Picture an English storyteller who swapped lecture halls for thrilling crime scenes—meet Faith Martin! Born in Oxford, this mystery maestro has captivated readers with her DI Hillary Greene series, spinning tales of murder and intrigue against the backdrop of Oxfordshire’s dreamy countryside. With a knack for crafting relatable characters and plots that keep you guessing, Martin’s stories are like a cozy fireside chat with a side of suspense.
Faith Martin, the pen name of Jacquie Walton, didn’t just stumble into writing. Her journey from secretarial work to bestselling author is as gripping as her novels, fueled by a love for Oxford’s landscapes and a passion for storytelling that’s made her a Kindle Unlimited favorite in the UK.
The Making of Faith Martin
Born in Oxford, Jacquie Walton grew up surrounded by the city’s iconic spires and lush countryside. After training as a secretary, she worked at Somerville College for six years, soaking in the academic buzz that later flavored her novels. When her parents faced a life-altering car accident, Walton took a leap of faith, leaving her job to care for them and pursue her dream of writing. Starting with romance novels under the pen name Maxine Barry, she soon found her true calling in mysteries, adopting the Faith Martin moniker to bring DI Hillary Greene to life.
Faith Martin’s Unforgettable Stories
Martin’s DI Hillary Greene series, spanning 22 novels, is her crown jewel. Kicking off with Murder on the Oxford Canal (2004), the series follows the sharp-witted Detective Inspector Hillary Greene as she tackles complex cases in Oxfordshire’s villages. Living on a narrow boat—a nod to Martin’s love for the region’s canals—Hillary navigates murders, corruption, and personal challenges with grit and humor. Fans adore the series for its police procedural depth and cozy mystery charm, with titles like Murder at the University and Hillary’s Back! earning rave reviews.
Beyond Hillary Greene, Martin writes as Joyce Cato, crafting classic whodunits like the Jenny Starling mysteries, where a traveling cook solves crimes with wit and a whisk. Her Ryder & Loveday series, set in 1960s Oxford, pairs a young WPC with a coroner for a fresh take on detective duos. Martin’s style blends vivid settings—think blooming meadows and misty canals—with tightly woven plots and characters you’d want to grab a pint with.
Her love for nature shines through, with Oxfordshire’s flora and fauna woven into her narratives. Whether it’s a murder in a meadow or a body by a canal, Martin’s stories feel alive, grounding her mysteries in a world that’s both familiar and thrillingly unpredictable.
Why Faith Martin Matters
Faith Martin has sold over two million books, a testament to her ability to connect with readers. Her authentic portrayal of Oxfordshire’s communities, from canal-boat dwellers to village locals, brings a unique flavor to the cozy mystery genre. By centering strong, flawed female leads like Hillary Greene, Martin has carved a niche in a genre often dominated by male detectives, inspiring fans and aspiring writers alike.
Her versatility—spanning cozy mysteries, historical crimes, and even romance—shows a storyteller unafraid to experiment while staying true to her roots. For readers craving escapist yet grounded tales, Martin’s work is a treasure trove of intrigue and heart.
- Born: Oxford, England
- Key Works: DI Hillary Greene series, Jenny Starling mysteries, Ryder & Loveday series
- Pen Names: Faith Martin, Joyce Cato, Maxine Barry, Jessie Daniels
- Hobbies: Wildlife-watching, walking her dog, gardening
Snag Murder on the Oxford Canal and dive into Faith Martin’s thrilling world of cozy mysteries—your next favorite read awaits!