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Behind the Ivy: A Riveting British Crime Thriller
The Luke Sackville Crime Thriller series continues…
Where secrets are worth more than lives
Ex-DCI Luke Sackville is asked by a friend to locate a missing woman. It appears to be a routine case, but as he digs deeper he discovers that all is not as it seems. Meanwhile, his Ethics Team face a variety of cases ranging from harassment to online bullying to physical intimidation.
As these seemingly unconnected investigations progress, a prestigious private school is revealed as a common thread. Further work uncovers historical abuse, and Luke seeks to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice, little realising that they are desperate and prepared to do anything to evade capture.
With the team in danger, Luke must uncover a conspiracy that reaches into the highest levels of British society. But in a game where the rules are written by those with everything to lose, staying alive might be the biggest challenge of all.
No one is safe as the hunters become the hunted, and justice comes at a deadly price.
Behind the Ivy is the tenth book in the series of crime thrillers featuring ex-DCI Luke Sackville and his Ethics Team. It’s perfect for fans of JD Kirk, LJ Ross, Jack Gatland, Alex Smith, TG Reid and JM Dalgliesh.
—————
What people are saying about the Luke Sackville Crime Thriller
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’m really enjoying this series and it gets better with each book. The characters are terrific. Well paced and some laugh out loud moments."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ So glad I came across SJ Richards, he's definitely rising up there as one of my favourite authors."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very well written, fast plot and extremely likeable characters. I would 100% recommend this series and author to any fan of the crime fiction genre."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’d highly recommend this to anyone who loves crime novels. I’m loving this series."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is a brilliant crime suspense series and I'm really looking forward to the next instalment."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I'm absolutely loving this series - the writing is brilliant - the characters a joy and the storylines full of suspense and intrigue."
Where secrets are worth more than lives
Ex-DCI Luke Sackville is asked by a friend to locate a missing woman. It appears to be a routine case, but as he digs deeper he discovers that all is not as it seems. Meanwhile, his Ethics Team face a variety of cases ranging from harassment to online bullying to physical intimidation.
As these seemingly unconnected investigations progress, a prestigious private school is revealed as a common thread. Further work uncovers historical abuse, and Luke seeks to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice, little realising that they are desperate and prepared to do anything to evade capture.
With the team in danger, Luke must uncover a conspiracy that reaches into the highest levels of British society. But in a game where the rules are written by those with everything to lose, staying alive might be the biggest challenge of all.
No one is safe as the hunters become the hunted, and justice comes at a deadly price.
Behind the Ivy is the tenth book in the series of crime thrillers featuring ex-DCI Luke Sackville and his Ethics Team. It’s perfect for fans of JD Kirk, LJ Ross, Jack Gatland, Alex Smith, TG Reid and JM Dalgliesh.
—————
What people are saying about the Luke Sackville Crime Thriller
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’m really enjoying this series and it gets better with each book. The characters are terrific. Well paced and some laugh out loud moments."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ So glad I came across SJ Richards, he's definitely rising up there as one of my favourite authors."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very well written, fast plot and extremely likeable characters. I would 100% recommend this series and author to any fan of the crime fiction genre."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’d highly recommend this to anyone who loves crime novels. I’m loving this series."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is a brilliant crime suspense series and I'm really looking forward to the next instalment."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I'm absolutely loving this series - the writing is brilliant - the characters a joy and the storylines full of suspense and intrigue."
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
33 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 14, 2025
This is another terrific read in the series. This time, the team have three separate cases to work on. There's lots of danger involved for some of the team. However, there's loads of humour throughout and not just with the usual Josh-isms. Misty is quite to the fore here and her involvement is made even funnier with the introduction of her new sidekick, Sunny. What a duo.
I liked how the separate cases gradually become interlinked and there was a total twist towards the end which I didn't foresee. A brilliant read overall and guaranteed for you not to want to stop reading it once you start.
I liked how the separate cases gradually become interlinked and there was a total twist towards the end which I didn't foresee. A brilliant read overall and guaranteed for you not to want to stop reading it once you start.
December 14, 2025
Luke Sackville and his Ethics Team have a few cases to deal with. As police consultants to a murder; for a friend, a missing person; online bullying and physical bullying from many years ago.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery
December 13, 2025
In this tenth book there are more new cases for head of the Filchers Ethics team ex-DCI Luke Sackville along with Sam, Josh, Maj and Helen. Gibson, a friend of Luke’s brother, asks him for help to find a woman he is concerned about. After an ill-advised fumble with her, she suddenly became very erratic and unstable, and has now completely disappeared. Misty and her new sidekick Sunny will be ideal for the job. Filchers’ CEO Ambrose asks the team to investigate the online trolling of two officers of a large listed company. One is accused of fraud and the other of sexual impropriety but could there be other secrets waiting to be exposed? Then Luke gets called in to help former colleague DI Pete Gilmore look into the murder of an unidentified man pulled from the River Avon with a head injury and some shocking mutilations on his torso. As their cases converge, the team are stretched to breaking point and, unbeknownst to them, there are also people out there all terrified of the truth coming out for very different reasons. Some of them could be very dangerous indeed when cornered.
I personally have read this entire series since the publication of the very first story and would definitely encourage other readers to start at the beginning to see how this very special and loveable cast of characters have grown together as a team. This story features a great twisty plot with once again absolutely loads going on and some very topical and unsavoury themes. It was great to see return appearances from DI Pete Gilmore and the superb big brash and full of attitude PI Misty Mitchell who this time is joined by a gem of a new colleague Sunny. Glen, Josh and Edward Filcher are on hilarious form but we also see another side to Josh this time. We even get to meet another couple of Chippenmales in this story, just in case you need a further good reason to read it!
I personally have read this entire series since the publication of the very first story and would definitely encourage other readers to start at the beginning to see how this very special and loveable cast of characters have grown together as a team. This story features a great twisty plot with once again absolutely loads going on and some very topical and unsavoury themes. It was great to see return appearances from DI Pete Gilmore and the superb big brash and full of attitude PI Misty Mitchell who this time is joined by a gem of a new colleague Sunny. Glen, Josh and Edward Filcher are on hilarious form but we also see another side to Josh this time. We even get to meet another couple of Chippenmales in this story, just in case you need a further good reason to read it!
November 27, 2025
I can’t believe this is book 10 in the Luke Sackville series. I have read & enjoyed every one, but this is definitely my favourite. I’m not really sure why, but I would suggest that you start at the beginning & make up your own mind - you won’t regret it.
Luke & the rest of the Ethics team at Filchers are very busy. They are called in as consultants to assist with a murder investigation by Avon & Somerset Police. An online troll is making life uncomfortable for an acquaintance of Ambrose Filcher. A friend of Luke’s brother is concerned about a missing young woman, even though she is trying to blackmail him. In parallel, a group of men are attempting to flush out their school bullies from thirty years ago - except the anonymous bullies were their teachers.
A pacy read with plenty of personal insights in to the team & some hilarious encounters too. Sunny is a new addition, & you could feel his embarrassment radiate from the page. Goodness knows what he would have done if he had met Honoria, the hotel manager who carries all before her! Of course, Josh still talks himself in knots & Glen gets his words mixed up, but they are just endearing qualities now. The team are great & the cases are quite feasible, so I wonder where book 11 will take us. Read this & be prepared.
Luke & the rest of the Ethics team at Filchers are very busy. They are called in as consultants to assist with a murder investigation by Avon & Somerset Police. An online troll is making life uncomfortable for an acquaintance of Ambrose Filcher. A friend of Luke’s brother is concerned about a missing young woman, even though she is trying to blackmail him. In parallel, a group of men are attempting to flush out their school bullies from thirty years ago - except the anonymous bullies were their teachers.
A pacy read with plenty of personal insights in to the team & some hilarious encounters too. Sunny is a new addition, & you could feel his embarrassment radiate from the page. Goodness knows what he would have done if he had met Honoria, the hotel manager who carries all before her! Of course, Josh still talks himself in knots & Glen gets his words mixed up, but they are just endearing qualities now. The team are great & the cases are quite feasible, so I wonder where book 11 will take us. Read this & be prepared.
December 1, 2025
Book 10 of the Luke Sackville crime series and although it can be read as a stand alone it is definitely worth your while reading the previous booksm. They are all equally entertaining and a twist on the conventional police procedural books. We are back in Bath with Luke and his team, the Ethics team at Filchers, who are faced with 3 cases. One is to discover who is trolling executives of a client company, another to locate a missing vulnerable young woman and then they are asked by the police to help with a suspicious death.
Briefly, a young woman heads off down the River Avon. She is in a huff with her wife and as such forgets to wear a life jacket. Her trip ends in near disaster as her kayak hits something and overturns with her trapped under the water. She is rescued by an on looker but they discover that the kayak has hit a body in the water and it’s clearly a murder victim.
As the eclectic team work away amidst personal matters such as potential wedding arrangements and again potential baby making the tension builds and the most unlikely team members find themselves in danger. In my view possibly the best of the series to date with the mix of crime and humour always shining through. The plot was great with an excellent twist. Continue pleasing us Mr Richards!
Briefly, a young woman heads off down the River Avon. She is in a huff with her wife and as such forgets to wear a life jacket. Her trip ends in near disaster as her kayak hits something and overturns with her trapped under the water. She is rescued by an on looker but they discover that the kayak has hit a body in the water and it’s clearly a murder victim.
As the eclectic team work away amidst personal matters such as potential wedding arrangements and again potential baby making the tension builds and the most unlikely team members find themselves in danger. In my view possibly the best of the series to date with the mix of crime and humour always shining through. The plot was great with an excellent twist. Continue pleasing us Mr Richards!
November 27, 2025
Steve Richards has done it again.
What starts out as just another day in the office for Luke Sackville and the team with a plethora of seemingly unconnected cases becomes a tightly plotted high-stakes thriller as all the disparate storylines converge into one.
Most of the extended team are back playing their part. This time, Misty comes to the fore, and we even see a new side to her which prompts one of Mr Richards' most well-written scenes in the whole ten book series.
What I particularly like about the Sackville books is the characterisation of the various players and how they are developed. Even those that could so easily have been one-note, two dimensional, characters get their moment to shine, although the malapropisms just get funnier!
This is an excellent, emotional, addition to the series and fans of the Ethics Team will not be disappointed.
With thanks for the ARC.
What starts out as just another day in the office for Luke Sackville and the team with a plethora of seemingly unconnected cases becomes a tightly plotted high-stakes thriller as all the disparate storylines converge into one.
Most of the extended team are back playing their part. This time, Misty comes to the fore, and we even see a new side to her which prompts one of Mr Richards' most well-written scenes in the whole ten book series.
What I particularly like about the Sackville books is the characterisation of the various players and how they are developed. Even those that could so easily have been one-note, two dimensional, characters get their moment to shine, although the malapropisms just get funnier!
This is an excellent, emotional, addition to the series and fans of the Ethics Team will not be disappointed.
With thanks for the ARC.
November 14, 2025
This is another brilliant, pulse pounding read in the Luke Sackville thriller series. I devoured every chapter and I am left feeling drained of emotions after finishing the read. I loved the clever plotting as three cases became entwined and it was good to see an appearance by Misty with a new, promising character of Sunny. Josh always makes me smile though, I think he is my favourite! I love the insight into the personal lives and the character development throughout the series. It feels like catching up with old friends. I highly recommend the series to lovers of crime fiction and thrillers as this is one of the best in the genre. Well done to the author for another excellent and original read.
November 15, 2025
This is the tenth book in the Ex-DCI Luke Sackville series. Luke and the Ethics Team have three different cases to investigate this time, but are they linked? It’s fast paced with lots of twists and turns and some unexpected surprises. There is the usual humour from Josh and Glen which lightens the darker elements of the book. Misty plays a larger part in this novel and she has a new work partner, Sunny, who couldn’t be more different in his personality and approach, but they work successfully together.
I highly recommend this book, and although it can be read as a standalone it’s best to read the series in order for the back story and the character development. Another excellent and gripping read from this author.
I highly recommend this book, and although it can be read as a standalone it’s best to read the series in order for the back story and the character development. Another excellent and gripping read from this author.
November 26, 2025
I am an ARC reader and always look forward to these books.
This latest book is again covering current and interesting subjects. I love that I always learn something new from reading these books !
The Ethics Team are more involved in crimes as well as their day to day jobs. Which leads to very exciting, thrilling & scary adventures.
I love the way the story develops from seemingly unconnected narrative to a thrilling conclusion where all the interconnecting stories merge. Rollercoaster ride!
Sat up to 1am as just had to finish the story !
I don’t do spoilers but just to say that Joshy is a Macho hero lol.
Loving Misty and how her character is developing! (Reminds me of a female Bob Hoon!)
I look forward to the next instalment.
This latest book is again covering current and interesting subjects. I love that I always learn something new from reading these books !
The Ethics Team are more involved in crimes as well as their day to day jobs. Which leads to very exciting, thrilling & scary adventures.
I love the way the story develops from seemingly unconnected narrative to a thrilling conclusion where all the interconnecting stories merge. Rollercoaster ride!
Sat up to 1am as just had to finish the story !
I don’t do spoilers but just to say that Joshy is a Macho hero lol.
Loving Misty and how her character is developing! (Reminds me of a female Bob Hoon!)
I look forward to the next instalment.
November 29, 2025
Book ten in the series, but can easily be read as a stand alone.
Luke and the Ethics team at Filchers are completely snowed under but when a call comes through from Avon and Somerset police regarding a suspicious death, everyone is required.
Not only do they have a murder to help solve, but also a favour is asked from Luke's brothers friend to look into a missing woman.
If that's not enough on their plate, they are also aside to investigate an allegation of racial bullying from thirty years ago.
A brilliantly written fast-paced book that I love.
The characters are just amazing. It's like putting on your favourite comfy clothes with their endearing hilarity and some fantastic one-liners.
Luke and the Ethics team at Filchers are completely snowed under but when a call comes through from Avon and Somerset police regarding a suspicious death, everyone is required.
Not only do they have a murder to help solve, but also a favour is asked from Luke's brothers friend to look into a missing woman.
If that's not enough on their plate, they are also aside to investigate an allegation of racial bullying from thirty years ago.
A brilliantly written fast-paced book that I love.
The characters are just amazing. It's like putting on your favourite comfy clothes with their endearing hilarity and some fantastic one-liners.
November 15, 2025
Another fantastic addition in the Luke Sackville series. An absolute must read for crime and thriller enthusiasts. This collection truly delivers on every front, and I can’t recommend it enough.
What sets S J Richards apart for me is his absolutely fantastic characters. Not only are the stories original and very intriguing we then have the cherry on the top with his brilliant portrayal of the characters. Some of them stay with you long after you have finished the book, and I do have a favourite, or two!
This is another cracking read, with all the facets of the story drawing you in for a real captivating read.
Happy Reading.
What sets S J Richards apart for me is his absolutely fantastic characters. Not only are the stories original and very intriguing we then have the cherry on the top with his brilliant portrayal of the characters. Some of them stay with you long after you have finished the book, and I do have a favourite, or two!
This is another cracking read, with all the facets of the story drawing you in for a real captivating read.
Happy Reading.
November 24, 2025
Luke Sackville and his team are once again embroiled in several investigations at once.
Another terrific crime thriller that keeps you enthralled. The crimes of murder, trolling and missing persons are all entwined.
Added to the thrilling crime stories is the background stories of the team. I find I laugh and cry with them, feel their anxiety and relate to them as they face the unexpected dangers the job brings but also their family lives.
A surprising and unexpected end after the twists and turns in the investigations were ironed out.
If you like crime thrillers I thoroughly recommend this and other books in the series.
Another terrific crime thriller that keeps you enthralled. The crimes of murder, trolling and missing persons are all entwined.
Added to the thrilling crime stories is the background stories of the team. I find I laugh and cry with them, feel their anxiety and relate to them as they face the unexpected dangers the job brings but also their family lives.
A surprising and unexpected end after the twists and turns in the investigations were ironed out.
If you like crime thrillers I thoroughly recommend this and other books in the series.
December 7, 2025
Another instalment where the ethics team welcomes you with open arms and jump straight into the newest projects. being back with the team and meeting them where they are in their lives was like returning home and being wrapped in a warm cosy blanket. behind the ivy is filled with twists and turns to keep you wondering Who! but also what will happen to the team members, how are Josh and Leanne doing, what about Sam and Luke! will they survive? no spoilers here.
With thanks to Netgalley and SJ Richards for my advance copy. now go get reading the Luke Sackville series before book 11 is out in April 2026.
With thanks to Netgalley and SJ Richards for my advance copy. now go get reading the Luke Sackville series before book 11 is out in April 2026.
November 13, 2025
Another interesting collection of cases for Luke and his team to investigate. As with other books in the series the crimes are rooted in real life and this is explained at the end. It was nice to see Misty involved again, and to meet a new character Sunny, who both add to the story. We also see the personal lives of the characters continue to evolve and for this reason it is best to read the series in order. Looking forward to the next installment.
November 18, 2025
Yet again, another winner from Mr Richards with this great series. I'm not sure now who is funnier though - Josh or Glen !! Add to the mix a new character called Sunny who is working alongside Misty, all of whom bring a levity throughout an otherwise serious topic. Luke is given three cases to deal with which although they appear as individual ones , are neatly drawn together at the end. Great pace throughout and well worth a read.
Thanks to the author for the ARC to review.
Thanks to the author for the ARC to review.
November 22, 2025
Behind the ivy by SJ Richards is book 10 in the Luke Sackville series and another fab read by the author.
Yet again Luke and the Ethics team has their hands all with a few cases, but these ones have been more deadly than the others. There is lots of twists and turns and the same loveable characters and we meet a new one in an investigator called Sunny. This full of action especially Josh at the end. Gucci 5 stars from me.
November 26, 2025
Another brilliant book in the Luke Sackville series. After each book I think it’s the best yet and then there’s another! The subject matter is handled very sensitively and the twists are amazing. I love the introduction of Sunny who is a perfect foil for Misty and Filcher and Glen continue to bring their own distinctive presence. I find the humour throughout the book a welcome relief from the tension of the story. Exciting things happening for the team too!
December 20, 2025
Book 10 of the Luke Sackville series, “Behind the Ivy” is a gripping British crime thriller that blends procedural detail with high-stakes conspiracy. Ex-DCI Luke Sackville’s search for a missing woman quickly spirals into a dark web of historical abuse centered on an elite private school, giving the story real emotional weight. The intertwined cases, ranging from harassment to bullying and intimidation, are well paced and build tension effectively. Can’t wait for the next in the series!
November 13, 2025
Luke and the gang never fail to satisfy. While this book can be read alone, I highly recommend you read the series to better understand and appreciate the characters. The detective work is spot on, and the humor scattered throughout the book is what elevates it, and the whole series, to a 5.
I was privileged to receive an ARC of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was privileged to receive an ARC of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 30, 2025
Wow this was a very intense and intertwined story and I loved it. I love the characters and the growth in their work relationship and personal ones as well. This story kept me guessing to the end and I can hardly wait for more. I thoroughly recommend getting book 1 and reading every one of them.
December 3, 2025
A first for me with this author and it won’t be my last, in fact I will be going and starting at the beginning. I do love to follow a series and from Behind the Ivy is a series that I think will be just my cup of tea. A well written storyline with a great bunch of characters, it can be read as a standalone but I like to know the characters back history and dynamics within the team
January 5, 2026
Another excellent read in the Luke Sackville investigations.
In this seperate cases become entwined and all members of the team are involved in bringing the various threads together. This includes the rather weird Greg who seems keen to be part of their group now. Meanwhile the personal lives of the team are also evolving.
A pleasant day spent reading this.
In this seperate cases become entwined and all members of the team are involved in bringing the various threads together. This includes the rather weird Greg who seems keen to be part of their group now. Meanwhile the personal lives of the team are also evolving.
A pleasant day spent reading this.
January 18, 2026
I have read the previous books in the series and must admit that this one was as good as the others. The only reason for not giving it 5 stars was that I found some of the storyline a bit jumbled and ended up getting a bit confused at a point with so many different plotlines. Looking forward to the next one and hoping that Luke finally gets a grip and properly settles down with Sam!
November 19, 2025
Another adrenaline rush from Luke and the crew. Action packed from start to finish. Three crimes to sort out with this one and plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Thoroughly recommend this. As with all the others in the series, I couldn’t put it down.
November 27, 2025
Oh my I love these books. Luke and his ethics team have 3 cases to look into but are any linked.
Maj and Josh end up in separate serious positions and misty has a new person to work with. I love reading how the characters are developing and cannot wait to get my hands on the next look.
Maj and Josh end up in separate serious positions and misty has a new person to work with. I love reading how the characters are developing and cannot wait to get my hands on the next look.
November 26, 2025
A fabulous continuation of the Luke Sackville series, which sees his team chasing matters which may not be as unconnected as first appears.
November 25, 2025
Behind the Ivy by S J Richards is book 10 in the ex-DCI Luke Sackville series. Luke and the Ethics Team at Filchers have a few cases on the go at the same time and they are struggling to handle them all. One of the cases involves working with the Avon and Somerset Police which they do from time to time on an ad hoc basis. There is a varied range of characters. Some endearing, some humorous and then there is Misty, who is in a class of her own and is such a wonderful character. She has a bit of a mouth on her, but you certainly know where you stand. Luke seems to be a father figure to some, with them coming to him for advice. It always makes me laugh when Josh comes to Luke for advice, although at the time, you are never sure what Josh is asking. But there is also another side to Josh. Such a fabulous series and so easy to get engrossed in the books. The different strands of the story weave themselves through the book. I loved how Luke was listening to a DCI Bone audiobook by TG Reid, another of my favourite series.
November 25, 2025
Book 10 in the Luke Sackville series begins with four seemingly unrelated cases that have the team stretched to their limits. With many twists and turns in the story, some of Luke's team find themselves in danger.
Once again, Steve Richards has excelled. The characters we all know have been developed beautifully, so it feels like catching up with old friends.
A wonderful book that I highly recommend to all lovers of crime fiction.
Once again, Steve Richards has excelled. The characters we all know have been developed beautifully, so it feels like catching up with old friends.
A wonderful book that I highly recommend to all lovers of crime fiction.
November 30, 2025
Another brilliant read from SJ Richards. He seems to get better with each book. There are lots of twists and turns and fear as favourite characters find themselves in dangerous situations. The series has reached the stage where characters are sometimes "killed off" in books" .... Lots and lots of humour too. An added bonus was I didn't realise who was responsible until it was revealed! Great work.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews