The Wirral Killings

DI Ruth Hunter #20

by Simon McCleave

When a Wrexham based businessman is found murdered across the border in Heswall on The Wirral, Ruth and the Llancastell CID team must work with Merseyside Police to solve the crime. It seems that a fatal accident on a local building site might provide the motive.

When Ruth discovers that a gang in Birkenhead have been using intimidation to steal valuable machinery, the focus of the investigation changes.

Ruth and her CID team must pursue the dangerous suspects in a deadly game and stop them before there is another cold-blooded killing.

Genres: Detective, Crime, Mystery

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2024

Reviews

[Nicky Bale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracker in the Ruth Hunter series. These books really get better with each new story if that’s possible. I’m finding it good to leave an interval after each one. This case was really gripping to follow and I liked the force working with another force just over the border. As always a really good cliff hanger. Thank you Simon!!!

[Joanie Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book flows nice in the series; the story was interesting as there were several suspects and a good end to the murder. The actual killer was sad to see and the reason for the killing, but it made sense. The dropped information about the Jim and Lucy saga that has continued thru the last several books was good to keep readers continuing with the series to see how that finally plays out.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

A really good read by Simon McCleave once again . Ruth Nick and team are still turning out brilliant stories 20 books in looking forward to number 21 and looking for more

[Julie Devonald-Cornelius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book in this brilliant series.

[Laura Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story! Just wish it was longer.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was born on “The Wirral” and lived there 31 years. This book was enjoyable, easy reading, and I enjoyed the references to Merseyside and North Wales.

[Rob Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another page turner unputdownable fast paced edition in the Ruth Hunter murder series set in wonderful north Wales and nearby, ot wherever the characters end up ( just remembered the river Seine Killings).
This one, number 20 in the series, a murder of a property developer from Wrexham , but even though the murder took place in Heswall on the Wirral , as it’s a north Wales victim then our hero Ruth is called in . Really ? Shouldn’t Merseyside police lead on this ? Anyway it seems that Ruth and the local detectives get on better than with those Chester folk, Chester -Wrexham (sorry Llancastell :) rivalry? But it seems DC Kennedy poached from Chester is settling in well, can Ruth poach anyone from the Wirral now ? Would we really say it’s officially the Wirral peninsula- no I doubt it, as everyone I know in Llancastell and environs knows it as The Wirral . Oh and peninsula has no R at the end , Simon.
Anyway this is still an enjoyable page turner, how is the widow of a fatal accident victim involved? Merseyside drug folks again. Jim Garrow , how will the cliffhanger of his involvement with Lucy Morgan develop, is he a goner ?how can he recover or rehabilitate? The developing story of Georgie improves as does her pregnancy develop. Aha more Wrex ham landmarks , is there anyone who has not eaten at the Pant Yr Ochain. Does Wrexham still have a Total Fitness gym , where is it these days ? Was that the one near the Rhosddu road underpass? Is it on the plas Coch sainsbuys shopping park now or near Aldi St. George’s crescent?
Ooo we do like another cliffhanger to entice us to pick up number 21 ASAP. Who can the cliffhanger involve this time?

[J Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gem from Simon McCleave
This is the twentieth boo in the Ruth Hunter series, yet Simon McCleave still succeeds in bringing a freshness to the stories. Prior to writing these bookshe did a lot of work in the film and TV industry, much of it involving screen writing. This experience comes across in this book, with each chapter coming over s scene in a
screenplay.
This time, DI Hunter and her team have a case that takes them outside of their area, and compared to the last time this happened, they have a much better reception from the local force. As ever with this series, there's lots going on in the personal lives of the team.
Just as we get to the conclusion, there's an unexpected cliffhanger, which will doubtless be expanded in the already announced book in the series.
An enjoyable read that is so much more than just a police procedural

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wirral Killings - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

This book is a well-written murder mystery from skilled author Simon McCleave. DI Ruth Morgan's homicide team have to work their way carefully through the many twists in a plot which kept my attention throughout, with its well-developed, tantalising storyline and great characters, each of whom has their own personal demons to wrestle with, leaving me fully invested in discovering whodunit...?

The Wirral Killings by Simon McCleave is cleverly-written murder mystery that I enjoyed reading, while trying to decide who the guilty party was, before the reveal. 
Grab a copy today and tell all your friends to do the same!

[Elva Cartwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wirral Killings: (A DI Ruth Hunter Crime Thriller Book 20). Simon McCleave

as usual with Simon MacCleave a non stop exciting and entertaining crime story with lots of great storylines. I read in two sittings because I fell asleep whilst reading in bed. Couldn’t put it down. The Characters are still outstanding and the murders always get sorted but after many twists and turns. I can thoroughly recommend you read this series from the beginning if you like Mystery Murder and Crime books. Thank you Simon McCleave. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿💕

[Louise Ridout · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 20 in the DI Ruth Hunter series and follows the familiar forumla of the previous books. This was an easy read with a couple of intriguing twists, though a little predictable ending. The last book ended on a really good cliff hanger but I didn’t feel the story continued as well in this one, though it is set up to carry into the next instalment so we’ll see.
A good series for fans of police procedure/crime books, and definitely a quick easy read which I wanted between a couple of heavier standalone books.

[Kim Grattage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent story. If you are a fan of Simon's you will be familiar with his characters. This is a DI Ruth Hunter story and as with all his books Ruth's team have their own back story for you to get to know them. This time it is Det Jim Garrow who has gone through untold trauma since his partner on the job Detective Sgt Dan French was to come to an unfortunate end in the last book. Jim and Dan were the best of friends and they had a comfortable relationship at work with lots of laughs and light hearted banter. Jim always referred to Dan as The Professor as he was a hive of information, trivia a facts that always kept Jim entertained. Dan always had Jim's back whenever he had a problem and vice versa. Without Dan in his life, Jim is unravelling at an alarming rate, turning to drink to blot out the pain of losing his best friend. / I won't spoil the storyline, best you read it yourself and make your own mind up about what occurred that fateful day. Will Jim's life ever be the same again, or will it be the end of it as he knows it. as a big fan of Simon's, I know there will be something quite unexpected to come by the end of this rollercoaster of a thriller.

[Johnny · Rating 3 out of 5]

It reads like a tv script and I am someone who needs to have even the basic of meanings explained to me. If my child in year 8 told me they’d written this for school I’d be impressed but a grown man who is a writer? Less so. Took an hour and a half to read the whole thing so if you want something easy, it’s perfectly fine.
That being said, the plot was good and I enjoyed the story especially being from the Wirral. But I was expecting a lot more writing skill and storytelling rather than a script for screenplay adaptation.

[Kirsty Hinchliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A businessman is found murdered at his place of work, as CID work through possible motives, there seems to be quite a few people who disliked him. The list of suspects added some twists, some complexity to the book and the kept the reader guessing. The sub-plot around Jim and Lucy continued through, as it followed Jim as he struggled to come to terms with his actions. The ending was a cliffhanger, that may bring Lucy back into everyone’s orbit.

An easy, decent read.

4 Stars.

[Michael Bellamy · Rating 4 out of 5]

After 20 books feel that I know Ruth , her family and team very well. Stories always enjoyable even though they always include a high speed car chase and the obligatory foot chase. Interesting story with murder, affairs etc. Afraid to say that I worked out who the killer was well before Rith and her team. Hook for next book " what will Garrow do know ?" Never the less an enjoyable read.

[Lynn Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to have Ruth and Nick back

I always enjoy these books, Ruth and Nick take no prisoners when they are investigating a murder. In a sub plot poor Jim Garrod is getting himself into a pickle but hopefully things will work out now that he’s confided in Ruth and Nick. The team get the murderer in the end.

[julie young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling

As always, a further gripping investigation for DI Ruth Hunter and her incredible team. Great characters, great storyline and I couldn't put it down . I really recommend this series of books.

[Julian Tremayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the way Ruth approaches her job and deals with her team as well. A really good read and with at least two incomplete storylines to pick up in the next book.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire

[M R B Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping

Short chapters make for a fast pace. A twist at the end with a family member willing to take the wrap. Barrow does something stupid but it appears he is vindicated. Is this the next story?

[Lesley Darlington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t wait for the next in the series…….

Another gripping page turning book! The characters are familiar and likeable - except the murderers - and I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. Hopefully not too long, but definitely worth waiting for. Thank you

[Graham Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

Couldn't wait for this next installment. It flowed really well with a super storyline. Following on from the last book this grabs you from the opening page. It was so good that it was read in 2days unfortunately!! Good ending which will lead on to the book. Can't wait!!

[J A LION · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another great story

Always look forward to the next book from Simon. Excellent as always, great to have the same characters and some
New ones too. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am pretty sure that I was not the only one who figured out who the actual killer was. Good story that moves with along, believable characters and a side story that, I am sure, will develop as the series goes on.

[Karen Little · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite up to the mark …

Another spin around my favourite part of the UK.

Not quite as exciting as previous visits to Ruth, Nick and team. More insight into private lives with never ending drama. The main ‘Killings’ almost being a secondary thought.

[Betty A. Preece · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the rest.

While I liked this book, it was not as good as most of the books I have read by this author. The ending was too far out there for my liking. This is a work of fiction. We all know that but I was not going for the ending of this book.

[Bruce Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

A very well written crime novel as we have come to expect from Simon McCleave. I highly recommend it. If you have not read any of the previous 19 I suggest you read them first to put everything in context.

[Linda Gettig · Rating 5 out of 5]

One more to go

I hate being redundant but it's yet another good book from this author. So I'll go on and read the last in this series. I know I'm going to miss these characters. They feel like friends now.

[Anne SHILTON · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books.

Great writing, have loved meeting all the main characters over time since book 1…have been kept captivated throughout the whole series. Now have to wait for the next instalment..needs to write quicker 🤭. These are amazing. Thank you Simon McCleave.

[robert theresa stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous, fast paced story

Having read all of this series, I am very impressed by the quality and fast pace of the story. A true story teller who obviously does a lot of research. Up there with Jeffrey archer and k m ashman

[Glenna Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

As usual Simon McCleave has done it again. Spellbinding read, really really brilliant. Can't wait for the next book. Thank you.