Don't miss A Dangerous Train of Thought, the thrilling latest installment in the Ryder & Loveday series! Pre-order now.

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



Oxford, 1961. 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, his death raises no suspicion… until a local journalist publicly accuses the police of a cover-up.


WPC Trudy Loveday is assigned to investigate and turns to Coroner Clement Ryder for help. But the deeper they dig, the murkier the case becomes. There’s no clear evidence of foul play, yet the Hughes family is clearly hiding something. And then there’s Thomas’s questionable business dealings – could someone have wanted him dead?


One thing is certain: everyone is lying. And Trudy and Clement must uncover the truth – before it’s buried for good.



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



‘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 mystery… Highly 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