I love Faith Martin’s murder mystery novels so jumped at the chance to read a new series with a strong romance element (and still a cracking mystery to solve!) The books all work as standalone novels but are set in the same location.
Oriana leaves prison after serving a sentence for a murder she did not commit. She is determined to clear her name and hires a bodyguard as she fears her life is in danger from the real killer. She returns to her home village and reconnects with her best friend Mercedes and true love Lowell, siblings to the man she was convicted of killing.
I absolutely loved The Lying Game. Oriana is a determined and passionate woman, focussed on getting justice for herself and the victim’s family by discovering the truth.
There was a healthy dash of romance between Oriana and Lowell, and also Mercedes and Connor. Sex scenes were included but they were not overly graphic and fitted into the story naturally.
It is easy to identify the murderer and by the second half we are left in no doubt at all with sections showing us the actions they take to protect themself. However, the motive is not revealed until the very end.
The style of writing is easy to read and the danger that various characters faced felt realistic. The inclusion of the romance brings an extra dimension that made the book even more enjoyable that the usual high standard I expect from this author.
The Lying Game was quite a quick read but then I couldn’t put it down so that might be the reason!
Oriana Foster is released from prison thirteen years after being jailed for a murder she didn’t commit. She returns to her home village in Oxfordshire determined to discover the real killer of her boyfriend Rollo Seton. With a secret fortune from an unknown benefactor, and protection by rough and ready bodyguard, Connor O’Dell, Oriana sets out to uncover the truth about the night that Rollo died.
Things get more complicated when Oriana comes face to face with Rollo’s brother, who was the real love of her life, and Connor falls for her former best friend, Mercedes Seton. Meanwhile, could Rollo’s murderer be plotting to claim another victim?
About the author
Maxine Barry is the romance novel pen name used by Faith Martin who is the two-million-selling author of the DETECTIVE HILLARY GREENE and JENNY STARLING mysteries, which have topped the global best-seller charts. She was born in Oxford, and has spent all her life within twenty miles of the university city, even working at Somerville College for five years before turning to writing full-time.
The author of the popular DI Hillary Greene novels, she also writes more classic-style ‘whodunits’ under the pen name Joyce Cato, but began her writing career as Maxine Barry, winning an award for penning romance novels! A popular writer for over 25 years, she has had nearly 50 novels published so far. Her hobbies include walking her now ageing dog, wildlife-watching, reading and (reluctantly) gardening.
Keira Westcombe marries Lucas Harwood who is old enough to be her grandfather. They both know it is not a love match, instead a friendhsip and business deal to secure a donation of land to the Westcombe Nature Reserve that Lucas’ family would block. On their wedding day, Fane Harwood arrives and there is an instant spark between he and his new stepmother.
In a separate plotline, artist Blaise falls head over heels with reclusive horse whisperer Aidan but will he trust her with his secrets…?
An Oxford Enemy is the fourth book by Faith Martin writing as Maxine Barry to be set in Oxfordshire. This time we are out of the city and in the countryside, beautifully evoked in Keira’s determination to protect local wildlife and keep traditional village life.
The complicated passion of Fane and Keira is continually frustrated by their miscommunication and false assumptions that keep them apart. Both of them are acting out of affection for Lucas and for noble reasons (wildlife protection, family inheritance) but they won’t listen to each other. These suspicions are destructive to any relationship but the physical attraction is relentless.
I actually preferred the second romantic plot as there was less animosity between the would-be lovers. This made their relationship gentler and more enjoyable to read, yet still with plenty of passion. Blaise and Aidan both have a loneliness and grief in their backgrounds which instantly made me empathise with them and want them to have a happy ending.
An Oxford Enemy by Faith Martin writing as Maxine Barry
AN UTTERLY GRIPPING PAGE-TURNER FULL OF INTRIGUE AND ROMANCE
Faith Martin is the author of the beloved Hillary Greene series. Her books have sold over 2 million copies. Now discover her writing as Maxine Barry.
Please note this book was first published as DEAR ENEMY.
PEOPLE SAY SHE MARRIED FOR MONEY
. . . AND THE FAMILY WILL DO ANYTHING TO STOP HER INHERITING A FORTUNE
Keira Westcombe, aka Lady Penda, marries Lucas Harwood, a man fifty years her senior. They’re not in love but they are firm friends and their marriage makes sense for them.
When Lucas’s step-son Fane turns up, he and Kiera are instantly attracted to each other. But Fane thinks Kiera is a gold-digger and neither are willing to admit their true feelings.
In a family full of secrets, love can spell danger.
NOW KEIRA HAS MADE A VERY DANGEROUS ENEMY WHO WILL CHEAT, STEAL AND LIE TO KEEP HER OUT OF THE WILL
She’s in danger of losing not only the man she married but everything she’s ever cared about.
WHAT READERS SAY ABOUT TWO-MILLION-SELLING FAITH MARTIN WRITING AS MAXINE BARRY
“I’ve read a lot of novels by Faith Martin and always thoroughly enjoyed them, this novel is different but just as gripping and you really become invested in the characters and their lives and can’t wait to see how it all works out. Brilliant.” Barbara
“Perfect romance and mystery!” M. Adlington
“A great read and a fast paced romantic adventure.” Laura T.
“An enjoyable book. Romance with a little intrigue too.” Alexandra
“Totally loved it.” Yona
“When you reach the end you will wish there was still more.” Amazon Reader
MAXINE BARRY GREAT READS
Book 1: THE LYING GAME
Book 2: AN OXFORD REVENGE
Book 3: AN OXFORD SCANDAL
Book 4: AN OXFORD ENEMY
FAITH MARTIN
Faith Martin was born in Oxford, and has spent all her life within twenty miles of the university city, even working at Somerville College for five years before turning to writing full-time. The author of the popular DI Hillary Greene novels, she also writes more classic-style ‘whodunits’ under the pen name Joyce Cato, but began her writing career as Maxine Barry, winning an award for penning romance novels! A popular writer for over 25 years, she has had nearly 50 novels published so far. Her hobbies include walking her now ageing dog, wildlife-watching, reading and (reluctantly) gardening.
American heiress Laurel Van Gilder arrives in Oxford to award a prestigious prize at St Bede’s college. Hours after arrival, she is in hospital after being hit by a car because she forgot that we drive on the left in the UK. Gideon Welles stays by her bedside until she wakes. Their paths cross again at the awards evening when Gideon wins the prize. But soon the pair are investigating the theft of the chalice.
An Oxford Scandal is the third in the series but they all work as stand alone novels, only linked by the location and some subsidiary characters.
The mystery of the theft is an interesting plot device to drive the narrative and their relationship along. The investigation allows Laurel and Gideon to explore their own hopes for the future whilst having a joint purpose which brings them closer together.
The animosity between the lead characters is enjoyable and the sexual tension is ready to explode! There are sex scenes which were not quite as steamy as those in the earlier books in the series.
It was nice to return to St Bede’s and meet some of the peripheral characters again. This lent a continuity and familiarity to the novel which I really enjoyed. The main pair as well as the other characters have a range of motivations which make them feel more human and natural.
Overall, An Oxford Scandal was an entertaining book with romance and mystery.
AN UTTERLY GRIPPING PAGE-TURNER FULL OF SUSPENSE AND ROMANCE
Faith Martin is the author of the beloved Hillary Greene series. Her books have sold over 2 million copies. Now discover her writing as Maxine Barry.
Please note this book was first published as MELTING THE ICEMAN.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO AVOID A SCANDAL?
American heiress Laurel Van Gilder has arrived in Oxford to present a prestigious award. Laurel rents a bicycle and crashes into a car belonging to Professor Gideon Welles. Knocked unconscious, she is taken to hospital and wakes the next day, Gideon having stayed by her side all night. Bickering and sniping at each other over whose fault it was, they are relieved to see the back of each other, but there is a spark Laurel can’t ignore.
Days later, at the gala to present the award, guess who is the winner?
SCANDALOUS LOVE AND MYSTERIOUS ATTRACTION
That evening, a precious heirloom, belonging to Laurel’s family and being given to the award-winner, is stolen. Despite their caustic relations up to now, Laurel turns to Gideon for assistance. Although he’s infuriating, she’s actually rather besotted with him.
Can they solve the mystery without involving the police and avoid bringing scandal to the college?
WHAT READERS SAY ABOUT TWO-MILLION-SELLING FAITH MARTIN WRITING AS MAXINE BARRY
“I’ve read a lot of novels by Faith Martin and always thoroughly enjoyed them, this novel is different but just as gripping and you really become invested in the characters and their lives and can’t wait to see how it all works out. Brilliant.” Barbara
“Perfect romance and mystery!” M. Adlington
“A great read and a fast paced romantic adventure.” Laura T.
“An enjoyable book. Romance with a little intrigue too.” Alexandra
“Totally loved it.” Yona
“When you reach the end you will wish there was still more.” Reader
MAXINE BARRY BOOKS
1: THE LYING GAME
2: AN OXFORD REVENGE
3: AN OXFORD SCANDAL
FAITH MARTIN
Faith Martin was born in Oxford, and has spent all her life within twenty miles of the university city, even working at Somerville College for five years before turning to writing full-time. The author of the popular DI Hillary Greene novels, she also writes more classic-style ‘whodunits’ under the pen name Joyce Cato, but began her writing career as Maxine Barry, winning an award for penning romance novels! A popular writer for over 25 years, she has had nearly 50 novels published so far. Her hobbies include walking her now ageing dog, wildlife-watching, reading and (reluctantly) gardening.
Davina Granger, an acclaimed poet, arrives in Oxford with one thing on her mind: revenge! Her brother David commited suicide and she blames his tutor Gareth Lacey. She is intent on destroying him but is shocked to develop an attraction to him. Will passion or revenge win out?
Meanwhile Alicia Norman struggles to combat her family’s snobbish behaviour. She wants to write crime novels and wants council estate born Jared to be her lover. But her brother’s machinations aim to wreck the relationship. Can love defy class and family?
An Oxford Revenge is the second in Maxine Barry’s Oxford series. The only connection is the location so this works perfectly as a stand alone novel.
It is kind of obvious that Davina and Gareth are destined for each other so the enjoyment of this book is in the negotiation of the obstacles in their way. Davina battles with her love and hate, her past and future.
There are points where we see Davina’s resolve buckle and also Gareth’s viewpoint as he mourns the death of his student. There is clearly more to the death of Davina’s brother than we or she are aware of so the reveal of the truth is eagerly anticipated so that her new relationship can flourish. I was expecting a little more emotion as Gareth’s wife had died and his relationship with Davina is the first since that devastating event.
There is one sex scene early on that really made me blush: the passion was so well written that I felt like an intruder because it was so realistic (does that sound weird?!)
There is not much mystery or any real criminal element involved in this book so it feels very different to The Lying Game and the Faith Martin crime mysteries I am familiar with but still kept me hooked the whole way through.
An Oxford Revenge book blurb
HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO FOR REVENGE?
Davina Granger wants revenge. She blames Dr Gareth Lacey for her brother’s suicide. When she gets a fellowship at his Oxford college, she finally has her chance to punish him. But her plan never included falling in love with him.
But is he really as guilty as she thinks?
Alicia Norman is a student at the same college. She’s excited to leave her sheltered, privileged existence for college life and a chance of love and adventure. But her brother and his friends will do anything to stop her from being with someone they think isn’t posh enough. Including murder?
HOW FAR WILL THEY GO?
Revenge isn’t always as sweet as you think. And romance can play havoc with the best-laid plans.
About the author
Maxine Barry is the romance novel pen name used by Faith Martin who is the two-million-selling author of the DETECTIVE HILLARY GREENE and JENNY STARLING mysteries, which have topped the global best-seller charts. She was born in Oxford, and has spent all her life within twenty miles of the university city, even working at Somerville College for five years before turning to writing full-time.
The author of the popular DI Hillary Greene novels, she also writes more classic-style ‘whodunits’ under the pen name Joyce Cato, but began her writing career as Maxine Barry, winning an award for penning romance novels! A popular writer for over 25 years, she has had nearly 50 novels published so far. Her hobbies include walking her now ageing dog, wildlife-watching, reading and (reluctantly) gardening.
