Read Faith Martin Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on June 17, 2026

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In the vast landscape of mystery and crime fiction, certain authors carve out a distinct niche with compelling characters, intricate plots, and an undeniable knack for suspense. Faith Martin is one such author whose work has captivated readers of crime novels for years. Known for her riveting detective stories, Martin has become a favorite among fans of whodunnits, offering them an immersive experience where each book weaves an intricate puzzle of motives, secrets, and crime. But with a prolific output of novels, particularly within her series, many readers often find themselves asking: In what order should I read Faith Martin’s books?

This question can be daunting for both newcomers and longtime fans alike, and it’s worth exploring. In this detailed analysis, we’ll break down Faith Martin’s books, the reading order for her various series, and why reading her work in sequence can enhance the experience. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the author’s work and whether reading her books in order is the best approach for you.

List Of Faith Martin Books In Order

More On Faith Martin Books In Chronological Order

1. The Killing of Katie Steel (2015)

This is the first book in Faith Martin’s ’Detective Rhona MacLeod’ series. It’s a gripping mystery that introduces Detective MacLeod, a sharp-witted investigator with a no-nonsense attitude. In this novel, she is called to investigate the shocking death of a young woman, Katie Steel, who was found in a way that seems to suggest something darker than a simple accident. It’s a great start to the series, setting the tone for the character-driven investigations that follow.

2. The Darkest Lies (2016)

In this sequel to ’The Killing of Katie Steel,’ Detective MacLeod finds herself unraveling more secrets. The case centers around the disappearance of a young woman, and the deeper Rhona digs, the more unsettling truths come to light. This novel takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring themes of trust and deception in the most unexpected places.

3. The Secret of the Scarecrow (2017)

Rhona MacLeod’s investigative skills are tested once again in this novel, as she faces a case that involves both a murder and a creepy scarecrow that seems to hold the key to everything. It’s a very atmospheric mystery, with lots of twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. As usual, Rhona is tasked with solving a crime that takes her to some surprising places, all while dealing with her own personal challenges.

4. A Fatal Obsession (2018)

In ’A Fatal Obsession,’ Rhona finds herself chasing after a killer who is clearly obsessed with his victims. The killer’s motivations are chillingly complex, and Rhona must delve into a web of psychological clues to track him down. As she balances the demands of her case with the complexities of her own life, this book dives deep into the psyche of both the killer and the investigator.

5. The Field of Death (2019)

This is a tense and atmospheric entry in the Detective Rhona MacLeod series. A body is discovered in a field, and Rhona must investigate the strange circumstances surrounding it. This book mixes small-town intrigue with big-city suspense, and you’ll be turning pages to see if Rhona can put the pieces together before it’s too late. Expect lots of twists and an ending that will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished reading.

6. Murder at the Abbey (2020)

A departure from the previous books, ’Murder at the Abbey’ introduces a historical twist. Jenny Starling, a traveling cook, gets embroiled in a mysterious death at a grand old abbey. As she tries to prepare for a dinner event, she soon finds herself in the middle of an investigation that’s full of secrets and shady characters. It’s a fun, cozy mystery, with plenty of intrigue and a charming main character in Jenny Starling.

7. The Silent Victim (2021)

The Silent Victim centers on a young woman found dead in her own home, and the complex web of people she left behind. As Rhona digs deeper into the lives of those closest to her, she uncovers a chilling series of connections that suggest the death may not be as straightforward as it seems. Rhona’s sharp instincts and her knack for seeing through lies make this a fantastic addition to the series.

8. Death at the Church (2022)

Jenny Starling is back in ’Death at the Church,’ and this time she’s dealing with a murder that occurs during a church event. As she uncovers the motives behind the crime, she’s forced to confront her own past and the secrets she’s been keeping. It’s a perfect mix of charm and suspense, with a setting that draws you into the mystery. If you love cozy crime with lots of twists, this one’s a great pick.

9. The Riddle of the Frozen Light (2023)

In this latest installment in the Rhona MacLeod series, the detective faces an unusual case that takes her into the world of mysterious disappearances and frozen landscapes. A body found in an eerie, frozen lake seems to hold the key to a deeper mystery, and Rhona must navigate a maze of cold cases, clues, and chilling discoveries. It’s suspenseful and haunting, with Rhona at her very best.

Background On Faith Martin Books

Faith Martin is a British author who has earned a solid reputation in the world of crime fiction. She is most widely known for her DI Hillary Greene series and Oxford Blue series, but her bibliography extends beyond these works, covering a range of mystery sub-genres from psychological thrillers to cozy crime.

Martin’s writing style stands out for its attention to detail, realistic characters, and strong sense of place. The protagonist of her DI Hillary Greene series, for example, is a sharp, no-nonsense detective whose ability to solve cases is matched by her deeply human struggles. She’s a character who feels real-flawed, intelligent, and deeply invested in her work, making her journey from book to book both intriguing and emotionally engaging.

The Oxford Blue series, on the other hand, presents a slightly different flavor of crime fiction. These books are often lighter in tone, with an emphasis on private investigation and a more traditional mystery style. Both series, however, showcase Martin’s deep understanding of crime, human psychology, and the importance of structure and pacing in building suspense.

Reading Order Explained

With multiple series under her belt, knowing where to start can be tricky, particularly when considering her two most famous detective series. Let’s dive into the reading order for each, starting with her most well-known works.

DI Hillary Greene Series

1. A Narrow Escape
2. A Fatal Obsession
3. A Brush With Death
4. A Cry in the Night

5. A Long Way From Home

   … and so on, continuing in the same vein.

This series follows DI Hillary Greene as she navigates the complexities of both her personal and professional life. The books are interconnected, with recurring characters and storylines that evolve over time. While each book presents a new case for Greene to solve, her character development is one of the central arcs throughout the series. For readers starting from the beginning, it’s essential to read the DI Hillary Greene books in order to fully appreciate the growth of Hillary as a character and to understand her ongoing struggles and triumphs.

Oxford Blue Series

1. A Woman of Secret Talent
2. The Secret of Oxford
3. The Oxford Secrets
4. Oxford Stalker

5. The Blue House Mystery

   … and so forth.

This series is set in the same world but follows a different set of characters, primarily focusing on a private investigator, who is often drawn into more intricate, traditional whodunit-style cases. Though the Oxford Blue series can be enjoyed independently, some readers prefer to read it after becoming familiar with the world of DI Hillary Greene. These books tend to be lighter and more focused on solving individual mysteries rather than ongoing character development.

Standalone Novels

In addition to these series, Faith Martin has written several standalone crime novels. These stories often explore darker psychological themes or present standalone mysteries that don’t require knowledge of her previous works. As these books aren’t tied into any particular series, readers can choose to explore them at any point during their journey through Martin’s work.

What I Like About The Series?

There are several reasons why Faith Martin’s books stand out in the crowded world of crime fiction. Let’s explore the key aspects that make her books so compelling:

Intricate Plotting And Pacing

Martin is a master at creating stories that keep readers hooked. Her plots are layered and full of twists and turns, with well-crafted mysteries that reveal themselves in bits and pieces. The pacing is consistently strong, ensuring that there’s never a lull in the action or suspense. Whether she’s writing about a cold case or a more immediate threat, Martin excels at sustaining the tension without resorting to cheap thrills.

Strong, Relatable Characters

Perhaps what truly sets Martin’s books apart is her focus on character development. DI Hillary Greene, for example, is a deeply relatable figure. She’s a seasoned detective who has faced personal loss and struggles with the burdens of her job. Her imperfections make her compelling, and readers feel invested in her journey, both professionally and personally. This deep character work elevates the series, making it more than just a simple mystery to be solved.

Realistic Depictions Of Crime Investigation

While Martin’s novels are fiction, they do an excellent job of depicting the gritty, often tedious reality of solving crimes. Her descriptions of police procedures, the challenges of investigation, and the psychology of both the criminal and the investigator are well-researched and believable. This lends her books a sense of authenticity that draws readers in and helps them immerse themselves in the world she’s created.

Should You Read Faith Martin Books In Order?

The short answer is yes, particularly for the DI Hillary Greene series. There are several reasons why following the reading order can greatly enhance your experience:

1. Character Development: One of the central joys of reading a long-running series like DI Hillary Greene is watching the characters grow and evolve. Reading the books in order ensures that you can appreciate how Hillary changes over time-both in her personal life and her professional abilities.
2. Recurring Storylines: Several plot threads and character arcs span multiple books in the DI Hillary Greene series. If you read the books out of order, you may miss key developments that are integral to the overarching story. By reading in sequence, you can enjoy a more satisfying narrative that builds over time.
3. Thematic Progression: Many themes in Martin’s work, including justice, morality, and personal redemption, are explored across several books. These themes develop more fully when read in sequence, making the overall reading experience more cohesive.

However, the Oxford Blue series is more flexible. While reading the books in order can offer a richer understanding of the setting and characters, each book tends to be self-contained, so readers can jump into the series without much confusion. That said, reading them in order still helps establish a stronger sense of continuity and deeper engagement with the characters.