What do you think?
Rate this book
DI Ruth Hunter #22
The Bala Lake Killings
There's no place to hide...A local MP is murdered by a far-right extremist gang in Snowdonia. DI Ruth Hunter and DS Nick Evans arrest one of the killers, Raymond Clarke, who agrees to give evidence if he and his family are taken into protective custody. Ruth is sure they'll be out of harm's way in the remote wilds near Bala Lake.
But the location of the safe house is leaked and Clarke's family is kidnapped.
Ruth and her team must pursue the gang across North Wales and work out where the leak came from before it's too late.
An edge-of-your-seat thriller that will keep you reading into the early hours. Perfect for fans of JD Kirk, JM Dalgliesh and LJ Ross.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2025
375 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 30, 2025
Errors with characters names
Sorry, but the mix up with names etc, ruined it for me. Did this get proof read? It distracted so much from the enjoyment of reading that I had to give up after 30%.
Sorry, but the mix up with names etc, ruined it for me. Did this get proof read? It distracted so much from the enjoyment of reading that I had to give up after 30%.
December 28, 2025
This book either needs a better editor or stop using ChatGPT. Names are wrong, story lines introduced early are changed in later chapters, the exact same text is used in several places. What is going on with this writer?
December 30, 2025
I love this series but the name inconsistencies really drive me insane as well as the over use of the word sardonically.
December 30, 2025
A local MP is shot at during an event. He dies. His death is attributed to British Action, a far-right terrorist group.
The Team are under pressure to find the killer, who has been on the run since the attack. Known to have links to some very dubious people, it’s clear that time is of the essence.
It’s hard to recreate such an event authentically, and there did seem to be a lot of time spent focusing on characters waiting around. Some drama ensues as the man ready to talk is put under pressure to withdraw his cooperation.
Left on a suitable tense moment suggesting where the next book’s focus might be.
The Team are under pressure to find the killer, who has been on the run since the attack. Known to have links to some very dubious people, it’s clear that time is of the essence.
It’s hard to recreate such an event authentically, and there did seem to be a lot of time spent focusing on characters waiting around. Some drama ensues as the man ready to talk is put under pressure to withdraw his cooperation.
Left on a suitable tense moment suggesting where the next book’s focus might be.
December 31, 2025
A difficult case for Ruth Hunter and her team.
This is Simon McCleave's 22nd Ruth Hunter novel.Despite that, the series shows no signs of staleness. He continues to comes up with interesting new scenarios whilst giving readers plenty of excitement, shocks, development of the regular characters and beautiful descriptions of the North Wales landscape.
These books always seem to read like screenplay to me, and this one is no exception. This time there's a lot in interaction with other police forces, special teams and security organisations, and there is a surprising ending.
This is Simon McCleave's 22nd Ruth Hunter novel.Despite that, the series shows no signs of staleness. He continues to comes up with interesting new scenarios whilst giving readers plenty of excitement, shocks, development of the regular characters and beautiful descriptions of the North Wales landscape.
These books always seem to read like screenplay to me, and this one is no exception. This time there's a lot in interaction with other police forces, special teams and security organisations, and there is a surprising ending.
January 1, 2026
A nail biting, full of mystery, read
This book kept me guessing all of the way, I couldn’t put it down until I reached the end of the book. An excellent read if you are looking for an exciting mystery story.
This book kept me guessing all of the way, I couldn’t put it down until I reached the end of the book. An excellent read if you are looking for an exciting mystery story.
December 31, 2025
Another great read from Simon I have read all the Ruth Hunter series and never been disappointed. They're great page turners and have already ordered the Liverpool Killings. Being careful not to type any spoilers
January 22, 2026
The explanatory text of aspects of police culture halts my reading of the story: “shots” armed police, “two tone,” etc. in all the books so it becomes a reluctance to read on. I’ve also noticed that phrases are repeated!
Otherwise worth reading.
Otherwise worth reading.
December 29, 2025
excellent read
I missed a Ruth and crew this was great read leading up to some future stories I believe. You gotta love these folks…..
I missed a Ruth and crew this was great read leading up to some future stories I believe. You gotta love these folks…..
January 1, 2026
Another one bites the dust!
Simon McCleave doesn't just write books. He writes edible books. I have spent the past few hours consuming every word in The Bala Lake Killings.
Ruth Hunter and her team never fail to grab my attention from page one; and none of these books reads like the last. There is always a new take on the type of cases they work on and the horrors they have to deal with.
The Bala Lake Killings starts with the assassinaton of a politician at a rally. The perpetrators are part of a far right group.
The book brings in Counter Terrorism, Witness Protection, Armed Response Units, kidnapping, cross border cooperation but sadly no dog units!
There is an obvious leak from within. Ruth is torn apart trying to find out who is passing on so much information. How could her colleagues not be trusted.
The answer is one of Simon's best thought out surprises.
I'd count this a winner as only one of the team is shot and about to leave hospital as the book ends. Or is she?
Simon McCleave doesn't just write books. He writes edible books. I have spent the past few hours consuming every word in The Bala Lake Killings.
Ruth Hunter and her team never fail to grab my attention from page one; and none of these books reads like the last. There is always a new take on the type of cases they work on and the horrors they have to deal with.
The Bala Lake Killings starts with the assassinaton of a politician at a rally. The perpetrators are part of a far right group.
The book brings in Counter Terrorism, Witness Protection, Armed Response Units, kidnapping, cross border cooperation but sadly no dog units!
There is an obvious leak from within. Ruth is torn apart trying to find out who is passing on so much information. How could her colleagues not be trusted.
The answer is one of Simon's best thought out surprises.
I'd count this a winner as only one of the team is shot and about to leave hospital as the book ends. Or is she?
January 12, 2026
The continuation of the DI Ruth Hunter series, and normally I like these as easy reads with familiar characters, but this one just didn’t appeal to me at all. Plus there were a few errors which I’ve not noticed in the series before (for example Nick’s daughter is referred to as Megan and Caitlin which is confusing!)
The storyline in this was standard police procedural surrounding a high profile murder, but I found it rather predictable and basic. It’s a shame because I usually find these as an easy to go read, but I really can’t say I enjoyed this one at all.
The storyline in this was standard police procedural surrounding a high profile murder, but I found it rather predictable and basic. It’s a shame because I usually find these as an easy to go read, but I really can’t say I enjoyed this one at all.
January 6, 2026
The title is a bit of a misnomer as death doesn’t actually occur at Bala Lake but the area does feature heavily.
Very often I can work out who the perpetrator is and in this book I did actually suspect the person it turned out to be, but not for very long and only as one of about 4 others. We are skilfully led to suspect so many people to prevent us getting to the crux of the matter too soon.
Very often I can work out who the perpetrator is and in this book I did actually suspect the person it turned out to be, but not for very long and only as one of about 4 others. We are skilfully led to suspect so many people to prevent us getting to the crux of the matter too soon.
January 9, 2026
I have given this 5stars inspite of some name and plot inconsistency as they didn't distract me from the story line. Love the Ruth Hunter series following the progression of characters and new members of team plus interaction between forces in this book. Did for a change have idea of killer before end but couldn't work out motive so discarded. Once more a real twist at end to lead into next in series, just wish didn't have to wait so long.
January 6, 2026
Another wonderful Ruth Hunter book
Possibly the best Ruth Hunter book to date. The story built to an interesting climax, lots of twists and turns and leaving the reader waiting for the next book hoping Jade survives
Possibly the best Ruth Hunter book to date. The story built to an interesting climax, lots of twists and turns and leaving the reader waiting for the next book hoping Jade survives
January 6, 2026
Oh my god what a cliffhanger 🙈
I just adore ' The Snowdonia Murder Series '
Just love reading DI Ruth Hunter, and Nick.
Now we have another couple of plots in the offing 🙈
I for one can't wait xxx
I just adore ' The Snowdonia Murder Series '
Just love reading DI Ruth Hunter, and Nick.
Now we have another couple of plots in the offing 🙈
I for one can't wait xxx
January 11, 2026
Brilliant read.
Waited for this for a while!. Unfortunately read it in 2 days. Great story great characters and superb ending! Simon McCleave , you need to get the next chapter out sooner than later. I've just preordered and can't wait!!
Waited for this for a while!. Unfortunately read it in 2 days. Great story great characters and superb ending! Simon McCleave , you need to get the next chapter out sooner than later. I've just preordered and can't wait!!
January 25, 2026
An excellent read.
The Bala killings did not disappoint. I enjoyed the twist and turns. I also enjoy the way the book has been left on a cliffhanger . I look forward to the next book in the series.
The Bala killings did not disappoint. I enjoyed the twist and turns. I also enjoy the way the book has been left on a cliffhanger . I look forward to the next book in the series.
January 27, 2026
Very good
This one was exciting, with a couple of good, unforeseen plot twists. Also the descriptive writing is better. Gave only four stars because of the continued problem of typos and editing slip-ups. But looking forward to the next book.
This one was exciting, with a couple of good, unforeseen plot twists. Also the descriptive writing is better. Gave only four stars because of the continued problem of typos and editing slip-ups. But looking forward to the next book.
January 31, 2026
What a ride!
Utterly brilliant, fantastic story telling, I've read all the books in this series, but by far this one is the best. Keeps you guessing throughout, just when you think you've figured it out,you haven't. Loved it
Utterly brilliant, fantastic story telling, I've read all the books in this series, but by far this one is the best. Keeps you guessing throughout, just when you think you've figured it out,you haven't. Loved it
November 9, 2025
Really enjoyed this one .
December 28, 2025
Great novel as one expects of Simon.
Great characters great descriptions of North Wales and other parts of the country. A great twist at the end of the novel
Great characters great descriptions of North Wales and other parts of the country. A great twist at the end of the novel
December 30, 2025
exceptional, as always
December 31, 2025
This book did not disappoint. I almost read it in one sitting but had to eat. Fast paced and a cracking storyline. Can't wait for the next installment.
January 2, 2026
Serves merely as a bridge to the next big story arc
January 3, 2026
Wow! This series just gets better and better!!!
Would give it more than 5 stars if I could! Can't wait for Book 23!
Would give it more than 5 stars if I could! Can't wait for Book 23!
January 5, 2026
Just gets better
Enjoyed the book keeps you guessing.to the end and leaves you wanting for the next one can't wait for it
Enjoyed the book keeps you guessing.to the end and leaves you wanting for the next one can't wait for it
January 6, 2026
omg this series gets better and better.
January 8, 2026
A page turner
I am particularly find of this series, this one kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
I am particularly find of this series, this one kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
January 10, 2026
A really good installment in the series, and ending on two major cliff hangers which means there will be more. Yay!
January 10, 2026
Gripping story
The murder of an MP leads to a link with a right-wing terrorist group. They get their Just deserts but not before a kidnapping and a leak in The information.
The murder of an MP leads to a link with a right-wing terrorist group. They get their Just deserts but not before a kidnapping and a leak in The information.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews