Butcher on the Moor

Yorkshire Detective Mystery #2

by Ric Brady

A fun, action-filled, suspenseful thriller set in the Yorkshire moors

Ex-DCI Henry Ward is woken in the middle of the night by a phone call. A distressed Mrs Thomson asks him to come and arrest her son.

Slightly annoyed, Henry reluctantly gets in his car and drives to the neighbouring Yorkshire village to see what’s going on.

Elderly and confused, Mrs Thomson claims that her son has killed someone. And it certainly looks like the young man is guilty of something when he attacks Henry and flees the scene. That, and the carrier bag of body parts in the basement.

With the Yorkshire police overstretched, and DI Barnes injured, part of the investigative work is delegated to the retired cop.

Yet when more bodies turn up, Henry realizes he’s been handed a very meaty case indeed.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 19, 2023

About the author

Ric Brady is a British crime writer known for infusing his novels with heavy doses of dark humour. Hailing from Yorkshire, his writing vividly captures the essence of northern England, a trait prominently featured in his 'The Yorkshire Detective Mystery Series'. This series centers around the character of former-DCI Henry Ward, bringing the mysteries of Yorkshire to life.

Published Works: 'The Yorkshire Detective Mystery Series':

1. 'Murder on a Yorkshire Moor'
2. 'Butcher on the Moor'
3. 'Missing on Ilkley Moor'
4. 'Detective on the Moor'

Published by The Book Folks, these novels have not only reached the top 100 in their genre on Amazon but have also cultivated a growing fan base.

Beyond novels, Ric has explored other creative avenues including theatre and interactive fiction, demonstrating his wide-ranging storytelling skills. Drawing inspiration from renowned authors like Ian Rankin, John Grisham, and Dean Koontz, Ric crafts books that blend suspenseful narratives with his distinct brand of humor.

Currently residing in France, Ric's storytelling continues to be influenced by his Yorkshire heritage, setting his captivating crime tales amidst its rich landscapes. When not immersed in writing, he teaches English and frequently returns to the UK to seek inspiration, savor Yorkshire tea, and brainstorm ideas for future works.

Learn More: To keep up with Ric Brady's ongoing writing journey and discover his upcoming projects, visit ricbradywrites.com.

Reviews

[Black Butterfly · Rating 3 out of 5]

HENRY NEEDS TO GET HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY; HE WOULD BE LIKE A NEW MAN. HE TAKES TO MANY RISKS PUTS HIMSELF AND OTHERS IN JEPORDY. ;D

[EmmaReadsCrime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ex-DCI Henry Ward receives a phone call in the middle of the night from a distressed woman saying her son has killed someone again. Upon arriving at her house, Henry discovers a bag of what looks like human remains.

This is the second book of the series. I love a good serial killer on the loose book and the story ticked a lot of boxes for me!

It was an enjoyable, gripping easy read. I like the characters in the story and the dynamics they have. If you saw my review for book 1, of course you’ll know this is set near where I grew up too, which is always a bonus!

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Henry, the long-retired detective who is brought back to help with the murder case. He is feeling his age but his mind is still sharp. He does struggle some with how to act in his role as a consultant and not a true officer. The mystery is interesting although it might be gory for some. The book was short, exciting and fast-paced. My reason for rating 4 stars is that the book was too fast and easy and some of it was a little unrealistic. Murder investigations take a lot of time and shoe leather and Henry just find things out too fast and easy. The ending was the most unrealistic part. But it was entertaining.

[Jim Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moor-bid tale

This story was filled with more suspense and thriller than mystery. A wonderful story. Ric Brady has an entertaining way of spinning a story that even if you don’t like scary tales you'll like his.

I hope you enjoy this book and his Yorkshire detective mysteries like I have.

P. S. Other than the few murders (which aren't graphic), there is no foul language or sexual overtones.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needs editing! Many word choice errors as if dictated but not checked: worse instead of worst, discrete not discreet, etc. Repetition of character descriptions using the same phrases, almost every other page as if to remind the reader which one-dimensional character was in play. Helpful in a way as all the characters are pretty flat. Sorry: unlikely to continue this series.

[patricia sendelbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

The retired detective finds himself in the middle of a serial killer rampage. I had to laugh at the references to aging body parts as that's part of my daily life too. The serial killer is related to a previous case decades in the past. The serial killer's mother has dementia with bouts of clarity calling at 3 am to say he had killed again. What retired detective could resist?

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

another wrought, though breezy, tale of unspeakable acts

In the wee hours, Henry gets a call - well, several - and when he answers, a woman says she needs help with her son….but who is she and why is she calling?

Intriguing tale of past and present, gumshoe leather pounding the pavement.

[Erik Empson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable follow up to the first book. This time ex cop Henry Ward is on the tail of a serial killer, and must act quick before he disappears into the moorland mists. A light, entertaining read with a likeable detective.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

What a great story. This is the first that I have read by this author but it will not be the last. A great story line with plenty of twists and turns and an unexpected ending. Also a number of very differing characters. Looking forward to reading more.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and walked every step with retired Henry who hasn't lost his touch with tracking criminals, I was so immersed I was at the end way before I thought I'd be, It's a good read.

[Barbara Gambino · Rating 4 out of 5]

bad ending

The story was ok, but nothing to explain the motive for all his killings. They finally find the killer and it’s all over. Like a screeching stop in a car. Very unsatisfying.

[MoDonasChridhe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed very much!

I really became immersed in this jaunt about the countryside with an achy but curious retired detective who finds himself in the midst of a murder mystery. A very delightful read.

[Terry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. A bit too pat. Never a false notion with this detective. He's better than a whole police department, can leap over tall buildings, etc. All that while complaining of aches and pains.
Combine that with the author over explaining everything.

[Carole Gourlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

I do like this series, it’s jolly good, not too dark and horrible, although this one was a tad grim! I love Henry and his busy body neighbour, even Barnes isn’t too bad as the characters develop.

I’m going to read the next one now and see what that’s like.

[Anne Mattaliano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Butcher on the Moor

Excellent and believable. The ending was surprising but understandable. I am sure I would enjoy more stories from this author.

[B&F · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and interesting mystery. The lead character felt human and was very likable!
Wish the ending would have tied up a few more strings,but overall, it was an enjoyable read.

[ANTONIO SCHEFANO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting read

I enjoyed this book from the beginning to the end. Entertaining throughout the book just what I wanted in a story.

[Robert C. smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only Constant Action Throughout!

Brady had a great imagination and high level of creativity keeps readers turning pages! A bit hardcore but immensely enjoyable!

[Leila Kheiry · Rating 2 out of 5]

More like 2.5.

[Jackie Simons]

Read 9/23

[Cynthia Prasse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Story

A fast-paced police mystery, with all the right elements. I really enjoyed this book, and will be looking for others in the series.

[Kquigs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun and captivating read. Characters were developed enough to make you care about what was going on with them. Overall a very entertaining book.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good as a stand alone book. Enough to keep me interested and turning pages.

[terry sykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different excitement.

Very enjoyable read.First book I have read by Mr Brady will definitely read more. Much different storyline to most murder books.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book was awesome!! A twisted and warped mind is certainly a butcher. Henry is putting himself in harms way, way too often. but he's on a roll.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.00 am Mrs Thomson called ex-Detective Ward stating her son had killed again. A name from Ward's past. But what will he find. But soon there will be more deaths.
An entertaining modern mystery