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DS Charlie Rees #2
Murder in Shades of Wood and Stone
An early morning phone call. A dead teenager. A bunch of hostile witnesses with a wedding to attend.
Charlie Rees was enjoying the calm after the storm in Llanfair. He thought he and Tom Pennant might get some peaceful time together. Maybe even fall in love. Not a chance.
As Charlie battles to get justice for a murdered boy, Tom has his own battle to save the art college and his career.
This is book two of the Charlie Rees trilogy. The books are best read in order.
Charlie Rees was enjoying the calm after the storm in Llanfair. He thought he and Tom Pennant might get some peaceful time together. Maybe even fall in love. Not a chance.
As Charlie battles to get justice for a murdered boy, Tom has his own battle to save the art college and his career.
This is book two of the Charlie Rees trilogy. The books are best read in order.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2023
114 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 21, 2023
I am really enjoying this series. A good mystery, which takes time to build up and also the solving of it is near the end of the book and so it doesn't feel rushed.
The team at the new renovated police station seem to be working well together and we even see Mal Kent in this book.
I like also that Charlie's love life seems real. By that I mean that Tom and him are having couple issues which seem real and not fabricated to install some angst.
Can't wait for the next book and even better there is another book in Mal and Daniel's story later in the year.
The team at the new renovated police station seem to be working well together and we even see Mal Kent in this book.
I like also that Charlie's love life seems real. By that I mean that Tom and him are having couple issues which seem real and not fabricated to install some angst.
Can't wait for the next book and even better there is another book in Mal and Daniel's story later in the year.
September 17, 2023
More nabbing of bad guys without resort to beating people up & otherwise violating their civil rights. Charlie likes poetry but isn't sure he's smart enough to be allowed to do so. Also, he's terrified of meeting his lover's daughters and their mothers [sic] and (my favorite bit) participates in a rescue that entails one of his colleagues instructing him in parkour. Too bad he's afraid of heights.
Another 3.75 stars, rounded up. And on the strength of these first two books, I requested an ARC of the third.
Another 3.75 stars, rounded up. And on the strength of these first two books, I requested an ARC of the third.
July 21, 2024
Great sequel to Murder in Shades of Blue and Green, and while we get a new murder mystery in this book, progress is also made on Rico's murder in the first book and there is finally some form of justice. I like Tom and Charlie's relationship, although it is very much on the back burner here for most of the book.
September 12, 2023
Meh 😑 max ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book had promise but fizzle pretty quickly to abject boredom. All the college board stuff with that bad artist Vitruvious plus all the financial crimes was an absolute snooze fest. It went on and on blahhhhh.
The main murder should have been the focus. I know there’s a book 3 but I’m putting a pin 📌 in this series for now why I recover from the meh-ness that was book 2.
Tom was a bit of a wanker in this one. Stringing Charlie along. Ugh, poor Charlie deserved way more.
This book should have had TWs too for extreme violence and suicide. Pretty shitty to not include them.
This book was a bowl of meh and blah. Even a Mal Kent appearance couldn’t save it. The conclusion was even boring and anti climactic 😣 Cringe.
This book had promise but fizzle pretty quickly to abject boredom. All the college board stuff with that bad artist Vitruvious plus all the financial crimes was an absolute snooze fest. It went on and on blahhhhh.
The main murder should have been the focus. I know there’s a book 3 but I’m putting a pin 📌 in this series for now why I recover from the meh-ness that was book 2.
Tom was a bit of a wanker in this one. Stringing Charlie along. Ugh, poor Charlie deserved way more.
This book should have had TWs too for extreme violence and suicide. Pretty shitty to not include them.
This book was a bowl of meh and blah. Even a Mal Kent appearance couldn’t save it. The conclusion was even boring and anti climactic 😣 Cringe.
September 24, 2023
Great follow up to the previous books, it's nice to see Charlie and his very stretched little team of police officers working better together. There's some deepening of relational bonds between Charlie and Tom (beyond the sex at the very least). Some plot-lines from the previous book were tied up and there's even a sighting of one Detective Superintendent Mal!
September 8, 2023
Love a police procedural mystery with a side of romance.
Good times :)
On to book 3
Good times :)
On to book 3
March 24, 2025
Speedy, solid case
meets slow justice. Excellent
character romance.
