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An Alex Ripley Mystery #1
Der Ruf der toten Mädchen
Visionen. Alte Sünden. Angst und Rache: Eine Welle von Teenager-Selbstmorden erschüttert Kirkdale im Norden Englands. Gleichzeitig machen in dem kleinen Städtchen Gerüchte die Runde, die Teenager hätten vor ihrem Tod einen Engel gesehen. Die Polizei ist ratlos und bittet Dr. Alex Ripley um Hilfe. Die Expertin für Übersinnliches beginnt zu ermitteln und kommt einer jahrzehntelangen Tragödie auf die Spur - und schon bald schlägt ihr der geballte Hass der gesamten Stadt entgegen. Doch Ripley wird nicht eher ruhen, bis sie die ganze Wahrheit aufgedeckt hat ...
"Der Ruf der toten Mädchen" ist der Auftakt zu einer neuen Reihe um die faszinierende Ermittlerin Dr. Alex Ripley.
eBooks von beTHRILLED - mörderisch gute Unterhaltung.
"Der Ruf der toten Mädchen" ist der Auftakt zu einer neuen Reihe um die faszinierende Ermittlerin Dr. Alex Ripley.
eBooks von beTHRILLED - mörderisch gute Unterhaltung.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2018
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123 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 23, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
She’d been punched in the face and now carried a neat little scar over her right eye after being assaulted by one particularly irate healer, the irony of which had not passed her by.
Ripley heard his awful, animal howl echo across the water. She knew that feeling, she had felt it herself. Love and life, unexpectedly lost. Ripped away. That was the sound of a heart breaking.
My Review:
I am in awe of the agile word skills and ingenious storytelling of this gifted author. He must have been blessed by the goddess of words, as his narrative was well-crafted and tightly woven. I was absorbed by his well-paced and intriguing tale and found my muscles were as taut as the writing on the page. His characters were as curiously compelling and complex as the cleverly constructed storylines and my curiosity remained at high levels throughout. I am an instant fangirl. Plus, I scored a new addition to my Brit Word List with bladdered, which Mr. Google indicated was informal British for being extremely inebriated. Not that I would ever have a need for such a condition ;)
She’d been punched in the face and now carried a neat little scar over her right eye after being assaulted by one particularly irate healer, the irony of which had not passed her by.
Ripley heard his awful, animal howl echo across the water. She knew that feeling, she had felt it herself. Love and life, unexpectedly lost. Ripped away. That was the sound of a heart breaking.
My Review:
I am in awe of the agile word skills and ingenious storytelling of this gifted author. He must have been blessed by the goddess of words, as his narrative was well-crafted and tightly woven. I was absorbed by his well-paced and intriguing tale and found my muscles were as taut as the writing on the page. His characters were as curiously compelling and complex as the cleverly constructed storylines and my curiosity remained at high levels throughout. I am an instant fangirl. Plus, I scored a new addition to my Brit Word List with bladdered, which Mr. Google indicated was informal British for being extremely inebriated. Not that I would ever have a need for such a condition ;)
April 17, 2018
This new series introduces Dr. Alex Ripley, also known as the Miracle Detective. It's Ripley's job to help police when it comes to heavenly phenomenon or other angel sightings.
Alex gets a call from a friend, the medical examiner in a small England village. Two teenage girls have killed themselves by drowning, only a month apart. In the days before their deaths, they had each talked about having seen an angel.
As Alex investigates, she finds an old village, full of superstitions, fears, and age old secrets. She also finds a link to a group suicide of teenage girls some 30 years in the past. This mass suicide has attributed to the angel legend which has lasted through the present.
Is this truly a paranormal event? A connection to what happened many years ago? And who do you trust? The Chief of Police who seems to stop all investigations into these current deaths? Does it matter that he was there the night of the group suicide? The preacher of the Church Youth Group, of which all those who attend are teenage girls? Do the parents know that the 'preacher' is also listed on the sexual predator list?
The village is full of quirky, secretive residents who all seem to be hiding something. This is not a fast paced thriller ... the suspense increases with each new finding.. especially when 2 more girls go missing. Will they be found lifeless in the lake?
Is there truly an angel behind the killings? Is he there to kill them or save them? Or is there something a lot more sinister going on?
I enjoyed the character if Dr. Ripley ... she debunks most of the cases she has been asked to investigate, but she also knows there are things that go beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding. I look forward to following the next adventure of the Miracle Detective.
Many thanks to the author / be-eBooks / Netgalley for the digital copy of The Cuckoo Wood. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 1, 2018
This book has such a haunting feel about it. I had to travel to London the other day for work; two and a half hours each way by train and I managed to read the whole book by the time I got home again. I could quite happily have skipped the work bits in between to have kept reading.
There's so much that happens in the story it's quite a surprise to realise it all takes place over the course of just a few days. Ripley arrives in the village of Kirkdale to try and unravel the mystery of 2 teenage suicides and ends up also investigating 6 teenage suicides from many years ago as well after spotting links between the two. It's beautifully atmospheric and there's a certain bleakness about the woods that back onto the village.
I really enjoyed the character of Ripley and her desire to debunk angelic sightings in a very old fashioned religious village. The secondary characters are equally memorable and all of them just so well drawn. It keeps you guess until the end as to who did what and why. It's just a really well written book and I enjoyed it immensely. I have the follow up 'A Hollow Sky' to read next and I can't wait.
There's so much that happens in the story it's quite a surprise to realise it all takes place over the course of just a few days. Ripley arrives in the village of Kirkdale to try and unravel the mystery of 2 teenage suicides and ends up also investigating 6 teenage suicides from many years ago as well after spotting links between the two. It's beautifully atmospheric and there's a certain bleakness about the woods that back onto the village.
I really enjoyed the character of Ripley and her desire to debunk angelic sightings in a very old fashioned religious village. The secondary characters are equally memorable and all of them just so well drawn. It keeps you guess until the end as to who did what and why. It's just a really well written book and I enjoyed it immensely. I have the follow up 'A Hollow Sky' to read next and I can't wait.
March 16, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bastei Entertainment for an advance copy of The Cuckoo Wood, the first novel in a projected series to feature Dr Alex Ripley, miracle detective.
Two schoolgirls have drowned months apart in the small Cumbrian village of Kirkdale. Suicide, murder or accident? The villagers, a small, close knit, extremely religious group are sure that it's suicide and close ranks against the girls' families and outsiders. Crime Scene Investigator Emma Drysdale isn't so sure and asks Ripley to investigate. What she uncovers has its roots deep in the past and the Angel of Kirkdale legend.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Cuckoo Wood which has a good mystery at its heart and a very readable style. There is something strange going on in Kirkdale but no one wants to talk about it so it takes all Alex's skill to piece together what makes it such a closed, fervently religious and suspicious community. This mystery adds to the puzzle of what happened to the girls. The slow unraveling of these is fascinating and held me gripped. I was less convinced by the supernatural element in the novel which seems rather unnecessary and superfluous.
Alex Ripley is called a miracle detective, not for her superior investigative skills as I had imagined but because she investigates alleged miracles from a scientific point of view. I like the distinction she makes between the genuinely fraudulent and the believers whose faith leads them down the wrong path and the fact that although she hasn't yet found a miracle she isn't prepared to discount the possibility that she might yet find one. It is very pleasant to see such a divisive topic handled in such an even handed and open manner. It also makes her a hopeful character which makes a change from the usual hard bitten detective.
The Cuckoo Wood is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Two schoolgirls have drowned months apart in the small Cumbrian village of Kirkdale. Suicide, murder or accident? The villagers, a small, close knit, extremely religious group are sure that it's suicide and close ranks against the girls' families and outsiders. Crime Scene Investigator Emma Drysdale isn't so sure and asks Ripley to investigate. What she uncovers has its roots deep in the past and the Angel of Kirkdale legend.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Cuckoo Wood which has a good mystery at its heart and a very readable style. There is something strange going on in Kirkdale but no one wants to talk about it so it takes all Alex's skill to piece together what makes it such a closed, fervently religious and suspicious community. This mystery adds to the puzzle of what happened to the girls. The slow unraveling of these is fascinating and held me gripped. I was less convinced by the supernatural element in the novel which seems rather unnecessary and superfluous.
Alex Ripley is called a miracle detective, not for her superior investigative skills as I had imagined but because she investigates alleged miracles from a scientific point of view. I like the distinction she makes between the genuinely fraudulent and the believers whose faith leads them down the wrong path and the fact that although she hasn't yet found a miracle she isn't prepared to discount the possibility that she might yet find one. It is very pleasant to see such a divisive topic handled in such an even handed and open manner. It also makes her a hopeful character which makes a change from the usual hard bitten detective.
The Cuckoo Wood is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
May 10, 2018
Dr. Alex Ripley doesn’t mind that she’s been dubbed “The Miracle Detective.” She has, after all, dedicated her career to debunking alleged miracles or divine interventions with the logical perspective of science and reason. It’s no wonder then that, during a particularly disturbing and bizarre case in a small, isolated, and overly religious community, an old friend calls to ask for Alex’s help. There’s talk of angels and she’s hoping that Alex can get to the bottom of it.
Kirkdale is a rural community in England’s Lake District. It’s picturesque and one of those small towns where everyone knows everyone, so when a teenage girl commits suicide, it raises concerns; not only because it’s a tragedy, but also because the community seems to want the news to just fade away. Their odd reaction is undoubtedly due to the fact that, decades before, the town had suffered a tragic loss when six young girls had made a suicide pact and then committed their atrocious act at a local lake, forever cursing the town with the stain of their sins. Has the past come back to haunt them? Or has one girl just committed an isolated, selfish act? Many of the townsfolk hope that’s the case, but when a second girl takes her life, their fears are reignited and the news garners the attention of the local authorities.
When Alex arrives in town, she immediately senses that she isn’t welcomed there and that her friend was definitely onto something. Kirkdale is ripe with secrets and there’s talk of “The Kirkdale Angel,” but it seems as if no one wants to discuss it or the town’s sinister past, including the victims’ families, who are seemingly just as detached and resolute in keeping their sins under wraps. Alex, undeterred by the residents’ steadfast denials and superstitions, is determined to uncover the truth with or without their help.
It’s a journey that, I assure you, is well worth the read! From the moment I picked up the book, I was captivated by its intriguing plot twists and turns and by how beautifully written it is. I could not put it down! The Cuckoo Wood offers a fascinating view into the world of a humble, pious town trying to come to grips with the tragic losses that continue to befall it. It is a riveting story about how grief, regret, and misbegotten dogma can not only oppress a town, but perpetuate its downfall.
Kirkdale is a rural community in England’s Lake District. It’s picturesque and one of those small towns where everyone knows everyone, so when a teenage girl commits suicide, it raises concerns; not only because it’s a tragedy, but also because the community seems to want the news to just fade away. Their odd reaction is undoubtedly due to the fact that, decades before, the town had suffered a tragic loss when six young girls had made a suicide pact and then committed their atrocious act at a local lake, forever cursing the town with the stain of their sins. Has the past come back to haunt them? Or has one girl just committed an isolated, selfish act? Many of the townsfolk hope that’s the case, but when a second girl takes her life, their fears are reignited and the news garners the attention of the local authorities.
When Alex arrives in town, she immediately senses that she isn’t welcomed there and that her friend was definitely onto something. Kirkdale is ripe with secrets and there’s talk of “The Kirkdale Angel,” but it seems as if no one wants to discuss it or the town’s sinister past, including the victims’ families, who are seemingly just as detached and resolute in keeping their sins under wraps. Alex, undeterred by the residents’ steadfast denials and superstitions, is determined to uncover the truth with or without their help.
It’s a journey that, I assure you, is well worth the read! From the moment I picked up the book, I was captivated by its intriguing plot twists and turns and by how beautifully written it is. I could not put it down! The Cuckoo Wood offers a fascinating view into the world of a humble, pious town trying to come to grips with the tragic losses that continue to befall it. It is a riveting story about how grief, regret, and misbegotten dogma can not only oppress a town, but perpetuate its downfall.
November 9, 2018
Two girls have taken their own life within four months of each other in the village of Kirkdale, a tiny and very religious farming community in England’s Lake District. No one will discuss their deaths nor the reasons why they might have drowned themselves in the Cuckoo Wood. The only correlation to both girls is their mention of seeing an angel before they died. Is there some strange religious phenomenon going on or is something more sinister at play?
Dr. Alex Ripley, The Miracle detective, is sent in to investigate what really happened to these two dead girls. Alex believes in science and reason and is a strong voice in debunking false prophets and divine intervention. Tasked with finding out the truth, Alex is thrust into a community deeply holding onto their religious beliefs and unwilling to let her in. Can Alex expose the truth before any more girls wind up dead?
Wow! I am totally in love with this new Alex Ripley series. I was completely hooked right from the start. M. Sean Coleman pulls you right into the fold and holds nothing back. Coleman easily sucks you right into the lore of this village. Angels? A Mystery needing to be solved? Is it really a phenomenon or is someone behind everything that has been happening? These are just some of the questions I found myself asking the deeper I got into the story. I can’t even begin to describe how this book made me feel. I may have even been a little creeped out to be honest! Coleman surely knows how to bring on the “eerie” in full force. Towards the end I even got goosebumps.
Alex Ripley is probably one of the best characters I have read in a long time. She is a Doctor of Theology and has written books based on religion and phenomenons often exposing the truth and outing people looking to deceive others in the name of God. Alex has a tough shell and she is not easily intimidated by anyone. Let’s just say she did things I would never do because I would be running for the hills. At one point she is sitting by the lake by herself (Yes, the same lake girls died in!), like ummm….what are you doing? Anyone can sneak up on you! I was getting antsy just reading it. She is definitely one tough cookie.
The pacing really starts off strong and does not stop. It just keeps building and building. At no point was I even able to put this book down. Yes, it's just that good! Coleman really kept my attention and had me going back and forth trying to find out who or what is behind everything and I have to say, there were quite a few surprises. I had a few people pegged and kept going back and forth, but in the back of my mind I kept wondering about the lore and how much truth it would have to this story. The ending was just perfect and really kept to the theme of the story which I really am thankful for.
I would like to add one more thing. How awesome is the title of this book, The Cuckoo Wood! It just gives me the chills. You may not ever find me there….wait scratch that. You would NEVER find me anywhere in a place named the Cuckoo Wood. I’ll be hiding in the closet like the scaredy cat I am!
The Cuckoo would is absolutely phenomenal! If you like a mystery shrouded in secrets and a lore that will scare the bejeezus out of you, then look no further….this is the book you NEED to read. Well deserving of five stars! I am a new fan and I am definitely looking forward to more in this series.
Dr. Alex Ripley, The Miracle detective, is sent in to investigate what really happened to these two dead girls. Alex believes in science and reason and is a strong voice in debunking false prophets and divine intervention. Tasked with finding out the truth, Alex is thrust into a community deeply holding onto their religious beliefs and unwilling to let her in. Can Alex expose the truth before any more girls wind up dead?
