A Dying Echo

DCI Tom Raven #9

by M.S. Morris

An unsolved mystery. An echo of the past. A dark-fated future.

When DCI Tom Raven’s longstanding adversary, TV journalist Liz Larkin, invites him to a rock concert, Raven reluctantly accepts. Liz claims she has groundbreaking information about the fate of the band’s former lead singer who disappeared decades previously on the eve of their debut US tour, leaving behind a trail of mysterious clues, a cult fan following, and a web of conspiracy theories. But the evening ends in tragedy when the new lead singer collapses on stage.

As Raven plunges into the case, he’s drawn into the tangled lives of the band members, their manager, and record label executive, all of whom hold pieces of the puzzle. But Raven’s judgement is clouded by his complicated relationship with Liz.

Can Raven untangle the mystery before more tragedy strikes the band he idolised in his youth? Or is the band fated by its gloom-ridden songs and dark legacy?

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Crime

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2025

About the author

M S Morris is the pseudonym for the writing partnership of Margarita and Steve Morris. Together they write psychological thrillers and crime novels. The couple are married and live in Oxfordshire. They have two children.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This could have been so much better.

[SkyeWake · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down. A lot of relationship stuff that needed to be dealt with but was rather too obvious in how it progressed. Also I worked out the murderer fairly early on in this one.

[Pam Makinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rock Star Books are not for me

Rock Star books are not for me so very disappointed that my long wait for the next Raven book is about faded Rock stars.
I got to chapter 10 and gave up

[Lynne Benton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoying the series and this one was a good penultimate. The rock band/concert context was well drawn and we still got the back stories of all the usual players .. although it is all easy good reading I reluctantly think it is nearly time for the series to end so that we’re left enjoying Raven and the others without being too tired of his soul searching

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lack of continuity bothers me… as in after Raven tries to save someone from a fire, his hands are “raw and bloody” and yet there is no mention of first aid. Or did I miss it? Also, it’s made clear several times that Rupert had sewn up the money made from the records and yet another character implies they have fuelled rumours in order to make money from selling the band’s records. This one feels a bit high school with all the Becca/Liz/Raven drama. And Raven is a bit of a cad to at least one of these women if not both.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raven idolized a rock band when he was a teenager. The lead singer disappeared and conspiracy theories had him dead, held captive, or committed suicide. Thirty years later the band reunited and played in Scarborough where they originally began. During the performance the new lead singer collapsed and died. Raven investigates the current death, the facts regarding the disappearance of original lead singer, and deals with personal issues while the body count rises. Looking forward to the next book.

[Karen E. Carr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting plot.

Although the storyline was good and kept me guessing, I simply do not like the direction the characters seem to be heading towards. I've never liked "Becca." I find her childish, immature, and petulant. The notion that she's a great cop totally escapes me. If this coupling with Raven continues I'll give up this series - forcing such a relationship feels completely false to me. Mentor? Fine. But romance? Nope!

[JayeL]

This story is about a band that Raven loved as a teen giving a reunion concert. It is also about his complicated feelings for Liz Larkin and the resolution thereof.

As he works to resolve one murder, Tom gets a peek behind the curtain of the glitz and glamor of fame. He finds a band who made a bad deal a long time ago and is barely scraping by.

The puzzle is really difficult to solve and he is down a team member as Becca has to deal with some family issues.

[Sandie Baldry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been looking forward to this book since the last one I read and it didn't disappoint. The mystery was gripping. I didn’t see the ending coming.
Detective Raven is a complex character who shows some vulnerability in this story, which works. And the plot kept me hooked right through.
Very much looking forward to the next release of another Raven story.

[Snowy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent, interesting story in the Raven series. Lots of twists and turns, and a very unexpected murderer. It certainly keeps you guessing. I love Raven’s dour character which fits his surroundings. A chink has appeared in his armour, and I hope he sees the light in the final book. He has a great team around him. Really looking forward to the final book.

[Marcy Chestnut · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've liked this series, but not this one. Too much St. Becca, especially the possibility of a Becca love triangle (which is even worse than a Becca/Tom relationship). Too much Hannah. Not enough of the supporting detectives. The perp was obvious from the very first mention, and I am hardly one of those readers who enjoys solving the case.

[Stephen A. Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to series

This is a great addition to the series. Over time the reader knows and understands (perhaps) the main characters, their interactions, and their connected lives in Scarborough. Arguably the crime/murder story line seemed less plausible than others. Sometimes I don’t relate to Raven at all.

[John Haslam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

M &S Morris can do no wrong in my eyes. A highly descriptive novel with wonderful main characters. 'A Dying Echo', is yet another page turner with twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing. As always I recommend that new readers should start at the beginning of the series as there are background stories for each of the protagonists. An excellent read.

[j r meikle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dramatic from start to finish

A thoroughly enjoyable story. The focus on the team and their back stories is very well written. So many unseen twists and turns. I wonder if Raven and Becca will ever form a romance especially now that Sam has turned up. I know the ending I want but will it transpire?

[Sandra Leivesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. It is set just a few miles up the coast from where I live so am familiar with most of the locations. This book revolves around the death on stage of a member of a rock band. while Raven is watching in the audience. The characters are like old friends now. I know the series is coming to an end - just one more book to go - which is sad.

[Jacqui Binford-bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

One too many

Had trouble getting into this book, slow start, lingering problems. But then the publishing date for Dark Wolf came. If I wanted to begin it I had to s
Finish A Dying Echo. It was the boost I needed or the book started to come together. It does come together and pave the way to the next book.

[Alison McCracken · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, enjoyed this latest installment. I like how the plot was tied up but there are a couple of teasers that make me look forward to the next book. I do hope some of the lead characters get a happily ever after!!

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed these authors a lot but it seems that this book might be a case of trying to make the story extra exciting by adding serial killings, psychopathy and celebrity rock stars. For me it spoiled the whole thing.

[Gary Franklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one although the relationship led backstories were a bit weak and predictable as was whodunit, guessed that one almost half way through for what should be obvious reasons to the reader

[raymond bentley]

prepare to not stop until the end

I liked the descriptions of Scarborough so evocative of my visits there I love the way the story evolves,I didn't guess the ending
brilliant proof reading unlike some authors

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. But readers be warned This is only half the story or it is a very strange ending, with murder unsolved and personal lives up ib the air. The next book due out in November. for this reason only 3 and a half stars.

[Gwen Matthewson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all 9 books in this series. I can't wait for the release of No. 10 in November. Having chemo at the moment these stories distracted me from every day life. Thanks Mr Morris for an enjoyable read.

[terence f nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Raven yet

Found this more absorbing than the others,and there good. A look at Raven being more human as well as a great investigation. Had me to the very end, and what an ending. Highly recommended.

[Judith Conning · Rating 5 out of 5]

love the characters, love the story

It’s good to find a new author and new characters. I’ve been to Whitby and parts of Yorkshire so it’s great to hear about the countryside. Hard to put down.

[Leorah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly Enjoyable

It’s been a while since I read the last DCI Raven novel, but they do keep getting better and better. I’ve enjoyed the journey of seeing all the characters develop and grow.

[Paul Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a great read. You may think you’ve worked out early who the killer/s are but why and for what?
A complete mixture of events affecting many of the characters but all held together with a great thread throughout.
You wont be disappointed if you pick this book up.

[Sandra Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant read, Raven is investigating another murder a group he loved as a teenager. I enjoyed it although it was not as good as his other books.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

had to abandon this one - too much back pain for me to tolerate this rock star stuff I was not interested in.

Kindle Unlimited

[Maryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only gets better as the characters continue to develop depth and relationships begin to form a bond.

[Lisa Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Recommended

This series is one of my absolute favourites - beautifully written and totally engrossing. Each book release is a real treat!