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DCI Tom Raven #5
Days Like Shadows Pass
DCI Tom Raven’s hopes for a few quiet days with his daughter, Hannah, are shattered when a shocking murder plunges him into a macabre mystery in the nearby coastal town of Whitby.
In the hallowed grounds of the ruined abbey, a man lies drained of blood and marked by the symbol of a dragon.
As rumours of a vampire-like killer echo through Whitby’s cobbled streets and his own daughter becomes entwined in the town’s dark legends, Raven is forced to play a twisted game of life and death, navigating a deadly maze of myth, mystery and murder.
In the hallowed grounds of the ruined abbey, a man lies drained of blood and marked by the symbol of a dragon.
As rumours of a vampire-like killer echo through Whitby’s cobbled streets and his own daughter becomes entwined in the town’s dark legends, Raven is forced to play a twisted game of life and death, navigating a deadly maze of myth, mystery and murder.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2023
1508 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
M.S. Morris
22 books223 followersM S Morris is the pseudonym for the writing partnership of Margarita and Steve Morris. Together they write psychological thrillers and crime novels. The couple are married and live in Oxfordshire. They have two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 3, 2023
I have enjoyed the books in this DCI Tom Raven series, and this one fit with the Halloween season due to a Goth festival going on in Scarborough. Raven's daughter has come for a visit and ends up helping her dad with a solution to a series of crimes/murders taking place. There are many scenic adventures for this father and daughter in this episode.
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November 29, 2024
I have enjoyed this series at a very "easy read comfort level". Set on the North Yorkshire coast at Scarborough (and nearby) the plots have been fair and there has been some continuity and character development. However, after reading book four I found that the local police being closely associated to, or in fact victims of the crime was becoming a little bit much. How many times can the key protagonists and investigators be the injured parties? Well it seems the answer is - as many times as these authors like! Although this time around it was Raven's daughter who was in the thick of things. I also really noticed the repetition here - how many times did I read that can one character miss their mothers fry up breakfasts? And occupational health and safety - is it really possible that a policeman can never ever have time off? Unfortunately this might be the last of these for me.
September 8, 2024
Another great episode in this series
Yet another success, the authors ability to describe the beautiful area of the North Yorkshire coastline and the wonderful, if a little gruff, people of that area is a credit. I've always loved Whitby, and now I'm desperate for another visit - probably not dying a goth festival though!
Yet another success, the authors ability to describe the beautiful area of the North Yorkshire coastline and the wonderful, if a little gruff, people of that area is a credit. I've always loved Whitby, and now I'm desperate for another visit - probably not dying a goth festival though!
April 5, 2024
A great series set in Scarsborough.
December 4, 2023
I have thoroughly enjoyed the previous books of this series, as I did the Bridget Hart series before. So this was an eagerly awaited addition to our shelves.
The Whitby Goth Festival seems to be almost as big an attraction to authors as it is to the thousands of visitors who visit this small North Yorkshire coastal town. Having set this series only a few miles down the coast in Scarborough , its hard to imagine how our author could miss the opportunity here.
I have visited Whitby several times (not for the Goth festival, I hasten to add) and applaud how the essence of the town is captured in the story even down to the mist that is a regular visitor also. Down the coast in Scarborough it even has its own name 'The Fret'
The story here starts as Raven has taken a rare day off as his daughter is finally coming to spend some time with him before she returns to University. His house modernisation is almost complete and this is his chance to spend some quality time with her and to build bridges with Hannah following his divorce from her mother - what could possibly go wrong?
Its a good yarn with a manageable number of characters( except the Goth hoards) all well described and its a good plot. Because of the major roles played by Raven's team members in previous books, we can now appreciate them more . No one likes DI Dinsdale and I now have a real reason as he reveals his true colours here when he announced that on a country dividing questions about scones, he declared himself for the 'jam first and then cream' brigade. I ask you, who could have any respect for such a man. ( Apologies to non SW UK readers who wont understand).
Most previous books have ended with a cliffhanger but not this time as Raven seems settled with a companion to share his newly modernised home.
A 4.5 rounded down , this time for possibly the last time.
The Whitby Goth Festival seems to be almost as big an attraction to authors as it is to the thousands of visitors who visit this small North Yorkshire coastal town. Having set this series only a few miles down the coast in Scarborough , its hard to imagine how our author could miss the opportunity here.
I have visited Whitby several times (not for the Goth festival, I hasten to add) and applaud how the essence of the town is captured in the story even down to the mist that is a regular visitor also. Down the coast in Scarborough it even has its own name 'The Fret'
The story here starts as Raven has taken a rare day off as his daughter is finally coming to spend some time with him before she returns to University. His house modernisation is almost complete and this is his chance to spend some quality time with her and to build bridges with Hannah following his divorce from her mother - what could possibly go wrong?
Its a good yarn with a manageable number of characters( except the Goth hoards) all well described and its a good plot. Because of the major roles played by Raven's team members in previous books, we can now appreciate them more . No one likes DI Dinsdale and I now have a real reason as he reveals his true colours here when he announced that on a country dividing questions about scones, he declared himself for the 'jam first and then cream' brigade. I ask you, who could have any respect for such a man. ( Apologies to non SW UK readers who wont understand).
Most previous books have ended with a cliffhanger but not this time as Raven seems settled with a companion to share his newly modernised home.
A 4.5 rounded down , this time for possibly the last time.
May 1, 2024
Days Like Shadows Pass was a bit of a mixed bag for me. If you've been reading the series in order you know a few things about Raven. He's driven and can be curt and even abrasive at times, but he appreciates the hard work and dedication of his team (except when Dinsdale joins them), and is an experienced, competent DCI. Because of this he has not been much of a father to his daughter Hannah. Having realized this, in the last few books he has attempted to make a more concerted effort to show her that he wants very much to reestablish a close father-daughter relstrionship.
In an attempt to resolve this issue, he decides to take time off and plans a weekend get-togther with his daughter.
That is why I found it so annoying, and even somewhat unbeleivable that he would answer a call from the very superior who advised him to take time off. I realize that he is supposd to be poor at fathering, but come on, you just started your time together with your daughter, the thought of which is so precious to you, and you don't just let the call go to voicemail!? Absurd, and unnecessary. If he's that important, then he needs a serious raise and promotion!
Of course now he ends of blowing pretty much the whole weekend with his daughter, but amazingly through the use of many contrived circumstances, is able to salvage the relationship. If only life worked that way!! As a parent for almost 40 years I can tell you that it does not.
This along with a rather fast and questionable wrap-up is the reason why an otherwise fairly good story has been reduced to a 3 star rating. Still somewhat enjoyable, but not up to previous entries.
In an attempt to resolve this issue, he decides to take time off and plans a weekend get-togther with his daughter.
That is why I found it so annoying, and even somewhat unbeleivable that he would answer a call from the very superior who advised him to take time off. I realize that he is supposd to be poor at fathering, but come on, you just started your time together with your daughter, the thought of which is so precious to you, and you don't just let the call go to voicemail!? Absurd, and unnecessary. If he's that important, then he needs a serious raise and promotion!
Of course now he ends of blowing pretty much the whole weekend with his daughter, but amazingly through the use of many contrived circumstances, is able to salvage the relationship. If only life worked that way!! As a parent for almost 40 years I can tell you that it does not.
This along with a rather fast and questionable wrap-up is the reason why an otherwise fairly good story has been reduced to a 3 star rating. Still somewhat enjoyable, but not up to previous entries.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2025
DCI raven has finally managed to take some well-earned leave and he’s excited his daughter, Hannah is finally able to come and visit him. Only a bizarre case drops in the lap of his team and Raven’s boss insists he take the lead. A local Goth festival has the small coastal town crammed with tourists and costume wearing visitors. One of the regulars has been murdered by having all his blood drained. Can DCI Raven and his team figure out what’s going on?
I’ve been enjoying this Yorkshire series and this book in particular was an excellent addition. I found the murder mystery interesting and complicated enough to really hold onto my attention. All the regular police team characters were there but I found Raven’s daughter, Hannah, to be an excellent addition. Young and interesting but also not really a member of the team I enjoyed her input and felt her character really added a fresh and different twist to the story. I also really enjoyed her open mindedness and hope we might see more of her in some of the future books.
Readers who like British police procedural mysteries should find this an excellent book and not be too worried by the slower pace of the plot. Personally, I find the knottier mystery plots and slower pace complicated enough to maintain my interest and this style of smaller town setting a real bonus in the stories. I’m looking forward to the next in this series.
I’ve been enjoying this Yorkshire series and this book in particular was an excellent addition. I found the murder mystery interesting and complicated enough to really hold onto my attention. All the regular police team characters were there but I found Raven’s daughter, Hannah, to be an excellent addition. Young and interesting but also not really a member of the team I enjoyed her input and felt her character really added a fresh and different twist to the story. I also really enjoyed her open mindedness and hope we might see more of her in some of the future books.
Readers who like British police procedural mysteries should find this an excellent book and not be too worried by the slower pace of the plot. Personally, I find the knottier mystery plots and slower pace complicated enough to maintain my interest and this style of smaller town setting a real bonus in the stories. I’m looking forward to the next in this series.
December 11, 2024
Very unrealistic. An adult/crime version of Trumpton, almost.
I'm sure, having been in the army, and actually being in the police force, Raven would have had, could have, better treatment/management for his leg.
As for not knowing dog breeds, everyone knows what is a black labrador, they are not that 'huge' - I was expecting a Rotweiller/Mastiff cross, or something - and the whole thing about the dog was ridiculous.
We don't wear 'pumps' in England (yet another American term, pumps were canvas, rubber soled shoes used for gym) - court shoes, dress shoes, if you must.
In the North East, the sea fret is called 'haar'.
As for the blooming fish and chips - well, I am beginning to think the authors write more like enthusiastic holiday-makers than anything. Sponsored by Yorkshire Tourist Board?
Read it for a quick diversion.
I'm sure, having been in the army, and actually being in the police force, Raven would have had, could have, better treatment/management for his leg.
As for not knowing dog breeds, everyone knows what is a black labrador, they are not that 'huge' - I was expecting a Rotweiller/Mastiff cross, or something - and the whole thing about the dog was ridiculous.
We don't wear 'pumps' in England (yet another American term, pumps were canvas, rubber soled shoes used for gym) - court shoes, dress shoes, if you must.
In the North East, the sea fret is called 'haar'.
As for the blooming fish and chips - well, I am beginning to think the authors write more like enthusiastic holiday-makers than anything. Sponsored by Yorkshire Tourist Board?
Read it for a quick diversion.
August 3, 2025
A Whitby Gothic Mystery
The husband and wife team that is M. S. Morris took us to the bi-annual Goth Weekend in Whitby for book 5's DCI Tom Raven murder mystery series.
,,
Raven has a growing body count to contend with during the spring Goth Weekend in Whitby. Complicated by his daughter's visit, Raven feels guilty at having to work.
The story is well plotted and very atmospheric as we learn about the myths and legends that the Gothic town of Whitby throws up. With the press stirring up a maelstrom of speculation, can Raven with his 3 day media course under his belt keep the investigation under his control?
As usual, the author shows us the relationships between Raven and his stalwart team. Even DI Dinsdale gets a good lead, which will inevitably lead to the unmasking of the mass murderer.
An excellent read, this series comes highly recommended.
The husband and wife team that is M. S. Morris took us to the bi-annual Goth Weekend in Whitby for book 5's DCI Tom Raven murder mystery series.
,,
Raven has a growing body count to contend with during the spring Goth Weekend in Whitby. Complicated by his daughter's visit, Raven feels guilty at having to work.
The story is well plotted and very atmospheric as we learn about the myths and legends that the Gothic town of Whitby throws up. With the press stirring up a maelstrom of speculation, can Raven with his 3 day media course under his belt keep the investigation under his control?
As usual, the author shows us the relationships between Raven and his stalwart team. Even DI Dinsdale gets a good lead, which will inevitably lead to the unmasking of the mass murderer.
An excellent read, this series comes highly recommended.
Read
September 20, 2024DCI Tom Raven’s hopes for a few quiet days with his daughter, Hannah, are shattered when a shocking murder plunges him into a macabre mystery in the nearby coastal town of Whitby.
In the hallowed grounds of the ruined abbey, a man lies drained of blood and marked by the symbol of a dragon.
As rumours of a vampire-like killer echo through Whitby’s cobbled streets and his own daughter becomes entwined in the town’s dark legends, Raven is forced to play a twisted game of life and death, navigating a deadly maze of myth, mystery and murder.
Set on the North Yorkshire coast, the Tom Raven series is perfect for fans of LJ Ross, JD Kirk, Simon McCleave, and British crime fiction.
Good series.
In the hallowed grounds of the ruined abbey, a man lies drained of blood and marked by the symbol of a dragon.
As rumours of a vampire-like killer echo through Whitby’s cobbled streets and his own daughter becomes entwined in the town’s dark legends, Raven is forced to play a twisted game of life and death, navigating a deadly maze of myth, mystery and murder.
Set on the North Yorkshire coast, the Tom Raven series is perfect for fans of LJ Ross, JD Kirk, Simon McCleave, and British crime fiction.
Good series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2023
another good Tom Raven story .. not quite as gripping as others but a good read … will be interesting to see how all his characteristics continue to be revealed to us via Becca .. and if her story is further developed. She seemed to be finding self confidence here.
Perhaps the progress of his house is a parallel to his in Scarborough
The context in this one of the goths in Whitby was atmospheric .. as is the weather and geography.
Perhaps the progress of his house is a parallel to his in Scarborough
The context in this one of the goths in Whitby was atmospheric .. as is the weather and geography.
March 7, 2024
Scarborough vs. Whitby
I enjoyed this "goth-ic" murder mystery set in the beautiful seaside town of Whitby. Raven. Becca, Jess, and the Scarborough-based team roam around Whitby during a Goth Festival investigating a series of gruesome murders. Raven's daughter, Hannah, is visiting for the first time adding to his stress. Having invested in these books, and Raven in particular, it was worth the wait for the introduction of Hannah. Let's hope Hannah visits again soon.
I enjoyed this "goth-ic" murder mystery set in the beautiful seaside town of Whitby. Raven. Becca, Jess, and the Scarborough-based team roam around Whitby during a Goth Festival investigating a series of gruesome murders. Raven's daughter, Hannah, is visiting for the first time adding to his stress. Having invested in these books, and Raven in particular, it was worth the wait for the introduction of Hannah. Let's hope Hannah visits again soon.
December 2, 2024
There's plenty here for the Tom Raven fans. Gruesome murders during a goth festival in Whitby, a visit from Raven's daughter (who inevitably gets mixed up in the events), strange characters, and even a big black dog.
Time to get out your black lipstick and eyeliner, and live it up.
Yet somehow the ending didn't quite work for me. It seemed contrived, a surprise but a let-down all in one.
However there's plenty to enjoy here.
Time to get out your black lipstick and eyeliner, and live it up.
Yet somehow the ending didn't quite work for me. It seemed contrived, a surprise but a let-down all in one.
However there's plenty to enjoy here.
November 18, 2023
The best yet!
This is the best DCI Raven book so far. We get to see a more human side of the policeman through the eyes of his daughter. Whilst he will always be a man of extremes, through getting to know his daughter he is in a way coming to recognise them and deal with those sides of his character. It will be interesting to see if that changes how he approaches his job.
This is the best DCI Raven book so far. We get to see a more human side of the policeman through the eyes of his daughter. Whilst he will always be a man of extremes, through getting to know his daughter he is in a way coming to recognise them and deal with those sides of his character. It will be interesting to see if that changes how he approaches his job.
November 18, 2023
A fast paced suspense fill book
DCI Tom Raven and his team are on a new case that is filled with thrills on every page turned. The festival of the Goths is a twice a year festival that brings out all the crazies to the small town and people start getting murdered. Who’s the culprit?
DCI Tom Raven and his team are on a new case that is filled with thrills on every page turned. The festival of the Goths is a twice a year festival that brings out all the crazies to the small town and people start getting murdered. Who’s the culprit?
June 5, 2024
It makes Whitby a bit like Midsomer But nevertheless it makes enjoyable read. the characters are filling outing the plot has as many twists and turns as the streets of Whitby. One thing that puzzles me is why Raven has settled back in North Yorkshire When he does not like hills. why not East Anglia?Perhaps he could swap with Bridget Hart.
July 19, 2024
The best so far!
I preferred this story to the previous ones but I was probably influenced by having forebears buried in St Mary's Churchyard however since the men were mariners, are they really? Thank you M S Morris for a 'visit' to my long, lost family.
It's lovely to see the awakening of Tom Raven and I look forward to seeing him relax and open up more in the next book.
I preferred this story to the previous ones but I was probably influenced by having forebears buried in St Mary's Churchyard however since the men were mariners, are they really? Thank you M S Morris for a 'visit' to my long, lost family.
It's lovely to see the awakening of Tom Raven and I look forward to seeing him relax and open up more in the next book.
October 3, 2024
Quincy? Who'd of thought?
No spoilers; to get the reference you'll need to read the book. Another exceptional story that holds your attention and keeps you guessing until the end. Trying to read slowly and savor each book without tearing through each in one sitting, and not having much luck. Definitely a good read.
No spoilers; to get the reference you'll need to read the book. Another exceptional story that holds your attention and keeps you guessing until the end. Trying to read slowly and savor each book without tearing through each in one sitting, and not having much luck. Definitely a good read.
October 17, 2024
I keep hoping this series will get better, one dimensional characters, an extremely weak plot, too much filler, i skipped through a lot of it. Typical detective story, divorced, estranged daughter who he's just getting to know, he has a war wound and the archetypal overbearing female boss. Dull and boring. I gave it 2 because the description of Whitby was so good. Otherwise .......
March 6, 2025
The fifth of the Tom Raven series had gothic overtones, including a black hound, lots of deaths, and a goth fest in the seaside town of Whitby. I am delighted to have stuck with the series, as the plot was brilliant, and the characters still revealing more of themselves to the reader. This episode was stunning.
August 20, 2025
First class crime story
I'm getting through this series very quickly which confirms how entertaining they are. Raven and his daughter feature in this one and it adds to the story. Raven's media coverage is improving although it could go wrong very quickly. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I'm getting through this series very quickly which confirms how entertaining they are. Raven and his daughter feature in this one and it adds to the story. Raven's media coverage is improving although it could go wrong very quickly. I'm looking forward to the next book.
November 3, 2023
Days Like Shadows Pass
Really enjoyed this book getting to like the series more with each book.Set in a beautiful part of the country good storyline and the characters are growing on me.
Really enjoyed this book getting to like the series more with each book.Set in a beautiful part of the country good storyline and the characters are growing on me.
November 17, 2023
Another great DCI Raven
I never like to not finish a book but I was deep into another book when this M S Morris showed up in my library. I had forgotten I had preordered this book. I immediately stopped the other book and devoured this book in 2 days. Great read!!
I never like to not finish a book but I was deep into another book when this M S Morris showed up in my library. I had forgotten I had preordered this book. I immediately stopped the other book and devoured this book in 2 days. Great read!!
December 6, 2023
Another engrossing read.
Nice to be back with the characters involved in a most unusual case. There interaction pulls you in. I couldn't put the story down. There are so many twists and turns. An excellent read. Can't wait for the next in the series.
Nice to be back with the characters involved in a most unusual case. There interaction pulls you in. I couldn't put the story down. There are so many twists and turns. An excellent read. Can't wait for the next in the series.
December 6, 2023
A great book!
Fast paced, lots of drama, well planned murders, and an ending I didn’t see coming. DCI Tom Ravin is a good old fashion detective, with a really good team.
M S Morris writes a damn good crime thriller! I highly recommend these books.
Fast paced, lots of drama, well planned murders, and an ending I didn’t see coming. DCI Tom Ravin is a good old fashion detective, with a really good team.
M S Morris writes a damn good crime thriller! I highly recommend these books.
January 21, 2024
Good but too much filler
I enjoyed the plot and the personal interactions of the characters. However, I found myself speed reading through too many descriptions especially the effect on Raven’s wounded leg - it’s getting old.
I enjoyed the plot and the personal interactions of the characters. However, I found myself speed reading through too many descriptions especially the effect on Raven’s wounded leg - it’s getting old.
January 21, 2024
Brilliant have loved every book in this series and seeing the way the characters are developing and interacting. A cracking good read as well. Didn't get close to twigging until the reveal was made.
Looking forward to more
Looking forward to more
April 1, 2024
A non-stop rollercoaster that keeps you guessing
I loved the way this book keeps you guessing throughout the book with many false clues and red herrings. It's also great to see the characters develop and grow. I recommend reading this series.
I loved the way this book keeps you guessing throughout the book with many false clues and red herrings. It's also great to see the characters develop and grow. I recommend reading this series.
September 16, 2024
Spooky Whitby centre stage
Another great story in this series.
Further insight into the characters is revealed within the story unfolding.
It's intriguing and a little bit spooky.
Another great story in this series.
Further insight into the characters is revealed within the story unfolding.
It's intriguing and a little bit spooky.
October 10, 2024
Raven is excited to have his daughter Hannah visiting and has even taken time off. As usual, however, his time is cut short by a gruesome murder. Now he has to face finding a killer in a small town filled with the dark figures of Goth gathering. Good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews