Friday, October 27, 2017

Murder at the University by Faith Martin


Murder At The University by Faith Martin
Published by Joffe Books
Published on October 12, 2017
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Page Count: 251
Source: Netgalley
Format: eBook
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Description: Looking for a brilliant murder mystery with a feisty female detective?

MEET DI HILLARY GREENE, A POLICE WOMAN WITH A THIRST FOR JUSTICE AND A COMPLICATED CAREER

A pretty French student is found dead in her room at an exclusive Oxford college. Everyone thinks it is another tragic case of accidental drug overdose.

But Detective Hillary Greene has a nose for the truth. She quickly discovers that the student had been up to some very unusual activities.
With a shocking cause of death found, the case becomes a high-profile murder investigation.

Adding to the pressure, Hillary’s nemesis is transferred to work with her at the station.

Can Hillary keep her cool and get justice for the unfortunate student?

MURDER AT THE UNIVERSITY is the second in a series of page-turning crime thrillers set in Oxfordshire.

Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Colin Dexter, or Ruth Rendell.


THE LOCATION
The Oxford Canal meanders through the beautiful county of Oxfordshire, sometimes joining up with the rivers Cherwell and Thames, and flows past the world-famous university city of Oxford. Unlike many canals which are practically ruler-straight commercial waterways, built to help transport goods and heavy traffic before the advent of the railways, the Oxford Canal is a more winding and natural-looking body of water, and is a haven for wildlife and wildflowers. It has several romantically-named locks on its length (such as the Three Pigeons Lock, and Dashwood Lock) and boasts the ominously-sounding Somerton Deep Lock, which often terrifies first-time boating holiday-makers.

THE DETECTIVES

DI Hillary Greene
An attractive woman in her forties, Hillary Greene is a police officer of many years’ experience, and came up through the ranks. Consequently, she knows how the system works, and is fiercely loyal to the force without being blinkered to its faults. She is a long-standing friend of her immediate superior officer, 'Mellow' Mallow and enjoys a rather enigmatic relationship with the steely Superintendent Marcus Donleavy. Popular with the rank and file for her no-nonsense attitude and competence, she is currently under investigation on account of her recently deceased, and definitely corrupt husband (Ronnie Greene). But adversity has never stopped her from doing her job.

DCI Philip 'Mellow' Mallow
Mel appreciates Hillary's first-rate ability to solve her cases, and isn't happy about her harassment by the officers from York. Known for his sartorial elegance and laid-back manners, he has a sharp mind, and an eye for the ladies. A good friend and ally for Hillary in her recent tribulations, he's determined to keep his best investigator focused on the problems at hand.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A REVISED EDITION OF A BOOK FIRST PUBLISHED AS “ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW.”


Hello Readers.

Tonight, I am reviewing "Murder at the University" by Faith Martin. I received a free copy of it from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Any quotes that follow are from the text and not my own words.

I love a great mystery.  I always have enjoyed trying to figure out a book as I read it.  This one was a good read but I found myself leaning towards the solution about middle of the way through. I was highly disappointed when I did not experience the "A-ha" moment that I long for when reading mysteries.

The author has a way with words and paints the people and locations in such a light that you feel as though you may have encountered them in real life and are remembering them. I did thoroughly enjoy the main character.  She has experienced great hardship and has gotten the short end of the stick because of the actions of others yet continues to apply herself with passion for her job. Most people would take the easy road or just give up. It was refreshing to go on this journey with such a strong woman.

I felt that some of the characters were unnecessary but the majority of the characters relatable. I felt myself rooting for the tenacious heroes and shrinking away from the dastardly villains and the similar scum. In interacting with these detestable individuals, I frequently felt drug through the muck and felt in need of a good wash.

I am giving this book Three Orange Books because even though it was a good read, I highly doubt that I will read it again. It was billed as a mystery thriller but felt more like a police procedural mystery. It had a solid beginning but the ending felt rushed. I found myself greatly disappointed with the twists and turns of the mystery itself. Overall it was a well written book, however there were pacing problems and the mystery itself became transparent in the latter half.

InkedBookDragon


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