Wow! I am totally in love with this new Alex Ripley series. I was completely hooked right from the start. M. Sean Coleman pulls you right into the fold and holds nothing back. Coleman easily sucks you right into the lore of this village. Angels? A Mystery needing to be solved? Is it really a phenomenon or is someone behind everything that has been happening? These are just some of the questions I found myself asking the deeper I got into the story. I can’t even begin to describe how this book made me feel. I may have even been a little creeped out to be honest! Coleman surely knows how to bring on the “eerie” in full force. Towards the end I even got goosebumps.
Alex Ripley is probably one of the best characters I have read in a long time. She is a Doctor of Theology and has written books based on religion and phenomenons often exposing the truth and outing people looking to deceive others in the name of God. Alex has a tough shell and she is not easily intimidated by anyone. Let’s just say she did things I would never do because I would be running for the hills. At one point she is sitting by the lake by herself (Yes, the same lake girls died in!), like ummm….what are you doing? Anyone can sneak up on you! I was getting antsy just reading it. She is definitely one tough cookie.
The pacing really starts off strong and does not stop. It just keeps building and building. At no point was I even able to put this book down. Yes, it's just that good! Coleman really kept my attention and had me going back and forth trying to find out who or what is behind everything and I have to say, there were quite a few surprises. I had a few people pegged and kept going back and forth, but in the back of my mind I kept wondering about the lore and how much truth it would have to this story. The ending was just perfect and really kept to the theme of the story which I really am thankful for.
I would like to add one more thing. How awesome is the title of this book, The Cuckoo Wood! It just gives me the chills. You may not ever find me there….wait scratch that. You would NEVER find me anywhere in a place named the Cuckoo Wood. I’ll be hiding in the closet like the scaredy cat I am!
The Cuckoo would is absolutely phenomenal! If you like a mystery shrouded in secrets and a lore that will scare the bejeezus out of you, then look no further….this is the book you NEED to read. Well deserving of five stars! I am a new fan and I am definitely looking forward to more in this series.
November 9, 2018
Is it wise to bring the past back ...
The first thing that attracted me was the cover. I had something very inviting and mysterious and I was really intrigued. So this already ticked a box for me.
The first few pages were a bit confusing, but very soon it became clear what it was about. Throughout the whole book you have a constant feeling of creepiness and suspense. It is not fast paced, but the story slowly builds up towards the final revelations.
I like stories about mysteries happening in a small village, where everybody closes up and you don't know who to turn to in order to find out the truth.
It is the first part in a new series and even though we don't know a lot about Dr Ripley yet, I liked the character.
The only thing that disturbed me a bit was that everybody was called by his first name except for Alex. It felt distant to me and I wonder if there was a reason for it. 4 stars.
Thank you, M. Sean Coleman and RachelsRandomResources.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
The first thing that attracted me was the cover. I had something very inviting and mysterious and I was really intrigued. So this already ticked a box for me.
The first few pages were a bit confusing, but very soon it became clear what it was about. Throughout the whole book you have a constant feeling of creepiness and suspense. It is not fast paced, but the story slowly builds up towards the final revelations.
I like stories about mysteries happening in a small village, where everybody closes up and you don't know who to turn to in order to find out the truth.
It is the first part in a new series and even though we don't know a lot about Dr Ripley yet, I liked the character.
The only thing that disturbed me a bit was that everybody was called by his first name except for Alex. It felt distant to me and I wonder if there was a reason for it. 4 stars.
Thank you, M. Sean Coleman and RachelsRandomResources.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
April 8, 2018
What a great story.
This book had me intrigued before I read it as I’m interested in the supernatural and I love crime thrillers.
Dr Ripley is asked to go to Kirkdale to try and get to the bottom of the sightings of an angel which seems to be causing teenage girls to commit suicide. Ripley is a skeptic and is very interested to find out what’s behind these deaths as she doesn’t believe in anything supernatural.
This is a really interesting book as it made me think there were supernatural links to the deaths but deep down I was questioning it, like Ripley.
I really liked Ripley and can’t wait for more books in this series.
The interaction between Ripley and the other characters was really well written and I could just imagine the reception she got arriving in a small village where they don’t like outsiders.
Five huge stars from me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bastei Entertainment/e-books for the opportunity to read this book.
This book had me intrigued before I read it as I’m interested in the supernatural and I love crime thrillers.
Dr Ripley is asked to go to Kirkdale to try and get to the bottom of the sightings of an angel which seems to be causing teenage girls to commit suicide. Ripley is a skeptic and is very interested to find out what’s behind these deaths as she doesn’t believe in anything supernatural.
This is a really interesting book as it made me think there were supernatural links to the deaths but deep down I was questioning it, like Ripley.
I really liked Ripley and can’t wait for more books in this series.
The interaction between Ripley and the other characters was really well written and I could just imagine the reception she got arriving in a small village where they don’t like outsiders.
Five huge stars from me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bastei Entertainment/e-books for the opportunity to read this book.
April 21, 2018
The Cuckoo Wood is the first in the series of Dr Ripley and was a good start to it. We may not get a clearer picture of the person that Dr Ripley is, but we are given an idea of her methods of investigation and a very basic background of her. I figure the next few books in the series will throw light onto the person and what drives Dr Ripley, the inspirations and the motivations. As for The Cuckoo Wood, it was a good beginning. The difficult circumstances of an investigation in a tight-lipped community, the recurring patterns, the eccentricities of beliefs made a perfect backdrop. It was a fairly good start to a great series. If you are looking for a crime thriller without gore and gruesomeness The Cuckoo Wood is the book for you. Perhaps that's what makes this book a good read, the lack of guts that got spilt and the manner in which it slowly creeps up on you without getting your heart racing.
For the entire review, visit Frost At Midnite.
For the entire review, visit Frost At Midnite.
April 10, 2018
If you go down to the woods today…
…you're in for a big surprise. What a delightful book, full of mystery and intrigue, small-town secrecy and a strangely backward community trapped by fear of the past and the overbearing control of religion. The residents of Kirkdale are uncomfortably intriguing as a group. They're ostensibly Christian, but they cling on to such old-fashioned views about the 'sins of their fathers' that continue to haunt them. Their attitudes are so compellingly described that one can quite imagine how these souls have become trapped in their collective past and so insular in their current outlook. That sense of 'stranger danger' that the delightful Dr Alex Ripley feels is tangible and more than a little unnerving.
As for Alex Ripley herself, I would love to know more about her, but it didn't feel that there was too much time for it in this fast-paced story. She is rounded and interesting, but I feel there is more to discover in her. Hopefully, we will be drip fed more as the series continues. As it is, I already think Alex Ripley would be the perfect guest at a fantasy dinner table – intelligent, inquisitive, irreverent, and she isn't afraid of questioning people's beliefs or charging headlong into danger. I'm looking forward to spending more time with her in the next book.
Finally, the author's evocative, highly visual style gives a real sense of place, guiding us through the mysterious Cuckoo Wood, never sure what we will find down at the lake. I enjoyed the way I was led along the line between reality, madness and illusion in this story, forcing me constantly to question what the characters are really seeing and hearing. I love the place. I now feel compelled to revisit the Lake District to try and find The Cuckoo Wood for myself.
I loved the world that this book took me into, and my only regret was that I finished it so quickly. I was completely transported. I recommend it highly to anyone who loves their thriller with a mysterious and otherworldly twist. Totally gripping from start to finish.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book with thanks to the publisher.
…you're in for a big surprise. What a delightful book, full of mystery and intrigue, small-town secrecy and a strangely backward community trapped by fear of the past and the overbearing control of religion. The residents of Kirkdale are uncomfortably intriguing as a group. They're ostensibly Christian, but they cling on to such old-fashioned views about the 'sins of their fathers' that continue to haunt them. Their attitudes are so compellingly described that one can quite imagine how these souls have become trapped in their collective past and so insular in their current outlook. That sense of 'stranger danger' that the delightful Dr Alex Ripley feels is tangible and more than a little unnerving.
As for Alex Ripley herself, I would love to know more about her, but it didn't feel that there was too much time for it in this fast-paced story. She is rounded and interesting, but I feel there is more to discover in her. Hopefully, we will be drip fed more as the series continues. As it is, I already think Alex Ripley would be the perfect guest at a fantasy dinner table – intelligent, inquisitive, irreverent, and she isn't afraid of questioning people's beliefs or charging headlong into danger. I'm looking forward to spending more time with her in the next book.
Finally, the author's evocative, highly visual style gives a real sense of place, guiding us through the mysterious Cuckoo Wood, never sure what we will find down at the lake. I enjoyed the way I was led along the line between reality, madness and illusion in this story, forcing me constantly to question what the characters are really seeing and hearing. I love the place. I now feel compelled to revisit the Lake District to try and find The Cuckoo Wood for myself.
I loved the world that this book took me into, and my only regret was that I finished it so quickly. I was completely transported. I recommend it highly to anyone who loves their thriller with a mysterious and otherworldly twist. Totally gripping from start to finish.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book with thanks to the publisher.
April 21, 2018
3.5 stars
Ah... a mysterious Angel figure and teenage girls and death... an interesting combination.
This was certainly one of those books I was keen to pick up again having had to put down.
It had likeable central character,who seemed fairly normal.. though obviously has to have some sad past.
The story of an overly religious village and it's Angel and how it brought about the death of young girls was pretty decent.
I found it odd that there was no mention of what the suicides from the 70's died of (maybe I just missed that) and the actual ending seemed a bit simple to me.
Non the less,I enjoyed the tale,and turned the pages at a pretty fast pace.
Will definitely read next book.
Ah... a mysterious Angel figure and teenage girls and death... an interesting combination.
This was certainly one of those books I was keen to pick up again having had to put down.
It had likeable central character,who seemed fairly normal.. though obviously has to have some sad past.
The story of an overly religious village and it's Angel and how it brought about the death of young girls was pretty decent.
I found it odd that there was no mention of what the suicides from the 70's died of (maybe I just missed that) and the actual ending seemed a bit simple to me.
Non the less,I enjoyed the tale,and turned the pages at a pretty fast pace.
Will definitely read next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2018
An angel is among us! Or so some believe in this atmospheric thriller, set in a small rural town in England.
Two teenage girls are found dead in the water. Both within the span of just a few months. Both having claimed to see visions of the Kirkdale Angel. Where did this angel come from? Is it a coincidence? Or has something evil been lurking in the shadows of this overly religious community?
Dr. Alex Ripley, labeled by many as “the miracle detective”, shows up at the behest of her best friend and Detective, Emma Drysdale.
In an aim to decipher fact from fantasy, Ripley struggles to gather information from this very, closed-off community. New secrets and twists abound, but what is it exactly they’re trying to hide?
I couldn’t stop reading this book, and when I wasn’t able to read it, I couldn’t stop telling people about it.
I was fully caught up in the story, intrigued by the characters and the eerie atmosphere of this small English town that crept up on me like a layer of fog, encompassing and entrancing me.
It is a rather poetic story and it has you questioning the morality of every character you come across; you’re just not sure who to trust.
M. Sean Coleman has a way with words. I found myself highlighting passages in this book like I haven’t in a very long time. It’s not a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat, thriller. It’s a slow-burn, melodically-creepy, thriller.
This book is a great introduction into the world of Dr. Alex Ripley. I look forward to the next installment of this series and other books by M. Sean Coleman.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bastei Entertainment for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Two teenage girls are found dead in the water. Both within the span of just a few months. Both having claimed to see visions of the Kirkdale Angel. Where did this angel come from? Is it a coincidence? Or has something evil been lurking in the shadows of this overly religious community?
Dr. Alex Ripley, labeled by many as “the miracle detective”, shows up at the behest of her best friend and Detective, Emma Drysdale.
In an aim to decipher fact from fantasy, Ripley struggles to gather information from this very, closed-off community. New secrets and twists abound, but what is it exactly they’re trying to hide?
I couldn’t stop reading this book, and when I wasn’t able to read it, I couldn’t stop telling people about it.
I was fully caught up in the story, intrigued by the characters and the eerie atmosphere of this small English town that crept up on me like a layer of fog, encompassing and entrancing me.
It is a rather poetic story and it has you questioning the morality of every character you come across; you’re just not sure who to trust.
M. Sean Coleman has a way with words. I found myself highlighting passages in this book like I haven’t in a very long time. It’s not a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat, thriller. It’s a slow-burn, melodically-creepy, thriller.
This book is a great introduction into the world of Dr. Alex Ripley. I look forward to the next installment of this series and other books by M. Sean Coleman.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bastei Entertainment for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 12, 2018
From the amazing book cover, to the intriguing description, The Cuckoo Wood: An Alex Ripley Mystery by M. Sean Coleman, drew me in. I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy from the publishers on NetGalley, and couldn’t wait to start.
The book centres around Kirkdale, a rural community in England’s Lake District and begins with the suicide of two teenage girls. The mention of an angel really stirs things up. We are introduced to Dr. Alex Ripley who is dubbed the Miracle Detective. She likes to pull apart religious sightings and when we meet her she is taking part in a TV show about faith healing. She is asked by her friend to take a look at what is happening in Kirkdale and this is the start of something that will keep you turning the pages well into the early hours of the morning.
From the very start of this book, you are pulled into the action and we follow Rosie, one of the teenage girls, as she is lured into the lake by The Angel, believing that he will save her soul. She drowns and is the second suicide for this rural community. Police officer, Cotter, is a friend of Rosie’s brother and he isn’t convinced she killed herself.
The village of Kirkdale is a strange one, ruled by religion and they believe the girls have committed the ultimate sin and turned their back on God. They don’t welcome Ripley at all, and there are parts in the book that will have the hair standing on the back of your arms as Ripley tries to uncover what is really going on in this place.
Ripley’s character is excellent and so well written. She’s not an atheist but she enjoys playing the sceptic and getting to the bottom of things. She also has a knack of putting herself in danger.
There are so many twists in this story and I didn’t guess the ending or who the culprit was until right at the end. The story evolved and the timeline grew to encompass a suicide pact from 1977. There are some really creepy characters in the story and at times, I found myself wondering if The Angel was in fact real. I was absorbed in the story, in the characters’ lives, and would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good mystery that will send shivers down your spine.
I am looking forward to the second Dr. Alex Ripley book and can’t wait to see how her character evolves. This was a five star read for me.
The book centres around Kirkdale, a rural community in England’s Lake District and begins with the suicide of two teenage girls. The mention of an angel really stirs things up. We are introduced to Dr. Alex Ripley who is dubbed the Miracle Detective. She likes to pull apart religious sightings and when we meet her she is taking part in a TV show about faith healing. She is asked by her friend to take a look at what is happening in Kirkdale and this is the start of something that will keep you turning the pages well into the early hours of the morning.
From the very start of this book, you are pulled into the action and we follow Rosie, one of the teenage girls, as she is lured into the lake by The Angel, believing that he will save her soul. She drowns and is the second suicide for this rural community. Police officer, Cotter, is a friend of Rosie’s brother and he isn’t convinced she killed herself.
The village of Kirkdale is a strange one, ruled by religion and they believe the girls have committed the ultimate sin and turned their back on God. They don’t welcome Ripley at all, and there are parts in the book that will have the hair standing on the back of your arms as Ripley tries to uncover what is really going on in this place.
Ripley’s character is excellent and so well written. She’s not an atheist but she enjoys playing the sceptic and getting to the bottom of things. She also has a knack of putting herself in danger.
There are so many twists in this story and I didn’t guess the ending or who the culprit was until right at the end. The story evolved and the timeline grew to encompass a suicide pact from 1977. There are some really creepy characters in the story and at times, I found myself wondering if The Angel was in fact real. I was absorbed in the story, in the characters’ lives, and would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good mystery that will send shivers down your spine.
I am looking forward to the second Dr. Alex Ripley book and can’t wait to see how her character evolves. This was a five star read for me.
December 27, 2019
I usually go for fast-paced thrillers, and I had enjoyed this author's previous two books because they were just that. This one was more of a slow burn, but in a really good way. This is not the subject matter for a fast-paced thriller. This is mystery territory, and Coleman does this just as well as he does his thrillers. I found the whole book assured and interesting, at times mesmerising. I wanted more. Which is a good thing, as I see this is set to be a series. I'm already looking forward to spending more time with Alex Ripley. 4.5 stars from me.
April 23, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this book
Well-written and very readable, had difficulty in putting it down! Well-drawn, 3-dimensional characters in an interesting setting. Not usually a mystery fan, but will be looking for more from this author.
Well-written and very readable, had difficulty in putting it down! Well-drawn, 3-dimensional characters in an interesting setting. Not usually a mystery fan, but will be looking for more from this author.
November 9, 2018
THIS BOOK!
So why this book? When I saw the cover and read the blurb I just had to pick this book up! A new series – yes! Paranormal – yes! A spine-chilling storyline- yes!
The cover just sends a chill down my spine, what is it with the women in the white? What is the Kirkdale Angel?
Dr Alex Ripley, the main character of this book, called in to help aid her friend in two local girls suspected suicide. Living in a rural town, where outsiders are not accepted in the fray, and well suicide is just shame, families disowned by the church, the dead girls refused a Christian burial, I mean WTF!
The town made me angry, I was suspicious of all of them, what was going on?! I appreciate they do not like outsiders “sticking their noses” into their business. But have they thought that maybe the outsiders might not appreciate them being so sinular. Ripley is there to help, but not everyone wants her to know their business, watching her every move, well it was chilling. Especially when you read the chapters from the person watching her! Chills going up and down my spine when they were so close watching her that she could almost touch them without realising!
The problem with the town, something happened in the 70’s, with six girls dying in a supposed suicide pact, there was one survivor, who then is an outcast for being the survivor! As we delve more into the mystery, we learn so much more about the history of this single mind, religious town and the Angel!
This Angel, to me, has not been sent down from heaven! This Angel is the harbinger of destruction and darkness, not light and life! Making the sightings and talk of it a constant threat to everyone. But is the Angel to blame?
Ripley is a character I could relate to, she too being a wife of a soldier, living the life I dread, a husband missing in action. The strength she has, to choose to live every day, being the “Miracle Detective” and plugging her third book, well I was just in awe of her, her strength shows no bounds, especially with the heartache she bares every day.
I will admit when I started reading I was not sure what was going on in the book, but once I settled after the horrifying events in the first chapter I quickly fell into step with the writing and story, and have been taken on such an intense roller coaster, waiting to see which twist and turn I would definitely on next!
This book is definitely one of thrills and chills! Something is always going on from trying to discover who Daisy is? Who the Angel is? And basically what the hell is going on in the town!
So why this book? When I saw the cover and read the blurb I just had to pick this book up! A new series – yes! Paranormal – yes! A spine-chilling storyline- yes!
The cover just sends a chill down my spine, what is it with the women in the white? What is the Kirkdale Angel?
Dr Alex Ripley, the main character of this book, called in to help aid her friend in two local girls suspected suicide. Living in a rural town, where outsiders are not accepted in the fray, and well suicide is just shame, families disowned by the church, the dead girls refused a Christian burial, I mean WTF!
The town made me angry, I was suspicious of all of them, what was going on?! I appreciate they do not like outsiders “sticking their noses” into their business. But have they thought that maybe the outsiders might not appreciate them being so sinular. Ripley is there to help, but not everyone wants her to know their business, watching her every move, well it was chilling. Especially when you read the chapters from the person watching her! Chills going up and down my spine when they were so close watching her that she could almost touch them without realising!
The problem with the town, something happened in the 70’s, with six girls dying in a supposed suicide pact, there was one survivor, who then is an outcast for being the survivor! As we delve more into the mystery, we learn so much more about the history of this single mind, religious town and the Angel!
This Angel, to me, has not been sent down from heaven! This Angel is the harbinger of destruction and darkness, not light and life! Making the sightings and talk of it a constant threat to everyone. But is the Angel to blame?
Ripley is a character I could relate to, she too being a wife of a soldier, living the life I dread, a husband missing in action. The strength she has, to choose to live every day, being the “Miracle Detective” and plugging her third book, well I was just in awe of her, her strength shows no bounds, especially with the heartache she bares every day.
I will admit when I started reading I was not sure what was going on in the book, but once I settled after the horrifying events in the first chapter I quickly fell into step with the writing and story, and have been taken on such an intense roller coaster, waiting to see which twist and turn I would definitely on next!
This book is definitely one of thrills and chills! Something is always going on from trying to discover who Daisy is? Who the Angel is? And basically what the hell is going on in the town!
July 23, 2022
A great thriller set in the lakes in England around a remote religious village. Following the death/suspected suicide of a young girl Ripley is called in to help her friend the local coroner dig into the religious history of the town to explore this apparent suicide as the coroner feels there is more to this.
I don't want to spoil it too much but it was a really good book, well paced and a good storyline. I didn't predict the ending which was fab and I liked how it was all wrapped up. What I didn't enjoy was the lack of her friend (the coroner) in the story even though she brought Ripley in with her theological background to help unravel some questions. She was non existent and I think a partnership approach would have made more sense. It did feel like Ripley was dropped in a village in the dark ages and left to get on with it which was a bit weird. Also Ripley is a bit difficult to warm up to as an MC but through the book the character development did help with this. I would definitely read the next book so I can find out more about Ripley herself as I suspect she has an interesting past which has led to her theological detective career choice.
I don't want to spoil it too much but it was a really good book, well paced and a good storyline. I didn't predict the ending which was fab and I liked how it was all wrapped up. What I didn't enjoy was the lack of her friend (the coroner) in the story even though she brought Ripley in with her theological background to help unravel some questions. She was non existent and I think a partnership approach would have made more sense. It did feel like Ripley was dropped in a village in the dark ages and left to get on with it which was a bit weird. Also Ripley is a bit difficult to warm up to as an MC but through the book the character development did help with this. I would definitely read the next book so I can find out more about Ripley herself as I suspect she has an interesting past which has led to her theological detective career choice.
September 16, 2018
Really enjoyed this lean and compulsive murder mystery involving the talents of the God-questioning Alex Ripley, called to investigate the deaths of young women and the sightings of an angel in the Cuckoo Wood. Fast paced, well written dialogue and believable characters, it had the feel of well made TV drama - calling to mind, in particular, the BBC's 'Requiem' - small town, strange traditions, obscure and distant locals. Recommended.
February 4, 2020
War ganz nett, hat mich aber nicht umgehauen.
July 27, 2018
This book was another great atmospheric thriller - filled with the perfect elements to make your spine tingle and keep you begging for more. This is the first in a new series, featuring Alex Ripley and I can’t wait for the next installment.
Ripley is the so-called “Miracle Detective,” who specializes in debunking faith healings and other religious-based phenomenon (think crying statues and healing water wells). She’s called in to the northern Lake District by a good friend to investigate the suicides of local teenage girls - both of whom drowned and had talked of seeing an angel before their deaths. But the investigation is not only complicated by the normal highs and lows of investigations, but by the highly insular community of Kirkland, which is incredibly religious and has shunned the dead girls’ families in the wake of their “sins.” As Ripley makes progress, she finds that the key to discovering what’s happening in the present may be in the community’s past.
The village of Kirkland is really the star of this book, with the small town really being a mystery of its own. I really enjoyed the intensity that the townspeople brought to the story - it was like in horror movies where you know something is drastically wrong, but people keep acting like everything’s just fine.
The ending was pretty good, with most of the major questions being answered - I had some hints as to the ending, but it’s certainly not spoiled or obvious. However, there were a couple things that weren’t very clear; they were heavily implied, but not clearly resolved, and that kind of bothered me. But other than that, I was satisfied.
And there’s a good little twist at the end that made me smile.
This series has the makings to be really intense and I am excited to see where it goes from here. I will definitely be looking out for more from this author.
Ripley is the so-called “Miracle Detective,” who specializes in debunking faith healings and other religious-based phenomenon (think crying statues and healing water wells). She’s called in to the northern Lake District by a good friend to investigate the suicides of local teenage girls - both of whom drowned and had talked of seeing an angel before their deaths. But the investigation is not only complicated by the normal highs and lows of investigations, but by the highly insular community of Kirkland, which is incredibly religious and has shunned the dead girls’ families in the wake of their “sins.” As Ripley makes progress, she finds that the key to discovering what’s happening in the present may be in the community’s past.
The village of Kirkland is really the star of this book, with the small town really being a mystery of its own. I really enjoyed the intensity that the townspeople brought to the story - it was like in horror movies where you know something is drastically wrong, but people keep acting like everything’s just fine.
The ending was pretty good, with most of the major questions being answered - I had some hints as to the ending, but it’s certainly not spoiled or obvious. However, there were a couple things that weren’t very clear; they were heavily implied, but not clearly resolved, and that kind of bothered me. But other than that, I was satisfied.
And there’s a good little twist at the end that made me smile.
This series has the makings to be really intense and I am excited to see where it goes from here. I will definitely be looking out for more from this author.
May 15, 2018
Doctor Alex Ripley aka The Miracle Detective is a renowned skeptic specializing in the investigation of purported miracles or divine interventions from the logical perspective of science and reason. After a series of teenage suicides in a small religious community, police call her in to assist. She finds a village full of superstitions and most of the residents bewitched by religious zealousness.
Visions of angels will be caught up in past sins, revenge and tragedy. Alex is determined to uncover the truth and it may not be what everyone believes.
I really liked the strange atmosphere in Cuckoo Wood with the inhabitants old time beliefs pitted against modern thinking. I just couldn’t be sure which way the story was going to go ie split between divine or human intervention. Great handling of the storyline!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free digital copy of the first book in the Alex Ripley Series. I was happy to provide an honest review.
Visions of angels will be caught up in past sins, revenge and tragedy. Alex is determined to uncover the truth and it may not be what everyone believes.
I really liked the strange atmosphere in Cuckoo Wood with the inhabitants old time beliefs pitted against modern thinking. I just couldn’t be sure which way the story was going to go ie split between divine or human intervention. Great handling of the storyline!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free digital copy of the first book in the Alex Ripley Series. I was happy to provide an honest review.
May 21, 2018
A chilling tale of angels, faith, tradgedy, secrets and a spate of young girls committing suicide but why? The Cuckoo Wood introduces a new series and character of Dr. Alex Ripley, also known as the Miracle Detective. In her bid to uncover the truth, everyone is made to question what is real and what isn’t...
I really enjoyed the book, a slight step away from something I’d normally read and I was dubious about the title of Miracle Detective for the character of Alex Ripley initially, but as the book went on, I became more intrigued by her and would read more in the series.
It wasn’t a brain stretching plot, nor did it keep me perched on the edge of my seat but overall I did enjoy it and I’d like to thank Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review it.
I really enjoyed the book, a slight step away from something I’d normally read and I was dubious about the title of Miracle Detective for the character of Alex Ripley initially, but as the book went on, I became more intrigued by her and would read more in the series.
It wasn’t a brain stretching plot, nor did it keep me perched on the edge of my seat but overall I did enjoy it and I’d like to thank Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review it.
May 18, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Cuckoo Wood. The story of a small town in modern day England with a history of young girls committing suicide in scenes which according to witnesses, involve an angel. The main character, Dr. Alex Ripley, is known for her skepticism in situations involving the supernatural and is an unwelcome visitor in the town when another girl commits suicide. But she has been invited to assist in the investigation by her friend the medical examiner and she does her best to figure out what is actually taking place. This is the first in a series starring Dr. Ripley and I am really looking forward to reading the next installment. Heartily recommend.
November 9, 2018
Supernatural happenings, religious mania, suspected suicide; all ingredients of a superb first Alex Ripley novel. Tense and decidedly disturbing, this is a great introduction to an investigator who does not hesitate to take any action to solve a complex mystery. The author shows great skill in using every word to create an atmosphere, and fills the senses with the physical feelings, smell and sound of a wooded area as well as a small village where drawn curtains convey so much. This book truly kept me guessing until the end, and I was pleased to be asked to read and review this book.
Samantha is drowning in a cold, dark lake. She sees an angel, The Kirkdale Angel, but it is too late, and is filled with regret that she cannot tell others. The girls are there, but are doing nothing. Emma is a police specialist, baffled and bewildered as she is called to see another young girl’s body. Despite a chilling silence from the local community, she will not accept a suicide theory for the second time, so summons her friend Dr Alex Ripley. Alex is something of a media personality, known for her books and involvement in investigating cases of faith healing scandals. She is intrigued by the reported happenings in the small enclosed village in the Lake District, and soon finds accommodation in the pub. Online investigations give her more information about a previous tragic mystery, and she spends time getting to know the village. An obsessive church involvement typifies many inhabitants, and it is only with difficulty that Alex persuades someone to talk to her.
Many mysteries come to dominate Alex’s semi official investigations, as she is shown contempt and aggression by some keen to downplay events in a tightly knit community. The tension not only builds up but is well maintained as challenges appear and people are not what they seem. This is a genuine mystery, and also manages to be mysterious. Alex is a complex character with an interesting back story, and is more than competent at putting together bits of information and using her impressive intuition. There are other well drawn characters, who do not immediately supply relevant information but are consistent in their behaviour.
This is a genuinely gripping read with lots of local colour and excitement. The atmosphere and tension are well maintained, the solution is not straightforward but is satisfactory. The creation of the community is cleverly done, and the actions of individuals interesting. It is a powerfully written, effective and engaging novel where the reader’s interest is kept up throughout. In fact it is almost a thriller that is difficult to put down, but in a clever, nonviolent way. This is a good book with an admirable investigator who is truly human. I would be really glad to read another novel featuring Alex Ripley who rejects her label of “Miracle Detective” but who is not afraid to push to the edge to discover what is truly going on in a small community.
Samantha is drowning in a cold, dark lake. She sees an angel, The Kirkdale Angel, but it is too late, and is filled with regret that she cannot tell others. The girls are there, but are doing nothing. Emma is a police specialist, baffled and bewildered as she is called to see another young girl’s body. Despite a chilling silence from the local community, she will not accept a suicide theory for the second time, so summons her friend Dr Alex Ripley. Alex is something of a media personality, known for her books and involvement in investigating cases of faith healing scandals. She is intrigued by the reported happenings in the small enclosed village in the Lake District, and soon finds accommodation in the pub. Online investigations give her more information about a previous tragic mystery, and she spends time getting to know the village. An obsessive church involvement typifies many inhabitants, and it is only with difficulty that Alex persuades someone to talk to her.
Many mysteries come to dominate Alex’s semi official investigations, as she is shown contempt and aggression by some keen to downplay events in a tightly knit community. The tension not only builds up but is well maintained as challenges appear and people are not what they seem. This is a genuine mystery, and also manages to be mysterious. Alex is a complex character with an interesting back story, and is more than competent at putting together bits of information and using her impressive intuition. There are other well drawn characters, who do not immediately supply relevant information but are consistent in their behaviour.
This is a genuinely gripping read with lots of local colour and excitement. The atmosphere and tension are well maintained, the solution is not straightforward but is satisfactory. The creation of the community is cleverly done, and the actions of individuals interesting. It is a powerfully written, effective and engaging novel where the reader’s interest is kept up throughout. In fact it is almost a thriller that is difficult to put down, but in a clever, nonviolent way. This is a good book with an admirable investigator who is truly human. I would be really glad to read another novel featuring Alex Ripley who rejects her label of “Miracle Detective” but who is not afraid to push to the edge to discover what is truly going on in a small community.
November 9, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author, Red Dog Press and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
The Cuckoo Wood is instantly gripping and plunges the reader straight into the oppressive menace of a closed society with some dark secrets.
This is a classic psychological mystery thriller, with just a touch of the paranormal to add an occult flavour to events. The atmosphere is dark and brooding; not scary like a horror story, but more wreathed in a fog of fear and mistrust (think Hound of the Baskervilles, The Woman in White, or Rebecca).
Ripley makes a fascinating and relatable main character, and the side characters are well-defined, with the focus on the psychology of why people behave the way they do, particularly when it comes to group/mob behaviours.
The plot plunges you straight in, then twists and turns, back and forth from the present to the past and back, keeping a tight grip on the reader’s attention. Also, despite giving us inside information from the perspective of the victims in the case, Coleman manages to keep the reader in the dark as to what is really going on, and what happened in the past, right up until the final twist.
The Cuckoo Wood is an accomplished mystery, packed with suspense and the introduction of Ripley sets up a promising premise for future novels in the series. I’ll be following this author avidly, and look forward to bringing you my review of Book 2 later this month!
“It’s all a bit tenuous for now,” she said. “But we’ve had two almost identical teenage suicides, local girls, in the space of four months.”
“That’s not good,” replied Ripley.
“Both from a tiny and very religious farming community. The word sin is being bandied about a lot. And no one will talk about their deaths, let alone discuss why they might have drowned themselves.”
“Suicide is a tough one in any faith,” Ripley agreed.
“Well, there are a few things that make me wonder whether there’s not someone or something else involved.”
“What kind of things?” Ripley sat forward, intrigued.
“Well, for one, there’s been talk of an angel.”
– M. Sean Coleman, The Cuckoo Wood
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
The Cuckoo Wood is instantly gripping and plunges the reader straight into the oppressive menace of a closed society with some dark secrets.
This is a classic psychological mystery thriller, with just a touch of the paranormal to add an occult flavour to events. The atmosphere is dark and brooding; not scary like a horror story, but more wreathed in a fog of fear and mistrust (think Hound of the Baskervilles, The Woman in White, or Rebecca).
Ripley makes a fascinating and relatable main character, and the side characters are well-defined, with the focus on the psychology of why people behave the way they do, particularly when it comes to group/mob behaviours.
The plot plunges you straight in, then twists and turns, back and forth from the present to the past and back, keeping a tight grip on the reader’s attention. Also, despite giving us inside information from the perspective of the victims in the case, Coleman manages to keep the reader in the dark as to what is really going on, and what happened in the past, right up until the final twist.
The Cuckoo Wood is an accomplished mystery, packed with suspense and the introduction of Ripley sets up a promising premise for future novels in the series. I’ll be following this author avidly, and look forward to bringing you my review of Book 2 later this month!
“It’s all a bit tenuous for now,” she said. “But we’ve had two almost identical teenage suicides, local girls, in the space of four months.”
“That’s not good,” replied Ripley.
“Both from a tiny and very religious farming community. The word sin is being bandied about a lot. And no one will talk about their deaths, let alone discuss why they might have drowned themselves.”
“Suicide is a tough one in any faith,” Ripley agreed.
“Well, there are a few things that make me wonder whether there’s not someone or something else involved.”
“What kind of things?” Ripley sat forward, intrigued.
“Well, for one, there’s been talk of an angel.”
– M. Sean Coleman, The Cuckoo Wood
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
October 26, 2020
Lyrically written, pensive thriller.
A spate of suicides. A mystery spanning over 40 years. A woman, who is only interested in the truth.
'The Cuckoo Wood' by M. Sean Coleman is an incredible example of a beautifully written mystery thriller. The story follows Dr Alex Ripley, a theologist specialising in debunking paranormal phenomena using science and her penchant for detective work.
This incredibly written, creepy thriller is both, extremely entertaining and suspenseful. The tension is captured very well and the author clearly enjoys playing with various genres. Perfect read for a late-October evening in the run up to Halloween.
It's very difficult to talk about 'The Cuckoo Wood' without a risk of spoiling it. It's a story in a tradition of The Wicker Man and Agatha Christie's 'Pale Horse', that reminded me to a certain extent James Herbert's 'Shrine', which I also throughly enjoyed. The reason for so many comparisons is pretty simple. It's nothing like I've ever read before.
The author falls into a trap of a couple of formulaic conventions of a modern thriller (an extremely complex, albeit slightly broken protagonist), but is able to recover any narrative shortcoming with captivating, phenomenal storytelling. M. Sean Coleman creates a claustrophobic world of anger and superstition, which turns into a spectacle of deception and fast-paced action. The main protagonist, Dr Ripley, is indeed an example of a well-defined heroine, whose resolve brings not only much-needed answers to the supporting characters, but also closure for the entire community depicted in the novel.
Being first in the Alex Ripley series, The Cuckoo Wood outlines a number of side-plots, which I am hoping M. Sean Coleman will explore in the follow-up books. I know what I will be reading this autumn.
A spate of suicides. A mystery spanning over 40 years. A woman, who is only interested in the truth.
'The Cuckoo Wood' by M. Sean Coleman is an incredible example of a beautifully written mystery thriller. The story follows Dr Alex Ripley, a theologist specialising in debunking paranormal phenomena using science and her penchant for detective work.
This incredibly written, creepy thriller is both, extremely entertaining and suspenseful. The tension is captured very well and the author clearly enjoys playing with various genres. Perfect read for a late-October evening in the run up to Halloween.
It's very difficult to talk about 'The Cuckoo Wood' without a risk of spoiling it. It's a story in a tradition of The Wicker Man and Agatha Christie's 'Pale Horse', that reminded me to a certain extent James Herbert's 'Shrine', which I also throughly enjoyed. The reason for so many comparisons is pretty simple. It's nothing like I've ever read before.
The author falls into a trap of a couple of formulaic conventions of a modern thriller (an extremely complex, albeit slightly broken protagonist), but is able to recover any narrative shortcoming with captivating, phenomenal storytelling. M. Sean Coleman creates a claustrophobic world of anger and superstition, which turns into a spectacle of deception and fast-paced action. The main protagonist, Dr Ripley, is indeed an example of a well-defined heroine, whose resolve brings not only much-needed answers to the supporting characters, but also closure for the entire community depicted in the novel.
Being first in the Alex Ripley series, The Cuckoo Wood outlines a number of side-plots, which I am hoping M. Sean Coleman will explore in the follow-up books. I know what I will be reading this autumn.
November 9, 2018
Dr Alex Ripley explains away the unexplainable with scientific rationale, which includes miracles, miraculous healing and religious stigmata. She wants to save vulnerable, innocent and naive people from frauds. The kind of con-people who are able to convince masses of people of the existence of faith healing, miracles and angels.
Alex is determined to reveal the reality to people willing to hand over their last penny and the shirts off their back to someone with a fast-track to the world behind the invisible veil. It’s easy to understand how people are lured into these schemes. Human beings are always looking for an explanation beyond what they have learnt and their own understanding, which is probably why it is easy to hoodwink people.
Saying that, we don’t know everything, and despite there being a scientific explanation for the majority of the unexplained and so-called mysteries in life, there is always room for knowledge to be expanded and learning to take place.
Situations like young girls being obsessed with and seeing beautiful winged angels. Angels leading them to their dark, cold and wet deaths in a secluded lake in Cuckoo Wood. Aren’t angels supposed to protect the innocent? Keep them safe from harm? This particular angel seems to be luring young girls to their deaths.
I can honestly say, after reading this book, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one of his books. The Cuckoo Wood is a very well-written crime story with an element of paranormal and the unknown. The plot is paced exactly right and the main characters are memorable without eclipsing the rest of the characters or the plot.
*I received a copy courtesy of the publisher*
Alex is determined to reveal the reality to people willing to hand over their last penny and the shirts off their back to someone with a fast-track to the world behind the invisible veil. It’s easy to understand how people are lured into these schemes. Human beings are always looking for an explanation beyond what they have learnt and their own understanding, which is probably why it is easy to hoodwink people.
Saying that, we don’t know everything, and despite there being a scientific explanation for the majority of the unexplained and so-called mysteries in life, there is always room for knowledge to be expanded and learning to take place.
Situations like young girls being obsessed with and seeing beautiful winged angels. Angels leading them to their dark, cold and wet deaths in a secluded lake in Cuckoo Wood. Aren’t angels supposed to protect the innocent? Keep them safe from harm? This particular angel seems to be luring young girls to their deaths.
I can honestly say, after reading this book, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one of his books. The Cuckoo Wood is a very well-written crime story with an element of paranormal and the unknown. The plot is paced exactly right and the main characters are memorable without eclipsing the rest of the characters or the plot.
*I received a copy courtesy of the publisher*
November 11, 2018
Be prepared to not do much else until you have finished the very last page of this book! It will keep you up well into the night! I was hooked from the very first page.
There have been several girls in the tiny community of Kirkdale that have drowned, but the authorities have ruled it suicide. Each one had talked about seeing an angel not long before dying. So, the authorities bring in Dr. Alex Ripley, also known as the Miracle Detective. She has somewhat made it her mission to debunk and expose fake faith healers. As she learns more about the deaths and the community, she finds that most of the town’s people have a subscribe to a strange faith, one full of mistrust and suspicion. They don’t want to help solve the mystery, and they are also very unforgiving. As she digs deeper, she confronts danger, and a possible connection to a suspicious drowning many years before.
This is a top notch mystery that has a great cast of characters, and at times, can really creep you out! Those are my favorite kinds of mysteries. The author also has done a great job of developing the character of Dr. Alex Ripley. She is very complex with many levels that make her up. Although it’s her job to expose fake religious leaders, she is also searching for something to satisfy her craving to believe in a higher power. She will be confronted with things that challenge everything she believes in. I think Coleman has only scratched the surface with Alex, and I can’t wait to see what other secrets she will reveal in the future!!!!
There have been several girls in the tiny community of Kirkdale that have drowned, but the authorities have ruled it suicide. Each one had talked about seeing an angel not long before dying. So, the authorities bring in Dr. Alex Ripley, also known as the Miracle Detective. She has somewhat made it her mission to debunk and expose fake faith healers. As she learns more about the deaths and the community, she finds that most of the town’s people have a subscribe to a strange faith, one full of mistrust and suspicion. They don’t want to help solve the mystery, and they are also very unforgiving. As she digs deeper, she confronts danger, and a possible connection to a suspicious drowning many years before.
This is a top notch mystery that has a great cast of characters, and at times, can really creep you out! Those are my favorite kinds of mysteries. The author also has done a great job of developing the character of Dr. Alex Ripley. She is very complex with many levels that make her up. Although it’s her job to expose fake religious leaders, she is also searching for something to satisfy her craving to believe in a higher power. She will be confronted with things that challenge everything she believes in. I think Coleman has only scratched the surface with Alex, and I can’t wait to see what other secrets she will reveal in the future!!!!
August 2, 2020
WOW!! What a book, this story was incredible, a breath of fresh air kind of thriller. This is not like anything I have read before!! Filled with anticipation, religion and crime… I mean come on, what is not to love?
The girls stood there on the pebbled shore, watching her drown. The first line, that was all it took to hook me into the story, i was enthralled straight away and instantly could not put the book down, so much so, I read it in two sittings, only putting it down to sleep.
The descriptions described by the author in this book where beautifully written and made me feel like I was right there, stood amongst the characters. Another thing I loved was the authors writing style. The long chapters, a new chapter only starting at the beginning of a new day. This was different, and although I usually favour short and snappy chapters I thoroughly enjoyed this style of writing.
I loved the characters in this book, they were all incredibly well written and you had the good… Emma, Ripley and Cotter, oh and Alan. I can’t forget Alan, I had quite a soft spot for him, along with Cotter they seemed to be the only 2 from the village with an open mind. The bad… Ethan, I didn’t like him from the get-go and as the story progressed my feelings of dislike grew stronger. And that leaves the ugly… Sarge, a horrible guy from the offset, I have never been able to trust a person who didn’t take kindly to strangers being in THEIR town.
This book left me feeling a rollercoaster of emotions within these pages and I can not wait to start the next in the series.
The girls stood there on the pebbled shore, watching her drown. The first line, that was all it took to hook me into the story, i was enthralled straight away and instantly could not put the book down, so much so, I read it in two sittings, only putting it down to sleep.
The descriptions described by the author in this book where beautifully written and made me feel like I was right there, stood amongst the characters. Another thing I loved was the authors writing style. The long chapters, a new chapter only starting at the beginning of a new day. This was different, and although I usually favour short and snappy chapters I thoroughly enjoyed this style of writing.
I loved the characters in this book, they were all incredibly well written and you had the good… Emma, Ripley and Cotter, oh and Alan. I can’t forget Alan, I had quite a soft spot for him, along with Cotter they seemed to be the only 2 from the village with an open mind. The bad… Ethan, I didn’t like him from the get-go and as the story progressed my feelings of dislike grew stronger. And that leaves the ugly… Sarge, a horrible guy from the offset, I have never been able to trust a person who didn’t take kindly to strangers being in THEIR town.
This book left me feeling a rollercoaster of emotions within these pages and I can not wait to start the next in the series.
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