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DI Winter Meadows #1
The Silent Quarry
The Silent Quarry is the first in the DI Winter Meadows series by Cheryl Rees-Price.
In 1987 a quiet Welsh village was devastated by a brutal attack on two schoolgirls, Bethan Hopkins and Gwen Collier. Only Gwen survived, with horrific injuries and no memory of the attack. The killer was never caught.
Now, nearly thirty years later, Gwen has gone missing and DI Winter Meadows is assigned to the case. Charismatic and intuitive, he has an uncanny gift for finding the truth. But in this small and close-knit community, the past is never far away, and those who have secrets will go to any lengths to keep them. Tensions run high as old feelings and accusations are stirred. And DI Meadows has to battle his own demons as he uncovers a truth he wished had stayed in the past …
In 1987 a quiet Welsh village was devastated by a brutal attack on two schoolgirls, Bethan Hopkins and Gwen Collier. Only Gwen survived, with horrific injuries and no memory of the attack. The killer was never caught.
Now, nearly thirty years later, Gwen has gone missing and DI Winter Meadows is assigned to the case. Charismatic and intuitive, he has an uncanny gift for finding the truth. But in this small and close-knit community, the past is never far away, and those who have secrets will go to any lengths to keep them. Tensions run high as old feelings and accusations are stirred. And DI Meadows has to battle his own demons as he uncovers a truth he wished had stayed in the past …
Audible Audio
First published June 14, 2014
About the author
Cheryl Rees-Price
21 books136 followersCheryl Rees-Price was born in Cardiff and moved as a Young child to a small ex-mining village on the edge of the Black Mountains, South Wales, where she still lives with her husband, daughters and two cats. After leaving school she worked as a legal clerk for several years before leaving to raise her two daughters.
Cheryl returned to education, studying philosophy, sociology and accountancy whilst working as a part time book keeper. She now works as a finance director for a company that delivers project management and accounting services.
In her spare time Cheryl indulges in her passion for writing, the success of writing plays for local performances gave her the confidence to write her first novel. Her other hobbies include walking and gardening which free her mind to develop plots and create colourful characters.
Cheryl returned to education, studying philosophy, sociology and accountancy whilst working as a part time book keeper. She now works as a finance director for a company that delivers project management and accounting services.
In her spare time Cheryl indulges in her passion for writing, the success of writing plays for local performances gave her the confidence to write her first novel. Her other hobbies include walking and gardening which free her mind to develop plots and create colourful characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
March 19, 2021
Excellent
Wow what a story, absolutely loved this from the first to the last page. Moves along at a good pace. No wasted words. Love the characters of Winter Meadows and Tristran Edris, want more of them. If I had to find one thing to criticise, it would have been helpful to have the memories of 1987 in italics or something. It got a little bit confusing at times as it jumped back to 1987 and forward to 2015 with no warning, but I got used to it quickly. I am definitely adding book 2, onto my wanted list. I really hope there are more to follow.
Wow what a story, absolutely loved this from the first to the last page. Moves along at a good pace. No wasted words. Love the characters of Winter Meadows and Tristran Edris, want more of them. If I had to find one thing to criticise, it would have been helpful to have the memories of 1987 in italics or something. It got a little bit confusing at times as it jumped back to 1987 and forward to 2015 with no warning, but I got used to it quickly. I am definitely adding book 2, onto my wanted list. I really hope there are more to follow.
May 22, 2023
I am giving The Silent Quarry four stars although a nicer guy might give it five. It was very good reading and the primary barrier to a five-star rating was it drifting just a bit too far from reality on an occasion or two.....or three.
Thirty years ago, when they were barely teenagers, Gwen Collier and Bethan Hopkins were viciously attacked with Bethan being killed and Gwen being stripped of her memory of the incident. Their quiet little Welsh village had never experienced anything similar and was badly shaken. The killer was never found. Might he, presumably 'he', still be around and be concerned that Gwen might regain her memory of the awful incident?
Then, all these years later, Gwen goes missing after having gone to the same area in which the attack took place - a location that she had carefully avoided. DI Winter Meadows (sounds a little like a place for livestock in cold weather) is assigned to the case. He, in fact, went to school with Gwen and Bethan during the time of the attack and was regarded as a bit peculiar by the rugby-playing boys who more or less, ruled the class. Now, Gwen is married to one of the former rugby players and he seems to be a very unlikeable fellow - might he have ulterior motives for staying close to Gwen since their high school days?
Cheryl Rees-Price has created a quite unique and very engaging plot. She has populated this tale with interesting, well-developed (in most cases) characters. She may have made one or two of the characters a bit too extreme as to stretch the bounds of believability. But I guess that's what writers do - try to get as close to the edge as possible without losing credibility. In addition, her prose is straightforward and quite pleasing to read. I was sufficiently pleased with her end result that I will read at least one more of her books so I can decide whether to add her to my list of favored authors. Won't she be thrilled!!!
I am comfortable recommending this book to those who enjoy a twisty-turvy mystery with some of the small flaws typical of an author's first effort.
Finito
Thirty years ago, when they were barely teenagers, Gwen Collier and Bethan Hopkins were viciously attacked with Bethan being killed and Gwen being stripped of her memory of the incident. Their quiet little Welsh village had never experienced anything similar and was badly shaken. The killer was never found. Might he, presumably 'he', still be around and be concerned that Gwen might regain her memory of the awful incident?
Then, all these years later, Gwen goes missing after having gone to the same area in which the attack took place - a location that she had carefully avoided. DI Winter Meadows (sounds a little like a place for livestock in cold weather) is assigned to the case. He, in fact, went to school with Gwen and Bethan during the time of the attack and was regarded as a bit peculiar by the rugby-playing boys who more or less, ruled the class. Now, Gwen is married to one of the former rugby players and he seems to be a very unlikeable fellow - might he have ulterior motives for staying close to Gwen since their high school days?
Cheryl Rees-Price has created a quite unique and very engaging plot. She has populated this tale with interesting, well-developed (in most cases) characters. She may have made one or two of the characters a bit too extreme as to stretch the bounds of believability. But I guess that's what writers do - try to get as close to the edge as possible without losing credibility. In addition, her prose is straightforward and quite pleasing to read. I was sufficiently pleased with her end result that I will read at least one more of her books so I can decide whether to add her to my list of favored authors. Won't she be thrilled!!!
I am comfortable recommending this book to those who enjoy a twisty-turvy mystery with some of the small flaws typical of an author's first effort.
Finito
May 29, 2023
I became aware of “The Silent Quarry” by Cheryl Rees-Price through the review of my Goodreads friend Barry. If Barry rates a mystery, police procedural or thriller highly, chances are high I’m also going to enjoy it.
I was intrigued by the novel's premise of a woman, Gwen Thomas, who survived a brutal attack as a teenager that killed her friend, but lost her memory of the event. When she starts to remember what happened, she becomes a target again. Tempted by Barry and having been looking for the next good read, I basically pounced upon it and finished it in a few hours as it’s a bit on the short side of novels.
I immediately related to DI Winter Meadows, a perceptive but reclusive detective (my wife calls me a hermit…), who tries to find the identity of the attacker before it’s too late. Beyond Meadows’ professional interest he’s further motivated by his teenage-crush on Gwen and the mutual metaphorical sparks are still flying between the two of them…
I really liked Meadows because he's empathic and kind. He’s an interesting character with a lot of (as of yet mostly hidden) depth. I also liked his interactions with his colleagues and the locals. He has a good sense of humour and a sharp mind. His casual weed consumption put a big (and, of course, entirely innocent!) grin on my face.
»He plucked a book from the shelf and opened it. The inside was hollow and held a small bag of cannabis, a grinder, tobacco, and extra-long rolling papers. He rolled a joint, plonked himself down in the armchair, and lit up.«
I also enjoyed how compassionately, fairly and understandingly Meadows treated Edris. He saw Edris’ potential and gave him a chance to prove himself which the latter immediately proved worthy of.
Gwen Thomas was also a very interesting character: Rees-Price’s depiction of Gwen felt very authentic and disarmingly honest. Gwen is disgusted with her marriage, her jerk of a cheating husband and yet she does all she can to help. Even if it puts her in danger and potentially comes at great cost to herself. I admired her courage and determination to face the truth.
There were quite a few twists that, I have to admit, I saw coming but still enjoyed - except for one that left me feeling sad…
Speaking of sad: There were a few rough edges; the interesting setting of Wales doesn’t really play a role at all. Apart from the names of the villages, this could have played anywhere rural. Apart from Edris, all of Meadows’ colleagues remain underdeveloped, indistinct and flat.
There also are a few loose ends: What is Carl Perkins going to do? What is Ariana going to do about Edris?
Nevertheless, this was an engaging, suspenseful, intelligent police procedural and certainly a good entrance into this series.
Four out of five stars.
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Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam
I was intrigued by the novel's premise of a woman, Gwen Thomas, who survived a brutal attack as a teenager that killed her friend, but lost her memory of the event. When she starts to remember what happened, she becomes a target again. Tempted by Barry and having been looking for the next good read, I basically pounced upon it and finished it in a few hours as it’s a bit on the short side of novels.
I immediately related to DI Winter Meadows, a perceptive but reclusive detective (my wife calls me a hermit…), who tries to find the identity of the attacker before it’s too late. Beyond Meadows’ professional interest he’s further motivated by his teenage-crush on Gwen and the mutual metaphorical sparks are still flying between the two of them…
I really liked Meadows because he's empathic and kind. He’s an interesting character with a lot of (as of yet mostly hidden) depth. I also liked his interactions with his colleagues and the locals. He has a good sense of humour and a sharp mind. His casual weed consumption put a big (and, of course, entirely innocent!) grin on my face.
»He plucked a book from the shelf and opened it. The inside was hollow and held a small bag of cannabis, a grinder, tobacco, and extra-long rolling papers. He rolled a joint, plonked himself down in the armchair, and lit up.«
I also enjoyed how compassionately, fairly and understandingly Meadows treated Edris. He saw Edris’ potential and gave him a chance to prove himself which the latter immediately proved worthy of.
Gwen Thomas was also a very interesting character: Rees-Price’s depiction of Gwen felt very authentic and disarmingly honest. Gwen is disgusted with her marriage, her jerk of a cheating husband and yet she does all she can to help. Even if it puts her in danger and potentially comes at great cost to herself. I admired her courage and determination to face the truth.
There were quite a few twists that, I have to admit, I saw coming but still enjoyed - except for one that left me feeling sad…
Speaking of sad: There were a few rough edges; the interesting setting of Wales doesn’t really play a role at all. Apart from the names of the villages, this could have played anywhere rural. Apart from Edris, all of Meadows’ colleagues remain underdeveloped, indistinct and flat.
There also are a few loose ends: What is Carl Perkins going to do? What is Ariana going to do about Edris?
Nevertheless, this was an engaging, suspenseful, intelligent police procedural and certainly a good entrance into this series.
Four out of five stars.
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Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam
August 20, 2022
Oh,boy.
April 25, 2021
Brīnišķīgs krimiķītis no Velsas! Labs sižets, foršs izmeklētājs, viena vakara grāmata, no kuras grūti atrauties. Ir jau arī darvas karote - šī ir pirmā grāmata sērijā. Oriģinālā iznākušas jau 4...
July 29, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable. Engaging characters and a plot that doesn't go off the rails. I read through, hoping there would be a sequel but to my disappointment, although there are two further books - the first one listed on GR as a Kindle edition - there is only a paperback edition and the third book is unavailable. grrrr. I WAS tempted to remove a star for the annoyance factor, but nah - this was a good read despite the let down of not being able to read the rest.
March 23, 2021
Interesting plot
Unravelling a cold case through flashbacks is an unusual technique and works fine. Reasonably good characterisation but the people don't quite feel like Valleys folk. A bit generic. Found the sense of place totally confusing. Where on earth in South Wales are we? My husband comes from the real Brynmawr and I spent most of the book thinking we were in fictionalised countryside around there. And then they go by taxi to Swansea???? A posh meal out from the East Valleys might conceivably be as far away as Cardiff. Maybe. More likely to be much more local than either. And there was nowhere much to go shopping on a Saturday in Brynmawr back then. So we're left with a generic place. Near Swansea and the Black Mountains and in the Valleys. This would probably not be a problem for someone who didn't know anything about Wales, but found it threw me off concentrating on the story.
Unravelling a cold case through flashbacks is an unusual technique and works fine. Reasonably good characterisation but the people don't quite feel like Valleys folk. A bit generic. Found the sense of place totally confusing. Where on earth in South Wales are we? My husband comes from the real Brynmawr and I spent most of the book thinking we were in fictionalised countryside around there. And then they go by taxi to Swansea???? A posh meal out from the East Valleys might conceivably be as far away as Cardiff. Maybe. More likely to be much more local than either. And there was nowhere much to go shopping on a Saturday in Brynmawr back then. So we're left with a generic place. Near Swansea and the Black Mountains and in the Valleys. This would probably not be a problem for someone who didn't know anything about Wales, but found it threw me off concentrating on the story.
January 7, 2018
Great read!
Took a while to get into, when I was gripped by the story I found myself guessing who done what and what would happen next. I could not put the book down! I really enjoyed reading this novel and would definitely read more from this author. I definitely recommend buying!
Took a while to get into, when I was gripped by the story I found myself guessing who done what and what would happen next. I could not put the book down! I really enjoyed reading this novel and would definitely read more from this author. I definitely recommend buying!
November 25, 2023
3.5 rounded up
DI Winter Meadows investigates a crime in his small home town. A bit awkward to investigate his former high school class mates yet he does an excellent job.
The story is well written and the book has a good ending with a few surprising twists and some predictable ones.
Looking forward to read the next one in this series.
DI Winter Meadows investigates a crime in his small home town. A bit awkward to investigate his former high school class mates yet he does an excellent job.
The story is well written and the book has a good ending with a few surprising twists and some predictable ones.
Looking forward to read the next one in this series.
January 22, 2025
Quick good read, a nice story. The end did surprise me. I guessed most of it, but not all!
June 22, 2018
This is a competent crime novel set in a small South Wales community. Thirty years after the brutal murder of one girl and with a second girl, Gwen, severely injured with no memory of the day, DI Winter Meadows returns to his home town and re-opens the case. As the surviving woman gradually regains her memory leading up to the events of that day, the story twists and turns as many of the town's inhabitants come under suspicion. Added to the story is that Meadows and indeed many of the other characters were in school together at the time and many deep lying secrets threaten to emerge should Gwen remember what exactly happened. There are more than one person who wants her to remain silent.
An enjoyable, quick read. There is already a second novel featuring the main character DI Meadows and a Winter Meadows Mystery Series appears to be planned.
Rob D
An enjoyable, quick read. There is already a second novel featuring the main character DI Meadows and a Winter Meadows Mystery Series appears to be planned.
Rob D
August 26, 2022
I enjoyed this standard police procedural, which was lifted by engaging characterisation and a race against time. Could Gwen recover her memory and identify the person who tried to kill her before she became the next victim?
The suspense and tension built as the investigation progressed, with several potential suspects emerging within the close knit town. While the detective being attracted to victim was a little cliché, the twists as the story reached its climax created a memorable story with an unexpected, but satisfying ending.
This was a good start to a series.
The suspense and tension built as the investigation progressed, with several potential suspects emerging within the close knit town. While the detective being attracted to victim was a little cliché, the twists as the story reached its climax created a memorable story with an unexpected, but satisfying ending.
This was a good start to a series.
May 9, 2022
Tightly written, by which I intend to say that there’s a mystery to be solved, and the author takes us from here to there without lots of sightseeing along the way..and I enjoyed and appreciated that. No obvious holes, engaging main character (but the marjuana smoking is stupid and a huge red flag, because you know it’ll come out), unexpected reveal. I’ll read more of Rees-Price.
Audiobook narrator = B or 3 stars.
Audiobook narrator = B or 3 stars.
May 1, 2020
This is a very readable book with good characters and superb plot that was well thought out, believable and well constructed.
Some of the characters could have been developed more but with this being the first book of a series, then there is great scope for further development.
Overall, a great read and good page termed!
Some of the characters could have been developed more but with this being the first book of a series, then there is great scope for further development.
Overall, a great read and good page termed!
February 21, 2021
Gripping
After reading books by my favourite author I always find it difficult to get into something new. This book had good reviews so decided to give it a try. It had me interested after a few chapters and was fast-paced with likeable characters. Also had some excellent twists and turns. Will definitely read more from this author.
After reading books by my favourite author I always find it difficult to get into something new. This book had good reviews so decided to give it a try. It had me interested after a few chapters and was fast-paced with likeable characters. Also had some excellent twists and turns. Will definitely read more from this author.
October 10, 2022
This is a free ebook I tried. It is a mystery set in a small town in Wales. I was not familiar with the author so I had no idea what to expect. I enjoyed the story very much; it had interesting characters and enough plot twists that kept me guessing. I will read more books in this series.
September 25, 2023
The first of a series set in Wales. A few twists and turns as Meadows investigates a cold case, albeit with current day links, in his home town. I enjoyed it enough to look to borrow book two from the library.
August 25, 2022
Fantastic reas
This book is a gripping read didn't want to put it down would definitely recommend this book I loved it!
This book is a gripping read didn't want to put it down would definitely recommend this book I loved it!
July 9, 2024
A good read and a series I will continue with. Fast paced, a likeable main character and goos story line. Too mistakes, maybe a final proofread needed on the next book
February 12, 2025
Glad so many liked this. I am not a fan of memory slowly returning to figure out what happened. To me the characters were flat and the love interest angle between the detective and the victim/suspect was annoying and Hallmark movie-ish. Pot smoking detective, you know, because he was a hippie. I would imagine the stories get better but jumping off.
April 21, 2024
A gripping murder mystery set in Wales. When Gwen Thomas has a fall, her memory starts to come back of when she was attacked and her friend was murdered. But as her memory starts to return is she safe from the murderer?
August 20, 2022
Two teenager girls are attacked at a Quarry but only one survived but with no memory of the day.
Bryn Melyn 1999. Twenty years later Gwen Thomas has gone missing. When found her memories are slowly return. Can the case be finally solved. DI Winter Meadows investigates.
An entertaining modern mystery.
Bryn Melyn 1999. Twenty years later Gwen Thomas has gone missing. When found her memories are slowly return. Can the case be finally solved. DI Winter Meadows investigates.
An entertaining modern mystery.
February 17, 2025
Loved the entire series. There are always a lot of characters to keep track of but the twists at the end make it worth it. Plots are always good just wish we had a deeper dive into the main characters.
May 21, 2025
Good reading
Twist and turns, worth reading, good ending. Characters are realistic and you will most certainly will not be disappointed in reading this book.
Twist and turns, worth reading, good ending. Characters are realistic and you will most certainly will not be disappointed in reading this book.
February 25, 2024
Do you really know someone?
Excellent book as it kept you interested in what will happen next. DI Winter Meadows doing the right thing by following the leads no matter where they lead and arresting the right person.
Excellent book as it kept you interested in what will happen next. DI Winter Meadows doing the right thing by following the leads no matter where they lead and arresting the right person.
September 17, 2020
I was interested in this one because of the Welsh setting and because it is the first in the DI Winter Meadows series.
DI Winter Meadows has returned to the village where thirty years earlier the murder of one girl and the serious injuries of a second girl proved a devastating event for a small village.
Winters went to school with both girls and had a crush on Gwen, the girl who survived. Gwen had no memories of what happened that day, and the person responsible was never found.
Gwen, now married with two adolescent children, has begun having flashbacks to the day of the murder. Nothing consistent, a brief image at best, but the possibility of further memories may put her life at risk.
Winter Meadows re-opens the case, hoping to discover who killed Bethan and attacked Gwen. A number of suspects are unhappy about further investigation into the case and may not want Gwen to remember.
The conclusion was not what I expected. I liked the characters and the setting--this may be a new series for me. As a first book in a series, the introduction of characters is almost as important as the mystery.
Kindle Unlimited.
Police Procedural/Mystery. 2014. Print length: 259 pages.
DI Winter Meadows has returned to the village where thirty years earlier the murder of one girl and the serious injuries of a second girl proved a devastating event for a small village.
Winters went to school with both girls and had a crush on Gwen, the girl who survived. Gwen had no memories of what happened that day, and the person responsible was never found.
Gwen, now married with two adolescent children, has begun having flashbacks to the day of the murder. Nothing consistent, a brief image at best, but the possibility of further memories may put her life at risk.
Winter Meadows re-opens the case, hoping to discover who killed Bethan and attacked Gwen. A number of suspects are unhappy about further investigation into the case and may not want Gwen to remember.
The conclusion was not what I expected. I liked the characters and the setting--this may be a new series for me. As a first book in a series, the introduction of characters is almost as important as the mystery.
Kindle Unlimited.
Police Procedural/Mystery. 2014. Print length: 259 pages.
August 26, 2020
The Silent Quarry by Cheryl Rees-Price 8/15/2020 Kindle
This is the opening installment of a mystery series set in Wales, though to be honest, the location has little to do with the story. We meet the team of detectives, led by commune-raised Winter Meadows, new to the force and his young partner Tristan Edris. When a young girl goes missing near a local dangerous quarry, an old similar case is resurrected. In that earlier crime, one girl died while her friend survived, with multiple injuries, but no memory of the still-unsolved event.
The interplay of the team is interesting and entertaining and the story moves along nicely. There are questions not asked and some jumps of believability, but overall I found this a fun read. You get to do a lot of guessing as secrets are uncovered. The ending was surprising and not particularly to my liking, but no cause not to read another in this series. Yes, I recommend the book.
This is the opening installment of a mystery series set in Wales, though to be honest, the location has little to do with the story. We meet the team of detectives, led by commune-raised Winter Meadows, new to the force and his young partner Tristan Edris. When a young girl goes missing near a local dangerous quarry, an old similar case is resurrected. In that earlier crime, one girl died while her friend survived, with multiple injuries, but no memory of the still-unsolved event.
The interplay of the team is interesting and entertaining and the story moves along nicely. There are questions not asked and some jumps of believability, but overall I found this a fun read. You get to do a lot of guessing as secrets are uncovered. The ending was surprising and not particularly to my liking, but no cause not to read another in this series. Yes, I recommend the book.
August 8, 2020
Featuring a somewhat unlikely detective who grew up in some sort of commune, this story follows the fate of a young married woman, and the dreadful experience she had as a teenager when her best friend was brutally murdered in a remote spot. Several likely suspects are drawn in, and secrets are revealed that they would rather had remained sealed away. It was a long time ago after all. But Meadows keeps at it with the help of his young protege until he gets a result - and it will surprise you.
Very well put together - an enjoyable read - highly recommended.
Very well put together - an enjoyable read - highly recommended.
May 7, 2021
Terrific
An absolutely amazing wonderful story right from the beginning. It had all the components of intrigue and mystery. All the characters played their parts extremely well. The twist at the end had me saying no that can’t be right telling me it was greatly written to a captive audience. I thoroughly recommend this book even though there was some swearing and profanity which isn’t necessary in such a great storyline hence four stars. Thank you for a few hours to escape from reality. 😊
An absolutely amazing wonderful story right from the beginning. It had all the components of intrigue and mystery. All the characters played their parts extremely well. The twist at the end had me saying no that can’t be right telling me it was greatly written to a captive audience. I thoroughly recommend this book even though there was some swearing and profanity which isn’t necessary in such a great storyline hence four stars. Thank you for a few hours to escape from reality. 😊
January 31, 2022
I do like a mystery story set in Wales and this does not disappoint. An engaging and competent whodunnit, it introduces DI Winter Meadows. The story focuses on the murder of one girl and another being severely injured thirty years ago.
Meadows reopens the case looking for new evidence and we are introduced to a range of suspects.
This has a good storyline, characters which I am sure will be developed and a long last an ending I didn’t see coming.
Meadows reopens the case looking for new evidence and we are introduced to a range of suspects.
This has a good storyline, characters which I am sure will be developed and a long last an ending I didn’t see coming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews