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DI Ridpath #4
Where the Innocent Die
A mysterious death, and a foe he never could have imagined...
A woman dies under suspicious circumstances in an Immigrant Removal Centre. The statement provided by the officer on duty seems clear enough, that it was suicide, but upon a deeper investigation in the coroner's office by DI Ridpath, the evidence starts to unravel.
With no leads, and only five days to solve the case, Ridpath must work harder than he ever has before to uncover the truth.
Faced with official intransigence, concealment of evidence, and nobody who seems to care, he must work hard to crack the case, before time runs out...
The fourth instalment of the hard hitting, Manchester-set DI Ridpath series, ideal for fans of Mark Billingham and Patricia Gibney.
A woman dies under suspicious circumstances in an Immigrant Removal Centre. The statement provided by the officer on duty seems clear enough, that it was suicide, but upon a deeper investigation in the coroner's office by DI Ridpath, the evidence starts to unravel.
With no leads, and only five days to solve the case, Ridpath must work harder than he ever has before to uncover the truth.
Faced with official intransigence, concealment of evidence, and nobody who seems to care, he must work hard to crack the case, before time runs out...
The fourth instalment of the hard hitting, Manchester-set DI Ridpath series, ideal for fans of Mark Billingham and Patricia Gibney.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2020
291 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Lee
46 books446 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 - 30 of 150 reviews
March 13, 2020
4th in the deftly plotted DI Ridpath crime series set in Manchester, M.J.Lee’s ‘Where The Innocent Die’ is a really great addition.
When a young Chinese woman is found dead in an Immigrant Removal Centre with her throat cut, it looks like a cut and dried case of suicide, but DI Ridpath, who is now working for the Coroners office whilst recovering from cancer, finds that all is not what it seems, and this investigation takes him into a world of illegal immigrants, people trafficking, seedy ‘gentlemen’s’ clubs, and organised crime.
Ridpath’s boss, Chief Coroner Margaret Challoner, is determined to get justice for the young woman, but with the inquest arranged for 5 days time, and the dead woman’s parents arriving from China to take their daughter’s body back home, it doesn’t give Ridpath long to get to the truth, but quite frankly he’s thwarted at every turn, not only by the local police, but by the Immigration Centre also, and needless to say, it ratchets up the tension dramatically, not least because other murders follow with the same M.O.
Ridpath is an easy character to like, and he has a great working relationship with his boss Margaret Challenor, - each respectful of the other, and both having the same aim, although they might go about it in different ways. However, with the days counting down, and time running out, it leads to a thrilling read and a breathless conclusion. With a terrific storyline and great insight into the immigration system, this is another winner for author M.J. Lee.
* Thank you to Canelo for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
When a young Chinese woman is found dead in an Immigrant Removal Centre with her throat cut, it looks like a cut and dried case of suicide, but DI Ridpath, who is now working for the Coroners office whilst recovering from cancer, finds that all is not what it seems, and this investigation takes him into a world of illegal immigrants, people trafficking, seedy ‘gentlemen’s’ clubs, and organised crime.
Ridpath’s boss, Chief Coroner Margaret Challoner, is determined to get justice for the young woman, but with the inquest arranged for 5 days time, and the dead woman’s parents arriving from China to take their daughter’s body back home, it doesn’t give Ridpath long to get to the truth, but quite frankly he’s thwarted at every turn, not only by the local police, but by the Immigration Centre also, and needless to say, it ratchets up the tension dramatically, not least because other murders follow with the same M.O.
Ridpath is an easy character to like, and he has a great working relationship with his boss Margaret Challenor, - each respectful of the other, and both having the same aim, although they might go about it in different ways. However, with the days counting down, and time running out, it leads to a thrilling read and a breathless conclusion. With a terrific storyline and great insight into the immigration system, this is another winner for author M.J. Lee.
* Thank you to Canelo for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
February 26, 2020
This is the latest addition in MJ Lee's great Manchester crime series featuring DI Thomas Ridpath, now in remission from cancer, working at the Coroner's office with the determined Mrs Margaret Challoner, a woman with a conscience, a thorn in the side of officialdom who would prefer someone who didn't make waves. She has a bee in her bonnet about the suicide of the Chinese Wendy Tang in the local secure detention centre, adamant that she deserves and should receive justice. There has been a poor and incompetent investigation by the police, a cursory post-mortem, and the Wilmslow Immigration Removal Centre, a short stay detention centre for the deportation of illegal immigrants have failed to answer key questions, such as how Wendy got hold of the knife. There is no information on Wendy herself, how she came to be arrested, and why does she have another name?
With Wendy's inquest coming up in a matter of days, and her grieving parents arriving from China, Ridpath is under extreme pressure to get results quickly as there is no way the inquest will be delayed. He is assisted by his trusty and able assistant, Sophia Rahman, but he needs more help, and the detention centre are reluctant to provide the information he requires. However, he stands his ground, insisting that they hand over the requested answers and data, which they eventually do, but sending so much info that he has no hope of getting through it in time. His investigation triggers more murders, with the same MO as Wendy Tang. Ridpath's past relationship with Detective Superintendent Claire Trent of Manchester MIT might have left a lot to be desired, but he is now her blue eyed boy, she wants him back at MIT, something he has wanted, but he now questions whether it is right for him.
Hanging over Ridpath is the worry that his cancer will return, but he relishes the support he receives from MIT, leading the team as he races against time to get to truth of what happened to Wendy. Mrs Challoner is facing her own threats facing complaints that results in professional and political pressure. There is a thrilling finale at the concluding moments of the inquest in this tense and suspenseful crime read. MJ Lee writes an unusual crime series in that DI Ridpath is a police officer based at the coroner's office, but it works so wonderfully well. Therefore, I do hope Ridpath chooses to stay at the coroner's office, for a start, his relationship with Mrs Challoner is so fascinating, they may not always agree but their values align so well. Fans of this series will love this latest addition, and I am sure other crime fiction readers will enjoy this gem of a series too. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
With Wendy's inquest coming up in a matter of days, and her grieving parents arriving from China, Ridpath is under extreme pressure to get results quickly as there is no way the inquest will be delayed. He is assisted by his trusty and able assistant, Sophia Rahman, but he needs more help, and the detention centre are reluctant to provide the information he requires. However, he stands his ground, insisting that they hand over the requested answers and data, which they eventually do, but sending so much info that he has no hope of getting through it in time. His investigation triggers more murders, with the same MO as Wendy Tang. Ridpath's past relationship with Detective Superintendent Claire Trent of Manchester MIT might have left a lot to be desired, but he is now her blue eyed boy, she wants him back at MIT, something he has wanted, but he now questions whether it is right for him.
Hanging over Ridpath is the worry that his cancer will return, but he relishes the support he receives from MIT, leading the team as he races against time to get to truth of what happened to Wendy. Mrs Challoner is facing her own threats facing complaints that results in professional and political pressure. There is a thrilling finale at the concluding moments of the inquest in this tense and suspenseful crime read. MJ Lee writes an unusual crime series in that DI Ridpath is a police officer based at the coroner's office, but it works so wonderfully well. Therefore, I do hope Ridpath chooses to stay at the coroner's office, for a start, his relationship with Mrs Challoner is so fascinating, they may not always agree but their values align so well. Fans of this series will love this latest addition, and I am sure other crime fiction readers will enjoy this gem of a series too. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
May 4, 2020
Where the Innocent Die
is the fourth instalment of the DI Ridpath series. Though it’s the fourth book of the series, it provides enough backstory of DI Ridpath and can be read as a standalone.
A woman dies under suspicious circumstances in an Immigrant Removal Centre. All circumstances and the evidence point at suicide, but upon a deeper investigation in the coroner's office by DI Ridpath, the evidence starts to fall apart. With no leads and only five days to solve the case, Ridpath must work harder than he ever has before to uncover the truth. Faced with inter departments politics, stonewalling by authorities, and general apathy, he must crack the case, before time runs out.
The DI Ridpath series just keeps getting better with each successive book. So, it’s not surprising that Book #4 is a winner too. Though it is perfectly enjoyable as a standalone book, the readers may appreciate DI Ridpath and other characters in the book a lot more, if they read the series right from the start. DI Ridpath’s character arc throughout the series has been great and it will give you a greater understanding of DI Ridpath and his backstory.
While most detective stories are written from the POV of the police, this series focuses on solving crime from the perspective of a forensic investigator. So the focus is more on post mortems and forensic evidence and less on police work and suspects, which is a refreshing change. What I also like about the series is that it has a perfect blend of Ridpath’s personal story and the crimes he solves. he case covered in the book was riveting. The plot was excellently constructed with several twists and turns. It covers many topical issue like immigration, how migrants are treated, and the moral issues and legal issues surrounding it.
The characters were memorable incl Ridpath & Mrs. Challoner, the coroner. The book was less focused on Ridpath’s personal life and more on workplace rivalries and the political tussle between the police force and the coroner's office. The conflict between Ridpath and the coroner and Ridpath and his previous department adds an additional dimension to the story.
Overall, Where the Innocent Die is an excellent read. It has an absorbing storyline with some characters. I hope to read many more DI Ridpath books in days to come.
Many thanks to the publishers Canelo and Netgalley for the ARC.
A woman dies under suspicious circumstances in an Immigrant Removal Centre. All circumstances and the evidence point at suicide, but upon a deeper investigation in the coroner's office by DI Ridpath, the evidence starts to fall apart. With no leads and only five days to solve the case, Ridpath must work harder than he ever has before to uncover the truth. Faced with inter departments politics, stonewalling by authorities, and general apathy, he must crack the case, before time runs out.
The DI Ridpath series just keeps getting better with each successive book. So, it’s not surprising that Book #4 is a winner too. Though it is perfectly enjoyable as a standalone book, the readers may appreciate DI Ridpath and other characters in the book a lot more, if they read the series right from the start. DI Ridpath’s character arc throughout the series has been great and it will give you a greater understanding of DI Ridpath and his backstory.
While most detective stories are written from the POV of the police, this series focuses on solving crime from the perspective of a forensic investigator. So the focus is more on post mortems and forensic evidence and less on police work and suspects, which is a refreshing change. What I also like about the series is that it has a perfect blend of Ridpath’s personal story and the crimes he solves. he case covered in the book was riveting. The plot was excellently constructed with several twists and turns. It covers many topical issue like immigration, how migrants are treated, and the moral issues and legal issues surrounding it.
The characters were memorable incl Ridpath & Mrs. Challoner, the coroner. The book was less focused on Ridpath’s personal life and more on workplace rivalries and the political tussle between the police force and the coroner's office. The conflict between Ridpath and the coroner and Ridpath and his previous department adds an additional dimension to the story.
Overall, Where the Innocent Die is an excellent read. It has an absorbing storyline with some characters. I hope to read many more DI Ridpath books in days to come.
Many thanks to the publishers Canelo and Netgalley for the ARC.
March 9, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Author M J Lee is back with the fourth instalment of his DI Ridpath Crime Thriller series, Where the Innocent Die. This time Detective Inspector Thomas Ridpath, who is still working for the coroner’s office, is investigating the death of a woman within an immigration detention centre.
The young woman, Wendy Tang, was found dead in her unlocked room at 4am with her throat slit. The initial report is that she committed suicide but DI Ridpath isn’t quite convinced. It is all a little too suspect for him that her door was the only one left unlocked throughout the night and the cameras within the vicinity of her room were out of order.
The inquest into her death is to be held within a few days and the senior coroner’s officer refuses to postpone it, so Ridpath only has a matter of days to work this case. Can Ridpath work fast enough to solve what really happened to Wendy Tang before her body is released back to her family?
DI Ridpath Crime Thriller series happens to be one of my favourite detective thrillers so the minute I heard that book four was ready I was eager to read it. If you haven’t read the series, firstly, why not!!, secondly if you love police procedural novels you really must. Whilst I believe each book can be read as a standalone, reading them in order will give you a greater understanding of who DI Ridpath is and his backstory.
As well as having an amazing, realistic cast the series is also set within my home town of Manchester, though this time there weren’t many areas mentioned as the main bulk of the story is within the coroner’s office, MIT, and the immigration centre. What I also love about the series is that whilst we do get to hear about DI Ridpath’s family and personal life, such as his cancer remission it is kept to a minimum and the main focus of the book is on the case at hand.
I flew through this book and had read it within two days, I just didn’t want to put it down. The case was gripping and as more people were murdered I was intrigued as to who the killer could be and why. To be honest, I actually didn’t guess the killer and it came as a surprise, believe me, this doesn’t happen often.
Overall, Where the Innocent Die is a bloody fantastic. I do hope that there will be more DI Ridpath books to come as I don’t want his story to end just yet.
Author M J Lee is back with the fourth instalment of his DI Ridpath Crime Thriller series, Where the Innocent Die. This time Detective Inspector Thomas Ridpath, who is still working for the coroner’s office, is investigating the death of a woman within an immigration detention centre.
The young woman, Wendy Tang, was found dead in her unlocked room at 4am with her throat slit. The initial report is that she committed suicide but DI Ridpath isn’t quite convinced. It is all a little too suspect for him that her door was the only one left unlocked throughout the night and the cameras within the vicinity of her room were out of order.
The inquest into her death is to be held within a few days and the senior coroner’s officer refuses to postpone it, so Ridpath only has a matter of days to work this case. Can Ridpath work fast enough to solve what really happened to Wendy Tang before her body is released back to her family?
DI Ridpath Crime Thriller series happens to be one of my favourite detective thrillers so the minute I heard that book four was ready I was eager to read it. If you haven’t read the series, firstly, why not!!, secondly if you love police procedural novels you really must. Whilst I believe each book can be read as a standalone, reading them in order will give you a greater understanding of who DI Ridpath is and his backstory.
As well as having an amazing, realistic cast the series is also set within my home town of Manchester, though this time there weren’t many areas mentioned as the main bulk of the story is within the coroner’s office, MIT, and the immigration centre. What I also love about the series is that whilst we do get to hear about DI Ridpath’s family and personal life, such as his cancer remission it is kept to a minimum and the main focus of the book is on the case at hand.
I flew through this book and had read it within two days, I just didn’t want to put it down. The case was gripping and as more people were murdered I was intrigued as to who the killer could be and why. To be honest, I actually didn’t guess the killer and it came as a surprise, believe me, this doesn’t happen often.
Overall, Where the Innocent Die is a bloody fantastic. I do hope that there will be more DI Ridpath books to come as I don’t want his story to end just yet.
March 26, 2020
Where The Innocent Die is the fourth police procedural in the Detective Inspector Thomas Ridpath series set in East Manchester’s Coroner’s Court. It's not necessary to have read the preceding books before this as sufficient backstory is given so new readers can understand and enjoy the progression. When Chinese illegal immigrant Wendy Tang is discovered dead at a local immigrant removal centre whilst awaiting deportation back to China it is presumed she committed suicide. However, chief coroner Mrs Challoner is not satisfied with the investigation into her untimely passing and puts Ridpath on the case to see what details he can find out. It soon becomes apparent through some glaringly obvious discrepancies that the police investigation was a formality and more of a box-ticking exercise than a fight for the truth and sadly the post-mortem followed suit. With the inquest being merely days away Ridpath will have to work fast and with few people talking it doesn't turn out to be as easy as initially thought.
This is a riveting read from start to finish with a superbly constructed plot full of action, drama, and plentiful twists and turns. It has to be the most high-stakes case to date and my favourite in the series so far as it revolves very much around the topical issues of immigration, prostitution and corruption and the sordid criminal fraternities that exist everywhere the world over. Told primarily from Ridpath’s perspective the author cloaks the whole plot in mystery and satisfyingly gives you little to no chance of correctly guessing exactly what is happening. It’s one of the most intelligent, absorbing and compulsive thrillers I’ve read in 2020 so far. An urgent ripped from the headlines novel which expertly weaves the tense political climate and the European Union’s immigration crisis into a suspense-packed narrative. Ridpath is a likeable and relatable protagonist and I enjoy learning more about him with each instalment. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
This is a riveting read from start to finish with a superbly constructed plot full of action, drama, and plentiful twists and turns. It has to be the most high-stakes case to date and my favourite in the series so far as it revolves very much around the topical issues of immigration, prostitution and corruption and the sordid criminal fraternities that exist everywhere the world over. Told primarily from Ridpath’s perspective the author cloaks the whole plot in mystery and satisfyingly gives you little to no chance of correctly guessing exactly what is happening. It’s one of the most intelligent, absorbing and compulsive thrillers I’ve read in 2020 so far. An urgent ripped from the headlines novel which expertly weaves the tense political climate and the European Union’s immigration crisis into a suspense-packed narrative. Ridpath is a likeable and relatable protagonist and I enjoy learning more about him with each instalment. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
March 24, 2020
DI Ridpath #4
A young Chinese woman has been found dead in a immigration holding centre the day before she was due to be deported. Her throat had been cut. The weapon was beside her body. Its thought to have been a suicide. But Coroner, Margaret Challoner thinks differently. She gets Ridpath to investigate giving him five days to find out what had actually occurred.
DI Ridpath is still working with the Coroner. He has a strict deadline to find out the truth about what had happened to Wendy Tang. This is a roller coaster read and I couldn't put it down. I like the work relationship that Ridoath and Challoner have. This is a well written and fast paced read. The book covers human trafficking and immigration. This book could be read as a standalone, but you'd be missing out on a really good series if you do.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the author M.J. Lee for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
DI Ridpath #4
A young Chinese woman has been found dead in a immigration holding centre the day before she was due to be deported. Her throat had been cut. The weapon was beside her body. It's thought to have been suicide. But Coroner Margaret Challoner thinks differently. She's got Ridpath to investigate giving him five days to find out what had actually occurred.
DI Ridpath is still working with the Coroner. He has a strict deadline to find out the truth about what had happened to Wendy Tang. This is a roller coaster read and I couldn't put it down. I like the work relationship that Ridpath and Challoner have. This is a well written and fast paced read. The book covered human trafficking and immigration. This book could be read as a standalone, but you'd be missing out on a rea,ly good series if you do.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the author M.J. Lee for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A young Chinese woman has been found dead in a immigration holding centre the day before she was due to be deported. Her throat had been cut. The weapon was beside her body. Its thought to have been a suicide. But Coroner, Margaret Challoner thinks differently. She gets Ridpath to investigate giving him five days to find out what had actually occurred.
DI Ridpath is still working with the Coroner. He has a strict deadline to find out the truth about what had happened to Wendy Tang. This is a roller coaster read and I couldn't put it down. I like the work relationship that Ridoath and Challoner have. This is a well written and fast paced read. The book covers human trafficking and immigration. This book could be read as a standalone, but you'd be missing out on a really good series if you do.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the author M.J. Lee for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
DI Ridpath #4
A young Chinese woman has been found dead in a immigration holding centre the day before she was due to be deported. Her throat had been cut. The weapon was beside her body. It's thought to have been suicide. But Coroner Margaret Challoner thinks differently. She's got Ridpath to investigate giving him five days to find out what had actually occurred.
DI Ridpath is still working with the Coroner. He has a strict deadline to find out the truth about what had happened to Wendy Tang. This is a roller coaster read and I couldn't put it down. I like the work relationship that Ridpath and Challoner have. This is a well written and fast paced read. The book covered human trafficking and immigration. This book could be read as a standalone, but you'd be missing out on a rea,ly good series if you do.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the author M.J. Lee for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2021
This is the 4th book in the DI Ridpath series by author MJ Lee.
A bloodied body is found in a Manchester Immigrant Removal Centre. The investigating officer and the pathologist are sure it’s a suicide but DI Ridpath is not so certain. Following investigations, evidence and leads start to appear and the pressure is on to solve the case. Ridpath is once again wearing two heads with his joint role as coroner and policeman. DI Ridpath needs to finds answers before more innocent people die.
Another great story with an exciting plot, great characters and plenty of suspense, drama and thrills and spills.
Another winner in this excellent series.
A bloodied body is found in a Manchester Immigrant Removal Centre. The investigating officer and the pathologist are sure it’s a suicide but DI Ridpath is not so certain. Following investigations, evidence and leads start to appear and the pressure is on to solve the case. Ridpath is once again wearing two heads with his joint role as coroner and policeman. DI Ridpath needs to finds answers before more innocent people die.
Another great story with an exciting plot, great characters and plenty of suspense, drama and thrills and spills.
Another winner in this excellent series.
March 14, 2020
Where the Innocent Die is the fourth book in the D.I. Ridpath series by author M.J. Lee, and my first foray into this series.
Formerly of Major Investigation Team, D.I. Ridpath has been transferred to the Coroner office after a successful bout with cancer. Not content of the routine job it usually is, he keeps using his detective skills to uncover previously undetected crimes, not always winning brownie points from his fellow coppers.
Appropriately, Ridpath doesn’t aim to please. He’s a no-nonsense detective, expert at applying pressure when needed, whatever the consequences. His tendency to unnerve people doesn’t phase him in the slightest, quite the contrary.
When the coroner tasks him to investigate the suspicious death of a detainee at a private immigrant detention center, Ridpath discovers a botched investigation by the OIC, uncooperative administrators at the center’s administration, and is determined to uncover the truth about what he quickly thinks was a murder. However, the inquest is planned a few days later, and the coroner doesn’t intend to postpone it.
As she often reminds Ridpath, for the coroner’s office, « who did it is less important than when it happened, where it happened, how it happened, and how it could be prevented from happening again ». The Coroner is adamant at wanting to release the victim’s body to her grieving parents at the end of the planned inquest, with no further delay.
It’s then a race against time beginning for Ridpath. Fortunately, even if he’s kind of a maverick, he has allies to count on to help him when needed.
The topic is somber, and there is relevant social commentary on how migrants are treated in the UK, even legal ones, in a system seemingly favoring profit over basic human dignity. The atmosphere is appropriately bleak, reinforced by a writing style I would categorize as « modern noir pulp ».
The conflict between the aforementioned coroner’s philosophy and Ridpath’s still present copper mentality makes for a very interesting dynamic, and several conversations between them on this topic are food for thought.
The focus, in the latter chapters, on the inquest proceedings (while Ridpath unravels the mystery in alternating sequences) also gives us a very interesting insight on a little known part of the judiciary system, and rivals in intensity the best « Law » sequences of the (often underrated) Law & Order TV series.
In the end, it’s solid police work and determination from Ridpath and his team that allow them to salvage the initially botched investigation. That, as always, is way more satisfying than surprise witnesses, magic clues falling from the skies, or convenient deus ex machina informants too often found in crime literature.
All in all, this book was an excellent read, not only for the mystery, but also for all the reasons stated above. It’s a book with depth, which leaves us thinking long after closing the back cover.
Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for the ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.
Formerly of Major Investigation Team, D.I. Ridpath has been transferred to the Coroner office after a successful bout with cancer. Not content of the routine job it usually is, he keeps using his detective skills to uncover previously undetected crimes, not always winning brownie points from his fellow coppers.
Appropriately, Ridpath doesn’t aim to please. He’s a no-nonsense detective, expert at applying pressure when needed, whatever the consequences. His tendency to unnerve people doesn’t phase him in the slightest, quite the contrary.
When the coroner tasks him to investigate the suspicious death of a detainee at a private immigrant detention center, Ridpath discovers a botched investigation by the OIC, uncooperative administrators at the center’s administration, and is determined to uncover the truth about what he quickly thinks was a murder. However, the inquest is planned a few days later, and the coroner doesn’t intend to postpone it.
As she often reminds Ridpath, for the coroner’s office, « who did it is less important than when it happened, where it happened, how it happened, and how it could be prevented from happening again ». The Coroner is adamant at wanting to release the victim’s body to her grieving parents at the end of the planned inquest, with no further delay.
It’s then a race against time beginning for Ridpath. Fortunately, even if he’s kind of a maverick, he has allies to count on to help him when needed.
The topic is somber, and there is relevant social commentary on how migrants are treated in the UK, even legal ones, in a system seemingly favoring profit over basic human dignity. The atmosphere is appropriately bleak, reinforced by a writing style I would categorize as « modern noir pulp ».
The conflict between the aforementioned coroner’s philosophy and Ridpath’s still present copper mentality makes for a very interesting dynamic, and several conversations between them on this topic are food for thought.
The focus, in the latter chapters, on the inquest proceedings (while Ridpath unravels the mystery in alternating sequences) also gives us a very interesting insight on a little known part of the judiciary system, and rivals in intensity the best « Law » sequences of the (often underrated) Law & Order TV series.
In the end, it’s solid police work and determination from Ridpath and his team that allow them to salvage the initially botched investigation. That, as always, is way more satisfying than surprise witnesses, magic clues falling from the skies, or convenient deus ex machina informants too often found in crime literature.
All in all, this book was an excellent read, not only for the mystery, but also for all the reasons stated above. It’s a book with depth, which leaves us thinking long after closing the back cover.
Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for the ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.
February 19, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for an advance copy of Where The Innocent Die, the fourth novel to feature East Manchester’s Coroner’s Investigator DI Ridpath.
Mrs Challoner, the district’s Chief Coroner, is unhappy with the paucity of information and investigation into the death of Wendy Tang at a local Immigrant Removal Centre. She asks Ridpath to investigate further but with the inquest looming and a lack of cooperation at the centre it’s a daunting task.
I thoroughly enjoyed Where The Innocent Die which is an urgent read that throws light on an under discussed subject, namely the plight of illegal immigrants. The novel is told from various points of view, mostly Ridpath’s, but it never drops a hint about the perpetrator or the motive and I couldn’t guess. I was surprised in a good way as I thought the solution was quite clever. I found the plot to be engrossing and compulsive but I always think that about Mr Lee’s work and he has become a must read author for me. It starts with an assumed suicide but a careful re-examination of the facts rules that out. It then becomes a who, why and how so the attention switches to the supposedly secure Removal Centre. The novel doesn’t dwell on fate of the refugees but prefers to concentrate on the politics of it. It’s not heavy but makes its points clearly. These points are a small part of a tense procedural, the sense of urgency is palpable and creates the atmosphere, which is full of twists and turns, most of which I didn’t see coming.
I really like the dynamic between Ridpath and Mrs Challoner. They don’t always agree on approach but they both have a thirst for the truth.
Where The Innocent Die is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Mrs Challoner, the district’s Chief Coroner, is unhappy with the paucity of information and investigation into the death of Wendy Tang at a local Immigrant Removal Centre. She asks Ridpath to investigate further but with the inquest looming and a lack of cooperation at the centre it’s a daunting task.
I thoroughly enjoyed Where The Innocent Die which is an urgent read that throws light on an under discussed subject, namely the plight of illegal immigrants. The novel is told from various points of view, mostly Ridpath’s, but it never drops a hint about the perpetrator or the motive and I couldn’t guess. I was surprised in a good way as I thought the solution was quite clever. I found the plot to be engrossing and compulsive but I always think that about Mr Lee’s work and he has become a must read author for me. It starts with an assumed suicide but a careful re-examination of the facts rules that out. It then becomes a who, why and how so the attention switches to the supposedly secure Removal Centre. The novel doesn’t dwell on fate of the refugees but prefers to concentrate on the politics of it. It’s not heavy but makes its points clearly. These points are a small part of a tense procedural, the sense of urgency is palpable and creates the atmosphere, which is full of twists and turns, most of which I didn’t see coming.
I really like the dynamic between Ridpath and Mrs Challoner. They don’t always agree on approach but they both have a thirst for the truth.
Where The Innocent Die is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
September 2, 2020
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Another brilliant story in this series.
Great characters and a story line which I just could not put down.
My only complaint is I finished it too quickly.
Another brilliant story in this series.
Great characters and a story line which I just could not put down.
My only complaint is I finished it too quickly.
March 31, 2024
Another great addition to this series.
February 19, 2020
Well M J Lee has excelled himself once more and written a gripping and compulsive book four in the excellent DI Thomas Ridpath series and this one is again a 100% winner, I really loved it.
This is a very topical story starting with a suspected suicide of a female Chinese immigrant in an immigration removal centre and Ridpath goes to investigate as part of the coroner’s team but things just aren’t adding up and he begins to suspect all is not as it seems. From then on in it’s a race against time to find out more as the inquest is just a few days ahead and things start to hot up as the case becomes much more complicated. This is such a well written book and I just adore Ridpath he really is one of my favourite characters and every book so far has been a such a pleasure to read and I could harp on and on about just how real these books feel but rather than that I would just say read them all it’s a brilliant series and I now am eagerly waiting for the next one as I need to know what is going to happen !!!
So heaps of praise to MJ Lee and a massive thanks for writing such a joy of a book and giving me so much pleasure in reading it.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Canelo for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a very topical story starting with a suspected suicide of a female Chinese immigrant in an immigration removal centre and Ridpath goes to investigate as part of the coroner’s team but things just aren’t adding up and he begins to suspect all is not as it seems. From then on in it’s a race against time to find out more as the inquest is just a few days ahead and things start to hot up as the case becomes much more complicated. This is such a well written book and I just adore Ridpath he really is one of my favourite characters and every book so far has been a such a pleasure to read and I could harp on and on about just how real these books feel but rather than that I would just say read them all it’s a brilliant series and I now am eagerly waiting for the next one as I need to know what is going to happen !!!
So heaps of praise to MJ Lee and a massive thanks for writing such a joy of a book and giving me so much pleasure in reading it.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Canelo for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 23, 2020
When a woman is found dead in a supposedly locked room in an Immigrant Removal Centre, it is suspected she committed suicide. Ridpath is sent by the Coroner's Office to investigate but as the inquest is due to start in several days, it means time is running out to unravel a case, which turns out to be much more complex than first thought.
I do enjoy this series as the author manages to write realistic characters in-depth without losing the pace of the story. I thought this one flowed well and I was never bored. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes well-written crime novels.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Canelo, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
I do enjoy this series as the author manages to write realistic characters in-depth without losing the pace of the story. I thought this one flowed well and I was never bored. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes well-written crime novels.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Canelo, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
March 23, 2020
This is another great book in the DI Ridpath series.
Ridpath is asked to investigate the death of a woman in a secure immigration facility, and he soon becomes suspicious of those involved in the initial investigation.
It seems some things weren’t followed up and other things forgotten completely.
They ask for another post mortem as the coroner isn’t sure it was suicide and they only have two days to get to the bottom of what really happened.
Ridpath is a great character and I’ve really warmed to him through reading this series.
This is another great addition to the series that I can highly recommend.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Ridpath is asked to investigate the death of a woman in a secure immigration facility, and he soon becomes suspicious of those involved in the initial investigation.
It seems some things weren’t followed up and other things forgotten completely.
They ask for another post mortem as the coroner isn’t sure it was suicide and they only have two days to get to the bottom of what really happened.
Ridpath is a great character and I’ve really warmed to him through reading this series.
This is another great addition to the series that I can highly recommend.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
March 24, 2020
A death in an immigration removal centre is written up as a suicide but was it? If not who did it and, just as importantly here, why?
Another really good addition to the Ridpath series and happily there still feels like there’s more to come. When you read a lot of crime it’s good to have something slightly different and as DI Ridpath is attached to the coroner’s office we get a mix of their work and that of the MIT. There are a couple of particularly loathsome characters in this one and let’s be honest who doesn’t enjoy a boo hiss baddie.
This would work on its own but if you have the time it will read better as part of the series.
Another really good addition to the Ridpath series and happily there still feels like there’s more to come. When you read a lot of crime it’s good to have something slightly different and as DI Ridpath is attached to the coroner’s office we get a mix of their work and that of the MIT. There are a couple of particularly loathsome characters in this one and let’s be honest who doesn’t enjoy a boo hiss baddie.
This would work on its own but if you have the time it will read better as part of the series.
March 15, 2021
Review to come.
May 15, 2020
An unusual setting, a politically sensitive situation, and an international connection all add up to another brilliant new DCI Ridpath novel.
With more turns than a fairground ride, and a plot that charges along at a great pace, this is another great read from M J Lee.
I love the vulnerability of the central character, and his determination to do the right thing. despite great personal cost. The supporting cast are brilliantly portrayed, and the villain of the piece, obliquely, is a dig at the corporate world!
I am a massive M J Lee fan, and highly recommend this latest addition to the collection!
With more turns than a fairground ride, and a plot that charges along at a great pace, this is another great read from M J Lee.
I love the vulnerability of the central character, and his determination to do the right thing. despite great personal cost. The supporting cast are brilliantly portrayed, and the villain of the piece, obliquely, is a dig at the corporate world!
I am a massive M J Lee fan, and highly recommend this latest addition to the collection!
April 4, 2021
First off, I loved the short chapters in this book. Practically speaking they really work for me because I don't get long periods of time to immerse myself in a story, so being able to pick this up in bursts was perfect. It also lent itself to the plot in changing perspectives perspectives issuing 'cliffhangers'.
But I just did not like this book unfortunately. Though from the look of the ratings I seem to be in the minority.
I didn't mind Ridpath as a lead, he seemed quite common sense and grounded for the most part, though at times he was unable to grasp some fairly simple concepts which made him come across as a bumbling fool. There were a few times where he was gaping and repeating what he was being told like he couldn't get his head around the idea when he was supposed to be a shit hot Detective Inspector.
The main plot ended up being one of those people trafficking, everyone hiding something plots that are a bit frustrating to read and never end satisfactorily because the whole operation can never be taken down in one book.
In addition it wasn't even uncovered officially until the last few pages of the book by which point I had lost interest and thought it was fairly obvious anyway.
The series of murders remained totally unconnected by the police and Ridpath, aside from the method of killing. In fact in over 300 pages of 'investigation' there was still little to no evidence connecting anything.
I'm not sure I would call it a police procedural because it was largely just Ridpath talking to different people informally, gaining no insights at all and then moving to the next non starter interview. Even once the police got involved it was just interviews and not police work.
I had the killer pegged from very early on so there was little tension for me. Likewise, when the second postmortem was carried out the means of disabling the victim was dangled over us like it was going to be a massive twist but it was so obvious that - pardon the pun - there was no shock element.
One of my pet hates is when characters constantly use other character names as if we can't keep up with who is speaking. This was so overdone in this book that by the end it was genuinely making me angry.
Did EVERY person have to say Ridpath's name every time they spoke to him? Even his bloody wife called him Ridpath!
Likewise, it wound me right up when they kept referring to rhe coroner as Mrs whateverthefeck in every single conversation.
You may have noticed that this really aggravated me.
I found this to be a quick read, I enjoyed the short, snappy chapters and to an extent Ridpath, but the plot and writing style let it down for me personally.
But I just did not like this book unfortunately. Though from the look of the ratings I seem to be in the minority.
I didn't mind Ridpath as a lead, he seemed quite common sense and grounded for the most part, though at times he was unable to grasp some fairly simple concepts which made him come across as a bumbling fool. There were a few times where he was gaping and repeating what he was being told like he couldn't get his head around the idea when he was supposed to be a shit hot Detective Inspector.
The main plot ended up being one of those people trafficking, everyone hiding something plots that are a bit frustrating to read and never end satisfactorily because the whole operation can never be taken down in one book.
In addition it wasn't even uncovered officially until the last few pages of the book by which point I had lost interest and thought it was fairly obvious anyway.
The series of murders remained totally unconnected by the police and Ridpath, aside from the method of killing. In fact in over 300 pages of 'investigation' there was still little to no evidence connecting anything.
I'm not sure I would call it a police procedural because it was largely just Ridpath talking to different people informally, gaining no insights at all and then moving to the next non starter interview. Even once the police got involved it was just interviews and not police work.
I had the killer pegged from very early on so there was little tension for me. Likewise, when the second postmortem was carried out the means of disabling the victim was dangled over us like it was going to be a massive twist but it was so obvious that - pardon the pun - there was no shock element.
One of my pet hates is when characters constantly use other character names as if we can't keep up with who is speaking. This was so overdone in this book that by the end it was genuinely making me angry.
Did EVERY person have to say Ridpath's name every time they spoke to him? Even his bloody wife called him Ridpath!
Likewise, it wound me right up when they kept referring to rhe coroner as Mrs whateverthefeck in every single conversation.
You may have noticed that this really aggravated me.
I found this to be a quick read, I enjoyed the short, snappy chapters and to an extent Ridpath, but the plot and writing style let it down for me personally.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2020
My thanks to NetGalley and publisher Canelo for the ARC.
This is #4 in the DI Ridpath series of crime mysteries, and very good it is too. I love this series, Ridpath always gets a spark of inspiration which brings together stalling investigations at the very last moment - and you never see it coming!
Seconded to East Manchester Coroner's office from Manchester MIT, Ridpath is still working for Mrs Challenor and still in remission from his cancer. An inquest is due to open in 5 days on Wendy Tang, an illegal immigrant detained at the Wilmslow Immigration Removal Centre. A month before, her body was discovered by a guard on his rounds at 4am. Her death had been put down to suicide but, Mrs Challenor, going through the files for the inquest is unhappy about the police and pathology reports - it appeared all too shallow and uncaring. Conscious that Wendy's parents were arriving from China, and wanting to take their daughter home with them, the Coroner refuses to postpone the inquest but insists at the same time that Ridpath needs to check into the investigation. He has just 5 days - he's against the clock - his interviews are non-productive, and however much he asks, the Coroner still won't postpone the inquest.
The Coroner herself comes under scrutiny as she pushes for answers from the private company running the immigration centre - complaints have been received about her manner - has she the full support of her team or is someone undermining her?
This is a police procedural encompassing police corruption and incompetence, illegal immigrants, people trafficking and organised crime, alongside the private companies contracted to run immigration centres. A fast-paced and interesting read with, as usual, that special Ridpath inspiration which completes the puzzle in a way you can't see coming.
Thoroughly good read.
This is #4 in the DI Ridpath series of crime mysteries, and very good it is too. I love this series, Ridpath always gets a spark of inspiration which brings together stalling investigations at the very last moment - and you never see it coming!
Seconded to East Manchester Coroner's office from Manchester MIT, Ridpath is still working for Mrs Challenor and still in remission from his cancer. An inquest is due to open in 5 days on Wendy Tang, an illegal immigrant detained at the Wilmslow Immigration Removal Centre. A month before, her body was discovered by a guard on his rounds at 4am. Her death had been put down to suicide but, Mrs Challenor, going through the files for the inquest is unhappy about the police and pathology reports - it appeared all too shallow and uncaring. Conscious that Wendy's parents were arriving from China, and wanting to take their daughter home with them, the Coroner refuses to postpone the inquest but insists at the same time that Ridpath needs to check into the investigation. He has just 5 days - he's against the clock - his interviews are non-productive, and however much he asks, the Coroner still won't postpone the inquest.
The Coroner herself comes under scrutiny as she pushes for answers from the private company running the immigration centre - complaints have been received about her manner - has she the full support of her team or is someone undermining her?
This is a police procedural encompassing police corruption and incompetence, illegal immigrants, people trafficking and organised crime, alongside the private companies contracted to run immigration centres. A fast-paced and interesting read with, as usual, that special Ridpath inspiration which completes the puzzle in a way you can't see coming.
Thoroughly good read.
July 1, 2020
So this is Detective Ridpath again in the Coroner’s Office and there is a death in a Detainee Centre and he is asked to investigate it and confirm the findings as the Inquest was due – the parents had flown over from China to take their daughter’s body home. The Coroner did not want to postpone the inquest because of this.
The pathologist had identified the death as suicide but there was one factor that confused Ridpath. Despite all the doors to the rooms being locked by 9.15pm and the inmates being unable to unlock them, the girl’s door was unlocked – which was why her death had been discovered in the wee hours of the morning as the ‘officer’ made his rounds. And then the camera outside her room had been disabled – as had 5 others in the facility.
Ridpath has to work fast to discover the truth of the death which turns out, as one could expect, to be rather more complicated than the initial findings.
The story proceeds – and Manchester is portrayed in its grimy, grey self accurately – and yes, people retiring wanted to get away to somewhere warmer – it drove our daughter, once she had lived there a few months, to Australia!
I like these stories and hope Ridpath stays with the Coroner’s Office as it makes a definite change of storyline from the usual major incident squads.
The pathologist had identified the death as suicide but there was one factor that confused Ridpath. Despite all the doors to the rooms being locked by 9.15pm and the inmates being unable to unlock them, the girl’s door was unlocked – which was why her death had been discovered in the wee hours of the morning as the ‘officer’ made his rounds. And then the camera outside her room had been disabled – as had 5 others in the facility.
Ridpath has to work fast to discover the truth of the death which turns out, as one could expect, to be rather more complicated than the initial findings.
The story proceeds – and Manchester is portrayed in its grimy, grey self accurately – and yes, people retiring wanted to get away to somewhere warmer – it drove our daughter, once she had lived there a few months, to Australia!
I like these stories and hope Ridpath stays with the Coroner’s Office as it makes a definite change of storyline from the usual major incident squads.
October 20, 2020
Suicide or not?
A suicide in a Manchester Immigration Removal Centre, seems straight forward enough. Everyone concerned with the death of this young lady is totally convinced she committed suicide to avoid being sent home.
Tom Ridpath draws the short straw, yet again purely because, I believe the coroner is becoming more and more convinced that no one gets through the nitty gritty and to the truth quite like Ridpath does, which is her own personal aim too, even when certain people are out to poison his maverick actions and thinking!
I love this series and currently reading them one after another to catch up with the authors releases. They are a mixture of police procedural, science and pathology, personal lives a great deal of common sense, intuition and deduction.
There's some grave goings on around immigration and money which is highly toxic, cruelty is common place which makes it extremely difficult to get to the truth,but Ridpath is like a dog with a bone, nothing will halt his quest to dig out the truth and point the finger at those who are guilty and those hiding in the shadows!
Great writing as always with this author's work, recommended reading for crime fiction lovers!
A suicide in a Manchester Immigration Removal Centre, seems straight forward enough. Everyone concerned with the death of this young lady is totally convinced she committed suicide to avoid being sent home.
Tom Ridpath draws the short straw, yet again purely because, I believe the coroner is becoming more and more convinced that no one gets through the nitty gritty and to the truth quite like Ridpath does, which is her own personal aim too, even when certain people are out to poison his maverick actions and thinking!
I love this series and currently reading them one after another to catch up with the authors releases. They are a mixture of police procedural, science and pathology, personal lives a great deal of common sense, intuition and deduction.
There's some grave goings on around immigration and money which is highly toxic, cruelty is common place which makes it extremely difficult to get to the truth,but Ridpath is like a dog with a bone, nothing will halt his quest to dig out the truth and point the finger at those who are guilty and those hiding in the shadows!
Great writing as always with this author's work, recommended reading for crime fiction lovers!
July 20, 2020
The 4th book for DI Ridpath and still makes great reading. He is still assigned to the Coroners Office and the inquest into a suspicious death in the Immigration Removal Centre is due to start and the family want to return their daughters body to China with them when this has concluded. The initial pathologist ruled suicide but Ridpath has three days to confirm if this is correct.
A steady paced story that tells of the lack of interest in the deaths of illegal immigrants held for deportation. The Coroner knows something isn't right but doesn't want to let the family down by delaying the inquest and is torn between continuing with the hearing or getting true justice for the young woman.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
A steady paced story that tells of the lack of interest in the deaths of illegal immigrants held for deportation. The Coroner knows something isn't right but doesn't want to let the family down by delaying the inquest and is torn between continuing with the hearing or getting true justice for the young woman.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
February 27, 2021
Book four is another exciting and cleverly plotted book in the DI Ridpath series. The detective is believable and easy to like. Attached to the Coroner's office, it gives him a unique viewpoint on the crimes he investigates. The plot is contemporary, and the investigation meticulous. The suspense building is good with a climactic ending.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 19, 2021
Really enjoyed this fast paced thriller, the fourth in the DI Ridpath series. The death of a detainee in an Immigration Removal Centre is recorded as suicide but the Coroner is not totally happy with this conclusion and instructs Ridpath to investigate. With the Inquest only days away can Ridpath discover the truth?
June 24, 2022
This is the 4th book in the DI Ridpath series and they just keep getting better. Superb characterisation that developed with each book, great writing that moves the story along and you simply do not know the result of the case until the very end. I can’t wait to keep reading the final books in this fantastic series
July 15, 2020
This is the 4th book in this DI Ridpath series, a well written and thought out crime thriller, The book tackles some very current issues, and the strong characters make the whole story very believable. Although this is part of a series, the story would also work well as a stand-alone.
August 30, 2020
Brilliant. Another thrilling, engrossing read.could do with a better proof reader, too many little mistakes that slow down a reader, disrupts the flow, only marginally, but still...
Despite the flaws, a cracking read. You won't be disappointed.
Despite the flaws, a cracking read. You won't be disappointed.
February 8, 2021
Good Book!
It’s 5:30 a.m. and I just finished this book! It was another good mystery with DI Ridpath. It kept me guessing until the end. I didn’t have a clue! I can’t wait to read the next book.
It’s 5:30 a.m. and I just finished this book! It was another good mystery with DI Ridpath. It kept me guessing until the end. I didn’t have a clue! I can’t wait to read the next book.
April 1, 2022
I am really enjoying reading this series. This one was no exception. I love the characters. You can feel the tension build and my heart races as the characters start to feel the stresses if the investigation. A great read
April 1, 2025
I read book 6 of this series as a standalone last year and I thought it was brilliant, so when I saw this in a community bookstop I was so excited! I just didn't love it, it wasn't as gripping as number 6 and it was more slow moving.
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