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DI Ridpath #3
Where the Silence Calls
Play with fire, and you're going to get burned. The unputdownable new Ridpath crime thrillerIn Manchester, a block of flats is burning. The only victim is a middle-aged man, sat watching TV. Are the fire and the man's death an accident or is something more frightening at work?
Meanwhile, DI Ridpath is back with his wife and enjoying work at the Coroner's Office, his myeloma still in remission. But the quiet life is soon shattered by a new threat.
More corpses start appearing; charred, burnt, silent bodies, strewn in the streets and lodged in buildings. Next to each one is a chilling message sprayed in orange ink.
Fighting on all fronts, Ridpath will be drawn into the dark past of his city and the youth football clubs of the 1990s. He must find the link before any more people die. Before the flames come close to home...
An absolutely gripping, nerve-shredding crime thriller from master storyteller M J Lee, perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, Robert Bryndza and Patricia Gibney.
Meanwhile, DI Ridpath is back with his wife and enjoying work at the Coroner's Office, his myeloma still in remission. But the quiet life is soon shattered by a new threat.
More corpses start appearing; charred, burnt, silent bodies, strewn in the streets and lodged in buildings. Next to each one is a chilling message sprayed in orange ink.
Fighting on all fronts, Ridpath will be drawn into the dark past of his city and the youth football clubs of the 1990s. He must find the link before any more people die. Before the flames come close to home...
An absolutely gripping, nerve-shredding crime thriller from master storyteller M J Lee, perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, Robert Bryndza and Patricia Gibney.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2019
323 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Lee
46 books442 followersMartin has spent most of his adult life writing in one form or another.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
December 4, 2019
Play with fire, and you’re going to get burned.
Where the Silence Calls is the third book in the DI Ridpath series by M J Lee. Having read several detective series this year and the first two books of the series, Where The Truth Lies and Where The Dead Fall, I can affirm that this is the one detective series which keeps getting better with each book.
Set in Manchester, a mysterious killer is killing his victims and setting them on fire. Soon, more corpses start appearing; murdered & burnt; each one with a chilling message sprayed in orange ink. Now it’s up to DI Ridpath to find the link between all the murders before more people die.
The latest book carries forward Ridpath’s story after a brief interval from where the last book ended. The series always had a blend of the actual case solving, Ridpath’s personal life and a good dose of office politics and this book continues with the same. Ridpath is still based at the coroner's office, investigating assigned by the police dept as a liaison officer. Ridpath’s personal story does not distract from the story because by this point you are as emotionally invested in Ridpath’s journey as in the case. The author has done a wonderful job in establishing Ridpath, his character and his personal journey are as eventful as the cases he solves.
The detective work in this series is a bit different than other police procedurals as Ridpath investigates the case from a coroner’s point of view. So there are many post mortems & medical clues than actual interrogations. Lee has plotted an excellent thriller novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story is fast-paced and has enough twists and turns right till the final chapter (I certainly didn’t see the final twist coming).
The books can be read as a standalone, but I would suggest reading the series from the start because there are many recurring characters who play a key role in this book. Also, you learn more about Ridpath’s personal life and the issues with his wife and daughter and his office colleagues.
Overall, Where the Silence Calls is a gripping procedural with several great twists and some solid characters. This book is a great addition to the already amazing series and if you love a good police thriller, you will really enjoy this one. I really hope to read the next book in DI Ridpath series very soon. 4.5 stars out of 5
Many thanks to the publishers Canelo, the author MJ Lee and Netgalley for the ARC.
Where the Silence Calls is the third book in the DI Ridpath series by M J Lee. Having read several detective series this year and the first two books of the series, Where The Truth Lies and Where The Dead Fall, I can affirm that this is the one detective series which keeps getting better with each book.
Set in Manchester, a mysterious killer is killing his victims and setting them on fire. Soon, more corpses start appearing; murdered & burnt; each one with a chilling message sprayed in orange ink. Now it’s up to DI Ridpath to find the link between all the murders before more people die.
The latest book carries forward Ridpath’s story after a brief interval from where the last book ended. The series always had a blend of the actual case solving, Ridpath’s personal life and a good dose of office politics and this book continues with the same. Ridpath is still based at the coroner's office, investigating assigned by the police dept as a liaison officer. Ridpath’s personal story does not distract from the story because by this point you are as emotionally invested in Ridpath’s journey as in the case. The author has done a wonderful job in establishing Ridpath, his character and his personal journey are as eventful as the cases he solves.
The detective work in this series is a bit different than other police procedurals as Ridpath investigates the case from a coroner’s point of view. So there are many post mortems & medical clues than actual interrogations. Lee has plotted an excellent thriller novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story is fast-paced and has enough twists and turns right till the final chapter (I certainly didn’t see the final twist coming).
The books can be read as a standalone, but I would suggest reading the series from the start because there are many recurring characters who play a key role in this book. Also, you learn more about Ridpath’s personal life and the issues with his wife and daughter and his office colleagues.
Overall, Where the Silence Calls is a gripping procedural with several great twists and some solid characters. This book is a great addition to the already amazing series and if you love a good police thriller, you will really enjoy this one. I really hope to read the next book in DI Ridpath series very soon. 4.5 stars out of 5
Many thanks to the publishers Canelo, the author MJ Lee and Netgalley for the ARC.
September 23, 2019
This is turning out to be a great series from MJ Lee, set in Manchester and featuring DI Thomas Ridpath. This is a wonderful addition as Ridpath's personal circumstances improve for the better with him now living with his wife and daughter. Healthwise, his cancer remains in remission. He is still based at the coroner's office, investigating whilst relations with MIT remain difficult and challenging with the likes of Detective Superintendent Claire Trent. He finds himself at the scene of a deadly fire in a flat, where the dead burnt body of a man is discovered seated in his armchair facing the TV. It all appears to be a tragic accident, but there are ominous signs, such as the graffiti on the wall, the words 'play the game' painted in orange paint.
Ridpath begins to make connections with other victims, their burnt bodies with their signs of a similar MO, including one victim in Derbyshire. It is all beginning to look as if there is a serial killer on the loose and what does a photograph of a football team have to do with it all? Ridpath's superiors, however, are reluctant to believe him. This does not stop Ridpath from pursuing the truth, as he trusts his gut instincts. Lee provides a great sense of location with his descriptions of Manchester in this well written and plotted novel, whilst at the same time demonstrating his research skills with the depth of technical details he provides. He has done a wonderful job in establishing Ridpath, his characterisation and character development which snags and keeps the attention of the reader. A great addition to a great series, with its current contemporary themes, it is entertaining, fast paced, intense and suspenseful. Looking forward to the next in the series. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
Ridpath begins to make connections with other victims, their burnt bodies with their signs of a similar MO, including one victim in Derbyshire. It is all beginning to look as if there is a serial killer on the loose and what does a photograph of a football team have to do with it all? Ridpath's superiors, however, are reluctant to believe him. This does not stop Ridpath from pursuing the truth, as he trusts his gut instincts. Lee provides a great sense of location with his descriptions of Manchester in this well written and plotted novel, whilst at the same time demonstrating his research skills with the depth of technical details he provides. He has done a wonderful job in establishing Ridpath, his characterisation and character development which snags and keeps the attention of the reader. A great addition to a great series, with its current contemporary themes, it is entertaining, fast paced, intense and suspenseful. Looking forward to the next in the series. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
October 2, 2019
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Where the Silence Calls is the third book in the DI Ridpath Crime Thriller series by M J Lee. I have been lucky enough to read and review the first two books, ‘Where the Truth Lies‘ and ‘Where The Dead Fall‘.
The series follows Detective Inspector Thomas Ridpath who returned to work after a leave of absence due to being diagnosed with cancer, now in remission. On his return he was placed on secondment with the coroner’s office, however, he is still being paid by MIT (Major Investigation Teams) though the new boss of the department isn’t happy about that. Her budget is tight and she believes that Ridpath is a hothead and should be let go.
In this new instalment, Ridpath is dealing with a series of grisly crimes in which men are being killed, doused and burned. At each scene, the note ‘Play the Game’ is spray-painted in orange paint. He believes that this is the work of a serial killer but the bosses over at MIT are reluctant to see it like that and believe that the men accidentally died. It’s up to Ridpath to prove that there is a serial killer on the streets of Manchester and to find out why he is killing and who he may be targeting next.
I simply adore M J Lee’s books, they are imaginative, exciting and put you on the edge of your seat. They are fast-paced and kept me eagerly reading wanting to know what was going to happen next.
In book two we got to learn more about Ridpath’s home life and the issues with his wife and daughter. It was nice to see how everything has worked out for them in this book and that Polly was more supportive of her husband and his career, as she really annoyed me in book two.
The books are set in my home-town and I always enjoy being able to fully visualise the areas that are mentioned, it’s like when books include a map, but this one is inside of my head 🙂 I also like how realistic the characters and the plot is too realistic sometimes!
The books could work as standalone’s, but I would suggest reading the series from the start, especially as a face from the first two books makes an appearance in book three and not in the way I’d hoped.
The whole series is truly amazing and if you love a good police thriller then this is the series to read. I do hope that we get to meet DI Ridpath again.
Where the Silence Calls is the third book in the DI Ridpath Crime Thriller series by M J Lee. I have been lucky enough to read and review the first two books, ‘Where the Truth Lies‘ and ‘Where The Dead Fall‘.
The series follows Detective Inspector Thomas Ridpath who returned to work after a leave of absence due to being diagnosed with cancer, now in remission. On his return he was placed on secondment with the coroner’s office, however, he is still being paid by MIT (Major Investigation Teams) though the new boss of the department isn’t happy about that. Her budget is tight and she believes that Ridpath is a hothead and should be let go.
In this new instalment, Ridpath is dealing with a series of grisly crimes in which men are being killed, doused and burned. At each scene, the note ‘Play the Game’ is spray-painted in orange paint. He believes that this is the work of a serial killer but the bosses over at MIT are reluctant to see it like that and believe that the men accidentally died. It’s up to Ridpath to prove that there is a serial killer on the streets of Manchester and to find out why he is killing and who he may be targeting next.
I simply adore M J Lee’s books, they are imaginative, exciting and put you on the edge of your seat. They are fast-paced and kept me eagerly reading wanting to know what was going to happen next.
In book two we got to learn more about Ridpath’s home life and the issues with his wife and daughter. It was nice to see how everything has worked out for them in this book and that Polly was more supportive of her husband and his career, as she really annoyed me in book two.
The books are set in my home-town and I always enjoy being able to fully visualise the areas that are mentioned, it’s like when books include a map, but this one is inside of my head 🙂 I also like how realistic the characters and the plot is too realistic sometimes!
The books could work as standalone’s, but I would suggest reading the series from the start, especially as a face from the first two books makes an appearance in book three and not in the way I’d hoped.
The whole series is truly amazing and if you love a good police thriller then this is the series to read. I do hope that we get to meet DI Ridpath again.
September 20, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for this arc.
While I've read the previous two books of this series, it may not be necessary to have them under your belt before reading this 3rd in the series to enjoy it. I found this to be a fast paced easy read. Ridpath is still between a rock and a hard spot in this book -- the Coroner's Office and MIT. And he still seems to be a little tone-deaf as to where to place his loyalty. He finds what appears to be a serial killer working in his neighborhood and has to convince both the Coroner and his bosses back in MIT that there's actually a killer at work who's not finished yet.
He manages to make at least one new friend while irritating some old ones. His home life seems to be improving.
I found most of the characters all to be fully developed and the story logical and compelling.
4.5 stars rounded up
While I've read the previous two books of this series, it may not be necessary to have them under your belt before reading this 3rd in the series to enjoy it. I found this to be a fast paced easy read. Ridpath is still between a rock and a hard spot in this book -- the Coroner's Office and MIT. And he still seems to be a little tone-deaf as to where to place his loyalty. He finds what appears to be a serial killer working in his neighborhood and has to convince both the Coroner and his bosses back in MIT that there's actually a killer at work who's not finished yet.
He manages to make at least one new friend while irritating some old ones. His home life seems to be improving.
I found most of the characters all to be fully developed and the story logical and compelling.
4.5 stars rounded up
March 7, 2021
Ridpath is having a difficult time in this book, and not because of his personal circumstances. The cancer is still in remission and Polly and Eva have moved back in with him. He's feeling good and every now and then he even forgets the cancer and enjoys an evening at home with his family.
But then, a new case comes along and soon Claire Trent and Lorraine Caruso from MIT are on to him because they don't believe his theories about a murder, while Margaret Challinor does believe him but the office of the coroner can't do an official investigation.
Poor Ridpath. Torn between his instinct, his determination to solve the case, and three people he has to convince he's right.
The story is well told and there are some surprises. We follow Ridpath closely but we also learn something more about Margaret, who is still one of the two people Ridpath answers to.
I had a good time reading this book.
But then, a new case comes along and soon Claire Trent and Lorraine Caruso from MIT are on to him because they don't believe his theories about a murder, while Margaret Challinor does believe him but the office of the coroner can't do an official investigation.
Poor Ridpath. Torn between his instinct, his determination to solve the case, and three people he has to convince he's right.
The story is well told and there are some surprises. We follow Ridpath closely but we also learn something more about Margaret, who is still one of the two people Ridpath answers to.
I had a good time reading this book.
March 12, 2021
This is the 3rd book in the excellent police procedural series featuring DI Ridpath by author MJ Lee. This series gets better with every book I read.
In Manchester, a block of flats is burning. The only victim is a middle-aged man, sat watching TV. Are the fire and the man’s death an accident or is something more frightening at work? More corpses start appearing; charred, burnt, silent bodies, strewn in the streets and lodged in buildings. Next to each one is a chilling message sprayed in orange ink.
Ridpath needs to find the link that connects these crimes quickly before more people die.
I find these books difficult to put down with the intriguing plots and wonderful characters. I am quickly running out of books in this series.
In Manchester, a block of flats is burning. The only victim is a middle-aged man, sat watching TV. Are the fire and the man’s death an accident or is something more frightening at work? More corpses start appearing; charred, burnt, silent bodies, strewn in the streets and lodged in buildings. Next to each one is a chilling message sprayed in orange ink.
Ridpath needs to find the link that connects these crimes quickly before more people die.
I find these books difficult to put down with the intriguing plots and wonderful characters. I am quickly running out of books in this series.
December 6, 2020
I am really liking this series. I said for Book 1 I liked that DI Ridpath is working for the coroners office which adds something different to the stories and that hasn't changed. I was fascinated by the news of abuse in youth club football that came to light in 2016. It's something that I only have vague recollections of; possibly because I had plenty of my own things happening at that time but it adds an extra layer to what unfolds. This time people are being murdered then set on fire and Ridpath has to work out the seemingly random deaths have in common.
I still intensely dislike the people that are working on the Major Incident Team that Ridpath flicks back and forth between when not at the coroners. I understand that it's intentional but why do women in power have to be unlikeable? Surely one of them could be decent. I also never understand why if Ridpath hates something so much he doesn't leave? It's explained a little bit more in this book and I'm starting to understand.
The story itself is quite fast paced and takes place in just a couple of weeks. I did find it, like the previous ones, hard to put down which is great as I've given up on 2-3 books lately so I'm glad to have something that makes me want to keep reading. I really like Ridpath as a character & his development. I may have laughed out loud at the bit at the marriage counselling while I was on the bus. It's nice to see someone who acknowledges past mistakes and tries to work on them such as within his marriage. Less of the tortured detective you find in so many books. There's a couple more books to go and I hope to have caught up with them by the end of the year. A great series for helping me get my reading mojo back
I still intensely dislike the people that are working on the Major Incident Team that Ridpath flicks back and forth between when not at the coroners. I understand that it's intentional but why do women in power have to be unlikeable? Surely one of them could be decent. I also never understand why if Ridpath hates something so much he doesn't leave? It's explained a little bit more in this book and I'm starting to understand.
The story itself is quite fast paced and takes place in just a couple of weeks. I did find it, like the previous ones, hard to put down which is great as I've given up on 2-3 books lately so I'm glad to have something that makes me want to keep reading. I really like Ridpath as a character & his development. I may have laughed out loud at the bit at the marriage counselling while I was on the bus. It's nice to see someone who acknowledges past mistakes and tries to work on them such as within his marriage. Less of the tortured detective you find in so many books. There's a couple more books to go and I hope to have caught up with them by the end of the year. A great series for helping me get my reading mojo back
September 16, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for an advance copy of Where the Silence Calls, the third novel to feature DI Thomas Ridpath, a detective seconded to the East Manchester Coroner’s Office from MIT.
Ridpath is called out to a house fire where a body has been found. Sensing there’s more to it than a simple accident he organises a post-mortem which confirms murder. This not the first or last burning body and that means they are hunting a serial killer.
I thoroughly enjoyed Where the Silence Calls which is an engrossing procedural with some good twists, notably the final one which I certainly didn’t see coming. The novel is mostly told in the third person from Ridpath’s point of view with the occasional foray into the unnamed killer’s thoughts and M.O.. I’m not the biggest fan of venturing into fictional murderers’ minds as it interrupts the flow of the investigation and there is little space for nuance so they all end up much the same. Mr Lee manages it well within these constraints, concentrating on motive and how he does it but not making it overly intrusive into the investigation. I found myself trying to guess throughout the novel but never got close as the author is sparing in what he chooses reveal, giving only scraps to the reader. It does, however, make the novel compulsive as the curiosity is aroused.
I like Ridpath, as he prefers to be known as he is a smart and instinctual detective. He is also dedicated but is trying to take a step back now that his wife and child are living with him again.
Where the Silence Calls is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Ridpath is called out to a house fire where a body has been found. Sensing there’s more to it than a simple accident he organises a post-mortem which confirms murder. This not the first or last burning body and that means they are hunting a serial killer.
I thoroughly enjoyed Where the Silence Calls which is an engrossing procedural with some good twists, notably the final one which I certainly didn’t see coming. The novel is mostly told in the third person from Ridpath’s point of view with the occasional foray into the unnamed killer’s thoughts and M.O.. I’m not the biggest fan of venturing into fictional murderers’ minds as it interrupts the flow of the investigation and there is little space for nuance so they all end up much the same. Mr Lee manages it well within these constraints, concentrating on motive and how he does it but not making it overly intrusive into the investigation. I found myself trying to guess throughout the novel but never got close as the author is sparing in what he chooses reveal, giving only scraps to the reader. It does, however, make the novel compulsive as the curiosity is aroused.
I like Ridpath, as he prefers to be known as he is a smart and instinctual detective. He is also dedicated but is trying to take a step back now that his wife and child are living with him again.
Where the Silence Calls is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
September 22, 2019
This is a great crime thriller.
It’s the third book in this series, and I feel like we’re getting to know Ridpath more now.
Ridpath is in remission from cancer but when he came back to the Police they put him in the coroner’s office.
Of course he’s still called to crime scenes so when he’s called to two incidents where the people have been burned to death, Ridpath thinks the cases are linked but can’t get his old team to back him up.
More evidence comes to light but he still has a fight on his hands to get listened to.
This is a gripping crime thriller that had me hooked right up until the final chapter.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
It’s the third book in this series, and I feel like we’re getting to know Ridpath more now.
Ridpath is in remission from cancer but when he came back to the Police they put him in the coroner’s office.
Of course he’s still called to crime scenes so when he’s called to two incidents where the people have been burned to death, Ridpath thinks the cases are linked but can’t get his old team to back him up.
More evidence comes to light but he still has a fight on his hands to get listened to.
This is a gripping crime thriller that had me hooked right up until the final chapter.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
October 13, 2019
Highly recommended. Great detective thriller series for mystery fans who enjoy police procedurals
Other reviewers have summarized the plot and character(s), so I’ll jump to my review. I thoroughly enjoyed the well-constructed storyline and the clever twists, not to mention subplots that added heft to the main plot. MJ Lee has an accessible writing style which helps bring his everyman-detective to life.
Happily, DI Ridpath, his cancer in remission, has reconciled with his wife and daughter. However, actually putting his cases out of mind and morphing into a family man . . . well, that’s a constant work in progress. Author Lee has given Ridpath a quirky sense of humor, plus what seems like prescience rather than coincidences, with regards to his co-workers’ futures, not to mention that of his GMP superiors.
Also, Ridpath seems to have accepted his job as coroner’s investigator, whilst being paid by Greater Manchester Police. This odd arrangement gives him two, strong-minded women bosses—Margaret Challinor, Head Coroner for East Manchester, and Detective Superintendent Claire Trent of Greater Manchester Police. Then there’s Polly Lam—his no-nonsense, Chinese-dragon wife—who always calls him by his surname. “The spanner” is DCI Lorraine Caruso who wants to be shot of Ridpath, whom she sees as “a clothes hanger,” the former DCI’s “willy-waver and a bit of a maverick.” Plus “he’s got a mouth on him and he’s not a team player.”
I enjoy reading DI Ridpath novels, because although author Lee drips out clues, he does so with particular stealth. I’m a crime fiction aficionado, so yes, I thought I had a suspect whilst Ridpath was interviewing witnesses. Then:
MJ Lee: “Look at these shiny clues, over this way.”
Me: “Ooooo, pretty! Show me more.”
Yes, I was nicely distracted and diverted.
Bravo, Mr. Lee! Bravo! Another stellar book.
Other reviewers have summarized the plot and character(s), so I’ll jump to my review. I thoroughly enjoyed the well-constructed storyline and the clever twists, not to mention subplots that added heft to the main plot. MJ Lee has an accessible writing style which helps bring his everyman-detective to life.
Happily, DI Ridpath, his cancer in remission, has reconciled with his wife and daughter. However, actually putting his cases out of mind and morphing into a family man . . . well, that’s a constant work in progress. Author Lee has given Ridpath a quirky sense of humor, plus what seems like prescience rather than coincidences, with regards to his co-workers’ futures, not to mention that of his GMP superiors.
Also, Ridpath seems to have accepted his job as coroner’s investigator, whilst being paid by Greater Manchester Police. This odd arrangement gives him two, strong-minded women bosses—Margaret Challinor, Head Coroner for East Manchester, and Detective Superintendent Claire Trent of Greater Manchester Police. Then there’s Polly Lam—his no-nonsense, Chinese-dragon wife—who always calls him by his surname. “The spanner” is DCI Lorraine Caruso who wants to be shot of Ridpath, whom she sees as “a clothes hanger,” the former DCI’s “willy-waver and a bit of a maverick.” Plus “he’s got a mouth on him and he’s not a team player.”
I enjoy reading DI Ridpath novels, because although author Lee drips out clues, he does so with particular stealth. I’m a crime fiction aficionado, so yes, I thought I had a suspect whilst Ridpath was interviewing witnesses. Then:
MJ Lee: “Look at these shiny clues, over this way.”
Me: “Ooooo, pretty! Show me more.”
Yes, I was nicely distracted and diverted.
Bravo, Mr. Lee! Bravo! Another stellar book.
September 21, 2019
Really good!
Well written crime thriller, captivating, good pace. I loved it!
It was dark. Well developed storyline, detailed police procedurals, interestinng characters. I could feel for them. Ridpath being cancer free and getting back to work... I haven't read the previous books and didn't feel like I was lacking information.
I was into it from the start and loved every page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Well written crime thriller, captivating, good pace. I loved it!
It was dark. Well developed storyline, detailed police procedurals, interestinng characters. I could feel for them. Ridpath being cancer free and getting back to work... I haven't read the previous books and didn't feel like I was lacking information.
I was into it from the start and loved every page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 20, 2020
Book three in the DI Ridpath series sees him involved in a number of deaths by fire across the North of England and it eventually becomes apparent that the deaths are linked.
This one rattles along at a fair old pace with a couple of minor side stories cleverly woven in. Add to that Ridpath's pledge to spend more time with his wife and daughter and we have a very good addition to the series.
Ridpath is great as always and his bosses are stuck between solving the crimes and balancing the budgets. The subject matters within the story are not easy reading but ultimately necessary as it unfolds.
A great read.
This one rattles along at a fair old pace with a couple of minor side stories cleverly woven in. Add to that Ridpath's pledge to spend more time with his wife and daughter and we have a very good addition to the series.
Ridpath is great as always and his bosses are stuck between solving the crimes and balancing the budgets. The subject matters within the story are not easy reading but ultimately necessary as it unfolds.
A great read.
May 19, 2020
DI Ridpath continues his work as investigator for the coroner. His family life is more settled and his health is not causing him any worries at present. Then a series of fires seems to set in and the fires are all consuming bodies. There appears to be no rhyme or reason for the crimes, no links of any kind. Great read!
July 1, 2021
Here we are again
Another page Turner…you fill the characters…definitely a DI Ridpath fan….great story line, loved the needle between different forces….home life….it’s all good….next plse…
Another page Turner…you fill the characters…definitely a DI Ridpath fan….great story line, loved the needle between different forces….home life….it’s all good….next plse…
May 15, 2020
A very clever plot.
DI Thomas Ridpath, assigned to the coroner’s office, is called to investigate after a body is found after a fire. At first, it merely looks like an accidental fire, until an accelerant is discovered among the rubble.
More deaths follow, all by fire and the Head Coroner for East Manchester, Mrs Challinor, insists that Ridpath starts investigating, even though the head of Major Incident Crime, Claire Trent, refuses to believe him.
I enjoy this series because the plots are always complex and as a reader, you’re never quite sure if the person you suspect to be the villain, is until the very last page.
There is enough background built into the story, about Ridpath, his family and his co-workers to make the book personal and adds to the storyline.
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
DI Thomas Ridpath, assigned to the coroner’s office, is called to investigate after a body is found after a fire. At first, it merely looks like an accidental fire, until an accelerant is discovered among the rubble.
More deaths follow, all by fire and the Head Coroner for East Manchester, Mrs Challinor, insists that Ridpath starts investigating, even though the head of Major Incident Crime, Claire Trent, refuses to believe him.
I enjoy this series because the plots are always complex and as a reader, you’re never quite sure if the person you suspect to be the villain, is until the very last page.
There is enough background built into the story, about Ridpath, his family and his co-workers to make the book personal and adds to the storyline.
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
October 19, 2020
D I Tom Ridpath, really does get under your skin!
The cast of characters in this series really do make their mark on you psyche.
DI Ridpath slowly coming to terms with his cancer in remission and the thankful return of his wife and daughter to the marital home.
Working for the coroner's office to ease him back into work, supposedly making life a little less stressful isn't really going to work or is it? His head is still in detective mode so when the body of a man is reportedly found burnt to death in his armchair, Ridpath's interest is more than peaked.
It's only the beginning of a cat and mouse situation after more burnt bodies appear. Ridpath is convinced there's a connection and a serial killer at large, convincing other's becomes a battle in its self.
This cleverly written and head scratching tale is a must if you like gritty in-depth plots and storylines to test your powers of deduction. A killer who leaves nothing in clues accept for words sprayed in bright orange paint, near to his victims.
Once again Ridpath seems to be the only one who's convinced of a connection as the burnt bodies mount up!
There's lots going on, blind alleys, false leads gruesome pictures, lots of aggravation from certain characters who I personally wanted to strangle but most are great rounded well thought out characters. My favourite of course is Tom Ridpath, he's a maverick cop who thinks outside the box, keeps lots to himself until he's sure everything falls into place, he digs and digs deeper much to the distaste of some who would do anything for a quick conviction at any cost!
If you like gripping reads where you need to sift the evidence yourself before the climax this is a series for you, enjoy I did!
The cast of characters in this series really do make their mark on you psyche.
DI Ridpath slowly coming to terms with his cancer in remission and the thankful return of his wife and daughter to the marital home.
Working for the coroner's office to ease him back into work, supposedly making life a little less stressful isn't really going to work or is it? His head is still in detective mode so when the body of a man is reportedly found burnt to death in his armchair, Ridpath's interest is more than peaked.
It's only the beginning of a cat and mouse situation after more burnt bodies appear. Ridpath is convinced there's a connection and a serial killer at large, convincing other's becomes a battle in its self.
This cleverly written and head scratching tale is a must if you like gritty in-depth plots and storylines to test your powers of deduction. A killer who leaves nothing in clues accept for words sprayed in bright orange paint, near to his victims.
Once again Ridpath seems to be the only one who's convinced of a connection as the burnt bodies mount up!
There's lots going on, blind alleys, false leads gruesome pictures, lots of aggravation from certain characters who I personally wanted to strangle but most are great rounded well thought out characters. My favourite of course is Tom Ridpath, he's a maverick cop who thinks outside the box, keeps lots to himself until he's sure everything falls into place, he digs and digs deeper much to the distaste of some who would do anything for a quick conviction at any cost!
If you like gripping reads where you need to sift the evidence yourself before the climax this is a series for you, enjoy I did!
June 24, 2020
Life is good. His wife and daughter are back home. He’s finally realised that if he wants to keep the cancer at bay, he needs to look after himself and he’s enjoying his work at the Coroner’s Office, especially as he now has a new assistant to keep the paperwork up to date.
Where the silence calls opens with a man moving a dead man into position, into his chair, facing the TV. After completing the staging of the scene, he makes a call to emergency services before dousing the body with an accelerant and setting fire to it. From his thoughts as he does so, we gather he’s a man on a mission of revenge and that his work is not yet done. More people must burn.
When Ridpath attends the scene later, suicide or an accidental death seem to be the likeliest causes according to the Police but something doesn’t smell right to Ridpath. When there’s another death by burning, this time a homeless man, it’s Mrs Challenor, the Coroner, who asks Ridpath to take a look. Another accidental death? Ridpath doesn’t think so. But Ridpath’s attempts at convincing Clare Trent and her new DCI Caruso that these deaths need investigating, soon have his job on the line. What will it take to convince them that a serial killer is on the loose. More bodies, of course, and they are not long in coming.
As well as the interplay between the role of the Police and the Coroner’s Office, these novels highlight the new way of policing, where the detectives are fresh off degree courses and a spread sheet is the bottom line. Policing by a cost benefit analysis where an algorithm decides whether its worth trying to solve a crime and the quest for truth doesn’t enter into it. I would feel safer in my bed at night knowing that there were more Ridpath’s out there, still searching for the truth, whatever the cost.
Where the silence calls opens with a man moving a dead man into position, into his chair, facing the TV. After completing the staging of the scene, he makes a call to emergency services before dousing the body with an accelerant and setting fire to it. From his thoughts as he does so, we gather he’s a man on a mission of revenge and that his work is not yet done. More people must burn.
When Ridpath attends the scene later, suicide or an accidental death seem to be the likeliest causes according to the Police but something doesn’t smell right to Ridpath. When there’s another death by burning, this time a homeless man, it’s Mrs Challenor, the Coroner, who asks Ridpath to take a look. Another accidental death? Ridpath doesn’t think so. But Ridpath’s attempts at convincing Clare Trent and her new DCI Caruso that these deaths need investigating, soon have his job on the line. What will it take to convince them that a serial killer is on the loose. More bodies, of course, and they are not long in coming.
As well as the interplay between the role of the Police and the Coroner’s Office, these novels highlight the new way of policing, where the detectives are fresh off degree courses and a spread sheet is the bottom line. Policing by a cost benefit analysis where an algorithm decides whether its worth trying to solve a crime and the quest for truth doesn’t enter into it. I would feel safer in my bed at night knowing that there were more Ridpath’s out there, still searching for the truth, whatever the cost.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2022
This is a very well written book. 3rd in the DI Ridpath series. The Ridpath character continues to grow. You learn more about him and his relationships. But this is the best novel in the series so far as the gruesome murders begin to unravel and it really is only the last few pages where you understand who and why. Very good
August 20, 2020
Another great read. Proper thriller, builds and builds until you can't put it down.
July 17, 2024
Another excellent story with DI Ridpath and the Coroner's Office
October 16, 2020
Captivating.
Exceptional writing and development of the main characters. Love this series and DI Ridpath. Very unique storyline in all the books with Ridpath working for the Coroner as well as MIT. Highly recommend all the books by MJ Lee who is a very talented storyteller.
Exceptional writing and development of the main characters. Love this series and DI Ridpath. Very unique storyline in all the books with Ridpath working for the Coroner as well as MIT. Highly recommend all the books by MJ Lee who is a very talented storyteller.
June 16, 2020
Fav
Really enjoyed the book, got to the end too quickly, can't wait to read the next in the series. And hope there are more to follow
Really enjoyed the book, got to the end too quickly, can't wait to read the next in the series. And hope there are more to follow
August 13, 2020
Really enjoyed this
As an avid reader I can sometimes work out the storyline and ending. Although there were a few good guesses made, I did not get this ending correct! Most of all, one character was so well written that 'I really don't like her!' Seriously I was getting really cross with her..... So will you when you read this book.
As an avid reader I can sometimes work out the storyline and ending. Although there were a few good guesses made, I did not get this ending correct! Most of all, one character was so well written that 'I really don't like her!' Seriously I was getting really cross with her..... So will you when you read this book.
April 27, 2023
5 stars
I am loving this series and again I didn't have a clue of who the murderer was. M J Lee's books are filled with drama, suspense and great characters. They are a pleasure to read.
I am loving this series and again I didn't have a clue of who the murderer was. M J Lee's books are filled with drama, suspense and great characters. They are a pleasure to read.
June 20, 2020
Even better than the previous one
Kept me guessing to the end. Plausible characters. Good story line. Enough description to create a picture but still leaves room for imagination.
Kept me guessing to the end. Plausible characters. Good story line. Enough description to create a picture but still leaves room for imagination.
August 24, 2020
Still catching up on this series and have downloaded no 4 straight away.
A particularly gruesome set of victims all connected but only Ridpath can see it so he goes off piste again until he can come up with the evidence to persuade others that they’re murders.
I was stuck for time for the first half of reading this but then I sat and read until finished - the type of book I enjoy most.
A particularly gruesome set of victims all connected but only Ridpath can see it so he goes off piste again until he can come up with the evidence to persuade others that they’re murders.
I was stuck for time for the first half of reading this but then I sat and read until finished - the type of book I enjoy most.
December 31, 2021
Good twist in this fiery tale!
September 10, 2020
Very good
An interesting and well written British police procedural novel set in Manchester, UK. The characters are very well drawn and the mystery has a surprising ending. The book starts a bit slow but the ending was a pure page turner. Unfortunately, as an American, a lot of the references to British culture and idioms left me a bit knackered. I look forward to the next in the series.
An interesting and well written British police procedural novel set in Manchester, UK. The characters are very well drawn and the mystery has a surprising ending. The book starts a bit slow but the ending was a pure page turner. Unfortunately, as an American, a lot of the references to British culture and idioms left me a bit knackered. I look forward to the next in the series.
June 9, 2020
Detective story that is clever and gripping
Di ridpath is a very clever chap and it's a gripping story of his detective life and he's coping with cancer and his family and job .I enjoyed this story as much as the last one and look forward to the next
Di ridpath is a very clever chap and it's a gripping story of his detective life and he's coping with cancer and his family and job .I enjoyed this story as much as the last one and look forward to the next
December 8, 2020
A good read
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