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DI Ridpath #5
When the Past Kills
The past is never over. It’s just waiting for an opportunity to return…When the notorious serial killer the Beast of Manchester was captured, the streets should have been safe. Except the police got the wrong man. An innocent person was convicted, and only later was the culprit put away.
Now, those connected to the case are being targeted. Someone wants revenge. DI Thomas Ridpath has to relive the horrors all over again. As the bodies stack up once more, Ridpath knows the answers lie in the mistakes made the first time round.
But as he is searching for clues from years ago, fresh terror awaits. While Ridpath seeks to save lives, he risks overlooking the greatest danger of all – and losing more than he can stand.
Don’t miss this unputdownable crime thriller featuring one of Britain’s best-loved fictional detectives, perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Mark Billingham and Cara Hunter.
What readers are saying about When the Past Kills‘A fabulous read, the plotting is genius and the characters, even the nasty ones, are so true to life’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Totally riveting, don't start it if you have things to do later that day as I promise it's unputdownable’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Now, those connected to the case are being targeted. Someone wants revenge. DI Thomas Ridpath has to relive the horrors all over again. As the bodies stack up once more, Ridpath knows the answers lie in the mistakes made the first time round.
But as he is searching for clues from years ago, fresh terror awaits. While Ridpath seeks to save lives, he risks overlooking the greatest danger of all – and losing more than he can stand.
Don’t miss this unputdownable crime thriller featuring one of Britain’s best-loved fictional detectives, perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Mark Billingham and Cara Hunter.
What readers are saying about When the Past Kills‘A fabulous read, the plotting is genius and the characters, even the nasty ones, are so true to life’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Totally riveting, don't start it if you have things to do later that day as I promise it's unputdownable’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2020
206 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Lee
46 books443 followersMartin has spent most of his adult life writing in one form or another.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
March 10, 2021
The past is never over. It's just waiting for an opportunity to return...
When the Past Kills is the 5th book in the DI Ridpath Series. Having read quite a few detective series over time, this is one series that keeps getting better with each book. Though this book can be read as a standalone, it involves characters from the previous books in the series. So, it will help a lot if you read the series right from the start.
When the notorious serial killer ‘The Beast of Manchester’ was finally captured, the streets should have been safe. Except the police got the wrong man. An innocent person was convicted, and only later was the real culprit apprehended. Now, those connected to the case are being targeted. Someone wants revenge. DI Thomas Ridpath has to relive the horrors all over again. As the bodies stack up once more, Ridpath has to find the answers before it gets too late.
This is a fascinating story that's really hard to put down right from Page 1. The story is full of action, drama, and lots of twists and turns. There is always so much going on in the book that you are never sure about what will happen next. What sets the series apart from other detective series is the way you feel connected to Ridpath and his story. Though Ridpath’s personal story never distracts you from the main story, it is always engaging with its own ups and downs. If you have read the DI Ridpath series so far, this book sees Ridpath is transitioning back into MIT. That and how does get on with the newly appointed DCI also adds another dimension to the story.
All of the characters were well developed, and you enjoy knowing Ridpath, his family, and his colleagues. Ridpath is a really likable and relatable protagonist and I enjoy learning more about him with each installment. Back from a serious illness and having his own difficulties in his personal life, Ridpath is still devoted to his job and adds a lot of emotions to a police procedural.
Overall, this is a fast-paced thriller, full of twists and turns and a cliffhanger for an ending. It’s a superb addition to an amazing exciting series, and I look forward to reading the next in the series. Although it can be read as a stand-alone, I strongly advise you to read the entire series so that you get to experience Ridpath’s emotional journey series throughout the series. 4.5/5
Many thanks to the publishers Canelo and Netgalley for the ARC.
When the Past Kills is the 5th book in the DI Ridpath Series. Having read quite a few detective series over time, this is one series that keeps getting better with each book. Though this book can be read as a standalone, it involves characters from the previous books in the series. So, it will help a lot if you read the series right from the start.
When the notorious serial killer ‘The Beast of Manchester’ was finally captured, the streets should have been safe. Except the police got the wrong man. An innocent person was convicted, and only later was the real culprit apprehended. Now, those connected to the case are being targeted. Someone wants revenge. DI Thomas Ridpath has to relive the horrors all over again. As the bodies stack up once more, Ridpath has to find the answers before it gets too late.
This is a fascinating story that's really hard to put down right from Page 1. The story is full of action, drama, and lots of twists and turns. There is always so much going on in the book that you are never sure about what will happen next. What sets the series apart from other detective series is the way you feel connected to Ridpath and his story. Though Ridpath’s personal story never distracts you from the main story, it is always engaging with its own ups and downs. If you have read the DI Ridpath series so far, this book sees Ridpath is transitioning back into MIT. That and how does get on with the newly appointed DCI also adds another dimension to the story.
All of the characters were well developed, and you enjoy knowing Ridpath, his family, and his colleagues. Ridpath is a really likable and relatable protagonist and I enjoy learning more about him with each installment. Back from a serious illness and having his own difficulties in his personal life, Ridpath is still devoted to his job and adds a lot of emotions to a police procedural.
Overall, this is a fast-paced thriller, full of twists and turns and a cliffhanger for an ending. It’s a superb addition to an amazing exciting series, and I look forward to reading the next in the series. Although it can be read as a stand-alone, I strongly advise you to read the entire series so that you get to experience Ridpath’s emotional journey series throughout the series. 4.5/5
Many thanks to the publishers Canelo and Netgalley for the ARC.
August 27, 2020
MJ Lee's latest addition to the Manchester based DI Thomas Ridpath crime series is dark and intense, where the ugly past comes back to terrorise and haunt him and Manchester police. Ridpath is a cancer survivor, working with Mrs Challoner at the Coroner's Office, where he has become highly valued and effective. However, after being offered the opportunity to return to MIT by Detective Superintendent Claire Trent, he accepted and is currently splitting his time between MIT and the Coroner's Office, with his post proving to be remarkably difficult to fill. The new head of MIT is DCI Paul Turnbull, a nasty piece of work, has taken against Ridpath, and is willing to do anything to get rid of him. To ease him back in, Ridpath, along with DS Emily Parkinson, has been assigned to the case of the gruesome killing of 2 dogs owned by former Detective Chief Superintendent John Gorman.
When the grave of his former mentor Charlie Whitworth is desecrated, Ridpath begins to fear it might all be connected to the Beast of Manchester case which resulted in a miscarriage of justice with James Dalbey spending 10 years in prison before the real killer, Harold Laudner, was apprehended, one of the victims being Alice Seagram. However, Ridpath who was involved in the case, is not taken seriously until a coroner is murdered and the hunt is on to locate Dalbey, a search that turns out to be inordinately difficult. The narrative is interspersed with insights into the mind of a killer, following a well planned strategy to throw the police off course, whilst continuing his path of murdering others connected with the case. A stressed Ridpath is determined to uncover the truth, his only respite and comfort his close knit family, with the two most important people in his life, his wife, Polly, and daughter, Eve.
This is a fast paced thriller, well plotted, and full of suspense and tension throughout, although it all ends with a final twist and cliffhanger, not my favourite kind of conclusion to a novel. Ridpath is a man of integrity for whom policing is a calling, and despite the reservations of Polly and Eve, needed to return to MIT, but with the ghastly DCI Turnbull in charge, is it all worth it? This needs particular thought, especially as he had more control at the Coroner's office and was able to be so much more effective there, not to mention the fact that he was so appreciated and valued. This addition is a wonderful addition to a wonderfully exciting series, and I look forward to the next in the series. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
When the grave of his former mentor Charlie Whitworth is desecrated, Ridpath begins to fear it might all be connected to the Beast of Manchester case which resulted in a miscarriage of justice with James Dalbey spending 10 years in prison before the real killer, Harold Laudner, was apprehended, one of the victims being Alice Seagram. However, Ridpath who was involved in the case, is not taken seriously until a coroner is murdered and the hunt is on to locate Dalbey, a search that turns out to be inordinately difficult. The narrative is interspersed with insights into the mind of a killer, following a well planned strategy to throw the police off course, whilst continuing his path of murdering others connected with the case. A stressed Ridpath is determined to uncover the truth, his only respite and comfort his close knit family, with the two most important people in his life, his wife, Polly, and daughter, Eve.
This is a fast paced thriller, well plotted, and full of suspense and tension throughout, although it all ends with a final twist and cliffhanger, not my favourite kind of conclusion to a novel. Ridpath is a man of integrity for whom policing is a calling, and despite the reservations of Polly and Eve, needed to return to MIT, but with the ghastly DCI Turnbull in charge, is it all worth it? This needs particular thought, especially as he had more control at the Coroner's office and was able to be so much more effective there, not to mention the fact that he was so appreciated and valued. This addition is a wonderful addition to a wonderfully exciting series, and I look forward to the next in the series. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
August 22, 2020
DI Thomas Ridpath is about to return to MIT from the Coroners Office, although Coroner Mrs Challinor is very reluctant to let him go. Detective Superintendent Claire Trent is keen to have his thoughtful approach to the job although his new immediate boss DCI Paul Turnbull is less than keen. However, a series of terrifying events occur that drag Ridpath into an audacious, relentless and calculating revenge spree linked to a previous investigation that he had been slap bang in the middle of, in the ‘Beast of Manchester’ case.
This is a well written novel with an exciting plot that flows and builds to a very dramatic and breath taking conclusion. This case is particularly shocking and explosive and is thrillingly fast paced. I like the character of Ridpath as he is very resilient having hopefully overcome serious illness and he brings a deep intelligence to the force. There is just enough focus on his home life to give his character an authentic feel. The characters at the coroners office are really good but I found my fists clenching every time DCI Turnbull is around. He’s obnoxious, impatient and unpleasant although he does bring an interesting element to the storyline! I’m hoping Claire Trent appreciates she’s got to bring him down a few pegs as soon as possible! This is another good addition to the Ridpath series but be warned MJ Lee does leave us on one hell of a cliffhanger and I’m seriously hoping we haven’t got to wait too long for the next instalment!
Overall, this is a gripping and intriguing novel with plenty of momentum that keeps you interested throughout. Although it can be read as a stand-alone it’s better if the previous books have been read as it gives a clearer understanding of these events.
With thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC
This is a well written novel with an exciting plot that flows and builds to a very dramatic and breath taking conclusion. This case is particularly shocking and explosive and is thrillingly fast paced. I like the character of Ridpath as he is very resilient having hopefully overcome serious illness and he brings a deep intelligence to the force. There is just enough focus on his home life to give his character an authentic feel. The characters at the coroners office are really good but I found my fists clenching every time DCI Turnbull is around. He’s obnoxious, impatient and unpleasant although he does bring an interesting element to the storyline! I’m hoping Claire Trent appreciates she’s got to bring him down a few pegs as soon as possible! This is another good addition to the Ridpath series but be warned MJ Lee does leave us on one hell of a cliffhanger and I’m seriously hoping we haven’t got to wait too long for the next instalment!
Overall, this is a gripping and intriguing novel with plenty of momentum that keeps you interested throughout. Although it can be read as a stand-alone it’s better if the previous books have been read as it gives a clearer understanding of these events.
With thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC
September 20, 2020
Somehow I can’t understand how it is that I miss so many good books or series. When the past kills may be the fifth book in the Ridpath series, before I read the first chapters I already had the feeling that I’ve know Ridpath for years. This is a series to my heart. The story has a solid background, Ridpath and his family are great characters – and even Turnbull, the ‘boss from hell’ is interesting because I hope to read later why he is such an angry man.
The story itself, although having to do with things that happened way earlier in the life of Ridpath, was very well thought out and the author didn’t make the mistake to try and write two books in one by constantly giving too much information about the background of this story.
It was fun getting to know this author and I hope to pick up some earlier books in the series soon. I will definitely apply for a review copy of the sixth book because of the ending of this one.
Thanks to Netgalley for this digital review copy.
The story itself, although having to do with things that happened way earlier in the life of Ridpath, was very well thought out and the author didn’t make the mistake to try and write two books in one by constantly giving too much information about the background of this story.
It was fun getting to know this author and I hope to pick up some earlier books in the series soon. I will definitely apply for a review copy of the sixth book because of the ending of this one.
Thanks to Netgalley for this digital review copy.
August 10, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
DI Thomas Ridpath is back in the fifth book in the ‘DI Ridpath Crime Thriller series’. The book opens with a video link sent to his boss, Mrs. Challinor, of a live hanging of an Ex-Coroner and then the plot goes back in time four days, with the smashing of a gravestone and the hanging of two dogs.
DI Ridpath still works for the Coroner’s office but he only has a week left until he is back at MIT (Major Incident Team) full time. The new MIT boss gives him the job of finding information on the killing of the dogs. Ridpath thinks it should be handled by the local police, not the Major Incident Team but his new boss isn’t his biggest fan. It turns out that the dogs and the grave attack are the first in a long line of killings on people who were involved in an old case of Ridpaths.
Back in 2008, Ridpath apprehended James Dalbey for the murder of numerous women, though he was only convicted on the evidence of one. Ten years later he was cleared of the murders and the real murderer was brought to justice dubbed the ‘Beast of Manchester’. Present-day, as more deaths occur of people involved in the James Dalbey case, Ridpath is sure that James is after retribution, that is until new evidence comes to light that gives him a very good alibi. How can so many people involved in the same case be being targeted if not by the innocent man they put behind bars?
When the Past Kills has brought the DI Ridpath series full circle and incorporated the story within the first book into this one. As usual with the series, we get to hear what the killer is thinking and his plans as well as Ridpath’s thoughts and processes.
The book is fast-paced and there is always so much happening that it is hard to put down. I’ve loved this series since I read the first book ‘Where the Truth Lies‘ back in 2018. Ridpath is an amazing, realistic character who you can’t help but like. I love how his mind works and how he pieces the evidence together.
What I especially like about the series is that whilst we do get to know about Ridpath’s home life and his family, these sections are only small and the story mainly focuses on the cases at hand. I’m not much of a lover of police procedure books that spend too much time on the officer’s personal life, I want the grit and the thrill of the chase in these books, and you get that with this one.
I now can’t wait for book six in the series, especially with the way this one ended – Naughty Mr. Lee!
DI Thomas Ridpath is back in the fifth book in the ‘DI Ridpath Crime Thriller series’. The book opens with a video link sent to his boss, Mrs. Challinor, of a live hanging of an Ex-Coroner and then the plot goes back in time four days, with the smashing of a gravestone and the hanging of two dogs.
DI Ridpath still works for the Coroner’s office but he only has a week left until he is back at MIT (Major Incident Team) full time. The new MIT boss gives him the job of finding information on the killing of the dogs. Ridpath thinks it should be handled by the local police, not the Major Incident Team but his new boss isn’t his biggest fan. It turns out that the dogs and the grave attack are the first in a long line of killings on people who were involved in an old case of Ridpaths.
Back in 2008, Ridpath apprehended James Dalbey for the murder of numerous women, though he was only convicted on the evidence of one. Ten years later he was cleared of the murders and the real murderer was brought to justice dubbed the ‘Beast of Manchester’. Present-day, as more deaths occur of people involved in the James Dalbey case, Ridpath is sure that James is after retribution, that is until new evidence comes to light that gives him a very good alibi. How can so many people involved in the same case be being targeted if not by the innocent man they put behind bars?
When the Past Kills has brought the DI Ridpath series full circle and incorporated the story within the first book into this one. As usual with the series, we get to hear what the killer is thinking and his plans as well as Ridpath’s thoughts and processes.
The book is fast-paced and there is always so much happening that it is hard to put down. I’ve loved this series since I read the first book ‘Where the Truth Lies‘ back in 2018. Ridpath is an amazing, realistic character who you can’t help but like. I love how his mind works and how he pieces the evidence together.
What I especially like about the series is that whilst we do get to know about Ridpath’s home life and his family, these sections are only small and the story mainly focuses on the cases at hand. I’m not much of a lover of police procedure books that spend too much time on the officer’s personal life, I want the grit and the thrill of the chase in these books, and you get that with this one.
I now can’t wait for book six in the series, especially with the way this one ended – Naughty Mr. Lee!
September 17, 2020
DI Ridpath #5
Ridpath is still attached to the coroner's office and linked to MIT. Just as DI Ridpath is getting his life back together, the Beast of Manchester rears its ugly head again. An execution is being broadcast live on the internet. The police are being targeted and graves are being desecrated. An old case has come back to haunt Thomas Ridpath.
This is a gripping story that's hard to put down. There's lots of twists in this gripping story. My attention was held throughout. We gave 2 new characters: DS Claire Trent and DSI Turnbull who are now in charge of things at the police station. I wasn't keen on Turnbull, he came across as a bit of a bully. This is a really good police procedural series. I did guess where the story was going but I didn't see the cliffhanger coming.
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 #5
Ridpath is still attached to the coroner's office and linked to MIT. Just as DI Ridpath is getting his life back together, the Beast of Manchester rears its ugly head again. An execution is being broadcast live on the internet. The police are being targeted and graves are being desecrated. An old case has come back to haunt Thomas Ridpath.
This is a gripping story that's hard to put down. There's lots of twists in this well written story. My attention was held throughout. We have two new characters: DI Claire Trent and DCI Turnbull who are now in charge of the police station. I wasn't keen on Turnbull, he came across as a bit of a bully. This is a really good police procedural series. I did guess where the story was going but I didn't see the cliffhanger coming.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Canelo and the author M.J. Lee for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ridpath is still attached to the coroner's office and linked to MIT. Just as DI Ridpath is getting his life back together, the Beast of Manchester rears its ugly head again. An execution is being broadcast live on the internet. The police are being targeted and graves are being desecrated. An old case has come back to haunt Thomas Ridpath.
This is a gripping story that's hard to put down. There's lots of twists in this gripping story. My attention was held throughout. We gave 2 new characters: DS Claire Trent and DSI Turnbull who are now in charge of things at the police station. I wasn't keen on Turnbull, he came across as a bit of a bully. This is a really good police procedural series. I did guess where the story was going but I didn't see the cliffhanger coming.
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 #5
Ridpath is still attached to the coroner's office and linked to MIT. Just as DI Ridpath is getting his life back together, the Beast of Manchester rears its ugly head again. An execution is being broadcast live on the internet. The police are being targeted and graves are being desecrated. An old case has come back to haunt Thomas Ridpath.
This is a gripping story that's hard to put down. There's lots of twists in this well written story. My attention was held throughout. We have two new characters: DI Claire Trent and DCI Turnbull who are now in charge of the police station. I wasn't keen on Turnbull, he came across as a bit of a bully. This is a really good police procedural series. I did guess where the story was going but I didn't see the cliffhanger coming.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Canelo and the author M.J. Lee for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2020
When the Past Kills is the sixth instalment in the DI Thomas Ridpath series of crime thrillers, set in Manchester. It isn't strictly necessary to have read previous instalments but it is preferable given how much past events are referred to and are continued in this book. Think the past is over? It’s never over. When Ridpath’s offered his old job back at Manchester’s Major Incident Team he jumps at the chance although Coroner Mrs Challinor has come to rely on him for his excellent work and would rather not see him go. Then a terrifying scream breaks the air in the coroner’s office shattering the quiet of a normally peaceful place. An execution is being broadcast live on the internet. An old case has come back to haunt DI Thomas Ridpath...Coppers are being targeted. Graves desecrated. What is it – a warning? And who else will be dragged in? Just as Ridpath’s life is getting back to normal, the investigation that defined Ridpath’s career, the Beast of Manchester, rears its head once again. But this time it’s not just the investigation at stake – it's his life.
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 of the series so far as it revolves very much around the predominant case of Ridpath’s career and the one that's caused him the most sleepless nights. 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 addictive plot that once you pick up will be unable to put down bristles with expertly woven tension and as it is ratcheted up it transforms into a palpable, 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 of the series so far as it revolves very much around the predominant case of Ridpath’s career and the one that's caused him the most sleepless nights. 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 addictive plot that once you pick up will be unable to put down bristles with expertly woven tension and as it is ratcheted up it transforms into a palpable, 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.
October 19, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for an advance copy of When the Past Kills, the fifth novel to feature East Manchester Coroner’s Investigator, DI Ridpath.
A series of incidents leads Ridpath to suspect that someone is targeting the people involved in an old case referred to as the Beast of Manchester. The problem is that there two cases because the GMP got it wrong the first time and Ridpath was involved in both of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed When the Past Kills which is an event filled read with plenty of twists and turns that I found hard to put down. For the purists the second Beast of Manchester investigation is covered in the first novel in the series, Where the Truth Lies, but it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read it as all the salient points are explained and linked to the current case.
The novel is told mostly from Ridpath’s point of view but there are a few chapters where the unnamed killer emphasises the need to stick to “the plan” but otherwise gives nothing away. Usually I have no interest in this approach but this is handled skilfully and only adds to the intrigue, raising questions about “the plan”, motive and perpetrator. The plot, of course, is highly improbable with a killer who has an array of equipment almost impossible to get hold of in the UK and a fiendish plot so well planned they can kill with impunity but I found it unputdownable, engrossing and highly entertaining. It ends in a cliffhanger for Ridpath, which had me in tears, and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
I wasn’t sure about Ridpath early in the series but I’ve come to love him as a decent man who has a great home life and investigative smarts. In this novel he is transitioning from the Coroner’s Office back to MIT but it’s a bumpy ride as DCI Turnbull doesn’t like him. I was very disappointed that this pedestrian man didn’t get his comeuppance. What? It’s fiction so I can wish for any result I want.
When the Past Kills is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
A series of incidents leads Ridpath to suspect that someone is targeting the people involved in an old case referred to as the Beast of Manchester. The problem is that there two cases because the GMP got it wrong the first time and Ridpath was involved in both of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed When the Past Kills which is an event filled read with plenty of twists and turns that I found hard to put down. For the purists the second Beast of Manchester investigation is covered in the first novel in the series, Where the Truth Lies, but it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read it as all the salient points are explained and linked to the current case.
The novel is told mostly from Ridpath’s point of view but there are a few chapters where the unnamed killer emphasises the need to stick to “the plan” but otherwise gives nothing away. Usually I have no interest in this approach but this is handled skilfully and only adds to the intrigue, raising questions about “the plan”, motive and perpetrator. The plot, of course, is highly improbable with a killer who has an array of equipment almost impossible to get hold of in the UK and a fiendish plot so well planned they can kill with impunity but I found it unputdownable, engrossing and highly entertaining. It ends in a cliffhanger for Ridpath, which had me in tears, and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
I wasn’t sure about Ridpath early in the series but I’ve come to love him as a decent man who has a great home life and investigative smarts. In this novel he is transitioning from the Coroner’s Office back to MIT but it’s a bumpy ride as DCI Turnbull doesn’t like him. I was very disappointed that this pedestrian man didn’t get his comeuppance. What? It’s fiction so I can wish for any result I want.
When the Past Kills is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
August 16, 2020
This is the 5th book in the DI Ridpath series by author Martin Lee and although it is the first book I have read my enjoyment was not spoilt at all starting at book 5. That said the case does feature a character from a previous book.
Following a cancer scare DI Ridpath is currently still working with the Coroners office but due to go back to his previous role catching criminals. The Beast of Manchester is back on the scene and is murdering people previously associated with his conviction. DI Ridpath is one of them and faces a race against the clock to prevent further murders including his own.
This is an exciting read with great characters ad lots of action. /this is a series I plan to read more of.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
This is the 5th book in the DI Ridpath series by author Martin Lee and although it is the first book I have read my enjoyment was not spoilt at all starting at book 5. That said the case does feature a character from a previous book.
Following a cancer scare DI Ridpath is currently still working with the Coroners office but due to go back to his previous role catching criminals. The Beast of Manchester is back on the scene and is murdering people previously associated with his conviction. DI Ridpath is one of them and faces a race against the clock to prevent further murders including his own.
This is an exciting read with great characters ad lots of action. /this is a series I plan to read more of.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Following a cancer scare DI Ridpath is currently still working with the Coroners office but due to go back to his previous role catching criminals. The Beast of Manchester is back on the scene and is murdering people previously associated with his conviction. DI Ridpath is one of them and faces a race against the clock to prevent further murders including his own.
This is an exciting read with great characters ad lots of action. /this is a series I plan to read more of.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
This is the 5th book in the DI Ridpath series by author Martin Lee and although it is the first book I have read my enjoyment was not spoilt at all starting at book 5. That said the case does feature a character from a previous book.
Following a cancer scare DI Ridpath is currently still working with the Coroners office but due to go back to his previous role catching criminals. The Beast of Manchester is back on the scene and is murdering people previously associated with his conviction. DI Ridpath is one of them and faces a race against the clock to prevent further murders including his own.
This is an exciting read with great characters ad lots of action. /this is a series I plan to read more of.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2021
This one had me hooked from the first page. I've really enjoyed this new series from MJ Lee. Ridpath has given notice to the Coroners and is 2 weeks away from going back full time as a major crimes DI. Trying to straddles both jobs for that time he's asked to investigate what has happened to his old boss's missing dogs and that is only the first in a long line of crimes and murders. There's absolutely no let up in the story. You have to keep reading to find out who's going to be next.
I still, as with all the books in this series have an issue with the MIT colleagues. We have new senior leaders now but they're still as obnoxious and unlikeable as the ones before. I do not understand how anyone would want to work in such a toxic atmosphere and that drags it down a star for me. I prefer it when they have less of a presence but with this one they are all over the book as t's necessary for the story.
It's a well paced thriller and really does keep the interest from start to finish and I particularly enjoyed the ending. This one hints at the pandemic we're sort of coming out of now (it's set at the beginning of 2020) and the first book I've read where that has been addressed. I liked that it was too early to really have an affect on the book but like many serialisations I imagine it might for the next book
I still, as with all the books in this series have an issue with the MIT colleagues. We have new senior leaders now but they're still as obnoxious and unlikeable as the ones before. I do not understand how anyone would want to work in such a toxic atmosphere and that drags it down a star for me. I prefer it when they have less of a presence but with this one they are all over the book as t's necessary for the story.
It's a well paced thriller and really does keep the interest from start to finish and I particularly enjoyed the ending. This one hints at the pandemic we're sort of coming out of now (it's set at the beginning of 2020) and the first book I've read where that has been addressed. I liked that it was too early to really have an affect on the book but like many serialisations I imagine it might for the next book
October 17, 2020
DI Thomas Ridpath finds that his past has come home to roost. In one of his first cases, a man was charged and convicted and only after 10 years was found innocent and released.
People who were a part of that process are being murdered in gruesome ways. The killer doesn't seem to care if law enforcement knows who he is .. he has an agenda and nothing is going to stand in his way to finish.
And Ridpath is on that list.
Everything seems to be open to interpretation .. Ridpath's gut feeling just might be leading him in the wrong direction. This highly entertaining tale is full of suspense from start to finish with a few red herrings along the way. The characters are deftly drawn and will be remembered long after the explosive conclusion. Although 5th in the series, this reads well as a stand-alone, but I do recommend starting at the beginning.
Many thanks to the author / Canelo / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
People who were a part of that process are being murdered in gruesome ways. The killer doesn't seem to care if law enforcement knows who he is .. he has an agenda and nothing is going to stand in his way to finish.
And Ridpath is on that list.
Everything seems to be open to interpretation .. Ridpath's gut feeling just might be leading him in the wrong direction. This highly entertaining tale is full of suspense from start to finish with a few red herrings along the way. The characters are deftly drawn and will be remembered long after the explosive conclusion. Although 5th in the series, this reads well as a stand-alone, but I do recommend starting at the beginning.
Many thanks to the author / Canelo / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 19, 2020
I have broken one of my own rules during these stay at home days. I always used to say that I would never read a series out of order, and yet with my life turned upside down, I took a chance on When the Past Kills. This is the fifth book in the DI Ridpath series, and though there were things mentioned that most likely were covered in prior books, I thought this worked fine as a standalone.
DI Ridpath has been working in the Coroner's office since successfully battling cancer. He will be returning to his former position as a member of the Major Incident Team shortly. Currently, he is trying to get reacclimated and spends his time in both offices.
The story begins with a murder, broadcast live with a link sent to Ridpath's boss, Mrs. Challinor. We then go back four days and witness a grave destroyed, dogs killed, and some other rather gruesome deaths. Ridpath believes these crimes are related, and that a man he arrested in the past is involved. All the evidence supports Ridpath's theory until an airtight alibi has everyone scrambling to find the real killer.
All of the characters were well developed, and aside from the killer or killers and one member of the Major Incident Team, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Ridpath, his family, and professional colleagues. The ending made me want the sixth book, but at least I have the first four to read while I wait. I certainly picked an action-packed police procedural with an intriguing whodunnit to break my own series reading rule.
DI Ridpath has been working in the Coroner's office since successfully battling cancer. He will be returning to his former position as a member of the Major Incident Team shortly. Currently, he is trying to get reacclimated and spends his time in both offices.
The story begins with a murder, broadcast live with a link sent to Ridpath's boss, Mrs. Challinor. We then go back four days and witness a grave destroyed, dogs killed, and some other rather gruesome deaths. Ridpath believes these crimes are related, and that a man he arrested in the past is involved. All the evidence supports Ridpath's theory until an airtight alibi has everyone scrambling to find the real killer.
All of the characters were well developed, and aside from the killer or killers and one member of the Major Incident Team, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Ridpath, his family, and professional colleagues. The ending made me want the sixth book, but at least I have the first four to read while I wait. I certainly picked an action-packed police procedural with an intriguing whodunnit to break my own series reading rule.
October 11, 2020
I absolutely love this series, it mixes police procedural with crime thriller and works so well. The plot for this book comes from an arrest Ridpath made in his past, someone who seeks revenge and causes havoc for the police force. The writing is engaging and the story line is believable, apart from the fact a DI may not be that hands on in the real world but that made no impact on the greatness of the book. I think this book could be read as a stand alone however to get the best from it would be to start at the beginning and get to know the characters and the past story lines.
April 16, 2022
I’m perplexed how this book has 4.5 stars. Easy to spot plot-twist, poorly written (will tell the same things several times in a row using different sentences), very forced escalation of anger.
Character development is rather boring as well.
Character development is rather boring as well.
September 23, 2020
Another brilliant book in this fantastic crime series.
I love Ridpath and am pleased to see things are going well with Polly and Eve.
The book starts with a shocking video being received by the coroner where it shows a man they all know being hanged.
We then rewind four days and see what led up to this horrific death.
Ridpath decides to go back to MIT but has a few weeks left with the Coroner’s office so splits his time between the two.
He’s asked to investigate the hanging of two dogs that belonged to his previous boss. At first he thinks it’s a waste of his time but then a murder links this incident to an old case Ridpath and his old boss were involved in, so alarm bells start ringing.
Turnbull is now Ridpath’s boss at MIT and they really don’t like each other. Claire still has the final say so ensures Ridpath is treated fairly.
The murders become more frequent and there’s a definite link to the old case but who is the killer?
This is a fast paced crime thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
I love Ridpath and am pleased to see things are going well with Polly and Eve.
The book starts with a shocking video being received by the coroner where it shows a man they all know being hanged.
We then rewind four days and see what led up to this horrific death.
Ridpath decides to go back to MIT but has a few weeks left with the Coroner’s office so splits his time between the two.
He’s asked to investigate the hanging of two dogs that belonged to his previous boss. At first he thinks it’s a waste of his time but then a murder links this incident to an old case Ridpath and his old boss were involved in, so alarm bells start ringing.
Turnbull is now Ridpath’s boss at MIT and they really don’t like each other. Claire still has the final say so ensures Ridpath is treated fairly.
The murders become more frequent and there’s a definite link to the old case but who is the killer?
This is a fast paced crime thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
September 22, 2020
This is the first book by M.J.Lee I have read. I now intend to read his backlist and look forward to more.
Ridpath is a Manchester-based detective torn between his work for the Coroner and getting back to MIT, now his cancer is in remission.
The plot is clever and intriguing. As much a whydunnit as a whodunnit. Anyone who likes a police procedural with a gritty edge won't be disappointed.
Ridpath is a Manchester-based detective torn between his work for the Coroner and getting back to MIT, now his cancer is in remission.
The plot is clever and intriguing. As much a whydunnit as a whodunnit. Anyone who likes a police procedural with a gritty edge won't be disappointed.
October 8, 2020
I love this series and this book is another great instalment that I enjoyed reading. Wasn't expecting the shock ending - lets see what happens in the next book
December 12, 2020
This is a great series but don't read this one, book 5, until you have read 1-4. It is good in it's own right but grips you even more if you have read the rest of the series first. No idea why some folks write such detailed reviews so if you have not read it yet, don't read these reviews. It WILL spoil the story for you. Some reviewers give so much information it is almost like condensing the whole book into a few paragraphs and you have the whole entire story line. Note also that many reviewers have been gifted the book so feel obliged to review favourably.
This is a great book with a fantastic story line, difficult to put down and like all DI Ridpath books is related to earlier books in the series. It does have a bad point though. The ending will leave you with your jaw hanging in shock and desperately trying to find book six. Well, it looks like we will have to wait until March 25th 2021. That's a long time MJ! but I have pre-ordered it anyway.
This is a great book with a fantastic story line, difficult to put down and like all DI Ridpath books is related to earlier books in the series. It does have a bad point though. The ending will leave you with your jaw hanging in shock and desperately trying to find book six. Well, it looks like we will have to wait until March 25th 2021. That's a long time MJ! but I have pre-ordered it anyway.
August 11, 2020
I love when I find new to me authors and especially if the book holds my attention at all times.
This is the fifth instalment in the crime series DI Ridpath and although I haven’t read any of the previous books, I feel that I could easily get into the story without a missing a beat. And that’s probably one of the author’s gift as the writing was so good that got me invested from the first page to the last in one sitting.
If you love a great crime thriller story, this one is definitely worth your time. It’s fast-paced, it has compelling characters and so many twists and turns that I could barely wrap my head around all the layers upon layers unveiled with each new chapter. And that cliffhanger ending really got me hooked for more in this series.
Very grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy.
This is the fifth instalment in the crime series DI Ridpath and although I haven’t read any of the previous books, I feel that I could easily get into the story without a missing a beat. And that’s probably one of the author’s gift as the writing was so good that got me invested from the first page to the last in one sitting.
If you love a great crime thriller story, this one is definitely worth your time. It’s fast-paced, it has compelling characters and so many twists and turns that I could barely wrap my head around all the layers upon layers unveiled with each new chapter. And that cliffhanger ending really got me hooked for more in this series.
Very grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy.
October 11, 2020
OMG 😮 ! Poor Ridpath, he’s decided to go back to MIT but he’s got a right pain in the proverbial for a boss, and Mrs Challinor wants him to stay with her in the coroner’s office. Although he loves the work in MIT, the staff aren’t as nice to him and I think he was regretting his decision.
Then the Beast of Manchester raises his head again, but Ridpath and his team don’t really know where to start.
I must say I didn’t like the opening chapters with the dogs, that upset me, I would have liked to do that to the perp!!
Once again loved travelling around my home town, going through the streets of Levenahulme (where I lived as a child) and Didsbury where I went to school.
The ending was a major shock and took me a couple of reads to make sure I’d got it right!! Well I hope Martin continues with the series and doesn’t leave us hanging. I’m not saying any more because I don’t want to spoil it.
Then the Beast of Manchester raises his head again, but Ridpath and his team don’t really know where to start.
I must say I didn’t like the opening chapters with the dogs, that upset me, I would have liked to do that to the perp!!
Once again loved travelling around my home town, going through the streets of Levenahulme (where I lived as a child) and Didsbury where I went to school.
The ending was a major shock and took me a couple of reads to make sure I’d got it right!! Well I hope Martin continues with the series and doesn’t leave us hanging. I’m not saying any more because I don’t want to spoil it.
May 12, 2021
This series just keeps getting better and better. As the title suggests, an old case comes back to haunt Ridpath and may well be the death of him and of those he loves the most.
As a young PC, Ridpath caught the Beast of Manchester who had been killing young girls. He found James Dalbey in a lock up garage with the latest victim chained to a wall but still living. Dalbey immediately confessed to the crimes when he was interviewed by detectives John Gorman and Charlie Whitaker, although he later recanted his confession. Regardless of that, Dalbey was sentenced to life in prison. Ten years later, Ridpath is a detective himself, in remission from cancer and seconded to the Coroner’s Office as a way to ease him back into work. A case there leads Ridpath to question Dalbey’s guilt and to him eventually proving that the Beast was actually the local, respected pathologist, Harold Lardner. Dalbey was released and received a pay off for his ten years in prison and Lardner ended up in a high security prison for the criminally insane. Eighteen months have passed since Dalbey’s release.
Ridpath is wanted back at the major crimes unit so his time at the Coroner’s Office is coming to an end. He’s keen to go to restart his Police career but he’s torn because he feels like he was doing good work there and because he really respected his boss, Margaret Challinor, the Coroner. It turns out that can’t be said of the DCI who will be his new boss, Paul Turnbull. Turnbull seems to have decided he doesn’t like and doesn’t rate Ridpath before even meeting him and is soon enjoying getting in digs at Ridpath’s expense at every opportunity.
When John Gorman’s dogs are taken and killed, Detective Superintendent Claire Trent, claims this will be the ideal opportunity for Ridpath to ease his way back into the unit. Animal cruelty would not normally be considered a major crime but retired DCI John Gorman still has the ear of the Chief Constable. To make matters worse, Ridpath is allocated DS Emily Parkinson, and these two have not exactly hit it off in the past. Ridpath soon discovers that someone has gone to an awful lot of trouble to take and kill the dogs without leaving any evidence behind, apart from a flyer for an undertakers, which seems obviously staged to him. When Ridpath hears that Charlie Whitaker’s grave has been desecrated, and another flyer left, it seems like too much if a coincidence to him. Someone is targeting people involved with the Beast of Manchester case. Then the case takes an horrific turn when the original Coroner who dealt with the Alice Seagram inquest (one of the Beast’s victims) is ‘tried’ and executed on a live link by a masked man. Someone is on a vendetta and the list of people associated with the original and the later Beast of Manchester case is potentially a long one. There is one person who appears on both lists and that is Ridpath. He’s in double trouble here in all sorts of ways.
I already had my next book lined up, The midnight library by Matt Haig, but I’m going to have to put that on hold. This book finished on such a cliff hanger that I simply gave to carry on with the next book in the series, When the Evil Waits. This series is addictive. You have been warned!
As a young PC, Ridpath caught the Beast of Manchester who had been killing young girls. He found James Dalbey in a lock up garage with the latest victim chained to a wall but still living. Dalbey immediately confessed to the crimes when he was interviewed by detectives John Gorman and Charlie Whitaker, although he later recanted his confession. Regardless of that, Dalbey was sentenced to life in prison. Ten years later, Ridpath is a detective himself, in remission from cancer and seconded to the Coroner’s Office as a way to ease him back into work. A case there leads Ridpath to question Dalbey’s guilt and to him eventually proving that the Beast was actually the local, respected pathologist, Harold Lardner. Dalbey was released and received a pay off for his ten years in prison and Lardner ended up in a high security prison for the criminally insane. Eighteen months have passed since Dalbey’s release.
Ridpath is wanted back at the major crimes unit so his time at the Coroner’s Office is coming to an end. He’s keen to go to restart his Police career but he’s torn because he feels like he was doing good work there and because he really respected his boss, Margaret Challinor, the Coroner. It turns out that can’t be said of the DCI who will be his new boss, Paul Turnbull. Turnbull seems to have decided he doesn’t like and doesn’t rate Ridpath before even meeting him and is soon enjoying getting in digs at Ridpath’s expense at every opportunity.
When John Gorman’s dogs are taken and killed, Detective Superintendent Claire Trent, claims this will be the ideal opportunity for Ridpath to ease his way back into the unit. Animal cruelty would not normally be considered a major crime but retired DCI John Gorman still has the ear of the Chief Constable. To make matters worse, Ridpath is allocated DS Emily Parkinson, and these two have not exactly hit it off in the past. Ridpath soon discovers that someone has gone to an awful lot of trouble to take and kill the dogs without leaving any evidence behind, apart from a flyer for an undertakers, which seems obviously staged to him. When Ridpath hears that Charlie Whitaker’s grave has been desecrated, and another flyer left, it seems like too much if a coincidence to him. Someone is targeting people involved with the Beast of Manchester case. Then the case takes an horrific turn when the original Coroner who dealt with the Alice Seagram inquest (one of the Beast’s victims) is ‘tried’ and executed on a live link by a masked man. Someone is on a vendetta and the list of people associated with the original and the later Beast of Manchester case is potentially a long one. There is one person who appears on both lists and that is Ridpath. He’s in double trouble here in all sorts of ways.
I already had my next book lined up, The midnight library by Matt Haig, but I’m going to have to put that on hold. This book finished on such a cliff hanger that I simply gave to carry on with the next book in the series, When the Evil Waits. This series is addictive. You have been warned!
December 14, 2021
A number of years ago DI Ridpath was instrumental in putting in prison a person, John Dalbe, he thought had killed a young girl. He was sentenced to life, but after serving ten years of his sentence, it was discovered that the pathologist was guilty and Dalbe was released with compensation. Now someone is taking revenge on the people responsible for incarcerating the wrong man: the detectives in the case, the coroner, the judge, the mortician, and the final man on the list, DI Ridpath.
M J Lee has consistently written good police procedurals wth each book in this series. The characters are likeable. Excellent plots and top-notch writing. A bit of suspense with each case, and generally a good plot twist; the ending is a surprise. Hope there are more DI Ridpath books coming in the future.
M J Lee has consistently written good police procedurals wth each book in this series. The characters are likeable. Excellent plots and top-notch writing. A bit of suspense with each case, and generally a good plot twist; the ending is a surprise. Hope there are more DI Ridpath books coming in the future.
September 21, 2020
A great crime story. Well put together and not too obvious to work out . I could not put this one down, loved the suspense and the way the story progressed. Told fom the perspective of Ridpath, a detective inspector who was working at the coroners court , I liked his personal story . What I did miss was a little more about relationships with his collegues. We hear early on that he and Emily do not get on and I assume later in the book that they can work together but I would have liked to know more about this .
I enjoyed the Manchester setting, having lived there for a good few years.
I`ll definitely read more from this author and cannot wait to read the next episode in this series
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I enjoyed the Manchester setting, having lived there for a good few years.
I`ll definitely read more from this author and cannot wait to read the next episode in this series
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
September 23, 2021
Ridpath is looking forward to rejoining MIT although he has regrets about leaving the Coroner's Office, he needs to move forward. He is dragged back into the past though when people involved in one of his old cases start to be murdered.
This has become one of the best crime series out there. The main characters are all well-written and the plot is pacy. There's nothing that feels extraneous or just going through the motions. That ending though! Can't wait for the next one.
TW: some gruesome scenes of death, death of pets.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Canelo, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
This has become one of the best crime series out there. The main characters are all well-written and the plot is pacy. There's nothing that feels extraneous or just going through the motions. That ending though! Can't wait for the next one.
TW: some gruesome scenes of death, death of pets.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Canelo, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
May 30, 2021
OMG what a thrilling read!
Seriously getting sleep deprived reading these books! The pace, plot and twists and turns are fantastic, it's hard not to just 'read one more chapter'.
SCI Ridpath is a great character and such a fresh change from the usual divorced, alcoholic with demons. He is a very relatable character. Story is based just before Covid reared it's head in the UK and there is a brief mention. it will be interesting to see how the next book handles that and the aftermath of this.
Brilliant read!
Seriously getting sleep deprived reading these books! The pace, plot and twists and turns are fantastic, it's hard not to just 'read one more chapter'.
SCI Ridpath is a great character and such a fresh change from the usual divorced, alcoholic with demons. He is a very relatable character. Story is based just before Covid reared it's head in the UK and there is a brief mention. it will be interesting to see how the next book handles that and the aftermath of this.
Brilliant read!
July 28, 2023
As with all of the Ridpath series you can’t put them down once you have started.
As always, I would advise reading the series from the beginning as the back stories will help explain the storyline of this book.
The ending? Well, let’s just say that it leaves you wanting to start the next book immediately.
As always, I would advise reading the series from the beginning as the back stories will help explain the storyline of this book.
The ending? Well, let’s just say that it leaves you wanting to start the next book immediately.
February 9, 2021
Exceptional.
The plot is complicated and intriguing. The characters created in this series are presented in depth and Ridpath is a man you admire and root for. Great British police procedural.
The plot is complicated and intriguing. The characters created in this series are presented in depth and Ridpath is a man you admire and root for. Great British police procedural.
March 10, 2021
Thank you Netgalley. I enjoy the D.I. Ridpath series very much and wait eagerly for each new book. This one was a wonderful read. My only regret , it is over and I have a while to wait for the next one.
May 6, 2021
Great writing
A few weeks ago I'd never heard of this author , now I'm addicted to his writing. So many twists and turns, plenty of clues, can you reach the correct conclusion before Ridpath. Some of the best thriller writing I've read in a long time.
A few weeks ago I'd never heard of this author , now I'm addicted to his writing. So many twists and turns, plenty of clues, can you reach the correct conclusion before Ridpath. Some of the best thriller writing I've read in a long time.
June 16, 2021
This was a really great all-round crime thriller. It wasn't the most exciting I've ever read, but It's well written and the twist was surprising enough. I now want to read the rest of the DI Ridpath series!
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