Dr. Hillary Greene is on vacation and on a mission from her publisher to introduce her newly written mystery novel to local book stores in Hay-on-Wye in Wales. Hay-on-Wye is famous for its bookstores and book festival. Having arranged to stay in a country inn with a handful of other paying guests, she is careful not to reveal her identity as a former detective. But this surely makes her a keen observer of her fellow guests and in general.
Think Agatha Christie’s Bertram Hotel if you get the picture.
When someone suggests an outing by train to view the picturesque Cambrian Mountains, one by one all the guests consent to the adventure and off they go.
The scenery is indeed fabulous, and so distracting that one of the group is murdered and no one notices.
Hillary is the first to discover the body and catches the attention of the local police assigned to investigate. Not looking a gift horse in the mouth, the detective in charge is happy for the help, and Hillary lends her impressive expertise to help solve the murder.

I will admit that this was the first book in this impressive series that I have read. Fortunately, nothing was lost in reading this out of sequence. But seriously, this is book # 21! So now I will have to go to the beginning and work my way through the other books, I did enjoy the main character. I felt she was believable, tough without too much aggression. I really enjoyed reading the book

Detective Hillary Greene is off on holiday – and ends up entangled in another murder investigation in Faith Martin’s latest nail-biting mystery, Murder on the Train.

Hillary is counting down the days until her trip to Wales. For two whole weeks, she doesn’t have to worry about paperwork, catching criminals or interrogating suspects as she’s off to Hay-On-Wye to spend a fortnight doing nothing more taxing other than browsing in old bookshops, taking in the sights and relaxing. Recharging her batteries and taking some time out from the hustle and bustle of her daily life is what Hillary is looking forward to most. But the detective should know by now that wherever she goes, trouble is sure to follow.

Arriving at the picturesque Riverside Inn, Hillary meets the other guests who are an eclectic bunch. From a charming Irishman to a rich American and his thrive-divorced Canadian influencer daughter and a taxidermist, Hillary’s fellow guests are enough to have her reaching for the safety of her book. The following day, they all head off on an excursion on a stream train where they will be riding through the Cambrian mountains. However, when the train arrives at the final destination, one particular passenger is stabbed through the heart!

None of the guests saw anything, but Hillary knows that one of them is responsible and she is determined to solve this mystery before the killer strikes again!

Faith Martin is at the top of her game with Murder on the Train. A fast-paced, exciting and unpredictable whodunnit that is a struggle to put down, this modern day homage to the Agatha Christie classic Murder on the Orient Express is a superb crime novel that kept me guessing till the end. A fun, entertaining and hugely enjoyable page-turner, Hillary Greene is always great value and with Murder on the Train, Faith Martin has written another best-seller readers will not want to miss.

On a 2 week break Hillary is looking forward to staying in a luxurious B and B, relaxing and mostly the release of her newly written first crime book .

Meeting her fellow guests she does not tell them much about herself but this is set to change when a planned ride on a steam train leads to murder of a fellow traveller

A good read

A mystery set in England, with all of the English country quirks you would expect. A mystery on a train, citizens from multiple countries. A woman is killed seemingly in front of everyone with no one noticing.
An investigator trying to enjoy her vacation is pulled into multiple mysteries and vacation is the last thing you would call this trip.

Murder on the Train reminded me of an Agatha Christie-style cozy mystery. DI Hillary Greene is taking a vacation and staying at a B&B. When the other occupants decide to go on a train tour, one woman ends up stabbed. Hillary quietly digs through the clues to find the murderer and interviews all the suspects while on her holiday. This is a delightful British cozy mystery with plenty of red herrings.

Murder on the Train features former DI Hillary Greene on a trip to promote her mystery book. A nod to the classic Agatha Christie locked room mystery, this was an engrossing read with strong character development, a mystery full of twists and surprises, and lots of laughs. Fans of British procedurals will love this one. Thank you to the publisher for the e-arc.

Murder on the Train by Faith Martin is the latest DI Hillary Greene mystery. As Hillary takes a long awaited vacation in Wales, partly to vacation and partly to sell her book to the many bookshops in Hay-on-Wye she ends up helping solve a murder that happened on an excursion train that just happens to include her fellow roomers. This is another good mystery in the series and the comfortable working with the local detective is a nice touch.

It's always a pleasure to a mystery featuring DI Greene and this one didn't disappoing.
It kept me guessing and hooked.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Former Detective (now a civilian working on solving cold cases) Hillary Green is on her annual, required vacation. Unlike previous years where she stayed home, she’s decided to go visit Wales, inspired in part in promoting her new book.

Hillary is staying at what this American would consider a B&B with six other guests. There’s some tension between a few of them, but for the most part they all get along. Thus, when one guest suggests taking a trip on a tourist train, they all agree to go. Once the board the train, however, they realize a carriage only has six seats, leading Hillary to volunteer to sit elsewhere. When meet up again at the top of a scenic mountain, Hillary notices one guest has remained behind and is sitting awkwardly against the window. Hillary’s suspicions are soon confirmed: the woman has been stabbed by one of the other guests. Given her impressive credentials, Hillary is soon recruited by the local police to help solve the case, drawing the attention of a local drug dealer who wants to expand his empire and is determined to keep Hillary from interfering.

I’ve read other books by Faith Matin so was pretty sure I’d enjoy this one. I loved the character of Hillary; she’s a bit all-knowing, but doesn’t cross over into being a Mary Sue. I had some doubts based on the book blurb of how they could miss someone being stabbed; however, it’s explained by the fact people were constantly standing up, looking at one side of the train then the next to take photos of the wonderful view. And while this is the latest book in a twenty-one book series, I didn’t feel lost even though I haven’t ready any of the others.

Highly recommended!

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.

This is the 21st book in the Hilary Greene police procedure series and it's a most welcome addition. Former DI Hilary Greene decides to take a vacation after she publishes her first book. Hilary can't even vacation without murder and mayhem following her. I'm a big fan of British mysteries and police procedurals and I can honestly say this is my favorite series of them all. With well-constructed plots and well-developed characters, it's a brilliant book and series. Hilary Greene is brilliant, tough, and thoroughly likable.

Hillary is taking a well earned holiday to Wales with maybe a little book promotion along the way. Her police career is far from her mind until a tourist trip ends with the discovery of a body...
Murder on the Train is the 21st book in the Hillary Greene series of police procedurals.
Hillary Greene has just written her first book, a crime fiction novel based on one of her early cases. She heads to Wales to a town densely populated by bookshops but her plans go awry when a day trip on a train ends in murder. The victim and suspects are all her fellow hotel guests so she is straight in the midst of the case.
I have only read one book from the series before but I really need to read them all! Hillary's character is brilliant: she is clever, methodical and exudes a quiet strength. I liked the mutual respect between Hillary and the local police officers. She is mindful of her civilian role but they appreciate her expertise.
I adored the setting and premise of this book. Our family have been to Wales a few times and steam train journeys are enjoyed a couple of times a year! So I was immediately immersed in the plot as Hillary's vacation quickly turns to a criminal investigation. There are a limited number of suspects but HIllary and the police explore them all to uncover potential motives. I thought the mystery was well sustained (no idea at all how HIllary figured it out...) and the book as a whole gave me Agatha Christie vibes.
Murder on the Train is an enjoyable murder mystery and police procedural with a strong lead detective.

Hillary is taking a well-earned holiday and hoping to publicise her novel with nothing on the scene in the way of murder, cold cases or police work. Dream on Hillary. She's settled in a small hotel in Hay-on-Wye and joins 6 others from the hotel on a trip on a mountain railway. At the end of the journey one lady is dead, so a narrow band of suspects. The SIO is a determined and dedicated officer and even accepts her input without rancour, formally once he knows who she is and the powers that be interfere. There is minimal forensic evidence and Hillary does what she does best, gently question, observe and digest. The suspects are a mixed bunch and there's plenty of smelly fish, of course. A side thread relates to local drug machinations and ambitions which add another level to the case. Plenty of description and a bit too much action in the last few pages but overall another good story of form DI Greene. I'm so glad that 'Puff' is still going too. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

“Murder on the Train” by Faith Martin is a riveting addition to the DI Hillary Greene series, marking its 21st installment with a mystery that is as engaging as it is enigmatic. Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye, the novel takes readers on a journey through the stunning Cambrian Mountains aboard a steam train—a journey that promises relaxation but delivers a murder most foul.

Faith Martin, under the pen name of Jacquie Walton, has crafted a narrative that is both classic and contemporary in its approach to crime fiction. The story begins with the former Detective Hillary Greene embarking on a holiday, seeking respite from the world of crime, only to find herself in the midst of a perplexing murder case. A locked train carriage, six passengers, and a murder that occurs in plain sight yet unseen, sets the stage for a tale that is reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s closed-room mysteries.

The strength of Martin’s writing lies in her protagonist—Hillary Greene. Greene is portrayed as a smart, confident, and methodical detective who, despite her civilian status, becomes an invaluable asset to the local police. Her interactions with the eclectic group of characters—a charming Irishman, a wealthy American and his daughter, a Canadian influencer, a widow, and a taxidermist—reveal the depth of her experience and her ability to navigate the complexities of human nature.

The novel excels in its character development, with each suspect fleshed out with motives and secrets that keep the reader guessing until the very end. The setting of the novel is a character in itself, with the Welsh countryside providing a serene yet suspenseful atmosphere to the unfolding drama.

“Murder on the Train” is a testament to Martin’s ability to weave a compelling narrative that is both familiar and fresh. The locked carriage mystery is a trope well-trodden, yet Martin manages to infuse it with new life, ensuring that readers are kept on the edge of their seats. The book is a perfect blend of a cozy mystery and a police procedural, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

“Murder on the Train” is a delightful and thrilling read that pays homage to the golden age of mystery while firmly planting itself in the present. It is a story that will appeal to long-time fans of the series and newcomers alike, offering a puzzle that is as satisfying to solve as it is to read. Faith Martin’s latest work is a shining example of what makes her one of the most beloved authors in crime fiction today.

'Murder On The Train' captivated me with its classic, cozy mystery charm. The diverse cast of characters and the engaging writing style were particularly enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for my ARC.

Whilst convalescing from surgery and away from her job as a civilian consultant to the Crime Review Team at Thames Valley Police HQ in Kidlington, ex DI Hillary Greene has had the opportunity to work on a crime fiction novel submitted to a publisher years ago and after now five months the finished book is due for publication. What better way to spend her summer holidays promoting “The Farringdon Conundrum” whilst browsing the multitude of book shops in the picturesque Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye, and so Hillary has booked into the bijou Riverside Inn hotel for two weeks. With only a handful of other guests she soon learns more about the diverse collection of people there – jovial Irish ex jockey Patrick, quiet Midlander Barry, wealthy American Jasper Van Paulen and his spoilt brat of a daughter Jasmine, elegant elderly Imogen Muir and chic Canadian influencer Belinda John-Jacques. All seven of them, including Hillary, decide to take a trip on a steam train up through the Cambrian Mountains to the ominous sounding Beggar’s Leap but it’s not long before Hillary finds herself on a busman’s holiday when she discovers one of her party murdered on the train. With Hillary having travelled in a separate compartment, the only possibly is that one of the other five members of the group who shared the small carriage is a killer but who could have carried out such a brazen crime where no one appeared to see a thing and most importantly why? Soon Hillary finds herself co-opted onto the investigation team assisting DI Ian Jones and giving him the benefit of her vast experience. Will they manage to solve this rather baffling crime where everyone seems to be keeping secrets?
This is a great cosy murder mystery story with some nice humour and I, for one, am happy to see this very enjoyable series being extended. Without her usual team, Hillary gets the opportunity to relive her former career and work on a live murder case, and it was nice to see her being at the forefront of the action using her detective skills and showing what she’s made of. This is a great locked room type mystery with plenty of twists and puzzling clues to be pieced together in a series that never fails to please.

I really enjoy this series. I liked that it was set away from the usual place although it was very convenient how the police allowed her to work with them!

This didn't have quite the same zing as the usual books do, it felt a bit obvious, I guessed correctly who the murderer was and I didn't like the side plot of a drugs ring. It wasn't needed.

I look forward to the next book and overall loved the series. Thank you for the arc.

Ex DCI Hillary Greene, now a civilian consultant in the Thames Valley Police cold case unit, is taking a well deserved holiday. She has booked two weeks in Wales in the picturesque town of Hay-on-Wye, famous for its bookshops. She is looking forward to two weeks in a charming boutique hotel and to visiting bookshops not only to restock the library on her narrowboat in Oxford, but also to distribute promotional copies of her crime novel to booksellers.

A group of residents at the hotel are planning a steam train trip the next day to some waterfalls in the hills and Hillary agrees to join in. Since that makes seven in their party and each carriage of the train only seats six, Hillary volunteers to travel in a separate carriage. However, when they get to their destination one of their party is dead and the other occupants of the carriage all say they have no idea how the elderly woman was killed.

This is an excellent addition to this terrific series. Hillary, of course, welcomes becoming involved in the investigation and helps the local police with her vast experience and intuition in divining the means and motive for the murder. She also teaches a few people along the way never to underestimate a middle aged woman.

It was on a whim a few years ago that I picked the first DI Hillary Greene title to read and I’ve never regretted it. I’ve been lucky enough to read a ARC before so was happy to see this one available. Like the previous books this one is well written and plotted with the characters drawn out so you can picture them.

Hillary is taking her first holiday in years but still chooses to go somewhere within reasonable distance of Oxford should she be called back. For most of us we’d go further so we couldn’t be considered for being summoned back. However this is very much in Hillary’s character but so is her choice of destination - Hay On Wye - a heavenly place for book lovers to visit.

It all starts well until a death impinges on her holiday and she is authorised to act as a consultant to the local investigation team. As shown by her return to policing after retirement albeit in a civilian role it illustrates that once a policeman you’re always a policeman. Even when on holiday as habits and instinct take over.
(Which can be said of a number of jobs)

Needless to say Hillary may not be on her home turf but her experience serves her well. There’s a small pool of suspects to choose from who don’t initially know that she’s an ex detective inspector and so her interviews are more conversational.

I’d have liked it if the suspects had interacted more rather than being isolated as individuals but still enjoyed the story. I do look forward to finding out if she keeps in touch with the SIO and if he decides on a move from one police force to another after his exposure to a more exciting case than previously.

I am a huge fan of Faith and her work. I have read and thoroughly enjoyed each and every book that she has released under the name of 'Faith Martin'. I must admit that my favourite series of hers has to be the series featuring former Detective Inspector Hilary Greene. 'Murder On The Train' is the twenty first book in the series and what a book it is too. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Murder On The Train' but more about that in a bit.

As with all of Faith's books, the fact that I saw her name on the cover of a book that I knew I hadn't read yet was enough to grab my attention and draw me in. As soon as I started reading the story itself, that was it. I knew that I was reading something special and that I would struggle to put the book down for any length of time. I was spot on in both cases. I started reading and didn't stop or pause for breath for a good couple of hours. My Kindle wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. I can't say that I particularly warmed to any of the characters (well apart from Hilary of course) but that could be the fact that I have read too much crime fiction and that I suspect everybody and believe nobody. I had my own suspicions as to how the story was going to pan out so I had to keep reading to see if I was anywhere near the truth or if I had wandered off in the opposite direction. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of 'Murder On The Train' and had to say goodbye to Hilary. I found 'Murder On The Train' to be a gripping and tense read with several twists and turns along the way. The story certainly kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat.

'Murder On The Train' is extremely well written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Faith Martin. Faith certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one heck of a story. For me, the story hits the ground running and maintained a steady pace throughout. Faith clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. I love the way in which Faith makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. That's how I felt anyway.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Murder On The Train' and I would recommend it to other readers. I hope to read much more of Faith's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

MURDER ON THE TRAIN by Faith Martin. The 21st book in the Hillary Green series is a locked room cozy murder mystery. Hillary's down-to-earth demeanor and unwavering determination makes for an enjoyable and entertaining read reminiscent of Agatha Christie.
Thank you to the author, Joffe Books, and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.