A Fatal Obsession (Ryder and Loveday, Book 1) cover art

A Fatal Obsession (Ryder and Loveday, Book 1)

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A Fatal Obsession (Ryder and Loveday, Book 1)

By: Faith Martin
Narrated by: Stephanie Racine
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About this listen

Don't miss A Dangerous Train of Thought, the gripping latest installment in the Faith Martin's 1920s cosy crime series! Pre-order now. The perfect Christmas present for fans of Agatha Christie, Richard Osman and M.C. Beaton.

‘A brilliant book! The pairing of Ryder and Loveday is a stroke of genius.’ Clare Chase

Oxford, 1960. Probationary WPC Trudy Loveday is smart and enthusiastic but always underestimated. To keep her out of the way, her senior officer assigns her to assist Coroner Clement Ryder as he reopens the case of a young woman’s mysterious death. Trudy can't believe her luck – she is finally going to be working on a real murder investigation.

Meanwhile, the rest of the police force are busy investigating a series of threats and murders in the local community, and Clement can't help but feel it's all linked.

As Trudy and Clement form an unexpected partnership, can they catch the killer before more lives are lost?

‘Absolutely loved it… The characters were some of the best I’ve read in a long time.’ Angela Marsons

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'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cosy Crime Crime Thrillers Fiction Genre Fiction Murder Mystery Police Procedural Small Town & Rural Thriller Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Exciting

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Critic reviews

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

‘A brilliant book! The pairing of Ryder and Loveday is a stroke of genius.’ Clare Chase, author of the Eve Mallow and Tara Thorpe mysteries

‘Absolutely loved it… The characters were some of the best I’ve read in a long time.’ Angela Marsons, no. 1 bestselling author of the Kim Stone series

All stars
Most relevant
I thoroughly enjoyed this. it kept me company during a day of painting the kitchen (and afterwards, listening into the night). The narration was good so am surprised by other reviews berating it, but I suppose everyone has different preferences.

I loved the premise of a young probationary Wpc in a 60s police force tackling sexism and social expectations and the contrast with a more mature and experienced male coroner fighting a developing illness.

I would have liked Truly to have made more contributions to the reveal stages of the investigation towards the end, instead her role is mostly note taker. I also would have liked the discovery of the killer to have been revealed differently. It was too convenient. Can't say more without spoilers. These minor points did nothing to diminish my overall enjoyment of this excellent story.

I've downloaded the next audiobook in the series as company for today's painting.

Excellent listen

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Faith Martin has a wonderful battle, brings the characters to life in her narrative, especially Clement and Trudy

Another cracker

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I loved this book and the fact that it was set in my era and I grew up in Oxford, it kept me guessing and I really liked Trudy’s character. It was very well told.

Well read

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Having recently listened to quite a few more modern (and grisly) detective stories I wasn’t sure if this one would keep me interested. But I was pleasantly surprised. The story was well put together and superbly read. I’m off to download number 2 in the series now.

A welcome surprise

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I love the combination of faith's writing and Stephanie's reading. a pleasure to listen to and over way too quickly!

a pleasure to listen to

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