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DI Emma Christie Crime Thriller #4
The Dead of Deva: A DI Emma Christie Crime Thriller
Beneath Chester’s ancient walls, the past is never truly buried.
When a popular Roman tour guide is found murdered at the Temple of Minerva in Edgar’s Field, his body dressed in full gladiator gear and laid out like an ancient offering, Detective Inspector Emma Christie is thrust into a case that grips Chester by the throat. What looks like a theatrical killing soon unravels into something far darker.
As more bodies appear, each displayed in locations steeped in history, Emma Christie begins to see a chilling pattern. Someone is recreating ancient rituals, determined to remind Chester that its glory was built on blood.
With the media circling and the city’s tourist trade collapsing, Emma must race through Chester’s maze of narrow lanes and ruins to unmask a killer who knows every inch of the city—and every story it hides.
Rich in atmosphere and pulsing with suspense, The Dead of Deva is a gripping British crime thriller that could only happen in Chester—where the ghosts of Rome still walk, and the walls remember everything.
A suspenseful crime thriller from the writer of the DI Ridpath series, perfect for readers of Simon McCleave, J D Kirk, M W Craven and L J Ross.
When a popular Roman tour guide is found murdered at the Temple of Minerva in Edgar’s Field, his body dressed in full gladiator gear and laid out like an ancient offering, Detective Inspector Emma Christie is thrust into a case that grips Chester by the throat. What looks like a theatrical killing soon unravels into something far darker.
As more bodies appear, each displayed in locations steeped in history, Emma Christie begins to see a chilling pattern. Someone is recreating ancient rituals, determined to remind Chester that its glory was built on blood.
With the media circling and the city’s tourist trade collapsing, Emma must race through Chester’s maze of narrow lanes and ruins to unmask a killer who knows every inch of the city—and every story it hides.
Rich in atmosphere and pulsing with suspense, The Dead of Deva is a gripping British crime thriller that could only happen in Chester—where the ghosts of Rome still walk, and the walls remember everything.
A suspenseful crime thriller from the writer of the DI Ridpath series, perfect for readers of Simon McCleave, J D Kirk, M W Craven and L J Ross.
- GenresCrime
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2026
About the author
M.J. Lee
72 books460 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 8, 2026
A brilliant page turner
Just finished this and enjoyed it immensely, couldn’t stop reading. Love that it’s about Chester. Roll on the next one….
Just finished this and enjoyed it immensely, couldn’t stop reading. Love that it’s about Chester. Roll on the next one….
March 9, 2026
Outstanding!
Another terrific entry into this gritty series. I read this in just under eight hours. Could not put it down!
Another terrific entry into this gritty series. I read this in just under eight hours. Could not put it down!
March 26, 2026
A bit of a slow start, but picked up fairly early on.
March 17, 2026
another excellent book in the series
A fast paced and gripping book that keeps the reader guessing until the end. Looking forward to the next book
A fast paced and gripping book that keeps the reader guessing until the end. Looking forward to the next book
July 26, 2026
Great Series!!
Another home run!! Great book. I will be reading more MJ Lee books for sure! I think I’ve finished the Emma Christie series.
Another home run!! Great book. I will be reading more MJ Lee books for sure! I think I’ve finished the Emma Christie series.
April 10, 2026
MJ Lee’s The Dead of Deva is a gripping addition to the DI Emma Christie series. Sharp and brilliantly paced, it kept me second-guessing every twist right up to the end. A truly compelling read that crime fans won’t want to put down.
June 25, 2026
Another great book in this series looking forward to seeing what is next
May 29, 2026
Where to start? Well, M J Lee, has fast become one of my favourite go to authors. I have read all his novels to date. I do wonder where he keeps getting his ideas from. This latest adventure with D I Emma Christie, literally blew me away. It was the fourth in the Christie series and in my humble opinion the best so far. The characters are believeable, the action very fast paced. There is a simmering undercurrent of another story going on in the background which adds an element of additional suspence. I wont spoil it for anyone who is yet to read it. Suffice to say, this is definitely a page turner. I couldn't put it down. It's a big five stars from me. Can't wait for the new Ridpath novel to land in July.
November 2, 2026
Really enjoyed this book which kept me guessing. I was hooked throughout and really looking forward to seeing whats next for Emma and the team. I fully recommend this series but also M.J Lee's DI Ridpath series.
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September 1, 2026I enjoy police procedurals and DI Christie's work is always interesting. This book was even more so with the complexity of the case, but I wasn't sure of the drug tie-in...still a good read
September 24, 2026
another hit
Well, I guess the person who was diming the crime boss I totally missed the who done it so well done author I love the series.
Well, I guess the person who was diming the crime boss I totally missed the who done it so well done author I love the series.
October 7, 2026
The premise was good. Didn’t enjoy it as much as all his previous books. Seems really sordid now. As goes the world, authors must keep up I guess.
June 5, 2026
This is a great series. Emma is a down-to-earth person, with a Dad living with her, suffering from Alzheimer's. This is a gritty, tense read and is a race against the clock in the end. Her team are a good mix and the story is gripping.
May 31, 2026
Reasonable story, Interesting to read about locations I know, but writing not good.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews