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DI Ridpath #7
When the Guilty Cry
Three severed hands. No clues. A race against time.
Three embalmed hands are discovered in a disused Victorian house. Is it the work of a cult? Or a gangland ritual? And what happened to the rest of the bodies? DI Thomas Ridpath is told to investigate.
At the same time, the Coroner needs to issue a Presumption of Death certificate on a teenage girl who vanished eleven years ago in mysterious circumstances. What happened to her? Where did she go?
When another woman disappears, this time a local councillor, Ridpath is under immense pressure to solve the case before another person vanishes. As hints emerge the two cases are connected, Ridpath must push himself to the limit to find out what really happened at Daisy Nook Children’s Home.
Not knowing that his own life and that of his daughter, are under threat. He has just one week to discover the truth...
The latest in the #1 bestselling DI Ridpath crime thriller series, this is a perfect read for fans of Matt Brolly, Mark Billingham and Peter James.
Three embalmed hands are discovered in a disused Victorian house. Is it the work of a cult? Or a gangland ritual? And what happened to the rest of the bodies? DI Thomas Ridpath is told to investigate.
At the same time, the Coroner needs to issue a Presumption of Death certificate on a teenage girl who vanished eleven years ago in mysterious circumstances. What happened to her? Where did she go?
When another woman disappears, this time a local councillor, Ridpath is under immense pressure to solve the case before another person vanishes. As hints emerge the two cases are connected, Ridpath must push himself to the limit to find out what really happened at Daisy Nook Children’s Home.
Not knowing that his own life and that of his daughter, are under threat. He has just one week to discover the truth...
The latest in the #1 bestselling DI Ridpath crime thriller series, this is a perfect read for fans of Matt Brolly, Mark Billingham and Peter James.
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First published September 23, 2021
154 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Lee
46 books443 followersMartin has spent most of his adult life writing in one form or another.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
August 25, 2021
We return to Manchester in MJ Lee's latest in the DI Thomas Ridpath series, working at the Coroner's Office, under Covid restrictions, for Mrs Challoner and for MIT, under the nightmare leadership of DCI Paul Turnbull, who can't wait to get rid of him, and he is not fussy about how he achieves this. Manchester Police are frustrated and suffering after being put under special measures, under unbelievable stresses, understaffed, under-resourced, with officers expected to get results out of thin air. A popular UK Ghosthunters podcast, presented by Ian Rodgers, are at the house of horror that was the Daisy House Children's home, notorious for children that were abused and traumatised, a place where Jimmy Saville used to volunteer. The police Operation Pharaoh saw 4 people convicted, but others were suspected, but there was insufficient evidence.
The podcast team are there at night, looking for paranormal activity, but instead stumble over an all too real macabre find, a hidden backpack with 3 embalmed human hands, two male and one female. In charge of the inquiry is DS Dave Connor, with his eye on retirement, and to help him he gets Ridpath. Ridpath rightly deduces they are being set up to fail, and he has the added burden of investigating a 16 year old girl, Jenny Ryder, who went missing in 2009, and has never been seen since. Her parents, James and Maureen, are wanting Mrs Challoner to issue a Presumption of Death Certificate, requiring it urgently as Maureen is dying. It soon becomes apparent that both inquiries are connected, and all roads lead to Daisy House, in a case where multiple individuals have disappeared over the years.
Lee depicts a police service buckling under the kind of strains that threaten its abilities to deliver the public service expected of them. The police hierarchy push the pressures onto the officers below them, and exacerbating the circumstances are the manipulative and underhand politics that go with it, illustrated by the ambitious backstabbing DCI Turnbull. It's wonderful to see the return of the supporting characters working their socks off for Ridpath, his assistant, Sofia Rahman, civilian researcher, Chrissy, and out of favour DS Emily Parkinson. As always, one of the highlights of this series are the informative processes and details that take place in the Coroner's Office. This is a great addition to this terrific series, with the widowed Ridpath struggling to raise his lively daughter, Eve, as a single father, given the all consuming demands of his job. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
The podcast team are there at night, looking for paranormal activity, but instead stumble over an all too real macabre find, a hidden backpack with 3 embalmed human hands, two male and one female. In charge of the inquiry is DS Dave Connor, with his eye on retirement, and to help him he gets Ridpath. Ridpath rightly deduces they are being set up to fail, and he has the added burden of investigating a 16 year old girl, Jenny Ryder, who went missing in 2009, and has never been seen since. Her parents, James and Maureen, are wanting Mrs Challoner to issue a Presumption of Death Certificate, requiring it urgently as Maureen is dying. It soon becomes apparent that both inquiries are connected, and all roads lead to Daisy House, in a case where multiple individuals have disappeared over the years.
Lee depicts a police service buckling under the kind of strains that threaten its abilities to deliver the public service expected of them. The police hierarchy push the pressures onto the officers below them, and exacerbating the circumstances are the manipulative and underhand politics that go with it, illustrated by the ambitious backstabbing DCI Turnbull. It's wonderful to see the return of the supporting characters working their socks off for Ridpath, his assistant, Sofia Rahman, civilian researcher, Chrissy, and out of favour DS Emily Parkinson. As always, one of the highlights of this series are the informative processes and details that take place in the Coroner's Office. This is a great addition to this terrific series, with the widowed Ridpath struggling to raise his lively daughter, Eve, as a single father, given the all consuming demands of his job. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
August 25, 2021
Manchester based DI Thomas Ridpath is full of disquiet at the inquest of Jane Ryder who disappears aged 16 in 2009. The intention is to issue a Presumption of Death certificate to her parents. Does his sense of foreboding link to a grisly discovery made by a film crew at Daisy Nook Children’s Home seven days ago, the home closed in 2006 in the wake of Operation Pharaoh into those associated with Jimmy Saville? He is certain the cases connect, even more so when a local councillor is reported missing. However, can he convince his boss Mrs Challinor at the Coroners Office and Detective Superintendent Claire Trent at MIT as it’s highly unlikely he’ll convince DCI Paul Turnbull who is still intent on making Ridpath’s life impossible.
I really like this series which always feel authentic. The character of Ridpath is very likeable, he’s intuitive, famous for his hunches, hardworking and inspires loyalty in people like Sophie Rahman at the Coroners Office and Emily Parkinson and Chrissy Wright at MIT. Although Turnbull is deeply unlikeable as he’s brusque (polite word for rude) and ambitious, taking every opportunity to stab Ridpath in the back, their ‘battle’ does add a good element to the novels. I do hope the author has plans for Turnbull to get his comeuppance! Ridpath’s daughter Eve is a fabulous character, so smart and funny and I especially enjoy the dialogue between father and daughter. Their relationship also serves to demonstrate the dilemma of serving officers with the demands of family (particularly important here following the death of his wife) and the job pulling in the opposite direction.
The background of Covid making things extra hard with staff shortages and the pressure to deliver results yesterday with limited resources gives the books a realistic feeling. Although Covid is mentioned it’s not overplayed by any means I’m pleased to say. I enjoy the Coroner’s angle the books have now taken which makes them just a bit different from normal detective series. The storyline is interesting with plenty of twists, turns and blind alleys, the pace is good and the deeper you go you also feel Ridpath’s disquiet as it’s clear something very dark is at work. It’s a strange, perplexing and difficult case which begins to connect cleverly. The final discoveries are gruesome and shocking.
Overall, this is a good addition to an excellent series, it’s a grim one and where indeed the guilty do cry ......
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Canelo for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
I really like this series which always feel authentic. The character of Ridpath is very likeable, he’s intuitive, famous for his hunches, hardworking and inspires loyalty in people like Sophie Rahman at the Coroners Office and Emily Parkinson and Chrissy Wright at MIT. Although Turnbull is deeply unlikeable as he’s brusque (polite word for rude) and ambitious, taking every opportunity to stab Ridpath in the back, their ‘battle’ does add a good element to the novels. I do hope the author has plans for Turnbull to get his comeuppance! Ridpath’s daughter Eve is a fabulous character, so smart and funny and I especially enjoy the dialogue between father and daughter. Their relationship also serves to demonstrate the dilemma of serving officers with the demands of family (particularly important here following the death of his wife) and the job pulling in the opposite direction.
The background of Covid making things extra hard with staff shortages and the pressure to deliver results yesterday with limited resources gives the books a realistic feeling. Although Covid is mentioned it’s not overplayed by any means I’m pleased to say. I enjoy the Coroner’s angle the books have now taken which makes them just a bit different from normal detective series. The storyline is interesting with plenty of twists, turns and blind alleys, the pace is good and the deeper you go you also feel Ridpath’s disquiet as it’s clear something very dark is at work. It’s a strange, perplexing and difficult case which begins to connect cleverly. The final discoveries are gruesome and shocking.
Overall, this is a good addition to an excellent series, it’s a grim one and where indeed the guilty do cry ......
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Canelo for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
September 4, 2021
The seventh book already in this series and I hope there will be many more to follow. After reading and reviewing the third book in this series, in 2020, I mentioned I would like to read more about Tom Ridpath, so I bought the other books. It is not necessary to read them in order but it helps with understanding Tom, or Ridpath as he prefers to be called, better. On the outside, he is a stubborn man who has difficulties to listen to his superiors and do the work exactly as they want him to do. In reality, he is a great detective, very dedicated but also very much in touch with his inner self. This inner self causes him problems because Paul Turnbull still hates him and Mrs Challinor is under big pressure herself when she has to arrange for an inquest with very short notice.
This book follows a by now recognisable pattern, where Ridpath tries to satisfy both Mrs Challinor and Paul Turnbull, while working closely together with the people that do understand that police work is not all to do with procedures and figures and statistics. And in the meantime, he is having to deal still with the loss of his wife and the care for his teenage daughter.
This familiar pattern, together with the interesting and well-constructed plot and the writing skills of the author, make again for a great read. Cannot wait for the next book in this series!
Thanks to Netgalley for this review copy.
This book follows a by now recognisable pattern, where Ridpath tries to satisfy both Mrs Challinor and Paul Turnbull, while working closely together with the people that do understand that police work is not all to do with procedures and figures and statistics. And in the meantime, he is having to deal still with the loss of his wife and the care for his teenage daughter.
This familiar pattern, together with the interesting and well-constructed plot and the writing skills of the author, make again for a great read. Cannot wait for the next book in this series!
Thanks to Netgalley for this review copy.
August 25, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Ghost Hunters are making a film at the site of an old children’s home that was closed and abandoned many years ago. The ‘hunters’ come across a hidden rucksack, inside are three severed hands.
DI Ridpath is called as part of his investigations for the Major Investigation Team (MIT) a job he shares alongside his Coroners Office work. The hands are from three different people, two males and a young female. Because they have been there for some time, he is given just a few days to work the case or it will be passed onto the Cold Case Unit.
Ridpath is already working on a case for the Coroners Office too, that of a sixteen-year-old girl who went missing in 2009. Her parents are after a Presumption of Death certificate as her mother has terminal cancer and wants closure before she dies.
It soon comes to light that the two cases could be connected, but with circumstantial evidence, his bosses on both sides want these cases closing, and Ridpath is running out of time fast.
Author M J Lee is back with the seventh instalment of his DI Ridpath series set in Manchester, UK. Ridpath is feeling overworked and underappreciated as he races to close the case of the severed hands and to make sure that there is no evidence that the young girl who went missing in 2009 is still alive so a Presumption of Death certificate can be given to her family.
Just like the previous six books I was gripped to this one reading it in just two sittings. I absolutely adore this series and look forward to every new book. Ridpath is an old-school detective who not only relies on the intelligence and data but his instincts too, something which gets up the noses of one of his bosses at MIT who hasn’t a good word to say about him and would love nothing more to be rid of him.
The pacing of the book didn’t feel quite a fast as the previous six, but I suspect that this is to do with the cases both being old, even if the hands had just been discovered. The secondary characters who work alongside Ridpath were back and as usual, we also get short chapters that do not feature Ridpath, normally from the killer he is hunting, this time they are from a missing person.
If you love realistic, captivating police procedural/detective thrillers then this is the series to pick up. When the Guilty Cry was an immersive read that was so amazing, addictive, and twisty. It had me rushing through the pages confident that Ridpath would work out both the cases, although one of them did come as a shock and wasn’t the outcome he was expecting. Now bring on book eight!!
Ghost Hunters are making a film at the site of an old children’s home that was closed and abandoned many years ago. The ‘hunters’ come across a hidden rucksack, inside are three severed hands.
DI Ridpath is called as part of his investigations for the Major Investigation Team (MIT) a job he shares alongside his Coroners Office work. The hands are from three different people, two males and a young female. Because they have been there for some time, he is given just a few days to work the case or it will be passed onto the Cold Case Unit.
Ridpath is already working on a case for the Coroners Office too, that of a sixteen-year-old girl who went missing in 2009. Her parents are after a Presumption of Death certificate as her mother has terminal cancer and wants closure before she dies.
It soon comes to light that the two cases could be connected, but with circumstantial evidence, his bosses on both sides want these cases closing, and Ridpath is running out of time fast.
Author M J Lee is back with the seventh instalment of his DI Ridpath series set in Manchester, UK. Ridpath is feeling overworked and underappreciated as he races to close the case of the severed hands and to make sure that there is no evidence that the young girl who went missing in 2009 is still alive so a Presumption of Death certificate can be given to her family.
Just like the previous six books I was gripped to this one reading it in just two sittings. I absolutely adore this series and look forward to every new book. Ridpath is an old-school detective who not only relies on the intelligence and data but his instincts too, something which gets up the noses of one of his bosses at MIT who hasn’t a good word to say about him and would love nothing more to be rid of him.
The pacing of the book didn’t feel quite a fast as the previous six, but I suspect that this is to do with the cases both being old, even if the hands had just been discovered. The secondary characters who work alongside Ridpath were back and as usual, we also get short chapters that do not feature Ridpath, normally from the killer he is hunting, this time they are from a missing person.
If you love realistic, captivating police procedural/detective thrillers then this is the series to pick up. When the Guilty Cry was an immersive read that was so amazing, addictive, and twisty. It had me rushing through the pages confident that Ridpath would work out both the cases, although one of them did come as a shock and wasn’t the outcome he was expecting. Now bring on book eight!!
August 31, 2021
This is the 7th book in the DI Ridpath series and it still has me hooked. I really enjoy this series, mainly due to the main character DI Ridpath. Ridpath had his career halted when he was suffering from a serious illness and was almost forced out of the police force. He manages to hold on to his job by taking on a role at the Coroners office.
In this latest offering three severed hands are uncovered on a film site at an old children’s home that was closed and abandoned many years ago. DI Ridpath is called on as part of his investigations for the Major Investigation Team (MIT) a job he shares alongside his Coroners Office work. The hands are from three different people, two males and a young female. Because they have been there for some time, he is given just a few days to work the case or it will be passed onto the Cold Case Unit.
In his role at at the Coroners Office he is working on the case of a sixteen-year-old girl who went missing in 2009. Her parents are after a Presumption of Death certificate as her mother has terminal cancer and wants closure before she dies. Ridpath’s investigations uncover that the two cases may be connected, but this is not a popular theory as his bosses are keen to close both cases ASAP.
This is another enjoyable read and this series goes from strength to strength. Great characters and well written plots make this one of my favourite series.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
In this latest offering three severed hands are uncovered on a film site at an old children’s home that was closed and abandoned many years ago. DI Ridpath is called on as part of his investigations for the Major Investigation Team (MIT) a job he shares alongside his Coroners Office work. The hands are from three different people, two males and a young female. Because they have been there for some time, he is given just a few days to work the case or it will be passed onto the Cold Case Unit.
In his role at at the Coroners Office he is working on the case of a sixteen-year-old girl who went missing in 2009. Her parents are after a Presumption of Death certificate as her mother has terminal cancer and wants closure before she dies. Ridpath’s investigations uncover that the two cases may be connected, but this is not a popular theory as his bosses are keen to close both cases ASAP.
This is another enjoyable read and this series goes from strength to strength. Great characters and well written plots make this one of my favourite series.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2021
DI Thomas Ridpath #7
Three embalmed hands are discovered in a disused Victorian house. Is it the work of a cult? Or a gangland ritual? And what happened to the rest of their bodies? DI Thomas Ridpath is told to investigate. At the same time, the Coroner needs to issue a Presumption of Death certificate on a teenage girl who vanished eleven years ago in mysterious circumstances. What happened to her? Where did she go? When another woman disappears, this time a local councillor, Ridpath is under immense pressure to solve the case before another person vanishes.
When a film crew and a group of ghost hunters go looking into a Victorian house that has once been an orphanage, they found a backpack with three severed hands inside. DI Thomas Ridpath is tasked with trying to identify who the hands belong to. He is also trying to find out if a young girl who went missing eleven years ago, is now dead. Is there a connection to these cases?
This is a really good series. This is a well written book that will keep you guessing. Ridpath is still working for the Coroners office while looking after his twelve year old daughter. As always, there's a lot going going the book but it still held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Canelo and the author #MJLee for my ARC of #WhenTheGuiltyCry in exchange for an honest review.
Three embalmed hands are discovered in a disused Victorian house. Is it the work of a cult? Or a gangland ritual? And what happened to the rest of their bodies? DI Thomas Ridpath is told to investigate. At the same time, the Coroner needs to issue a Presumption of Death certificate on a teenage girl who vanished eleven years ago in mysterious circumstances. What happened to her? Where did she go? When another woman disappears, this time a local councillor, Ridpath is under immense pressure to solve the case before another person vanishes.
When a film crew and a group of ghost hunters go looking into a Victorian house that has once been an orphanage, they found a backpack with three severed hands inside. DI Thomas Ridpath is tasked with trying to identify who the hands belong to. He is also trying to find out if a young girl who went missing eleven years ago, is now dead. Is there a connection to these cases?
This is a really good series. This is a well written book that will keep you guessing. Ridpath is still working for the Coroners office while looking after his twelve year old daughter. As always, there's a lot going going the book but it still held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Canelo and the author #MJLee for my ARC of #WhenTheGuiltyCry in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2021
When the Guilty Cry is the seventh instalment in the Detective Inspector Thomas Ridpath series, set in Manchester. Ridpath currently splits his time between employment at the Coroner’s Office working alongside Mrs Challoner and his job on the Major Investigation Team where his actions are dictated by the irascible DCI Paul Turnbull. Manchester Police have been placed under special measures meaning resources are far more scarce which includes both staff and capital, but the investigations must carry on regardless. MIT are called in to investigate when those behind a well-liked British Ghosthunting podcast visit Daisy House Children's Home and, much to their horror, discover a great deal more than paranormal activity. The fact that the evil Jimmy Savile had volunteered there should give you an idea about the safety of its little ones. Known for horrific abuse, neglect and mistreatment of the children living within its four walls, the home had been subject to Operation Pharoah, a sprawling investigation into the claims made against its staff and the suspected misdeeds of those managing it, however, the evidence wasn't as fruitful as once believed and only four people were convicted of their crimes.
The crew of the podcast are naturally visiting at night during the witching hour to try to catch the most activity, but they quickly stumble across a hidden backpack in the abandoned and somewhat dilapidated building. They open it to discover, concealed inside, 3 embalmed human hands - two male and one female. The Senior Investigating Officer on the case is the close to retirement DS Dave Connor who asks Ridpath to come along for the ride. However, they have been given only a few days to make progress and given the state of the police force after the recent measures, it is going to take a miracle. Not to mention Ridpath has an ongoing case he is already committed to for Challoner. He is investigating the disappearance of 16-year-old Jenny Ryder who vanished in 2009 and was never seen again. James and Maureen her long-suffering parents have decided to request a Presumption of Death certificate to bring some much-needed closure after all this time. It is needed stat because Maureen is terminally ill. But, amazingly, while looking into both cases, Ridpath realises that they are connected and each has its origins at Daisy House where a spate of disappearances occurred in the years in which it was functional.
This is a captivating, multilayered addition to a brilliant series that grows stronger with each passing instalment, and this one is no exception. Ridpath’s job has been made difficult for quite some time by his superior, Turnbull, shooting him down at every turn and using any and every opportunity to get him ousted from the force, but now, on top of that, the cuts in funding mean less manpower resulting in each detective having to take on more work than usual. Ridpath is an engaging old school protagonist who is likeable and intuitive, and this creates a realism and authenticity that is echoed in the plot, too. Admittedly, it does begin at a steadier pace than previous books, but it soon picks up and with the lift in speed comes the ratcheting up of the tension. It's absorbing and exhilarating from beginning through to denouement as the police toil away under pressure to get justice, and the ample twists, turns and masterful use of misdirection repeatedly throw a spanner in the works for any reader hoping to land a guess on where the story is heading. Another immersive and compelling thrill ride with plenty of cold case crime to get your teeth into as well as office politics and bureaucracy all swaddled in a rich atmosphere. Highly recommended.
The crew of the podcast are naturally visiting at night during the witching hour to try to catch the most activity, but they quickly stumble across a hidden backpack in the abandoned and somewhat dilapidated building. They open it to discover, concealed inside, 3 embalmed human hands - two male and one female. The Senior Investigating Officer on the case is the close to retirement DS Dave Connor who asks Ridpath to come along for the ride. However, they have been given only a few days to make progress and given the state of the police force after the recent measures, it is going to take a miracle. Not to mention Ridpath has an ongoing case he is already committed to for Challoner. He is investigating the disappearance of 16-year-old Jenny Ryder who vanished in 2009 and was never seen again. James and Maureen her long-suffering parents have decided to request a Presumption of Death certificate to bring some much-needed closure after all this time. It is needed stat because Maureen is terminally ill. But, amazingly, while looking into both cases, Ridpath realises that they are connected and each has its origins at Daisy House where a spate of disappearances occurred in the years in which it was functional.
This is a captivating, multilayered addition to a brilliant series that grows stronger with each passing instalment, and this one is no exception. Ridpath’s job has been made difficult for quite some time by his superior, Turnbull, shooting him down at every turn and using any and every opportunity to get him ousted from the force, but now, on top of that, the cuts in funding mean less manpower resulting in each detective having to take on more work than usual. Ridpath is an engaging old school protagonist who is likeable and intuitive, and this creates a realism and authenticity that is echoed in the plot, too. Admittedly, it does begin at a steadier pace than previous books, but it soon picks up and with the lift in speed comes the ratcheting up of the tension. It's absorbing and exhilarating from beginning through to denouement as the police toil away under pressure to get justice, and the ample twists, turns and masterful use of misdirection repeatedly throw a spanner in the works for any reader hoping to land a guess on where the story is heading. Another immersive and compelling thrill ride with plenty of cold case crime to get your teeth into as well as office politics and bureaucracy all swaddled in a rich atmosphere. Highly recommended.
September 22, 2021
This is a brilliant series.
It was great to catch up with DI Ridpath as he juggled his coroner’s office role along with a murder investigation once again.
Three hands were discovered in a derelict children’s home but the rest of the bodies are nowhere to be found.
The hands are all right hands, belonging to three different people and Ridpath is asked to get to the bottom of this find.
Alongside this he’s been asked to make some enquiries into a girl who has been missing for eleven years, as her parents want her declared dead.
Ridpath gets a bit of help from his superior, but Turnbull is not happy. He wants Ridpath to leave MIT and does all he can to push him out.
With time running out, Ridpath and the team pull out all the stops to find the killer.
This is a brilliant crime thriller and I’m a huge fan of the series.
I can’t wait to read the next book.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
It was great to catch up with DI Ridpath as he juggled his coroner’s office role along with a murder investigation once again.
Three hands were discovered in a derelict children’s home but the rest of the bodies are nowhere to be found.
The hands are all right hands, belonging to three different people and Ridpath is asked to get to the bottom of this find.
Alongside this he’s been asked to make some enquiries into a girl who has been missing for eleven years, as her parents want her declared dead.
Ridpath gets a bit of help from his superior, but Turnbull is not happy. He wants Ridpath to leave MIT and does all he can to push him out.
With time running out, Ridpath and the team pull out all the stops to find the killer.
This is a brilliant crime thriller and I’m a huge fan of the series.
I can’t wait to read the next book.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
December 28, 2021
I absolutely love the Ridpath books, this one was faced paced following Ridpath at his bath juggling two cases and now single dad after the lose of his wife. This book touches slightly on the death of his wife so I give a chance to be read as a stand alone, however I would recommend starting from the beginning with this series as Ridpath truly is a great character to follow. The plot was well researched and I felt this was the best book to date
September 14, 2021
My thanks to NetGalley and publisher Canelo for the electronic copy.
Now, this is #7 in the DI Ridpath series, and I've read them all and thoroughly enjoyed them. However, I felt a little disappointed with this one. Yes, once again, Ridpath and Chief Inspector Turnbull are at loggerheads, and Claire Trent is still trying to make the best of a bad job; Ridpath is still trying to balance his work with his teenaged daughter and, again, he's up against the clock as he tries to connect two cases between the Coroner and MIT.
Jane Ryder was 16yrs-old when she disappeared in 2009. Her elderly parents have requested a Presumption of Death certificate from the Coroner. Meanwhile, a film crew had visited the derelict Daisy Nook Children's Home on a ghost hunt where the presenter uncovered a secret compartment. A rucksack containing three severed right hands - one female, two male, was discovered. As Ridpath examines the case of Jane Ryder for the Coroner, DCI Turnbull convinces Claire Trent to use Ridpath on the case of the severed hands.
During his investigations Ridpath becomes convinced there is actually a connection between the two cases - but he's running out of time.
Once again, everything comes together at the very last moment for Ridpath - too late for some though......
This was a good story, but I just didn't like the pages of "dry" case forms exemplified in the narrative - definitely not needed, and I felt the amount of technical detail involved in DNA extraction equally extraneous.
So, M J Lee, I think you've let me down on this one - but of course that's just my opinion!
Now, this is #7 in the DI Ridpath series, and I've read them all and thoroughly enjoyed them. However, I felt a little disappointed with this one. Yes, once again, Ridpath and Chief Inspector Turnbull are at loggerheads, and Claire Trent is still trying to make the best of a bad job; Ridpath is still trying to balance his work with his teenaged daughter and, again, he's up against the clock as he tries to connect two cases between the Coroner and MIT.
Jane Ryder was 16yrs-old when she disappeared in 2009. Her elderly parents have requested a Presumption of Death certificate from the Coroner. Meanwhile, a film crew had visited the derelict Daisy Nook Children's Home on a ghost hunt where the presenter uncovered a secret compartment. A rucksack containing three severed right hands - one female, two male, was discovered. As Ridpath examines the case of Jane Ryder for the Coroner, DCI Turnbull convinces Claire Trent to use Ridpath on the case of the severed hands.
During his investigations Ridpath becomes convinced there is actually a connection between the two cases - but he's running out of time.
Once again, everything comes together at the very last moment for Ridpath - too late for some though......
This was a good story, but I just didn't like the pages of "dry" case forms exemplified in the narrative - definitely not needed, and I felt the amount of technical detail involved in DNA extraction equally extraneous.
So, M J Lee, I think you've let me down on this one - but of course that's just my opinion!
October 27, 2021
Hope this isn't my final read of this series!
Another fabulous mystery for Ridpath and his close colleagues, great in depth policing spoilt by the presence of the obnoxious Turnbull who gets away with stealing other people's work for his own quest to reach the top.
Sorry but he's really grating on my nerves and spoiling my enjoyment of this series, I'm sure there are people in real life like him, but to continually get away with his bullying and dishonesty is not what I want in fiction.
Its a shame as its another fabulous storyline and plot, not sure I can stomach another book with the spiteful antics of a so called up-holder of the law though!
Another fabulous mystery for Ridpath and his close colleagues, great in depth policing spoilt by the presence of the obnoxious Turnbull who gets away with stealing other people's work for his own quest to reach the top.
Sorry but he's really grating on my nerves and spoiling my enjoyment of this series, I'm sure there are people in real life like him, but to continually get away with his bullying and dishonesty is not what I want in fiction.
Its a shame as its another fabulous storyline and plot, not sure I can stomach another book with the spiteful antics of a so called up-holder of the law though!
March 13, 2022
Good book had me gripped from beginning to end
August 28, 2022
These books are simply brilliant while heartily recommended
September 25, 2021
DI Thomas Ridpath is back with two cases; first, a teenage girl reported missing eleven years ago & never heard from again, and second, three severed hands found in a backpack hidden in an abandoned childrens' home which was called Daisy Nook. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the two cases are connected, & Ridpath is put under pressure from both the Coroner's Office & MIT to solve the cases in less than a week.
Although the pace of this book is slower than the previous books, it in no way detracts from the plot. The two cases slowly dovetail together, & Ridpath has to use all his experience to fend off the machinations of DCI Turnbull. There's also time to see the ups & downs in Ridpath's relationship with his daughter which, following his wife's death, has become a little fractious at times. Nods to recent events are also included without them becoming tiresome. I really enjoyed reading it.
Thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Canelo, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Although the pace of this book is slower than the previous books, it in no way detracts from the plot. The two cases slowly dovetail together, & Ridpath has to use all his experience to fend off the machinations of DCI Turnbull. There's also time to see the ups & downs in Ridpath's relationship with his daughter which, following his wife's death, has become a little fractious at times. Nods to recent events are also included without them becoming tiresome. I really enjoyed reading it.
Thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Canelo, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
November 17, 2021
Very enjoyable series
I very much enjoy this series as it’s a great blend of crime and the characters personal stories. This one definitely kept me guessing with the crime story, it could have gone a couple of ways with some nice twists in the story and I definitely didn’t guess this ending! Rod path is a great character, he had his faults, tries to do his best for family, health and work but often has to chose one over the other. Will always be looking forward to the next one.
I very much enjoy this series as it’s a great blend of crime and the characters personal stories. This one definitely kept me guessing with the crime story, it could have gone a couple of ways with some nice twists in the story and I definitely didn’t guess this ending! Rod path is a great character, he had his faults, tries to do his best for family, health and work but often has to chose one over the other. Will always be looking forward to the next one.
October 16, 2021
Ridpath wins another
Enjoy these books very much. Have read all seven and looking forward to number 8, I hope. Plotted well. I enjoy them because I never figure out the ending before Ridpath.
Enjoy these books very much. Have read all seven and looking forward to number 8, I hope. Plotted well. I enjoy them because I never figure out the ending before Ridpath.
February 20, 2022
Book no 7? How come I've never come across this author before!! I loved this book, DI Tom Ridpath is working for the coroner having been seconded by MITT. He is working on the case of a young girl Jane Ryder who vanished in 2009 after supposedly going to a rock festival. Her parents want her declared dead some 12 yrs after she vanished because her mother has terminal cancer. In the meantime a film crew are filming Ghost Hunters in an old children's home when they find a backpack filled with 3 right hands.
Ridpath is moved back to MITT to run the investigation because they are very short staffed like all police stations these days, due to governmental cutbacks. He has to straddle two jobs. He finds that the investigation into Jane Ryder's missing report is flawed and that the 3 right hands investigation is hampered by the poor recording and reporting, again, of the closed down childrens home in which he suspects some very unsavoury things were going on between the staff and the children. Other people are turning up missing or dead and Ridpath is being pulled into two directions, but then he begins to think they are one and the same investigation.
It gets quite tense and I rather like Tom Ridpath as he is a single parent, caring for his 12 yr old daughter, and his wife was shot on their doorstep a year or so before. He comes across as a steady pair of hands and a caring compassionate block, who is also a very good organiser!
I want to read the previous 6 books in the series so when the storm winds have died down this week I will make a trip to my local library and see what they have in stock! Or I could just reserve them!!
Ridpath is moved back to MITT to run the investigation because they are very short staffed like all police stations these days, due to governmental cutbacks. He has to straddle two jobs. He finds that the investigation into Jane Ryder's missing report is flawed and that the 3 right hands investigation is hampered by the poor recording and reporting, again, of the closed down childrens home in which he suspects some very unsavoury things were going on between the staff and the children. Other people are turning up missing or dead and Ridpath is being pulled into two directions, but then he begins to think they are one and the same investigation.
It gets quite tense and I rather like Tom Ridpath as he is a single parent, caring for his 12 yr old daughter, and his wife was shot on their doorstep a year or so before. He comes across as a steady pair of hands and a caring compassionate block, who is also a very good organiser!
I want to read the previous 6 books in the series so when the storm winds have died down this week I will make a trip to my local library and see what they have in stock! Or I could just reserve them!!
October 1, 2021
This is a readable mystery, featuring MIT DI Thomas Ridpath, who is seconded to the Coroner’s Office. Coroner Margaret Challinor and MIT Detective Superintendent Claire Trent each assign DI Ridpath a thorny case—both needing resolutions within the week. Case #1) a teen, who disappeared eleven years ago, must be declared dead. Case #2) solve the mystery of three severed hands found: in a backpack, in a hidden nook, in the dark, in a derelict house.
I usually enjoy MJ Lee’s books, but this one overemphasizes budgets, cost-cutting, time constraints, etc. I liked the severed hands mystery, but had problems with Jane Ryder’s disappearance and sudden need to be declared dead. The coroner has had this case for two months, but now, it’s blues and twos time. And DI Ridpath has a week to prove Jane is dead. Why? Ostensibly to set a dying mom’s mind at rest—even if she’s heavily sedated by powerful pain meds. Again, why? It’s because Mrs. Challinor accepts the “we don’t know how much time mom has left” line, without questions. I don’t get why the Coroner is monomaniacal about Ridpath’s deadline, because among other things, mom was able to walk to her office. At the least, Ridpath should’ve known better.
Warning: Semi-sorta-spoiler.
Mom will die, but I dislike miraculous deathbed scenes. Or crime fiction turning fantastical. I am sorry, MJ Lee. I blame my mostly medical-ish background for my inability to suspend disbelief.
I usually enjoy MJ Lee’s books, but this one overemphasizes budgets, cost-cutting, time constraints, etc. I liked the severed hands mystery, but had problems with Jane Ryder’s disappearance and sudden need to be declared dead. The coroner has had this case for two months, but now, it’s blues and twos time. And DI Ridpath has a week to prove Jane is dead. Why? Ostensibly to set a dying mom’s mind at rest—even if she’s heavily sedated by powerful pain meds. Again, why? It’s because Mrs. Challinor accepts the “we don’t know how much time mom has left” line, without questions. I don’t get why the Coroner is monomaniacal about Ridpath’s deadline, because among other things, mom was able to walk to her office. At the least, Ridpath should’ve known better.
Warning: Semi-sorta-spoiler.
Mom will die, but I dislike miraculous deathbed scenes. Or crime fiction turning fantastical. I am sorry, MJ Lee. I blame my mostly medical-ish background for my inability to suspend disbelief.
January 3, 2022
The discovery of three severed hands in a backpack is shocking enough but post-mortem evidence says that the hands were severed after death and the hunt is now on for a serial killer. As DI Ridpath is handed this impossible case, he is also charged with investigating the disappearance of a 16 year old girl over ten years earlier. Her mother is dying and the family want a death certificate. In the middle of this Ridpath is also grieving his wife and trying to be a lone parent to a sparky 12 year old.
I have enjoyed the Ridpath series so far and this book was no exception. The plot pulls in many social topics - Covid, self-isolation, social services and child welfare - as well as being an excellently plotted novel. It's not the most complex book in the world but for a light and enjoyable read it certainly fits the bill.
I have enjoyed the Ridpath series so far and this book was no exception. The plot pulls in many social topics - Covid, self-isolation, social services and child welfare - as well as being an excellently plotted novel. It's not the most complex book in the world but for a light and enjoyable read it certainly fits the bill.
January 16, 2022
Exciting
Leave a day free to read this book because once you start you can't stop. When three severed hands are found DI Ridpath is put on the case. Along with handling a death verification of a missing girl, raising a teenager and keeping his health up, Ridpath is spread pretty thin. With the help from the usual group, they build a case that intertwine the two to an interesting conclusion. This fast pace story brings back the familiar characters along with a variety of new subjects. Great story.
Leave a day free to read this book because once you start you can't stop. When three severed hands are found DI Ridpath is put on the case. Along with handling a death verification of a missing girl, raising a teenager and keeping his health up, Ridpath is spread pretty thin. With the help from the usual group, they build a case that intertwine the two to an interesting conclusion. This fast pace story brings back the familiar characters along with a variety of new subjects. Great story.
September 26, 2021
Too many technical details and words from the medical examiners, a blank government form reproduced exactly, and stilted language make this a tiresome read. At one point the lead character returns home and doesn't hear his wife or daughter in the house. His wife has been dead for months or longer. So many problems that this may be my last Ridpath book. 2.5 stars rounded to 3 and that's a generous rating.
October 3, 2021
Another great book from M.J.Lee. I was enthralled by this book and could not put it down. Seemingly unrelated cases in Ridpaths work for the coroner and the MIT mean lots of work in different places . Set in the time of Covid , this book deals with that well.
Bit by bit, facts are revealed and cases solved with several twists and turns along the way.
Thank you to Net Galley for the read in exchange for an honest review
Bit by bit, facts are revealed and cases solved with several twists and turns along the way.
Thank you to Net Galley for the read in exchange for an honest review
February 24, 2022
This was my first Ridpath book, but it won't be the last. I plan to go back to the first book and read them in order.
I enjoyed the characters, they were well described and believable. The plot was good and I really liked the fact the Ridpath was working 2 cases, which I think will be more realistic than when they just have one to think about. The plot was engaging and I didn't foresee the ending.
I enjoyed the characters, they were well described and believable. The plot was good and I really liked the fact the Ridpath was working 2 cases, which I think will be more realistic than when they just have one to think about. The plot was engaging and I didn't foresee the ending.
April 15, 2022
Time is short
The story gives you a sense of the impending danger and a deadline. But there is also a feeling of justice corrupt. The politics of the police force. At home there is a daughter growing to fast and you never have enough time. Good read.
The story gives you a sense of the impending danger and a deadline. But there is also a feeling of justice corrupt. The politics of the police force. At home there is a daughter growing to fast and you never have enough time. Good read.
October 31, 2023
Good old Ridpath and Challinor can always be relied upon for a good read. A good story line that has interesting twists all of the way through.
As a general observation will readers in 30/40 years wonder why people wore masks to go out and about? Will COVID become a forgotten nightmare?
As a general observation will readers in 30/40 years wonder why people wore masks to go out and about? Will COVID become a forgotten nightmare?
November 22, 2023
Well thats the 7th book in the DI Ridpath series When The Guilty Cry by MJ Lee done & dusted, another amazing read, this series just gets better. Absolutely zoomed through this one, it was that good, only 2 days to read this, now to start book 8 When The Night Ends 😀
February 17, 2024
A page-turner
We read book 6 in our Murder Book Group and enjoyed it, so I wanted to find out more about Ridpath and his family. Glad I did as I enjoyed it, although I would have liked a more satisfactory ending.
We read book 6 in our Murder Book Group and enjoyed it, so I wanted to find out more about Ridpath and his family. Glad I did as I enjoyed it, although I would have liked a more satisfactory ending.
January 4, 2022
Book 7 in the Ridpath series, really enjoyed it. Always keeps you guessing until the end. Looking forward to book 8.
January 17, 2022
really enjoyed this. Set in Manchester area really helped as familiar with place names etc.
Believable character Ridpath, and all he worked with.
Will seek out author agai n
Believable character Ridpath, and all he worked with.
Will seek out author agai n
February 12, 2022
I enjoy this series and look forward to more
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