I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Murder in Mind, the sixteenth novel to feature former DI turned civilian cold case investigator, Hillary Greene, of Thames Valley police.

It’s all change in the cold case unit. Hillary is pondering a proposal of marriage from her boss and lover, Superintendent Steven Crayle, and the need to break in a new boss, Superintendent Roland “Rollo” Sale, as Steven is moving on to set up a new unit and civilian consultant Jake Barnes is moving ahead with his secret agenda. Work must go on so the team are asked to look at the 2010 murder of pensioner, Sylvia Perkins who was bludgeoned to death in her own home with her fireside poker.

I thoroughly enjoyed Murder in Mind which is another fiendish challenge for Hillary as everything about the case is nebulous and inconclusive with no serious motive, several doubtful suspects and an inoffensive victim. I must admit that for the first time in quite a few books I was able to guess both the perpetrator and motive early on. It may be the way my mind works but I feel that Ms Martin rather laid it on with a trowel. Nevertheless I enjoyed Hillary’s investigative style and the dashes of humour that accompany it. I found Jake’s agenda much more interesting, not only his inept attempts at information gathering but Hillary and her bagman, former DS Jimmy Jessop’s surveillance of his activities. It sets up the final novel in the series nicely.

The novel centres on Hillary whose solve rate and methodology are giving her an almost superhero status within the station and more especially within her small team. It makes for a very pleasant read to see her pick up on the small details others miss and shape them into a coherent solution.

Murder in Mind is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

This instalment, despite the inevitable reciting of Hillary's life story, doesn't really stand alone. There are three threads to the narrative: the cold case concerning the murder of a seemingly well loved old lady, which Hillary solves somewhat out of the blue; the continuing explanation of "exactly what Jake is up to", which was the most interesting part of the book, but which ends on a cliff-hanger; and finally, "will Hillary marry Stephen?", which also ended without resolution.

Whilst effective at enticing me on to read the final instalment, this novel ended abruptly at less than 100% on my Kindle, leaving me feeling a bit put out!

Thankyou to NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author, Faith Martin, for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of Murder In Mind in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I thought this book was well written and intriguing. It was a quick, easy read with a good character ensemble. Faith Martin always leaves you wanting more. 3.5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this arc.

I'll keep reading the Hilary stories as fast a Joffe gets them out. Am a very big fan of this series.

Another nicely paced easy read with some very familiar characters and some that are not so familiar as well as an assortment of "persons of interest" and bad guys. Hilary's "new" trainees are coming along nicely, though there are still some questions about them. I think this was meant to be the official end of Steven's supervision of the team as he was breaking in his replacement Rolle in this story. Rolle seems to be okay, but still an unknown.

The case itself was intriguing as always with a kind of sad resolution in the end. As always, there were big questions left unanswered. I want more!