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Marshal of Snowdonia #5
Blood Mountain
Retired detective Frank Marshal lives in a remote part of Snowdonia with his wife Rachel who is suffering from dementia. When Frank and his grandson Sam witness a coach crash, the hero of the hour, a wealthy local landowner Ben Carver, seems desperate not to be in the spotlight which seems suspicious.
Police are contacted by a woman claiming that the man she has seen on the news is not Ben Carver but her husband Daniel Owen who went missing, presumed dead, several years earlier. Frank and his friend Annie, a retired Crown Court Judge, begin to investigate as they unravel the dark secrets of Ben Carver’s life.
Can Frank and Annie uncover the sinister truth behind the true identities of the two men who bear a more than uncanny resemblance to each other.
Blood Mountain is the fifth book in the Frank Marshal Crime Thriller series from multi-million bestselling author Simon McCleave. If you like dark thrillers, psychologically complex characters and shocking twists, then you’ll love Simon McCleave’s pulse-pounding new novel. Perfect for fans of LJ Ross, JM Dalgleish, Rachel McLean and JD Kirk.
Police are contacted by a woman claiming that the man she has seen on the news is not Ben Carver but her husband Daniel Owen who went missing, presumed dead, several years earlier. Frank and his friend Annie, a retired Crown Court Judge, begin to investigate as they unravel the dark secrets of Ben Carver’s life.
Can Frank and Annie uncover the sinister truth behind the true identities of the two men who bear a more than uncanny resemblance to each other.
Blood Mountain is the fifth book in the Frank Marshal Crime Thriller series from multi-million bestselling author Simon McCleave. If you like dark thrillers, psychologically complex characters and shocking twists, then you’ll love Simon McCleave’s pulse-pounding new novel. Perfect for fans of LJ Ross, JM Dalgleish, Rachel McLean and JD Kirk.
256 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 5, 2026
Rating: 4.5/5 (Rounded up to 5 stars)
Blood Mountain is a wonderfully quick-paced and very enjoyable read! This is the fifth book I've read in this series, and my eighth overall from Simon McCleave, and it certainly didn't disappoint. The story kicks off with a coach crash and a local hero who is surprisingly reluctant to be in the spotlight, sparking an intriguing investigation into mistaken identity and long-buried secrets.
While the plot is engaging, it does get a little far-fetched in a few places. Specifically, a gun being discharged under any circumstances would usually face intense scrutiny, and I highly doubt the lead character would be permitted to lead a police chase with marked cars following him! But that being said, this is a thriller, not a documentary, and it certainly keeps the adrenaline pumping. The absolute highlight remains the dynamic between Frank and Annie; their interactions are still perfectly on point and a joy to read. If you are looking for an entertaining, action-packed crime thriller, this one definitely hits the mark!
Blood Mountain is a wonderfully quick-paced and very enjoyable read! This is the fifth book I've read in this series, and my eighth overall from Simon McCleave, and it certainly didn't disappoint. The story kicks off with a coach crash and a local hero who is surprisingly reluctant to be in the spotlight, sparking an intriguing investigation into mistaken identity and long-buried secrets.
While the plot is engaging, it does get a little far-fetched in a few places. Specifically, a gun being discharged under any circumstances would usually face intense scrutiny, and I highly doubt the lead character would be permitted to lead a police chase with marked cars following him! But that being said, this is a thriller, not a documentary, and it certainly keeps the adrenaline pumping. The absolute highlight remains the dynamic between Frank and Annie; their interactions are still perfectly on point and a joy to read. If you are looking for an entertaining, action-packed crime thriller, this one definitely hits the mark!
April 11, 2026
Blood Mountain: A Frank Marshal Crime Thriller (Marshal of Snowdonia Book 5) Simon McCleave
A book written by Simon McCleave never fails to have you sitting and neglecting housework, dog walking and anything else you have to do. They are what it says in the title, Crime Thriller. I have read each book as they come on sale and every one is different but the same, I just can’t put it down!
Enjoyment on paper is what it is. I thoroughly encourage any book reader to try any of his books and you will become aware that I am right. Just read!!
A book written by Simon McCleave never fails to have you sitting and neglecting housework, dog walking and anything else you have to do. They are what it says in the title, Crime Thriller. I have read each book as they come on sale and every one is different but the same, I just can’t put it down!
Enjoyment on paper is what it is. I thoroughly encourage any book reader to try any of his books and you will become aware that I am right. Just read!!
April 20, 2026
Blood Mountain - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Blood Mountain is set in North Wales, in a former slate-mining community that hides a long-buried secret about a local family. It's brought to light by chance after a coach crash. The phrase, 'no good deed goes unpunished' could have been coined for this, yet the reverse is also true in this case, as Frank Marshall and his sidekiclk Annie work to unravel a murder-mystery that is likely to be their strangest investigation yet.
Simon McCleave writes a gripping story with great characters and well-researched locations, which blend seamlessly into a fascinating whole.
Get a copy of Blood Mountain today...and pray that blood is thicker than water when it comes to sibling rivalry!
Blood Mountain is set in North Wales, in a former slate-mining community that hides a long-buried secret about a local family. It's brought to light by chance after a coach crash. The phrase, 'no good deed goes unpunished' could have been coined for this, yet the reverse is also true in this case, as Frank Marshall and his sidekiclk Annie work to unravel a murder-mystery that is likely to be their strangest investigation yet.
Simon McCleave writes a gripping story with great characters and well-researched locations, which blend seamlessly into a fascinating whole.
Get a copy of Blood Mountain today...and pray that blood is thicker than water when it comes to sibling rivalry!
May 19, 2026
This was such an addictive crime thriller and honestly one of those books that keeps you guessing the entire way through. Simon McCleave has a talent for creating suspense without rushing the story, and I found myself completely invested in the mystery surrounding Ben Carver and the missing man, Daniel Owen. Every time I thought I had figured things out, another twist came along and changed everything.
What really made this book stand out for me was Frank Marshal. He’s not your typical detective character, and that’s exactly why he feels so real. Seeing him deal with his wife Rachel’s dementia added a deeply emotional layer to the story that stayed with me throughout the book. Their relationship was heartbreaking at times but also incredibly touching, and it gave the novel much more depth than just being a standard crime thriller.
The setting in Snowdonia was another highlight. The atmosphere was brilliantly written — quiet, remote, and slightly haunting in a way that perfectly matched the mystery. I could almost picture the landscapes and feel the tension building in those isolated surroundings. It added so much mood to the story.
I also loved the partnership between Frank and Annie. Their investigation felt intelligent and believable, and the way the secrets slowly unraveled kept me hooked from beginning to end. The psychological side of the story was especially well done because nothing felt too obvious or predictable.
The pacing was excellent too. It balanced emotional moments, detective work, and suspense perfectly without dragging. By the final chapters, I genuinely could not stop reading because I needed to know the truth behind the identities of the two men.
If you enjoy crime thrillers with strong characters, emotional depth, atmospheric settings, and genuinely shocking twists, this book is absolutely worth picking up. Simon McCleave delivers a story that feels both gripping and emotionally human at the same time. Definitely one of the most memorable thrillers I’ve read recently.
What really made this book stand out for me was Frank Marshal. He’s not your typical detective character, and that’s exactly why he feels so real. Seeing him deal with his wife Rachel’s dementia added a deeply emotional layer to the story that stayed with me throughout the book. Their relationship was heartbreaking at times but also incredibly touching, and it gave the novel much more depth than just being a standard crime thriller.
The setting in Snowdonia was another highlight. The atmosphere was brilliantly written — quiet, remote, and slightly haunting in a way that perfectly matched the mystery. I could almost picture the landscapes and feel the tension building in those isolated surroundings. It added so much mood to the story.
I also loved the partnership between Frank and Annie. Their investigation felt intelligent and believable, and the way the secrets slowly unraveled kept me hooked from beginning to end. The psychological side of the story was especially well done because nothing felt too obvious or predictable.
The pacing was excellent too. It balanced emotional moments, detective work, and suspense perfectly without dragging. By the final chapters, I genuinely could not stop reading because I needed to know the truth behind the identities of the two men.
If you enjoy crime thrillers with strong characters, emotional depth, atmospheric settings, and genuinely shocking twists, this book is absolutely worth picking up. Simon McCleave delivers a story that feels both gripping and emotionally human at the same time. Definitely one of the most memorable thrillers I’ve read recently.
April 13, 2026
I find this series a very quick read - the books are quite short and the plots relatively easy to suss out so they do not take too much concentration to complete. I like the characters and their development however I am not keen on the way Frank can basically do what he wants to do without any consideration to correct police proceedures, I mean he randomly has a tracking device that he can slip on a car on someone that feels "off" to him, whether he turns out to be a suspect or not 😱
Also I feel that if two elderly strangers randomly turn up on a doorstep wanting the third degree on the residents life story hmm would you just role your lifestory out to complete strangers, thats weird
As for the police chase, hmm like Franks car would be the fore runner in that and the police wouldn't let him and Annie get that close no matter how good he was back in the day and lets not forget the shotgun 🤦♀️
Just a bit far fetched procedurally for me to go any better than a 3 ⭐
Also I feel that if two elderly strangers randomly turn up on a doorstep wanting the third degree on the residents life story hmm would you just role your lifestory out to complete strangers, thats weird
As for the police chase, hmm like Franks car would be the fore runner in that and the police wouldn't let him and Annie get that close no matter how good he was back in the day and lets not forget the shotgun 🤦♀️
Just a bit far fetched procedurally for me to go any better than a 3 ⭐
May 2, 2026
Heart Stopping
Another grest story from Simon who has again delivered the goods. Apart from a miscalculation with date if birth if one character who was born in 1966 and described as being 63 in 2026, that was just human error. The story kept me guessing right to the final climax when nothing is quite what it seemed and people are the most complex and calculated individuals when their back is up agsinst the wall. Looking forward to the next Frank and Annie adventure in Nov 2026 when Simon assured me he WILL be back. Can't wait. Grown fond of this couple, mire soas they are nearer my age and nothing will hold us oldies back, unlike the young, we have a lifetime and weath of experience on our side. Never doto understimate us pensioners, we ARE full of surprises under the surface..
Another grest story from Simon who has again delivered the goods. Apart from a miscalculation with date if birth if one character who was born in 1966 and described as being 63 in 2026, that was just human error. The story kept me guessing right to the final climax when nothing is quite what it seemed and people are the most complex and calculated individuals when their back is up agsinst the wall. Looking forward to the next Frank and Annie adventure in Nov 2026 when Simon assured me he WILL be back. Can't wait. Grown fond of this couple, mire soas they are nearer my age and nothing will hold us oldies back, unlike the young, we have a lifetime and weath of experience on our side. Never doto understimate us pensioners, we ARE full of surprises under the surface..
April 12, 2026
Two days of pleasure.
Unfortunately it only took 2 days to complete this 5th episode. In my opinion it was fast paced,great storyline and lovely characters. I just hope that Dewi gets his comeuppance sometime soon!! I also hope that Kelly gets his job!! Simon McCleave please get the next chapter out soon.
Unfortunately it only took 2 days to complete this 5th episode. In my opinion it was fast paced,great storyline and lovely characters. I just hope that Dewi gets his comeuppance sometime soon!! I also hope that Kelly gets his job!! Simon McCleave please get the next chapter out soon.
April 13, 2026
Excellent read
This is a very thoughtful book, with a few different strands that you follow throughout the story. Very clever plot and certainly unexpected. Quite emotional in parts, with very realistic descriptions of behaviour and reactions that I can really relate to with regard to dementia. Really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next one.
This is a very thoughtful book, with a few different strands that you follow throughout the story. Very clever plot and certainly unexpected. Quite emotional in parts, with very realistic descriptions of behaviour and reactions that I can really relate to with regard to dementia. Really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next one.
April 22, 2026
The Best Yet
The history of Welsh slate mining. The disaster of 1904. Bullying of a young boy and abuse of another.
Then a bus crash with a real local hero.
Or is all not quite as it seems?
The pairing of Frank and Annie doesn't really strike me as being very likely but it makes for great reading.
I heartily recommend this book.
The history of Welsh slate mining. The disaster of 1904. Bullying of a young boy and abuse of another.
Then a bus crash with a real local hero.
Or is all not quite as it seems?
The pairing of Frank and Annie doesn't really strike me as being very likely but it makes for great reading.
I heartily recommend this book.
April 29, 2026
Brilliant
Another brilliant story only lasted 2 sessions got to wait till December I find it amazing some stories you struggle to get into but sadly yours only last a couple of days,you put it down and wonder what happens next then curiosity takes over so you pick it up again.com
Wonderful can't wait.
Another brilliant story only lasted 2 sessions got to wait till December I find it amazing some stories you struggle to get into but sadly yours only last a couple of days,you put it down and wonder what happens next then curiosity takes over so you pick it up again.com
Wonderful can't wait.
May 3, 2026
Another great read from Simon
As always a great read from this author. Everytime I finish one of his books I want to book a trip to Wales! There is always just the right amount of intrigue to keep you turning the pages and to keep you awake in to the early hours to read one more chapter!!!
As always a great read from this author. Everytime I finish one of his books I want to book a trip to Wales! There is always just the right amount of intrigue to keep you turning the pages and to keep you awake in to the early hours to read one more chapter!!!
April 14, 2026
Another great book in the Frank Marshall series
Another great Frank Marshall read. Great to read about the regular characters and about their lives and also the murder that needs solving along with the now to be expected twists and turns.
Another great Frank Marshall read. Great to read about the regular characters and about their lives and also the murder that needs solving along with the now to be expected twists and turns.
April 16, 2026
Great read!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Actually a page turner for a change, expertly written and no typos!!! Look forward to the next one and will look for the first four.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Actually a page turner for a change, expertly written and no typos!!! Look forward to the next one and will look for the first four.
April 22, 2026
Perfect!
This book was about so much more than a murder mystery. It spoke of the importance of friendship and family. And it also spoke about the love and loyalty of our dogs...both from them to us and us humans to them. I can't wait to read more from the author.
This book was about so much more than a murder mystery. It spoke of the importance of friendship and family. And it also spoke about the love and loyalty of our dogs...both from them to us and us humans to them. I can't wait to read more from the author.
April 26, 2026
Another Compelling Read
MCleave has woven another compelling, engaging tale, set against the magical, otherworldly setting of North Wales. This may be one's of his most satisfying books to-date.
MCleave has woven another compelling, engaging tale, set against the magical, otherworldly setting of North Wales. This may be one's of his most satisfying books to-date.
May 14, 2026
A twist
Twins separated at birth and leading different lives are tracked and the lives of each are uncovered. One murders, accidentally?, The other. And tries to take the identity. Marshal and Annie follow the evidence and uncover the truth.
Twins separated at birth and leading different lives are tracked and the lives of each are uncovered. One murders, accidentally?, The other. And tries to take the identity. Marshal and Annie follow the evidence and uncover the truth.
June 16, 2026
Another Marshal of Snowdonia I enjoyed, this one was more up my alley with the mystery and I am really getting attached to the characters. I really will have to go back to the first 3 in the series before number 6 comes out!
July 3, 2026
Love These Intelligent But Surprising Tales
Too many authors rely on shock and gore and gory details! As if that makes a good mystery or even murder book. It is character and an intelligent plot along with great characters that do the trick and Simon has that mastered.
Too many authors rely on shock and gore and gory details! As if that makes a good mystery or even murder book. It is character and an intelligent plot along with great characters that do the trick and Simon has that mastered.
April 11, 2026
Great series
I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. I look forward to the next one.
I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. I look forward to the next one.
April 11, 2026
Amazing novel.
Blood Mountain is the fifth book in this series and is even better than the last. Well done Simon. I read it in one day.
Blood Mountain is the fifth book in this series and is even better than the last. Well done Simon. I read it in one day.
April 12, 2026
Exceed all expectations
Good read as expected had to read it in two goes but now I have to wait for the next one
Good read as expected had to read it in two goes but now I have to wait for the next one
April 15, 2026
Really enjoyed this, and didn't work out where it was going to near the end. will read the next in series.
April 16, 2026
Short read, very descriptive of a place I used to live. Easily guessed how the storyline was heading.
April 20, 2026
I usually love Simon’s books. Not this time. Entirely predictable from almost the beginning. It really felt like an overdone story line to meet a publishing deadline.
April 22, 2026
Not quite as gripping as the previous books in this series
May 28, 2026
Blood Mountain
Good book read it in one day. It took me a while to figure out what was going on. After a while it got good. Blow my mind at the end.
Good book read it in one day. It took me a while to figure out what was going on. After a while it got good. Blow my mind at the end.
June 10, 2026
This is a brilliant story,love the characters Frank and Annie, great storyline and the twists in the story,l throughly enjoyed reading 📚 it.
June 12, 2026
Great read
Book 5 in the Frank Marshal series. I am thoroughly enjoying these stories. Looking forward to the next one now.
Book 5 in the Frank Marshal series. I am thoroughly enjoying these stories. Looking forward to the next one now.
July 16, 2026
Blood moutain
Brilliant as always great twist 5 out of 5 love simons work ready for the next book in the series
Brilliant as always great twist 5 out of 5 love simons work ready for the next book in the series
May 9, 2026
Fab read as always, although this had a different twist to it which was nice. Just love Frank.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews