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DI Ruth Hunter #8
The Menai Bridge Killings
A young couple on the run. A trail of death and destruction. Can DI Ruth Hunter stop Snowdonia's answer to Bonnie and Clyde before another innocent victim is murdered?
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2021
1118 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
April 5, 2022
Let's face it - if you've followed Ruth Hunter to book 8, you're hooked. Another page turner and great fun
March 28, 2021
i really liked this, it was heartbreaking to see Finn and Kat get themselves into such a muddle, and Ruth handling things so sensitively. I wish they would just drop all the nonsense about Sara, it's daft and unrealistic, it's just boring now.
May 26, 2021
After the poor showing on the last outing, I am very pleased to say that the series so far, concludes on a high note.
Welcome back to the world of DI Ruth Hunter, who is still reeling from the death of her partner Sian, in the picturesque North Wales.
Starting strongly, we follow a young man named Finn, who for reasons I will not go in to, is given a new identity and subsequently ends up meeting his new love during his working job.
Enough on that, because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. What I can say is The Menai Bridge Killings is written beautifully and cleverly.
The characters are strong, relatable and draw you in to their lives.
The story is fantastic, the background is fantastic and the side stories are fantastic.
I for one, cannot wait to find out what happens with Ruth and her quest for Sarah, or indeed what other adventures we will embark on.
Bravo Simon McCleave. Five out of Five.
Welcome back to the world of DI Ruth Hunter, who is still reeling from the death of her partner Sian, in the picturesque North Wales.
Starting strongly, we follow a young man named Finn, who for reasons I will not go in to, is given a new identity and subsequently ends up meeting his new love during his working job.
Enough on that, because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. What I can say is The Menai Bridge Killings is written beautifully and cleverly.
The characters are strong, relatable and draw you in to their lives.
The story is fantastic, the background is fantastic and the side stories are fantastic.
I for one, cannot wait to find out what happens with Ruth and her quest for Sarah, or indeed what other adventures we will embark on.
Bravo Simon McCleave. Five out of Five.
April 12, 2021
How long are we going to drag out Sarah???
August 11, 2024
Holy Smokes! This is a great Lead Up! A Very Happy Ending
DI Hunter ANF her team catch a case regarding a stolen bus, A stabbed pedo, stolen money from a job site, and two suspects on the run.
One suspect had just spent 12 years in a juvenile detention center, now released he has just been moved to Hunter's territory. Getting a new job, this young man meets a very vibrant young lady and they hit it off. She too comes from a dysfunctional home, A pervy stepdad, drugs and abuse.
As their romance blossoms, so does their crime spree, starting with the stolen bus, they decide they need to run, run away, start a new, better life. But in order to do that they need money, hence the robbery at their job. They need a car, all stolen, and the need a new location (Ireland).
Can Ruth, Nick and the team stop these two modern day Bonnie and Clyde?
With all of this happening, Ruth also discovers that her lover, who disappeared many years ago, is alive!
DI Hunter ANF her team catch a case regarding a stolen bus, A stabbed pedo, stolen money from a job site, and two suspects on the run.
One suspect had just spent 12 years in a juvenile detention center, now released he has just been moved to Hunter's territory. Getting a new job, this young man meets a very vibrant young lady and they hit it off. She too comes from a dysfunctional home, A pervy stepdad, drugs and abuse.
As their romance blossoms, so does their crime spree, starting with the stolen bus, they decide they need to run, run away, start a new, better life. But in order to do that they need money, hence the robbery at their job. They need a car, all stolen, and the need a new location (Ireland).
Can Ruth, Nick and the team stop these two modern day Bonnie and Clyde?
With all of this happening, Ruth also discovers that her lover, who disappeared many years ago, is alive!
September 1, 2023
Book 8
By now, the reader knows the characters well and what to expect in terms of plot and coverage of North Wales.
Enjoyed it thoroughly. A quick read. The plot isnt difficult to follow and so the ending was quite predictable. Yet it was fun!
By now, the reader knows the characters well and what to expect in terms of plot and coverage of North Wales.
Enjoyed it thoroughly. A quick read. The plot isnt difficult to follow and so the ending was quite predictable. Yet it was fun!
November 16, 2023
Always entertaining
Action packed, totally screwed up, but likable major characters ,what's not to love and keep reading this very entertaining series
Action packed, totally screwed up, but likable major characters ,what's not to love and keep reading this very entertaining series
September 30, 2025
Another twist and turn plot, taking you to different places based around a young couple in love, acting as only the youth can do. Enjoyed the story immensely again, Ruth and Nick make a great team both fighting demons, both living not exactly clean lives, born working in a beautiful area.
February 23, 2025
Another cracker of a story from Simon. Without giving anything away I was surprised where my loyalties lay in this book. I was also surprised but pleased with how it all panned out in the end. The ongoing back story with the search for Sarah takes a new turn. I was going to read something else before the next book but think I will have to go straight into the Menai Bridge Killings!
August 14, 2022
A young couple on the run. A trail of death and destruction. Can DI Ruth Hunter stop Snowdonia's answer to Bonnie and Clyde before another innocent victim is murdered?
This is the 8th book in the DI Ruth Hunter series. It is a definite page-turner. The characters are believable and I had a hard time putting the book down. The plot pace kept me reading until the very end. Sian's death is keeping Ruth and Nick reeling. Ruth's search for Sarah is still going on and the excellent cliffhanger keeps us looking forward. Finn and Kat made for an empathetic Bonnie and Clyde type read. I'm looking forward to the next installment to check out what happens with Nick, Amanda and Georgia. If you love action thrillers then you will love this series. Check it out!
This is the 8th book in the DI Ruth Hunter series. It is a definite page-turner. The characters are believable and I had a hard time putting the book down. The plot pace kept me reading until the very end. Sian's death is keeping Ruth and Nick reeling. Ruth's search for Sarah is still going on and the excellent cliffhanger keeps us looking forward. Finn and Kat made for an empathetic Bonnie and Clyde type read. I'm looking forward to the next installment to check out what happens with Nick, Amanda and Georgia. If you love action thrillers then you will love this series. Check it out!
July 2, 2023
A bad start.
No one believed them.
He was a local copper, coached the young boys football team, pillar of the community.
They were young lads being sexually abused by this pillar of the community. They tried to tell a teacher, parents - but no one wanted to believe them. Called them liars, attention seekers. It had to stop.
The boys decided to take action themselves and burn his house whilst he & his wife were out. That's when the lads life went awry.
On release from young offenders institution, they got new identities in the witness protection programme.
If you mess up, they move you and Finn came to North Wales and a chain reaction began.
He's done it again, another excellent book from Mr. McCleave. Consistently good, well researched, believable and holding the readers interest from the first page.
This series entices you in, whether it starts with a vocation description or a crime, you know there is more, much more to come. He never disappoints, within a few pages you are hooked.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a good detective novel, where the plot and guilty party are not revealed or guessed within the first few chapters.
No one believed them.
He was a local copper, coached the young boys football team, pillar of the community.
They were young lads being sexually abused by this pillar of the community. They tried to tell a teacher, parents - but no one wanted to believe them. Called them liars, attention seekers. It had to stop.
The boys decided to take action themselves and burn his house whilst he & his wife were out. That's when the lads life went awry.
On release from young offenders institution, they got new identities in the witness protection programme.
If you mess up, they move you and Finn came to North Wales and a chain reaction began.
He's done it again, another excellent book from Mr. McCleave. Consistently good, well researched, believable and holding the readers interest from the first page.
This series entices you in, whether it starts with a vocation description or a crime, you know there is more, much more to come. He never disappoints, within a few pages you are hooked.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a good detective novel, where the plot and guilty party are not revealed or guessed within the first few chapters.
June 2, 2024
Strange
I don’t know about this one. Two very odd characters and a throw back to Bonnie and Clyde. I also don’t understand the title. There were no killings on the bridge. Ruth’s search for Sarah continues long past any interest by this reader. I wonder sometimes how the police team can bungle things so badly at times. Yes, yes, they are still great…except for Georgie. These kids are clever and their romp must have been a blast. Throughout the story the gorgeous scenery of north Wales reigns supreme. Ruth’s smoking as well as her coffee drinking and wine guzzling are getting boring, Does she ever eat? All in all it was still an interesting plot and I quite appreciate the author’s gift for dialogue.
I don’t know about this one. Two very odd characters and a throw back to Bonnie and Clyde. I also don’t understand the title. There were no killings on the bridge. Ruth’s search for Sarah continues long past any interest by this reader. I wonder sometimes how the police team can bungle things so badly at times. Yes, yes, they are still great…except for Georgie. These kids are clever and their romp must have been a blast. Throughout the story the gorgeous scenery of north Wales reigns supreme. Ruth’s smoking as well as her coffee drinking and wine guzzling are getting boring, Does she ever eat? All in all it was still an interesting plot and I quite appreciate the author’s gift for dialogue.
March 5, 2021
A crime chase across North Wales. I found myself wanting the young lovers to get away to Ireland,
This despite the police wanting them for murder (?), theft, armed robbery, kidnap etc. I think that the two key N W Police chasers DCI Ruth and DS Nick want them to get away as well. But can they leave Kat's parents believing that their daughter is dead.? Personally I enjoyed the story and the outcome.
As usual Simon McCleave leaves some personal cliff hangers for the next book. What will Ruth do know she has found her missing girlfriend , now a top class escort ? Will Nick resist Georgies' flirtations ?
This despite the police wanting them for murder (?), theft, armed robbery, kidnap etc. I think that the two key N W Police chasers DCI Ruth and DS Nick want them to get away as well. But can they leave Kat's parents believing that their daughter is dead.? Personally I enjoyed the story and the outcome.
As usual Simon McCleave leaves some personal cliff hangers for the next book. What will Ruth do know she has found her missing girlfriend , now a top class escort ? Will Nick resist Georgies' flirtations ?
April 14, 2021
I am hooked on this series. In this last story we finally saw justice beyond the law. While I love the stories that sometimes feature two crimes, a break now and then is a refreshing change and more realistic. But really, Ruth left the big city to go to a small town which seems to have more than enough crime to go around!
I am disappointed Ruth in that she can't get past Sarah and when she finally meets someone, even knowing her obsession with Sarah is preventing a normal relationship, she continues on. Surely after the death of her second partner she can wake up and move on but she seems stuck. I can understand 1-3 years mourning, but 7+???
I am disappointed Ruth in that she can't get past Sarah and when she finally meets someone, even knowing her obsession with Sarah is preventing a normal relationship, she continues on. Surely after the death of her second partner she can wake up and move on but she seems stuck. I can understand 1-3 years mourning, but 7+???
April 18, 2021
Another good read.
Yet another really good read from Simon McCleave. Ruth and Nick are still recovering from the death of their friend and colleague (and Ruth’s partner) Sian, who was killed during a siege. They attend a ‘domestic’ incident between a friend of Nicks and his ex wife and her new partner. After sorting this incident they then come into contact with a young man called Finn, when he steals a bus. However, the file on Finn is classified but why? Things start to go from one extreme to another where Finn is concerned, can Ruth and Nick get to the bottom of what’s going on?
Yet another really good read from Simon McCleave. Ruth and Nick are still recovering from the death of their friend and colleague (and Ruth’s partner) Sian, who was killed during a siege. They attend a ‘domestic’ incident between a friend of Nicks and his ex wife and her new partner. After sorting this incident they then come into contact with a young man called Finn, when he steals a bus. However, the file on Finn is classified but why? Things start to go from one extreme to another where Finn is concerned, can Ruth and Nick get to the bottom of what’s going on?
July 16, 2025
not what I was expecting.
I'm supposed to be reading whodunits, not a modern day bonnie and Clyde.
I wanted to guess wrong about who the bad guy was, but there was no bad guy.
Don't get me wrong, a quick easy read, a nice well written story, just not my cup of tea.
And, to be honest I'm tired of the 'Sarah' stuff, if you've read the prior books you know what I'm talking about. And certainly not thrilled about the new view into Nick's life.
I maybe take a break from the series to get over my frustrations and lower my expectations for the next book.
Sorry, not my cup of tea when I expected a whodunit.
I'm supposed to be reading whodunits, not a modern day bonnie and Clyde.
I wanted to guess wrong about who the bad guy was, but there was no bad guy.
Don't get me wrong, a quick easy read, a nice well written story, just not my cup of tea.
And, to be honest I'm tired of the 'Sarah' stuff, if you've read the prior books you know what I'm talking about. And certainly not thrilled about the new view into Nick's life.
I maybe take a break from the series to get over my frustrations and lower my expectations for the next book.
Sorry, not my cup of tea when I expected a whodunit.
December 28, 2021
An easy read, although compared to the other books in this series, it fell short slightly. The premise of the book was good, two teenagers on the run from North Wales police after an altercation. As the plot developed, some events were a little unbelievable, especially as the book got closer to its conclusion, which was largely reliant on ‘lucky’ incidents. The introduction of new characters may mean trouble for Nick, and the ending sets up the next instalments in terms of finding out what happened to Sarah.
May 17, 2022
I felt that this episode in the Ruth Hunter thrillers wasn’t quite as exciting or enthralling as the previous two, however I did enjoy it and it was interesting to see how the team handled this case, especially at the very end.
As usual we also continued to follow Ruth’s search the find out the truth about her missing partner, Sarah; and we kept up to date with Nick and Amanda.
The ending was a little flat unfortunately, so I am hoping that the next one can revive my interest in the series.
As usual we also continued to follow Ruth’s search the find out the truth about her missing partner, Sarah; and we kept up to date with Nick and Amanda.
The ending was a little flat unfortunately, so I am hoping that the next one can revive my interest in the series.
March 4, 2021
Latest page turner in this brilliant series.
I've really enjoyed reading the continuing investigations of DI Ruth Hunter and DS Nick Evans. This time Simon McCleave has come up with a story where some readers may feel a degree of sympathy for the "baddies". Besides bringing the case to a conclusion Ruth finds time to uncover a development in Ruth's search for her lost lover. This book would also work as a stand alone story. Thank you Simon for another great tale.
I've really enjoyed reading the continuing investigations of DI Ruth Hunter and DS Nick Evans. This time Simon McCleave has come up with a story where some readers may feel a degree of sympathy for the "baddies". Besides bringing the case to a conclusion Ruth finds time to uncover a development in Ruth's search for her lost lover. This book would also work as a stand alone story. Thank you Simon for another great tale.
March 9, 2021
The Menai Bridge Killings by Simon McLeave
Another brilliant story from Simon, they get better and better, full of surprises and twists, very cleverly written. The characters have their own problems to sort out as well as the case they are working as police officers. Read this book and you will be booked to the series and be able to read the two freebies. Simon will soon become one of your favourite authors, I already have book 9 on order.
Another brilliant story from Simon, they get better and better, full of surprises and twists, very cleverly written. The characters have their own problems to sort out as well as the case they are working as police officers. Read this book and you will be booked to the series and be able to read the two freebies. Simon will soon become one of your favourite authors, I already have book 9 on order.
April 13, 2021
The story is good about the two young people who have run away from terrible situations and are now running from the police because they are armed and dangerous and keep robbing people. Ruth is sympathetic and toward the end seems not to give a toss what happens to them. She is so wrapped up in trying to find her past lover - and it feels like an awkward addendum to every story - she is distracted.
April 30, 2023
Can't get enough of this series!
I've read books 6,7 and 8 in rapid succession. I didn't take the time to review 6 and 7 because I was too anxious to get started on the next. I think 6 and 8 have been my all time favorites of the Ruth Hunter series. So much action I can't put them down. Book 7 was great as well but very emotional with the loss of a reoccurring character. No spoilers here, you just need to give it a read. I love Simon McCleave's writing style.
I've read books 6,7 and 8 in rapid succession. I didn't take the time to review 6 and 7 because I was too anxious to get started on the next. I think 6 and 8 have been my all time favorites of the Ruth Hunter series. So much action I can't put them down. Book 7 was great as well but very emotional with the loss of a reoccurring character. No spoilers here, you just need to give it a read. I love Simon McCleave's writing style.
July 15, 2023
Ruth is once again in charge of an investigation that deals with murder. This time a husband and step father. He was stabbed to death. Who is responsible for this? Why did it happen?
Intertwined with the murder is Ruth's continued search for Sarah. Yes, she still can not let go of her.
Nick is dealing with his wife being very tired all the time taking care of their little girl. He finds himself attracted to a new member of the team.
Intertwined with the murder is Ruth's continued search for Sarah. Yes, she still can not let go of her.
Nick is dealing with his wife being very tired all the time taking care of their little girl. He finds himself attracted to a new member of the team.
May 31, 2025
Another great instalment from the Ruth Hunter series, I've even met the author now and it was so interesting to hear how he writes, what inspires him etc. I love the characters in this book, but I also want to read the other books Simon McCleave has written, but I am going to have to finish the Ruth Hunter books first, but with the speed by which he writes, it might take me some time to get to the others !!!
March 4, 2021
A must read!
Having read the Ruth Hunter series from book one, I was already eager for the next instalment, but THIS was something else. Read it in 24 hours! Pacey, thrilling, exhilarating, exciting..... could NOT put it down. Left on a mouthwateringly tempting cliff hanger too.... have already pre ordered the next in the series.... cannot wait!
Having read the Ruth Hunter series from book one, I was already eager for the next instalment, but THIS was something else. Read it in 24 hours! Pacey, thrilling, exhilarating, exciting..... could NOT put it down. Left on a mouthwateringly tempting cliff hanger too.... have already pre ordered the next in the series.... cannot wait!
March 6, 2021
A slow start but a love story that ends happily.
A young offenders under protection runs off with a sexually abused girl and commits manslaughter and other crimes. Hunter and Easter track down the pair but fail to apprehend them. Meanwhile the search to Sarah continues and results in a contact. What happens next??
A young offenders under protection runs off with a sexually abused girl and commits manslaughter and other crimes. Hunter and Easter track down the pair but fail to apprehend them. Meanwhile the search to Sarah continues and results in a contact. What happens next??
March 21, 2021
Another great story
Another great story by Simon in the Snowdonia Murder Mystery series.Well written with a great story line featuring all the usual characters. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series but I've got an awful feeling that Georgia is going to cause problems.
Another great story by Simon in the Snowdonia Murder Mystery series.Well written with a great story line featuring all the usual characters. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series but I've got an awful feeling that Georgia is going to cause problems.
April 14, 2021
Easily the worst of the lot. A thin storyline. The two protagonists hardly deserve our concern. An implausible escape (How does Finn know about the Range Rover's operation? His forte was older models). Ruth finally finds Sarah. Do we care for either party? Nick's ongoing soap opera. I read the book in one sitting. Not a good use of my time.
April 25, 2021
Only discovered these books early this year and i love them. Part of the attraction is they are set around North Wales and we spent a lot of time there in the seventies on holiday. The books are very well written and it's interesting to see how the characters develop. I can honestly say I've enjoyed every book I've read by the author. Give him a try.
May 2, 2021
Great story
Mr. McCleave paints beautiful landscapes, and very believable characters. The books are certainly 'stand alone' but reading the stories in order creates a feeling of relationship with Ruth and Nick. They have both been through tragic events that color their lives. You won't want to miss this series!
Mr. McCleave paints beautiful landscapes, and very believable characters. The books are certainly 'stand alone' but reading the stories in order creates a feeling of relationship with Ruth and Nick. They have both been through tragic events that color their lives. You won't want to miss this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews