The River Seine Killings

DI Ruth Hunter #10

by Simon McCleave

A missing ex-partner. A web of corruption. Can DI Ruth Hunter locate and rescue the woman she loved before she vanishes again – this time forever. Having disappeared off the face of the earth seven years ago, DI Ruth Hunter has been unable to give up the search for her missing ex-partner, Sarah. Following a series of new clues, Ruth flies to Paris in a desperate attempt to find Sarah before she is trafficked out of the country…or worse! Racing against time and in emotional turmoil, Ruth finds herself embroiled in the dark underbelly of French political and police corruption and the murky world of sex trafficking. Met with a wall of silence at every turn, Ruth must do whatever it takes to find Sarah and uncover the truth behind her disappearance, even if it means losing her beloved career and risking her own life. With time running out, Ruth wonders who she can really trust, who is following her and if she will ever see Sarah again?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Ebooks, Mystery Thriller

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2021

Reviews

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Due to the new developments in this one, there could easily be ten more Ruth Hunter titles. I enjoyed this one, as it finally had this little bit more about Ruth Hunter's former lover Sarah. I'd love to learn more about these two.

[Mrs S J Bundy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing.

This is a classic example of an author using his initial success to write a book quickly over a week. no character development throughout the novella, no depth and hugely disappointing. If it were an object I would ask for my money back. Sorry not up to initial standard.

[karen mitchell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Purely dreadful

Bad writing ,unbelievable story line ,disappointed waste of time I usually start to get anxious 2 thirds way through a book as I don't want it to end this book could not end quick enough I scanned through after the first couple of chapters holding on for it to improve it did not

[Andi Caissie · Rating 3 out of 5]

So tired of Sarah

This book goes from one implausible situation to another. Ruth and Nick are absurdly reckless time and again; it really beggars believe. The worst part is the tiresome Sarah storyline.

[Lisa Clift · Rating 3 out of 5]

The tedious Sarah plot line comes to a head in this book, but it just feels like a bad film. Ruth is brave and clever and saves everyone, of course, but it just feels a bit ridiculous.

[Kim J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the better books in the series, it had a great flow and it was fast paced. It depicted the horrors that some women and children, even boys live in real life, and that was heart wrenching. I don't want to say much, because I don't want to give anything away, but it's definitely worth reading, if you read the rest of the series, you HAVE to read this book!

[Gary Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting Tired

Enjoyed the characters throughout the series but this was starting to feel a liitle tired and forced. The constant recaps which although important i guess for first timer became a source of irritation for someone who is up to speed with he p!ots. Love the Nick n Ruth partnership but Sarah is grinding. Anyway still a good read and hope the next sees more of Nick n Ruth.

[Anthony Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah is Saved! But it wasn't easy!

Nick and Duty travel to Paris, as they have located Sarah and the other girls that had Bern trafficked. Held up on a farm on the outskirts of Paris, Ruth heads in with the locals to take down those behind this sex ring. As they arrive, someone has tipped them off and the house erupts into flames, the girls are saved and moved to hospital. Ruth finally, after 7 years has Sarah back.

But, its short lived, someone has forced the girls to sign themselves out and they are on the run again. So, Nick shows up to help Ruth to get Sarah back.

They are running against corrupt cops, corrupt Agents, and time, as the boat that has the women is due to leave for Germany.

The River Seine Killings is a 5 Star fast paced book!

[Susan and Nigel Draper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced thriller

I have read all the Ruth Hunter books, but I never expected this development. The writing is fast paced, but it’s possibly gorier than the other books. Either that or I’m a bit less able to deal with the body count. I had to keep reading to get to the end, but of course, that’s the whole point. I’m now going to have to wait for the next instalment.
I think this will appeal to anyone who has read any of the previous books in the series, and even if you haven’t, it works on its own. As with all the books,there’s a real sense of place: if you have any memories of visiting Paris you can picture the settings.

[Nicky Bale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having been an avid reader of this series, I didn’t really enjoy this book. In fact it wasn’t until page 97 that I started getting any enthusiasm. I realise this was an important part of Ruth’s story and had to be covered but it made it then a standalone. I found it slightly uncomfortable and far fetched at times. However I have the next book ready to read and look forward to getting back to familiar territory with the team.

[A.J. Fotheringham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Kept me reading hoping for the best for Ruth. Twists and turns. Betrayal and success. Closure? I wonder. Must read next book!

[Lori Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too far fetched. I felt like Jason Bourne had joined the team.

[Shiny5711 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I keep coming back for more!

[Jan Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the unraveling of the Sarah storyline

Set in france, lots of action and more or less the temporary resolution of the search for sara. Exciting read

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally really enjoy these Ruth Hunter novels, but I’m afraid this one just didn’t do it for me. It focused on one plot – the finding of Ruth’s partner Sarah. However, I found it at times a bit on the tedious side and there was a point when I was wishing for the ending so I could move onto another book, and this was only halfway through! It was very protracted and drawn out and there were parts that I found totally unnecessary and quite boring in places. The previous novels have been focused on local crimes in North Wales and the, seemingly, sleepy town of Llancastell. They have always been exciting and enjoyable. In this one, all the action took place in Paris and, given that the police officers were British, it did seem to me that they overstepped their jurisdiction by acting the way they did - something which I doubt would be allowed in reality. The chase through the streets of Paris also seemed like something out of an action movie and highly improbable. Even the ending was a bit of a damp squid, with Ruth’s efforts to find Sarah suddenly seeming pointless – with only a very minor twist at the end that I somehow knew was coming and was totally expected. To be honest, I breathed a sigh of relief when I finally finished the book. I have already purchased the next three in this series, so I will read them but depending on how much I enjoy them will determine as to whether I buy anymore. It’s a great shame when I have tried to stick with this author, and I do hope that he gets back on track.

[John C Pell · Rating 1 out of 5]

So glad it’s over. Spoiler alert
At last Sarah found. So now two endings
First ending. Sarah over and done
Second ending. Me. Just can’t stomach the last 5? Books.
Ok. So your girlfriend has an affair goes to sex parties and sleeps with whoever without you knowing. Then gets kidnapped and becomes a forced escort not great
And you welcome her back even though she said it wasn’t working any more
All done as it’s not working anymore for me either

[Cynthia L. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tired of the whole Sarah story line. How old is she anyway? If she's anywhere near Ruth's age, she seems beyond the age of being a high class escort.

[Una Cottrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've now read all the books in the DCI Ruth Hunter series - this is the final one. However, I didn't think this was up to the standard some of the earlier books in the series. As usual, a lot of action happens in the last third of the book, and this one put me in mind of something like a scene from the cheesy 70's cop show, The Professionals. It had them jumping rooftops in Paris etc.

HOWEVER, what I do love about this series is that Ruth is over 50, a woman in a very senior role in a total mans world, and she absolutely holds her own. It's very clear throughout all the books that her immediate boss, Drake, holds her in high esteem. She's sassy, honest and I can really identify with her. I'd love to have her as a friend :)

I also love the honesty with which Nick Evans, Ruth's colleague, is painted. He's a recovering alcoholic, still struggling with the addiction and he's drawn as a very human character. And he's very humble.

The beauty of these books is not only the beautiful drop back of North Wales (an area I live close to and absolutely love) but the relationship between Ruth & Nick and others, and I'd say the characterisation is what kept me hooked in.

I think I've read somewhere that the books are going to be developed into a TV drama? If so, I'm there and can't wait to see who gets cast for Ruth and Nick.

[Jakob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do police officers act that way? (Warning - spoilers!)

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad book at all. But I get the feeling several times through the book that especially Ruth is not acting as an experienced police officer would do. Although she is under extreme duress and not in her usual surroundings she is taking very silly decisions several times.

The mystery with Ruths partner Sarah unfolds in a page turning series of events and we get to know what actually happened since Sarah disappeared several years ago. Ruth’s encounter with the foreign police force and the French culture leads to many problems but luckily she gets help from an unexpected side.

One technical issue nags me both in this and some of the previous books. It is mentioned several times that Sarah doesn’t have a passport and thus cannot leave France easily. For most of the countries in Schengen we can drive cross border without even slowing down or stopping. The border is just a sign at the roadside and most of the border posts are removed. I know that UK always have been more restricted even when being a part of the European Union but elsewhere in EU we can just show a driver’s license or similar IF we even are asked to show a form of ID.

[Julie Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the book where Ruth finally finds and "rescues" Sarah, her partner that has been missing for over 7 years. Do not continue to read if you don't want spoilers. Now, on the one hand, it was great to put this one to bed - on the other hand .. I don't know. The story of the disappearance of Sarah has been a constant companion in the Ruth Hunter Books. Assumed dead, wished not, but with no evidence its a giant question. Ruth is often found delving into the file, looking for something she has overlooked and eventually finds a clue - but did Sarah leave willingly or was she coerced?

I think because Sarah has been a shadow for the past 10 books, I may have wanted - I dont' know. The story is pretty grandiose - like over the top as people hanging on to helicopters doors and living to the tell the tale grandiose .. but it felt stupid. Throw Ruth into a foreign country, with various levels of police, Interpol, trains and boats à la James Bond, bla bla bla to end up with Sarah knocking on Ruth's small town Wales' door.

[wendi wigham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obsession.

Well it had to happen, this series has been of such an exceptional quality and now this one, although good, I could put down and not worry about what I was missing.
Ruth's obsession with finding Sarah, takes her to France. The French police are portrayed as being corrupt through the ranks.
I found this book disappointing, due to Ruth Hunter trying to be superwoman, find her lost love, with no thought for what Sarah would want after seven years as a slave. If and when she found her.
The strong character shown in the previous nine books, seems to have gone awry. Her character in this book, doesn't have the integrity DI Ruth Hunter has exemplified on so many occasions. Now it's a case of what Ruth wants, Ruth gets - definitely a touch of the Markles!.
The ever faithful Nick joins her in Paris, but is portrayed as an also ran. He deserves better.
So here's hoping book eleven is back to the expected standard, now everyone is back in Wales.

[Tony Mongan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having waited for this since pre-ordering 3 months ago I was not disappointed. How Simon McCleave manages to write in such an accomplished style from the female DCI’s point of view is credit to such a brilliant author. Having been waiting to see if DCI Ruth Hunter finally gets the love of her life back, I have to say I was rooting fit them from the off. The story takes you through all of Ruth’s emotions like the proverbial roller coaster. Only when you think it’s done, it suddenly isn’t. So Ruth’s partner finally decides they can’t be together and just as you’re mourning that, she reappears.
Another book that I read in one day because it just can’t be put down. Unfortunately, I have another 3 months to wait as I’ve pre-ordered the next book in the series and I really can’t wait to get that notification that’s it’s downloaded to my kindle.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this but not as much as the others in the series. In this one, following on from events from the last book, Ruth is in Paris on the trail of Sarah and things finally seem to be reaching a conclusion in this saga. Needless to say, things do not go according to plan.

This book is more of an action thriller than the normal murder investigations of previous books and is quite far-fetched and goes totally off-scale with Ruth involved in foot and car chases and even jumping from buildings. It is clear that the series is coming to an end with the last book out at the end of January. Looking forward to seeing how all the loose ends get tied up. I'd still recommend this to read.

[Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Off the mark.
I’m normally a fan of the Ruth Hunter series but this massively lets itself down.
The plot is lacklustre and whilst I like that it links in with the previous plots around Sarah, it just does not flow well enough for me and I almost felt like it had been rushed through.
Further, the language and descriptions felt almost childlike - with very little matching what we have seen before.
Such a shame as it has great potential but feel that it could have been drafted better and perhaps, just perhaps, we would have had a better effort.
Three out of five.

[Eadie Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Missing Ex-Partner. A Web of Corruption. Can DI Ruth Hunter locate and rescue the woman she loved before she vanishes again, this time forever?
This book takes place on The River Seine in France where Sarah is being held captive. Ruth finds herself embroiled in the dark underbelly of French political and police corruption and the world of sex trafficking. Ruth is wondering who she can trust, who is following her and if she will ever see Sarah again. If you like chilling police procedurals, then you will love this book.

[Kirsty Hinchliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The adventures of Ruth Hunter continue, this time in France, as the ongoing mystery of her missing partner finally come to ahead. Whilst this book does answer some questions to Sarah’s disappearance, it also raises a few more and whilst closure would be nice, I think it is a couple of books away yet.

Really enjoyed this fast-paced thrilling read, with plenty of action that keeps the reader engaged and guessing as to what come next.

4 star read and looking forward to the next instalment.

[Emily Cooper Hockey · Rating 1 out of 5]

This had so much potential as it was finally dealing with the sub plot of all the previous books - about what happened to DI Ruth Hunter’s missing partner Sarah. There had been so much build up over ten books that maybe I was inevitably going to be disappointed, but the rapid pace of action and the completely unrealistic sequence of events made this laughably ridiculous. Think terrible Tom Cruise action movie with convenient leads and random “coincidences” to wrap up the story in less than 230 pages. Took me weeks to finish as I lost interest.

[Rosemary Pizzullo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the books I read in the "DI RUTH HUNTER" series, this one is the most suspenseful and has more thrill than any other. I never thought that Mr. McCleave could not outdo himself, but prove me wrong.

Also, I read this story the fastest. It only took me less than a week to read it.

One of the many things I like about the series is that each book is individual writing so that the reader doesn't have to read the series in order. A reader can start anywhere in the series and can fill in the blanks as each one is read.

[Bud Mallar]

I'd mentioned in several previous books in this series that I wasn't thrilled with the story line of our heroine's girlfriend Sarah and what happened to her. I thought the whodunits were good enough and didn't need this 'character development.'

Well, this book may or may not be about what actually happened to Sarah, but our hero is actively trying to track her down as the main 'whodunit' and I realized I didn't care which way it ended.

So, I'm skipping the ending here, but will try #11 and hope we are done with this back story.

[Karen Little · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good, thrilling and reliably well delivered read. The story was the inevitable next step in this saga and it was delivered with enough excitement and heart stopping thrills and spills to earn its place on the Snowdonia Killings shelf.

To me Ruth and Sarah not having a ‘happy ever after’ did seem logical especially with the life Sarah had been leading, but we will see how that all pans out.

Looking forward though to a return to the setting of North Wales, so easily identifiable to me.