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DI Ruth Hunter #5
The Berwyn River Killings
A double suicide. A dark investigation into historic abuse. Can DI Ruth Hunter link the present killings to secrets of the past before the killer strikes again?
Detective Inspector Ruth Hunter has resolved to put her past life in London behind her. So when two seemingly routine suicides start to look suspicious, Ruth is keen to throw herself into a new investigation, lead her CID team and solve what appears to be a complex case. However, as the former London detective digs into the past of the victims’ lives, she uncovers a dark web of abuse within the music industry.
Tracking down clues alongside her hot-headed partner DS Nick Evans, Ruth becomes increasingly frustrated by an investigation where there is no obvious prime suspect. It’s not until there is a shocking twist, that Ruth and her team are able to put the pieces together of a baffling case. Can she track down the killer before they disappear for good…?
Detective Inspector Ruth Hunter has resolved to put her past life in London behind her. So when two seemingly routine suicides start to look suspicious, Ruth is keen to throw herself into a new investigation, lead her CID team and solve what appears to be a complex case. However, as the former London detective digs into the past of the victims’ lives, she uncovers a dark web of abuse within the music industry.
Tracking down clues alongside her hot-headed partner DS Nick Evans, Ruth becomes increasingly frustrated by an investigation where there is no obvious prime suspect. It’s not until there is a shocking twist, that Ruth and her team are able to put the pieces together of a baffling case. Can she track down the killer before they disappear for good…?
336 pages, Paperback
Published August 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
July 17, 2020
Unfortunately, I only read the first book in this series and missed out on the next 3. It didn’t interfere with understanding this story. It can be read as a standalone, although the storyline about Sarah continues through all of the books.
DI Ruth Hunter has turned 50 and lives happily with Sian in North Wales near Snowdonia. She promised her lover that she’ll concentrate on the present and the future and will put the disappearance of Sarah into the past. This becomes very difficult when she’s visited by a woman who shows her proof that Sarah had an affair with her husband in 2013. This husband has a connection with the German banker that was the last person Sarah was seen talking to; a man who’s wanted in relation to the murder of 2 young women in Berlin.
Her DS, Nick Evans has turned a new leaf since he’s expecting a baby with Amanda who he met at the AA. There another member asks him to be his sponsor. He accepts but lies to Amanda about it as she thinks that he doesn’t have the time to do does right now.
That’s their personal life. At work, they have to cope with 2 homicides in 3 days that are staged as suicides. Both victims had been in prison for a relatively short period, considering their crime. The first one killed his wife in a DUI accident and injured a baby in the other car. The other one killed someone in a drunken pub fight. But both men are also connected with an investigation about underage sex in the music and TV-world during the 90ies. All possible suspects seem to have alibis. But Ruth’s team is good and the truth will be unearthed.
This time I guessed the outcome rather early in the book. Most Hitchcock fans might see it coming as well. Nevertheless, it was a thrilling and suspenseful read as I had to wait until the end before I saw my theory proved right.
Both protagonists seem to get on with their lives, although they have the habit to sabotage their own happiness some times. Honesty would avoid certain problems that they invite by not telling the truth to their partners. The personal problems and home life seem to overtake the storyline of the investigation at times.
The victims in this book aren’t very sympathetic and I can understand why someone might like to kill them, but that’s not what we do in this society. That would be pure and utter anarchy if everyone could decide who’s worthy to live and who not.
We’re spoiled again with some Welsh myths and the stunning beauty of the surrounding. I googled some of the places and the landscapes are as beautiful as they’re painted.
I received a free ARC from the author and this is my unbiased, honest review of it.
DI Ruth Hunter has turned 50 and lives happily with Sian in North Wales near Snowdonia. She promised her lover that she’ll concentrate on the present and the future and will put the disappearance of Sarah into the past. This becomes very difficult when she’s visited by a woman who shows her proof that Sarah had an affair with her husband in 2013. This husband has a connection with the German banker that was the last person Sarah was seen talking to; a man who’s wanted in relation to the murder of 2 young women in Berlin.
Her DS, Nick Evans has turned a new leaf since he’s expecting a baby with Amanda who he met at the AA. There another member asks him to be his sponsor. He accepts but lies to Amanda about it as she thinks that he doesn’t have the time to do does right now.
That’s their personal life. At work, they have to cope with 2 homicides in 3 days that are staged as suicides. Both victims had been in prison for a relatively short period, considering their crime. The first one killed his wife in a DUI accident and injured a baby in the other car. The other one killed someone in a drunken pub fight. But both men are also connected with an investigation about underage sex in the music and TV-world during the 90ies. All possible suspects seem to have alibis. But Ruth’s team is good and the truth will be unearthed.
This time I guessed the outcome rather early in the book. Most Hitchcock fans might see it coming as well. Nevertheless, it was a thrilling and suspenseful read as I had to wait until the end before I saw my theory proved right.
Both protagonists seem to get on with their lives, although they have the habit to sabotage their own happiness some times. Honesty would avoid certain problems that they invite by not telling the truth to their partners. The personal problems and home life seem to overtake the storyline of the investigation at times.
The victims in this book aren’t very sympathetic and I can understand why someone might like to kill them, but that’s not what we do in this society. That would be pure and utter anarchy if everyone could decide who’s worthy to live and who not.
We’re spoiled again with some Welsh myths and the stunning beauty of the surrounding. I googled some of the places and the landscapes are as beautiful as they’re painted.
I received a free ARC from the author and this is my unbiased, honest review of it.
May 26, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up because I love this detective/crime series set in Wales.
It's not fair to downgrade a book just beacuse you don't like where the personal story of one of the characters is going (or is it? 🤔😂).
It's still a well-paced and absorbing read with great characters and plenty of gritty crime fiction to get your teeth into!
It's not fair to downgrade a book just beacuse you don't like where the personal story of one of the characters is going (or is it? 🤔😂).
It's still a well-paced and absorbing read with great characters and plenty of gritty crime fiction to get your teeth into!
March 5, 2021
Infuriating!
I was completely unaware that this book is 100% unresolved at the end. This is a cliffhanger of MT. Everest proportions, which angers me so much that I am not going to sheepishly follow the story into the next book to finally know the end of the story. It doesn't interest me enough to muddle through all of the "ciggies" being lit, ciggie breath issues, lies to Ruth's partner,endless self dialogue about the same issue, juvenile dialogue. If the writer had edited out all of this nonsense, he could have actually FINISHED THE STORY in the same number of pages. But, no, I push my way through the nonsense for some answers= and he doesn't even respect readers enough to provide them!!!! One of the most basic tenets of writing is that every story has a beginning, middle, and end, but not so with this story. I have taught writing in college and this mess gets a failing grade. It isn't worth one star, but I have to enter that to warn others about what a total waste of time it is to read this book. It essentially cancels itself out by leaving all questions unanswered and all issues unresolved. A good writer would never consider doing this!
I was completely unaware that this book is 100% unresolved at the end. This is a cliffhanger of MT. Everest proportions, which angers me so much that I am not going to sheepishly follow the story into the next book to finally know the end of the story. It doesn't interest me enough to muddle through all of the "ciggies" being lit, ciggie breath issues, lies to Ruth's partner,endless self dialogue about the same issue, juvenile dialogue. If the writer had edited out all of this nonsense, he could have actually FINISHED THE STORY in the same number of pages. But, no, I push my way through the nonsense for some answers= and he doesn't even respect readers enough to provide them!!!! One of the most basic tenets of writing is that every story has a beginning, middle, and end, but not so with this story. I have taught writing in college and this mess gets a failing grade. It isn't worth one star, but I have to enter that to warn others about what a total waste of time it is to read this book. It essentially cancels itself out by leaving all questions unanswered and all issues unresolved. A good writer would never consider doing this!
July 26, 2020
Great series with good characters and scenery descriptions you can "see" as the story progresses. You also get history of the locations and the past people who lived or traveled thru. The story line that continues thru each book keeps you reading, as well as the current crime story, to find out what happens next.
May 17, 2023
Outstanding
Oh my word......what a way for the book to end. I was so engrossed didn't even realise I'd ran out of chapters. The best in the series yet. I love the direction you are taking the characters in. Totally fascinating. Onwards to the next book
Oh my word......what a way for the book to end. I was so engrossed didn't even realise I'd ran out of chapters. The best in the series yet. I love the direction you are taking the characters in. Totally fascinating. Onwards to the next book
August 28, 2020
Brilliant, just love these DI hunter books, they are edge of the seat and in put downable. Keep them comming please Simon
July 25, 2020
What a cliff hanger!,
Yet another great read with twists I hadn’t thought of. Can’t wait for August for the next instalment. Loved the speed & flow plus left at the end wanting more.
Yet another great read with twists I hadn’t thought of. Can’t wait for August for the next instalment. Loved the speed & flow plus left at the end wanting more.
October 14, 2020
Distance
Enjoyable story and characters. Context is important so I wanted to make a small criticism re distance. The author mentions a distance of 100 yards several times on scenes of pursuit or of sounds heard. 100 yards is a football field length. These occasions to me make more sense if the contextual distance is/was 100 feet. Also, Sian saying “me and him went to see...” instead of “he and I went...” grates. Is this British english construction?
Enjoyable story and characters. Context is important so I wanted to make a small criticism re distance. The author mentions a distance of 100 yards several times on scenes of pursuit or of sounds heard. 100 yards is a football field length. These occasions to me make more sense if the contextual distance is/was 100 feet. Also, Sian saying “me and him went to see...” instead of “he and I went...” grates. Is this British english construction?
September 9, 2021
Great read
As always Simon leaves you with a cliff hanger! The book is entertaining and an excellent time waster! Thank you Simon for these Ruth Hunter stories
As always Simon leaves you with a cliff hanger! The book is entertaining and an excellent time waster! Thank you Simon for these Ruth Hunter stories
January 24, 2021
SPOILER ALERT
Loved the first 4 books of DI Ruth Hunter and Book 5, to me personally, was the best one, so far !!! This is a page Turner, full of twists with the murders and murderers; witness protection and people fleeing to Egypt. The music industry of the 90s and underage girls supplied with drugs and booze adds more mystery. The nitty gritty of the CID Team working tirelessly, but, so well together and the continuing rapport between Ruth and DS Nick Evans, makes this book a joy to read. Add the personal relationship between Ruth and Sian, spoilt by the past and the disappearance of Ruth’s ex-partner Sarah, there’s so much to take in. Don’t forget Drake leaving to take up a new position in Cumbria following Paula’s (his wife) cancer leaves his job open. Will Ruth apply for a new job? When will Amanda (Nick’s fiancée) have her baby and will her Dad Tony, who’s suffering from terminal cancer still be around to welcome his first grandchild ? The story ends with Nick running out of the door, trying to find Pete; Nick is Pete’s sponsor and is there to support him with his alcoholism. Pete has left a message, is it too late ? Ruth is in London, unable to leave the past and is searching for answers regarding Sarah. Where does that leave Sian and Ruth. Cannot wait to start Book 6 and The White Forest Killings....
Loved the first 4 books of DI Ruth Hunter and Book 5, to me personally, was the best one, so far !!! This is a page Turner, full of twists with the murders and murderers; witness protection and people fleeing to Egypt. The music industry of the 90s and underage girls supplied with drugs and booze adds more mystery. The nitty gritty of the CID Team working tirelessly, but, so well together and the continuing rapport between Ruth and DS Nick Evans, makes this book a joy to read. Add the personal relationship between Ruth and Sian, spoilt by the past and the disappearance of Ruth’s ex-partner Sarah, there’s so much to take in. Don’t forget Drake leaving to take up a new position in Cumbria following Paula’s (his wife) cancer leaves his job open. Will Ruth apply for a new job? When will Amanda (Nick’s fiancée) have her baby and will her Dad Tony, who’s suffering from terminal cancer still be around to welcome his first grandchild ? The story ends with Nick running out of the door, trying to find Pete; Nick is Pete’s sponsor and is there to support him with his alcoholism. Pete has left a message, is it too late ? Ruth is in London, unable to leave the past and is searching for answers regarding Sarah. Where does that leave Sian and Ruth. Cannot wait to start Book 6 and The White Forest Killings....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2024
DI Ruth Hunter and they case of the messed up Music Studio!
So, in a nutshell a musician is found dead on the waterfront in what appears to be a suicide. As the case unfolds the team find out that the deceased is not such a nice guy. He was a partier, drunk and druggie that had a lust for young girls. Fast forward, another suspected suicide of a sound engineer, this also suspicious, this also tying into the musicians case. These two men worked at the same drug infested, drunken, underage sex studio. (But hey, it was the 80s and 90s).
The team has narrowed it down to 4 suspects, 2 made a runner to Egypt and 2 had grew a friendship out of case they sat on the jury for. 2 women that have very close ties to the deceased, 1 was assaulted by the engineer, and 1 had a family member messed up in a drunk driving incident. Both men served little time, and were eventually released. The 2 that got away were a Cop that worked the case looking into the studio and a young girl (at the time) that got the drugs and other "girls" supplied for these parties.
Now...the cliff hangar, no one was charged, the book ends with Ruth following the German guy who wss last seen with her lover Sarah. Oh, and Sian finds out and... I guess we shall see.
So, in a nutshell a musician is found dead on the waterfront in what appears to be a suicide. As the case unfolds the team find out that the deceased is not such a nice guy. He was a partier, drunk and druggie that had a lust for young girls. Fast forward, another suspected suicide of a sound engineer, this also suspicious, this also tying into the musicians case. These two men worked at the same drug infested, drunken, underage sex studio. (But hey, it was the 80s and 90s).
The team has narrowed it down to 4 suspects, 2 made a runner to Egypt and 2 had grew a friendship out of case they sat on the jury for. 2 women that have very close ties to the deceased, 1 was assaulted by the engineer, and 1 had a family member messed up in a drunk driving incident. Both men served little time, and were eventually released. The 2 that got away were a Cop that worked the case looking into the studio and a young girl (at the time) that got the drugs and other "girls" supplied for these parties.
Now...the cliff hangar, no one was charged, the book ends with Ruth following the German guy who wss last seen with her lover Sarah. Oh, and Sian finds out and... I guess we shall see.
May 3, 2026
The Berwyn River Killings is book five in the DI Ruth Hunter series by Simon McCleave. DI Ruth Hunter and Detective Sergeant Nick Evans caught the case at first glance, which looked like a suicide attempt. However, on further investigation, they decided it was murder, and when the second body turned up, they started to see a motive. Now they have work to find the killer. Readers of The Berwyn River Killings will continue to follow DI Ruth Hunter to discover what happens.
I like reading books in this series; they help me learn about Wales. The Berwyn River Killings is a fantastic addition to this series. I started to understand the problem people face when loved ones disappear. I also learned the constant work that alcoholics need to do to stay sober; it's something they have to work on every day. I engaged with the story from the first page, and it held my attention to the end.
Simon McCleave's The Berwyn River Killings is well-written and well-researched. I love the way Simon McCleave portrays his characters and their interactions in this book. Simon McCleaves description of the sittings of The Berwyn River Killings made me feel part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
I like reading books in this series; they help me learn about Wales. The Berwyn River Killings is a fantastic addition to this series. I started to understand the problem people face when loved ones disappear. I also learned the constant work that alcoholics need to do to stay sober; it's something they have to work on every day. I engaged with the story from the first page, and it held my attention to the end.
Simon McCleave's The Berwyn River Killings is well-written and well-researched. I love the way Simon McCleave portrays his characters and their interactions in this book. Simon McCleaves description of the sittings of The Berwyn River Killings made me feel part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
July 22, 2022
A double suicide. A dark investigation into historic abuse. Can DI Ruth Hunter link the present killings to secrets of the past before the killer strikes again? When two seemingly routine suicides start to look suspicious, Ruth is keen to throw herself into a new investigation, lead her CID team and solve what appears to be a complex case.
While solving these murders, Ruth is contacted by a woman who tells Ruth that Sarah has had an affair with her husband in 2013. Ruth talks with her husband and finds out this is the truth. Afterwards the man does leave and Ruth follows him and he meets up with Kessler whom Ruth is suspicious that he is involved with Sarah's disappearance. She follows Kessler unto a train and the book cuts off right there and we will have to read the next book in order to find out what happens next. I am looking forward to the next book and I am glad that I have that one in my possession.
While solving these murders, Ruth is contacted by a woman who tells Ruth that Sarah has had an affair with her husband in 2013. Ruth talks with her husband and finds out this is the truth. Afterwards the man does leave and Ruth follows him and he meets up with Kessler whom Ruth is suspicious that he is involved with Sarah's disappearance. She follows Kessler unto a train and the book cuts off right there and we will have to read the next book in order to find out what happens next. I am looking forward to the next book and I am glad that I have that one in my possession.
September 30, 2025
More North Wales investigations with a side story of a missing presumed dead former partner. Never tire of the area, sometimes I think the description of actions could be better, but the constant conveyor belt of stories must be difficult to come up with new descriptive words " Ruth growled" for the fourth time that conversation. However don't be put off, it's easy, page turning action
August 6, 2022
Enjoyed It
Plot was twisty but well written. As per usual in this series the characters were well depicted and interesting. The setting helps draw you into the mystery of the crime.
Plot was twisty but well written. As per usual in this series the characters were well depicted and interesting. The setting helps draw you into the mystery of the crime.
August 25, 2023
Really enjoyed this one.
August 11, 2026
Good characters, great descriptions of Wales.
July 22, 2020
Well worth the wait
This series gets better with each book, Ruth seems to have a death wish in relationships. Will look forward to next book
This series gets better with each book, Ruth seems to have a death wish in relationships. Will look forward to next book
July 15, 2020
Simon McCleave hope can you leave this book at such a point? We have to wait with bated breath for the outcomes of the plot lines you have left dangling, I hope the next book in the series is well under way.
I have enjoyed these books immensely and this one is no exception. It held me fast to it, it was difficult to put down. The tension was increased by the parallel story line in the lives of the main detectives, all of whom have other things going on which could just be a distraction from the case at hand. Although there are plentiful suspects the ending is not very obvious but at the same time not necessarily very surprising - it’s just a matter of perception.
I have enjoyed these books immensely and this one is no exception. It held me fast to it, it was difficult to put down. The tension was increased by the parallel story line in the lives of the main detectives, all of whom have other things going on which could just be a distraction from the case at hand. Although there are plentiful suspects the ending is not very obvious but at the same time not necessarily very surprising - it’s just a matter of perception.
July 20, 2020
New favorite author
I have read all Simon McCleve books late into the night because you can’t put them down. Just anxiously wait until the next one ❤️❤️
I have read all Simon McCleve books late into the night because you can’t put them down. Just anxiously wait until the next one ❤️❤️
July 17, 2020
Another good read
Love these books, not only great plots about the investigations, but the continuing mystery of Sarah . The rest of the characters are also strong and have interesting back stories.
Love these books, not only great plots about the investigations, but the continuing mystery of Sarah . The rest of the characters are also strong and have interesting back stories.
July 15, 2020
The Berwyn River Killings
Oh Simon Mcleave you have done it again five stars definitely for this book the story lines just keep getting better and better but now I have to wait for the next instalment what an ending
Oh Simon Mcleave you have done it again five stars definitely for this book the story lines just keep getting better and better but now I have to wait for the next instalment what an ending
February 10, 2022
Reading these in order. Find the stories compelling but the explanations of Welsh place names and police acronyms annoying. Thought this was the weakest book so far in terms of plot and guessed what was going on too soon! I may have been better had I read it more quickly. However I am intrigued by Ruth’s back story and I like the way that the mystery of her missing partner is gradually being revealed. So I am on to reading the next one!
December 28, 2025
Good twists and turns
Good mystery, good suspenseful end. I still love Wales. I wish there were more details about the communities, the culture and the land. I still wish editing for grammar and style would come back. And this time our Boomer author had ugly stereotypes to share about people in their 60's. He'll get his, he'll gain weight and get old if he hasn't already. If he has, I wonder how he feels being judged for it.
Good mystery, good suspenseful end. I still love Wales. I wish there were more details about the communities, the culture and the land. I still wish editing for grammar and style would come back. And this time our Boomer author had ugly stereotypes to share about people in their 60's. He'll get his, he'll gain weight and get old if he hasn't already. If he has, I wonder how he feels being judged for it.
April 4, 2021
3.5 stars. Either the author or whoever is adapting these for an American audience has problems with times and distances. In this book they have someone walking a mile in 10 minutes. Not possible. Also, they have someone chasing someone who is 500 yards ahead (in which case it would be hard to see them). Not very likely.
May 4, 2021
I have issues with this book that I didn’t have with the others - I could see the resolution of the plot coming a mile off, there were several loose ends abc at least one of those I can’t see being relevant to the next book, and the authors overuse of the word ‘quipped’, once I’d noticed it I couldn’t unnotice it. Bit disappointing given how much I love the others.
October 31, 2022
Unexpected ending. None of the previous books ended like this and I'm not sure that I like it; also it cost this book 1 star.
Otherwise I really liked the story. It was more complex than the author's previous mysteries in this series, and many false trails, and many suspects, but as I said, I did like it a lot.
Now I'm looking forward to the next one to see what's next!
Otherwise I really liked the story. It was more complex than the author's previous mysteries in this series, and many false trails, and many suspects, but as I said, I did like it a lot.
Now I'm looking forward to the next one to see what's next!
March 23, 2024
predictable but engaging. i love the north wales setting. i love the detective team. i just hope the style might be more polished 5 books in.
i don't need a recap every 4 chapters to remind me what's going on. i do want to find out what happens with the character arc and see where in north wales he goes next even if a majority is set in north east wales not snowdonia.
i don't need a recap every 4 chapters to remind me what's going on. i do want to find out what happens with the character arc and see where in north wales he goes next even if a majority is set in north east wales not snowdonia.
February 26, 2023
Excellent book well written great character's. Thanks
A fantastic cliff hanger as they all are, but still kept me guessing all the way through the story line. What happens next in the story.🤔 . Thanks 😊
A fantastic cliff hanger as they all are, but still kept me guessing all the way through the story line. What happens next in the story.🤔 . Thanks 😊
June 19, 2023
The investigation was interesting but the Sarah storyline is getting a bit tired and I got a bit annoyed and the repeated use of the words "quipped" and "joked", especially as the quips and the jokes were not even that funny.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews