The Bala Lake Killings

DI Ruth Hunter #22

by Simon McCleave

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

Reviews

[Lisa Tabon · Rating 2 out of 5]

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?

[Susan M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this series but the name inconsistencies really drive me insane as well as the over use of the word sardonically.

[sally hawkes · Rating 2 out of 5]

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%.

[Karen Barber · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[J Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Valerie Douthwaite · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Patricia Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

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…..

[Louise Ridout · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Kim Grattage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all of Simon's Ruth Hunter series. Just finished The Bala Lake Killings, excellent story with disturbing links to my city. I don't give spoilers, just read it for yourselves and see how the story unfolds. Lots of twists, turns and red herrings. I also enjoyed Laura Hart series too. Have got into Frank Marshall's and started the latest Blood Mountain. Frank is a retired DCI and now patrols Snowdonia on his trusty steed with his dog Max trotting alongside. His job is to keep an eye out in the area for criminals who are somewhat attracted to the remoteness, less chance of being seen. From verinius people stealing endangered bird eggs to order, to sheep rustling, baiting rabbits with savage dogs and a few murders thrown in for good measure. DS Kelly Taylor, a friend of Frank's calls him in on many a case, his no nonsense approach gets to the truth when someone has something to hide. Retured Judge Annie is very often helping Frank out, her job gained many contacrs over the years she served in the Crown Court, people that owe her favours and she always calls them in when perplexed by certain cases. Currently on page 45 of 238. If it's as good as the rest of the series I'm in for a treat.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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?

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the latest in the DI Ruth Hunter series. If you have previously read any of the other books, you will know what to expect. For those who are new, you will not be disappointed with this crime thriller which can be read as a standalone.

The local MP is murdered by an extreme right wing group. One of the killers, Raymond Clarke, is arrested. He agrees to give evidence provided that he & his family are given protection. So far so good, except their location is leaked.

A fast moving story, mirroring the chase across North Wales, keeping you on your toes & invested in the narrative. A satisfying conclusion & an enjoyable read.

[Peter Hotchkiss]

Cracking storyline as per usual for Simons books.

Is getting slightly patronising that even the basic basic police procedural proceses and parlance has to be explained like the reader is three years old

"Nick tied his boots tightly. Laces were small rope like items which threaded through the eye holes in the uupers of a piar of shoes, were used to prevent them falling off the feet of the wearer"

OK - silly example I know. But every book does not need to explain what ANPR, or an arrest wrrant means

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Mrs Anita Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Andy Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Box ticking

Decent plot line and twist, but Mcleave let's us down with right on box ticking which creeps ever more into the narrative. I also find the writing a little patronising and lacking nuance at times. A reset to let the story lead, without contributing to be pc would be refreshing.

[je snape · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[K L · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Graham Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Mr James McCleary · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Carla Alcorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[yvonne grannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[E A C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. It took me quite a few chapters to get into enjoying the narrative. The story grasped me so much I was reading well into the night and found it hard to put down. As is normal with this series of books the ending threw up a further problem to be resolved in the next novel.

[mark chinn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have followed the Ruth Hunter series from book 1 and enjoyed them all despite serious flaws in the Firearms Elements but sadly this one was to many flaws to continue, the end of the line as far as i am concerned. sorry to see Ruth and the team go but enough is enough.
sorry Simon

[Lauren Grocott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book.

I am constantly amazed by the different stories in each book but also the continuous individual character stories throughout the whole series!

Cannot wait for the next one after the two cliffhangers that we are left on!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one .

[Georgina Shackleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

exceptional, as always

[Alex Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.