to breathe.
DI Hillary Greene is still reeling from the death of her best and oldest friend, even after a 2-month leave.
As soon as she returns to work, she's heading a new case: the brutal murder of a grandfather who leaves behind his fatally ill daughter and her 2 children. Who will take care of the children now her father is gone and she is dying?
At the same time she's trying to rein in Janine, her friend's widow who is pregnant, distraught and determined to find her husband's killer.
Still grieving, not at the top of her game, Hillary is trying to juggle both the case and looking out for Janine whilst knowing it could jeopardize both her and Janine's careers.
I love that Joffe has republished this series and can't wait for nos. 10 and 11, may they be available soon!
The 9th in this terrific series (now called Murder in the Garden) is my favorite so far; it was impossible to put it down, especially towards the end. Wow, what a ride that was; I had to remind myself to breathe.
DI Hillary Greene is still reeling from the death of her best and oldest friend, even after a 2-month leave.
As soon as she returns to work, she's heading a new case: the brutal murder of a grandfather who leaves behind his fatally ill daughter and her 2 children. Who will take care of the children now her father is gone and she is dying?
At the same time she's trying to rein in Janine, her friend's widow who is pregnant, distraught and determined to find her husband's killer.
Still grieving, not at the top of her game, Hillary is trying to juggle both the case and looking out for Janine whilst knowing it could jeopardize both her and Janine's careers.
I love that Joffe has republished this series and can't wait for nos. 10 and 11, may they be available soon!
July 4, 2019
I think I have become mildly addicted to this DI Hillary Greene series! They are an easy read with good main plots, credible characters ( the good and the bad), and plenty going on on the side lines to keep you interested. Something is always left unresolved to carry forward in the next book...... the reason for my addiction? If you have enjoyed previous Hillary Greene books you won't be disappointed in this one.
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