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Michael Brady #2
The River Runs Deep
Good people do bad things
Bad people do good things
Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference…
Gina’s body has floated down the River Esk. She was a farmer’s wife. And it looks like an accident.
But Michael Brady has his doubts.
Brady’s back in the police – and he needs to prove himself.
Is it murder? Or does Brady need it to be murder?
It’s a year since his wife died. He’s feeling lonely. And he’s still trying to balance being a single dad and being a Detective Chief Inspector.
“Would this be a good place to kill her?”
The pathologist put his reading glasses on. Looked at Brady’s phone. “Looks perfect. Looks better than perfect. If I had to drown someone that’d be as good a place as any. No paths near it?”
“None that I could see.”
“So he’s met her there. Something’s happened. He’s dragged her down to the edge...”
Brady’s convinced the answer lies in Gina’s past. But his boss is doing everything he can to stop Brady discovering what that past was.
Then DS Frankie Thomson uncovers the truth. And suddenly there’s not one person who might have wanted to kill Gina. There’s a hundred and one…
Brady stood up and walked over to the window. Tried to process what Frankie had told him. Tried to work out the implications. He turned round. Frankie was bending forward, reaching for her laptop. “You need to prove this to me,” he said. “And you need to do it now. Because there’s no way I’m going to sleep. Not knowing I’ve wasted two weeks. And that Kershaw has known all the time. And that…”
“That someone has to tell Ian Foster.”
“What did I say in the car? His life was unravelling. This is going to tear it apart.”
The River Runs Deep is the second book in the Michael Brady series, the follow-up to Salt in the Wounds.
“I’ve not enjoyed a book as much in years. I cannot recommend it highly enough. A real 5* page turner.”
“I spent the weekend with Michael Brady. I have absolutely no regrets.”
“I got to halfway in no time and then couldn’t put it down, finished it in one sitting. Can’t wait for Brady 2. This book brought back my love of reading.”
Bad people do good things
Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference…
Gina’s body has floated down the River Esk. She was a farmer’s wife. And it looks like an accident.
But Michael Brady has his doubts.
Brady’s back in the police – and he needs to prove himself.
Is it murder? Or does Brady need it to be murder?
It’s a year since his wife died. He’s feeling lonely. And he’s still trying to balance being a single dad and being a Detective Chief Inspector.
“Would this be a good place to kill her?”
The pathologist put his reading glasses on. Looked at Brady’s phone. “Looks perfect. Looks better than perfect. If I had to drown someone that’d be as good a place as any. No paths near it?”
“None that I could see.”
“So he’s met her there. Something’s happened. He’s dragged her down to the edge...”
Brady’s convinced the answer lies in Gina’s past. But his boss is doing everything he can to stop Brady discovering what that past was.
Then DS Frankie Thomson uncovers the truth. And suddenly there’s not one person who might have wanted to kill Gina. There’s a hundred and one…
Brady stood up and walked over to the window. Tried to process what Frankie had told him. Tried to work out the implications. He turned round. Frankie was bending forward, reaching for her laptop. “You need to prove this to me,” he said. “And you need to do it now. Because there’s no way I’m going to sleep. Not knowing I’ve wasted two weeks. And that Kershaw has known all the time. And that…”
“That someone has to tell Ian Foster.”
“What did I say in the car? His life was unravelling. This is going to tear it apart.”
The River Runs Deep is the second book in the Michael Brady series, the follow-up to Salt in the Wounds.
“I’ve not enjoyed a book as much in years. I cannot recommend it highly enough. A real 5* page turner.”
“I spent the weekend with Michael Brady. I have absolutely no regrets.”
“I got to halfway in no time and then couldn’t put it down, finished it in one sitting. Can’t wait for Brady 2. This book brought back my love of reading.”
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2021
107 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 13, 2023
"The River Runs Deep" is Book #2
in Mark Richards' "Michael Brady" series.
It is also a standalone read.
This well-paced, solid police procedural begins with the discovery of a farmer's wife floating down the River Esk.
Was the death a suicide, an accident, or murder?
The author's characterizations were strong with plot twists that were compelling and unpredictable.
I was awed by the well-orchestrated police investigative work.
I listened to the audiobook expertly narrated by Luke Francis.
Right now, I am gearing up for Book #3, which I hope is in the works.
in Mark Richards' "Michael Brady" series.
It is also a standalone read.
This well-paced, solid police procedural begins with the discovery of a farmer's wife floating down the River Esk.
Was the death a suicide, an accident, or murder?
The author's characterizations were strong with plot twists that were compelling and unpredictable.
I was awed by the well-orchestrated police investigative work.
I listened to the audiobook expertly narrated by Luke Francis.
Right now, I am gearing up for Book #3, which I hope is in the works.
June 7, 2022
A fantastic follow on from book one Salt in the Wounds. A woman has been found floating in the river and it turns out she is the wife of the local farmer. Brady is set on finding what happened to the woman and whether this was an accident or murder.
Who is the woman and what is her background?
Maria is the woman’s daughter but who is her father?
Why has Maria been kept in the dark about her background ?
A great story following DI Michael Brady and his sidekick Frankie Thomson. Brady travels across farmland to uncover the truth behind the woman.
I absolutely love the way this author captures the individual characters and their relationships. It’s one series I feel an emotional attachment to the characters. In books one and two I felt the characters were written from the soul.
Highly recommended and a big 5 stars from me
Who is the woman and what is her background?
Maria is the woman’s daughter but who is her father?
Why has Maria been kept in the dark about her background ?
A great story following DI Michael Brady and his sidekick Frankie Thomson. Brady travels across farmland to uncover the truth behind the woman.
I absolutely love the way this author captures the individual characters and their relationships. It’s one series I feel an emotional attachment to the characters. In books one and two I felt the characters were written from the soul.
Highly recommended and a big 5 stars from me
February 28, 2022
Gina Foster's body is discovered floating down the Rjver Esk. Is it an accident or murder. But why would any one want to kill a farmer's wife. Can DCI Michael Brady and DS Frankie Thomson discover the truth.
An interesting and well-written mystery
An interesting and well-written mystery
December 4, 2024
Great second book good build of all the characters i like the family element. Glad Michael goes back to being a detective the move works. Good storyline interesting twists
Read
July 29, 2024Despite the fact that the theme of the plot was gruesome, this was a great audiobook! I really like the main characters and was already invested in them since I already enjoyed the first book in the series. The twists and turns interesting were not predictable.
Want to read
February 24, 2022Good people do bad things
Bad people do good things
Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference…
Gina’s body has floated down the River Esk. She was a farmer’s wife. And it looks like an accident.
But Michael Brady has his doubts.
Brady’s back in the police – and he needs to prove himself.
Is it murder? Or does Brady need it to be murder?
It’s a year since his wife died. He’s feeling lonely. And he’s still trying to balance being a single dad and being a Detective Chief Inspector.
“Would this be a good place to kill her?”
The pathologist put his reading glasses on. Looked at Brady’s phone. “Looks perfect. Looks better than perfect. If I had to drown someone that’d be as good a place as any. No paths near it?”
“None that I could see.”
“So he’s met her there. Something’s happened. He’s dragged her down to the edge...”
Brady’s convinced the answer lies in Gina’s past. But his boss is doing everything he can to stop Brady discovering what that past was.
Then DS Frankie Thomson uncovers the truth. And suddenly there’s not one person who might have wanted to kill Gina. There’s a hundred and one…
Brady stood up and walked over to the window. Tried to process what Frankie had told him. Tried to work out the implications. He turned round. Frankie was bending forward, reaching for her laptop. “You need to prove this to me,” he said. “And you need to do it now. Because there’s no way I’m going to sleep. Not knowing I’ve wasted two weeks. And that Kershaw has known all the time. And that…”
“That someone has to tell Ian Foster.”
“What did I say in the car? His life was unravelling. This is going to tear it apart.”
The River Runs Deep is the second book in the Michael Brady series, the follow-up to Salt in the Wounds.
“I’ve not enjoyed a book as much in years. I cannot recommend it highly enough. A real 5* page turner.”
“I spent the weekend with Michael Brady. I have absolutely no regrets.”
“I got to halfway in no time and then couldn’t put it down, finished it in one sitting. Can’t wait for Brady 2. This book brought back my love of reading.”
Bad people do good things
Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference…
Gina’s body has floated down the River Esk. She was a farmer’s wife. And it looks like an accident.
But Michael Brady has his doubts.
Brady’s back in the police – and he needs to prove himself.
Is it murder? Or does Brady need it to be murder?
It’s a year since his wife died. He’s feeling lonely. And he’s still trying to balance being a single dad and being a Detective Chief Inspector.
“Would this be a good place to kill her?”
The pathologist put his reading glasses on. Looked at Brady’s phone. “Looks perfect. Looks better than perfect. If I had to drown someone that’d be as good a place as any. No paths near it?”
“None that I could see.”
“So he’s met her there. Something’s happened. He’s dragged her down to the edge...”
Brady’s convinced the answer lies in Gina’s past. But his boss is doing everything he can to stop Brady discovering what that past was.
Then DS Frankie Thomson uncovers the truth. And suddenly there’s not one person who might have wanted to kill Gina. There’s a hundred and one…
Brady stood up and walked over to the window. Tried to process what Frankie had told him. Tried to work out the implications. He turned round. Frankie was bending forward, reaching for her laptop. “You need to prove this to me,” he said. “And you need to do it now. Because there’s no way I’m going to sleep. Not knowing I’ve wasted two weeks. And that Kershaw has known all the time. And that…”
“That someone has to tell Ian Foster.”
“What did I say in the car? His life was unravelling. This is going to tear it apart.”
The River Runs Deep is the second book in the Michael Brady series, the follow-up to Salt in the Wounds.
“I’ve not enjoyed a book as much in years. I cannot recommend it highly enough. A real 5* page turner.”
“I spent the weekend with Michael Brady. I have absolutely no regrets.”
“I got to halfway in no time and then couldn’t put it down, finished it in one sitting. Can’t wait for Brady 2. This book brought back my love of reading.”
February 26, 2022
A superb read!
I enjoyed DCI Brady Book 1 and the first novella about his early career so naturally I wanted to read Book 2. What I hadn’t counted on was how much I would love it. The plot is excellent and the twists & turns kept me guessing. I was surprised when the reveal came which was refreshing as too many times you can guess who the dectectives should be arresting too easily!
The character development from the first book is great and I am looking forward to seeing where Mark takes them in subsequent novels.
I think you can always tell a series you will become invested in when you want to know more about characters and start to feel like you are ‘getting to know them’ like friends. At least that’s how it is for me.
I definitely am becoming attached to the main characters and feel their losses and gains as keenly as I would those of my own friends’ and family.
This book also brought a lump to my throat at the end, only powerful writing can draw such a range of emotions.
Finally, I loved coming across the section where the title of the book obviously stems from. Cannot say too much obviously without any spoilers.
My only criticism of this book was that once I started reading it was just too hard to put down. So therefore I finished it much too quickly! Looking forward to Book 3.
I enjoyed DCI Brady Book 1 and the first novella about his early career so naturally I wanted to read Book 2. What I hadn’t counted on was how much I would love it. The plot is excellent and the twists & turns kept me guessing. I was surprised when the reveal came which was refreshing as too many times you can guess who the dectectives should be arresting too easily!
The character development from the first book is great and I am looking forward to seeing where Mark takes them in subsequent novels.
I think you can always tell a series you will become invested in when you want to know more about characters and start to feel like you are ‘getting to know them’ like friends. At least that’s how it is for me.
I definitely am becoming attached to the main characters and feel their losses and gains as keenly as I would those of my own friends’ and family.
This book also brought a lump to my throat at the end, only powerful writing can draw such a range of emotions.
Finally, I loved coming across the section where the title of the book obviously stems from. Cannot say too much obviously without any spoilers.
My only criticism of this book was that once I started reading it was just too hard to put down. So therefore I finished it much too quickly! Looking forward to Book 3.
June 10, 2022
This book picks up from a case featured in book 1.
It begins with a woman's body found floating face down in the river Esk.
As Brady and Frankie investigate, Brady feels there's something he's missing.
Dan Keillor is a new addition to the team this time, and I liked him immediately and grew to like him more as the book progressed.
When it's revealed the dead woman isn't who she said she is for the previous ten years, Brady knows things have become a lot more complicated and career defining.
For a town in Yorkshire Whitby seems to have its share of crime!
There are a couple of elements that make Richards books stand out. First the short, no nonsense storytelling, enough description to feel like you're standing there beside the characters, feeling the wind whipping your hair, and taste the salt on your lips. This is contrasted with action being moved on quickly, no wasted storytelling to get from one point to the next.
The best thing that makes them stand out is the characters. They are developing more as each book progresses, and along with their police careers, each character has a life and issues outside of it.
I can't wait to get stuck into book 3, which I am going to do immediately.
I will end my review by saying the end of this book brought a tear to my eye, no mean feat these days.
It begins with a woman's body found floating face down in the river Esk.
As Brady and Frankie investigate, Brady feels there's something he's missing.
Dan Keillor is a new addition to the team this time, and I liked him immediately and grew to like him more as the book progressed.
When it's revealed the dead woman isn't who she said she is for the previous ten years, Brady knows things have become a lot more complicated and career defining.
For a town in Yorkshire Whitby seems to have its share of crime!
There are a couple of elements that make Richards books stand out. First the short, no nonsense storytelling, enough description to feel like you're standing there beside the characters, feeling the wind whipping your hair, and taste the salt on your lips. This is contrasted with action being moved on quickly, no wasted storytelling to get from one point to the next.
The best thing that makes them stand out is the characters. They are developing more as each book progresses, and along with their police careers, each character has a life and issues outside of it.
I can't wait to get stuck into book 3, which I am going to do immediately.
I will end my review by saying the end of this book brought a tear to my eye, no mean feat these days.
April 8, 2022
This is book 2 in the series and I found it even better than the first. I absolutely loved it.
Brady and Frankie are not convinced the drowning of a woman in the Esk river is a suicide and senior management are keen to close it off as such. The story starts with the discovery of the body so you are invested in it right from the off. From there, I found I couldn't put it down and had to keep reading. When it becomes clear that there are links to an old crime, I definitely didn't want to stop as I was totally hooked.
What Mark does so well in these books is the development of the characters. I absolutely love Brady, Frankie, Ash and the people around them. I have become totally invested in them and feel like they are friends and neighbours and so care about what they do and what happens to them. Also the scenery of Whitby is evoked very well and I really want to visit there sometime.
I highly recommend this series and will read the third book as soon as possible.
Brady and Frankie are not convinced the drowning of a woman in the Esk river is a suicide and senior management are keen to close it off as such. The story starts with the discovery of the body so you are invested in it right from the off. From there, I found I couldn't put it down and had to keep reading. When it becomes clear that there are links to an old crime, I definitely didn't want to stop as I was totally hooked.
What Mark does so well in these books is the development of the characters. I absolutely love Brady, Frankie, Ash and the people around them. I have become totally invested in them and feel like they are friends and neighbours and so care about what they do and what happens to them. Also the scenery of Whitby is evoked very well and I really want to visit there sometime.
I highly recommend this series and will read the third book as soon as possible.
November 1, 2025
The River Runs Deep is the second in the Michael Brady series. It ticks all my boxes for a strong police procedural. This is a dark, well thought out story. Brady is called out when the body of a farmer’s wife is found floating in the river. The ME is not comfortable ruling her death accidental but there’s no concrete evidence it was murder. Brady, much against his boss’s wishes, continues to investigate. When DS Frankie Thompson finds out the truth about her background, things get even more complicated.
The book moves at a nice steady pace with concrete investigative work. Richards did a good job of handling a difficult subject matter. There’s good character development of both the team members and suspects. Richards does an excellent job of providing a well thought out ending that felt realistic and empathetic.
It would easily work as a stand-alone.
I listened to this and appreciated Luke Francis’ narration.
Trigger warning for pedophilia
The book moves at a nice steady pace with concrete investigative work. Richards did a good job of handling a difficult subject matter. There’s good character development of both the team members and suspects. Richards does an excellent job of providing a well thought out ending that felt realistic and empathetic.
It would easily work as a stand-alone.
I listened to this and appreciated Luke Francis’ narration.
Trigger warning for pedophilia
June 29, 2021
The Second in the Series Doesn’t Disappoint
I loved the first book in this series and wrote a review, something I rarely do. I was almost afraid to read the second in the series because I didn’t want it to be a letdown, as many often are. I shouldn’t have worried! It is wonderful—a good mystery, yes, full of potential suspects who turn out to be completely innocent (at least of this murder), but more importantly, a book full of characters I can care about and enjoy getting to know better. I don’t want to spoil anything so I will just say I greatly appreciated two things that happened at the end (and one that didn’t happen a little earlier). Intelligent writing, complex and interesting characters, and a good mystery! Bring on Number 3!
I loved the first book in this series and wrote a review, something I rarely do. I was almost afraid to read the second in the series because I didn’t want it to be a letdown, as many often are. I shouldn’t have worried! It is wonderful—a good mystery, yes, full of potential suspects who turn out to be completely innocent (at least of this murder), but more importantly, a book full of characters I can care about and enjoy getting to know better. I don’t want to spoil anything so I will just say I greatly appreciated two things that happened at the end (and one that didn’t happen a little earlier). Intelligent writing, complex and interesting characters, and a good mystery! Bring on Number 3!
February 16, 2022
Once you start this book you will have a problem putting it down. Such a great story, and although it is stand alone I strongly recommend reading the first book (Salt in the Wounds) before this one as there are a lot of references to the first book and the history of DCI Brady. I also really enjoyed reading Brady's thoughts as he worked through the many possible suspects. There is enough of the private lives of the detectives to make them interesting but not so much that it detracts from the main plot. I cannot wait to get stuck into the next book.
February 27, 2022
The River Runs Deep is book 2 in the DCI Michael Brady series by Mark Richards. What an amazing read. Michael, Ash and Frankie have got under my skin and I love them and can’t wait to see where the stories take them. This was a very complex storyline and the team were unsure which way to go initially but after a few runs up dry gullies, and ‘shaking hands with the devil’ things started to become a bit clearer. I even shed a few tears towards the end. The subject matter really pulled the heartstrings. Look forward to the next book.
December 26, 2021
This was my second book written by Mark, and will not be the last. I've already ordered the next one and follow him through his website. Tests me, I very, very seldom get this involved with an author or series but these characters he has created have grabbed me from the start. Michel Brady and company are three dimensional, engaging and uplifting. This is mystery writing at its best. I cannot recommend the Michael Brady series more highly.
January 4, 2023
Good people do bad things - they certainly do and with this second book in the Mike Brady series, i am becoming more and more addicted. Love the characters, love the glimpses inot the brady family back story, love the authenticity of Brady's reactions and above all I love the setting. There's something very appealing about a dark thriller in an area you are familiar with. This is the second in the series and it doesn't disappoint - not one bit. Highly recommended and on to Book 3
February 25, 2022
This is the second in the series, and if you know the area, these stories leap into life. You need to have read the first as it's referenced occasionally. A woman's body is found in the river and, in an excellent story, much is uncovered. The characters are credible and appealing, and the plots clever, I loved this.
March 25, 2022
PHENOMENAL, ENGROSSING READ
THE RIVER RUNS DEEP Is another breathtaking, riveting story from Mark Richards. Mind-bending, harrowing mystery, spine-tingling, thrilling, suspense filled race against time into a dynamite conclusion you won't see coming.
THE RIVER RUNS DEEP IS A ONE SITTING SENSATIONAL MUST READ
THE RIVER RUNS DEEP Is another breathtaking, riveting story from Mark Richards. Mind-bending, harrowing mystery, spine-tingling, thrilling, suspense filled race against time into a dynamite conclusion you won't see coming.
THE RIVER RUNS DEEP IS A ONE SITTING SENSATIONAL MUST READ
September 1, 2022
2nd in the series and just gets better.
DCI Michael Brady is on the case of a woman found floating in the river, his boss thinks its suicide and wants him to close the case but Brady has different ideas and goes against his boss.
Love the development of the main characters and can't wait to read the next one.
DCI Michael Brady is on the case of a woman found floating in the river, his boss thinks its suicide and wants him to close the case but Brady has different ideas and goes against his boss.
Love the development of the main characters and can't wait to read the next one.
November 25, 2022
Another great story
I’m glad Mark got rid of his stripy ties and took the plunge to be a writer. I have very much enjoyed his first two books and look forward to reading the next one. His characters are refreshingly human and I like being in their company. This genre can so easily become cliche’d and he has avoided that.
I’m glad Mark got rid of his stripy ties and took the plunge to be a writer. I have very much enjoyed his first two books and look forward to reading the next one. His characters are refreshingly human and I like being in their company. This genre can so easily become cliche’d and he has avoided that.
January 27, 2023
Note to self: Read more by this author.
Excellent! Thoroughly enjoyed the book and the characters are becoming ‘friends’ - well most are. Good story, well paced and believable to someone from my professional background. This author has a real talen and is one to watch out for….. Which is what I am about to do I.e. chase up any other books he has written. Mr Richards, you have made a firm fan.
Excellent! Thoroughly enjoyed the book and the characters are becoming ‘friends’ - well most are. Good story, well paced and believable to someone from my professional background. This author has a real talen and is one to watch out for….. Which is what I am about to do I.e. chase up any other books he has written. Mr Richards, you have made a firm fan.
February 15, 2024
This is the second book in the Brady series that I've read. I've come to the general consensus that these stories are meant be on the slow side. I kind of guessed early on who the murderer was and while that didn't take anything away from the story it did drag in from that point until the end. I like Brady, I just wish the stories were a bit more captivating.
March 6, 2021
The River Runs Deep
New author for me and I must say very pleased that I came accrosx Mark Richards.Really enjoyed the storyline ad the characters are very good.My interest was held throughout and I very much look forward to more of the same.
New author for me and I must say very pleased that I came accrosx Mark Richards.Really enjoyed the storyline ad the characters are very good.My interest was held throughout and I very much look forward to more of the same.
March 9, 2021
Man is a Bloodhound
First of all well written and edited. Love the characters. Read both books and can commiserate with Dan. True to his calling you will love him as he persues what he knows to be the truth.
First of all well written and edited. Love the characters. Read both books and can commiserate with Dan. True to his calling you will love him as he persues what he knows to be the truth.
May 7, 2021
Excellent detective novel
Really enjoyed both this and the first book , excellent story lines and likeable characters looking forward to the next books in this series , certainly a good read for any fans of detective books
Really enjoyed both this and the first book , excellent story lines and likeable characters looking forward to the next books in this series , certainly a good read for any fans of detective books
May 28, 2021
Cracking good read
Wow this book has so many twists, it's brilliant, the characters are really well written the story takes you in so many different ways,I really enjoyed this book, can't wait for the next one.
Wow this book has so many twists, it's brilliant, the characters are really well written the story takes you in so many different ways,I really enjoyed this book, can't wait for the next one.
June 14, 2021
Growing on me more and more
Michael Brady is one of the good guys!..nothing is going to stand in his way as he strives to find the truth. He chooses his battles and surrounds himself with a great team!. Will definitely follow him if he gets his Twitter account!
Michael Brady is one of the good guys!..nothing is going to stand in his way as he strives to find the truth. He chooses his battles and surrounds himself with a great team!. Will definitely follow him if he gets his Twitter account!
September 30, 2021
Wow Mark as done it again wrote another brilliant book which i could not put it down until i had finished reading. I thoughly enjoyed reading this book. I would definitely recommend to other avid readers like me.
October 7, 2021
The the river runs deep
The second Michael Brady book is better if that's possible than the first. Outstanding writing and believable characters. Description of Whitby and surrounding areas absolutely spot on . Ready to read the next one.
The second Michael Brady book is better if that's possible than the first. Outstanding writing and believable characters. Description of Whitby and surrounding areas absolutely spot on . Ready to read the next one.
January 14, 2022
Another really good book from Mark Richards. I liked the story but I found the subject matter quite heavy going and the character who was killed hard to feel for after what she had done in her past. I’m looking forward to reading number 3 now.
February 24, 2022
ebook
He’s a policeman and there’s a murder/suicide to be solved. His boss wants it labeled as a suicide but why? He decides to in investigate against orders. There are many twists and turns but he perseveres.
He’s a policeman and there’s a murder/suicide to be solved. His boss wants it labeled as a suicide but why? He decides to in investigate against orders. There are many twists and turns but he perseveres.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews