I read a lot of "sword and sandal" to "blood,bullets and black ops" with an occasional sojourn into the medieval so I thought I might find this book a bit twee. In many ways it was and being my first foray into this authors works I wasn't sure I was going to progress far. Happily for me, it opened out a bit as both story and characters progressed. Centred in Oxford, where many a TV detective has flourished. it may have lacked a bit of grit but it evoked what a young female probationary pc in the 60's probably went through and the thought of the M1 as a wide open trafficless road almost makes you wish for the "old" days. Mentored by a Coroner who has an inquisitive mind, friends in suitable places and a healthy awareness of other's position overriding sense and justice our probationary pc rises to the challenge and between them, well, another case of murder in Oxford is solved. Light but entertaining and will certainly read more by the author.

Having thoroughly enjoyed all of bestselling author Faith Martin's previous books, I was excited to come across this, and naturally grabbed a copy. Her critically acclaimed DI Hilary Greene series has won her many fans, so when I discovered that she was penning a new series, I was filled with both anticipation and trepidation. It's always a risk when an author starts a new series when an original series has been so successful, but I should've known that Faith wouldn't let me down!

We were initially introduced to our shiny new heroine, probationary WPC Trudy Loveday and coroner Dr Clement Ryder in book one entitled 'A Fatal Obsession', and I have already touted this as being one of the most up-and-coming and scintillating new series' currently out there in the crime genre. The first two books have backed up my gut feelings on this. The setting is Oxfordshire, in the 1960s, and conjures up the atmospheric storyline full of intrigue. Throughout the whole duration the story conjured up images of the fictional village of Midsomer featured in Midsomer Murders. The writing, as always, flows effortlessly from one page to the next, and draws you right into the heart of the action, and ceases to relax its grasp over you until the denouement is complete and the book concluded.

I am now chomping at the bit for the next book, 'A Fatal Flaw', set to be published in February 2019. I cannot wait! Although these books, and all of Faith's bibliography, work perfectly fine as standalones, but if you like to follow the progression of the recurring main characters in your novels, then go ahead and read these the series opener and this one. That way, when the third is released you'll be all clued up! I cannot imagine a crime thriller fan encountering any issues Overall, an excellent, thrilling, surprise and suspense filled plot, which will be appeal to ardent Martin fans and newcomers alike!

Many thanks to HQ Digital for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Set in 1960 this book is something a bit different, it evokes nostalgia of how things used to be before all the modern tools that the police have today. A young WPC has to prove herself as she is the only woman in the station and she is also on probation. Assigned to help the coroner in an open verdict case leaves her with very little doubt that being a detective is what she really want's. A really enjoyable read.

The story is mainly told from Trudy Loveday’s point of view with brief parts being told from Dr Ryder’s perspective and some of the other featured characters. Trudy is a young 19 year old girl trying to make her way within the police force in the 1950’s. She struggles in what is a male dominated career and with her young age working against her she feels as if she will never be able to learn the skills needed to progress up the ranks.

This is where Dr Ryder makes an entrance. He is the coroner tasked with investigating the death of the Oxford Student and enlists Loveday’s help. He sees a spark in her work ethic and wants to help her hone her skills and become the best she can be. The bond between Ryder and Loveday is really touching. It is a classic example of a mentor and student relationship when it works at its best. Ryder clearly sees the potential in Loveday and in return, Loveday clearly respects Ryder and his knowledge.

About three quarters of the way through I had a sneaky suspicion I knew who the killer was and I was right. However, I didn’t enjoy the book any less because of this as there were still many aspects of the how and why I hadn’t figured out which all became apparent at the end. The author throws in lots of twists and turns and writes a few people into the picture as suspects which made for an enthralling read.

I’m intrigued to know what the prior case Ryder & Loveday worked on together and i’m intrigued to see how these characters develop. I will be seeking out the first book in this series and I eagerly await the next one to see what these characters get up to next! Highly recommend this book for anyone who likes a book with a classic ‘who done it’ theme.

A Fatal Mistake by Faith Martin is a fabulous nostalgic crime novel set in 1960. It is the second book in the Ryder And Loveday Mysteries but can be read as a stand-alone.
Once more the crime busting duo of elderly coroner Ryder and probationer WPC Loveday meet up to crack another crime. They are an unlikely pairing but work well together. Fresh faced and enthusiastic Loveday contrasts with the meticulous and calm Ryder. They bounce off each other much to the readers delight.
1960 was the dawn of the modern era. Female police officers were a new phenomenon and faced much hostility and prejudice. They had to work twice as hard just to maintain an equal footing with their male counterparts.
The reader is treated to the face of Oxford 1960. It is a fabulous trip into the past. For me, it had a curious blend of ITV's Morse and Endeavour with BBC's George Gently. I really hope these books translate onto our television screens as I would love to watch them. I would cast Martin Shaw as Ryder and Joanne Froggat as Loveday. Just perfect.
A Fatal Mistake is a nostalgic thinking man's detective novel. The clues need to be observed, thought through and joined together. The crimes rely on good old fashioned policing and a copper's nose.
I am absolutely loving this series by Faith Martin. Many more books please. Any TV producers out there... please look no further for the next big thing, this is it!
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ Digital for an advance copy of A Fatal Mistake, the second novel to feature probationary WPC Trudy Loveday and coroner Dr Clement Ryder set in 1960 Oxford.

When student Derek Chadworth is found drowned in the river after an end of term student party it is regarded as an accident until Dr Ryder gets suspicious of the witness accounts he hears at the inquest. They are all basically the same, vague and noncommittal. He secures an open verdict and Trudy's services to help him investigate.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Fatal Mistake which is an engrossing read and it held my attention so much that I read it in one sitting, unable to put it down. It is the deceptively simple tale of a young man's death but the investigation soon takes a seedy, rather louche turn when it becomes apparent that Derek ran with a rich, dissolute crowd. I found the descriptions of their behaviour fascinating and realistic (so much has been said about the antics of these clubs in the press) and at the same time repugnant and self indulgent.

The novel is mostly told from Trudy's point of view although other characters are given a voice as well. These other voices round out the narrative and give the reader a broader perspective, most interestingly in the case of Lord Jeremy Littlejohn, ringleader of the Marquis club, as one is never sure of the extent of his involvement. It is, however, Trudy's story. She is 19 and decidedly innocent about the ways of the world so she learns some unpalatable truths about it during the course of the investigation. Nevertheless she is smart, ambitious and courageous, despite the casual sexism and degradation she encounters on a daily basis (this extremely well done as it is accepted as the norm it was at the time without introducing modern sensibilities). It is good to see the curmudgeonly Dr Ryder doing his best to hone her skills and encourage her ambition as no one else does. They are a great pair of protagonists.

A Fatal Mistake is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.