Cold Case on the Moor

Yorkshire Detective Mystery #5

by Ric Brady

A private investigator’s past catches up with him when a body is found…

When a dry spell exposes human remains at the bottom of a reservoir, ex-DCI Henry Ward takes a trip down memory lane.

He’d been in charge of the investigation when Maureen Villers went missing fifteen years earlier, and her unexplained disappearance has bothered him ever since.

Now that murder has been established, her husband becomes the prime suspect and asks Henry for help.

Despite not being persuaded of his innocence, Henry is determined to revisit the crime. He owes it to the victim he let down all those years ago.

But someone is keen to keep the truth hidden. Will Henry outwit whoever’s hiding in the shadows?

COLD CASE ON THE MOOR is the fifth standalone title in The Yorkshire detective mystery series by Ric Brady.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Fiction

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2024

About the author

Ric Brady is a British crime writer known for infusing his novels with heavy doses of dark humour. Hailing from Yorkshire, his writing vividly captures the essence of northern England, a trait prominently featured in his 'The Yorkshire Detective Mystery Series'. This series centers around the character of former-DCI Henry Ward, bringing the mysteries of Yorkshire to life.

Published Works: 'The Yorkshire Detective Mystery Series':

1. 'Murder on a Yorkshire Moor'
2. 'Butcher on the Moor'
3. 'Missing on Ilkley Moor'
4. 'Detective on the Moor'

Published by The Book Folks, these novels have not only reached the top 100 in their genre on Amazon but have also cultivated a growing fan base.

Beyond novels, Ric has explored other creative avenues including theatre and interactive fiction, demonstrating his wide-ranging storytelling skills. Drawing inspiration from renowned authors like Ian Rankin, John Grisham, and Dean Koontz, Ric crafts books that blend suspenseful narratives with his distinct brand of humor.

Currently residing in France, Ric's storytelling continues to be influenced by his Yorkshire heritage, setting his captivating crime tales amidst its rich landscapes. When not immersed in writing, he teaches English and frequently returns to the UK to seek inspiration, savor Yorkshire tea, and brainstorm ideas for future works.

Learn More: To keep up with Ric Brady's ongoing writing journey and discover his upcoming projects, visit ricbradywrites.com.

Reviews

[Greta Yoka · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good mystery

A good mystery story! Lots of information to keep you guessing and trying to work it out yourself! I enjoyed the book.

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retired DCI Henry Ward was always bothered that Maureen's disappearance was never conclusively solved. Now, 15 years later, a body is found and it's clearly the missing woman. Could her husband have been involved? Or maybe her employer, or even her tennis coach? Ward, working with the cranky ambitious woman assigned to the case, is determined to get justice for Maureen this time, even though department officials are equally determined to close the case quickly.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fifteen years after she went missing the body of Maureen Villers, 31, is discovered in the recently dried up Swinfeld Reservoir. Ward is asked by the husband Tim to investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery

[Jim Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jolly good tale

This was really a fun read without having to use sex, foul language or graphic violence to sale an excellent creative story.

Departmental politics and male egos frustrated the investigation but determination and sound investigation won out in the end.

Great book Ric Brady and thanks for the entertainment.

[Alicia Utter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 8/10

I stumbled onto this book and quickly realized it was part of a series. I look forward to reading more. It is just fine as a stand alone as well. The characters are far from perfect which makes it a great read good writing. Pretty good mystery although kind of a reach of a twist at the end. Still, thoroughly enjoyed it for having a great mystery no ek. Already into another one. However it still isn't the first one. No matter. Fun British mystery with a stubborn, flawed old cop digging our the truth. Kind of a new tricks with less rules. Definitely filling out my British hankering.

Kindle

[CINDY Dewey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read

I had no idea what I was getting myself into when starting this book but I am sure glad I read it! Had me guessing most of the way through and I love how the main character was so personable. I’m going to actively look for more books in the series because it was that good.
I wish I had found these at book one but reading it on book 5 first didn’t make the story any less. It was great as a standalone and the characters really dig in.
I thoroughly recommend this book for others to read !!!

[C. Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally, an enjoyable read. However, some blasphemous references are always unacceptable. As someone who served in a Police Force (the former Strathclyde Force), I know that all levels of language are heard - but they don't need to be used by authors, and certainly not in the mouth of a civilian!
I also refuse to believe that a mere Superintendent would, for any reason at all, be promoted to Chief Constable! That would involve leaping over Chief Supts; ACCs; and the DCC! Simply not going to happen!

[HAL]

A Great 5 solid star Mystery!

Brady presents a colorful set of characters in an absolutely wonderful mystery free from swears, sex and gore. The plot is rather fast but still allows time for the mood or tension to register. The ending is a surprise and very satisfying.
I can recommend this for any teen and adult. It has a slight Law&Order feel to it if a comparison is needed. Brady is a very talented writer and I'll be reading more. Read. Feel the pace. And enjoy.

[Svetlana Kva · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have resigned to my pulp stage and consider this is something to do with my grieving. Or maybe too much russian classics I don't know.
Or too much TV perhaps... ie. Healthy vegan alternative to midsomer murders.
It's bizarre how all authors have their little quirks. For example, Tessa the dog in this one. Keep popping up on the pages, with her daily schedules, treats and habits. I swear I was jokingly thinking to myself mid book - Dogs the killer.

[Kermit Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Your Typical Protagonist for Sure

But a curmudgeonly detective who drives a Skoda? He's a character you don't love but you don't hate. He is a "bloodhound" that gets under the skin of all he meets. I love following his investigations to find "who dun it". Fun reading for sure.

[Pedro Bedro]

I enjoyed this story, probably because the main character Henry Ward is an ordinary bloke who drives a Skoda and has a wire haired fox terrier. The story rolls along nicely with his role as the bloodhound picking out bits of information and assembling a case while the real police just want an easy closure with no regard for the truth.

[Mary Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Capital!

One of Henry’s old, cold, never-solved cases, a missing person, is suddenly, 15 years later, a homicide.

Receding water levels in a reservoir reveal the corpse of the missing woman - the wife of a constable at the time.

Marital infidelity at its most muddling complicate things immeasurably.

But - The Bloodhound does persevere in the end.

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cold case needs solving

A good read. Great characters. A missing woman has been found and the retired police detective gets involved in finding the killer. The killer was closer than anyone thought

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed!

I really enjoyed this book. The characters, the plot, the dialogue. And the murderer was a surprise. I'm usually very good at figuring out the murderer. I'll be looking for more in this series.

[Macjest · Rating 4 out of 5]

A retired cop has a case from 15 years ago resurface. One thing I really appreciated about this book is that even though it was number 5 in the series, knowledge of the previous books was unnecessary. The case was nicely complicated and kept my interest throughout.

[Barbara Birchall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gripping? No. Interesting? Yes.

Didn't find this "gripping" a bit clunky in parts. Guessed the villain before the end of the book so obviously too much information given throughout the book.

[sharon check · Rating 5 out of 5]

A close call

Retired detective Henry Ward is pulled back into a 15 year old case when the body is found. The characters are believable, the twists and turns interesting and I was kept interested right to the end. A fine story !

[Jane Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Excellent series of novels as an avid reader of detective books I find this one particularly interesting and exciting. No dragging along a very good read with a steady pace.

[Judy Scaife · Rating 4 out of 5]

FIFTEEN YEAR OLD CASE

The storyline was intriguing and kept moving. The investigation was made harder by the killer and also the retired investigator not being wanted. Lots of twists and turns with finally the truth coming out. Well recommended

[philip lock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read

Interesting to find an retired inspector being asked to help with his orginal case but 15 years later after the body was found.
It did work and getting help from one of the people on the casealthough not fond of each other worked.

[The Book Folks · Rating 5 out of 5]

We learn a little more about Henry Ward's time in the police in this mystery, which is one of those that keep you guessing alongside a nice easy pace of delivery - all in a great setting.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Story

An excellent story that kept me gripped from start to finish.Great cast of characters and plenty of intrigue.Looking forward to reading more.

[Barry Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Another very good case for ex DCI Henry Ward cracking a 15 year old murder where the wrong person was very nearly charged. Good characters and well written.

[Mrs Valerie Brammall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow to start

This when you get into it is a really good mystery managed to solve it but only
in the last 20 pages looking forward to reading the next one

[Terri Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Story

Right up my alley this story was. Nice story to cuddle up in your comfortable chair with a mug if hot tea and read.

[Smc · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

😮

Great read based on a cold case.
Who is the killer and why? Plenty people in the frame, it's a race to find the killer before the wrong person is arrested and convicted?

[Maryam J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

The plot moved along very well with enough twists and turns to keep you interested. The characters and places are well described.

[patricia sendelbach · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read with an unexpected resolution

[antony o.v. sandford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

So easy to read whilst keeping your interest, wanting to know what comes next,like a jigsaw being put together with a good finishing touch to the story.