Fatal Love

Marshal of Snowdonia #4

by Simon McCleave

Frank and Annie investigate a murder close to home.

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025

Reviews

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal Love  - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

It's non-stop action and drama in Simon McCleave's Fatal Love, as retired cop Frank is initially shown on horseback, racing to save his grandson.
No sooner is that over, than he's first responder to what seems like a tragic hiking accident...but is it?
Fatal Love also has intertwined, more personal events that affect his family and friends and this cleverly lulls you into a relaxed mood, before springing back into the danger zone.

Highly recommended to fans of Blake Pierce, Ann Cleeve and Luke Richardson, plus all who like their characters believable and varied enough to engage you in the twists and turns laid out for your total reading pleasure. 

Don't delay - get it today!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in this excellent series. The book begins with a recap of the explosive ending of the last book, bringing new readers up to date on the subplot. The main plot is a delight, a brilliantly amoral villain who’ll stop at nothing to get what they want. I've luxuriated in reading all four books back to back, and it's been a joy.
That said this, like all of them, can be read as standalone reads but to get the most out of the subplot I'd urge you to read them. I'm feeling bereft leaving Frank, Annie, and their families and I'm already looking forward to catching up with them in the next instalment.

[Mrs Anita Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant read from Simon McCleave I've really enjoyed the continuing series though could be read alone.Frank the retired detective inspector and Annie retired Crown Court Judge follow their instincts and draw on old contacts to help solve investigations. This time what appears to be an accident on Snowdon turns out to be murder which they assist the police to prove.
Look forward to the next book in series

[Valerie Douthwaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I read this book I was there, as Simon's descriptions of locations are so real. I quite like to try and pronouce the Welsh names, not an easy language. I like the family relationships including Annie and her family, I wonder if these are real people in Simon's life.
The plot wasn't a difficult one, I kept thinking, is there going to be a twist!
Thoroughly enjoyed it and another good read from Simon.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one. Different type of solving to normal, more proving than solving. Did find the proof a little far fetched as it had not been mentioned that this information had been requested, unless I missed it. However, that is not the point, this is more about the characters and at least were not left on a cliff edge, but just unresolved story lines. Just love Frank, reminds me of my Dad, had he still been around!!

[Lynn Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love this series of books!

I really enjoy the series, it’s a great idea pairing the retired detective and retired judge they have a wealth of knowledge between them that is available to help the police in the solving of crimes. Not sure if it’s worth the powers that be looking into some kind of unit to get that knowledge not just a cold case unit.

[mick barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

This was another brilliant story it proves there a lot of life in pensioners there is no need to curl up Frank and Annie are a force not to be messed with .
I can't wait for there next adventure.
Keep up the good work regards Mick

[Leah Parker]

Good

Frank and Annie are looking for the truth again. In the very first part Frank is hunting his grandson, and then he is called to rescue a man from a fall off the mountain. I like this series.

[Rose Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

l love this Author's books, I love the characters Frank and Annie,specially Frank, I have read alot of books 📚, but I have never read a book,where the character jumps out of a page,and Frank does,it's brilliantly written,I can't wait to read the next book 5,

[Frank Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rarely have I read a series of books, where the character depicted I can relate to so closely, not only due to the age similarity (and it has to be said the coincidental name), but his views on life and his enjoyment of the surroundings and family values relate so closely.

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

Another Excellent Story

Another excellent story by Simon in the Marshal of Snowdonia series. All the usual characters and a great storyline. They really had to work hard to achieve the outcome in this case.Looking forward to reading more.

[Sharon Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Welsh murder mystery worth the read

Simon McCleave writes from a sense of place: Snowdonia. The land is harsh, dramatic, and clearly loved by those who live there. The main characters are sympathetic. They aim to do the right thing to serve victims of crimes.

[Leanne Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the end of story in the court room the barrister was referred to as QC, should this not be KC as book written after death of Queen Elizabeth, now King Charles???

Otherwise good story

[Sienna S'Zell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing in this series is getting better and better. I'm looking forward to book 5 when it gets published!
NOTE to AUTHOR: the word "lie" has a past-tense version, either "lay" or "laid" but DEFINITELY NOT "lie." Please correct in further versions of these books. Thanks.

[Traceymw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant - thanks Simon for another great read - ready for Blood Mountain now …

[Mr David Bevan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this but thought at times it was too detailed. Will read the next one.

[Fi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done Mr McCleave, I think of all your series I am enjoying this one the most; I have romped through all four books in little over a week - I do hope that there will be more of them!

[Jane Cowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another humdinger

Heart warming. The world turning as it should. Justice prevails. Thank you for keeping us on the edge of our seats again.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank and Annie tackled another killing

Story is solid and keeps you engaged. The characters are able to keep you guessing how the story will unfold

[Mr James McCleary · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the new series and I look forward to the next book. I have never been disappointed.

[brian elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plenty of twists and turns

Another Frank Marshall book that is difficult to put down.Plenty the twist and turns well worth a read don't expect to get much sleep

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fatal love

The story of all types of love and the games people play pretending to love. Makes you feel as if you traveled to Wales and can feel the mountain air

[Karen Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one in this series.

Character development has been lovely to read and so glad Kelly has been given more of a role.

Having grown up in the areas depicted I am transported back to a beautiful area with good solid memories.