A Voice in the Night

DI Ryan Wilkins #4

by Simon Mason

Thames Valley has a new Superintendent - DCS Wainwright - young, charismatic and ruthless, charged with pushing through big reforms. Her in-tray is full of problems - and at the top of the pile is the problem of Wilkins and Wilkins.

Trailer park boy DI Ryan Wilkins, interesting looking in baggy trackies and over-large lime-green puffa. In his personnel file is a handwritten note scribbled by the outgoing Super: 'Do not, repeat not, give him responsibility.' And posh boy DI Ray Wilkins, improbably handsome in navy blazer and tan chinos: 'Thinks too highly of himself. More experience needed at the wet end.' Their previous investigations - though somehow successful - were models of disorder and dysfunction. The new Super needs to take action.

There's been a shocking murder in the heart of Oxford, the stabbing of a security guard during an attempted armed robbery. Meanwhile, an elderly professor of linguistics goes missing from his home in cosy Iffley Village.

The high-profile murder investigation can be safely handled by reliable detective DI Hare. The entry-level enquiry into the wandering academic can be given to the problem duo, with instructions to keep it simple. But when the body of the professor is found, still dressed in his pyjamas and dripping wet, spreadeagled on a hotel lawn miles from home, things get a little unexpected for the Wilkinses. Will Ray keep on top of the brief? Will Ryan keep it together?

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Procedural, British Literature

371 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2025

About the author

Simon Mason was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, on 5 February 1962. He was educated at local schools and studied English at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. He splits his time between writing at home and a part-time editorial position with David Fickling Books, an imprint of Random House and publisher of his 2011 children's novel, Moon Pie.

He is the author of the Quigleys series for young readers: The Quigleys (Highly Commended in the UK's Branford Boase Award), The Quigleys at Large, The Quigleys Not for Sale, and The Quigleys in a Spin. He has also written three adult novels.

Simon lives in Oxford with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[Shannon M (Canada) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me two days to read this book and three weeks to think about how to best write the review. It was a good read, as can be seen from my 5-star rating, but I wanted to be able to tell what impressed me without including "spoilers".

A VOICE IN THE NIGHT is #4 in the DI Ryan Wilkins and DI Ray Wilkins series. It can be read as a standalone but it really helps if you have some background knowledge about the two investigators. Ryan is white Oxford-born trailer trash. His alcoholic father beat him repeatedly until he ran away from home and, along with his girlfriend, became a drug addict. When his son, Little Ryan, was born, Ryan changed his life around. His girlfriend, unfortunately, could not, and died of a drug overdose. Ryan acts and dresses inappropriately for a police officer. Negative reviews of earlier books in the series have often mentioned that his behaviour is so inappropriate that he never would made it to DI status in the real world. This is true, but part of the charm of this series is that it is, to a certain degree, a farce. Ryan is so ridiculous, so outrageous, that when his actions produce positive results—i.e., the villain is caught—it seems counterintuitive.

Ray Wilkins is black Oxford-educated Nigerian "royalty", a man whose immigrant father has pushed him to succeed. He acts and dresses exactly right for a police officer seeking to rise in the ranks. Initially he detested Ryan, but since the two have worked several cases together, and successfully solved them, he has come to feel more positively towards him—maybe not exactly "a good friend" but they now have a satisfactory working relationship.

As previously stated, the series is partially a farce, but it is also a police procedural and consequently also about solving murder cases. In A VOICE IN THE NIGHT the case involves the murder of a linguistics professor, who was found several miles from his home—in his pyjamas. Ryan and Ray are assigned this case by their new supervisor, DCS Rebecca Wainwright, a woman who expects excellence and rule-following (and to be called "Sir", not "Ma'am").

As Ryan and Ray continue their investigation, the murder case becomes more complex, with several unexpected twists. Plus, Ryan gets involved in an unrelated situation connected to a young man linked to a shoplifting ring, someone who has threatened Ryan's sister; yet this young man also reminds Ryan of himself when he was young and mixed up.

As the story progressed, I felt it was a strong 4-star read—comic interludes, with Ryan in full ridiculous action, interspersed with a serious investigation of the mystery surrounding the life and death of Professor Joe Emmett, complicated by the difficulty Ryan has in following DCS Wainwright's rules. Then, around the 65% mark, things changed. It was like a punch in the gut when new information was introduced—several different types of new information, one after another—altering my previously formed perceptions (and expectations). And that is all I can say without getting into spoiler territory. But that punch in the gut brought this novel up from a four-star read, for me, to a five-star one.

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My reviews for earlier books in this series:
A Killing in November (DI Ryan Wilkins, # 1)
A Broken Afternoon (DI Ryan Wilkins, #2)
Lost and Never Found (DI Ryan Wilkins, #3)
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[Julia Buckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series since A KILLING IN NOVEMBER, and I have become a huge fan of Simon Mason's writing. His deft character portraits make me concerned for even minor characters, but I absolutely love Ryan Wilkins, and his son Little Ryan. Readers must have told Mason how much they love this boy because he has more dialogue in this title and every bit of it is perfect--it will either delight you or break your heart. Mason also provides more dimension to both Jade Wilkins and Ray Wilkins, and I found the plot compelling enough that I forgot my Saturday chore list and focused only on this wonderful mystery.

I hope Simon Mason NEVER loses Matt Addis as narrator, as his gift for making the characters come alive provide a rich and vibrant performance. Kudos to Simon Mason, and Matt Addis, and their respective publishers. Keep this series coming!

[Clbplym · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another excellent book and I enjoyed it even more than the previous ones as I listened to it and the voices ere brilliantly done. Ryan sounds hilarious. They are investigating the murder of an old man found miles from his home in his pyjamas despite not being very mobile. The two detectives make a bit of a hash of the investigation at first before everything falls into place. Their new boss has issues of her own and Ryan is constantly in danger of another disciplinary. There is a heart jerking moment in the middle which I won’t spoil. I really love this series.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dropped a star for animal abuse that was totally unnecessary. You don’t hit horses. For that matter you don’t hit animals period.
Other than that, it was a very good book with as usual excellent narration. I did figure out the killer early on, but it didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the book. Love the series, I’ve read all of them.

[Linda Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series and I think this is the best so far!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I never guessed who was the murderer so that gains this an extra star.
Again, I’m fed up with Ryan’s attitude and behaviour, his clothes sense too (I’m surprised he’s allowed to get away with this when he’s public facing) but he does get results. A bit long winded and I forgot who some of the characters were, but still enjoyable.
there were two crimes, one where some Dead Sea scrolls were to be stolen but weren’t, and another where an Arabist was murdered. They turned out to be linked because the Arabist was part of the theft, actually stealing what was the earliest John’s gospel writing, then he was killed in part because he wouldn’t pay the others a lot more once they realised that how it was worth and also because he was going to use his share to set up house with a young student. His partner drowned him when she found this out, after the others had attacked him

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oxford. An old man in pyjamas is found dead on the lawn of a hotel several miles from his home. A security guard has been murdered in a botched museum robbery. The first case is given to the two DIs Wilkins – wrong side of the tracks Ryan and Cambridge educated Ray. Oh, and there’s a new superintendent intent on shaking up the status quo.

The plot moves at a steady pace to begin with and there’s plenty of humour, it steps up a gear after the halfway mark when new information stands your understanding of events on its head. There are further twists before the end too which will have you questioning what you thought you knew.

This is the fourth in a series and although its stands on its own you’ll get more out of it if you’ve read the others and understand the evolving dynamic between the two Wilkins. It also develops the touching relationship between Ryan and his young son. Probably the most enjoyable of these so far.

[Reinhold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mit "A Voice in the Night" liefert Simon Mason den vierten Band seiner DI Wilkins-Reihe ab – und erreicht dabei ein neues Qualitätsniveau.

Sprachlich bleibt Mason gewohnt herausragend, doch diesmal überzeugt auch der Plot auf ganzer Linie. Besonders beeindruckend ist die Weiterentwicklung der Charaktere: Sie werden zu starken Trägern der Handlung und sind deutlich vielschichtiger und weniger klischeehaft als in den Vorgängerbänden. Was bereits in früheren Bändern bemerkenswert war, erreicht hier eine neue Reife.Auch die Handlung selbst bewegt sich auf einem höheren Niveau als zuvor.

Die Geschichte ist gut konstruiert und fesselt von Anfang bis Ende.

Für mich eindeutig der beste Roman der Reihe bisher. Mason zeigt hier, wozu er imstande ist, wenn alle Elemente perfekt zusammenspielen.

[Sandra Leivesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? I love the two DI Wilkins and I love little Ryan! This time they have a new Superintendent and another complex case to sole. The writing is brilliant and there are laugh out loud moments (always involving Ryan). Can't wait for the next one!

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Jake Maude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed. Had every component of a good crime novel, no real complaints so 5/5

[Jed Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although having two detectives called Wilkins is novel. They eventually triumph inspite of their contrasting styles. The end twist is clearly written.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan Wilkins the Goat

Probably the second best in the series, after book one

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great series of books with Thames Valley detectives Ray Wilkins and Ryan Wilkins who despite their identical last names, could not be more different. "Chalk and cheese" as Brits would say. The mysteries are well-plotted and characters fully drawn, but what engaged me most were the interactions between these two very unalike partners who were forced to collaborate and also find common ground. I was especially moved by the sweet exchanges between Ryan and his son-- Ryan Junior -- during their "conversations" and Ryan's deep
love for this boy and his desire to be a better father than his own had been. Just a wonderful book.

[Rosie Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series and the development of Ray and Ryan's relationship is highly entertaining.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the disaster of the last one, this is a very welcome return to the standard of the first two. Really enjoyed it.

[Oundle Crime]

I think the Ryan Wilkins novels by Simon Mason are rather special. Yes, they’re crime fiction. Yes, they’re knotty mysteries. But what always blows me away are the characters, and I always find myself caring about them ridiculously … even the villains sometimes. The first Ryan Wilkins novel (A Killing in November) was published in 2022 and since then, there’s been a Ryan Wilkins novel every year: The Broken Afternoon in 2023, Lost and Never Found in 2024, and now this – A Voice in the Night - which I absolutely loved.

Rebecca Wainwright is the new Detective Chief Superintendent at the Thames Valley Police. Cambridge-educated, ex-army and with multiple decorations, she starts her first morning in the job reviewing the files of DI Ryan Wilkins and DI Raymond Wilkins, which have been left for her by her predecessor. Wainwright, who has been tasked with reforming Thames Valley Police, quickly sees that both men could be considered ‘problem personnel’.

Thames Valley’s latest high-profile case is to investigate the killing of a security guard during an attempted armed robbery. Most of her detectives are tied up with this, so later that morning, when news comes in that a body has been discovered on a lawn outside a hotel near Oxford, she sends the Wilkinses. The dead man is identified as Professor Joe Emmett and, even though his body was found some distance from the river, he had drowned. Working out how the elderly and disabled Professor Emmett ended up dead on a lawn some miles away from his home, dressed only in his pyjamas and a dressing gown, is just one of the puzzles in what proves to be a complicated and interesting mystery.

My verdict
I mentioned before that, for me, it’s the characters in these books that make them sing. Ryan and Ray are, of course, centre stage. One a troubled, gobby man who has a serious problem with authority; the other, suave, sophisticated and driven by his professional and personal ambitions. They are beautifully drawn and believable. Oil and water maybe, but a compelling (and successful) duo.

In this book, Rebecca Wainwright starts as a bit of a cipher but by the end she, too, is someone you care for and want to know more about. Also in the mix are Oxford academics, the professor’s widow and various local criminals, all of whom you come to know quite well and find yourself empathising with. And threaded through the novel are Ryan and Ray’s families, who either add insights or charm to the story.

In places the plotting is a bit jerky, moving in unexpected directions, but I never found that distracting because I was completely absorbed in it all. Simon Mason really does have a knack for drawing people and places so everything comes to life. I’m not being very articulate about the joys of these books but it’s because it’s hard to explain. In many ways, A Voice in the Night is a straightforward murder mystery, and it’s a good one, which will keep you guessing. But, for me, it’s the people who make it come alive. This series has an appeal all of its own, so do give them a try.
Review by: Cornish Eskimo, Oundle Crime

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Voice in the Night by Simon Mason is a highly recommended procedural and investigative mystery. This is the fourth novel in the series featuring DI Ryan Wilkins but can be enjoyed as a standalone.

At St Aldates police station experienced incoming DCS Rebecca Wainwright is reading notes on her new team, specifically about partners DI Ryan Wilkins and DI Ray Wilkins. Dependable DI Hare is investigating the murder of a security guard at the Pelzer Institute of Egyptology, so when the call comes in concerning an elderly man found dead outside a hotel in Sandford, she assigns Ryan and Ray to the case. It becomes clear to Ryan quickly that this was no heart attack.

Then the pair learn that Greta Emmett was awaken by a call at 3:35 am alerting her that her husbands fall alarm had gone off. She can't find him anywhere in the house or yard and reported him missing. She arrives at the scene outside the hotel and identifies the dead man as her husband, Linguistics Professor Joe Emmett. Adding more concerns is the organized shoplifting at the Co-Op where Jade, Ryan's sister works. when Jade confronted the gang, they threatened Jade, her daughter, and Ryan's son, little Ryan.

A Voice in the Night is a well-written, expertly plotted, twisty, and sometimes humorous procedural. It keeps up a quick pace throughout as clues in the cases are logically followed and the investigations all become increasingly complicated. This is an excellent choice for those who enjoy procedurals and following the clues in the investigation.

Ryan and Ray are under pressure to prove themselves to their new DCS, a woman who expects excellence and rule following. Considering the complete opposites that they are, Ryan struggles with the expectations and Ray worries about following them. There is a nice integration of their personal lives into the plot and some earth-shattering disclosures.

Thanks to Mobius for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/1...

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Voice in the Night is the fourth in the DI Ryan Wilkins series. Once again, it’s a strong, well thought out police procedural with great fully fleshed out characters that doesn’t rely on action to be suspenseful.
Ryan is such a unique main character - brought up in a trailer park and lacking the social graces and political smarts, but with an innate intelligence that means he inevitably solves the case. His partner is his polar opposite - polished, educated at Oxford University, driven to succeed and seeing Ryan as a major impediment. They are the ultimate odd couple of police partners with a fragile working relationship. Now, Ryan is also dealing with a brand new DCS and she seems out to get him.
The current case involves the death of a professor - his body, still dressed in his pajamas, found miles away from home in the garden of a hotel.
There’s a lot of humor in the book but also a lot of heartwarming moments. Ryan is the sole parent of a four year old boy and is just a fabulous parent. Mason has once again gotten the mix of professional and personal plotlines exactly right.
I listen to this series and Matt Addis is just perfect as Ryan. He definitely adds a whole layer of enjoyment to the stories. Like Grover Gardner’s portrayal of Andy Carpenter, I think if I ever were to read one of these books, I’d still have Addis’ voice in my head.
My favorite quote of the book and one that perfectly sums up Ryan and how everyone reacts to him:
“Is it bad behavior or is it just bad manners? I always think there’s a bit in the English brain that goes off like a car alarm when someone says the wrong thing in what used to be called polite society.”
This book could probably work as a stand-alone, but the series is such a delight it pays to read them all.

[Maine Colonial · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a free advance digital review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

This fourth book in the DIs Ryan and Roy Wilkins series finds the two with a new DCS, the striking and ultra-cool Wainwright. She has big ambitions and isn’t about to have them derailed by the Wilkinses—who, she’s been warned by her outgoing predecessor are, respectively, not to be given responsibility under any circumstances, and a posh and self-satisfied fashion plate needing more experience “at the wet end.”

When, on DCS Wainwright’s first day, the incoming cases are a murder right in the center of Oxford, and an old man gone missing from his home, she chooses to give the latter to the Wilkinses. But when the old man, a retired linguistics professor is found dead, soaking wet, and splayed out in his pajamas and dressing gown on the lawn of a hotel miles from his home, it’s clear this is no simple case of a wandering elder.

One of the pleasures of this series is the mix of the police procedural and the personal and inner lives of Roy and Ryan. And in this new book, we find that all is not as it first appears with DCS Wainwright and some witnesses and suspects. The plot is deliciously twisty, as new clues are discovered that lead to shifts in perspectives.

This series is a real find that ought to be dramatized. I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary to read the books in order, so just grab one and read!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 A voice in the night - Simon Mason 📖

“There's been a shocking murder in the heart of Oxford, the stabbing of a security guard during an attempted armed robbery. Meanwhile, an elderly professor of linguistics goes missing from his home in cosy Iffley Village. The high-profile murder investigation can be safely handled by reliable detective DI Hare. The entry-level enquiry into the wandering academic can be given to the problem duo, with instructions to keep it simple. But when the body of the professor is found, still dressed in his pyjamas and dripping wet, spread-eagled on a hotel lawn miles from home, things get a little unexpected for the Wilkinses. Will Ray keep on top of the brief? Will Ryan keep it together?”

📚

The Wilkinses duo certainly are something to behold. A very interesting take on the dynamic duo if you will. Just when you think you know what to expect from them, they certainly take a turn for and with each other. Although despite their track record, trust that they'll get the job done. Despite Ray trying to keep Ryan as conventional as possible.

📚

I liked the introduction of the new Superintendent. I think she's a good match for the two Wilkinses. She's definitely what they need to attempt (Ryan) and stay (Ray) on the straight and narrow. This case was absolutely unexpected. It's 3.5 stars 🌟 from me!

[Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greta is woken in the middle of the night by a phonecall from the care team to say her husband's fall alarm has been triggered. She can't find him in the house and is shocked the next day when Ray and Ryan find his dead body miles away on a hotel lawn and worse still, he has been murdered.
I always snatch these books up as soon as they come out and can't wait to read them. Even though I find the idea that Ryan would survive on the police force for one day in real life completely implausible. But I'm now totally invested in the 2 officers and absolutely in love with little Ryan. The plots are always good, but it's the characters and their history together that makes this series special. I would disagree that this book can be read as a stand alone as a reader of just this one title would not get anywhere near the impact of the revelations without living through the first 3 books.

[Imlac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice recovery from the previous installment of the series, Lost and Never Found, which I derided. The writing, as usual with this author, is literate and even literary. The descriptions are evocative and the characters are distinctive and sharply drawn. And fortunately the plot is well-managed this time. It is complex, with misdirections and reversals, but absorbing and satisfyingly resolved.

Mason focuses attention on DI Ryan in this book, though DI Ray certainly plays his part in their relationship. Criminals, victims and police are, mostly, given interesting and plausible psychologies. I look forward to the continuation of this series.

[Simon Surtees · Rating 4 out of 5]

No.4 in the Wilkins saga

A Voice in the Night is the fourth in Oxford series by Simon Mason. It features the two DI’s Ray and Ryan Wilkins, no relations, but destined to be a team but with contrasting styles. This story is set amongst academics and the criminal underbelly they exploit for their subterfuge. We also have competing Cops, an ambitious Super, and everything you might expect from a well researched novel.
The story is more strung out than the other novels in the series, but is well told with fast-paced and, as ever, intelligent writing. If you new to this series I suggest you start with rhetorical novel as it will help you to understand his sympathy for Ryan’s character who is refreshingly off-beat.

[Stephanie Atchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope this isn’t the end…

When first introduced to Ryan and Ray, my expectation was that Ryan would have to do the changing—get some manners, some control, and some decent clothes. By the end of the third book i was hoping he wouldn’t change, but just stay alive for his boy. I don’t think I have ever read more beautiful language as Mr. Mason’s accounts of the moments between Ryan and Ry. Truth be told, I wasn’t crazy about Ray or Ryan in the first book but Mason’s artistry at revealing their brokenness and patching them up with duct tape while they doggedly pursued intricacies of complex cases made them heroes.
Best line: Don’t worry your heart, Daddy. I’m here now.

[Simon Alphonso · Rating 5 out of 5]

as good as expected

Simon Mason has written four books detailing the exploits of DI Wilkins x 2 and each one has humour, pathos, good story-telling and a need to be read.

His main two characters are joined in leading roles alongside the city of Oxford, where the stories are based.

The clothing of DI Ryan W sometimes stretches credulity but they provide context and reminders to the readers of who he is and what his background looked like.

I find the police procedural elements fascinating, even more so now that a new boss is in town.

Truly a new release into the series that needs to be read to be appreciated.

[David Borthwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be the fastest I have read a book this year. The book has quite short chapters which helps with the reading of it. The novel has all the usual mix of characters; the two main characters are the exact opposite of each other, Ray Wilkins is suave and cares about his appearance and has good manners, Ryan Wilkins couldn't care less how he looks or thinks, yet he is the one who notices things. My favourite character though is Ryans Four-year old son Ryan who loves to have a conversation. Highly recommended.

[Tom - Reader of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI’s Wilkins and Wilkins are back and under scrutiny as their new ‘boss’ isn’t exactly enamoured by them and the notes left from their predecessor aren’t glowing.

When a professor goes missing, it’s up to Ray and Ryan to investigate. This was an interesting case, probably the most captivating of the series so far and the character development was excellent. I connected with Ryan in ways I hadn’t before and the writing really did his arc justice.

I’m a big fan of this series, it’s getting better and momentum is on Mason’s side, I just don’t want to wait for the next one, give it me now!

[Richard Fletcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know that you have to suspend disbelief with this series - maybe it’s meant to be humorous - but even so this book stretched my credulity towards its end. I can just about accept Ryan’s lurid wardrobe but the wearing of shorts took it too far IMO, particularly for a character who’s in his early thirties. And what about (possible slight spoiler) that fall alarm that goes off when Emmet fall in the river, but not whilst he’s being violently assaulted- and falls and bangs his head on a table - shortly before.

An OK and diverting read up to that point.

[Laura Spira · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the earlier books in this series. The sparky relationship between the two Wilkinses continues to entertain and the author gets the Oxford geography right. But the plot, despite a final twist, is heavy handed. And as an elderly pedant I find myself increasingly irritated by authors - or copy editors - who cannot distinguish between "prone" and "supine", an error which occurs three times in this book. Although there is a clear plot set up for a further book, I think I'm done with this series.