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DCI Tom Raven #6
Vigil for the Dead
A desolate moor. A burned body. A deadly conspiracy.
DCI Tom Raven is enjoying the long summer days when an encounter with an old army pal spouting conspiracy theories reignites long-buried memories he would rather forget.
A few days later, walkers crossing the North York Moors discover the burnt remains of a body beside a stone cross on a Bronze Age burial mound.
When the investigation leads to a top-secret military base, Raven is drawn into a plot that threatens national security. He must confront his mixed emotions about his own military past while in a race against time to unravel the conspiracy and catch the killer.
DCI Tom Raven is enjoying the long summer days when an encounter with an old army pal spouting conspiracy theories reignites long-buried memories he would rather forget.
A few days later, walkers crossing the North York Moors discover the burnt remains of a body beside a stone cross on a Bronze Age burial mound.
When the investigation leads to a top-secret military base, Raven is drawn into a plot that threatens national security. He must confront his mixed emotions about his own military past while in a race against time to unravel the conspiracy and catch the killer.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2024
1482 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
M.S. Morris
22 books227 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 children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 25, 2024
Tom Raven continues to hold my interest with the sixth book of this Yorkshire series. Top-secret military base comes into focus with conspiracy theories aplenty to unwind and lives at risk at every turn.
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April 21, 2024
My latest MS Morris book and the latest book of their latest series.
My wife and I usually agree on books. (My motto :- 'Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy' not relevant here.) She didn't like this one as much as the others but I thought it was better.
A few times it seemed to be threatening to take us where we might prefer not to go, but diverted each time.
The dominant feature of the book, much as it is in real life, a dominant feature of the desolate moors above Scarborough, is the stark and forbidding mass that is RAF Fylingdales Listening Station.
There was a who-done-it element here -which I got wrong as usual, but this was also a chance to learn a bit more about Raven's war experiences. An unexpected meeting with one of his old group triggers his nightmares of that time.
Unlike most of the other books about a DI and his sergeant here we know all of the team which I like. We feel for them when they have problems as we know them so well. Here, the authors have left some nicely loose ends around a few of them.
Sherlock had his two pipe problems. Getting through the exciting latter part before I turned in for the night here meant my glass needed a refill.
I felt that this was the best so far and therefore my score.
My wife and I usually agree on books. (My motto :- 'Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy' not relevant here.) She didn't like this one as much as the others but I thought it was better.
A few times it seemed to be threatening to take us where we might prefer not to go, but diverted each time.
The dominant feature of the book, much as it is in real life, a dominant feature of the desolate moors above Scarborough, is the stark and forbidding mass that is RAF Fylingdales Listening Station.
There was a who-done-it element here -which I got wrong as usual, but this was also a chance to learn a bit more about Raven's war experiences. An unexpected meeting with one of his old group triggers his nightmares of that time.
Unlike most of the other books about a DI and his sergeant here we know all of the team which I like. We feel for them when they have problems as we know them so well. Here, the authors have left some nicely loose ends around a few of them.
Sherlock had his two pipe problems. Getting through the exciting latter part before I turned in for the night here meant my glass needed a refill.
I felt that this was the best so far and therefore my score.
March 20, 2024
A great thriller murder mystery!
Another great book in the series. I couldn’t put the book down. I love the characters and the storyline. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Another great book in the series. I couldn’t put the book down. I love the characters and the storyline. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 4, 2024
I really am enjoying these stories set in North Yorkshire. With each book the characters are developing as are the relationships within the family, colleagues and friends groups. The plots are developing at a decent pace, not too fast that the reader feels bombarded with clues and not too slowly that one wants the characters to ‘Get on with it” The personal issues of the members of the police team do not overshadow the actual detective work but do make me want to know how will things turn out. Looking forward to book number 7 in the autumn. Please continue to write about this group and don’t be tempted to rush tying up loose ends of the characters' lives to complete the series. I am loving learning about this area of England and am making a record of some of the locations mentioned for when I visit the UK, and Yorkshire in particular.
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October 5, 2024A desolate moor. A burned body. A deadly conspiracy.
DCI Tom Raven is enjoying the long summer days when an encounter with an old army pal spouting conspiracy theories reignites long-buried memories he would rather forget.
A few days later, walkers crossing the North York Moors discover the burnt remains of a body beside a stone cross on a Bronze Age burial mound.
When the investigation leads to a top-secret military base, Raven is drawn into a plot that threatens national security. He must confront his mixed emotions about his own military past while in a race against time to unravel the conspiracy and catch the killer.
Set on the North Yorkshire coast, the Tom Raven series is perfect for fans of David J Gatward, J M Dalgliesh, Simon McCleave, and British crime fiction.
Good.
DCI Tom Raven is enjoying the long summer days when an encounter with an old army pal spouting conspiracy theories reignites long-buried memories he would rather forget.
A few days later, walkers crossing the North York Moors discover the burnt remains of a body beside a stone cross on a Bronze Age burial mound.
When the investigation leads to a top-secret military base, Raven is drawn into a plot that threatens national security. He must confront his mixed emotions about his own military past while in a race against time to unravel the conspiracy and catch the killer.
Set on the North Yorkshire coast, the Tom Raven series is perfect for fans of David J Gatward, J M Dalgliesh, Simon McCleave, and British crime fiction.
Good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2024
Another great tale
I find these books very satisfying. And, on many levels. I particularly like the main characters and the description of landscapes. These books easily recreates for me the Scarborough, East Coast of Yorkshire, and North Yorkshire Moors, I know so well. Traveled throughout this area a lot growing up, and visit many of these places on every trip home. Hands down I preferred the three golf balls on the Moors at Fylingdales. Iconic image.
Yes, often in these mysteries it feels very small world (where everyone seems to know everyone or of them) but I put this and some other minor issues aside and try to enjoy the trials and tribulations of Raven, Becca, Jess, and Tony.
I find these books very satisfying. And, on many levels. I particularly like the main characters and the description of landscapes. These books easily recreates for me the Scarborough, East Coast of Yorkshire, and North Yorkshire Moors, I know so well. Traveled throughout this area a lot growing up, and visit many of these places on every trip home. Hands down I preferred the three golf balls on the Moors at Fylingdales. Iconic image.
Yes, often in these mysteries it feels very small world (where everyone seems to know everyone or of them) but I put this and some other minor issues aside and try to enjoy the trials and tribulations of Raven, Becca, Jess, and Tony.
July 26, 2024
First Tom Raven Book I've Read But Not My Last!
I'm not sure why I picked this book to read as I've not heard anything about the author or this series. But I'm glad I did. As a dedicated mystery reader for many decades I'm always looking for a new crime series to follow and I've definitely found one. This is Book 6 but I had no trouble understanding the cast of characters who work at the police station in this very remote part of Great Britain. I won't say anything about the plot but it never dragged and I couldn't put the book down. I'm going back and read the DCI Tom Raven Crime Series starting with Book 1! I highly recommend th Tom Raven thriller and look forward to reading more.
I'm not sure why I picked this book to read as I've not heard anything about the author or this series. But I'm glad I did. As a dedicated mystery reader for many decades I'm always looking for a new crime series to follow and I've definitely found one. This is Book 6 but I had no trouble understanding the cast of characters who work at the police station in this very remote part of Great Britain. I won't say anything about the plot but it never dragged and I couldn't put the book down. I'm going back and read the DCI Tom Raven Crime Series starting with Book 1! I highly recommend th Tom Raven thriller and look forward to reading more.
March 16, 2024
In the sixth book of the DCI Tom Raven crime thriller series, authors M.S. Morris once again take readers to the eerie moors of North Yorkshire. "Vigil for the Dead" starts with a bone-chilling find - a burnt body next to an old stone cross. There's personal drama, police stuff, and a mystery that has to do with national security. Raven faces the challenges of the case and also deals with memories from his time in the military. This adds a nice layer to Raven's character and emotional weight to the story. The conspiracy in the mystery is not groundbreaking, but it is well done.
A gentle cliffhanger ending whets the appetite for Raven's next outing.
M.S. Morris has again crafted a captivating instalment in this engaging British crime series.
A gentle cliffhanger ending whets the appetite for Raven's next outing.
M.S. Morris has again crafted a captivating instalment in this engaging British crime series.
May 11, 2024
Another good solid police procedural from M.S. Morris. Moody and complex DCI Tom Raven leads his team into the murder of a burnt body of a soldier on the desolate Yorkshire Moors. We learn more of each character in this as the story develops. Needy slightly pushy Melanie appears as a dog friendly neighbour of Raven's and it looks like Becca might be getting a new beau.
Nuclear warning system situated on an army based on the Moors is the site for protesters and unrest, and soon another murder happens.
I must admit to being slightly irritated by Tom Raven though as he doesn't seem to be warming up at all. Still a moody cold fish of a policeman.
Nuclear warning system situated on an army based on the Moors is the site for protesters and unrest, and soon another murder happens.
I must admit to being slightly irritated by Tom Raven though as he doesn't seem to be warming up at all. Still a moody cold fish of a policeman.
June 3, 2024
I agree with other reviews that DCI Raven books hold my attention and are fast packed. It’s only because I used to work for the MOD and RAF that some of the narrative didn’t ring true. Just some of the small details, such ad a Flt Lt knocking and waiting outside a Sgts office. Not sure that this would happen. The Station Commander was spot on. Not sure a MOD policeman would have printed off a security report and handed it over as there are release of information hoops to jump through. All this said I thoroughly enjoyed this series and find the books easy to read and hard to put down. Can’t wait for number 7
May 8, 2024
This series is going from strength to strength and I really enjoyed the latest book featuring Tom Raven. The case is interesting and moves at a good pace. The characters continue to develop and Tom and his team are all likeable.
I really love books set in places that I know. I had many family holidays in Scarborough as a child, and with my own family, and now live quite close so many of the locations in this series are familiar to me. This one is set mostly on the North York Moors near Fylingdales (I miss the 'golf balls').
I enjoyed the narration by Dan Calley.
I really love books set in places that I know. I had many family holidays in Scarborough as a child, and with my own family, and now live quite close so many of the locations in this series are familiar to me. This one is set mostly on the North York Moors near Fylingdales (I miss the 'golf balls').
I enjoyed the narration by Dan Calley.
March 22, 2024
4.5 - ambitious context of high security RAF base, part of an international nuclear weapon detection linkage with numerous characters … nevertheless core group of Raven, Jess, Becca, Tony local detectives are the focus .. I found it hard from beginning that Raven considered Lulu’s owner a potential partner … some parts of story were a bit over explained but in general another easy to read Raven story with good geographical context .. I’ll be certainly reading the next
November 10, 2024
X
I've never been good at titling reviews; always at a loss for anything succinct. That aside, this is another page-turner. Very good character development, countryside description, and plot. Promises to keep hold of you to the end, which.... well, that would be spoiling the surprise, wouldn't it? Pace yourself. This is easy to read in a single sitting. Make sure you start from the beginning of the series so you can get the full depth of the series.
I've never been good at titling reviews; always at a loss for anything succinct. That aside, this is another page-turner. Very good character development, countryside description, and plot. Promises to keep hold of you to the end, which.... well, that would be spoiling the surprise, wouldn't it? Pace yourself. This is easy to read in a single sitting. Make sure you start from the beginning of the series so you can get the full depth of the series.
April 2, 2025
I have really enjoyed this series of detective fiction. The setting in Yorkshire is beautifully described and made me think that if I ever got to England Yorkshire is a must. The hero is a former military man who fought in the Bosnia-Serbia War. He is a complex individual and his crew in the police are also distinctive. The plot was complex and the villain was hard to sort out which made it a very exciting read.
May 26, 2025
Vigil for the Dead.
M and S Morris write detective thrillers/mystery's based in Yorkshire. A good series that I believe would make an excellent TV series. Having read the first six in the series over the last week I can assure everyone that these are page turners. Apart from the fact that each novel is a murder mystery in its own right, each of the main characters also have a continuing storyline.
M and S Morris write detective thrillers/mystery's based in Yorkshire. A good series that I believe would make an excellent TV series. Having read the first six in the series over the last week I can assure everyone that these are page turners. Apart from the fact that each novel is a murder mystery in its own right, each of the main characters also have a continuing storyline.
March 20, 2024
Very good
Another excellent Tom Raven story. Getting to know a little more of Tom's past, through his nightmares, did sometimes seem a little distracting, but was interesting nonetheless. The book also highlights the problems many war veterans go through when leaving the forces.
Another excellent Tom Raven story. Getting to know a little more of Tom's past, through his nightmares, did sometimes seem a little distracting, but was interesting nonetheless. The book also highlights the problems many war veterans go through when leaving the forces.
December 15, 2024
I found this a most enjoyable book.
M (&) S Morris know how to develop a story and write about interesting characters.
Vigil for the Dead is another intriguing read, and this time centres on a matter of national security. As usual, Raven gets himself in (and out) of trouble. And is he about to start an affair?
A book to enjoy.
M (&) S Morris know how to develop a story and write about interesting characters.
Vigil for the Dead is another intriguing read, and this time centres on a matter of national security. As usual, Raven gets himself in (and out) of trouble. And is he about to start an affair?
A book to enjoy.
March 17, 2024
Good story
Lots of twists and turns make this an engaging read. We also learn a bit more of Raven's past, particularly his time in the army. The stories are also branching out go include mood details about the rest of the team. Looking forward go the next book.
Lots of twists and turns make this an engaging read. We also learn a bit more of Raven's past, particularly his time in the army. The stories are also branching out go include mood details about the rest of the team. Looking forward go the next book.
March 29, 2024
Marvelous twists and turns!
M S Morris writes a really good story. DCI Tom Raven is a damn good detective. He leads a good crew of officers, each with their own talents. Morris can’t write these books fast enough for me!
M S Morris writes a really good story. DCI Tom Raven is a damn good detective. He leads a good crew of officers, each with their own talents. Morris can’t write these books fast enough for me!
November 3, 2024
Great story
I like this series of books more and more.
Raven and his team successfully investigated the two murders.
It helps that I've visited some of the areas mentioned too, which really help to bring the stories to life.
I like this series of books more and more.
Raven and his team successfully investigated the two murders.
It helps that I've visited some of the areas mentioned too, which really help to bring the stories to life.
February 19, 2025
Bloody Mess
Seems like a walk in the park should not bring excitement but it turns into a murder mystery. Lots of red herrings seem to bog down the story until it becomes a military conspiracy. Then a few twist and turns gives way to a very satisfying ending.
Seems like a walk in the park should not bring excitement but it turns into a murder mystery. Lots of red herrings seem to bog down the story until it becomes a military conspiracy. Then a few twist and turns gives way to a very satisfying ending.
March 24, 2025
another great story
I love this series Raven and his team and the twists found as you read. You can’t put to it down not just to get to the end but to who dining and why. This was an unexpected twist. Off to get book 7
I love this series Raven and his team and the twists found as you read. You can’t put to it down not just to get to the end but to who dining and why. This was an unexpected twist. Off to get book 7
May 25, 2025
Always a Pleasurable Read
I am really enjoying the DCI Raven series. The characters are as entertaining as those in the DCI Grimm series. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I am really enjoying the DCI Raven series. The characters are as entertaining as those in the DCI Grimm series. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 28, 2025
Brilliant
I love the fact that it takes place in Yorkshire, I have been to Scarborough and can visualize the story as I read it. Easy to read. Brilliant, can't wait for the next book.
I love the fact that it takes place in Yorkshire, I have been to Scarborough and can visualize the story as I read it. Easy to read. Brilliant, can't wait for the next book.
June 3, 2025
Try Alex Scarrow instead. He uses similar plot devices an characters but does a far better job with the material. Nothing comes alive for me with the Morris books. Most important, the protagonist is such a cliché and a boring one at that.
June 14, 2025
No 6 in the series and sets a very good standard, we have a dead body on the moor and a terror threat to our national security.(no spoilers). Tom and becca have their hands full on this case and a race against time. So go and buy the book and really ENJOY.
August 21, 2025
The best so far
A very enjoyable book and the best in the series so far. Tom's past gets an airing and his dog gets plenty of walks. Will he ever find a woman that he feels comfortable with? Tony appears to have inherited a problem and I'm off to start the next in the series ASAP
A very enjoyable book and the best in the series so far. Tom's past gets an airing and his dog gets plenty of walks. Will he ever find a woman that he feels comfortable with? Tony appears to have inherited a problem and I'm off to start the next in the series ASAP
April 6, 2024
A great read
I am really enjoying the Tom Raven books and getting to know the characters as more of their lives unfold. Good plot too and looking forward to the next!
I am really enjoying the Tom Raven books and getting to know the characters as more of their lives unfold. Good plot too and looking forward to the next!
April 20, 2024
VIGIL FOR THE DEAD
I’ve read all of the Tom Raven series and really been gripped by them all. It’s going to be a long wait until August for the next in the series.
I’ve read all of the Tom Raven series and really been gripped by them all. It’s going to be a long wait until August for the next in the series.
April 22, 2024
Going Well
Another Great Story. Great Characters and a very good mystery. Looking forward to Book 7 in this Great series ..
Another Great Story. Great Characters and a very good mystery. Looking forward to Book 7 in this Great series ..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews