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DC Ruth Hunter #2
The Razor Gang Murder
When the remains of a missing teenager are uncovered, DC Ruth Hunter presumes the forty-year-old murder is linked to a knife fight between South London gangs in the 1950s. However, as the investigation widens, Ruth, and her impetuous partner DC Lucy Henry, discover a disturbing connection to the dark criminal past of a prominent knight of the realm. Narrowing down their investigation to an infamous South London club, Ruth begins to uncover a complex web of historic police corruption, brutal protection rackets and celebrity gangsters. When a key witness is viciously murdered, Ruth realises that the killer might be far closer to home than she had ever envisaged. Can Ruth find the murderer before another witness is executed?
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2021
448 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
July 4, 2021
DC Ruth Hunter gets involved in a case from 1956 when some old remains are found. At the same time she has domestic problems to deal with. I loved this book even more than the first one!
April 28, 2021
Loved it
Another compelling but easy read from Simon McCleave. This is the 2nd prequel to the Ruth Hunter books that take place in Snowdonia.
Ruth is a young DC working in Peckham, she’s a the single mother to Ella after Ella’s father leaves them for someone else.
A body is found in a timber yard, all the evidence points towards it being the body of the younger brother of a well known Jack the Lad from the 50’s; Charlie Wise, now Sir Charles. However, as Ruth and the team investigate further a number of odd things come to light.
I’m not going to go any further as you will need to read it yourself to find out what happens but take my word for it, it’s a good read.
Another compelling but easy read from Simon McCleave. This is the 2nd prequel to the Ruth Hunter books that take place in Snowdonia.
Ruth is a young DC working in Peckham, she’s a the single mother to Ella after Ella’s father leaves them for someone else.
A body is found in a timber yard, all the evidence points towards it being the body of the younger brother of a well known Jack the Lad from the 50’s; Charlie Wise, now Sir Charles. However, as Ruth and the team investigate further a number of odd things come to light.
I’m not going to go any further as you will need to read it yourself to find out what happens but take my word for it, it’s a good read.
February 13, 2022
Thought this was a really good read
May 6, 2025
Always up for another detective series.
April 24, 2021
An excellent read
Another enjoyable prequel to the Snowdonia Murders series by the same author. This book fills in some of the backstory for the main character in the current series. Set in the 1990's it includes a wealth of detail about policing and society from those times.
Interestingly, as it focussed on a cold case investigation of a murder from the 1950's, it also includes a wealth of detail from that time too.
I can't wait for the Snowdonia series to be televised, hopefully with an adaption of the two earlier books in the style of "Endeavour"!
Another enjoyable prequel to the Snowdonia Murders series by the same author. This book fills in some of the backstory for the main character in the current series. Set in the 1990's it includes a wealth of detail about policing and society from those times.
Interestingly, as it focussed on a cold case investigation of a murder from the 1950's, it also includes a wealth of detail from that time too.
I can't wait for the Snowdonia series to be televised, hopefully with an adaption of the two earlier books in the style of "Endeavour"!
November 12, 2025
Somewhat pedestrian thriller. My first time reading a DC Ruth (or indeed, a McCleave), I found the writing ploddy, a tendency to repeat key snippets. Its all grammatically correct, and I wasn't looking for or expecting something more literary, but the prose doesn't exactly sing. There's a sprinkling of "this is when the story is set" snippets, (discussion of Princess Diana, etc) which feel a little forced. An overtendency to overdescribe people's reactions, with a plethora of smiles and frowns and nods and shakes etc. The plot itself was okay, the resolution very much not a "aha!" moment, but just a steady drip of standard police procedure (in which the various players might as well be interchangeable - they're just police, following all leads) plus a little science Deus Ex... Which is fine, but not particularly engrossing. There's a sprinking of relationship issues that serve to "humanise" our protagonists, but which don't add much - perhaps the best of these is the one for Gaughran, the career copper who finds out uncomfortable home truths.
The fact it is a very cold case didn't help engagement, (though it warms up...). I'm slightly disappointed the ending wasn't the ending I'd imagined, though if I told you what that was, it'd be a spoiler for what DID happen!
The fact it is a very cold case didn't help engagement, (though it warms up...). I'm slightly disappointed the ending wasn't the ending I'd imagined, though if I told you what that was, it'd be a spoiler for what DID happen!
October 16, 2021
This was definitely a good read! I have never yet been disappointed with any of Simon McCleave’s mysteries. These prequels to the Snowdonia Murder series give us new characters from DCI Ruth Hunter’s past as a DI in South London. I find the police procedural well-balanced by the personal lives of Ruth and her partner Lucy and their boss Harry Brooks. Simon does an excellent job of fleshing out the other detectives personalities in the Peckham CID as well. I’m glad Simon is able to churn these novels out fairly quickly, because I am always ready for a new read. I was fortunate in finding his first novel, The Snowdonia Killings as a free Kindle book. I am glad it was offered free or I may have never found this gem of a mystery writer. I don’t mind paying for books that are this good. I also like the way he handles the Lesbian/Bi-Sexual relationships with a gentle loving touch and with the emotional humanity necessary to introduce these characters in a way that even straight people can identify and relate. Keep writing Simon and I will keep reading!
August 24, 2021
This book is closer to 4 1/2 stars than 4.
When I first started this book (first 30 pages) I thought this is "crap" nothing like the first book. WRONG! This book easily equaled if not exceeded the first book is both characters and plot(s).
As with the first book, the murder occurs in the first few pages, Ruth and Lucy (DC) discover that it is murder and "sort of" start the investigation on there own. The book builds slowly with a lot of suspects and side stories that don't come together until the last 10 pages. You almost see the killer, but your not really sure until all the pieces come together. However there is a VERY BIG GOTCHA that you will never see coming.
If I have one negative comment, in that there is far too much about the personal lives of Ruth and Lucy that (for me) adds nothing to the story.
All and all a good read but would advise anyone to read book 1 of this series, will make this book that much better.
When I first started this book (first 30 pages) I thought this is "crap" nothing like the first book. WRONG! This book easily equaled if not exceeded the first book is both characters and plot(s).
As with the first book, the murder occurs in the first few pages, Ruth and Lucy (DC) discover that it is murder and "sort of" start the investigation on there own. The book builds slowly with a lot of suspects and side stories that don't come together until the last 10 pages. You almost see the killer, but your not really sure until all the pieces come together. However there is a VERY BIG GOTCHA that you will never see coming.
If I have one negative comment, in that there is far too much about the personal lives of Ruth and Lucy that (for me) adds nothing to the story.
All and all a good read but would advise anyone to read book 1 of this series, will make this book that much better.
April 22, 2021
When Ruth was a young London d.c
A trip back n time to introduce us to Ruth’s early life as newly single mum starting her career as a south London met detective and all that was happening at that stage in her life .
It was nice to have her background filled in, , to learn what fuelled her , driving her to be who she is today . The storyline was crisp as ever with the usual surprises we have come to expect from Simon , the detail of the area and times brought back memories of early 50’s London and also late 90’s life that only people who lived it could properly appreciate .
I would like more of her history to come to life , nostalgia comes with age and can be therapeutic so I embrace it when I can , I hope you enjoy this as much as I have
A trip back n time to introduce us to Ruth’s early life as newly single mum starting her career as a south London met detective and all that was happening at that stage in her life .
It was nice to have her background filled in, , to learn what fuelled her , driving her to be who she is today . The storyline was crisp as ever with the usual surprises we have come to expect from Simon , the detail of the area and times brought back memories of early 50’s London and also late 90’s life that only people who lived it could properly appreciate .
I would like more of her history to come to life , nostalgia comes with age and can be therapeutic so I embrace it when I can , I hope you enjoy this as much as I have
June 28, 2021
This prequel series is proving to be even better than the Ruth Hunter Snowdonia series!
I think it is the combination of careful research and social history together with the fast-paced detective story which is a winning combination. Can't wait for the next book!
PS: Just one very tiny thing. When Ruth is thinking about the 1967 Act of Parliament, decriminalising homosexuality, her sentiments are laudable. However, she is incorrect in thinking that her relationship with her girlfriend would have been prohibited before that groundbreaking law, as lesbianism might have been socially unacceptable but it was never illegal.
I think it is the combination of careful research and social history together with the fast-paced detective story which is a winning combination. Can't wait for the next book!
PS: Just one very tiny thing. When Ruth is thinking about the 1967 Act of Parliament, decriminalising homosexuality, her sentiments are laudable. However, she is incorrect in thinking that her relationship with her girlfriend would have been prohibited before that groundbreaking law, as lesbianism might have been socially unacceptable but it was never illegal.
April 21, 2021
The Razor Gang Murder
Simon McCleave has quickly become one of my favourite authors, his characters are so realistic, so true to life. They not only have crimes to solve they also have their own personal problems to deal with. This latest novel has been extremely difficult to put down (read it in two days) the story has so many twists, several suspects with motives, but they do get their man in the end. If you enjoy crime novels then Simon's books are a MUST READ for you.
Simon McCleave has quickly become one of my favourite authors, his characters are so realistic, so true to life. They not only have crimes to solve they also have their own personal problems to deal with. This latest novel has been extremely difficult to put down (read it in two days) the story has so many twists, several suspects with motives, but they do get their man in the end. If you enjoy crime novels then Simon's books are a MUST READ for you.
April 21, 2021
Another tense early Ruth Hunter story.
I've followed this author's escapades of Duty Hunger in North Wales from the start and the inclusion of the new series of her earlier career in London and been enjoyable too. This second of the early days stories tells us a lot more about Ruth, cleverly wrapped in a story coverings decades while giving us lots about the times it set in. As ever as with all Simon McCleave's books it's well written with lots of attention to detail.
I've followed this author's escapades of Duty Hunger in North Wales from the start and the inclusion of the new series of her earlier career in London and been enjoyable too. This second of the early days stories tells us a lot more about Ruth, cleverly wrapped in a story coverings decades while giving us lots about the times it set in. As ever as with all Simon McCleave's books it's well written with lots of attention to detail.
May 7, 2021
The Razor Gang Murder
Well Simon Mcleave you have done it again, written another book us readers can’t put down. I love the characters in the series, so life like with problems we all have in our lives. I really enjoyed the family relationships in this book within the criminals and the police personnel. Will have to find another of your books on Kindle now to read. Thank you for talents and keeping lockdown bearable. 💕💕💕
Well Simon Mcleave you have done it again, written another book us readers can’t put down. I love the characters in the series, so life like with problems we all have in our lives. I really enjoyed the family relationships in this book within the criminals and the police personnel. Will have to find another of your books on Kindle now to read. Thank you for talents and keeping lockdown bearable. 💕💕💕
September 2, 2021
A case early in Ruth's career. Working in London as a DC, Ruth and her partner Lucy become involved in a historical murder when human bones are uncovered . Indications are that the murder goes back to the 50's/ 60's . A number of key suspects are still alive so they delve deeper into case and uncover police corruption and gang violence. I did not see the twist at the end coming. A reminder that while solving crimes, inc murder the police have problems in their own lives to deal with.
May 29, 2022
DCs Ruth Hunter and Lucy Henry return in this London set 1990s series. This time a body is found and linked to a 1950s murder - but the case becomes more and more complex. The investigation leads to multiple suspects, not easy forty years on.
The novel is well written with a good sense of its time. The characters and personal lives of both DCs are developing nicely, and the series is building. The novels are easy to read and entertaining.
The novel is well written with a good sense of its time. The characters and personal lives of both DCs are developing nicely, and the series is building. The novels are easy to read and entertaining.
July 5, 2024
McCleave's best to date!
Full of twists and turns, alongside killers and psychological incites into the minds of all concerned.
This book had me binge reading it and I wasn't denied learning about what and how London police might function, their ups and downs, fully invigorating with each new page!
As gritty as Laidlaw, as inciteful as a spy novel, McCleave lays it out for us to hopefully learn and find out the real answer here.
hint: you'll want more, I do...
Full of twists and turns, alongside killers and psychological incites into the minds of all concerned.
This book had me binge reading it and I wasn't denied learning about what and how London police might function, their ups and downs, fully invigorating with each new page!
As gritty as Laidlaw, as inciteful as a spy novel, McCleave lays it out for us to hopefully learn and find out the real answer here.
hint: you'll want more, I do...
April 23, 2021
I have read all of this series and I think this has been the best yet. Loved the whole idea of a cold case that still has the capability of creating waves 20 years later. A snapshot of London of the 50's, the gangs and the famous criminals of the time made this book such a good read. Well done Simon McCleave.
April 25, 2021
I loved this from Simon mccleave, I have read all of his books and this one does not disappoint. This goes back to ruth hunters earlier life within the police force in Peckham, and gives you insight to when her daughter was younger. Ruth is working on a case from the 50s and gets her criminal. Brilliant read it in a day as usual.
June 27, 2021
Great story following Ruth Hunter as a young DI in London. Loving the throwback memories of the 1990s when this is set. I did however guess early on an element in the book purely by the additional information which seemed unnecessary at the time other than to direct your line of thinking/guessing. But overall I enjoyed the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2021
The Razer Gang Murder.
Well Simon McCleave has done it again, his books can't come fast enough for me, they are edge of the seat ,and up all night reading, absolutely brilliant storylines, well done again. Belle.
Well Simon McCleave has done it again, his books can't come fast enough for me, they are edge of the seat ,and up all night reading, absolutely brilliant storylines, well done again. Belle.
April 28, 2021
An intriguing mystery with twists and turns
Once upon a time a man disappeared. A body was found many years later and an investigation ensued. Relationships within the team became fraught. The crime was solved and everyone loved happily everafter!
Once upon a time a man disappeared. A body was found many years later and an investigation ensued. Relationships within the team became fraught. The crime was solved and everyone loved happily everafter!
April 29, 2021
It’s the best yet!!!
Past history , a quick view into Ruth’s past revels why she is the way she is! A cold case solved- kept me reading into the night! You can run but you can’t hide!! Thanks Simon for this great story.
Past history , a quick view into Ruth’s past revels why she is the way she is! A cold case solved- kept me reading into the night! You can run but you can’t hide!! Thanks Simon for this great story.
May 26, 2021
Great read yet again.
Loving these prequels cant wait for the next one but looking forward and already ordered next book where ruth and nick will be back in 2021 really enjoyed time travelling back to the 90s tho.
Loving these prequels cant wait for the next one but looking forward and already ordered next book where ruth and nick will be back in 2021 really enjoyed time travelling back to the 90s tho.
June 27, 2021
Another great Read from Simon McCleave .
Love the Ruth Hunter books and it's great to read this as it's set earlier in her career . Plenty of surprises and twists to send you the wrong way .
Love the Ruth Hunter books and it's great to read this as it's set earlier in her career . Plenty of surprises and twists to send you the wrong way .
July 4, 2021
Brilliant series.
This is up with the best. Ruth Hunter is definitely growing as a character and comes over as areal person with flaws and weaknesses but such a strong and moral detective. Loving this series !
This is up with the best. Ruth Hunter is definitely growing as a character and comes over as areal person with flaws and weaknesses but such a strong and moral detective. Loving this series !
July 25, 2021
History lesson
As a fan of the Snowdonia series it was interesting and insightful to see the early days with Ruth and Ella. Observation of Ruth as a young mother and Detective provides insight into the basis of her character.
As a fan of the Snowdonia series it was interesting and insightful to see the early days with Ruth and Ella. Observation of Ruth as a young mother and Detective provides insight into the basis of her character.
July 29, 2021
Another great story
Another great story featuring Ruth Hunter and her time with the Met in London. Plenty of action and quite a few twists and turns as well as a great ending. Looking forward to reading more.
Another great story featuring Ruth Hunter and her time with the Met in London. Plenty of action and quite a few twists and turns as well as a great ending. Looking forward to reading more.
August 3, 2021
A Good read
An enjoyable read with Ruth finding that her private life is getting more complicated. Her working life is busy and a puzzling case is proving to be linked with historical events. The characters were diverse and believable.
An enjoyable read with Ruth finding that her private life is getting more complicated. Her working life is busy and a puzzling case is proving to be linked with historical events. The characters were diverse and believable.
November 30, 2021
This is the second of the early Ruth Hunter books about her time with the Met in London, and follows on from the first book. Different type of storyline but still an intriguing read that keeps you turning the pages. Already started on book 3 ! Simon McCleave spins a good yarn.
December 14, 2021
Great series
Another wonderful page turner in this London based series where we get to know more of Ruth Hunters early life in the Police force and her private life. Can't wait to read book three.
Another wonderful page turner in this London based series where we get to know more of Ruth Hunters early life in the Police force and her private life. Can't wait to read book three.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews