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DI Ruth Hunter #4
The Devil's Cliff Killings
A missing teenager. A web of prison corruption and human trafficking. Can DI Ruth Hunter blow the lid off the case in time to save a sixteen year old girl?
Detective Inspector Ruth Hunter has resolved to put the grief of her missing partner behind her and continue to make a life away from London in Snowdonia. When a sixteen year old girl, Rosie, mysteriously vanishes, the case brings up unresolved issues from the past for Ruth.
Ruth realises that the key to Rosie’s disappearance might lie within a violent battle for control of a local prison. As they race against the clock, Ruth, and her sidekick DS Nick Evans, begin to uncover slavery, intimidation and bribery, only to find that the repercussions of the investigation damage those they are closest to.
Detective Inspector Ruth Hunter has resolved to put the grief of her missing partner behind her and continue to make a life away from London in Snowdonia. When a sixteen year old girl, Rosie, mysteriously vanishes, the case brings up unresolved issues from the past for Ruth.
Ruth realises that the key to Rosie’s disappearance might lie within a violent battle for control of a local prison. As they race against the clock, Ruth, and her sidekick DS Nick Evans, begin to uncover slavery, intimidation and bribery, only to find that the repercussions of the investigation damage those they are closest to.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2020
1937 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
April 9, 2023
I suppose the writing in this series is getting slightly better - but in truth I am only reading this series because they were “free” with my Kindle deal.
They started off very poor and have improved, but only to moderate! If I was able to I would be yielding a red pen all over these books. They could be so much better. But I think he churns out a few each year, so they are bound to lack refinement.
They’re good for filling the kindle while travelling and I enjoy the location details but they often fail in terms of credibility and flair. There’s a lot of repetitive details in this séries and the alcoholic themes are clumsily done. With just a few refinements they could have been really engaging. Similarly, Ruth’s relationship with Sian is more like a teenage roller-coaster than a pair of intelligent adults dealing with their inevitable baggage. No one gets to 50 without some “past”. It would have been far more interesting if they’d discussed the strange pull of the missing lover, and maybe investigated the facts together rather than stroppy “her or me” style behaviour.
And at least twice in the first few books these cops have let a suspect escape by dint of sending another person to alert the suspect of their presence. Unbelievable!!
It’s debatable wether I will press on or ditch this series. It’s like a TV soap. Slightly addictive but not really great!
They started off very poor and have improved, but only to moderate! If I was able to I would be yielding a red pen all over these books. They could be so much better. But I think he churns out a few each year, so they are bound to lack refinement.
They’re good for filling the kindle while travelling and I enjoy the location details but they often fail in terms of credibility and flair. There’s a lot of repetitive details in this séries and the alcoholic themes are clumsily done. With just a few refinements they could have been really engaging. Similarly, Ruth’s relationship with Sian is more like a teenage roller-coaster than a pair of intelligent adults dealing with their inevitable baggage. No one gets to 50 without some “past”. It would have been far more interesting if they’d discussed the strange pull of the missing lover, and maybe investigated the facts together rather than stroppy “her or me” style behaviour.
And at least twice in the first few books these cops have let a suspect escape by dint of sending another person to alert the suspect of their presence. Unbelievable!!
It’s debatable wether I will press on or ditch this series. It’s like a TV soap. Slightly addictive but not really great!
June 3, 2023
someone please get this guy a thesaurus.
Probably because I’ve read several of the Snowdonia Murder Mystery books recently, but I getting increasingly annoyed by his repetitive use of the word “sardonically”. I counted at least 9 uses in this book alone & it’s been used multiple times in every book so far, or makes me cringe when I hear it now. He really needs to find a different word. And whilst he’s searching for his thesaurus perhaps he can stop mentioning that some CCTV had been poured over “millisecond by millisecond”. I understand that you need to catch someone up who may have picked up a book further along in the series but for a regular reader the repetition is very irritating.
On the plus side, I love the adventures that take place in my local area & the stories are really interesting.
Probably because I’ve read several of the Snowdonia Murder Mystery books recently, but I getting increasingly annoyed by his repetitive use of the word “sardonically”. I counted at least 9 uses in this book alone & it’s been used multiple times in every book so far, or makes me cringe when I hear it now. He really needs to find a different word. And whilst he’s searching for his thesaurus perhaps he can stop mentioning that some CCTV had been poured over “millisecond by millisecond”. I understand that you need to catch someone up who may have picked up a book further along in the series but for a regular reader the repetition is very irritating.
On the plus side, I love the adventures that take place in my local area & the stories are really interesting.
January 25, 2022
A crime series set in Wales with great characters and serious crimes - plenty to get your teeth into!
This is book number 4 and I really enjoyed it.
There is nothing like immersing yourself in a good crime drama series; getting to know everyone and feeling like one of the team!
This is book number 4 and I really enjoyed it.
There is nothing like immersing yourself in a good crime drama series; getting to know everyone and feeling like one of the team!
April 1, 2021
Loved the twist
Rosie is having a great time with some of her friends. It’s her 16th birthday and her friend Emma’s dad has let them use his barn to hold a party. Rosie goes to the other side of the barn to phone a friend who’s late showing up but an hour later her friends realise that they haven’t seen her for a while and after searching for her they raise the alarm. What’s happened to Rosie, where is she? This is a job for detectives Ruth and Nick, can they get to the bottom of the mystery? After lots of twists and turns they do eventually discover what has gone on but I enjoyed reading the lead up to the conclusion of this tale. Simon McCleave has done it again.
Rosie is having a great time with some of her friends. It’s her 16th birthday and her friend Emma’s dad has let them use his barn to hold a party. Rosie goes to the other side of the barn to phone a friend who’s late showing up but an hour later her friends realise that they haven’t seen her for a while and after searching for her they raise the alarm. What’s happened to Rosie, where is she? This is a job for detectives Ruth and Nick, can they get to the bottom of the mystery? After lots of twists and turns they do eventually discover what has gone on but I enjoyed reading the lead up to the conclusion of this tale. Simon McCleave has done it again.
April 28, 2020
Ruth and Nick are back on the case of a missing teenage girl. Her family are very argumentative and it’s not going to be smooth sailing trying to solve this one!
Set against a beautiful backdrop, this crime duo are fantastic. I am glad Nick is sober as he is a brilliant character and Ruth is still fighting the demons from her past which I hope will end soon!
Thank you to Simon for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Set against a beautiful backdrop, this crime duo are fantastic. I am glad Nick is sober as he is a brilliant character and Ruth is still fighting the demons from her past which I hope will end soon!
Thank you to Simon for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 26, 2021
This was my first book by this author and even though it is the 4th book in the series, it didn't take away from my enjoyment. There are a few references to previous cases but nothing that makes you wish that you had read the previous books first. Obviously I am now going to go back and read them all from the beginning😊
Really enjoyed this book. Kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Highly recommended
Really enjoyed this book. Kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Highly recommended
September 22, 2020
Took me a little longer to get into Book 4, but, that was purely down to me and not the writing. The understanding and chemistry between Ruth Hunter and Nick Evans is more relevant in this book and it’s really lovely to see how much they have evolved since Book 1. I think
that this book is so different from the previous books, as it covers slavery, human trafficking, prison corruption, bribery and obviously death. It was quite upsetting when the Police lose one of their own in tragic circumstances, just doing his job and leaving behind a wife and young family and it reinforces the fact, that each day is so different and the Police do put themselves on the front line to protect the public. There are glimmers of hope and love, bringing their personal lives into their working lives. The ending wasn’t as I expected, but, it was good news for Ruth and Sian; Nick and Amanda. I would like to know the sentence Rosie and Xavier received and if they feel any guilt in the shooting of Rosie’s Mum and brother. We are still left wondering and no nearer knowing if Sarah is still alive. Hopefully Book 5 will have the answer 🤞🏻
that this book is so different from the previous books, as it covers slavery, human trafficking, prison corruption, bribery and obviously death. It was quite upsetting when the Police lose one of their own in tragic circumstances, just doing his job and leaving behind a wife and young family and it reinforces the fact, that each day is so different and the Police do put themselves on the front line to protect the public. There are glimmers of hope and love, bringing their personal lives into their working lives. The ending wasn’t as I expected, but, it was good news for Ruth and Sian; Nick and Amanda. I would like to know the sentence Rosie and Xavier received and if they feel any guilt in the shooting of Rosie’s Mum and brother. We are still left wondering and no nearer knowing if Sarah is still alive. Hopefully Book 5 will have the answer 🤞🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2024
DI Ruth Hunter back at it...again!
A teenage party, A sketchy Family, A drug pushing Brother, a crooked Mother and the Dad from Hell is all that Rosie Wright had, that and a forbidden love. And then, Poof, while at her Birthday party she disappears. Blood is found, tire tracks, and nothing else.
Ruth, Nick and the team are looking for the missing girl, as the discover that this Family is wrapped up in phone and drug smuggling into the local prison, and they are doing this for one of the worst prisoners they have.
As the case wraps up, and they think they have their suspects, not all is as it would seem. A teacher close to Rosie is back on the teams radar. Is The Devil's Cliff Killing truly a murder? Or is it all a show?
A teenage party, A sketchy Family, A drug pushing Brother, a crooked Mother and the Dad from Hell is all that Rosie Wright had, that and a forbidden love. And then, Poof, while at her Birthday party she disappears. Blood is found, tire tracks, and nothing else.
Ruth, Nick and the team are looking for the missing girl, as the discover that this Family is wrapped up in phone and drug smuggling into the local prison, and they are doing this for one of the worst prisoners they have.
As the case wraps up, and they think they have their suspects, not all is as it would seem. A teacher close to Rosie is back on the teams radar. Is The Devil's Cliff Killing truly a murder? Or is it all a show?
November 18, 2024
Best in series so far I think
August 3, 2025
Of course the nonce drives a Honda Civic😭
August 5, 2022
Kept me guessing
Great read. Kept me guessing and the twist at the end was a real surprise. Recommended read for crime novel fans.
Great read. Kept me guessing and the twist at the end was a real surprise. Recommended read for crime novel fans.
January 29, 2025
“The tiny white buildings of Capelulo village were dwarfed by the towering grey mass of Conwy Mountain and the Carneddau mountain range behind that.” -87
“The Devil's Cliff, French said.
'Sorry?' Ruth asked. What is he talking about?
"This section of Gogarth is called the Devil's Cliff, French explained.” -289
“The Devil's Cliff, French said.
'Sorry?' Ruth asked. What is he talking about?
"This section of Gogarth is called the Devil's Cliff, French explained.” -289
February 4, 2021
I’ve given this book a three as it was okay. I was expecting a massive dramatic ending and it just sort of fizzled out I thought.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2025
I have now read at least four in this series. It’s improved a bit, but not by much. Of all the characters, Ruth is the least likable. She comes across as emotionally immature. Her smoking habit is tedious. Since the books follow a distinct formula, I may just jump ahead 10 books. I’ve never done that in a series, but the arcs that carry from book to book are annoying.
February 1, 2024
Poorly written - typos, continuity errors, repetitive words, honestly, think he lifted some full paragraphs from earlier books, however, I'm enjoying reading them all the same because the stories pull me in. Plus, they're available on kindle unlimited which is a perk. I certainly wouldn't pay for these books.
There's also definitely some homophobia going on. The main character is a queer woman who is definitely a good guy along with her partner but somehow almost every other queer character is very sinister. Especially the gay men. It's nice to have some queer representation but it'd be nice if they weren't mostly evil.
There's also definitely some homophobia going on. The main character is a queer woman who is definitely a good guy along with her partner but somehow almost every other queer character is very sinister. Especially the gay men. It's nice to have some queer representation but it'd be nice if they weren't mostly evil.
September 11, 2022
I'm a total addict
I came across book one in this series quite by accident and I have just finished reading book 4 all that in the space of approximately 3 weeks. After writing this review I'm going straight to book five. The novels are just fantastic . I was born and raised 8n Wales but in the south however I have visited North WLes on a few occasions, I'll be glad when I reach number 13 which I understand is due to be published before long. Thankyou Simon McCleave for the pleasure your books have giving me.
I came across book one in this series quite by accident and I have just finished reading book 4 all that in the space of approximately 3 weeks. After writing this review I'm going straight to book five. The novels are just fantastic . I was born and raised 8n Wales but in the south however I have visited North WLes on a few occasions, I'll be glad when I reach number 13 which I understand is due to be published before long. Thankyou Simon McCleave for the pleasure your books have giving me.
March 21, 2021
Started off very well, I'd say the best so far; the plot for this book was gripping however I think author has a knack of making the characters do things that just doesn't fit for me - I've thought that largely about one of the main characters from the first book whose actions are all over the place. I thought this book was an improvement on the previous ones but the character development is a bit far fetched for me.
April 1, 2021
Another enjoyable read.
I can't describe really how this series gets me hooked but I've really found that once started I can't get to the end quick enough. Again this is a rollercoaster of a read and as I said before I believe it can be read as a line read but best start from the first and enjoy the experience.
I can't describe really how this series gets me hooked but I've really found that once started I can't get to the end quick enough. Again this is a rollercoaster of a read and as I said before I believe it can be read as a line read but best start from the first and enjoy the experience.
July 10, 2022
This book was action packed. A missing teenager, a prison corruption and human trafficking. Can Ruth Hunter solve this crime in time? Can Sarah be found? If you like chilling police procedurals, true-to-life characters, and psychological twists, then you will love this one! Looking forward to reading the next book in Simon McCleave‘s page-turning thrill ride!
July 18, 2022
I was disappointed because I have really enjoyed this series. But the main characters' personal problems were a larger part of the story than usual, and the mystery took forever to develop. I'll give the next in line a go, hopefully there's less about baby bumps and the main character's long-lost lover.
July 23, 2020
Stupid story line
A fifteen year old would not be at sixth form college they would still be at school , doing gcses if turning 16 in the summer as this girl was they would start sixth form college in the September ,
A fifteen year old would not be at sixth form college they would still be at school , doing gcses if turning 16 in the summer as this girl was they would start sixth form college in the September ,
May 14, 2020
Another gripping thriller. Gruesome in places!
September 29, 2024
Brilliant read , first time author for me. Kept you in suspense til the end
April 29, 2020
A missing teenager. A web of prison corruption and human trafficking. Can DI Ruth Hunter blow the lid off the case in time to save a sixteen year old girl?
Detective Inspector Ruth Hunter has resolved to put the grief of her missing partner behind her and continue to make a life away from London in Snowdonia. When a sixteen year old girl, Rosie, mysteriously vanishes, the case brings up unresolved issues from the past for Ruth.
Ruth realises that the key to Rosie’s disappearance might lie within a violent battle for control of a local prison. As they race against the clock, Ruth, and her sidekick DS Nick Evans, begin to uncover slavery, intimidation and bribery, only to find that the repercussions of the investigation damage those they are closest to.
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Detective Inspector Ruth Hunter has resolved to put the grief of her missing partner behind her and continue to make a life away from London in Snowdonia. When a sixteen year old girl, Rosie, mysteriously vanishes, the case brings up unresolved issues from the past for Ruth.
Ruth realises that the key to Rosie’s disappearance might lie within a violent battle for control of a local prison. As they race against the clock, Ruth, and her sidekick DS Nick Evans, begin to uncover slavery, intimidation and bribery, only to find that the repercussions of the investigation damage those they are closest to.
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 5, 2021
When young Rosie disappears from her 16th birthday party, her family and the police are left to figure out what exactly happened to her.
Welcome readers, to book number four in the ever brilliant Ruth Hunter series, written by the equally brilliant Simon McCleave.
As per the previous novels in this series, we are back in action with Ruth Hunter at the helm, again on the hunt for hardened criminals of the North Wales police area.
I will not be delving in to the story too much for fear of writing spoilers. What can be said however, is Mr McCleave has done a fantastic job of recording in fiction the investigation in to a high profile missing person case.
Accurate, clear and enough curveballs to have you coming back for more, there is nothing not to love about this story.
Twists and turns everywhere, well thought out characters and red herrings. Nothing more to say. 5out of 5.
Welcome readers, to book number four in the ever brilliant Ruth Hunter series, written by the equally brilliant Simon McCleave.
As per the previous novels in this series, we are back in action with Ruth Hunter at the helm, again on the hunt for hardened criminals of the North Wales police area.
I will not be delving in to the story too much for fear of writing spoilers. What can be said however, is Mr McCleave has done a fantastic job of recording in fiction the investigation in to a high profile missing person case.
Accurate, clear and enough curveballs to have you coming back for more, there is nothing not to love about this story.
Twists and turns everywhere, well thought out characters and red herrings. Nothing more to say. 5out of 5.
March 17, 2022
Another good book in the D.I. Ruth Hunter series from Simon McCleave. It’s good to have a woman lead and those of us who follow Ruth’s adventures will know how the young South London ‘cop’ has now moved onward and upward to North Wales. The stories draw you in straightaway, and the plot twists and turns as Ruth and her D.S. Partner, Nick Evans, delve into yet another murder mystery. Couple this with the vivid descriptions of the North Wales landscape and scenery and the characters backgrounds, the story of a missing 16 year old becomes another winner. Of course there is also the added under-lying story of master criminal Curtiss Blake running through the series which takes us into far wider locations. I’ve already got the next book waiting!
March 19, 2024
Very readable but could be better
As this is the fourth book you can tell I want to know what happens with the detectives as much as the latest murder. As they're set in North Wales I like the local references but I wish he wouldn't mix up places or spend so much time with side anecdotes on location names and origins. it feels distracting and patronising. Repeating details from previous books is useful for new readers but recaps within the book become unnecessary. he's still thinking like a TV script writer. Once you've read one of the other big UK crime writers you'll notice more flaws.
the question is will I keep coming back for more Welsh crime and to find out what happened with Hunter's missing partner.
As this is the fourth book you can tell I want to know what happens with the detectives as much as the latest murder. As they're set in North Wales I like the local references but I wish he wouldn't mix up places or spend so much time with side anecdotes on location names and origins. it feels distracting and patronising. Repeating details from previous books is useful for new readers but recaps within the book become unnecessary. he's still thinking like a TV script writer. Once you've read one of the other big UK crime writers you'll notice more flaws.
the question is will I keep coming back for more Welsh crime and to find out what happened with Hunter's missing partner.
October 2, 2024
The setting of this series of police procedurals, in Wales, adds to the interesting backdrop for the books. The ongoing cast of police officers and detectives makes you care about their lives and what happens to them. This book has some emotional elements with several characters and further emphasizes the toll that the detective's job puts on families and loved ones. There are many believable kidnappers and bad people here and the ending has a good twist to it. The plot highlights how easy it is for investigators to let their own biases and dislike for certain villains influence their thinking. The pacing is just right as the clues and events roll out with good timing. I will definitely being moving on to the next book.
December 17, 2024
Another winner from Simon McCleave
McCleave has done it again - written a mystery full of twists and turns, set in the beautiful country of Wales. Complex characters (most likable, some not so much), who add another layer to the story.
I think what I like so much about the books I’ve read so far is the area around Snowdonia is as important as any of the characters are to the story. There are a few authors who are able to achieve that. And not only does Simon McCleave do that, but he makes the setting integral to the story. In fact, the story would not be the same if it was set in London or LA. It’s one of the main reasons I’m addicted to this series. His love of north Wales is so evident that I must visit!
McCleave has done it again - written a mystery full of twists and turns, set in the beautiful country of Wales. Complex characters (most likable, some not so much), who add another layer to the story.
I think what I like so much about the books I’ve read so far is the area around Snowdonia is as important as any of the characters are to the story. There are a few authors who are able to achieve that. And not only does Simon McCleave do that, but he makes the setting integral to the story. In fact, the story would not be the same if it was set in London or LA. It’s one of the main reasons I’m addicted to this series. His love of north Wales is so evident that I must visit!
June 23, 2020
A missing teenager, prison corruption, drugs, human trafficking, a car bomb and an emotional loss of life, this story really has it all.
DI Ruth Hunter is on the case and still battling her own past.
DS Nick Evans is also on the case, in love, about to become a father and still sober.
Both Ruth, Nick and others of the department are up against it to find Rosie. Time is of the essence as everyone helps in the investigation.
Again, this is fast paced with unexpected situations and events. Twists and turns till the end. I was exhausted by the end!
Looking forward to the release of the fifth book.
DI Ruth Hunter is on the case and still battling her own past.
DS Nick Evans is also on the case, in love, about to become a father and still sober.
Both Ruth, Nick and others of the department are up against it to find Rosie. Time is of the essence as everyone helps in the investigation.
Again, this is fast paced with unexpected situations and events. Twists and turns till the end. I was exhausted by the end!
Looking forward to the release of the fifth book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews