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DCI Tom Raven #4
Deep Into That Darkness
A cold case to solve. New truths to uncover. A killer to catch.
When the body of one of his own colleagues is found in Scarborough harbor, DCI Tom Raven throws himself into finding out what led to the young man’s death.
The killing shows similarities to the unsolved murder of the victim’s own mother. Might his off-the-books investigation into her case have got him into deep water? Or could his death be related to the attacks on women that are taking place at night? The dead man left a trail of cryptic clues to his final movements that might lead Raven to the truth.
Drawn into Scarborough’s shady night life in his quest to find the killer, Raven faces temptations of his own.
When the body of one of his own colleagues is found in Scarborough harbor, DCI Tom Raven throws himself into finding out what led to the young man’s death.
The killing shows similarities to the unsolved murder of the victim’s own mother. Might his off-the-books investigation into her case have got him into deep water? Or could his death be related to the attacks on women that are taking place at night? The dead man left a trail of cryptic clues to his final movements that might lead Raven to the truth.
Drawn into Scarborough’s shady night life in his quest to find the killer, Raven faces temptations of his own.
291 pages, Paperback
First published June 27, 2023
1462 people are currently reading
165 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
July 23, 2023
A really good book. Great story and characters.
To me the only “DCI Raven” series does badly is end a story.
Again, an epilogue (with Freida) and is stupid and does nothing for the story.
To me the only “DCI Raven” series does badly is end a story.
Again, an epilogue (with Freida) and is stupid and does nothing for the story.
November 4, 2024
Book four in this series. An easy read, well plotted crime novel that kept pulling me along. The characters continue to develop, but the fact that the crimes are constantly very personal is starting to, not so much grate, but take from the believability of the storylines. That said, I liked it enough to read on to book 5.
July 9, 2023
Enjoying the characters, esp Raven.. this one has all the ingredients of good crime fiction .. clarity, some shocks, good geographical context-described well, strong characters, references to Raven’s back story and his strengths and weaknesses, a good ending .. this one focuses on the crime/s but pulls in threads from books 1-3; enjoying the house renovations back story too
August 9, 2023
Deep into Darkness is the fourth book in the DCI Tom Raven myseries. It's written by a husband and wife team (similar to Nicci French) and sometimes you can tell which one is contributing. I like a good police procedural and am enjoying the series so far.
In this plot one of their own is murdered and I hated that. It was a character I liked and thought had potential to be very interesting in future books. The setting is Whitby and Scarborough in Yorkshire.
It starts with a woman attacked as she makes her way home. Eventually evidence links a recent murder to three historical cases. The man imprisoned for two of the murders over eight years ago has proclaimed his innocence all along. Raven, Becca and Tony do a great investigation and give us a surprise twist at the end.
I'll say I thought I figured out who the murderer was and was feeling like this was a slam dunk but I was proven wrong. Good ending. I liked the previous books better than this one but I see reviewers have a different opinion and thought this one was best.
I will continue with the series. Still missing DCI Alan Banks by Peter Robinson and am hoping this series will take it's place for me.
Sharing with: Joy's Book Blog for British Isles Friday
July 22, 2023
I like to write my comments on a book as soon as I finish it. I know others take ages before writing but , for me, it is the impression as you finish the story not days/weeks later when you have dissected it, that are important. My reviews arent a syopsis of the novel, I leave that to others who want to paraphrase the synopsis on the book cover, but my own personal observations of it
I have enjoyed the books of the husband and wife who write under the name of MSMorris . I had thought that the Bridget Hart series was pretty good but these Tom Raven books seem to have moved up a notch. This one is a police procedural story that once again members of the team are at centre stage although one lies dead. Raven is drawn to an older case in order to solve the present one.
The authors have left real cliffhangers at the end of the books two and three. I wonder if a potentially new relationship will fulfill that role this time.
Bring on the next.
I have enjoyed the books of the husband and wife who write under the name of MSMorris . I had thought that the Bridget Hart series was pretty good but these Tom Raven books seem to have moved up a notch. This one is a police procedural story that once again members of the team are at centre stage although one lies dead. Raven is drawn to an older case in order to solve the present one.
The authors have left real cliffhangers at the end of the books two and three. I wonder if a potentially new relationship will fulfill that role this time.
Bring on the next.
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September 19, 2024A cold case to solve. New truths to uncover. A killer to catch.
When the body of one of his own colleagues is found in Scarborough harbour, DCI Tom Raven throws himself into finding out what led to the young man’s death.
The killing shows similarities to the unsolved murder of the victim’s own mother. Might his off-the-books investigation into her case have got him into deep water? Or could his death be related to the attacks on women that are taking place at night? The dead man left a trail of cryptic clues to his final movements that might lead Raven to the truth.
Drawn into Scarborough’s shady night life in his quest to find the killer, Raven faces temptations of his own.
Good series.
When the body of one of his own colleagues is found in Scarborough harbour, DCI Tom Raven throws himself into finding out what led to the young man’s death.
The killing shows similarities to the unsolved murder of the victim’s own mother. Might his off-the-books investigation into her case have got him into deep water? Or could his death be related to the attacks on women that are taking place at night? The dead man left a trail of cryptic clues to his final movements that might lead Raven to the truth.
Drawn into Scarborough’s shady night life in his quest to find the killer, Raven faces temptations of his own.
Good series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2023
Why are the authors, M S Morris , so hard to find on Goodreads? Thet and this book title certainly do not show in search.
The last 3 books in the series have all had personal connections to the main characters, Raven's grandfather and the boyfriends of both 'Becca and Jess, not to mention 'Becca's brother and Ravens builder, so I thought the story line would change in the next book but no.Ravens daughter gets dragged into this one. Come on the Morris duo lets have stories where there no personal relationships are involved, To my recollection, Scarborough is a large town not some Midsomer village.
This is my only gripe with these books so far.
The last 3 books in the series have all had personal connections to the main characters, Raven's grandfather and the boyfriends of both 'Becca and Jess, not to mention 'Becca's brother and Ravens builder, so I thought the story line would change in the next book but no.Ravens daughter gets dragged into this one. Come on the Morris duo lets have stories where there no personal relationships are involved, To my recollection, Scarborough is a large town not some Midsomer village.
This is my only gripe with these books so far.
February 22, 2024
A good murder(s) mystery
I do enjoy this series. I enjoy it as much for the main characters (Raven, Becca, and Jess) and for the setting in Scarborough/North Yorkshire as much as anything else. This opened with quite a shock to this series reader. Not sure I fully recovered (but we will see how this influences the team in later books). A few events with Raven seemed (to me at least) out of character and were unnecessary, even for the story. I also worked out who it likely was reasonably early and why, so there was no big reveal factor (for me). All this said, I was entertained and it was quite a quick read.
I do enjoy this series. I enjoy it as much for the main characters (Raven, Becca, and Jess) and for the setting in Scarborough/North Yorkshire as much as anything else. This opened with quite a shock to this series reader. Not sure I fully recovered (but we will see how this influences the team in later books). A few events with Raven seemed (to me at least) out of character and were unnecessary, even for the story. I also worked out who it likely was reasonably early and why, so there was no big reveal factor (for me). All this said, I was entertained and it was quite a quick read.
July 29, 2025
An Excellent Crime Story
Our author partnership of M S Morris returns us to Scarborough, where another murder needs to be solved.
DCI Tom Raven and his team have to pull all the stops out as this murder is 'one of their own'.
The story includes previous murders, a man in prison claiming his innocence, and a sleazy pole dancing club called 'The Mayfair'.
Raven meets the enigmatic Frida, the Swedish owner, and is drawn to her.
The usual well plotted murder mystery takes us on a riveting journey of twists and turns until the conclusion.
I have to say this is one of the best murder series I have read. I am looking forward to Book 5.
Our author partnership of M S Morris returns us to Scarborough, where another murder needs to be solved.
DCI Tom Raven and his team have to pull all the stops out as this murder is 'one of their own'.
The story includes previous murders, a man in prison claiming his innocence, and a sleazy pole dancing club called 'The Mayfair'.
Raven meets the enigmatic Frida, the Swedish owner, and is drawn to her.
The usual well plotted murder mystery takes us on a riveting journey of twists and turns until the conclusion.
I have to say this is one of the best murder series I have read. I am looking forward to Book 5.
July 8, 2023
I did enjoy this police procedural packed with quirky and/or interesting characters serving as introduction for me to DCI Tom Raven. Since this is the 4th of that series I shall have to backtrack to the beginning I think.
Scarborough is the setting for all sorts of nefarious dealings, abundance of crime and shady characters but dedicated police force ready and willing to solve the murder of one of their own.
Kindle Unlimited
Scarborough is the setting for all sorts of nefarious dealings, abundance of crime and shady characters but dedicated police force ready and willing to solve the murder of one of their own.
Kindle Unlimited
July 17, 2023
Brilliant series
I have loved reading all of the DCI Raven books. The characters are interesting and each book has developed them further; this book is no exception. The story line was excellent, with a shock at the beginning of the book, which led to revealing some quite harrowing/ emotional parts to it, which moved me to tears. Very much looking forward to the next in the series.
I have loved reading all of the DCI Raven books. The characters are interesting and each book has developed them further; this book is no exception. The story line was excellent, with a shock at the beginning of the book, which led to revealing some quite harrowing/ emotional parts to it, which moved me to tears. Very much looking forward to the next in the series.
July 31, 2023
4.25/5⭐: Best book yet in this series, even though the final chapter seemed rushed. I like that the authors took out the majority of the padding that was in the first 3 books. This book was decently written with good characters and the whodunnit(s) weren't (to me) too difficult to figure out. My biggest problem is Raven's choice in women, it brings to mind the proverb all that glitters is not gold.
April 24, 2024
Another enjoyable, satisfying entry into the Yorkshire Murder Mystery series from M.S. Morris. Drama, intrigue, suspense, terror, and an emotional roller-coaster, while still finding ways to inject light-hearted humor!
The killer was well concealed until the end, and their capture was achieved with a satisfying resolution. That along with the continued story and character development provided a fast and entertaining read.
The killer was well concealed until the end, and their capture was achieved with a satisfying resolution. That along with the continued story and character development provided a fast and entertaining read.
July 8, 2023
I thought this was the best one yet and feel the writing was more in depth with the thoughts and changes for Becca and Jess. The ending and the killer was a quite a twist - seemed a bit of a extreme reaction especially given their age 8 years ago. Liam keeps skirting the edge. Looking forward tot he next installment. Tom's anger continues to surprise me based on his experience
July 12, 2023
series improves each book
Continuing characters become more “ fleshed out “ as each book is read. Many pieces come together which makes me want to finish and see who the murderer is. Book 4 is sad from the first few paragraphs on but kept me locked in to the startling conclusion. My favorite book so far.
Continuing characters become more “ fleshed out “ as each book is read. Many pieces come together which makes me want to finish and see who the murderer is. Book 4 is sad from the first few paragraphs on but kept me locked in to the startling conclusion. My favorite book so far.
August 17, 2023
Good story
This one is sad. I liked Jess and Scott as a couple. They made a nice counter point to all of the other broken relationships in the series. DCI Raven does do an excellent job if sorting out the murder and bringing more than one historic case to justice though. I just wish they could have sorted it all out without killing Scott.
This one is sad. I liked Jess and Scott as a couple. They made a nice counter point to all of the other broken relationships in the series. DCI Raven does do an excellent job if sorting out the murder and bringing more than one historic case to justice though. I just wish they could have sorted it all out without killing Scott.
April 22, 2024
Brilliant series.
It's not often that I really take to an author or, in this case, two, but in this case I make an exception. Love the characters, there's just enough Scarborough in the books to make them real and the plots actually make sense. What's not to like? I've just read the first four books in a binge, and that is unheard of.
Highly recommended.
It's not often that I really take to an author or, in this case, two, but in this case I make an exception. Love the characters, there's just enough Scarborough in the books to make them real and the plots actually make sense. What's not to like? I've just read the first four books in a binge, and that is unheard of.
Highly recommended.
September 5, 2024
Another good read
Fell over this series of books and each one is a good read. Solid character development, good recaps in each so regular readers aren't given too much exposition but each book can read standalone. Set on the Yorkshire coast and written by someone with a real feel and love of the area. Very enjoyable
Fell over this series of books and each one is a good read. Solid character development, good recaps in each so regular readers aren't given too much exposition but each book can read standalone. Set on the Yorkshire coast and written by someone with a real feel and love of the area. Very enjoyable
November 26, 2024
I cannot commend this series highly enough.
The characters are interesting, the cases are truly mystifying, and the writing is clear and concise.
I don't feel there are unnecessary descriptions or pages of repeated information. Each book very successfully builds on a previous story.
All in all, a very good read.
The characters are interesting, the cases are truly mystifying, and the writing is clear and concise.
I don't feel there are unnecessary descriptions or pages of repeated information. Each book very successfully builds on a previous story.
All in all, a very good read.
May 23, 2025
Deep Into That Darkness
I'm on a roll! Having just read the fourth in the Tom Raven crime series I'm hooked. Good story lines, characters excellently portrayed and who done it's that leave you guessing to the end. Although each story could be read as a stand alone you really need to read them in order to follow the background on each of the main individuals.
I'm on a roll! Having just read the fourth in the Tom Raven crime series I'm hooked. Good story lines, characters excellently portrayed and who done it's that leave you guessing to the end. Although each story could be read as a stand alone you really need to read them in order to follow the background on each of the main individuals.
July 3, 2023
Another great story
Another great story in the Tom Raven series set in Whitby. All the usual great characters and a very interesting story line with lots of twists and turns. One that kept you gripped from start to finish.Looking forward to reading more in the series.
Another great story in the Tom Raven series set in Whitby. All the usual great characters and a very interesting story line with lots of twists and turns. One that kept you gripped from start to finish.Looking forward to reading more in the series.
July 5, 2023
Another winner!
This was a book that I favor very much. The story starts off with a mystery immediately and doesn't let up till the very end with a surprise ending. I love DCI Raven!
This was a book that I favor very much. The story starts off with a mystery immediately and doesn't let up till the very end with a surprise ending. I love DCI Raven!
July 7, 2023
Oh I enjoyed this one.
This was really good; in fact the best one yet. I'm really getting to like Tom Raven and his team each with their foibles and quirks. I read this in one sitting and am already looking forward to the next one.
This was really good; in fact the best one yet. I'm really getting to like Tom Raven and his team each with their foibles and quirks. I read this in one sitting and am already looking forward to the next one.
July 20, 2023
Enjoy this series.
I love the setting, really like Ravens charachter, but find a bit too much unnecessary filler.
I believe the writing is improving with each book( I read all the Oxford ones too). Thank you.
I love the setting, really like Ravens charachter, but find a bit too much unnecessary filler.
I believe the writing is improving with each book( I read all the Oxford ones too). Thank you.
September 8, 2023
For some reason this one didn't hold my interest like the previous ones in the series. I was sad that a character I liked was killed. As always the ending was a surprise. I'm still a fan of the series and will continue.
November 29, 2023
Couldn't put it down.
I liked returning to the station and meeting up with the team again. The twists and turns of the story kept me guessing to the end. Let's hope that Raven's kitchen is installed when we meet him again in the next book!!!
I liked returning to the station and meeting up with the team again. The twists and turns of the story kept me guessing to the end. Let's hope that Raven's kitchen is installed when we meet him again in the next book!!!
February 3, 2024
A massive twist
RAven and the team investigate a murder and claw up issues with the past. Fingers are pointed in many directions but an injustice is uncovered and the real perpetrator brought to book.
RAven and the team investigate a murder and claw up issues with the past. Fingers are pointed in many directions but an injustice is uncovered and the real perpetrator brought to book.
April 25, 2024
Just read first 4 books back to back loved them great characters well written Craven and he’s crew work for me, was up quite late reading them . Not enjoyed an So much in quite a while .Will be starting book 5 pretty these books get better with every book
June 16, 2024
Groan. I hate it when solutions are so out of this world, no one ever suspects and then out of the blue comes the very unlikely killer just to tie up all the lose ends. Also, the characters do not seem to grow as the books progress. I'm not sure if I will continue with this series.
August 4, 2024
Lots of Action
In this book, Raven is faced with solving the murder of a police officer which itself seems to be related to three murders that happened in the distant past. There's lots of action and more violence against women.
In this book, Raven is faced with solving the murder of a police officer which itself seems to be related to three murders that happened in the distant past. There's lots of action and more violence against women.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews