I was given a copy to review but failed to download in time however I have purchased to ensure I could still review.

As ever Faith Martin creates a great read with many twists and turns.
Easy to read and characters that you genuinely come to care about

Highly recommended

Great read, I look forward to the next. The old and young characters work really well together. Lots of twists and turns

This is the 8th book a a lovely series set in the 1960’s and featuring the endearingly enterprising WPC Trudy Loveday and retired coroner Clement Ryder.

In this book we meet an up and coming band, The Rainbirds, who are on the cusp of being signed up with a bright future ahead when their lead singer is found dead on the stairs of the club they are playing at.

The duo are delightful and are joined again by Clements son. The three make excellent work of good old fashion police work and the descriptions of the club and the characters make the reader really engaged with the storyline.

I hadn’t guessed what had happened until almost the end and the story was wrapped up well and leaving the reader looking forward to the next in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

It’s the start of the pop and rock revolution, and bars and clubs are looking to take advantage of youth eager to dance away the night (and buy lots of beer). One particular club, run by an unscrupulous owner, has all the best acts in Oxford, with some beginning to get the notice of record managers in London.

One band is on the cusp of getting their first deal, when their lead singer dies suddenly. The death attracts the notice of senior coroner Clement Ryder. He’s got a feeling about the case, and he gets young WPC Trudy Loveday to assist, as he has with other cases that have grabbed his interest. Trudy’s boss is less than thrilled to loan her out to Ryder, despite their combined effectiveness at finding murderers (book 1-7).

Trudy gets a chance to go undercover, and Ryder has a major health concern he’s keeping from everyone but his son. It’s getting in the way of his job, and though he doesn’t realize it, Trudy knows something is wrong.

Regarding the murder investigation, the murderer wasn’t hard to suss out, but I liked how Trudy and Ryder got there themselves. I also liked the way Faith Martin showed how critically underused and underestimated female police officers were at this time.

I also appreciated how one of the characters wrestled with what to do about her unwanted pregnancy, and the dangerous lengths she went to to terminate it. It’s a sad reminder of how little control and how few options women had in these situations then (and in the present in many places in the world.)

The one thing I did not care for was how the murderer went full on insane as they took steps to preserve their secrets. It felt like a cop-out and even a little lazy.

That aside, I enjoyed this book. I’m pretty late to this series, and will have to check out earlier instalments.

Thank you to Netgalley and to HQ Digital for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Oxford, 1963: pop music is all the craze amongst young people. The success of The Beatles made hundred of young guys to try to become the next big thing. The Rainbirds is one of this up-and-coming bands until one of his leads meets an untimely death at a staircase. Although it looks like an accidental fall, the evidences says the contrary to Dr. Clement Ryder so, along WPC Trudy Loveday, will set upon finding the truth.

It’s book 8 in the series and the great thing about it is it keeps evolving. It could have stalled, following the same pattern book after book, but the circumstances in Dr. Ryder’s life have made necessary to introduce some new elements in their team (his son Vincent, whom we already met in book 7) and that fit perfectly in Dr. Ryder and Trudy dynamics.

Dr. Ryder’s illness is progressing and I’m so curious to see how that will affect Trudy at the police station, now that it looks like she might lose her main supporter. I love how she has evolved throughout the series, being now much more self-assured, and how she’s slowly gaining some sympathies amongst her colleagues.

The murder mystery was an interesting one, full of shady and slimy characters willing to do anything to achieve their goals, and with a seedy nightclub that worked perfectly as the main scenario.

I also loved all the medical comments about the victim’s injuries and how those led to a murder charge and, as a medical examiner myself, I thought they were right on point.

Although the ending had a sense of finality, I really hope the series continues, as it has lovely characters and the setting around the 60s allows for some really good old detective work stories.

Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Set in 1963 now. The sad thing is I read these books so quickly. Having recently watched the 'Elvis' film, evil money-grabbing managers were very much in my mind. Another series that I have recently dipped into so need to go back to the beginning. Thanks to Netgalley.

In this eighth (and maybe last?) installment of the Ryder & Loveday series, the duo investigates the death of a musician. A band called the Rainbirds performs in the primo spot on Satuday nights at a seedy Oxford club called Bootleggers. Ray Reason, band member and aspiring lead singer, is found dead halfway down a staircase and coroner Dr. Clement Ryder suspects that it is not accidental, so he enlists WPC Trudy Loveday to help him investigate on the downlow. Turns out there are no shortage of suspects. Could it be one of his bandmates? The girlfriend of the other singer and main songwriter? His own girlfriend who is newly pregnant? An agent trying to sign the band? A nightclub manager? Dr. Ryder has Parkinson’s that is rapidly progressing and knows that it is time to retire. He also enlists the help of his visiting song. I enjoyed the mystery, and the focus on the relationships among the investigative trio. Dr. Clement Ryder is a wonderful mentor for WPC Loveday, and his son is a potential romantic interest.

I love this series and this was a fun read.

I hadn't read the book before but it didn't matter, I soon caught up on the new character that had been introduced.

I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes as it was heavily hinted it was the last case.

Thank you for the arc.

What a welcome return of WPC Trudy and the Old Vulture! What appears to be a cut and dried case of accidental death on the surface,nevertheless sets alarm bells ringing in that perspicacious brain of the eminent coroner, Dr.Ryder. enlisting the help of his eager sidekick WPC Trudy (much yo the disgust of her boss who would rather keep her chained to a filing cabinet), they embark on solving the mystery. Once again they are enthusiastically assisted by Dr Ryder' s son ,Vincent, who is spending his holidays with his father as he is increasingly concerned by his father's health. Sadly we get glimpses of the advancing acceleration of Dr Ryder' s Parkinson's disease and his decision that this will be his last case comes as no surprise but still I'm desperately hoping this isn't so! I love the partnership and interaction between the sharp intellect of Dr Ryder and the bright young policewoman. It was also sweet to see hints of a burgeoning romance between Trudy and Vincent...this can't be the end ...

It is 1963 Oxford, a time of the discovery of the Beatles and other bands trying to find their big break. When a band member is found dead with his skull crushed halfway down the steps of a backstreet nightclub, it looks suspicious to Coroner Clement Ryder. He again requests the services of WPC Trudy Lovelady to investigate.

This is the eighth in the Ryder and Lovelady mysteries; it is the fourth I have read. Obviously, I enjoy Faith Martin’s writing (including her DI Hillary Green novels), although I thought this story line wasn’t quite as captivating as some of the earlier ones.

Still, it is a pleasant read (yes, even with the murder). It is fun to revisit the 60s when the world is on the brink of so many social changes. A woman in a police uniform is a rarity and Lovelady’s abilities are often dismissed especially by her superiors. But, Ryder appreciates her skill and promotes her successes.

This works well as a standalone, but it is worthwhile to read some of the earlier books to see the relationship between these two characters as well as some supporting players develop.

It is no spoiler to note that Ryder has the beginning of Parkinson’s and is contemplating the end of his career. I hope this is not the finale of the series and that Ryder will find some way to continue assisting in investigations and that Lovelady will fully come into her own.

Thanks to #netgalley and #HQ for the DRC

entertainment-scene, 1960s, law-enforcement, coroner, Parkinson's-disease, family, friction, friendship, procedural, England, murder, murder-investigation, musicians, rivalry, mentor*****

Ryder is aware that his Parkinson's is progressing and that this should be his last case. His son is now working with Ryder and the Constable who has been his assistant. The case involves a young musician who died of head trauma on a spiral staircase in a rather seedy club. Several side stories relevant to the case/suspects, but the whodunit is very well done (as always).
Great sleuthing, fine plot, devious twists, and red herrings. I loved it!
I requested and received a fee ebook copy from HQ Digital via NetGalley. Thank you!

I’ve loved this series by Faith Martin, and the ending leaves me wondering if there will be more, or if this was the end of the series. The partnership between the older coroner, Clement Ryder and the young police constable Trudy Loveday is a study in mentorship.. The author captures the times with the focus on the new popular music. A clever mystery.

Another compelling, gripping, and highly Ryder and Loveday mystery.
I love how the author describer the historical setting, the club at the beginning of the 60s, and the relatable and well written characters.
I can't wait to read the next story as something is changing and I'm curious.
The mystery is solid, full of twists, and kept me guessing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review “A Fatal End.” All opinions and comments are my own.

The time is marked out for us very neatly from the beginning -- Oxford, 1963. The time of The Beatles. But that wasn’t what was attractive anymore. It was the darker stuff that the kids wanted, and they knew the places to get it. Where you could drink, and nobody cared that you were underage. And at one of those places a group called the Rainbirds is heading for the big time. The lead singer (he thinks of himself that way) is determined to get there, and there’s a London agent sniffing around. But somebody’s holding out. The book coyly doesn’t say who that someone is. And during the course of the evening, while the guitars are riffing and the drinks are being drunk, that same singer goes to the great gig in the sky (apologies to Pink Floyd). So “A Fatal End,” the eighth in the series of books featuring Coroner Dr. Clement Ryder and WPC (Probationary) Trudy Loveday tells us.

Only, the inquest says it’s an accidental death. But Dr. Ryder isn’t so sure. Good thing, for our purposes. He tells Inspector Jennings that he’s not satisfied, and asks for Trudy’s assistance. We even get the help of Vincent Ryder, Dr. Ryder’s son (who really does appreciate that Trudy is around and about again). And another terrific investigation begins, one that fans of the series have come to know will be thorough, and exhaustive. But this one will be a wee bit different. Because Dr. Ryder knows that he cannot go on. His symptoms are getting worse.

Our characters come alive; some shady, some holding back information. People who know more than is good for them. Girlfriends who want a lot for their men, and themselves. We get bits and pieces from a whole lot of people, a bunch of different points of view. Ryder thinks that Trudy seems a little different in this one, too, harder, more cynical. Police work will do that to you. My only regret -- Duncan Gillingham, the sleazy reporter rears his ugly head in this one. Can always do without him in the story.

What’s the motive? The key to everything, it seems. There’s a lot of little teasers in this one, Lots of secrets, and machinations. Ah, the lure of success! What one will do for it! And what it leads to; someone who will do anything to get what they want.

We have a finish, rather an exciting one, albeit with tragic overtones. Dr. Ryder and Trudy have a meeting and he tells her everything. And along the way he’s made some decisions, too.

Trudy’s career is looking up. The Chief Super adds his praise, and even gives Inspector Jennings his due for knowing a good copper when he sees one. Trudy will take that any day. Alas, Vincent goes home after his visit, without any resolution of his feelings. That’s why I can’t see this as a “finish.” Dr. Ryder will figure out some way to continue investigating, and Trudy will figure out a way to help. I’m hoping, anyway.

This 8th title in this engrossing series leaves us feeling rather apprehensive about the future of WPC Trudy Loveday and city coroner, Dr Clement Ryder, one feels sadness oozing from the very pages.
This book is set in Oxford 1969. Thanks to Dr Ryder, Trudy is gaining more experience and knowledge, and he has also taught her to drive! Sadly, she is not allowed to drive Police vehicles, she has to use a bicycle, and even after three years in the force, still finds her days occupied with filing reports. Really, this series should make one appreciate how far females have risen in the worlds of work and opportunities.
A Fatal End deals with a night club in Oxford, the Bootleggars, known to be lax about age and alcohol. Bands hoping for success play regular slots here, and hope that a talent scout will find and promote them to the ‘ big time’. One night, a murder occurs, that involves certain members of an aspirational band, and the questions of who had the motive, who was the murderer, all play out in scenes that involve not only Trudy, Clement, but Vincent also takes part in this.
Throughout this book, there is a sense of urgency, due to the worsening Ill health of Dr Ryder. He is struggling as his mind and body are letting him down, in aspects of memory, speech and fragility. He has Parkinson’s disease.
Trudy is becoming a strong and capable character, she remains good natured, and her interview technique is improving. Vincent is also roped in this time, he is to give Trudy back up in case of trouble, a sexist view point but reflects those attitudes prevalent at those times. Romance beckons, but, would Trudy give up all her achievements at work to become a housewife? In those days, women couldn’t have it all, married women usually had to give up jobs, because the menfolk were the providers. I started my nurse training in 1971, married nurses were still in a minority.
I’m looking forward to see how this series is concluded, it will be difficult, this is a wonderful glimpse into the not too distant past, I’m wondering how the 1970 Equal pay act will impact upon female Police Officers. Good old fashioned detective work, foot slogging and question asking nosiness. A four star read.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers, HQ Digital, for my advance digital copy, in return for my honest and unbiased opinion. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon.

Another wonderfully nostalgic Loveday and Ryder mystery. Set in the seedy entertainment world of the 1960s when pop music was in its infancy Trudy goes undercover to investigate a potential murder. A great read.

There is a sense of finality about this eighth book in the Ryder and Loveday series. Clement Ryder's Parkinson's disease is progressing, meaning retiring from his role as the coroner is inevitable. However, WPC Trudy Loveday still doesn't know, and he hopes they can have the last case together before she does. A suspicious accident at a notorious nightclub raises Clement's suspicions and manages to convince the local police that further investigation is merited.

The dynamic between Trudy and Clement remains strong and is one of the best things about this series. Vincent, Clement's son, is also featured, adding an extra frisson to the story, especially for Trudy. The case is complex, and the cast of believably flawed suspects keep the reader guessing. The vibrantly portrayed sense of place and time adds authenticity, and the ending is dramatic and satisfying.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Oxford, 1963 In a back street club, people dance the night away to their favourite band. An argument is brewing between band members, two possessive girlfriends have plans for their partners, the club manager is creaming off profits and a tragic accident leaves the lead singer dead.
But was it an accident at all? Coroner Clement Ryder is suspicious, and WPC Trudy Loveday knows there’s only one thing for it. She’s going undercover, deep into the seedy underbelly of Oxford nightlife.
This is the eighth outing for Trudy & Clement but their could be changes, which I look forward to finding out these are resolved. There are plenty of suspects as well as twists, turns & red herrings. I really enjoy the dynamics of Clement & Trudy's relationship & Vincent, Clement's son, appearing again adds another dimension to the team & it’s the characters which make the book for me rather than the mystery, although that is good.
An interesting well written book which I thoroughly enjoyed

I enjoyed the unique 1960s England setting and the budding romance, but overall felt the plot was too short. I would’ve liked a more complicated mystery and more of the romance.

It's 1963. The Rainbirds band is playing at the Bootleggers Club. Ray Reason, who is very good looking and attracts all the young women would like to be the Rainbirds head man, but Marty is actually a better singer and the song writer for the group. Ray's girlfriend, Lindy-Lu is there to watch, as well as Jenny Wren, Marty's girlfriend. Lindy-Lu tells Ray that she is pregnant, and he tells her he is willing to help her get an abortion, and they sqaubble. At the end of the evening, Ray is dead on the circular stairs going down to the break room. Although the Coroner's Court decides it is accidental death, Trudy Loveday and Dr. Clement Ryder decide they should investigate further because of some extenuating circumstances. Ryder's son Vincent is visiting him and jumps right into the investigation. It appears that Trudy and Vincent are becoming interested in each other.

There are several suspects for the murder, including Lindy-Lu who is angry he won't marry her, Marty and Jenny who know Ray is trying to take over the band, the man who runs the bar who they believe is being blackmailed by Ray since he gives the Rainbirds the best times, and Titus Crowther-Beauley, who wanted to become the band manager, which Ray didn't want to happen. The story becomes quite exciting, as the three investigators get closer to the solution.

I thank Netgalley and HQ books for allowing me to read an ARC in order to write an honest review.