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Ruthless-the-Killer Mysteries #1
Dead Ahead
Dead Ahead is a feel-good romp with funny scenes that could make you snort your coffee.Ruth is desperate for a fresh start, but a body in her shed, an inconvenient romantic attraction, and a secret childhood reputation as a ‘harbinger of death’ get in the way.
As they do…
Murder and mayhem mingle with matters of the heart as Ruth soon discovers the town holds buried secrets and scandals—some of which may even involve her own late father.
But when a close friend goes missing, and the police fear the worst, all Ruth can think about is unravelling the mystery and finding her friend.
Can Ruth solve the crime in time to save her friend? Will she succeed or will bad luck be the death of her?
As they do…
Murder and mayhem mingle with matters of the heart as Ruth soon discovers the town holds buried secrets and scandals—some of which may even involve her own late father.
But when a close friend goes missing, and the police fear the worst, all Ruth can think about is unravelling the mystery and finding her friend.
Can Ruth solve the crime in time to save her friend? Will she succeed or will bad luck be the death of her?
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2024
47 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Susan J. Bruce
4 books9 followersSusan J Bruce is a former veterinarian, turned award-winning author, seasoned copywriter and animal artist. Susan’s veterinary background invades her writing and animals run, fly, or crawl into nearly all of her tales. When Susan’s writing group challenged her to write a story that didn’t mention any animals—she failed! Susan lives in sunny South Australia with her husband, Marc, and their furred and feathered family. This currently includes an obstreperous rescue cockatiel and an irrepressible ShiChi (Shih Tzu x Chihuahua) who thinks her mission in life is to stop Susan writing.
'Dead Ahead' is Susan’s second novel and the first in her new 'Ruthless-the-Killer' lighthearted mystery series. Her first novel, 'Running Scared' was awarded the 2018 Caleb Prize for an unpublished manuscript.
Visit Susan at www.susanjbruce.com.
'Dead Ahead' is Susan’s second novel and the first in her new 'Ruthless-the-Killer' lighthearted mystery series. Her first novel, 'Running Scared' was awarded the 2018 Caleb Prize for an unpublished manuscript.
Visit Susan at www.susanjbruce.com.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 7, 2024
I mostly picked this up because an *Australian* cozy mystery is something a bit different! The “quick guide to Aussie lingo” at the start gave me a chuckle.
I had a good time reading this, it’s got all the right ingredients to set Ruth up as a reluctant amateur sleuth - and I’ll be interested in reading the next instalment - because I love mysteries about uncovering family secrets.
My only quibble with this one was that the murderer was given too many convenient skills - it felt a little out of step with the rest of the book - even if it did make for a rather action packed reveal.
I had a good time reading this, it’s got all the right ingredients to set Ruth up as a reluctant amateur sleuth - and I’ll be interested in reading the next instalment - because I love mysteries about uncovering family secrets.
My only quibble with this one was that the murderer was given too many convenient skills - it felt a little out of step with the rest of the book - even if it did make for a rather action packed reveal.
July 30, 2024
I enjoyed reading Dead Ahead, the first book in Susan J Bruce’s Ruthless-the-Killer Mysteries series set in South Australia. Ruth has inherited her father’s home in Pelican Bay, a sleepy coastal town that’s hiding many secrets.
Ruth has recently discovered that her sister is a consummate liar who created an unnecessary decade long estrangement between Ruth and their late father. As a result, Ruth has many unanswered questions about her family that she hopes to sort out when she visits Pelican Bay.
Ruth has also acquired an undeserved reputation as a harbinger of death, mainly as a consequence of her dysfunctional family and being bullied during her childhood. She logically knows it isn’t true, but the discovery of a dead body in her dad’s shed brings all her childhood emotional baggage to the surface.
The story opening has cute romcom elements and I loved how there’s a sweet romance that will run through the books in the series. Ruth is a sassy and modern girl who’s very Aussie in how she talks and thinks. The town is full of quirky Aussie characters who add humour in the story.
The story is a general market cozy mystery, and like most cozy’s, it’s a clean read with no explicit content. That said, it’s not a squeaky clean read. More conservative readers may find a few things in the story are a little bit too edgy for their tastes.
I loved the animals in the story and how they were often like side characters. I did pick the killer’s identity before the end, but it was more of a hunch from one obscure clue. I didn’t pick the hows and whys for the murder mystery and I kept turning the page to find out what happens next. I read the second half of the book very quickly.
An intriguing overarching series mystery is set up in Dead Ahead and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I recommend Dead Ahead to cozy mystery readers who like small town mystery series with a loveable amateur sleuth, memorable side characters, romcom story elements, and adorable animals who steal the limelight.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ruth has recently discovered that her sister is a consummate liar who created an unnecessary decade long estrangement between Ruth and their late father. As a result, Ruth has many unanswered questions about her family that she hopes to sort out when she visits Pelican Bay.
Ruth has also acquired an undeserved reputation as a harbinger of death, mainly as a consequence of her dysfunctional family and being bullied during her childhood. She logically knows it isn’t true, but the discovery of a dead body in her dad’s shed brings all her childhood emotional baggage to the surface.
The story opening has cute romcom elements and I loved how there’s a sweet romance that will run through the books in the series. Ruth is a sassy and modern girl who’s very Aussie in how she talks and thinks. The town is full of quirky Aussie characters who add humour in the story.
The story is a general market cozy mystery, and like most cozy’s, it’s a clean read with no explicit content. That said, it’s not a squeaky clean read. More conservative readers may find a few things in the story are a little bit too edgy for their tastes.
I loved the animals in the story and how they were often like side characters. I did pick the killer’s identity before the end, but it was more of a hunch from one obscure clue. I didn’t pick the hows and whys for the murder mystery and I kept turning the page to find out what happens next. I read the second half of the book very quickly.
An intriguing overarching series mystery is set up in Dead Ahead and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I recommend Dead Ahead to cozy mystery readers who like small town mystery series with a loveable amateur sleuth, memorable side characters, romcom story elements, and adorable animals who steal the limelight.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 18, 2024
Dead Ahead is the first book in The Ruthless the Killer Mystery series. I thought the series name was a typo when I first saw it, but it’s not: Ruth Smythe’s unfortunate nickname is Ruthless the Killer. It’s inaccurate (as she—and we—will learn). But, as Ruth says, logic rarely stands a chance against the ghosts of the past.
Ruth has returned to Australia from the USA to the stone cottage she has recently inherited from her father. She’s looking for peace and quiet, but events get in the way: she’s barely moved in before someone is murdered in her barn. And things basically go downhill from there.
Dead Ahead is the first book in what promises to be an enjoyable cozy mystery series. Sure, it has the inevitable “problem” of all cozy mystery series: the unrealistic ratio of murderers (and victims) to regular people (is there anyone still alive in Midsomer?). But let’s be honest—that’s why we read cozy mysteries.
Dead Ahead has everything cozy mystery readers want. A small town setting, complete with quirky townsfolk. A slow-burn not-there-yet promise of romance between Ruth and the local hunk. The ex-girlfriend. A whole cast of characters who could have motive for murder (or who could be future victims).
And it’s got the plucky and likeable amateur sleuth who may or may not solve the mystery (because to tell you would be a spoiler),but who certainly gets involved to the point she annoys the real investigators.
The story is set in Australia, and the setting definitely adds to the story. Dead Ahead does use Australian spelling and vocabulary, and the “Aussie lingo” defined at the beginning. The lingo isn’t forced into the story in a cliche stone-the-crows way, but in a way that reads as authentic to the characters and which doesn’t distract from the story.
Overall, Dead Ahead is an enjoyable read, recommended for cozy mystery fans.
Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
Ruth has returned to Australia from the USA to the stone cottage she has recently inherited from her father. She’s looking for peace and quiet, but events get in the way: she’s barely moved in before someone is murdered in her barn. And things basically go downhill from there.
Dead Ahead is the first book in what promises to be an enjoyable cozy mystery series. Sure, it has the inevitable “problem” of all cozy mystery series: the unrealistic ratio of murderers (and victims) to regular people (is there anyone still alive in Midsomer?). But let’s be honest—that’s why we read cozy mysteries.
Dead Ahead has everything cozy mystery readers want. A small town setting, complete with quirky townsfolk. A slow-burn not-there-yet promise of romance between Ruth and the local hunk. The ex-girlfriend. A whole cast of characters who could have motive for murder (or who could be future victims).
And it’s got the plucky and likeable amateur sleuth who may or may not solve the mystery (because to tell you would be a spoiler),but who certainly gets involved to the point she annoys the real investigators.
The story is set in Australia, and the setting definitely adds to the story. Dead Ahead does use Australian spelling and vocabulary, and the “Aussie lingo” defined at the beginning. The lingo isn’t forced into the story in a cliche stone-the-crows way, but in a way that reads as authentic to the characters and which doesn’t distract from the story.
Overall, Dead Ahead is an enjoyable read, recommended for cozy mystery fans.
Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
July 16, 2024
Ruth moves to Australia for a fresh start. She inherits a falling down house from her late father. Her best friend lives near where her father house is so she photoshopped the house to make it look nice so Ruth would come. Once Ruth gets there she finds it needs major repairs, like a new roof and damaged walls. Then she finds a dead body in her shed and police suspects she killed him so Ruth sets out to prove she is innocent. Her reputation as a murder magnet follows her and town folks are no longer
friendly to her.
This is the type of book that is hard to put down It has both romance and mystery. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it. Excellent read can’t wait for her next book.
I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free, and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review
friendly to her.
This is the type of book that is hard to put down It has both romance and mystery. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it. Excellent read can’t wait for her next book.
I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free, and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review
February 5, 2025
This was a page turner I could not put it down. Starting with a childhood trauma Ruth has been wrongly named Ruthless the Killer because death appears to happen around her. A childhood friend, her beloved Grandfather, her Grandmother and the list goes on. She runs away to a new life after her fiance is missing and now the police say he is dead although no body was found. She has changed her name several times and now has went back to her original when she learns her father has died and she inherits the family home. Now a person is dead in her shed and she hardly knew him. The curse is back although she meets a new guy on the plane home and disaster after disaster seems to follow her around. I loved this book and finished in a day since I could not stop reading. I enjoyed this book and I recommend it.
August 2, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery set in a seaside community in South Australia. It was easy to quickly feel drawn into the lives of the towns' residents, their warmth and humor, their passion for their small businesses, their loyalty to the town. Then a murder makes everyone a suspected killer, everyone's possible motives are dug up, and long-hidden secrets are brought into the light.
But friends stick together, risking everything to find the murderer. Their humor still bubbles over, and romance blossoms. Tangled in and around the human characters are quirky dogs and cats, who add another layer to a very satisfying story.
But friends stick together, risking everything to find the murderer. Their humor still bubbles over, and romance blossoms. Tangled in and around the human characters are quirky dogs and cats, who add another layer to a very satisfying story.
August 7, 2024
Great Read
There are times when I’m in the right place at the right time and discover new authors, the author of Dead Ahead being no exception. She offered me an ARC copy which I accepted but once I discovered it was going to be in KU I knew I had to snap up an official copy. I’ve even added the paperback to my wish list for Christmas so hopefully hubby gets the hint ;)
Dead Ahead has everything a cosy mystery with a hint of romance needs, not to mention its setting which is marvellous. I’ll be in South Australia next week and I’m hoping if I have enough time I can go to at least one location!
Please snag your own copy of Dead Ahead and enjoy this entertaining read…
There are times when I’m in the right place at the right time and discover new authors, the author of Dead Ahead being no exception. She offered me an ARC copy which I accepted but once I discovered it was going to be in KU I knew I had to snap up an official copy. I’ve even added the paperback to my wish list for Christmas so hopefully hubby gets the hint ;)
Dead Ahead has everything a cosy mystery with a hint of romance needs, not to mention its setting which is marvellous. I’ll be in South Australia next week and I’m hoping if I have enough time I can go to at least one location!
Please snag your own copy of Dead Ahead and enjoy this entertaining read…
September 1, 2024
This was a fun book. A murder mystery with a will they wont they romantic tension running through it.
The characters were well developed and all very lovable. As a seasoned Cabot Cove enthusiast I love the authors recreation of the small town vibe, even with a murderer in their midst. I really want to read the next one and see what happens with Ruth and Dan. I'll be honest I didnt really have it figured out so I love it when its never any of the characters you suspect.
A good lighthearted spot of murder and romance
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters were well developed and all very lovable. As a seasoned Cabot Cove enthusiast I love the authors recreation of the small town vibe, even with a murderer in their midst. I really want to read the next one and see what happens with Ruth and Dan. I'll be honest I didnt really have it figured out so I love it when its never any of the characters you suspect.
A good lighthearted spot of murder and romance
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2025
Great story
Right from the start, Ruth got into trouble. What were the chances that she would fall into the lap of a handsome stranger on the plane that was taking her to her new life? That the stranger would turn out to be Dan, a new friend who offered kindness and acceptance, was the perfect beginning to a story that had so many twists and turns. How many times did Ruth think she had solved the mystery? How many false guesses did I have to make before I worked out who was behind the drama? Just enough to keep me racing to the next chapter.
The ending was great. Plenty of danger and drama, and the promise of more. I am looking forward to reading Book 2 :D
Right from the start, Ruth got into trouble. What were the chances that she would fall into the lap of a handsome stranger on the plane that was taking her to her new life? That the stranger would turn out to be Dan, a new friend who offered kindness and acceptance, was the perfect beginning to a story that had so many twists and turns. How many times did Ruth think she had solved the mystery? How many false guesses did I have to make before I worked out who was behind the drama? Just enough to keep me racing to the next chapter.
The ending was great. Plenty of danger and drama, and the promise of more. I am looking forward to reading Book 2 :D
July 30, 2024
This book was just fun. Easy to read in a few days and comforting when I was feeling ill. There were twists and turns that might be cute cats, weird and fun characters turning up in odd places, and plenty of creepy dangerous moments.
For people who get itchy brains when reading books full of typos and grammatical errors I'll say you're very safe- I know found 4 and it thus was highly readable from that point of view too.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For people who get itchy brains when reading books full of typos and grammatical errors I'll say you're very safe- I know found 4 and it thus was highly readable from that point of view too.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 28, 2024
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This novel is set in a country town complete with a range of interesting characters. The meet cute is funny and there is a series of funny romantic scenes. But the main theme involves solving the murder case of the dead body discovered in her shed.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy suspense, mystery, rom-com and Australian writing.
This novel is set in a country town complete with a range of interesting characters. The meet cute is funny and there is a series of funny romantic scenes. But the main theme involves solving the murder case of the dead body discovered in her shed.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy suspense, mystery, rom-com and Australian writing.
August 20, 2024
Talk about pulling you in! I stayed up way past my bedtime for two nights in a row in order to finish this book, which, more often, than not, made my pulses pound. As a special side note: whenever there`s mention of an animal, the author especially shines – no wonder, since she is a former veterinarian.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 16, 2024
This is the first in the series. The main character is Ruth. Ruth is left a house by her dad. She goes there and hope to start a new future and lose the old one. On the plane she meets Dan and knows he is trouble for her heart. But then someone is murdered in her back yard and a few days later her best friend goes missing. Ruth knows she has to figure this all out before it's too late for her friends. Can she figure it out ?
July 25, 2024
Ruthless-the-Killer does not get the fresh start she was hoping for. Is she jinxed after all?
This is a really fun mystery with lots of humor. Very entertaining. Ruth is a bit of a quirky character, you just have to feel with her. Really a great book to read and enjoy. It will make you laugh out loud.
This is a really fun mystery with lots of humor. Very entertaining. Ruth is a bit of a quirky character, you just have to feel with her. Really a great book to read and enjoy. It will make you laugh out loud.
August 8, 2024
Such a fun read.
Contains just the right ratio of murder and mayhem, hilarity and romance.
Quirky characters. A likeable protagonist with a good heart and plenty of human flaws.
A well written climax that put my nerves on edge and had me literally holding my breath.
Looking forward to the next Ruthless-the-killer mystery.
Contains just the right ratio of murder and mayhem, hilarity and romance.
Quirky characters. A likeable protagonist with a good heart and plenty of human flaws.
A well written climax that put my nerves on edge and had me literally holding my breath.
Looking forward to the next Ruthless-the-killer mystery.
September 7, 2024
Humorous romantic mystery with lots of twists, turns, surprises, and an unexpected ending. Delightful characters in a quaint setting move the mystery along and drive the romance. Pleasant read with a solid mystery with some origins in Ruth's past. It's a cliffhanger ending with seeds sown for the next in the series!
August 10, 2025
Intriguing mystery!
This story really kept me engaged. Getting to know Ruth and following her journey to discover who she is on her own
Loved the interplay with Shona. A best friend. Is everything. They helped each other and worked together to solve the mystery.
Looking forward to more !
This story really kept me engaged. Getting to know Ruth and following her journey to discover who she is on her own
Loved the interplay with Shona. A best friend. Is everything. They helped each other and worked together to solve the mystery.
Looking forward to more !
January 20, 2026
fun mystery set in South Australia
There were a lot of characters and red herrings in the story which helped make a good mystery story. Unfortunately I took too long to read it and I kept forgetting who was who and who had done what. I need to read it quicker next time. Story, if you like a ‘murder, she wrote’ kind of vibe.
There were a lot of characters and red herrings in the story which helped make a good mystery story. Unfortunately I took too long to read it and I kept forgetting who was who and who had done what. I need to read it quicker next time. Story, if you like a ‘murder, she wrote’ kind of vibe.
July 28, 2024
A fun read! Cozy mystery done with cheeky Aussie humour. I enjoyed the small-town Australia vibe and the quirky characters. Plus the thread of romance, with hints of more secrets to uncover.
(Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily)
(Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily)
June 24, 2025
Fun cozy mystery
'Dead Ahead' is a fun, absorbing read that kept me guessing. I loved the cast of small-town characters and the spunk of Ruth, the lead character. Looking forward to reading the second book in the series!
'Dead Ahead' is a fun, absorbing read that kept me guessing. I loved the cast of small-town characters and the spunk of Ruth, the lead character. Looking forward to reading the second book in the series!
October 17, 2025
Repeats are boring
For me, there were too many repeated things—all that childhood Ruthless the Killer business, the sister’s cutting Ruth out of family, etc. Then it got a little confusing about the jewelry, her father, etc. Didn’t like how it ended with Dan. Awkward.
For me, there were too many repeated things—all that childhood Ruthless the Killer business, the sister’s cutting Ruth out of family, etc. Then it got a little confusing about the jewelry, her father, etc. Didn’t like how it ended with Dan. Awkward.
January 31, 2025
awesome
But you can’t stop here you must read book 2 o 2. Keeps your interest without divulging the guilty. Very page turning excitement.
But you can’t stop here you must read book 2 o 2. Keeps your interest without divulging the guilty. Very page turning excitement.
August 1, 2025
A delightful cozy mystery with humour and heart.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews