If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries filled with clever twists, charming settings, and unforgettable characters, Faith Martin’s books are a must-read. Known for her gripping detective series, particularly the beloved DI Hillary Greene mysteries, Faith Martin (pen name of Jacquie Walton) has captivated readers with her knack for crafting suspenseful yet heartwarming stories set in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside. Whether you’re new to her work or a longtime fan looking to dive into her series in order, this guide will walk you through Faith Martin’s books in publication order, focusing on her most popular series and standalone novels. Let’s unravel the mystery of her bibliography!
Who Is Faith Martin?
Faith Martin is the pseudonym of English author Jacquie Walton, a prolific writer born in Oxford, England. With over 25 years of writing experience, she’s penned more than 60 books across multiple genres, including cozy mysteries, detective novels, and even romance under the pen name Maxine Barry. However, she’s best known for her DI Hillary Greene series, which follows a sharp-witted detective navigating complex cases and personal challenges while living on a narrowboat in Oxfordshire. Martin’s love for the countryside and her vivid descriptions of nature shine through in her work, making her stories as immersive as they are engaging.
Her other notable series include the Jenny Starling Mysteries, featuring a traveling chef turned amateur sleuth, and the Ryder & Loveday series, a delightful duo solving crimes in 1960s Oxford. Whether you’re drawn to classic whodunits or modern detective tales, Faith Martin’s books offer something for every mystery lover.
Why Read Faith Martin’s Books in Order?
Reading Faith Martin’s books in order enhances your experience by following the character development and overarching storylines, especially in her series. The DI Hillary Greene series, for example, tracks Hillary’s career and personal life, from her struggles with a corrupt ex-husband to her triumphant return as a civilian consultant. Starting from the beginning ensures you catch every clue and emotional beat. Similarly, the Jenny Starling and Ryder & Loveday series build on character relationships and recurring themes, making chronological reading rewarding.
Below, we’ve organized Faith Martin’s books by series and publication order, with a brief overview of each series to help you decide where to start. We’ve also included her standalone novels and books written under her other pen name, Joyce Cato.
List Of Faith Martin Books in Order
| Year | Title | Series | Original Title (if revised) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Stolen Fire | Standalone (Romance) | – | Published as Maxine Barry |
| 1994 | Fire and Ice | Standalone (Romance) | – | Published as Maxine Barry |
| 1995 | The Lying Game | Standalone (Romance) | – | Published as Maxine Barry |
| 1996 | An Ocean Apart | Standalone (Romance) | – | Published as Maxine Barry |
| 1997 | A Risk Worth Taking | Standalone (Romance) | – | Published as Maxine Barry |
| 1998 | The High Cost of Loving | Standalone (Romance) | – | Published as Maxine Barry |
| 1999 | Steal My Heart | Standalone (Romance) | – | Published as Maxine Barry |
| 2000 | Caribbean Flame | Standalone (Romance) | – | Published as Maxine Barry |
| 2001 | Heart of Fire | Standalone (Romance) | – | Published as Maxine Barry |
| 2002 | Hidden Rainbows | Standalone (Romance) | – | Published as Maxine Barry |
| 2003 | Stormy Attraction | Standalone (Romance) | – | Published as Maxine Barry |
| 2004 | Murder on the Oxford Canal | DI Hillary Greene #1 | A Narrow Escape | Revised edition published later |
| 2004 | Destiny’s Call | Standalone (Romance) | – | Published as Maxine Barry |
| 2005 | Murder at the University | DI Hillary Greene #2 | On the Straight and Narrow | Revised edition published later |
| 2005 | Resolutions | Standalone (Romance) | – | Published as Maxine Barry |
| 2006 | Murder of the Bride | DI Hillary Greene #3 | Narrow Is the Way | Revised edition published later |
| 2006 | Murder in the Village | DI Hillary Greene #4 | By a Narrow Majority | Revised edition published later |
| 2007 | Murder in the Family | DI Hillary Greene #5 | Through a Narrow Door | Revised edition published later |
| 2007 | Murder at Home | DI Hillary Greene #6 | With a Narrow Blade | Revised edition published later |
| 2008 | Murder in the Meadow | DI Hillary Greene #7 | Beside a Narrow Stream | Revised edition published later |
| 2008 | Murder in the Mansion | DI Hillary Greene #8 | Down a Narrow Path | Revised edition published later |
| 2009 | Murder in the Garden | DI Hillary Greene #9 | Across the Narrow Blue Line | Revised edition published later |
| 2010 | Murder by Fire | DI Hillary Greene #10 | – | – |
| 2010 | The Birthday Mystery | Jenny Starling #1 | Birthdays Can Be Murder | Published as Joyce Cato |
| 2011 | Murder at Work | DI Hillary Greene #11 | – | – |
| 2011 | The Winter Mystery | Jenny Starling #2 | A Fatal Fall of Snow | Published as Joyce Cato |
| 2012 | Murder Never Retires | DI Hillary Greene #12 | A Narrow Return | Revised edition published later |
| 2013 | The Riverboat Mystery | Jenny Starling #3 | – | Published as Joyce Cato |
| 2014 | Murder Never Misses | DI Hillary Greene #13 | A Narrow Point of View | Revised edition published later |
| 2014 | An Unholy Mess | Monica Noble #1 | – | Published as Joyce Cato |
| 2015 | Murder Now and Then | DI Hillary Greene #14 | A Narrow Margin of Error | Revised edition published later |
| 2015 | An Unholy Whiff of Death | Monica Noble #2 | – | Published as Joyce Cato |
| 2016 | Murder in the Dark | DI Hillary Greene #15 | A Narrow Exit | Revised edition published later |
| 2016 | An Unholy Shame | Monica Noble #3 | – | Published as Joyce Cato |
| 2017 | Murder in Park Lane | DI Hillary Greene #16 | A Narrow Victory | Revised edition published later |
| 2017 | The Lavender Lady | Standalone | – | Published as Jessie Daniels |
| 2018 | The Castle Mystery | Jenny Starling #4 | – | Published as Joyce Cato |
| 2018 | A Fatal Obsession | Ryder & Loveday #1 | – | – |
| 2018 | Murder at Midnight | DI Hillary Greene #17 | A Narrow Trajectory | Revised edition published later |
| 2019 | The Oxford Mystery | Jenny Starling #5 | – | Published as Joyce Cato |
| 2019 | A Fatal Mistake | Ryder & Loveday #2 | – | – |
| 2019 | A Fatal Flaw | Ryder & Loveday #3 | – | – |
| 2020 | The Teatime Mystery | Jenny Starling #6 | – | Published as Joyce Cato |
| 2020 | A Fatal Truth | Ryder & Loveday #4 | – | – |
| 2020 | A Fatal Secret | Ryder & Loveday #5 | – | – |
| 2021 | The Country Inn Mystery | Jenny Starling #7 | – | Published as Joyce Cato |
| 2021 | A Fatal Night | Ryder & Loveday #6 | – | – |
| 2021 | A Fatal End | Ryder & Loveday #7 | – | – |
| 2022 | Hillary’s Back! | DI Hillary Greene #18 | – | – |
| 2022 | A Fatal Affair | Ryder & Loveday #8 | – | – |
| 2023 | Hillary’s Final Case | DI Hillary Greene #19 | – | – |
| 2023 | The Guest House Murder | Jenny Starling #8 | – | Published as Joyce Cato |
| 2024 | Murder on the Train | DI Hillary Greene #20 | – | – |
| 2024 | Murder by Candlelight | Standalone (1920s Series #1) | – | – |
| 2025 | The Last Word is Death | Standalone (1920s Series #2) | – | Released January 2, 2025 |
| 2025 | Murder Under the Sun | DI Hillary Greene #21 | – | Released June 12, 2025 |
DI Hillary Greene Series (2004–2025)
The DI Hillary Greene series is Faith Martin’s flagship, featuring Detective Inspector Hillary Greene, a seasoned officer based at Thames Valley Police in Kidlington. Living on a narrowboat on the Oxford Canal, Hillary tackles murder cases in quaint Oxfordshire villages while navigating personal challenges, including a divorce from a corrupt cop and investigations into her own integrity. With 22 books and counting, this series is perfect for fans of procedural mysteries with a cozy twist.
Here’s the publication order (note that earlier titles were revised and republished with new names by Joffe Books):
- Murder on the Oxford Canal (2004, aka A Narrow Escape)
Hillary investigates a suspicious death in the Oxford Canal while facing scrutiny over her late husband’s corruption. - Murder at the University (2005, aka On the Straight and Narrow)
A murder at an Oxford college tests Hillary’s detective skills. - Murder of the Bride (2006, aka Narrow Is the Way)
A bride’s death on her wedding day leads to a tangled web of suspects. - Murder in the Village (2006, aka By a Narrow Majority)
A village murder stirs up local secrets. - Murder in the Family (2007, aka Through a Narrow Door)
A family tragedy turns sinister as Hillary digs deeper. - Murder at Home (2007, aka With a Narrow Blade)
An elderly woman’s death raises questions when no robbery is evident. - Murder in the Meadow (2008, aka Beside a Narrow Stream)
A young artist’s body is found with a red paper heart, hinting at a crime of passion. - Murder in the Mansion (2008, aka Down a Narrow Path)
A mansion becomes the scene of a chilling crime. - Murder in the Garden (2009, aka Across the Narrow Blue Line)
A garden hides dark secrets in this gripping installment. - Murder by Fire (2010)
A fiery death sparks Hillary’s investigation. - Murder at Work (2011)
A workplace killing uncovers corporate conspiracies. - Murder Never Retires (2012)
Hillary faces retirement but can’t resist a new case. - Murder of a Lover (2013)
A lover’s death complicates Hillary’s investigation. - Murder Never Misses (2014)
A missing person case turns deadly. - Murder at Midnight (2015)
A midnight murder keeps Hillary on edge. - Murder in Mind (2016)
A psychological twist adds depth to this case. - Hillary’s Final Case (2017)
Hillary’s supposed last case is her toughest yet. - Hillary’s Back! (2018)
Hillary returns as a civilian consultant on cold cases. - Murder Now and Then (2019)
A cold case links to a current murder. - Murder in the Parish (2020)
A church becomes the unlikely setting for a crime. - Murder on the Train (2024)
A train journey turns deadly. - Murder Under the Sun (2025)
The latest in the series, set for release on June 12, 2025.
Why Read It? This series blends cozy settings with gritty police work, offering a balance of suspense and charm. Hillary’s resilience and the vivid Oxfordshire backdrop make it a fan favorite.
Jenny Starling Mysteries (2017–2021)
The Jenny Starling Mysteries (written as Joyce Cato for earlier editions) follow Jenny Starling, a traveling chef with a knack for solving murders. Driving her cherry-red van across the UK, Jenny’s culinary skills are matched only by her ability to unmask killers. These cozy whodunits are perfect for fans of Agatha Christie.
- The Birthday Mystery (2017, aka Birthdays Can Be Murder)
A birthday celebration turns deadly. - The Winter Mystery (2017, aka A Fatal Fall of Snow)
A snowy retreat hides a murderer. - The Riverboat Mystery (2018)
A riverboat cruise becomes a crime scene. - The Castle Mystery (2018)
A historic castle holds deadly secrets. - The Oxford Mystery (2019)
Jenny caters an event in Oxford, only to stumble upon a murder. - The Teatime Mystery (2019, aka Just Not Cricket)
A cricket match turns fatal when a player is found dead. - The Country Inn Mystery (2020)
A cozy inn harbors a dark crime. - The Lake House Mystery (2021)
A lake house event ends in murder.
Why Read It? Jenny’s wit and culinary passion add a lighthearted touch to these classic mysteries, making them ideal for readers who love humor and clever plotting.
Ryder & Loveday Series (2018–2023)
This series pairs veteran detective Clement Ryder with young probationary WPC Trudy Loveday in 1960s Oxford. Their unlikely partnership solves complex cases while navigating generational differences.
- A Fatal Obsession (2018)
A young woman’s death sparks a thrilling investigation. - A Fatal Mistake (2018)
A student’s death uncovers dark secrets. - A Fatal Flaw (2019)
A beauty queen’s murder tests the duo. - A Fatal Secret (2019)
A boy’s death at a boarding school hides a deeper mystery. - A Fatal Truth (2020)
A professor’s murder leads to academic intrigue. - A Fatal Affair (2021)
A village fête ends in tragedy. - A Fatal Night (2021)
A New Year’s Eve party turns deadly. - A Fatal End (2023)
The duo faces their final case (for now).
Why Read It? The dynamic between Ryder and Loveday is a highlight, blending humor, mentorship, and clever sleuthing in a nostalgic 1960s setting.
Monica Noble Mysteries (2008–2010, as Joyce Cato)
Monica Noble, a vicar’s wife with a flair for solving crimes, stars in this charming trilogy set in an idyllic English village.
- An Unholy Mess (2008)
A village event turns murderous. - An Unholy Alliance (2009)
Monica uncovers a conspiracy. - An Unholy Shame (2010)
A scandal rocks the village.
Why Read It? These short, cozy mysteries are perfect for readers who enjoy quaint settings and amateur sleuths.
Standalone Novels and Other Works
Faith Martin has also written standalone mysteries and novels under her pen name Joyce Cato, including:
- Murder by Candlelight (2024)
A 1920s Oxfordshire mystery introducing a new detective duo, Val and Arbie. - The Lavender Lady Casefile (as Jessie Daniels, revised edition)
A spooky one-off mystery. - The Last Word is Death (2025, The Val & Arbie Mysteries #2)
The latest release in her new series.
As Maxine Barry, she wrote 14 romance novels, starting with Stolen Fire (1993), but these are less relevant to her mystery fans.
Tips for New Readers
- Start with DI Hillary Greene: If you’re new to Faith Martin, begin with Murder on the Oxford Canal for a taste of her signature style.
- Love Cozy Mysteries? Try the Jenny Starling series for lighthearted whodunits.
- Prefer Historical Settings? The Ryder & Loveday series or Murder by Candlelight offers a nostalgic vibe.
- Check for Revised Editions: Many early Hillary Greene books were republished with new titles, so double-check to avoid duplicates.
Why Faith Martin’s Books Are a Must-Read
Faith Martin’s mysteries stand out for their relatable characters, intricate plots, and vivid Oxfordshire settings. Whether it’s Hillary Greene’s tenacity, Jenny Starling’s culinary flair, or the Ryder-Loveday duo’s chemistry, her stories offer a perfect blend of suspense and charm. With over two million books sold worldwide, her work resonates with readers who crave cozy yet clever mysteries.
Where to Buy Faith Martin’s Books
You can find Faith Martin’s books on Amazon, Waterstones, or your local bookstore. Many are available for free with Kindle Unlimited or Audible trials.
Final Thoughts
Faith Martin’s books are a treasure trove for mystery lovers, offering a mix of cozy charm and gripping suspense. By reading her series in order, you’ll fully immerse yourself in her richly crafted worlds. Start with Murder on the Oxford Canal or The Birthday Mystery and let Faith Martin’s storytelling whisk you away to Oxfordshire’s shadowy corners.
Have a favorite Faith Martin book or series? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and More books you can read about Mary Balogh Books, Ina Garten Books, Ruth Ware Books, Santa Montefiore Books, and more. happy reading!
