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DI Ridpath #1
Where the Truth Lies
A killer in total control. A detective on the edge. A mystery that HAS to be solved.
DI Thomas Ridpath was on the up in the Manchester CID: a promising young detective whose first case involved capturing a notorious serial killer. But ten years later he’s recovering from a serious illness and on the brink of being forced out of the police. Then people start dying: tortured, murdered, in an uncanny echo of Ridpath’s first case.
As the investigation intensifies, old bodies go missing, records can’t be found and the murder count grows. Caught in a turf war between the police and the coroner’s office, digging up skeletons some would rather forget, Ridpath is caught in a race against time: a race to save his career, his marriage… And lives.
When a detective goes missing everything is on the line. Can Ridpath close the case and save his colleague?
DI Thomas Ridpath was on the up in the Manchester CID: a promising young detective whose first case involved capturing a notorious serial killer. But ten years later he’s recovering from a serious illness and on the brink of being forced out of the police. Then people start dying: tortured, murdered, in an uncanny echo of Ridpath’s first case.
As the investigation intensifies, old bodies go missing, records can’t be found and the murder count grows. Caught in a turf war between the police and the coroner’s office, digging up skeletons some would rather forget, Ridpath is caught in a race against time: a race to save his career, his marriage… And lives.
When a detective goes missing everything is on the line. Can Ridpath close the case and save his colleague?
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2018
1896 people are currently reading
2316 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Lee
46 books443 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 - 29 of 384 reviews
May 15, 2019
A serial killer on the loose. A detective on the edge. A mystery waiting to be solved.
” We seek evidence, it’s all that counts. The truth always lies. Only evidence is clear. Pure, unadulterated evidence.”
This is the first book in the DI Ridpath crime thriller series. DI Thomas Ridpath has just returned to work after receiving treatment for cancer. Interestingly, he is assigned to the Coroner’s office instead of being reassigned as a detective in the police force.
Without revealing too much of the story, this is a unique start to a police procedural series. It’s a nice blend of a police procedural and a medical thriller. Right from the opening chapter, you realise how well written & well developed the story is. The writer writes about the sights and sounds of Manchester (where the novel is set) and the internal police politics with equal ease. In fact, the writing was consistently top-notch throughout. I have read quite a few police procedurals in the last year and this one will rank quite high in the list.
The plot is fast paced right from the start and the story maintains the pace right through the end. The plot was refreshingly original. The story gives a unique perspective of a police officer forced to rely on medical evidence more than his police skills. Apart from elements of a medical thriller, it also has a cold case and a serial killer on loose, which never let the story get predictable. There were several twists and turns to keep you guessing. Though the ending dragged a bit, the story manages to link all the old and new cases perfectly with a somewhat unusual but satisfying ending (probably the first time, a police procedural didn’t end in a bloody shootout). As a note of caution, this book has few scenes depicting torture.
All the characters are well-developed with strengths, weaknesses, and quirks but the character of DI Ridpath was best of the lot. DI Tom Ridpath, a skilled murder cop with cancer in remission, abandoned by his superiors at work and his family drifting apart every day, you can feel his anger and frustrations and yet his dedication to do well. You empathize with his struggles and want him to succeed. D I Ridpath is a deeply layered character (reminded me of Harry Bosch) and one of the best detective characters I have read in recent times.
Overall, Where the Truth Lies is a well-written and gripping thriller. It is one of the best police procedurals, I have read with exciting twists and some brilliant writing. With an excellent mystery and a very realistic cast of characters, this is one series to watch out for. In fact, the second book of the series is already out. If you love detective novels, you will enjoy this one. 4.5/5
Many thanks to the publishers Canelo, the author M J Lee and NetGalley for the ARC.
” We seek evidence, it’s all that counts. The truth always lies. Only evidence is clear. Pure, unadulterated evidence.”
This is the first book in the DI Ridpath crime thriller series. DI Thomas Ridpath has just returned to work after receiving treatment for cancer. Interestingly, he is assigned to the Coroner’s office instead of being reassigned as a detective in the police force.
Without revealing too much of the story, this is a unique start to a police procedural series. It’s a nice blend of a police procedural and a medical thriller. Right from the opening chapter, you realise how well written & well developed the story is. The writer writes about the sights and sounds of Manchester (where the novel is set) and the internal police politics with equal ease. In fact, the writing was consistently top-notch throughout. I have read quite a few police procedurals in the last year and this one will rank quite high in the list.
The plot is fast paced right from the start and the story maintains the pace right through the end. The plot was refreshingly original. The story gives a unique perspective of a police officer forced to rely on medical evidence more than his police skills. Apart from elements of a medical thriller, it also has a cold case and a serial killer on loose, which never let the story get predictable. There were several twists and turns to keep you guessing. Though the ending dragged a bit, the story manages to link all the old and new cases perfectly with a somewhat unusual but satisfying ending (probably the first time, a police procedural didn’t end in a bloody shootout). As a note of caution, this book has few scenes depicting torture.
All the characters are well-developed with strengths, weaknesses, and quirks but the character of DI Ridpath was best of the lot. DI Tom Ridpath, a skilled murder cop with cancer in remission, abandoned by his superiors at work and his family drifting apart every day, you can feel his anger and frustrations and yet his dedication to do well. You empathize with his struggles and want him to succeed. D I Ridpath is a deeply layered character (reminded me of Harry Bosch) and one of the best detective characters I have read in recent times.
Overall, Where the Truth Lies is a well-written and gripping thriller. It is one of the best police procedurals, I have read with exciting twists and some brilliant writing. With an excellent mystery and a very realistic cast of characters, this is one series to watch out for. In fact, the second book of the series is already out. If you love detective novels, you will enjoy this one. 4.5/5
Many thanks to the publishers Canelo, the author M J Lee and NetGalley for the ARC.
October 27, 2018
DI Ridpath #1
This is the first book in the DI Ridpath crime thriller series. DI Thomas Ridpath has just returned to work after being off sick for nine months while he was receiving treatment for cancer. Ten tears ago,he was on the up in Manchesters CID. His first case was to investigate and arrest a notorious serial killer. Now, women are being tortured and murdered in a similar way. But the man they arrested ten years ago for the murders is still in jail. Is this a copycat killing or was the wrong man arrested ten years ago?
I thoroughly enjoyed this promising start to a new series. This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be my last. The book is mostly told by Ridpaths point of view. There are many twist and turns. In this well written, attention gripping fast paced read. The plot is well developed and momentum grows the more you get through this story. I liked the characters Ridpath and his new boss Margaret Challinor (Coroner) and how we learn more about the Coroners role. I wonder if how this book ends will be included in the the second book in this series? I suppose I will just have to wait and see.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the other M. J. Lee for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in the DI Ridpath crime thriller series. DI Thomas Ridpath has just returned to work after being off sick for nine months while he was receiving treatment for cancer. Ten tears ago,he was on the up in Manchesters CID. His first case was to investigate and arrest a notorious serial killer. Now, women are being tortured and murdered in a similar way. But the man they arrested ten years ago for the murders is still in jail. Is this a copycat killing or was the wrong man arrested ten years ago?
I thoroughly enjoyed this promising start to a new series. This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be my last. The book is mostly told by Ridpaths point of view. There are many twist and turns. In this well written, attention gripping fast paced read. The plot is well developed and momentum grows the more you get through this story. I liked the characters Ridpath and his new boss Margaret Challinor (Coroner) and how we learn more about the Coroners role. I wonder if how this book ends will be included in the the second book in this series? I suppose I will just have to wait and see.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the other M. J. Lee for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2018
Where the Truth Lies is the first novel in the DI Thomas Ridpath contemporary crime series set in and around Manchester, UK. Ridpath worked specifically for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) which investigates serious crimes, but due to various reasons, he has been demoted to work in the coroner's office. So, when a past case comes back to haunt him can he contain the fallout?
I am so excited about how refreshingly original this book was, There were plenty of the customary twists and turns to keep you guessing, and there are depictions of graphic violence/torture but it is not gratuitous as in some stories. The plot maintains plausibility and believability throughout, and a number of different threads are masterfully woven together as you get deeper into it all. The characterisation is excellent, especially when it comes to Ridpath, I'm not usually a nail-biter but I discovered that I was doing it for the duration of the story which, to me, is indicative of an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride! Oh, and expect a frustrating cliffhanger conclusion that is cleverly executed to make the reader long for the follow-up. Gritty, original and packed full of suspenseful and intense moments where your heart is in your mouth, I loved it and cannot wait to pick up the sequel.
Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I am so excited about how refreshingly original this book was, There were plenty of the customary twists and turns to keep you guessing, and there are depictions of graphic violence/torture but it is not gratuitous as in some stories. The plot maintains plausibility and believability throughout, and a number of different threads are masterfully woven together as you get deeper into it all. The characterisation is excellent, especially when it comes to Ridpath, I'm not usually a nail-biter but I discovered that I was doing it for the duration of the story which, to me, is indicative of an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride! Oh, and expect a frustrating cliffhanger conclusion that is cleverly executed to make the reader long for the follow-up. Gritty, original and packed full of suspenseful and intense moments where your heart is in your mouth, I loved it and cannot wait to pick up the sequel.
Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
November 14, 2021
A new series and author to me, this compelling police procedural was an eclectic mix of crime mystery, medical drama and serial killer thriller that surprisingly works extremely well.
When DI Ridpath returns from a long bout of sick leave, having fought cancer, he is temporarily moved to the Coroner's Office from CID with a remit to report everything back to his old boss. But once a detective, always a detective, and Ridpath finds himself embroiled in a case caught in his past with serious ramifications for the future.
An intelligent, character driven series with a riveting, twisty premise that leaves you hooked and yet another series to be added to my TBR mountain.
When DI Ridpath returns from a long bout of sick leave, having fought cancer, he is temporarily moved to the Coroner's Office from CID with a remit to report everything back to his old boss. But once a detective, always a detective, and Ridpath finds himself embroiled in a case caught in his past with serious ramifications for the future.
An intelligent, character driven series with a riveting, twisty premise that leaves you hooked and yet another series to be added to my TBR mountain.
April 10, 2019
4 Thrilling, Heart Stopping ★'s!
The man swung the hammer back towards him, backhanded now, curving it round in an arc. Ridpath jumped backwards, grabbing the arm as it curved through the air.
His opponent fell forward, off balance.
Ridpath swung the man’s arm against the leg of a metal desk, hearing the wrist crack beneath his hands.
The hammer tumbled to the ground.
Ridpath grabbed the back of the man’s head and smashed it into the metal edge of the desk. He pulled the man’s head back, ready to strike the forehead against the desk again.
For a second, the man’s eyes flared with fear. Ridpath grabbed the thin blond hair and thrust the head forward once more.
Again, the head struck the desk with a sickening thud.
The man recoiled for a moment before sinking down to his knees. Ridpath ignored the pain in his shoulder and punched downwards, connecting with the man’s head just below the ear, the momentum of the blow propelling him across the man’s body.
He pushed himself off and brought his fist back.
The man raised his hands to cover his face, not fighting back any more, just protecting himself. ‘Don’t touch me, don’t touch me!’ he screamed, hiding behind his hands.
He slammed his fist into the side of the man’s head where it wasn’t protected, feeling the crunch of his knuckles against the man’s temple. Then he hauled the man’s body around and fumbled for his handcuffs, wrenching the man’s arms up and behind him, snapping the steel jaws onto the wrists.
Behind him came the screech of tyres, the slamming of doors, the welcome sound of police boots on tarmac.
‘In here,’ he shouted pushing himself off the man and sitting back on the floor, his breath panting in short sharp gasps.
Voices outside the lock-up.
‘In here,’ he shouted again.
As the door slowly, cautiously opened, the grey light of a Manchester day crept into the garage, gradually reaching to the rear wall.
Ridpath stared up. ‘Oh, my God,’ he said.
********
Book one in the DI Tom Ridpath series,
Where The Truth Lies by M.J. Lee is a fast paced, thrilling book that I couldn't put down! DI Tom Ridpath is an intriguing, likable, big as life character who won't stop until he get to the truth, no matter what it takes! The addictive, heart stopping storyline kept me enthralled to the very end. True to any great series writer, M.J. Lee, left me hanging off a cliff! Fortunately for me, I was introduced to this book and author through NetGalley and I recieved book two, Where The Dead Fall, which comes out in a few days so I can read it right now! I didn't even write this review until I finished reading it!
Sneak peek! It's another gripping read!
The man swung the hammer back towards him, backhanded now, curving it round in an arc. Ridpath jumped backwards, grabbing the arm as it curved through the air.
His opponent fell forward, off balance.
Ridpath swung the man’s arm against the leg of a metal desk, hearing the wrist crack beneath his hands.
The hammer tumbled to the ground.
Ridpath grabbed the back of the man’s head and smashed it into the metal edge of the desk. He pulled the man’s head back, ready to strike the forehead against the desk again.
For a second, the man’s eyes flared with fear. Ridpath grabbed the thin blond hair and thrust the head forward once more.
Again, the head struck the desk with a sickening thud.
The man recoiled for a moment before sinking down to his knees. Ridpath ignored the pain in his shoulder and punched downwards, connecting with the man’s head just below the ear, the momentum of the blow propelling him across the man’s body.
He pushed himself off and brought his fist back.
The man raised his hands to cover his face, not fighting back any more, just protecting himself. ‘Don’t touch me, don’t touch me!’ he screamed, hiding behind his hands.
He slammed his fist into the side of the man’s head where it wasn’t protected, feeling the crunch of his knuckles against the man’s temple. Then he hauled the man’s body around and fumbled for his handcuffs, wrenching the man’s arms up and behind him, snapping the steel jaws onto the wrists.
Behind him came the screech of tyres, the slamming of doors, the welcome sound of police boots on tarmac.
‘In here,’ he shouted pushing himself off the man and sitting back on the floor, his breath panting in short sharp gasps.
Voices outside the lock-up.
‘In here,’ he shouted again.
As the door slowly, cautiously opened, the grey light of a Manchester day crept into the garage, gradually reaching to the rear wall.
Ridpath stared up. ‘Oh, my God,’ he said.
********
Book one in the DI Tom Ridpath series,
Where The Truth Lies by M.J. Lee is a fast paced, thrilling book that I couldn't put down! DI Tom Ridpath is an intriguing, likable, big as life character who won't stop until he get to the truth, no matter what it takes! The addictive, heart stopping storyline kept me enthralled to the very end. True to any great series writer, M.J. Lee, left me hanging off a cliff! Fortunately for me, I was introduced to this book and author through NetGalley and I recieved book two, Where The Dead Fall, which comes out in a few days so I can read it right now! I didn't even write this review until I finished reading it!
Sneak peek! It's another gripping read!
August 7, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
2008, Chorlton, Manchester. PC Tom Ridpath is chasing a white van. When the driver stops he attacks the officer with Ridpath and flees on foot. Giving chase, Ridpath follows the man to a garage which the man enters. Inside the garage, the body of a dying woman is discovered, and DNA of other missing women are found inside the van.
James Dalbey, the driver, is convicted of the murder of Alice Seagram and sentenced to 30 years in prison and given the nickname ‘The Beast of Manchester’.
Present day, Manchester. Ridpath is now a Detective Inspector. It’s his first day back on the job after being off sick for nine months after being diagnosed with cancer which has gone into remission. To be sure he is fit to be back at work he is tasked with working three months as the Coroners Officer.
His first job is to oversee the exhumation of Alice Seagram’s body as the family has been to the courts regarding an error they believe with the postmortem. When the coffin is taken from the grave it turns out to be empty. Ridpath now has to follow old leads to find out what happened to the young woman’s body. Plus, there are more deaths occurring which seem to have the same MO as Alice’s but James is still behind bars, do they now have a copycat killer, or could it be that James was innocent as he has protested all these years?
Where the Truth Lies is the first book in a brand new detective series by MJ Lee. Having the story set in my home city of Manchester was both exhilarating – I knew everywhere that the police were and could visualise the areas fully. It was also a little bit annoying as there were little things that the author changed about the areas, which I presume were for effect and intrigue. I kept on thinking ‘you’re wrong’, such as Northenden might not have a Starbucks but it has a Costa Coffee. Just daft little things, which I’m sure those who live in other areas that books are set probably say the same thing. Those who don’t know the areas won’t be bothered by this one bit.
DI Ridpath was an exceptional character. He might be a DI in a department that doesn’t always stick to the rules, but he certainly does. He doesn’t want the job as Coroner’s Officer, he wants to be back working as an Inspector chasing bad guys. He soon realises that there is more to the job than he first thought. His wife isn’t happy that he is back at work doing any kind of job, she worries about him going back so soon after his cancer diagnosis, even if he is in remission.
As well as hearing from the police and their lines of inquiry we also get to hear from the murderer of the women that are being found in the present day and the torturing of them. Nothing was too graphic, so those that are squeamish need not worry. By about 60% the way in I’d realised who the killer was, I just needed to know why. The reason was strange but I suppose not unheard of. I also still needed to know whether James was the killer of Alice and if this was a copycat killer and where Alice’s body was.
The plot was fast paced and there was plenty going on all the time. The chapters were short, which I really like in a book. The characters were authentic and the storyline flowed naturally and was credible. I found myself wanting to pick the book up at every opportunity I could. I even sat in the car whilst my hubby went to collect our takeaway one night so I could continue reading. I like how the author has made hints for the return of one of the secondary characters at the end too. I now can’t wait to read book two in the series.
2008, Chorlton, Manchester. PC Tom Ridpath is chasing a white van. When the driver stops he attacks the officer with Ridpath and flees on foot. Giving chase, Ridpath follows the man to a garage which the man enters. Inside the garage, the body of a dying woman is discovered, and DNA of other missing women are found inside the van.
James Dalbey, the driver, is convicted of the murder of Alice Seagram and sentenced to 30 years in prison and given the nickname ‘The Beast of Manchester’.
Present day, Manchester. Ridpath is now a Detective Inspector. It’s his first day back on the job after being off sick for nine months after being diagnosed with cancer which has gone into remission. To be sure he is fit to be back at work he is tasked with working three months as the Coroners Officer.
His first job is to oversee the exhumation of Alice Seagram’s body as the family has been to the courts regarding an error they believe with the postmortem. When the coffin is taken from the grave it turns out to be empty. Ridpath now has to follow old leads to find out what happened to the young woman’s body. Plus, there are more deaths occurring which seem to have the same MO as Alice’s but James is still behind bars, do they now have a copycat killer, or could it be that James was innocent as he has protested all these years?
Where the Truth Lies is the first book in a brand new detective series by MJ Lee. Having the story set in my home city of Manchester was both exhilarating – I knew everywhere that the police were and could visualise the areas fully. It was also a little bit annoying as there were little things that the author changed about the areas, which I presume were for effect and intrigue. I kept on thinking ‘you’re wrong’, such as Northenden might not have a Starbucks but it has a Costa Coffee. Just daft little things, which I’m sure those who live in other areas that books are set probably say the same thing. Those who don’t know the areas won’t be bothered by this one bit.
DI Ridpath was an exceptional character. He might be a DI in a department that doesn’t always stick to the rules, but he certainly does. He doesn’t want the job as Coroner’s Officer, he wants to be back working as an Inspector chasing bad guys. He soon realises that there is more to the job than he first thought. His wife isn’t happy that he is back at work doing any kind of job, she worries about him going back so soon after his cancer diagnosis, even if he is in remission.
As well as hearing from the police and their lines of inquiry we also get to hear from the murderer of the women that are being found in the present day and the torturing of them. Nothing was too graphic, so those that are squeamish need not worry. By about 60% the way in I’d realised who the killer was, I just needed to know why. The reason was strange but I suppose not unheard of. I also still needed to know whether James was the killer of Alice and if this was a copycat killer and where Alice’s body was.
The plot was fast paced and there was plenty going on all the time. The chapters were short, which I really like in a book. The characters were authentic and the storyline flowed naturally and was credible. I found myself wanting to pick the book up at every opportunity I could. I even sat in the car whilst my hubby went to collect our takeaway one night so I could continue reading. I like how the author has made hints for the return of one of the secondary characters at the end too. I now can’t wait to read book two in the series.
July 8, 2024
Not sure how I came across this series but so glad I did. Good police procedurals and fascinating characters who offer something a little different from some of the other series. Main character is DI Ridpath who had a very promising career brought to a sudden halt hen he was diagnosed with cancer. After a leave of absence of 9 months he is now back at work and on secondment to the Coroner’s office. Ridpath is a determined man who takes his job very serious and looks forward to get back into full time policing.
His first case is very similar to one of his earlier cases, the beast of Manchester. In that case a James Dalbey was convicted of torturing and killing women. DI Ridpath seems to be the only person who even considers that there may be a link to his current case. James Dalbey never admitted his guilt and has spent ten years in Belmarsh prison pleading his innocence. Now Ridpath is focusing on the original crimes and the rushed case against Dalbey by a team of officers trying to get a quick conviction.
I was about halfway through this book and it became obvious to me that I was going to read more of this series and rapidly ordered the next three books in the series which I read back to back. Excellent characters especially Ridapath and a well plotted story.
His first case is very similar to one of his earlier cases, the beast of Manchester. In that case a James Dalbey was convicted of torturing and killing women. DI Ridpath seems to be the only person who even considers that there may be a link to his current case. James Dalbey never admitted his guilt and has spent ten years in Belmarsh prison pleading his innocence. Now Ridpath is focusing on the original crimes and the rushed case against Dalbey by a team of officers trying to get a quick conviction.
I was about halfway through this book and it became obvious to me that I was going to read more of this series and rapidly ordered the next three books in the series which I read back to back. Excellent characters especially Ridapath and a well plotted story.
October 24, 2020
The first in the DI Ridpath series. I liked the premise of this one of a detective returning from long term sick to work as a coroners officer rather than back in the police force. I liked the idea of how they research the truth rather than looking at convictions. Giving the plot a timeline as they raced to find the truth in time for an inquest made the story line really fast paced. I liked some of the characterisation. Some of it felt a little rushed and left me with questions but there are now 5 books in this series so I'll reserve judgement and see if they will be answered as I read the rest. Some of the officers in the force side of the story are horrid stereotypes, some with have a comeuppance to their behavior, some don't. Again I'm curious as to how they progress in the continuing books if that precinct is still linked to the stories. The ending felt a little rushed, Ridpath's relationship issues weren't deep enough so events around that seemed again rushed to me but back to that reserved judgement. I enjoyed everything enough to want to read the rest and see how people grow and develop. Overall I enjoyed the story and found it quite an enjoyable read.
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October 13, 2018"We seek evidence, it's all that counts. The truth always lies. Only evidence is clear."
DI Tom Ridpath has been temporarily seconded to the coroner from Manchester Police. He's just returned to work after a 9 month absence for treatment of his myeloma. He's now in remission and has been cleared, but he has to smooth over relationships between the coroner's office and the constabulary before he can resume his previous position. His first assignment is to deal with the family of the murdered Alice Seagram. It seems they don't believe that the man who was found guilty and imprisoned for the crime, James Dalbey, was really the killer. It's been 10 years and an exhumation of the body is ordered. The problems begin when the coffin is unearthed and is found empty. And then, the body of a woman is found and the wounds are reminiscent of circumstances surrounding that of Alice Seagram. Ridpath, working with Coroner Margaret Challinor, and trying to liaise with the police, finds himself somewhat at odds in his new job and the nature of the investigation forces him to examine the very same case that put him on the fast-track to inspector years ago. NO SPOILERS.
This was a high-octane crime thriller that kept me guessing and completely engrossed until the very satisfying conclusion. I don't think I've ever read a book where the main character has this particular job title and I found it all very interesting. It's a great mix of police procedural and forensic investigation. I really liked the character of Tom Ridpath and it seems that, considering the last chapter, he may be continuing in that role for the next book -- I hope so, and I can't wait.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo Publishing for the e-book ARC to read and review.
DI Tom Ridpath has been temporarily seconded to the coroner from Manchester Police. He's just returned to work after a 9 month absence for treatment of his myeloma. He's now in remission and has been cleared, but he has to smooth over relationships between the coroner's office and the constabulary before he can resume his previous position. His first assignment is to deal with the family of the murdered Alice Seagram. It seems they don't believe that the man who was found guilty and imprisoned for the crime, James Dalbey, was really the killer. It's been 10 years and an exhumation of the body is ordered. The problems begin when the coffin is unearthed and is found empty. And then, the body of a woman is found and the wounds are reminiscent of circumstances surrounding that of Alice Seagram. Ridpath, working with Coroner Margaret Challinor, and trying to liaise with the police, finds himself somewhat at odds in his new job and the nature of the investigation forces him to examine the very same case that put him on the fast-track to inspector years ago. NO SPOILERS.
This was a high-octane crime thriller that kept me guessing and completely engrossed until the very satisfying conclusion. I don't think I've ever read a book where the main character has this particular job title and I found it all very interesting. It's a great mix of police procedural and forensic investigation. I really liked the character of Tom Ridpath and it seems that, considering the last chapter, he may be continuing in that role for the next book -- I hope so, and I can't wait.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo Publishing for the e-book ARC to read and review.
January 6, 2019
I haven’t yet reviewed a book I really disliked on CriminOlly, but that streak of good luck was bound to change at some point. It has, quite resoundingly, today. As I put down my Kindle after finishing MJ Lee’s ‘Where The Truth Lies’ I was filled with that kind of existential despair that you get from realising you’ve just wasted hours of your life on something that wasn’t worth it. As a result, this will be a shorter than normal review as I don’t want to spend any more time on this book than I need to.
‘Where The Truth Lies’ is one of those books that tricks you into thinking it’s good by simply being very easy to read. I kept turning the pages even as the plot got more and more ridiculous and the characters less and less engaging until the end, when I wished I hadn’t bothered. I was left unsatisfied and frustrated by this by the numbers modern policer that buries the little promise it has with lazy writing and tired tropes.
It starts promisingly, with a gripping chase scene that ends up with rookie Manchester copper Tom Ridpath unexpectedly catching a serial killer. Skip forward 10 years and Ridpath, now a Detective Inspector and returning to work after beating cancer, is assigned to work with the coroner’s office on an inquest into the investigation into one of the killer’s victims. The first few chapters had me hooked, but as the book progressed the quality deteriorated and I found myself scratching my head over plot holes and bizarre twists. There are some interesting elements. The divided loyalty Ridpath has between the coroner and his old boss on the force was quite well handled. His domestic life was convincing too, with a constant internal battle between the need to attend his appointments at the hospital and the demands of the case. The book can also be genuinely gripping at times. There is a great race against time sequence towards the end, that has my pulse racing until I realised how ridiculous the circumstances that set it in motion were.
My advice is to avoid this one. It’s very easy to read, but so flimsily put together that as soon as you actually think about what you’re reading the whole thing crumbles to nothing.
‘Where The Truth Lies’ is one of those books that tricks you into thinking it’s good by simply being very easy to read. I kept turning the pages even as the plot got more and more ridiculous and the characters less and less engaging until the end, when I wished I hadn’t bothered. I was left unsatisfied and frustrated by this by the numbers modern policer that buries the little promise it has with lazy writing and tired tropes.
It starts promisingly, with a gripping chase scene that ends up with rookie Manchester copper Tom Ridpath unexpectedly catching a serial killer. Skip forward 10 years and Ridpath, now a Detective Inspector and returning to work after beating cancer, is assigned to work with the coroner’s office on an inquest into the investigation into one of the killer’s victims. The first few chapters had me hooked, but as the book progressed the quality deteriorated and I found myself scratching my head over plot holes and bizarre twists. There are some interesting elements. The divided loyalty Ridpath has between the coroner and his old boss on the force was quite well handled. His domestic life was convincing too, with a constant internal battle between the need to attend his appointments at the hospital and the demands of the case. The book can also be genuinely gripping at times. There is a great race against time sequence towards the end, that has my pulse racing until I realised how ridiculous the circumstances that set it in motion were.
My advice is to avoid this one. It’s very easy to read, but so flimsily put together that as soon as you actually think about what you’re reading the whole thing crumbles to nothing.
July 27, 2020
2.5 stars. Enjoyed overall, mainly for the key character.
March 6, 2019
3.5 stars. This was a new author for me. It seems he is having a change from historical fiction set in foreign lands and writing a crime series set in jolly England. It was a pretty good story, a bit slow to start but I often think that's fine in the first book of a series as the author is introducing his (or her) characters and so on. There is no sign of book 2 yet but it is pretty clear there is to be another instalment.
Here we have DI Thomas Ridpath returning to work after a nine month break to battle cancer which now seems to be in remission. He is, however, not to undertake 'active' duty so his boss puts him to work on a three month placement as the Coroner's Officer. It was interesting to learn about that particular role. His first job in the role relates to a case he solved ten years ago where, after a car chase, he apprehended a suspect standing over the dying body of one Alice Seagram. The DNA of other missing women is found in the suspect's van. The suspect, James Dalbey, is convicted and sent away for 30 years. He has alway protested his innocence.
So now Ridpath is to oversee the exhumation of Alice Seagrams at the request of her parents as they think there was an error with the post mortem. Only when the coffin is brought up and opened they find it is empty. Where is Alice's body? It couldn't have been taken by Dalbey as he was already in custody when she was buried, or not buried as it turns out. The inquest is imminent so Ridpath must hurry to find out what happened to Alice. Then there are some more murders which have an uncanny similarity to those of ten years ago. Is there a copycat at work? Or was Dalbey wrongfully convicted? An interesting premise and where I'll leave this review. It was highly entertaining with some exciting moments and twists towards the finale.
Here we have DI Thomas Ridpath returning to work after a nine month break to battle cancer which now seems to be in remission. He is, however, not to undertake 'active' duty so his boss puts him to work on a three month placement as the Coroner's Officer. It was interesting to learn about that particular role. His first job in the role relates to a case he solved ten years ago where, after a car chase, he apprehended a suspect standing over the dying body of one Alice Seagram. The DNA of other missing women is found in the suspect's van. The suspect, James Dalbey, is convicted and sent away for 30 years. He has alway protested his innocence.
So now Ridpath is to oversee the exhumation of Alice Seagrams at the request of her parents as they think there was an error with the post mortem. Only when the coffin is brought up and opened they find it is empty. Where is Alice's body? It couldn't have been taken by Dalbey as he was already in custody when she was buried, or not buried as it turns out. The inquest is imminent so Ridpath must hurry to find out what happened to Alice. Then there are some more murders which have an uncanny similarity to those of ten years ago. Is there a copycat at work? Or was Dalbey wrongfully convicted? An interesting premise and where I'll leave this review. It was highly entertaining with some exciting moments and twists towards the finale.
February 21, 2021
Reading this first book in the Ridpath series was like putting on an old comfortable pair of shoes. Tom Ridpath is a likeable and interesting character, the story flows easily, there are some surprises and at the end we are presented with a nice cliff-hanger.
All as I particularly like. A nice book to read and escape from reality for a few hours. Well-written, with not too much violence, some romance, some likeable characters and some very unlikable characters. Enough going on to keep reading, but not so much you would loose sleep over it.
Very nicely done. I'm happy I discovered this series.
All as I particularly like. A nice book to read and escape from reality for a few hours. Well-written, with not too much violence, some romance, some likeable characters and some very unlikable characters. Enough going on to keep reading, but not so much you would loose sleep over it.
Very nicely done. I'm happy I discovered this series.
January 1, 2020
I had a few niggles with this book but overall enjoyed it. I was hoping for a bit more insight into the coroners office duties/life but it was more a straight police procedural.
I didn't know why the Polly storyline was really in there, I don't feel like having marital tensions really added anything meaningful to the story.
I did like Ridpath and Castle, and the sense of place was very good. I didn't see the ending coming which was great, but the killer's overall motivation seemed a bit limp to me.
I'd try reading more of M J Lee's work, but this isn't the first thing I'd recommend to someone else to read.
I didn't know why the Polly storyline was really in there, I don't feel like having marital tensions really added anything meaningful to the story.
I did like Ridpath and Castle, and the sense of place was very good. I didn't see the ending coming which was great, but the killer's overall motivation seemed a bit limp to me.
I'd try reading more of M J Lee's work, but this isn't the first thing I'd recommend to someone else to read.
June 4, 2024
This is a good book. I think I will more books in this series.
October 14, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for an advance copy of There The Truth Lies, the first novel to feature DI Tom Ridpath of Greater Manchester.
When Ridpath returns to work after a nine month battle with cancer he is seconded to the Coroner’s Office rather than returning to MIT as he’d hoped. The Coroner’s Office is not the oasis of calm and regular hours he had anticipated because the High Court has reopened Ridpath’s first case, the one that made his name, and it’s not looking good. At the same time his old team are hunting another serial killer whose methodology is similar to the original case in some eyes but not all.
I thoroughly enjoyed Where The Truth Lies which is an absorbing read with plenty of twists and turns, some shocking and all unexpected. There is nothing better than an unpredictable read where, reeling from one twist, you are hit with another and this one really hits that mark. Having read the Inspector Danilov series I already knew that Mr Lee knows how to tell a good tale but with this one set in the present day I feel that it has a stronger impact. The novel is mostly told from Ridpath and his “side”’s point of view but there are forays into the perpetrators’ (both past and present) points of view. Interestingly I didn’t find this switching about as distracting as I often do as it raises more questions than it provides answers or advance information. The basis premise of the novel doesn’t really offer anything fresh to the genre but its execution and plot detail make it a good, compelling read. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what was coming next.
I liked the description of the internal police politics where strength and success are all that matters. It makes them appear very hard nosed and unlikeable, not the touchy feeling approach they like to tell us they have. I guess the truth lies somewhere in between. I found myself uncomfortable with some of their attitudes (like bullying and misogyny) which would be unacceptable in most workplaces but they have the ring of authenticity in such a results driven environment.
I’m sitting on the fence about Ridpath (he doesn’t like Tom or any variation of it). He’s recovering from cancer and knows that his wife isn’t happy about his work/life balance but still pursues his investigation relentlessly. It seems selfish and probably physically impossible (returning to work after a long layoff is exhausting) but there would be no novel if he behaved too realistically. On the other hand he’s smart, dedicated and no pushover. I think he’ll grow on me as the series progresses.
Where The Truth Lies is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
When Ridpath returns to work after a nine month battle with cancer he is seconded to the Coroner’s Office rather than returning to MIT as he’d hoped. The Coroner’s Office is not the oasis of calm and regular hours he had anticipated because the High Court has reopened Ridpath’s first case, the one that made his name, and it’s not looking good. At the same time his old team are hunting another serial killer whose methodology is similar to the original case in some eyes but not all.
I thoroughly enjoyed Where The Truth Lies which is an absorbing read with plenty of twists and turns, some shocking and all unexpected. There is nothing better than an unpredictable read where, reeling from one twist, you are hit with another and this one really hits that mark. Having read the Inspector Danilov series I already knew that Mr Lee knows how to tell a good tale but with this one set in the present day I feel that it has a stronger impact. The novel is mostly told from Ridpath and his “side”’s point of view but there are forays into the perpetrators’ (both past and present) points of view. Interestingly I didn’t find this switching about as distracting as I often do as it raises more questions than it provides answers or advance information. The basis premise of the novel doesn’t really offer anything fresh to the genre but its execution and plot detail make it a good, compelling read. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what was coming next.
I liked the description of the internal police politics where strength and success are all that matters. It makes them appear very hard nosed and unlikeable, not the touchy feeling approach they like to tell us they have. I guess the truth lies somewhere in between. I found myself uncomfortable with some of their attitudes (like bullying and misogyny) which would be unacceptable in most workplaces but they have the ring of authenticity in such a results driven environment.
I’m sitting on the fence about Ridpath (he doesn’t like Tom or any variation of it). He’s recovering from cancer and knows that his wife isn’t happy about his work/life balance but still pursues his investigation relentlessly. It seems selfish and probably physically impossible (returning to work after a long layoff is exhausting) but there would be no novel if he behaved too realistically. On the other hand he’s smart, dedicated and no pushover. I think he’ll grow on me as the series progresses.
Where The Truth Lies is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
May 2, 2019
I love to begin a new series and went on to read book 2, Where the Dead Fall, straight away. DI Ridpath is not at his best when you meet him as he is on trials for a new drug to treat cancer patients. To help ease him back into work, after his long absence, it has been decided to move him to a less stressful position and so he is transferred to the coroner's office.
I took to Ridpath straight away, with his vulnerability that he hides from everybody including himself as he juggles work, home, and hospital appointments. His soul mate and wife is his little Jiminy Cricket conscience that he hears telling him to keep appointments but like Pinocchio, he doesn't listen. If you don't hear bad news then it isn't happening, right?
Old habits die hard as Ridpath has an itch that has to be scratched especially when a case that he 'put to bed' ten years ago seems to be back to taunt him, either that or a copy cat killer has taken up where the last one had ended with a conviction.
Ridpath finds himself between a rock and a hard place as being a DI is all about investigating who and why while the coroner's office is more about the how and when someone died. These murders are not for the faint hearted but they really hit the spot for me. I love a book that gives me the full funfair experience of thrills and adrenaline rushes and this does that and more.
One of my favourite characters, besides Ridpath, is his new boss Margaret Challinor who is the Coroner. Ridpath is definitely bringing out a new side to her, she is quite a lady. I am going to love watching how these two work together. Definitely, a drool bib ending, brilliant round up! This is a real huge must read.
I took to Ridpath straight away, with his vulnerability that he hides from everybody including himself as he juggles work, home, and hospital appointments. His soul mate and wife is his little Jiminy Cricket conscience that he hears telling him to keep appointments but like Pinocchio, he doesn't listen. If you don't hear bad news then it isn't happening, right?
Old habits die hard as Ridpath has an itch that has to be scratched especially when a case that he 'put to bed' ten years ago seems to be back to taunt him, either that or a copy cat killer has taken up where the last one had ended with a conviction.
Ridpath finds himself between a rock and a hard place as being a DI is all about investigating who and why while the coroner's office is more about the how and when someone died. These murders are not for the faint hearted but they really hit the spot for me. I love a book that gives me the full funfair experience of thrills and adrenaline rushes and this does that and more.
One of my favourite characters, besides Ridpath, is his new boss Margaret Challinor who is the Coroner. Ridpath is definitely bringing out a new side to her, she is quite a lady. I am going to love watching how these two work together. Definitely, a drool bib ending, brilliant round up! This is a real huge must read.
November 8, 2018
This had been a compelling read; full of surprises, twists and real characters, you only need to discover Where The Truth Lies...
This is a detective procedural book, but you don't feel like a simple observer, the characters felt so real that you feel totally involved in this horrifying case. Because even if DI Thomas Ridpath has some health problems and he has been transfer to the coroner's department, he can not stay away from a good mystery!
The story begins when an old case where DI Thomas Ridpath made the arrest. It seems that maybe the killer had been free all this time and an innocent man has been held in prison for more than 10 years... But, how was it possible that the investigation was so wrong and didn't discover that there were irregularities on the case? Of course you'll have to read the book if you want to know the truth.
The story is told between the "killer" and how follows all the steps for the correct killing, and our detective Thomas Ridpath, who after seeing his life passing away in front of his eyes, will take us to a trip of all his memorable memories of his life, making the reader more invested in the character and feeling all his suffering and troubles on our own skin.
The case is quite dark and troubling, starting from an empty coffin and ending in a body's farm... really be prepared for a twisted case, but an amazing read.
I would like to say I really liked this book, I hope this will not be the last case we read of DI Thomas Ridpath, I can't wait to read a new case!
This is a detective procedural book, but you don't feel like a simple observer, the characters felt so real that you feel totally involved in this horrifying case. Because even if DI Thomas Ridpath has some health problems and he has been transfer to the coroner's department, he can not stay away from a good mystery!
The story begins when an old case where DI Thomas Ridpath made the arrest. It seems that maybe the killer had been free all this time and an innocent man has been held in prison for more than 10 years... But, how was it possible that the investigation was so wrong and didn't discover that there were irregularities on the case? Of course you'll have to read the book if you want to know the truth.
The story is told between the "killer" and how follows all the steps for the correct killing, and our detective Thomas Ridpath, who after seeing his life passing away in front of his eyes, will take us to a trip of all his memorable memories of his life, making the reader more invested in the character and feeling all his suffering and troubles on our own skin.
The case is quite dark and troubling, starting from an empty coffin and ending in a body's farm... really be prepared for a twisted case, but an amazing read.
I would like to say I really liked this book, I hope this will not be the last case we read of DI Thomas Ridpath, I can't wait to read a new case!
December 4, 2018
Well wow and wow again what an absolutely fantastic book this is !!!! From page one it grabbed my attention and just never let go and talk about a heart pounding finish, this really had it all.
The storyline was exciting, thrilling and just choc full of interesting information about the coroner’s office which I didn’t know and gave the book real depth. I loved Ridpath he is a wonderful character and really look forward to the next book in this new series as I think he will become a firm favourite of mine with his dry sense of humour and sense of duty so if you want a damn good read well just read this you won’t be disappointed it’s wonderful, my thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for a chance to read the ARC.
The storyline was exciting, thrilling and just choc full of interesting information about the coroner’s office which I didn’t know and gave the book real depth. I loved Ridpath he is a wonderful character and really look forward to the next book in this new series as I think he will become a firm favourite of mine with his dry sense of humour and sense of duty so if you want a damn good read well just read this you won’t be disappointed it’s wonderful, my thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for a chance to read the ARC.
December 27, 2018
Was totally pulled in from the first page and found the book to be compelling, full of twists and turns! Really enjoyed it and would definitely read more from this author
June 16, 2022
3.5 stars
I did enjoy this one but it wasn't anything new to me.
I like that it's set in Manchester and I quite like DI Tom Ridpath. It's a good police procedural but Tom is a 'troubled cop' whose approach to mystery-solving is unimaginative and I felt a little bit 'blah' about it.
It's not because the book is sub-standard at all; it's more that I feel like I've read this story so many times before. If I'd read this a few years ago I'm sure I'd be eagerly following along with it, but after all the crime books I've read over the years it didn't really grab me.
I need to stop starting new series and continue with the ones (many) I'm already invested in.
I don't really have room in my tbr for more Ridpath right now, but I'm definitely not ruling it out in the future.
I did enjoy this one but it wasn't anything new to me.
I like that it's set in Manchester and I quite like DI Tom Ridpath. It's a good police procedural but Tom is a 'troubled cop' whose approach to mystery-solving is unimaginative and I felt a little bit 'blah' about it.
It's not because the book is sub-standard at all; it's more that I feel like I've read this story so many times before. If I'd read this a few years ago I'm sure I'd be eagerly following along with it, but after all the crime books I've read over the years it didn't really grab me.
I need to stop starting new series and continue with the ones (many) I'm already invested in.
I don't really have room in my tbr for more Ridpath right now, but I'm definitely not ruling it out in the future.
June 14, 2020
A good read! I felt it had a good pace and enough going on to keep your interest. There were lots of suspicious characters so it was impossible to predict how the ending would turn out (though when you realise which ones weren't guilty, it left you thinking they were in fact just misogynistic pigs). I liked the original take on the crime thriller genre - getting to explore some new roles.
All of the chapters are written in third person, so sometimes I did find it took a moment to work out which character I was with and what was going on. I didn't feel like the marital problems for Ridpath added anything to the story. I suppose it was an attempt to flesh out the character?
On the whole though - not a bad book at all.
All of the chapters are written in third person, so sometimes I did find it took a moment to work out which character I was with and what was going on. I didn't feel like the marital problems for Ridpath added anything to the story. I suppose it was an attempt to flesh out the character?
On the whole though - not a bad book at all.
October 30, 2018
Where the truth lies by M.J. Lee
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me a free copy in return for an honest review.
A most enjoyable detective/mystery that kept me interested all the way through and I will highly recommend it.
The story line is a little different to the normal detective books because Tom Ridpath is put on temporary duty as the coroner’s officer, so he is required to approach an old case from a different angle to what he is used to. And to make it more interested it was a case that he had worked on and been seen as a hero for catching the villain. Now however he is needed to revisit the evidence and finds that the case was not as straightforward as he had originally thought.
Along with his work and colleagues, whom are all well-developed characters and are believable the reader also gets a peek inside his personal life and his struggles with surviving cancer and keeping his family and wife in a happy balance with his commitment to his job.
As it was an ARC, I can forgive the few errors as some characters changed name halfway through, even though I had to go back to check for myself, it did not stop me from reading the book at every opportunity until finished.
I, for one cannot wait to read more of this detective and will look forward to finding out more books from the author.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me a free copy in return for an honest review.
A most enjoyable detective/mystery that kept me interested all the way through and I will highly recommend it.
The story line is a little different to the normal detective books because Tom Ridpath is put on temporary duty as the coroner’s officer, so he is required to approach an old case from a different angle to what he is used to. And to make it more interested it was a case that he had worked on and been seen as a hero for catching the villain. Now however he is needed to revisit the evidence and finds that the case was not as straightforward as he had originally thought.
Along with his work and colleagues, whom are all well-developed characters and are believable the reader also gets a peek inside his personal life and his struggles with surviving cancer and keeping his family and wife in a happy balance with his commitment to his job.
As it was an ARC, I can forgive the few errors as some characters changed name halfway through, even though I had to go back to check for myself, it did not stop me from reading the book at every opportunity until finished.
I, for one cannot wait to read more of this detective and will look forward to finding out more books from the author.
October 6, 2018
This book is exactly as described...unputdownable.
The plot is well constructed, the pace gains momentum as the story develops, and there are myriad twists and turns.
DI Ridpath is a welcome newcomer to the genre. Keen to get back to work after a serious illness, the stresses on his marriage amplified by said illness, his feeling that he is being forced out of the police, and most of all, his honesty and integrity, make him a well rounded and believable character.
Assigned to the Coroner's Office Ridpath gets a very different view of the justice system. He was the one to capture "The Beast", a serial killer, but he begins to suspect they imprisoned the wrong man as the bodies and disappearances bearing remarkable similarities to the Beast's MO mount up.
He is on a collision course with his colleagues in CID.
Was shoddy policing to blame?
Were there cover ups?
Just how much leeway does the Coroner have at an inquest?
Will justice be served?
As the story nears its end, it becomes a race against time to save one of their own.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book via Netgalley
The plot is well constructed, the pace gains momentum as the story develops, and there are myriad twists and turns.
DI Ridpath is a welcome newcomer to the genre. Keen to get back to work after a serious illness, the stresses on his marriage amplified by said illness, his feeling that he is being forced out of the police, and most of all, his honesty and integrity, make him a well rounded and believable character.
Assigned to the Coroner's Office Ridpath gets a very different view of the justice system. He was the one to capture "The Beast", a serial killer, but he begins to suspect they imprisoned the wrong man as the bodies and disappearances bearing remarkable similarities to the Beast's MO mount up.
He is on a collision course with his colleagues in CID.
Was shoddy policing to blame?
Were there cover ups?
Just how much leeway does the Coroner have at an inquest?
Will justice be served?
As the story nears its end, it becomes a race against time to save one of their own.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book via Netgalley
November 27, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for this arc.
This was a fast and compelling read for me. The plot was fast paced (in spite of the Coroner's Office) and twisty... just the way I like them. Oh sure there were a few loose hairs, but aren't there always. I enjoyed the characters and their relationships with each other. Some of them were overly ambitious and driven policemen / women at the cost of their personal lives and some were just there with conflicting agendas. It's only a few hours since I finished the book that all the implausibility and plot contrivances are banging on my brain. It is fiction after all. As far a police procedurals go, I can't really be sure that it was "real" Most of the characters felt underdeveloped on reflection (but this is apparently the opener of a series). Overall, I found it an enjoyable read while it lasted.
This was a fast and compelling read for me. The plot was fast paced (in spite of the Coroner's Office) and twisty... just the way I like them. Oh sure there were a few loose hairs, but aren't there always. I enjoyed the characters and their relationships with each other. Some of them were overly ambitious and driven policemen / women at the cost of their personal lives and some were just there with conflicting agendas. It's only a few hours since I finished the book that all the implausibility and plot contrivances are banging on my brain. It is fiction after all. As far a police procedurals go, I can't really be sure that it was "real" Most of the characters felt underdeveloped on reflection (but this is apparently the opener of a series). Overall, I found it an enjoyable read while it lasted.
November 13, 2018
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This is the first book in a new series and one I will definitely be following! The book has a cracking storyline and I was hooked from the first few pages.
The plot for this one is great, I have read a lot of crime thrillers and this was one that really held my attention. I thought that this book was well written and I loved the introduction to the members of the team, DI Redpath is someone I want to read more about and I am already looking forward to the next book in the series!
4.5 stars from me rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon – very highly recommended and one I really enjoyed!
This is the first book in a new series and one I will definitely be following! The book has a cracking storyline and I was hooked from the first few pages.
The plot for this one is great, I have read a lot of crime thrillers and this was one that really held my attention. I thought that this book was well written and I loved the introduction to the members of the team, DI Redpath is someone I want to read more about and I am already looking forward to the next book in the series!
4.5 stars from me rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon – very highly recommended and one I really enjoyed!
June 22, 2021
This was OK, although nothing special. It was interesting to read about the coroner's officer, but a lot of the rest was very standard: hostile colleagues (hostile for no logical reason really), problems at home, chapters from the perspective of a baddie. The sections detailing the torture of the abducted women were extraordinarily graphic and I had to skip them.
March 2, 2019
Graphic torture scenes
This book contains interesting characters as well as a valid premise for the plot. However the graphic torture scenes were reprehensible. They destroyed what could have been a great police procedural. I will avoid this author's books.
This book contains interesting characters as well as a valid premise for the plot. However the graphic torture scenes were reprehensible. They destroyed what could have been a great police procedural. I will avoid this author's books.
January 11, 2021
Manchester, England ~ DI Thomas Ridpath was temporarily seconded for three months to the Coroner's Office after almost a year of cancer treatment (his myeloma now in remission after finishing Christie's cancer treatment~trials with mandatory scheduled monthly blood tests)... his superiors as well as his wife and daughter all thought the new assignment would be easing his previous workload when he was still active in the Force, they were wrong. Ridpath being what he was and is, redefined his job description and aside from giving surcease to the bereaved (which he was not good at) and answering the How, When and What the person died from or of as well as Where the person died (given the pathologist's findings, of course)... he was also doggedly determined to know Who, if it was homicide, killed the person and Why... these opened a whole can of worms in his first case as Coroner's Officer that put his mates and bosses in the CID on the defensive invidious position for his waking the proverbial sleeping dogs. This is the usual conflict between an empathetic copper who had a True feel of evil and/or crime plus police procedure vis~à~vis purely following the evidence with the added complications on office politics, career changing decisions that resulted in promotions or professional suicide/s. I had fun following Ridpath tracking his serial killer and generally upending his former colleagues work as well as his personal life (this I did not like). Re~ his wife, Polly... she always knew what she signed up for when she married a cop... why the demands and contentions about his job after what the man had gone through? He almost died yet he was doing the job that he loves... and it was not as if she was a housewife, she could not even cook... she is a teacher and loves her job... so... But I suppose priorities and perspectives change as people muddle along through life's ups and downs... still another added angst for Ridpath, though.
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