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DI Ruth Hunter #15
The Denbigh Asylum Killings
When local teenagers discover a body at the disused Denbigh Asylum, it seems that his murder might be linked to a modern slavery ring trafficking young people from the Indian subcontinent. However, social media then reveals that the victim was involved in a toxic relationship which may provide a clue to his death.
When there is another murder, the focus of the investigation switches again. With time running out, Ruth and the Llancastell CID team must find the killer before they flee the country and disappear.
The Denbigh Asylum Killings is the fifteenth book in the DI Ruth Hunter Crime Thriller Snowdonia series. If you like chilling police procedurals, true-to-life characters, and psychological twists, then you’ll love Simon McCleave’s page-turning thrill ride. Perfect for fans of JD Kirk, JM Dalgleish, Rachel McLean and LJ Ross.
When there is another murder, the focus of the investigation switches again. With time running out, Ruth and the Llancastell CID team must find the killer before they flee the country and disappear.
The Denbigh Asylum Killings is the fifteenth book in the DI Ruth Hunter Crime Thriller Snowdonia series. If you like chilling police procedurals, true-to-life characters, and psychological twists, then you’ll love Simon McCleave’s page-turning thrill ride. Perfect for fans of JD Kirk, JM Dalgleish, Rachel McLean and LJ Ross.
322 pages, Paperback
Published April 27, 2023
1497 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 14, 2024
Trafficked Children. Nick's Freedom. Georgie Knows What Ben Did!
Children are being promised a better life in England, from their home in India. So parents allow them to leave, gaining money, and their children will get the education and experience for a better life. Sounds great, right? Well it is, and that's not what happens, and when one of the boys knows to much and threatens to go to the Police he is murdered.
Georgie, Ruth and team are on the case, and what they discover and think they have closure for is not what happens. Ben, A DI from a division that fights trafficked kids is assigned to help with the case. He assist in the discovery if the murder weapon, and other damming evidence, all to convenient. As Georgie and Ben escape near death and the relationship seems to be moving forward, pieces of the case point directly to Ben! Is he the "Boss" that is never seen? Is he behind the group of human smugglers?
Nick is awaiting his fate for prison escape, but first he needs to deal with Curtis Blake, and by deal, we know the only escape is death, either Nick or Blake? The only way Nick, Amanda and Megan will be safe is Blake being removed from the equation.
Another 5 Star rated book in this series.
Children are being promised a better life in England, from their home in India. So parents allow them to leave, gaining money, and their children will get the education and experience for a better life. Sounds great, right? Well it is, and that's not what happens, and when one of the boys knows to much and threatens to go to the Police he is murdered.
Georgie, Ruth and team are on the case, and what they discover and think they have closure for is not what happens. Ben, A DI from a division that fights trafficked kids is assigned to help with the case. He assist in the discovery if the murder weapon, and other damming evidence, all to convenient. As Georgie and Ben escape near death and the relationship seems to be moving forward, pieces of the case point directly to Ben! Is he the "Boss" that is never seen? Is he behind the group of human smugglers?
Nick is awaiting his fate for prison escape, but first he needs to deal with Curtis Blake, and by deal, we know the only escape is death, either Nick or Blake? The only way Nick, Amanda and Megan will be safe is Blake being removed from the equation.
Another 5 Star rated book in this series.
November 8, 2024
Another great story
October 21, 2025
I am interspersing my night time reading with my continuing loyalty to this Simon McCleave series. I was really pleased with how the last cliff hanger played out although I somehow think there may be a twist in a later book! The cliffhanger this time came as a complete shock. Well done Simon for keeping the suspense rolling!
April 29, 2023
The Denbigh Asylum Killings: (DI Ruth Hunter Crime Thriller Book 15)
Wow Simon McCleave you have done it again! Written another book I cannot put down! I had a book day and read it until I finished it. But the story O DI Ruth Hunter and her team hasn’t finished, we are left hanging. Roll on August when you release the next book. Thank you for your books I really enjoy reading them x
Wow Simon McCleave you have done it again! Written another book I cannot put down! I had a book day and read it until I finished it. But the story O DI Ruth Hunter and her team hasn’t finished, we are left hanging. Roll on August when you release the next book. Thank you for your books I really enjoy reading them x
May 2, 2024
I go through such odd stages with the DI Hunter books. They mostly contain good, deep and meaningful plot lines, relevant to the modern world.
However, I also find McCleave amateurish in his writing, which for me, is hard to comprehend when you consider we are 15 books deep!
The character of Ruth Hunter, is very well developed, yet sometimes I do not feel this comes across.
The ensemble cast are also good and interesting characters, yet again, they come across as amateurs or like not enough thought had gone in to them.
Dialogue wise, it’s always the same adjectives. Quipped and so on.. or excessive use of “Jesus” or descriptions of exchanging looks because it “was a significant breakthrough”.
Make the changes to the language etc and we’d be sitting at solid four or five’s.
Otherwise, this will remain a three star average.
However, I also find McCleave amateurish in his writing, which for me, is hard to comprehend when you consider we are 15 books deep!
The character of Ruth Hunter, is very well developed, yet sometimes I do not feel this comes across.
The ensemble cast are also good and interesting characters, yet again, they come across as amateurs or like not enough thought had gone in to them.
Dialogue wise, it’s always the same adjectives. Quipped and so on.. or excessive use of “Jesus” or descriptions of exchanging looks because it “was a significant breakthrough”.
Make the changes to the language etc and we’d be sitting at solid four or five’s.
Otherwise, this will remain a three star average.
April 10, 2024
Another great installment, although again it finishes on a cliff hanger which I didn't see coming until late on!
Disappointed there are not that many left in the series to read!
Disappointed there are not that many left in the series to read!
April 9, 2024
DNF @ 24%
Why do authors insist on showing and not telling? Pet peeve territory. For someone that has written FIFTEEN books about this detective it felt very juvenile.
Why do authors insist on showing and not telling? Pet peeve territory. For someone that has written FIFTEEN books about this detective it felt very juvenile.
July 6, 2023
Hard to believe we're at book 15 already. This time, Nick is making progress towards a hearing into recent events. Without giving a spoiler away, you will know about what is happening after events in the previous book. You shouldn't read this as a standalone. At the same time, Ruth and Georgie investigate when the body of a young man from India is discovered in the ruins of an old asylum. The team join forces with another team when there are links to human trafficking, forced prostitution and drug dealing and money laundering.
I find these books so easy to read. I tend to get dragged in from the start and just don't want to put it down. This was no exception and I read it in a day. It's fast moving and there are certain twists to throw you, and the ending.... well, let's just say it ends on a cliffhanger. Now it feels like forever to wait unti the next one comes out to see what happens. I'm eager and frustrated in equal measure.
I find these books so easy to read. I tend to get dragged in from the start and just don't want to put it down. This was no exception and I read it in a day. It's fast moving and there are certain twists to throw you, and the ending.... well, let's just say it ends on a cliffhanger. Now it feels like forever to wait unti the next one comes out to see what happens. I'm eager and frustrated in equal measure.
May 2, 2024
The ending was missing!
I was shocked when I read the last page, because it ended in what the author might have considered a cliffhangar, but as the reader, I could only consider an unfinished book! EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING!!! What happens to Georgie?! Does she live? Does she die? Does Ben beat her up to the point where she loses her baby? And, like another review (by Auntie Annie?) McCleave's books are including more and more unlikely scenarios and unexplained resolutions. HOW did Amanda & Meagan conveniently survive unscathed the explosion of the small boat they were on, but the two kidnappers, on the same boat, were (conveniently) killed by the same explosion! Come on, McCleave! What happened to your previously well-written & well thought out plotlines? Were you in a hurry to finish this one, because that's definitely what the ending is indicative of!
I was shocked when I read the last page, because it ended in what the author might have considered a cliffhangar, but as the reader, I could only consider an unfinished book! EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING!!! What happens to Georgie?! Does she live? Does she die? Does Ben beat her up to the point where she loses her baby? And, like another review (by Auntie Annie?) McCleave's books are including more and more unlikely scenarios and unexplained resolutions. HOW did Amanda & Meagan conveniently survive unscathed the explosion of the small boat they were on, but the two kidnappers, on the same boat, were (conveniently) killed by the same explosion! Come on, McCleave! What happened to your previously well-written & well thought out plotlines? Were you in a hurry to finish this one, because that's definitely what the ending is indicative of!
October 19, 2024
When a young man is found dead in an abandoned asylum, CID are called into investigate. As the team try to work out the identity of the person, it becomes clear that there is a much bigger issue around people trafficking and modern slavery. Wider police personnel are brought in, as they try to solve the murder and then break-up the trafficking ring.
Alongside this, the book follows Nick as he finds out whether or not he will face jail time, and when and old adversary shows up, he is left with a choice to make.
The book ends on a cliff hanger, which ties in with the plot of the book and a somewhat unexpected twist. The fate of this character I’m sure will be revealed in book 16.
Overall, a decent read.
4 stars.
Alongside this, the book follows Nick as he finds out whether or not he will face jail time, and when and old adversary shows up, he is left with a choice to make.
The book ends on a cliff hanger, which ties in with the plot of the book and a somewhat unexpected twist. The fate of this character I’m sure will be revealed in book 16.
Overall, a decent read.
4 stars.
July 23, 2023
Good story
Fast paced with plenty of tension keeps the pages turning. DI Hunter has several things to keep on top of in this thriller. Two murders, multiple suspects, an international trafficking scheme and her sergeant trying to get out of prison all make the to do list. At the end of the day it's unclear whether justice is truly served on any of those issues despite Ruth's best efforts.
Fast paced with plenty of tension keeps the pages turning. DI Hunter has several things to keep on top of in this thriller. Two murders, multiple suspects, an international trafficking scheme and her sergeant trying to get out of prison all make the to do list. At the end of the day it's unclear whether justice is truly served on any of those issues despite Ruth's best efforts.
August 19, 2024
Who'd be a cop.
As ever great story, plot everything. An overweight, old, unfit, pregnant cop chases a fit teenager, dear me. The cop trips over a cat, a matchstick, bumps into a door, slips on blood, for goodness sake. Then the obligatory car crash which bursts into flames, Jeezo. Another thing what self respecting murderer takes the bloodstained weapon home wraps it in a towel and hides it under her sink, pillow or stairs.
As ever great story, plot everything. An overweight, old, unfit, pregnant cop chases a fit teenager, dear me. The cop trips over a cat, a matchstick, bumps into a door, slips on blood, for goodness sake. Then the obligatory car crash which bursts into flames, Jeezo. Another thing what self respecting murderer takes the bloodstained weapon home wraps it in a towel and hides it under her sink, pillow or stairs.
May 3, 2023
Too good.
Great read from start to finish! The storyline was excellent.The characters lived up to my expectations and the ending is brilliant! Let's hope that all the team are working hard in the next installment. I'm not going to spoil it for anyone about to enjoy this chapter in the team's life.
Great read from start to finish! The storyline was excellent.The characters lived up to my expectations and the ending is brilliant! Let's hope that all the team are working hard in the next installment. I'm not going to spoil it for anyone about to enjoy this chapter in the team's life.
May 5, 2023
Another Excellent Story
Another Excellent story in the DI Ruth Hunter series. The usual great characters and an excellent story line that kept me gripped from start to finish. An ending that I did not see coming and one that leaves you wondering what will happen next.Looking forward to reading more.
Another Excellent story in the DI Ruth Hunter series. The usual great characters and an excellent story line that kept me gripped from start to finish. An ending that I did not see coming and one that leaves you wondering what will happen next.Looking forward to reading more.
June 15, 2023
I enjoyed The Denbigh Asylum Killings a lot. The main plot is definitely good, one of the ongoing sub plots is solved in a way, and another one seems to open up. What I am still waiting for is a complication in the relationship between Ruth and Sarah. Oh, and there is a cliffhanger, which was not nice, but it is an additional reason to read the next title of a great series.
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars
July 3, 2023
The Denbigh asylum killings is the latest in the Ruth Hunter series, and follows the same vein as the previous books. It’s an easy reading series but I have found some of the storylines drag on a little across too many books and I did lose interest a little in them. That said, this one ends on a cliff hanger meaning no choice but wanting to read the next instalment!
June 13, 2024
Woah, What a Cliffhanger!
OMG, I can't tell but that was a very unexpected ending. Good thing I have access to the next one... Way to go, Nick! Georgie is in for some happy moments. Great set of interwoven and interesting plots. Sad about the people trafficking. Fascinating read!
OMG, I can't tell but that was a very unexpected ending. Good thing I have access to the next one... Way to go, Nick! Georgie is in for some happy moments. Great set of interwoven and interesting plots. Sad about the people trafficking. Fascinating read!
July 31, 2024
This is the first book in the collection I have read and coming to it at book 15 I must say wasn’t a problem. The detailed story builds enough background that it can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel. It's fast moving and there are certain twists to throw you, and the ending.... well, let's just say it ends on a cliffhanger.
May 3, 2023
Excellent read once again! Completely hooked and couldn’t put the book down but that’s what Bank Holidays are for! Gripping end and can’t wait now until the Wrexham Killings in August. Really getting close to home ha
May 5, 2023
Amazing book . Simon McCleave has done it again another brilliant ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️read. I love this series brilliant characters in DI Ruth Hunter, also think Nick and Georgie are great. Omg that ending took my breath away. Can't wait till his next book is out. Highly recommend this book and series
May 7, 2023
Yet another thrilling instalment in the series featuring Ruth Hunter. As with previous books McCleave manages to weave several story threads into one gripping novel. And, leaves us with a real cliffhanger on the very last page. Can't wait for no. 16.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
May 9, 2023
See : series! I had started one but this one came out in a series I already follow so BAM! I had to read this. I mean, we HAVE to know what happens to Nick, right? I'm very excited to hear that these books are being turned into a television series!
May 10, 2023
The Denbeigh Asylum Killings .
I enjoyed this book but the storyline and ending was too OTT for my taste. I can't fault the quality of your writing though. I feel a wee bit disappointed !
I enjoyed this book but the storyline and ending was too OTT for my taste. I can't fault the quality of your writing though. I feel a wee bit disappointed !
June 28, 2023
You can always count on the author to leave you hanging at the end of these books. Very insetting story line and believable characters. Who else, besides me, thought that Ben was not all that we were suppose to think? And poor Georgie, grasping for love at every turn.
April 13, 2024
More McCleave action
Not perfect writing style to me, too much explaining detail and underestimating the readers intelligence but another easy read yarn that still has you turning pages and wanting to find out what happened next.
Not perfect writing style to me, too much explaining detail and underestimating the readers intelligence but another easy read yarn that still has you turning pages and wanting to find out what happened next.
July 27, 2024
have I found the weakest cliffhanger?
Only if I’m being exceptionally picky. And actually, having gone back, the clues are there all the way through…
Again…
I reckon I can finish this set this weekend.
Only if I’m being exceptionally picky. And actually, having gone back, the clues are there all the way through…
Again…
I reckon I can finish this set this weekend.
August 8, 2024
I like this author and his characters but sometimes his plot action is just too drawn out for me; other people will probably find the complexity perfectly normal. Anyway, I did skip/scan a number of chapters between 50-85% just because I wanted to know what actually happened.
January 3, 2025
McCleave continues
to put out an excellent story. As he does just that, he also manages to keep the suspense at an incredibly high level. There's one bit of advice. Never think you have things all figured out. Because you don't. Trust me, you don't.
to put out an excellent story. As he does just that, he also manages to keep the suspense at an incredibly high level. There's one bit of advice. Never think you have things all figured out. Because you don't. Trust me, you don't.
April 30, 2023
Another classic
Once again Simon has produced a classic page turner which the twists and surprises he always produces, I await the next installment with baited breath
Once again Simon has produced a classic page turner which the twists and surprises he always produces, I await the next installment with baited breath
May 1, 2023
Another great read
Another amazing read and a twist to the ending cannot wait for the next book to come out will definitely pre order
Another amazing read and a twist to the ending cannot wait for the next book to come out will definitely pre order
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews