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DC Ruth Hunter #4
This is London, SE15
A murdered ex-soldier. A British Army conspiracy. Can DC Ruth Hunter and DC Lucy Henry uncover the killer's identity before there's yet another cover-up.
When ex-soldier Ashley Campbell is brutally murdered outside a Peckham nightclub, Ruth's first thought is that it is gang related. Yet, as the investigation progresses, it seems that the victim's time as a recruit at Cranleigh Barracks might hold the key to the true identity of the murderer. As Ruth and Lucy uncover a brutal culture of bullying, racism and sexual abuse at the barracks, it seems that several officers in the British Army will go to any lengths to protect their identity.
Can Ruth find enough evidence to bring the officers to justice? And what will she do when new evidence appears to suggest that CID should have been looking far closer to home for Ashley's killer?
When ex-soldier Ashley Campbell is brutally murdered outside a Peckham nightclub, Ruth's first thought is that it is gang related. Yet, as the investigation progresses, it seems that the victim's time as a recruit at Cranleigh Barracks might hold the key to the true identity of the murderer. As Ruth and Lucy uncover a brutal culture of bullying, racism and sexual abuse at the barracks, it seems that several officers in the British Army will go to any lengths to protect their identity.
Can Ruth find enough evidence to bring the officers to justice? And what will she do when new evidence appears to suggest that CID should have been looking far closer to home for Ashley's killer?
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2021
298 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 11, 2021
3.5 stars
DC Ruth Hunter and her colleague Lucy Henry try to solve a former military's murder. Pity about the errors.
DC Ruth Hunter and her colleague Lucy Henry try to solve a former military's murder. Pity about the errors.
December 5, 2021
The plot thickens! In their rush to get the book out there were a few typos and one character's name was different at one point.
December 29, 2021
What happened?!
I have read a couple of this author’s other books and have really enjoyed them. The story lines were good and they were well written. This one, however, is littered with errors to the point that it became a struggle to read. Far too many to list here, but there are grammatical errors, wrong words, missing words, added words, duplicated words … all the way through. In addition, we have a detective sergeant who becomes a detective constable, a Dion who becomes a Les, a Neil who becomes an Ian, and Gaughran’s father being referred to as Les several times (when his name is Arthur). Apart from those obvious mistakes, how many times in one book can someone ‘explain’, ‘roll his eyes’ or ‘pull a face’?! I hope the next book in the series is written with a lot more care, otherwise it will be my last. Very disappointing.
I have read a couple of this author’s other books and have really enjoyed them. The story lines were good and they were well written. This one, however, is littered with errors to the point that it became a struggle to read. Far too many to list here, but there are grammatical errors, wrong words, missing words, added words, duplicated words … all the way through. In addition, we have a detective sergeant who becomes a detective constable, a Dion who becomes a Les, a Neil who becomes an Ian, and Gaughran’s father being referred to as Les several times (when his name is Arthur). Apart from those obvious mistakes, how many times in one book can someone ‘explain’, ‘roll his eyes’ or ‘pull a face’?! I hope the next book in the series is written with a lot more care, otherwise it will be my last. Very disappointing.
December 2, 2021
Disappointed
Story/plot is ok but the book needs proof-read, there are several errors in the wording. Not what I would expect.
Story/plot is ok but the book needs proof-read, there are several errors in the wording. Not what I would expect.
April 2, 2023
Another great book. This series is addictive
March 26, 2023
Not a bad book but changes scenario far too often and too abruptly for me.
December 6, 2021
London, SE15.
I wasn't sure if I would like this book as I generally don't like prequels. It was however up to your usual high standards and I even got up during the night to finish it. There were a coup!e of typo errors about two thirds in, where the wrong names were used which could have caused some confusion. Maybe your publishers could have another look at it.
I wasn't sure if I would like this book as I generally don't like prequels. It was however up to your usual high standards and I even got up during the night to finish it. There were a coup!e of typo errors about two thirds in, where the wrong names were used which could have caused some confusion. Maybe your publishers could have another look at it.
December 22, 2021
Another great one!
Cannot get enough of McCleave's books another great murder case with lots of twists and turns up until the last chapter, leaving you wanting more!
Cannot get enough of McCleave's books another great murder case with lots of twists and turns up until the last chapter, leaving you wanting more!
December 15, 2021
Actually 3 1/2 stars.
Murder and plot and the main characters are excellent when it concentrates on the plot.
What bothers me the most about this book is that every other chapter is about Ruth and her girlfriend or Lucy and her boyfriends which has Nothing to do with the murder/plot. Who cares. McCleave can mention it, but devote a good portion of the book to the central characters life leave me cold.
You end up with a 240 page book, that's really 150 pages. Did I enjoy the book, Yes. The ending was good though I thought the reason for the murder was a bit lame.
Will I read another book in this series, maybe, though I did like the first two books and both were written in much the same way.
So if you buy it at a cheap price, buy it you will enjoy it.
Murder and plot and the main characters are excellent when it concentrates on the plot.
What bothers me the most about this book is that every other chapter is about Ruth and her girlfriend or Lucy and her boyfriends which has Nothing to do with the murder/plot. Who cares. McCleave can mention it, but devote a good portion of the book to the central characters life leave me cold.
You end up with a 240 page book, that's really 150 pages. Did I enjoy the book, Yes. The ending was good though I thought the reason for the murder was a bit lame.
Will I read another book in this series, maybe, though I did like the first two books and both were written in much the same way.
So if you buy it at a cheap price, buy it you will enjoy it.
August 9, 2023
Confused.
Although this book is well written, cannot see the link between this one and the three previous books featuring Laura Hunt and Gareth Williams. Perhaps there will be a further book, which will provide the missing link.
Both Crawley and Horsham are located in West Sussex, not Surrey.
Having lived in both towns, I am surprised this error occurred.
Gatwick Airport is located in Surrey, so perhaps there was some confusion.
Cranleigh is in Surrey and some distance from the other two towns.
Hurst's residence south of Crawley would still be located in Sussex.
So geographically confusing.
The story is set when Ruth Hunter was detective constable at Peckham, so far earlier than the other series set in North Wales.
A somewhat confused reader, not my usual state of mind after reading a Simon McCleave novel.
Although this book is well written, cannot see the link between this one and the three previous books featuring Laura Hunt and Gareth Williams. Perhaps there will be a further book, which will provide the missing link.
Both Crawley and Horsham are located in West Sussex, not Surrey.
Having lived in both towns, I am surprised this error occurred.
Gatwick Airport is located in Surrey, so perhaps there was some confusion.
Cranleigh is in Surrey and some distance from the other two towns.
Hurst's residence south of Crawley would still be located in Sussex.
So geographically confusing.
The story is set when Ruth Hunter was detective constable at Peckham, so far earlier than the other series set in North Wales.
A somewhat confused reader, not my usual state of mind after reading a Simon McCleave novel.
June 28, 2022
I enjoyed the story. But what I could not overlook is that this book was littered with grammatical errors which are amateurish Also on a few occasions the author got his characters mixed up by referring to them with the wrong name. An example of this was when Ruth and Lucy were interviewing a Captain Hurst. At one point the author had changed his name to Gaughran, which is the name of the detective sergeant in the book. Besides this it is still readable and the mistakes are laughable at first and embarrassing as the book goes on. Perhaps the proof reader was on holiday at the time. This book feels as though it may have been rush released. Expected better from this author.
February 1, 2023
What's wrong with love???
Really enjoyed this book,of all four this is my favorite. It definitely keeps you guessing,although something happens,that explains the reasoning for the end of the story,but I could be completely wrong! The main characters are hard hitting,and slightly immoral!but only because you don't expect women to behave like men! I take great issue to the offence they take, at being called love! Well seen they are southerners! If they lived up here in the north,they would just have to put up with it!😍
Really enjoyed this book,of all four this is my favorite. It definitely keeps you guessing,although something happens,that explains the reasoning for the end of the story,but I could be completely wrong! The main characters are hard hitting,and slightly immoral!but only because you don't expect women to behave like men! I take great issue to the offence they take, at being called love! Well seen they are southerners! If they lived up here in the north,they would just have to put up with it!😍
January 9, 2024
Once again Simon's infatuation with Lesbian love rears it's head. My cops don't have sex they are usually in a happy or turbulent relationship and usually have a stroppy teenage daughter to contend with. The story galloped along well enough and I like Tim being brought out as a decent cop, apart for dropping the bad guy on his head. A few name and rank mistakes but better editing and or proof reading might help. Still, l
ooking forward to the next one. Cheers.
ooking forward to the next one. Cheers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2021
Sadonic Simon weaving his story lines beautifully and back to form after his Paris lapse. The only problem I have with our lead character is that she is solving all these crimes but she remains a DC, why. Sexism was rife but not even Ruth would have been held back in those days. I was expecting this yarn to bring that promotion, has it?
December 9, 2021
Another fab book following Ruth and Lucy in London. Who killed Ashley, an ex-soldier and why? As Ruth and Lucy investigate it soon becomes apparent that there are more than just one suspect and more than one reason for wanting Ashley dead. The archaic culture of the British Army comes under the spot light but then slowly but surely over evidence comes to light to find the killer.
December 22, 2021
A Jolly Good Read
I hadn't read this author's work before so I went in with an open mind and boy, was I pleasantly surprised. This is a murder/police investigation that keeps throwing up a darn good suspect only to have another one cloud the pond over the page. Great ending too, all wrapped up neatly without being rushed. I will definitely be following this author.
I hadn't read this author's work before so I went in with an open mind and boy, was I pleasantly surprised. This is a murder/police investigation that keeps throwing up a darn good suspect only to have another one cloud the pond over the page. Great ending too, all wrapped up neatly without being rushed. I will definitely be following this author.
March 24, 2022
Not NCOs
I enjoyed the fast pace and interwoven plot lines. While I can't claim any knowledge of police procedure I'm pretty sure that NCOs in the army are corporals and sergeants. Colonels, brigadiers etc. are commissioned officers. I know it's silly but this and the demotion of DS Gaughran to DC at one point just sort of niggled. Otherwise a very entertaining read.
I enjoyed the fast pace and interwoven plot lines. While I can't claim any knowledge of police procedure I'm pretty sure that NCOs in the army are corporals and sergeants. Colonels, brigadiers etc. are commissioned officers. I know it's silly but this and the demotion of DS Gaughran to DC at one point just sort of niggled. Otherwise a very entertaining read.
February 1, 2023
London SE 15: A DC Ruth Hunter Murder Case
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have read a lot of the Ruth Hunter Books set in North Wales, I believe this is the first book. Read the wrong way round but still written in Simon McCleave’s expressive manner. Any of his books are explosive, exciting and very well written.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have read a lot of the Ruth Hunter Books set in North Wales, I believe this is the first book. Read the wrong way round but still written in Simon McCleave’s expressive manner. Any of his books are explosive, exciting and very well written.
April 2, 2024
I like McCleave’s writing, despite all the typos and misprints. The last two books in the DC Ruth Hunter series allude to someone threatening her partner.
It would be good to have another DC Hunter novel that tidies this up. This novel was published in 2021 so it’s a shame we’re still waiting for the next one.
It would be good to have another DC Hunter novel that tidies this up. This novel was published in 2021 so it’s a shame we’re still waiting for the next one.
December 6, 2021
This is another great read I love reading about Ruth as a DC and it being based in London this book was full of great characters and a gritty plot line and I love the humour that goes on between Ruth and Lucy.
December 12, 2021
Another very good tale from Ruth Hunter's early days.
Ruth and Lucy take on another tricky case. There's a new boss to come to terms with as well as the sexism that was prevalent in the day, giving a good snapshot of an earlier time.
Ruth and Lucy take on another tricky case. There's a new boss to come to terms with as well as the sexism that was prevalent in the day, giving a good snapshot of an earlier time.
December 24, 2021
Loved this book
It was a good storyline
I love the main characters and how they interact with each other Simon can do no wrong for me and I cannot wait for the next book to come. The plot kept you in suspense until the end.
It was a good storyline
I love the main characters and how they interact with each other Simon can do no wrong for me and I cannot wait for the next book to come. The plot kept you in suspense until the end.
December 30, 2021
Read this first to acquaint yourself with Ruth Hunter!
Excellent read, so well written. I've read all of Simon's books and can honestly say he's a fantastic writer. Once you start one of his novels it's difficult to put it down.
Excellent read, so well written. I've read all of Simon's books and can honestly say he's a fantastic writer. Once you start one of his novels it's difficult to put it down.
January 3, 2022
Brilliant
Another page turning twisted I could not put down love this DC Ruth Hunter series. Hope it continues now for 11 DO Ruth Hunter books to catch up with. First 5 already purchased
Another page turning twisted I could not put down love this DC Ruth Hunter series. Hope it continues now for 11 DO Ruth Hunter books to catch up with. First 5 already purchased
January 10, 2022
Although I enjoyed this book, to be honest I didn’t think it was as good as his others. There seemed to be too many red herrings, especially towards the end.
I’m hoping that Simon’s next Ruth Hunter book will be set back in Wales.
I’m hoping that Simon’s next Ruth Hunter book will be set back in Wales.
January 19, 2022
Great read as always
Another great story for Ruth and Lucy to solve. They seem to be getting into all sorts of escapades. But as always Simon weaves a brilliant tale. Well worth a read.
Another great story for Ruth and Lucy to solve. They seem to be getting into all sorts of escapades. But as always Simon weaves a brilliant tale. Well worth a read.
January 22, 2022
I really enjoy the Ruth Hunter books, but my medium rating is because this book seemed to include a number of typos which was a disappointment. Also one of the characters, Dion, suddenly became known as Les for a few paragraphs- which was confusing.
February 4, 2022
Excellent read
Another excellent instalment from Simon McCleave. The book is very interesting and the story line is just a page turner. If you're a Simon McCleave book fan you will want this book.
Another excellent instalment from Simon McCleave. The book is very interesting and the story line is just a page turner. If you're a Simon McCleave book fan you will want this book.
February 24, 2022
Fast Moving Story
Another great story featuring Ruth Hunter and her time in London before moving to Wales. Great story line with plenty of twists and turns and one that moves at such a fast pace it was impossible to put down. Looking forward to reading more.
Another great story featuring Ruth Hunter and her time in London before moving to Wales. Great story line with plenty of twists and turns and one that moves at such a fast pace it was impossible to put down. Looking forward to reading more.
May 22, 2022
Another good book in the DC Ruth Hunter series. Both DC Lucy Henry and DC Ruth Hunter certainly get themselves into a mess in their relationship. The case they are working on is quite complex with a few red herrings, so they really need their wits about them. Certainly a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews