Where to Start with the Rina Martin Mysteries
For the best experience, you should read the Rina Martin series in publication order. Because the books follow the personal growth, healing, and evolving relationships of a close-knit group of recurring characters—particularly Rina, Detective Inspector Sebastian 'Mac' McGregor, and the young George Parker—reading them out of order can spoil significant character arcs. The chronological order matches the publication order exactly, making it straightforward for readers to follow.
Your absolute starting point is the debut novel, originally published as A Reason to Kill and later retitled Murder on Sea. This book establishes Rina's transition from television star to guest-house owner and introduces the traumatized DI McGregor, setting the foundation for the entire series.
The Publisher Transition and Title Changes
If you are looking for these books online or in bookstores, you might notice some confusing differences in the titles. Jane A. Adams originally published the first seven books in the series with Severn House between 2008 and 2015. When independent publisher Joffe Books acquired Severn House and reissued the catalog, they rebranded the books with new, cozy-sounding titles beginning with "Murder on..." or "Murder at...".
Additionally, Joffe Books revived the series after an eight-year hiatus. Adams began writing brand-new Rina Martin novels starting in 2023 with Murder at the Willows. As of recent releases, the series has expanded to eleven novels.
Rina Martin Books in Reading Order
Below is the complete reading order for the Rina Martin series, detailing both the original Severn House titles and the newer Joffe Books reissues.
1. Murder on Sea (Originally: A Reason to Kill)
Published in 2008. The series opens in the sleepy coastal town of Frantham, Dorset. Rina Martin is a 63-year-old retired actress who once starred as a private investigator in the hit television series Lydia Marchant Investigates. She runs a quiet bed-and-breakfast, but her peaceful retirement is disrupted when she discovers a body on the local cliffs. She crosses paths with DI Sebastian 'Mac' McGregor, who is trying to recover from a previous tragic case, and George Parker, a young boy fleeing a violent past. Together, this unlikely trio forms a bond that defines the rest of the series.
2. Murder on the Cliff (Originally: Fragile Lives)
Published in 2008. A body washes up on Frantham's windswept shoreline, pulling Rina back into the thick of local secrets. As Mac McGregor struggles with the official investigation, Rina relies on her sharp observational skills and theatrical intuition to uncover dark histories within the quiet community.
3. Murder on the Boat (Originally: The Power of One)
Published in 2009. The cozy coastal setting meets the high-stakes world of industrial espionage when two men are found shot to death on a luxury yacht off the Dorset coast. While government agents attempt to take over the investigation, Rina's amateur sleuthing proves to be a step ahead of the official channels.
4. Murder on the Beach (Originally: Resolutions)
Published in 2010. During a local festival, a resident is found dead on the beach, and the town's festive mood turns to suspicion. Rina and Mac must unravel a web of old grudges and long-held family secrets to find the culprit before panic takes over Frantham.
5. Murder at the Country House (Originally: The Dead of Winter)
Published in 2011. In this classic locked-room mystery, Rina is invited to a snowbound manor house for a weekend séance reenactment. When one of the guests is murdered during the event, the survivors are trapped together, and Rina must identify the killer before the snow thaws.
6. Murder at the Pub (Originally: Cause of Death)
Published in 2012. A local publican is found dead under suspicious circumstances. As Rina investigates, she discovers that the victim was hiding a double life, forcing her to untangle a complex web of lies that stretches far beyond the town of Frantham.
7. Murder on the Farm (Originally: Forgotten Voices)
Published in 2015. A skeleton is discovered buried on a local farm, reopening a cold case that has haunted the region for decades. Rina and Mac McGregor must dig into local history, uncovering secrets that some residents would still kill to keep hidden.
8. Murder at the Willows
Published in 2023. After an eight-year break, the series returned with Rina investigating the death of Jean, a famous artist found dead in the garden of her estate, "The Willows." Though it appears she passed away peacefully, her missing walking stick and a strange blue flower in her hand suggest foul play. Jean's grandson hires Rina to uncover family secrets dating back twenty years.
9. Murder at the Wedding
Published in 2023. Rina's friend Bridie Duggan is set to marry Reggie Fitch at a country manor on a private island. Mac McGregor is serving as the best man. However, the celebrations turn tense when an uninvited guest targets the wedding party, forcing Mac and Rina to act quickly to prevent a tragedy.
10. Murder at the Hotel
Published in 2024. Rina attends a staged murder-mystery weekend at the Palisades Hotel. The event turns all too real when a genuine body is found, and Rina must use her theatrical background and real-life detective skills to separate the actors from the killer.
11. Murder at the Folly
Published in 2025. Rina is tempted back to the stage to reprise her famous TV role as Lydia Marchant for a special television comeback. The production comes to a sudden halt when a co-star is murdered at a grand manor house, leaving Rina to solve a real-life theatrical tragedy.
What to Know Before You Start
The Rina Martin series is a classic British cozy mystery series with a modern, slightly darker edge. While it features cozy staples like a picturesque coastal town, tea drinking, and an amateur sleuth, author Jane A. Adams draws on her sociology background to inject psychological depth into her stories. The crimes often involve real-world trauma, dark secrets, and domestic struggles, making it a perfect read for fans of Agatha Christie who want a bit more psychological complexity.
The relationship between Rina and DI McGregor is the core of the series. Instead of the typical adversarial relationship between police and amateur detectives, Mac and Rina share mutual respect and collaboration, which develops beautifully over the course of the eleven novels.