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Yorkshire Detective Mystery #1-7
Murder on the Yorkshire Moors Books 1-7
Seven murders on the moors. One retired detective and his dog.
The Yorkshire Moors — vast, wind-scoured, and steeped in secrets. When a body turns up propped against a drystone wall, it’s not just the local police who take notice. Henry Ward, once a senior detective with West Yorkshire Police, now walks these hills to escape the past. But murder brings him back into a world he thought he’d left behind.
He’s no longer supposed to ask questions. But Henry’s not the type to keep out of trouble — especially when the new generation of detectives overlook what’s right under their noses.
With his wheezing dog, a nosy neighbour turned sidekick, and nothing to lose, Henry is soon embroiled in seven disturbing cases — from missing girls and mutilated corpses to shooters on the loose and poisoners at large. The higher the body count rises, the more Henry the moor never forgets, and neither do its ghosts.
Set in the haunting beauty of Wharfedale and Ilkley Moor.
MEET THE DETECTIVE
Henry Ward is a retired DCI with a bad hip, a sharp mind, and no time for fools. Haunted by old cases and powered by strong tea, he’s gruff, stubborn, and quietly relentless. He still carries the same mobile he’s had since before smart phones were a thing. He walks the moors with his wheezy terrier and a growing list of regrets. He's introspective, often sarcastic, and unusually alert in the early hours of the morning when insomnia and instinct wake him before dawn. He didn’t ask to be dragged back into solving murders — but he can’t walk away either. Because Henry Ward still knows how to catch a killer.
Included in this 7-book box set:
Book 1: Murder on a Yorkshire Moor
Book 2: Butcher on the Moor
Book 3: Missing on Ilkley Moor
Book 4: Detective on the Moor
Book 5: Cold Case on the Moor
Book 6: Shooter on the Moor
Book 7: Poisoned on the Moor
Darkly witty, emotionally layered, and steeped in atmosphere — these are mysteries with bite.
The Yorkshire Moors — vast, wind-scoured, and steeped in secrets. When a body turns up propped against a drystone wall, it’s not just the local police who take notice. Henry Ward, once a senior detective with West Yorkshire Police, now walks these hills to escape the past. But murder brings him back into a world he thought he’d left behind.
He’s no longer supposed to ask questions. But Henry’s not the type to keep out of trouble — especially when the new generation of detectives overlook what’s right under their noses.
With his wheezing dog, a nosy neighbour turned sidekick, and nothing to lose, Henry is soon embroiled in seven disturbing cases — from missing girls and mutilated corpses to shooters on the loose and poisoners at large. The higher the body count rises, the more Henry the moor never forgets, and neither do its ghosts.
Set in the haunting beauty of Wharfedale and Ilkley Moor.
MEET THE DETECTIVE
Henry Ward is a retired DCI with a bad hip, a sharp mind, and no time for fools. Haunted by old cases and powered by strong tea, he’s gruff, stubborn, and quietly relentless. He still carries the same mobile he’s had since before smart phones were a thing. He walks the moors with his wheezy terrier and a growing list of regrets. He's introspective, often sarcastic, and unusually alert in the early hours of the morning when insomnia and instinct wake him before dawn. He didn’t ask to be dragged back into solving murders — but he can’t walk away either. Because Henry Ward still knows how to catch a killer.
Included in this 7-book box set:
Book 1: Murder on a Yorkshire Moor
Book 2: Butcher on the Moor
Book 3: Missing on Ilkley Moor
Book 4: Detective on the Moor
Book 5: Cold Case on the Moor
Book 6: Shooter on the Moor
Book 7: Poisoned on the Moor
Darkly witty, emotionally layered, and steeped in atmosphere — these are mysteries with bite.
1626 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2025
About the author
Ric Brady
8 books23 followersRic 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 23, 2026
I really enjoyed this series with “retired” DCI Henry Ward. What a character he is! My only niggle is the occasional character swapping names with another, the person doing the proofreading needs to pay attention and not skim through the story. I’m OCD so it sticks out in my brain! Other than that the stories are very different to my usual choice of crime thrillers and I hope Ric Blake has started another series where Henry is solving cold cases. I miss him, Tessa, Jean and Hargreaves. Murphy is an odd character and hard to like, that’s me done. My 80 year old brain is tired from reading deep into the night!
August 6, 2025
A most brilliant collection
So much better than I expected. Interesting, convincing characters. Well thought out plots to keep you guessing. Set in a beautiful part of the UK, capturing a feeling of Yorkshire. Not unnecessarily fleshed out with infinite details about people's clothes and physical characteristics. I read all seven in the series, one after another. I really do hope there will be more.
So much better than I expected. Interesting, convincing characters. Well thought out plots to keep you guessing. Set in a beautiful part of the UK, capturing a feeling of Yorkshire. Not unnecessarily fleshed out with infinite details about people's clothes and physical characteristics. I read all seven in the series, one after another. I really do hope there will be more.
November 17, 2025
First book of a new series. You never know how your characters are going to act in that first book. I was so happy to read that Henry was it gonna be a goofball or stupid but be a real retired detective. Smart and intelligent. The storyline is great. I love it. Definitely a mystery and I like to try and solve those too. I like it that the author gave several different avenues for solving the plot. He also did very well in the reveal. I am looking forward to the next book.
August 23, 2025
A different and interesting scenario for these books, namely a former senior police officer getting involved with live cases - and usually managing to cause havoc and steer the cases in the right direction. Taken with a little pinch of salt, these are very enjoyable reads and I thoroughly enjoyed them.
Julian Tremayne, Cromer, Norfolk
Julian Tremayne, Cromer, Norfolk
August 30, 2025
He had been forced out and retired. Still had the skills and got the answers.
A series of stories solving crimes with obstacles coming from both the antagonist as well as from his own compatriots.
A series of stories solving crimes with obstacles coming from both the antagonist as well as from his own compatriots.
November 28, 2025
I've read every one of these books, and enjoyed every book, I shall miss Henry and what he gets up to, he might be a retired DCI but he still loves helping out, great characters and great stories, and I shall miss these brilliant books.
August 19, 2025
DCI Henry Ward (Retired)
Great read. Read all seven books in 5 days. Once you start to read them they’re really hard to put down. Hope there will be more to come.
Great read. Read all seven books in 5 days. Once you start to read them they’re really hard to put down. Hope there will be more to come.
September 29, 2025
Excellent!
I adore PBS British mysteries and these books do not disappoint! I thoroughly recommend this series and hope for more.
I adore PBS British mysteries and these books do not disappoint! I thoroughly recommend this series and hope for more.
October 10, 2025
Amazing story plot
The plots are so well thought out and so well written. Can't wait to read some more stories from this writer!
The plots are so well thought out and so well written. Can't wait to read some more stories from this writer!
October 28, 2025
Interesting books
I only chose to read the books because there was a dog in those. However, I ended up enjoying the read.
I only chose to read the books because there was a dog in those. However, I ended up enjoying the read.
November 23, 2025
Interesting series
An interesting group of books. Not sure how believable the stories are or if an ex detective could get that involved. A pleasant read.
An interesting group of books. Not sure how believable the stories are or if an ex detective could get that involved. A pleasant read.
December 12, 2025
Bird's of a feather.
A hidden hero,who believes in all the right things, like truth,honesty and the law even when it isnt fair. Clusseau
A hidden hero,who believes in all the right things, like truth,honesty and the law even when it isnt fair. Clusseau
October 16, 2025
3.6
Got familiar with the characters . Mysteries were @cozy” and interesting.
Got familiar with the characters . Mysteries were @cozy” and interesting.
March 4, 2026
?West Yorkshire Police??
Officer transfers aren't quite as easy in other forces as mentioned here, but they may in West Yorkshire. Also I got fed up with the word 'already' being used over frequently, when an alternative word could have been !it's appropriate.
Officer transfers aren't quite as easy in other forces as mentioned here, but they may in West Yorkshire. Also I got fed up with the word 'already' being used over frequently, when an alternative word could have been !it's appropriate.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews