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Displaying 1 - 29 of 97 reviews
July 16, 2025
Dead In The Water is such a good addition to Anglesey series. I really like how Simon McCleave introduces new case whilst connecting the threads of events from the past. Laura and Gareth are such a great partnership and I really enjoy how their personal and professional lives finally find their rhythm.
There's so much to like about this series. It got better with each book and I would really like to see more.
There's so much to like about this series. It got better with each book and I would really like to see more.
June 30, 2024
The fifth book in The Anglesey Murder series and DI Laura Hart seems incapable of staying out of trouble or danger! Still recovering from the dreadful outcome of the previous book Laura and fiancé/ boss DI Gareth Williams and their team at Beaumaris are investigating the disappearance of a 17 year old girl reported missing from her Aunt’s home. As always this is a fast paced read, short chapters and lots of action from the start.
Briefly, the murder of an inmate at HMP Tonsgrove on Anglesey adds to the teams workload. With the team split, looking into the two separate cases, little progress is made in either, with nobody prepared to talk at the prison and it’s now looking as if the girl may have been murdered. Laura has a plan to solve the prison murder but it entails high risk and puts her in serious danger.
Laura and her family and friends do seem to court disaster and you have to wonder at the likelihood of them being in the middle of trouble so often; but hey it’s fiction so anything goes! The storyline continues to keep us enthralled with great twists and turns and a shocking climax. As their wedding day approaches will Laura and Gareth still be standing? You’ll need to read it to find out. Great read.
Briefly, the murder of an inmate at HMP Tonsgrove on Anglesey adds to the teams workload. With the team split, looking into the two separate cases, little progress is made in either, with nobody prepared to talk at the prison and it’s now looking as if the girl may have been murdered. Laura has a plan to solve the prison murder but it entails high risk and puts her in serious danger.
Laura and her family and friends do seem to court disaster and you have to wonder at the likelihood of them being in the middle of trouble so often; but hey it’s fiction so anything goes! The storyline continues to keep us enthralled with great twists and turns and a shocking climax. As their wedding day approaches will Laura and Gareth still be standing? You’ll need to read it to find out. Great read.
May 19, 2024
Dead In the Water is book 5 in the Anglesey series. I hadn't read any of the first 4 books prior in the series, but I had heard of the author. I chose this book because of the genre, the place where it's set, and because I love a book cover with a lighthouse on it
What I loved about this book was the short chapters and how easy it was to get into. It gave a bit of a recap into DI Laura Hart's past. So that helped me with the character's back story. I could have easily sat and devoured this book in one go if I didn't have to normal life things to get in the way!
There is a good mix of police procedure, action, and character development throughout this book. It kept me entertained and held my attention. The only thing I wasn't too keen on was that some parts of the story were a little unbelievable. That's just a personal preference. I enjoyed this read enough to go and buy the first book. I hope too that there is a number 6 on the horizon.
Synopsis
DI Laura Hart is back, and this time, she is faced with the challenge of going undercover in a women's prison. To try and get to the bottom of a brutal murder that took place there, where no one is willing to talk. Meanwhile, another investigation is running alongside that one. A local teenager girl has gone missing, but some things aren't adding up.
Thank you, Netgalley and Avon Books
My opinions are my own.
What I loved about this book was the short chapters and how easy it was to get into. It gave a bit of a recap into DI Laura Hart's past. So that helped me with the character's back story. I could have easily sat and devoured this book in one go if I didn't have to normal life things to get in the way!
There is a good mix of police procedure, action, and character development throughout this book. It kept me entertained and held my attention. The only thing I wasn't too keen on was that some parts of the story were a little unbelievable. That's just a personal preference. I enjoyed this read enough to go and buy the first book. I hope too that there is a number 6 on the horizon.
Synopsis
DI Laura Hart is back, and this time, she is faced with the challenge of going undercover in a women's prison. To try and get to the bottom of a brutal murder that took place there, where no one is willing to talk. Meanwhile, another investigation is running alongside that one. A local teenager girl has gone missing, but some things aren't adding up.
Thank you, Netgalley and Avon Books
My opinions are my own.
June 20, 2024
A missing girl and a murdered inmate two investigations at the same time. This is an excellent addition to the Laura Hart series. Tha author handles the two investigations seemingly with ease. The main characters grow with each book. How will Simon top this. Thanks to Avon books and Netgalley for this review ARC.
January 29, 2025
Not a bad story but spoiled by a couple of things. Firstly the if police officer Laura said "this is not good" once she said it a hundred times (completely unessesary of course). Secondly there was just too much minute descriptive detail in places which was intrusive and sometimes patronising. This was a shame, because the idea behind this book was interesting.
March 23, 2025
☆ 4.25 stars ☆
Another great addition to this series.
Two completely different crimes running parallel to each other, which you just know are going to have to intercept.. and that they do.
Some interesting twists throughout both plotlines that keep you guessing.
I have grown to like the characters in this series and am glad Laura and Gareth are getting the happy ending they deserve.
I wouldn't mind another installment or two to keep this series going.
Another great addition to this series.
Two completely different crimes running parallel to each other, which you just know are going to have to intercept.. and that they do.
Some interesting twists throughout both plotlines that keep you guessing.
I have grown to like the characters in this series and am glad Laura and Gareth are getting the happy ending they deserve.
I wouldn't mind another installment or two to keep this series going.
June 20, 2024
I was so excited to read this, book 5 in the Anglesey Series! Simon McCleave is a brilliant write, and having read and loved the rest of the series I just know I was going to love this one too.
This book once again starts as it means to go in, for those who haven't read the rest of the series there's a short recap of Laura's history before she came back to Anglesey, and then we're straight into the tension and drama, especially with the last book having been left on such a cliff hanger.
This story sees the team investigating the murder of a prisoner at the Island's women's prison, at the same time as a disappearance of a local teenager. The events unfold more quickly in the second half with high speed chases, which SImon always does brilliantly, and plenty of suspense and drama. It will keep you gripped.
I love seeing Welsh words and phrases in Simon's books too. I love that he's bringing people's attention to our beautiful part of the world, and it's brilliantly woven into the mystery of the stories, creating dramatic tension with the beauty of the area. This series is based in my home town and I'm always excited to see what nuggets of info he finds out about the local area. His knowledge and facts are well researched, and I love reading new bits of info despite having lived here most of my life!
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon Books Uk, and Simon McCleave for an advance copy in return for an open and honest review.
This book once again starts as it means to go in, for those who haven't read the rest of the series there's a short recap of Laura's history before she came back to Anglesey, and then we're straight into the tension and drama, especially with the last book having been left on such a cliff hanger.
This story sees the team investigating the murder of a prisoner at the Island's women's prison, at the same time as a disappearance of a local teenager. The events unfold more quickly in the second half with high speed chases, which SImon always does brilliantly, and plenty of suspense and drama. It will keep you gripped.
I love seeing Welsh words and phrases in Simon's books too. I love that he's bringing people's attention to our beautiful part of the world, and it's brilliantly woven into the mystery of the stories, creating dramatic tension with the beauty of the area. This series is based in my home town and I'm always excited to see what nuggets of info he finds out about the local area. His knowledge and facts are well researched, and I love reading new bits of info despite having lived here most of my life!
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon Books Uk, and Simon McCleave for an advance copy in return for an open and honest review.
May 24, 2024
Right off the bat, let me say I am very confused as to why this novel is listed as DI Ruth Hunter #5 when this book has absolutely nothing to do with Ruth. But once I got over that initial confusion.... I was still left confused.
See the problem with this one is that when it begins, there are two main plot-lines running side by side. The murder of a female prisoner as well as the possible abduction of a teenage girl. And every chapter is told from the point of view of one of the two characters that is heading up that particular investigation along with the numerous people that they encounter during their separate investigations. Of course, no one at the prison are willing to talk, which means we now get a third point of view included into the mix, that of DI Laura Hart who has agreed to go undercover as a prisoner in order to try and get to the bottom of what really happened. And while each chapter does tell you the location of where events will be taking place so you are able to keep track of which line of inquiry you are on, the characters are so numerous and one-dimensional that it all starts to blend together.
I was a little confused on just how quickly the other inmates figured out there was an undercover cop in their midst considering no one at the prison knew it, and very little people on the force knew about it. It seemed just a little too convenient for me to believe, as it would have made more sense if the governor (also known as a warden here in America) had let it slip since she claimed to recognize her.
As the story moves on, the reader does eventually find out that the story-lines are connected and there are numerous red-herrings in place to keep the reader distracted and guessing. Despite that, I found it easy to put this book down to go and do other things, sometimes not coming back to it until a day or two later. And once things were wrapped up, I was still left with questions and things still felt unresolved (the supposed drug trade happening inside of the prison for one thing).
All things considered, I may give this author another chance down the road, but I most likely won't be continuing on with this particular series.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
See the problem with this one is that when it begins, there are two main plot-lines running side by side. The murder of a female prisoner as well as the possible abduction of a teenage girl. And every chapter is told from the point of view of one of the two characters that is heading up that particular investigation along with the numerous people that they encounter during their separate investigations. Of course, no one at the prison are willing to talk, which means we now get a third point of view included into the mix, that of DI Laura Hart who has agreed to go undercover as a prisoner in order to try and get to the bottom of what really happened. And while each chapter does tell you the location of where events will be taking place so you are able to keep track of which line of inquiry you are on, the characters are so numerous and one-dimensional that it all starts to blend together.
I was a little confused on just how quickly the other inmates figured out there was an undercover cop in their midst considering no one at the prison knew it, and very little people on the force knew about it. It seemed just a little too convenient for me to believe, as it would have made more sense if the governor (also known as a warden here in America) had let it slip since she claimed to recognize her.
As the story moves on, the reader does eventually find out that the story-lines are connected and there are numerous red-herrings in place to keep the reader distracted and guessing. Despite that, I found it easy to put this book down to go and do other things, sometimes not coming back to it until a day or two later. And once things were wrapped up, I was still left with questions and things still felt unresolved (the supposed drug trade happening inside of the prison for one thing).
All things considered, I may give this author another chance down the road, but I most likely won't be continuing on with this particular series.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
July 29, 2024
As ever, another excellent read from Simon. I have read all his DI Ruth Hunter series and have nit long read book 5 of his Angelsey series starring DI Laura Hart who is top of her game when negotiating with kidnappers if vulnerable people. This one sees Laura become an inmate undercover at a women's jail to discover who killed a prolific drug lird's partner from a rival gang. The prison has equally dodgy staff wo are far worse than those they are guarding. Give the series a go and you won't be disappointed if you prefer your lead characters to be female led. Laura will will have you cheering her on one minute, then worried to death about her her the next. She is a strong, independent lady who list her first husband in an ambush by a Manchester drug gang when her son and daughter were younger. Several years down the line she discovers who was responsible and finds it hard to take it in. She has met someone at work, a DCI who she has fallen for and about to be married. With all the action you will wonder if it will ever happen as Laura lurches from one catastrophe to another and endangering her own life to catch the prison killed responsible for the death of a woman she knew in the past from primary school. A shy, quiet girl who she never believed would have been mixed up with drug dealers. Get to know Laura by reading the first in the series. Same applies to the DI Ruth Hunter series, especially when she transfers to North Wales. All of Simon's books apart from the Villa At St. Luca are set on the Nirth Wales coast and on couple of occasions blveer iff into other areas if the crime is connected to their patch. For example: The Chester Killings and The Wirrel Killings out later this year. Once you start you will be hooked. Start stocking up for the Autumn and winter nights to settle down when weather too awful to venture out. Get yourself a cuppa, a plate of chocolate biscuits/ cookies in USA and start to get to know the characters you will worry and care about. Tip. At the end of each Ruth Hunter you will be left with a humdinger of a cliffhanger which will have you waiting with bated breath for the next instalment. All members of Ruth's team including her will have their own back story so you will get to know their personalities.
May 1, 2024
Thanks once again to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of "Dead In The Water", the new DI Laura Hart/Anglesey mystery by Simon McCleave. This is the fifth book in the series, and they just keep getting better and better.
[Contrary to the description, this has nothing to do with DI Ruth Hunter, and everything to do with DI Laura Hart]
It's coming up on their wedding day for Laura and Gareth, but do they just take some time for themselves and get everything into place for the big event? No siree, not on your life.
First up, the disappearance of 17-year-old Abby from the home of her aunt and uncle, where she has been living while her mother is at work out of the country. Two of the DS's are put on the case right away, and forensic examination leads them quickly to the conclusion that the girl has been seriously injured, possibly killed. Was it someone close to home? As the investigation proceeds, things become murkier instead of clearer, but they won't give up until they find the truth.
Concurrently, the team is put on the investigation of a death at the nearby women's prison - a prison that is also under investigation for suspicious activity, drugs related. Of course, nobody is talking, so the decision is made to insert an undercover officer - and they cannot let anyone inside the prison know.
Slowly but surely, it appears that both of the cases may be linked, although it takes a number of twists and turns before that conclusion can be reached.
Red herrings abound in the search for the truth, and one of their own will be put in mortal peril before the end is reached.
But we go out on a happy note - cue the wedding march,
Excellent addition to the series, and can certainly be read as a standalone.
[Contrary to the description, this has nothing to do with DI Ruth Hunter, and everything to do with DI Laura Hart]
It's coming up on their wedding day for Laura and Gareth, but do they just take some time for themselves and get everything into place for the big event? No siree, not on your life.
First up, the disappearance of 17-year-old Abby from the home of her aunt and uncle, where she has been living while her mother is at work out of the country. Two of the DS's are put on the case right away, and forensic examination leads them quickly to the conclusion that the girl has been seriously injured, possibly killed. Was it someone close to home? As the investigation proceeds, things become murkier instead of clearer, but they won't give up until they find the truth.
Concurrently, the team is put on the investigation of a death at the nearby women's prison - a prison that is also under investigation for suspicious activity, drugs related. Of course, nobody is talking, so the decision is made to insert an undercover officer - and they cannot let anyone inside the prison know.
Slowly but surely, it appears that both of the cases may be linked, although it takes a number of twists and turns before that conclusion can be reached.
Red herrings abound in the search for the truth, and one of their own will be put in mortal peril before the end is reached.
But we go out on a happy note - cue the wedding march,
Excellent addition to the series, and can certainly be read as a standalone.
June 3, 2024
Dead In the Water is the fifth book in the ‘Anglesey’ series by Simon McCleave. However, there appears to be a mistake in the publisher’s blurb linking this to DI Ruth Hunter, another series by the same author. Hopefully, this will be picked up before publication.
The wedding day of DI Laura Hart and DI Gareth Williams is fast approaching, but if they had any notions about relaxing and taking things easy, they could think again. The team is called on to investigate a brutal murder of a prisoner at a local women’s prison. Whispers are that the prison has a drug problem, but the other inmates are not talking. Then a second case demands their attention. Abby, a seventeen-year-old girl has disappeared from her aunt and uncle’s home where she has been staying, ostensibly because her mother is out of the country. Forensics lead the team to believe that Abby may have been taken against her will and has been either seriously injured or even murdered.
Through an expert combination of plot, police procedure and character development, the author flirts with the idea that there is a link between the two cases, but the reader is kept in suspense for much of the book. As usual, the writing is a very high standard.
Two points to note. This book has much going on, so I would advise it’s not read as a standalone. And just my personal preference, parts of the main story are very far-fetched and I would have liked this a bit more contained though it didn’t stop me enjoying the story.
Still, it’s a very well-deserved four stars from me.
My thanks to NetGalley, Avon Books and Simon McCleave for the much-appreciated ARC in exchange for an honest and open review.
The wedding day of DI Laura Hart and DI Gareth Williams is fast approaching, but if they had any notions about relaxing and taking things easy, they could think again. The team is called on to investigate a brutal murder of a prisoner at a local women’s prison. Whispers are that the prison has a drug problem, but the other inmates are not talking. Then a second case demands their attention. Abby, a seventeen-year-old girl has disappeared from her aunt and uncle’s home where she has been staying, ostensibly because her mother is out of the country. Forensics lead the team to believe that Abby may have been taken against her will and has been either seriously injured or even murdered.
Through an expert combination of plot, police procedure and character development, the author flirts with the idea that there is a link between the two cases, but the reader is kept in suspense for much of the book. As usual, the writing is a very high standard.
Two points to note. This book has much going on, so I would advise it’s not read as a standalone. And just my personal preference, parts of the main story are very far-fetched and I would have liked this a bit more contained though it didn’t stop me enjoying the story.
Still, it’s a very well-deserved four stars from me.
My thanks to NetGalley, Avon Books and Simon McCleave for the much-appreciated ARC in exchange for an honest and open review.
July 23, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
Simon McCleave’s “Dead in the Water” is a masterful addition to the Anglesey series, delivering a gripping crime thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. As a book reviewer, I found this novel to be a compelling blend of suspense, intricate plotting, and well-drawn characters.
The story begins with the mysterious disappearance of a seventeen-year-old girl from her home, thrusting DI Laura Hart into a high-stakes investigation. Simultaneously, a murder within the local prison adds another layer of complexity to the case. McCleave expertly weaves these two narratives together, creating a tension-filled atmosphere.
DI Laura Hart is a standout character, portrayed with depth and nuance. Her resilience and resourcefulness are put to the test as she navigates the dangers of undercover work. The supporting cast, including her fiancé and boss DI Gareth Williams, adds richness to the story, providing professional and personal stakes.
McCleave’s writing is crisp and engaging, with short chapters that make for a fast-paced read. The vivid descriptions of Anglesey’s landscapes add a unique backdrop to the unfolding drama.
“Dead in the Water” explores themes of justice, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth. The dual investigations highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement in balancing multiple high-pressure cases.
“Dead in the Water” is a thrilling and satisfying read that will appeal to fans of crime fiction and psychological thrillers. Simon McCleave has crafted a story that is entertaining and thought-provoking, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing.
Simon McCleave’s “Dead in the Water” is a masterful addition to the Anglesey series, delivering a gripping crime thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. As a book reviewer, I found this novel to be a compelling blend of suspense, intricate plotting, and well-drawn characters.
The story begins with the mysterious disappearance of a seventeen-year-old girl from her home, thrusting DI Laura Hart into a high-stakes investigation. Simultaneously, a murder within the local prison adds another layer of complexity to the case. McCleave expertly weaves these two narratives together, creating a tension-filled atmosphere.
DI Laura Hart is a standout character, portrayed with depth and nuance. Her resilience and resourcefulness are put to the test as she navigates the dangers of undercover work. The supporting cast, including her fiancé and boss DI Gareth Williams, adds richness to the story, providing professional and personal stakes.
McCleave’s writing is crisp and engaging, with short chapters that make for a fast-paced read. The vivid descriptions of Anglesey’s landscapes add a unique backdrop to the unfolding drama.
“Dead in the Water” explores themes of justice, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth. The dual investigations highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement in balancing multiple high-pressure cases.
“Dead in the Water” is a thrilling and satisfying read that will appeal to fans of crime fiction and psychological thrillers. Simon McCleave has crafted a story that is entertaining and thought-provoking, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing.
June 25, 2024
Dead in the Water by Simon McCleave is the fifth book in the excellent DI Ruth Hunter series and this series just gets better and better. Once you open you kindle/book and start to read it you will be hooked from the beginning till the very end. It's a great page turner.
Finally, DI Laura Hart and DI Gareth Williams relationship is now out in the open and they are making plans to marry.
A seventeen-year-old girl called Abby vanishes, from her aunt's and uncle's home overnight, where she has been living while her mother is at work out of the country, and DI Laura Hart knows that time is of the essence.
Then, an inmate at the local prison is murdered in her cell and suddenly Beaumaris CID is juggling two major investigations at the same time.
Now, the inmates are refusing to talk to the police, Laura, is forced to take drastic going undercover behind bars. With everyone under suspicion, Laura’s true identity must be kept a secret, meaning no one can protect her.
Will she be safe behind bars?.........
Now, locked in with a killer...............Tick Tock the clock is ticking! and time is running out for her.
Can Laura find a lead…........before she’s found out?
WoW this book is so good and I could not put it down.......Great page turner......
But, do DI Laura Hart and DI Gareth Williams finally make it down the aisle? You will need to read it to find out.
I highly recommend this series and you will not be disappointed.
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and Simon McCleave for this ARC.
Finally, DI Laura Hart and DI Gareth Williams relationship is now out in the open and they are making plans to marry.
A seventeen-year-old girl called Abby vanishes, from her aunt's and uncle's home overnight, where she has been living while her mother is at work out of the country, and DI Laura Hart knows that time is of the essence.
Then, an inmate at the local prison is murdered in her cell and suddenly Beaumaris CID is juggling two major investigations at the same time.
Now, the inmates are refusing to talk to the police, Laura, is forced to take drastic going undercover behind bars. With everyone under suspicion, Laura’s true identity must be kept a secret, meaning no one can protect her.
Will she be safe behind bars?.........
Now, locked in with a killer...............Tick Tock the clock is ticking! and time is running out for her.
Can Laura find a lead…........before she’s found out?
WoW this book is so good and I could not put it down.......Great page turner......
But, do DI Laura Hart and DI Gareth Williams finally make it down the aisle? You will need to read it to find out.
I highly recommend this series and you will not be disappointed.
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and Simon McCleave for this ARC.
February 18, 2025
Another exciting Anglesey mystery awaits in this fifth book in the series which sees DI Laura Hart and DI Gareth Williams once again involved in complex crime investigations. Gareth, and his team, investigate the mysterious disappearance of seventeen year old Abby Wright from her home whilst Laura goes under cover in a women’s prison to discover more about the violent death of one of the inmates.
As always the tension starts pretty much from the start and doesn’t let up pace until the very end and in between there are so many twists, turns and red herrings that you really need to keep your wits about you as the story gets more and more complex. I thoroughly enjoyed both investigations especially as everything evolves in real time. The prison scenes were particularly strong, with Laura using her customary wit and skill to find out just what was going on behind the locked doors of HMP Tonsgrove.
The beautiful island of Anglesey is described in such imaginative detail that I could easily picture the small town of Menai and the isolated Pentraeth Forest, whilst at the same time keeping pace with a storyline which kept my attention from its thrilling beginning, to its satisfying conclusion. Whilst it is possible to read this as a standalone story, it does make sense to enjoy this series from the beginning as that way you get to know, and care, about the characters especially Laura and Gareth who are fast becoming two of my favourite fictional Detective Inspectors. I look forward to reading more crime adventures in future books.
June 30, 2024
This is the second book in this series I've read and the author gives enough background in each book for it not to matter too much whether you've read the previous ones. This is good, but it does make you wonder how much can happen to one particular family, as disaster after disaster are heaped on Laura, her husband, her boyfriend and her children.
In this book she goes under cover in a woman's prison to help her fiance solve a murder which happened 'inside', since neither the inmates nor the guards will talk to the police. Meanwhile another investigation is running into the disappearance of a young girl. The two cases initially have no connections but gradually the same names crop up and we find the two are indeed connected.
This is a fast paced book, with a lot happening and short easy to read chapters. The author keeps the pace going with something dramatic happening every few pages and the stories twist and turn. And that really is the problem I had with the book - there was too much happening and it all became a bit too unbelievable for me. I was also slightly narked when the author kept telling the reader what things like 'blues and twos' meant. I felt he was belittling the reader who either already knew or would be able to work it out.
Having said that however, it is still a readable story if you like fast paced police procedurals with a lot happening.
With thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an early copy in return for an honest review.
In this book she goes under cover in a woman's prison to help her fiance solve a murder which happened 'inside', since neither the inmates nor the guards will talk to the police. Meanwhile another investigation is running into the disappearance of a young girl. The two cases initially have no connections but gradually the same names crop up and we find the two are indeed connected.
This is a fast paced book, with a lot happening and short easy to read chapters. The author keeps the pace going with something dramatic happening every few pages and the stories twist and turn. And that really is the problem I had with the book - there was too much happening and it all became a bit too unbelievable for me. I was also slightly narked when the author kept telling the reader what things like 'blues and twos' meant. I felt he was belittling the reader who either already knew or would be able to work it out.
Having said that however, it is still a readable story if you like fast paced police procedurals with a lot happening.
With thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an early copy in return for an honest review.
June 16, 2024
When a seventeen-year- old vanishes from her home overnight, DI Laura Hart knows that time is of the essence. Then an inmate at the local women's prison is murdered in her cell, and suddenly Beaumaris CID is juggling two major investigations. With inmates refusing to talk to the police, Laura is forced to take drastic action, going undercover behind bars. With everyone under suspicion, Laura's true identity must be kept a secret, meaning no one can protect her. Locked in with a killer, it's a race against time - can Laura find a lead....?
Two crimes are being investigated - the first being the investigation into the disappearance of seventeen-year-old Abbey White, who lived with her aunt and uncle while her mother is working away from home. The second is the murder of an inmate at the local women's prison.
I quite like this police procedural series. There's lots going on, even the preparation of Laura and Gareth's wedding. The two cases are eventually linked together. The plot is complex, it's been descriptively written, and has a fast pace in this twisted read. The characters are well-developed and likeable. My attention was held throughout this gripping read.
Published 20th June 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #SimonMcCleave for my ARC of #DeadInTheWater in exchange for an honest review.
Two crimes are being investigated - the first being the investigation into the disappearance of seventeen-year-old Abbey White, who lived with her aunt and uncle while her mother is working away from home. The second is the murder of an inmate at the local women's prison.
I quite like this police procedural series. There's lots going on, even the preparation of Laura and Gareth's wedding. The two cases are eventually linked together. The plot is complex, it's been descriptively written, and has a fast pace in this twisted read. The characters are well-developed and likeable. My attention was held throughout this gripping read.
Published 20th June 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #SimonMcCleave for my ARC of #DeadInTheWater in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2024
4 Stars from me
This book follows dual timelines, one inside a prison and one focussing on the hunt to locate a missing teenage girl. Seemingly unrelated they are both exciting and tense with a sense of jeopardy for all involved.
For missing 17 year old, Abby - there are lots of question marks. She lives with her aunt and uncle and for all intents and purposes disappeared without a trace. There are signs that she has not just run away and DI Laura Hart and the team question everything and everyone in their attempts to track her down - the question is, of course, did she even leave the house alive?
Meanwhile, in the other thread, Laura goes undercover in a local prison where she risks serious injury or certain death if discovered and I found this part of the story incredibly taut. In order to try and find out who murdered a prisoner in her cell, Laura literally risks her life with no chance of backup as not even the staff can be trusted with her identity meaning that she is frighteningly on her own in a jail full of angry, dangerous criminals, most of whom appear to be cop haters.
As the two threads begin to converge, this crime thriller really ramps up and heads fast into a satisfying conclusion. A great addition to the Anglesey crime series!
This book follows dual timelines, one inside a prison and one focussing on the hunt to locate a missing teenage girl. Seemingly unrelated they are both exciting and tense with a sense of jeopardy for all involved.
For missing 17 year old, Abby - there are lots of question marks. She lives with her aunt and uncle and for all intents and purposes disappeared without a trace. There are signs that she has not just run away and DI Laura Hart and the team question everything and everyone in their attempts to track her down - the question is, of course, did she even leave the house alive?
Meanwhile, in the other thread, Laura goes undercover in a local prison where she risks serious injury or certain death if discovered and I found this part of the story incredibly taut. In order to try and find out who murdered a prisoner in her cell, Laura literally risks her life with no chance of backup as not even the staff can be trusted with her identity meaning that she is frighteningly on her own in a jail full of angry, dangerous criminals, most of whom appear to be cop haters.
As the two threads begin to converge, this crime thriller really ramps up and heads fast into a satisfying conclusion. A great addition to the Anglesey crime series!
June 1, 2024
Laura and Gareth’s relationship is now out in the open but before they walk down the aisle, they have it cases to solve. The first is on Abby White a 17-year-old who has gone missing from her aunt and uncle’s house. Evidence shows that they are expecting a body more than finding her alive.
The second is an inmate of local Prison HMP Tonsgrove a local prison on Anglesey. Shelia Jonesa kind of a celebrity in the prison and was so untouchable, seemed she wasn’t as she murdered. But nobody’s prepared to talk and grass. So, they have a tough job on their hands. So, they only way they are going to find out as if someone goes under cover in the prison. To whom really killed Shelia Jones. DI Laura Hunter volunteers to go in.
Dead in the water is book 5 DI Ruth Hunter series featuring DI Laura Hart and Gareth Williams and this had me hooked from the very first page. This is full of action, well-paced story and such likeable characters especially Laura. She is a feisty character and I think she should have her own series. 5 stars from me.
The second is an inmate of local Prison HMP Tonsgrove a local prison on Anglesey. Shelia Jonesa kind of a celebrity in the prison and was so untouchable, seemed she wasn’t as she murdered. But nobody’s prepared to talk and grass. So, they have a tough job on their hands. So, they only way they are going to find out as if someone goes under cover in the prison. To whom really killed Shelia Jones. DI Laura Hunter volunteers to go in.
Dead in the water is book 5 DI Ruth Hunter series featuring DI Laura Hart and Gareth Williams and this had me hooked from the very first page. This is full of action, well-paced story and such likeable characters especially Laura. She is a feisty character and I think she should have her own series. 5 stars from me.
July 18, 2024
Set in Anglesey, Beaumaris CID is called into action when a seventeen-year-old girl goes missing and an inmate is stabbed at HMP Tonsgrove, in what appears to be two separate crimes. As inmates and staff close ranks at Tonsgrove, it is down to DI Hart to go undercover and try figure out who is responsible, without anyone knowing. Alongside this Gareth and team try to locate the missing teenager.
A well-paced plot with plenty of action, and loads of twists as the police get closer and closer to solving the crimes.
I read this without reading any of the other books in the DI Hart Series, and it does work as a standalone as there is plenty of background to the characters included in #5. I’m looking forward to working my way back, reading some of the earlier novels in this series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Avon Books UK for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Enjoyable read.
4 stars.
A well-paced plot with plenty of action, and loads of twists as the police get closer and closer to solving the crimes.
I read this without reading any of the other books in the DI Hart Series, and it does work as a standalone as there is plenty of background to the characters included in #5. I’m looking forward to working my way back, reading some of the earlier novels in this series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Avon Books UK for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Enjoyable read.
4 stars.
August 12, 2024
When seventeen year old Abby goes missing Detective Laura Hart knows that time is of the essence- the longer she is missing the less likely there is going to be a happy ending. Meanwhile in the prison a woman with connections to organised crime drug gangs, is stabbed. The police on Anglesey have two cases on their hands. Both Staff & Inmates at the prison are not very helpful. Laura decides the only way to get any answers in to go undercover- not something that goes down well with her daughter, who having lost one parent is not keen to lose another!
This is the fifth in a series. I have only read the one proceeding this, but I really enjoyed it & was delighted to get hold of this one, which if anything was even better. It is fast paced, with great characters & twists to keep you guessing. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book- I'll be looking out for the next one!
This is the fifth in a series. I have only read the one proceeding this, but I really enjoyed it & was delighted to get hold of this one, which if anything was even better. It is fast paced, with great characters & twists to keep you guessing. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book- I'll be looking out for the next one!
May 9, 2024
This is the fifth book in the DI Ruth Hunter series and features DI Laura Hart.
When a 17 year old girl, Abby, disappears from her aunt and uncles home at night.
Forensic evidence leads the DS given the case, to the conclusion that, Abby, if not seriously injured could have been killed. The race is on to find her.
When an inmate at the local prison is murdered in her cell the rest of Beaumaris CID become involved.
There seems to be no way any of the inmates will talk to the police so Laura takes drastic action going undercover behind bars.
A dangerous place to be without any backup.
Can Laura find the killer before the inmates discover her true identity.
This one has everything you could wish for in a crime thriller and holds the reader from the first page to the last.
A great addition to an excellent series.
When a 17 year old girl, Abby, disappears from her aunt and uncles home at night.
Forensic evidence leads the DS given the case, to the conclusion that, Abby, if not seriously injured could have been killed. The race is on to find her.
When an inmate at the local prison is murdered in her cell the rest of Beaumaris CID become involved.
There seems to be no way any of the inmates will talk to the police so Laura takes drastic action going undercover behind bars.
A dangerous place to be without any backup.
Can Laura find the killer before the inmates discover her true identity.
This one has everything you could wish for in a crime thriller and holds the reader from the first page to the last.
A great addition to an excellent series.
June 26, 2024
Once again, really good plot and characters but let down again by frequently repeated phrases and sentences from this and previous books.
Please please Simon explore other ways of describing actions and situations.....a few seconds silence to build up tension.......gunned up the engine etc etc. Not necessary to repeat time and time again the Caution word for word before every interview and most irritating of all, acronyms explained (in brackets) . Why not just write it in full then subsequent acronyms are implicit.
Several spelling mistakes (proof reading??) most glaring "pig's stye". Clearly meant to be pigsty as in where a pig is kept, and not a growth on a pig's eye. All this interrupts the flow of reading.
However as I said, the plots are always good as are the characters so keep it up Simon but please iron out the irritations
Please please Simon explore other ways of describing actions and situations.....a few seconds silence to build up tension.......gunned up the engine etc etc. Not necessary to repeat time and time again the Caution word for word before every interview and most irritating of all, acronyms explained (in brackets) . Why not just write it in full then subsequent acronyms are implicit.
Several spelling mistakes (proof reading??) most glaring "pig's stye". Clearly meant to be pigsty as in where a pig is kept, and not a growth on a pig's eye. All this interrupts the flow of reading.
However as I said, the plots are always good as are the characters so keep it up Simon but please iron out the irritations
August 16, 2024
Somehow, this series has passed me by, so when the opportunity arose to read this book, I grabbed it with both hands. It is number 5 in the Anglesey Series but can easily be read as a standalone.
DI Laura Hart doesn’t believe in making life easy for herself & this time she is sent undercover into a prison to investigate a murder where no one is willing to talk. Alongside this, the Beaumaris team are looking into the disappearance of a 17 year old girl.
This was a fabulous read. The dual storylines are handled with aplomb; a mixture of police procedural, action thriller & good old fashioned twists. The characters develop (with helpful reminders from previous books) & I certainly became invested in them. My tbr is supposed to be reducing but I’m going to have to get the first four books now! Recommended.
DI Laura Hart doesn’t believe in making life easy for herself & this time she is sent undercover into a prison to investigate a murder where no one is willing to talk. Alongside this, the Beaumaris team are looking into the disappearance of a 17 year old girl.
This was a fabulous read. The dual storylines are handled with aplomb; a mixture of police procedural, action thriller & good old fashioned twists. The characters develop (with helpful reminders from previous books) & I certainly became invested in them. My tbr is supposed to be reducing but I’m going to have to get the first four books now! Recommended.
November 19, 2024
Another thrilling adventure in the series
Having raced through the series to now be up to date, this is another rollercoaster ride. This time the CID team have two separate cases the first the murder of an inmate in a female gaol which looks like it is potentially related to a fight between two drug gangs. The other is a missing 17 year old young woman.
The book shows the team at full stretch, threaten by the investigations being taken over/ assisted by extra resources from the mainland as they a frustrated by hitting dead ends. The story shows their frustrations before an unusual approach is suggested and leads to the tension being racked up as we see if it will provide the answers to the cases.
I would recommend this series set on a small island with its beauty & small communities with the openings from the links to the mainland.
Having raced through the series to now be up to date, this is another rollercoaster ride. This time the CID team have two separate cases the first the murder of an inmate in a female gaol which looks like it is potentially related to a fight between two drug gangs. The other is a missing 17 year old young woman.
The book shows the team at full stretch, threaten by the investigations being taken over/ assisted by extra resources from the mainland as they a frustrated by hitting dead ends. The story shows their frustrations before an unusual approach is suggested and leads to the tension being racked up as we see if it will provide the answers to the cases.
I would recommend this series set on a small island with its beauty & small communities with the openings from the links to the mainland.
August 21, 2025
I have not read the others books in this series, but I didnt find this detrimental at all - the story still works well as a standalone in its own right.
There are 2 main storylines woven together that we follow over the course of the book, a missing girl who seems to have vanished without a trace and a murder in prison of an inmate who was supposedly 'untouchable' - but nobody's willing to talk.
As police procedurals go, I found this engaging and interesting without getting too bogged down in details (or paperwork!). There was enough backstory given for the main characters for things to make sense without taking away from the ongoing investigations.
A definite page turner, I found myself reading on to find out what happened, always 'just one more chapter'. There are a few outlandish bits, but again the story trips along nicely and it's good to suspend a bit of reality at times!
There are 2 main storylines woven together that we follow over the course of the book, a missing girl who seems to have vanished without a trace and a murder in prison of an inmate who was supposedly 'untouchable' - but nobody's willing to talk.
As police procedurals go, I found this engaging and interesting without getting too bogged down in details (or paperwork!). There was enough backstory given for the main characters for things to make sense without taking away from the ongoing investigations.
A definite page turner, I found myself reading on to find out what happened, always 'just one more chapter'. There are a few outlandish bits, but again the story trips along nicely and it's good to suspend a bit of reality at times!
May 27, 2024
DI Laura Hart and DI Gareth Williams relationship is now one of waiting to be married and it finally does happen at the end of this book. But first they need to solve 2 mysteries. Abby White, a 17 year old girl, is missing. Sheila Jones is killed at a nearby women's prison. She is under investigation for suspicious activity, drugs related. The decision is made to insert an undercover officer but nobody in the prison knows that. Both cases seem to be linked. Through twists and turns, Abby White's case is solved. I was really surprised at what happened with Abby's case. I am now hoping for another book in the Anglesey Crime series. If you like book with action then you will love this book. Highly recommended!
June 9, 2024
Number 5 in the Laura Hart series set in Anglesey North Wales and another excellent read. This series gets better and better with each instalment.
We open in the prologue with a recap of the stunning ending of book 4 which also explains for those not familiar with the series Laura’s unique back story before she came to her current position in Beaumaris CID.
The team are stretched with two major cases, the murder of a detainee in a local women's prison and the disappearance of a teenager from her home. A brilliant tale full of twists and turns delivers a tense rollercoaster of a read that keeps you turning those pages.
What has become a must read series for me, it is almost like catching up with old friends and I can't wait to see what is next for Laura, Gareth and the rest of the team.
We open in the prologue with a recap of the stunning ending of book 4 which also explains for those not familiar with the series Laura’s unique back story before she came to her current position in Beaumaris CID.
The team are stretched with two major cases, the murder of a detainee in a local women's prison and the disappearance of a teenager from her home. A brilliant tale full of twists and turns delivers a tense rollercoaster of a read that keeps you turning those pages.
What has become a must read series for me, it is almost like catching up with old friends and I can't wait to see what is next for Laura, Gareth and the rest of the team.
June 9, 2024
When a seventeen-year-old girl vanishes from her home overnight, DI Laura Hart knows that time is of the essence.
Then, an inmate at the local prison is murdered in her cell and suddenly Beaumaris CID is juggling two major investigations.
With inmates refusing to talk to the police, Laura is forced to take drastic action: going undercover behind bars.
With everyone under suspicion, Laura’s true identity must be kept a secret, meaning no one can protect her.
Locked in with a killer, it’s a race against time – can Laura find a lead… before she’s found out?
This is a great read. With a fast plot and a major twist I was totally hooked. I love this series and look forward to reading the next one.
Then, an inmate at the local prison is murdered in her cell and suddenly Beaumaris CID is juggling two major investigations.
With inmates refusing to talk to the police, Laura is forced to take drastic action: going undercover behind bars.
With everyone under suspicion, Laura’s true identity must be kept a secret, meaning no one can protect her.
Locked in with a killer, it’s a race against time – can Laura find a lead… before she’s found out?
This is a great read. With a fast plot and a major twist I was totally hooked. I love this series and look forward to reading the next one.
April 22, 2024
Dead in the Water, although a part of a series, can be read as a standalone. A seventeen year old girl is missing and an inmate is found murdered in her cell, in this Welsh thriller. DI Laura Hart is tasked with going undercover in the prison to dig for information, a dangerous place to be without any backup. In the meantime the search is on for the missing teenager. This is a well constructed and very detailed book. There are many characters to follow, yet they are interesting and clearly depicted. You will want to cheer DI Hart on as she races against time. With thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC. My opinions are my own.
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