‘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!

‘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 mystery… Highly 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