As usual when I read a mystery, I'm way more interested in all the things that aren't the mystery. In this case (see what I did there), I especially liked the dual focus on Tom's job (as a college professor, so no surprise there) and the way the previous case kept intruding. And, frankly, that was a much more interesting case--murder via Raft of the Medusa is certainly one for the ages.
Tom and Charlie's relationship is really lovely--Charlie is still horribly insecure and fucked up from his parents, and Tom is so gentle with him. I was just so happy when Tom came to his for sex and cuddles rather than letting the misunderstanding drag out. And the sex on the kitchen table was smoking hot, despite the kind of cringe-y public sex fantasy part.
It was also good to see the team coming together, and to see Patsy and parkour and get to know Mr Mags a little.
The mystery was fine--I didn't figure it out (though it was clear the stepdad and hotel manager were in it up to their eyeballs and the stoner kids were way more than bullies) which is neither a plus nor a minus--and it seemed to depend on a bit of coincidence there at the end.
I read this nearly a year after I read the first of the series and I'm not in a rush to read the next. I'll prolly pick it up next time I need to read something set in Wales.
meets slow justice. Excellent
character romance.
As usual when I read a mystery, I'm way more interested in all the things that aren't the mystery. In this case (see what I did there), I especially liked the dual focus on Tom's job (as a college professor, so no surprise there) and the way the previous case kept intruding. And, frankly, that was a much more interesting case--murder via Raft of the Medusa is certainly one for the ages.
Tom and Charlie's relationship is really lovely--Charlie is still horribly insecure and fucked up from his parents, and Tom is so gentle with him. I was just so happy when Tom came to his for sex and cuddles rather than letting the misunderstanding drag out. And the sex on the kitchen table was smoking hot, despite the kind of cringe-y public sex fantasy part.
It was also good to see the team coming together, and to see Patsy and parkour and get to know Mr Mags a little.
The mystery was fine--I didn't figure it out (though it was clear the stepdad and hotel manager were in it up to their eyeballs and the stoner kids were way more than bullies) which is neither a plus nor a minus--and it seemed to depend on a bit of coincidence there at the end.
I read this nearly a year after I read the first of the series and I'm not in a rush to read the next. I'll prolly pick it up next time I need to read something set in Wales.
August 3, 2024
I'm really enjoying this series, I liked how although this book included more relationship building than the previous book it does not detract from the story and the case being solved. The only negative thing I'd say is that there were a few parts near the end which felt a little rushed, not the story itself but the clarity and pacing seemed to drop a little, not enough to ruin enjoyment of the story but enough to notice. Don't let that put you off though, I would definitely recommend this book and plan on continuing with the series.
July 10, 2023
I wanted to really like this next chapter in Charlie’s adventures but, for some reason, I lost interest halfway through! I love Charlie - and his team, including his boss who has very strong overtones of ‘Vera’ in my mind. I’m not so keen on Tom and I’m not convinced by his relationship with Charlie. I found there were too many names without personalities and the crimes at the heart of the book were too complicated- along with the convoluted outcome. Not my favourite.
January 4, 2024
And the story continues. This is the second book in the Charlie Rees series and - while some crimes have been solved in the first book - some were still not satisfyingly resolved and continue in this one. In addition there is more murder and Charlie is running on fumes. Tom has his own problems with the aftermath and so it is no wonder that their relationship is a bit of a backburner sometimes.
But I liked how they managed to still find each other, nothing was overstressed.
So, crimestories 5 stars, relationship story also 5 stars, the characters themselves....this time only 4 stars because there was a bit to much "I'm not good enough for him" going around for my taste. But still, all in all a satisfying read....and on to the next book in this series.
But I liked how they managed to still find each other, nothing was overstressed.
So, crimestories 5 stars, relationship story also 5 stars, the characters themselves....this time only 4 stars because there was a bit to much "I'm not good enough for him" going around for my taste. But still, all in all a satisfying read....and on to the next book in this series.
August 24, 2023
The first book didn't hold much charm but I wanted to give the second book a try expecting maybe the second might be better.
I truly don't know whether it is me or the book. I did my best to read it but it still was not giving me joy.
Maybe I can give this whole series a 2nd chance shortly.
I truly don't know whether it is me or the book. I did my best to read it but it still was not giving me joy.
Maybe I can give this whole series a 2nd chance shortly.
October 29, 2024
I love this series and Hayes' writing in general. This is very much NOT a standalone. There is a new mystery but a large chunk of the time is also spent with leftover housekeeping from the previous novel. That didn't really bother me as the whole thing is still very well handled and the relationship between Charlie and Tom carries everything along well.
July 30, 2023
Hoo, boy, where do I start?
I probably shouldn't be comparing this series and this couple to the Daniel Owen/Daniel & Mal books, but I can't help it since it IS the same author. Sigh.
First reason I don't care for the series/this book = I just really am not liking Charlie. Not even a little bit (you'd think I could have warmed up to him some by now, but . . . nope) This is because:
* Charlie is a real flake. I cannot get past the first 1.5 books, in particular the opening scene for book #1, where the guy is totally hammered and living in his car the night before a new job. Charlie has a place to live now, but honestly, he hasn't grown much as a mature adult.
* Charlie doesn't seem passionate about his job - sometimes he doesn't even seem interested. He appears to do well (more so than the band of fools he's working with) once he gets a boot up his butt from a superior, but why is that always necessary? And why is he even IN this job? He seems to really dislike the death part of detective work, which is an issue, no?
* Charlie allows the past opinions, observations, rants, abusive tirades, et al that he suffered under his mother to rent space in his head. We're talking enormous space, like a loft with 2 story ceilings. At 30-ish, he should be a grown-ass man, and he should be moving past all the mommy crap. If he can't, he really needs to get therapy, because the whole "what would mother think" thing is just getting really ridiculous.
* Charlie is really into seeing people as being locked into social 'classes' (perhaps a by-blow of the Mother From Hell?). It appears that if he is faced with a person who a) has higher ed experience and/or b) a "cut glass accent" and/or c) is An Artist (which he seems to equate with God), then he is instantly freaking out because he (Charlie) knows he (Charlie) is too 'inferior' (or some such rot) to interact with such a person:
at moments like this he could ignore the nagging voice that told him he wasn’t good enough for a man like Tom.
(I'm pretty sure the nagging voice is his mama, by the way)
I can't even begin to envision engaging in this kind of self-flagellation at the age of 30-ish - and I would have been right there with Charlie in terms of lack of education/social status/money; I just never worried about crap like that. Charlie needs to learn to love himself, and to find his skills and USE them. If he IS really smart and intuitive (and I believe we are meant to think he is), then he needs to celebrate that as his superpower.
* Charlie finds Tom sexy. Ugh. The less said about that, the better.
Second reason I don't care for this book/series is (as if you couldn't guess) Tom. I get ZERO sexy vibes from Tom as the author writes him. Every time they have sex, I cringe - which is NOT what you want in a mm romance. And, please God, never have Tom engage in role playing during sex ever again. I think I may be scarred for life.
I think Charlie's character would be much better served if he had a guy like Mal in his life. Tom feels way too unmoored/unsure to be an anchor for Charlie's insecurities and issues. And lord knows, Charlie needs an anchor.
Third reason for my dislike is because in this book, both MC's are using the L word and I find that really disturbing. Charlie has a buttload of baggage he carries around and Tom isn't even aware of most of it (at least, not that I've read). I don't feel like these two have ever talked with each other - not talked "to" each other, mind you, but "with" each other. I'm hard pressed at this point to even consider their relationship to be as deep as friends with benefits. It feels like declarations of love at this point are a sure route to a train wreck. Unless maybe they are communicating in a meaningful, thoughtful, adult manner about all the ugly bits off the page?
Lastly, the formatting is just . . . ugh. Examples:
“I don’t think I’ve been that turned on since I was sixteen,” "I’m never going to look at my desk in the same way again.” He helped Charlie to his feet.
There is no break/return between the first two comments, so I cannot tell if they are being made by the same person (I'm thinking not). Also problematic is the ", " formatting between comments. Shouldn't the first comment get a period at the end, like so: "I don't think I've been that turned on since I was sixteen." Period, end sentence. Yes? No? Maybe?
Charlie diagnosed hangovers from both alcohol and the previous days overwhelm.
What, exactly, does "the previous days overwhelm" even mean - ?? Was it supposed to be something like "the previous day's overwhelming events"?
"head and neck are
Yep, that's it - that exact string of words stuck at the end of a paragraph, starting with quotation marks and ending (?) with no punctuation whatsoever. This one is probably the front runner amongst Bad Editing That Makes Me Want to Hurl My Kindle Across the Room.
Tom him from the kitchen door when Charlie ended the call and put the phone down on the dining table.
Tom (what??) him from the kitchen door - called out to? Looked daggers at? Pined for? Buehler?
So anyway, I gave this two stars because I like the author's other work and I reserve 1 star reviews for books that are beyond hope/should never have been written - this book isn't in that category, not by a long shot, but it is truly very disappointing.
If you haven't read them yet, I would recommend skipping this series and going straight to the Daniel Owen series.
I probably shouldn't be comparing this series and this couple to the Daniel Owen/Daniel & Mal books, but I can't help it since it IS the same author. Sigh.
First reason I don't care for the series/this book = I just really am not liking Charlie. Not even a little bit (you'd think I could have warmed up to him some by now, but . . . nope) This is because:
* Charlie is a real flake. I cannot get past the first 1.5 books, in particular the opening scene for book #1, where the guy is totally hammered and living in his car the night before a new job. Charlie has a place to live now, but honestly, he hasn't grown much as a mature adult.
* Charlie doesn't seem passionate about his job - sometimes he doesn't even seem interested. He appears to do well (more so than the band of fools he's working with) once he gets a boot up his butt from a superior, but why is that always necessary? And why is he even IN this job? He seems to really dislike the death part of detective work, which is an issue, no?
* Charlie allows the past opinions, observations, rants, abusive tirades, et al that he suffered under his mother to rent space in his head. We're talking enormous space, like a loft with 2 story ceilings. At 30-ish, he should be a grown-ass man, and he should be moving past all the mommy crap. If he can't, he really needs to get therapy, because the whole "what would mother think" thing is just getting really ridiculous.
* Charlie is really into seeing people as being locked into social 'classes' (perhaps a by-blow of the Mother From Hell?). It appears that if he is faced with a person who a) has higher ed experience and/or b) a "cut glass accent" and/or c) is An Artist (which he seems to equate with God), then he is instantly freaking out because he (Charlie) knows he (Charlie) is too 'inferior' (or some such rot) to interact with such a person:
at moments like this he could ignore the nagging voice that told him he wasn’t good enough for a man like Tom.
(I'm pretty sure the nagging voice is his mama, by the way)
I can't even begin to envision engaging in this kind of self-flagellation at the age of 30-ish - and I would have been right there with Charlie in terms of lack of education/social status/money; I just never worried about crap like that. Charlie needs to learn to love himself, and to find his skills and USE them. If he IS really smart and intuitive (and I believe we are meant to think he is), then he needs to celebrate that as his superpower.
* Charlie finds Tom sexy. Ugh. The less said about that, the better.
Second reason I don't care for this book/series is (as if you couldn't guess) Tom. I get ZERO sexy vibes from Tom as the author writes him. Every time they have sex, I cringe - which is NOT what you want in a mm romance. And, please God, never have Tom engage in role playing during sex ever again. I think I may be scarred for life.
I think Charlie's character would be much better served if he had a guy like Mal in his life. Tom feels way too unmoored/unsure to be an anchor for Charlie's insecurities and issues. And lord knows, Charlie needs an anchor.
Third reason for my dislike is because in this book, both MC's are using the L word and I find that really disturbing. Charlie has a buttload of baggage he carries around and Tom isn't even aware of most of it (at least, not that I've read). I don't feel like these two have ever talked with each other - not talked "to" each other, mind you, but "with" each other. I'm hard pressed at this point to even consider their relationship to be as deep as friends with benefits. It feels like declarations of love at this point are a sure route to a train wreck. Unless maybe they are communicating in a meaningful, thoughtful, adult manner about all the ugly bits off the page?
Lastly, the formatting is just . . . ugh. Examples:
“I don’t think I’ve been that turned on since I was sixteen,” "I’m never going to look at my desk in the same way again.” He helped Charlie to his feet.
There is no break/return between the first two comments, so I cannot tell if they are being made by the same person (I'm thinking not). Also problematic is the ", " formatting between comments. Shouldn't the first comment get a period at the end, like so: "I don't think I've been that turned on since I was sixteen." Period, end sentence. Yes? No? Maybe?
Charlie diagnosed hangovers from both alcohol and the previous days overwhelm.
What, exactly, does "the previous days overwhelm" even mean - ?? Was it supposed to be something like "the previous day's overwhelming events"?
"head and neck are
Yep, that's it - that exact string of words stuck at the end of a paragraph, starting with quotation marks and ending (?) with no punctuation whatsoever. This one is probably the front runner amongst Bad Editing That Makes Me Want to Hurl My Kindle Across the Room.
Tom him from the kitchen door when Charlie ended the call and put the phone down on the dining table.
Tom (what??) him from the kitchen door - called out to? Looked daggers at? Pined for? Buehler?
So anyway, I gave this two stars because I like the author's other work and I reserve 1 star reviews for books that are beyond hope/should never have been written - this book isn't in that category, not by a long shot, but it is truly very disappointing.
If you haven't read them yet, I would recommend skipping this series and going straight to the Daniel Owen series.
July 12, 2023
Murder in Shades of Wood and Stone (DS Charlie Rees, 2)
by Ripley Hayes
Published by the author, 2023
Five stars
I really really like this series. Not a cool introduction, but I had to make it clear.
The book’s appeal comes not just from the setting in small-town Wales; nor is it the quirky presence of an art college that keeps the town thriving (when so many like it are struggling because they have no such school there). These things set the stage, for sure, and give us a gorgeous, moody sense of place.
It’s the people. It’s, first of all, Charlie Rees himself. Gentle and kind and damaged by undeserved public humiliation, he nonetheless soldiers on, trying to do the best he can for the community he has been called to serve. With the help of his bitter harpy of a mother, he has no self-esteem, and because he’s got no advanced degree, he feels unworthy (even though he’s smart and intuitive). With the help of Tom Pennant, PhD, artist and (reluctantly) principal of the Llanfair College of Art, Charlie is feeling his way toward happiness. That is, if Tom can save himself from his own troubles.
Selfish, criminal minds are at play (even in Wales!), and are doing their best to disguise their own misdeeds and hurt anyone who gets in their way. Even after a dead teenager turns up in a flooded carpark, Charlie has to keep pushing at the complicated case from the last book—massive fraud and neglectful murder—knowing that not just his own career but that of the man he loves are at stake.
They’re not the only good characters here, Charlie and Tom. Charlie’s tiny team of three other police officers in Llanfair (one of whom is pregnant and one of whom has a crush on Charlie) are awesome. His unkempt-but-brilliant boss from Clwyd is not just a comic figure, but a keen detective who clearly likes Charlie and shows it by punching him in the arm. Even little players, like Dilys, owner of the lovely B&B where Charlie is staying until he can find something more permanent, fills the page with the details of her welcoming presence.
There is a great deal of sadness in this story, but Ripley’s writing keeps things light without looking away from tragedy and pathos. She sneaks odd moments of comedy into the narrative, dispelling the gloom without quite letting us off the hook. We are anxious to the end, because we like these folks and want the best for them—just as Charlie and Tom do.
by Ripley Hayes
Published by the author, 2023
Five stars
I really really like this series. Not a cool introduction, but I had to make it clear.
The book’s appeal comes not just from the setting in small-town Wales; nor is it the quirky presence of an art college that keeps the town thriving (when so many like it are struggling because they have no such school there). These things set the stage, for sure, and give us a gorgeous, moody sense of place.
It’s the people. It’s, first of all, Charlie Rees himself. Gentle and kind and damaged by undeserved public humiliation, he nonetheless soldiers on, trying to do the best he can for the community he has been called to serve. With the help of his bitter harpy of a mother, he has no self-esteem, and because he’s got no advanced degree, he feels unworthy (even though he’s smart and intuitive). With the help of Tom Pennant, PhD, artist and (reluctantly) principal of the Llanfair College of Art, Charlie is feeling his way toward happiness. That is, if Tom can save himself from his own troubles.
Selfish, criminal minds are at play (even in Wales!), and are doing their best to disguise their own misdeeds and hurt anyone who gets in their way. Even after a dead teenager turns up in a flooded carpark, Charlie has to keep pushing at the complicated case from the last book—massive fraud and neglectful murder—knowing that not just his own career but that of the man he loves are at stake.
They’re not the only good characters here, Charlie and Tom. Charlie’s tiny team of three other police officers in Llanfair (one of whom is pregnant and one of whom has a crush on Charlie) are awesome. His unkempt-but-brilliant boss from Clwyd is not just a comic figure, but a keen detective who clearly likes Charlie and shows it by punching him in the arm. Even little players, like Dilys, owner of the lovely B&B where Charlie is staying until he can find something more permanent, fills the page with the details of her welcoming presence.
There is a great deal of sadness in this story, but Ripley’s writing keeps things light without looking away from tragedy and pathos. She sneaks odd moments of comedy into the narrative, dispelling the gloom without quite letting us off the hook. We are anxious to the end, because we like these folks and want the best for them—just as Charlie and Tom do.
August 30, 2023
Charlie is ready to settle in after solving his last case. Maybe he can deepen his relationship with Tom, maybe even fall in love. Then he gets an early morning phone call about a dead body. If that is not bad enough, it is at a hotel with wedding. The guests and the staff are not cooperative. As Charlie battles to get justice for the boy, Tom is battling to keep his job at the college.
Charlie and Tom are ready to take the next step but each are dealing with heavy professional issues and miscommunication abounds. The two are not really on all the same page while trying to figure out how to build a relationship. With a little communication, they will get there.
The plot in the second book is just as intriguing as the first book. There are several threads that must be unraveled to find the truth. Unraveling one leads to another and then another. In the end, you really want justice for these boys. Ripley Hayes will have you routing for justice and for Tom and Charlie to find a solution to their problems. The next book in this series should be just as engaging and we will all be anxiously awaiting it.
Charlie and Tom are ready to take the next step but each are dealing with heavy professional issues and miscommunication abounds. The two are not really on all the same page while trying to figure out how to build a relationship. With a little communication, they will get there.
The plot in the second book is just as intriguing as the first book. There are several threads that must be unraveled to find the truth. Unraveling one leads to another and then another. In the end, you really want justice for these boys. Ripley Hayes will have you routing for justice and for Tom and Charlie to find a solution to their problems. The next book in this series should be just as engaging and we will all be anxiously awaiting it.
August 30, 2023
I enjoyed this book, Charlie and Tom have grown into their relationship a bit which was nice too see. I liked Charlie more in this book, he seems to be in a better place, more settled since the first book. The plot is well paced and I liked how Charlie and Tom’s worlds overlap in the investigation. I especially enjoyed seeing Charlie’s mind work, see him being a skilled detective. The murder is quite sad as the victim is a teen, but this added some depth and emotion to the story. I love the Welsh setting, it’s very descriptive and detailed which provides a wonderful atmosphere to support the mystery. I am really liking this series, it has wonderful characters, and the police work is well done and interesting. I can’t wait to see what happens next for Tom and Charlie.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 16, 2023
It is rare I read a book where book two makes me forget how great book one was but this one does that by raising the stakes. I was all in on Charlie and Tom with this one as we got more romance but still the invigorating mystery. I love how both men are wounded and they keep getting in their own way to get better especially poor Charlie. This book has more depth and more of an emotionally wallop than book one. The characters are so well written and so realistically I could be friends with them. You will not be disappointed with this one. Your heart will be full and you will want to go to Wales. Do not pass up this one (and book one). Goes to one of my top ten this year. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
August 22, 2023
Well I’m having such a lovely time with this series! In this second book Charlie and Tom are growing as a couple (including some growing pains!) and dealing with the aftermath of the first book. It wasn’t fun to see Tom get so beaten up over the general twat-ness of IV and his reactions to the stress of it all felt so real. Seeing Charlie so confused and upset by Tom’s moods was sad, he’s a bit of a sad puppy sometimes 🐶
Fortunately, there wasn’t more angst than needed (thank goodness!) so Charlie and Tom didn’t have to suffer and pine and moan about for the entire book. I can’t stand that 🙄
I’m not sure what I’ll do while waiting for the third book to come…possibly read more of the author’s catalog 😅😅😅😅
Fortunately, there wasn’t more angst than needed (thank goodness!) so Charlie and Tom didn’t have to suffer and pine and moan about for the entire book. I can’t stand that 🙄
I’m not sure what I’ll do while waiting for the third book to come…possibly read more of the author’s catalog 😅😅😅😅
February 24, 2024
Killer Case For Charlie Rees
I quite enjoyed the second outing for Detective Sergeant Charlie Rees and his boyfriend, Tom, whose trials and tribulations at Llanfair College of Art are still ongoing, thanks to the investigations arising in book one...and some new cases bringing havoc to this nicely described small-town Wales setting.
I still really like these characters - year-round and all - and I still like them together, though I would have liked to see their relationship develop a bit more on-page in this one. It didn't feel like that aspect got quite as much care and attention and the police procedural elements. So this is a 3.75* for me. I'll definitely get on book three, however.
I quite enjoyed the second outing for Detective Sergeant Charlie Rees and his boyfriend, Tom, whose trials and tribulations at Llanfair College of Art are still ongoing, thanks to the investigations arising in book one...and some new cases bringing havoc to this nicely described small-town Wales setting.
I still really like these characters - year-round and all - and I still like them together, though I would have liked to see their relationship develop a bit more on-page in this one. It didn't feel like that aspect got quite as much care and attention and the police procedural elements. So this is a 3.75* for me. I'll definitely get on book three, however.
May 26, 2024
The series really shifts up a gear in this second instalment.
Charlie and Tom are trying to establish their relationship while beset by professional issues. Tom, as principal of the local art college is coping with the aftermath of events in the first story that threaten the future of the college and his career.
Meanwhile, Charlie is dealing with a murder case which becomes increasingly convoluted and dangerous.
I thoroughly enjoyed the dual point of view which added to the pace and tension of the story and a deeper understanding of both MCs. The deliberately convoluted plot was very satisfactorily concluded, balancing the progression of the central romance which I was rooting for. An excellent read.
Charlie and Tom are trying to establish their relationship while beset by professional issues. Tom, as principal of the local art college is coping with the aftermath of events in the first story that threaten the future of the college and his career.
Meanwhile, Charlie is dealing with a murder case which becomes increasingly convoluted and dangerous.
I thoroughly enjoyed the dual point of view which added to the pace and tension of the story and a deeper understanding of both MCs. The deliberately convoluted plot was very satisfactorily concluded, balancing the progression of the central romance which I was rooting for. An excellent read.
August 28, 2023
I expected more from the 2nd book when it comes to Charlie and Tom’s story. The murder investigation and police work done were fine - intricate enough and intertwined with the previous book’s plot. What I was greatly missing was the connection between the MCs - how they come to love each other and why, what they find attractive in each other besides the looks. The other troublesome thing was the total lack of Charlie’s background history, which could explain why he has such low self-esteem and is struggling so much. Bits and pieces about his family are thrown here and there but they do not explain something so extreme.
September 1, 2023
I enjoyed the first book in this series but I liked this one even more. I was especially attracted to the parts about Tom and his struggles to save the art college, the glimpses we get into academic life there and the interesting mix of having Charlie working toward a relationship with a professor when he has such feelings of inferiority about his own education. Charlie's has his professional struggles as well, although they are much different than Tom's and I thought they were well handled as in the first book with a good mystery plot as well. I'll definitely keep following this series to see the development of Charlie's career and personal life.
February 11, 2024
I much prefered this second book!
We also got Tom’s point of view every begining of each chapter, and I loved how it was done, even of it was confusing in the begining. It was original and well done once you got the hang of it.
Charlie was struggling with self-worth and we could see it even more then the first book. It was well written and I felt so much for him.
My only comment, is that I find both MC don’t communicate much, and even at the end there was still no real commumication between them, but suddenly all is well. It was the thing that bothered me the most.
I’m going to read the 3rd (and final!) book, hoping to see Charlie and Tom resolve their communication issues!
We also got Tom’s point of view every begining of each chapter, and I loved how it was done, even of it was confusing in the begining. It was original and well done once you got the hang of it.
Charlie was struggling with self-worth and we could see it even more then the first book. It was well written and I felt so much for him.
My only comment, is that I find both MC don’t communicate much, and even at the end there was still no real commumication between them, but suddenly all is well. It was the thing that bothered me the most.
I’m going to read the 3rd (and final!) book, hoping to see Charlie and Tom resolve their communication issues!
June 23, 2023
Great Second Book
Really enjoyed these adventures with Charlie and Tom. The mystery and action were interesting, the book well paced. I’ll be waiting for the next release
Only complaint is that the book is in need of a good proofread. There were a couple continuity errors and numerous grammatical mistakes. Sentences missing key words or stopping all together. Switched names or numbers in descriptions. It took me out of the story several times. Usually this author is much better so I can only assume it’s an oversight.
Really enjoyed these adventures with Charlie and Tom. The mystery and action were interesting, the book well paced. I’ll be waiting for the next release
Only complaint is that the book is in need of a good proofread. There were a couple continuity errors and numerous grammatical mistakes. Sentences missing key words or stopping all together. Switched names or numbers in descriptions. It took me out of the story several times. Usually this author is much better so I can only assume it’s an oversight.
June 26, 2023
I finished this yesterday and I loved it. You must read these books in order for Murder in Shades of Wood and Stone to make sense. The author knows how to write which may seem a crazy thing to say but in this day and age it is important.
The murder which happened in Murder in Shades of Blue and Green comes to a satisfying conclusion in this book. There were times though when I wondered if everyone gets what they deserve but this was an unfounded worry - at least in most cases.
I have no problem in recommending this book or anything else written by Ripley Hayes.
The murder which happened in Murder in Shades of Blue and Green comes to a satisfying conclusion in this book. There were times though when I wondered if everyone gets what they deserve but this was an unfounded worry - at least in most cases.
I have no problem in recommending this book or anything else written by Ripley Hayes.
July 29, 2023
I liked this book. Good relationship development between Charlie and Tomos. Also good sexy times.
I thought Patsy was a smart cop but her asking why fingerprint the car keys they found at the hotel made her sound dumb. Because is a fucking crime scene! Jeez. Fingerprint anything you can.
I was laughing so hard at the students protesting the suspension of Inigo. All that indignation by the students with mediocre talent who paid an extra 50K to be there. 🥴
All the detail writers put into a character vomiting but they rarely put as much detail into the clean up after drives me crazy.
I thought Patsy was a smart cop but her asking why fingerprint the car keys they found at the hotel made her sound dumb. Because is a fucking crime scene! Jeez. Fingerprint anything you can.
I was laughing so hard at the students protesting the suspension of Inigo. All that indignation by the students with mediocre talent who paid an extra 50K to be there. 🥴
All the detail writers put into a character vomiting but they rarely put as much detail into the clean up after drives me crazy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2023
Charlie is settling into his new life at Llanfair, running the police station and dating Tom.
But a new round of murders and burglaries are taking up his time, resources are limited, and the last case still weighs heavily. Especially when its key suspects continue to play games and Tom’s job is at stake.
As expected in a Ripley Hayes novel, the plot is twisty, someone (several people?) is lying, the supporting cast is delightful, and it will all come together if Charlie is able to rely on his instinct and get out of his own head.
But a new round of murders and burglaries are taking up his time, resources are limited, and the last case still weighs heavily. Especially when its key suspects continue to play games and Tom’s job is at stake.
As expected in a Ripley Hayes novel, the plot is twisty, someone (several people?) is lying, the supporting cast is delightful, and it will all come together if Charlie is able to rely on his instinct and get out of his own head.
August 25, 2023
I know it says you don't have to have read #1 (Murder in Shades of Blue and Green) first, but why?
They are so much better when read back to back!
Charlie and Tom just balance each other.
Their lives intersect and their romance builds throughout these books.
Of course there is romance, so Ripley has throw in murder, a mystery, characters who grab your attention and a plot that keeps you mesmerized to the end.
These two books are the first of Ripley's that I've read. I definitely plan on reading the rest!
I received an ARC from Goodreads. What a great program.
They are so much better when read back to back!
Charlie and Tom just balance each other.
Their lives intersect and their romance builds throughout these books.
Of course there is romance, so Ripley has throw in murder, a mystery, characters who grab your attention and a plot that keeps you mesmerized to the end.
These two books are the first of Ripley's that I've read. I definitely plan on reading the rest!
I received an ARC from Goodreads. What a great program.
August 30, 2023
Murder in Shades of Wood and Stone is a great addition to the DS Charlie Rees series.
I found it to be a good mystery, which takes time to build up and also the solving of it is near the end of the book and so it doesn't feel rushed.
Charlie and Tom have grown into their relationship a bit which was nice too see.
I love the Welsh setting, it’s very descriptive and detailed which provides a wonderful atmosphere to support the mystery.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next for Tom and Charlie.
I found it to be a good mystery, which takes time to build up and also the solving of it is near the end of the book and so it doesn't feel rushed.
Charlie and Tom have grown into their relationship a bit which was nice too see.
I love the Welsh setting, it’s very descriptive and detailed which provides a wonderful atmosphere to support the mystery.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next for Tom and Charlie.
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