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DI Ruth Hunter #11
The Lake Vyrnwy Killings
A missing husband. A gruesome discovery. DI Ruth Hunter and her partner, DS Nick Evans, must decide if a local man is the victim of a Liverpool gangland hit.
Ruth and Nick are called to a gruesome discovery at the beautiful Lake Vyrnwy but have little to go on to identify the grisly remains. When a local man is reported missing, it seems that his links to a Merseyside gang might explain his disappearance. However, closer scrutiny seems to suggest that it might also be a domestic dispute that simply got out of hand.
When the man is spotted at various locations, Ruth and Nick must discover if he is on the run and hiding, or if there is a darker manipulation that could explain the sightings.
Ruth and Nick are called to a gruesome discovery at the beautiful Lake Vyrnwy but have little to go on to identify the grisly remains. When a local man is reported missing, it seems that his links to a Merseyside gang might explain his disappearance. However, closer scrutiny seems to suggest that it might also be a domestic dispute that simply got out of hand.
When the man is spotted at various locations, Ruth and Nick must discover if he is on the run and hiding, or if there is a darker manipulation that could explain the sightings.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2022
810 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
March 8, 2022
The plot is good and the action pacy. Characters are engaging. Dialogue a bit strained - too many "Nick quipped", "Ruth joked" repetitions. But a decent series.
November 16, 2023
A very enjoyable series.
August 24, 2024
5 Star Series, A Must Read!
Investigating the Murder of a man, who's foot and welly was found in the Lake along with a very nice sock, all expensive. Ruth, Nick and the whole team begin to investigate, starting with the wife and her brother. As the investigation unfolds, starting as a missing person case, the missing person is the DCC's son, the wife and brother are rich, and very suspicious.
The team uncovers that the murder and the subsequent cover-up were all brought on by the wife and brother. The wife studying the effects of schizophrenia, actually manages to actually go insane. Not exact e the outcome Ruth wanted, but, the wife will be in a Looney bin for life.
Meanwhile, Sarah visits her dying mother, going against her witness protection agreement, and placing her mother in grave danger, at the hands of a mysterious Russian named Vitaly.
Investigating the Murder of a man, who's foot and welly was found in the Lake along with a very nice sock, all expensive. Ruth, Nick and the whole team begin to investigate, starting with the wife and her brother. As the investigation unfolds, starting as a missing person case, the missing person is the DCC's son, the wife and brother are rich, and very suspicious.
The team uncovers that the murder and the subsequent cover-up were all brought on by the wife and brother. The wife studying the effects of schizophrenia, actually manages to actually go insane. Not exact e the outcome Ruth wanted, but, the wife will be in a Looney bin for life.
Meanwhile, Sarah visits her dying mother, going against her witness protection agreement, and placing her mother in grave danger, at the hands of a mysterious Russian named Vitaly.
April 1, 2022
This #book is an addictive read almost impossible to put down.
Even if it was book 11 in the DI Hunter series can be read as a stand alone, and I was utterly surprised by the intricacy of the plot and by how everything smoothly came together towards the last chapters..
The lake Vyrnwy presented itself as the perfect setting for a crime murder scene and thanks to the descriptive writing style I could vividly picture the surroundings.
Pleased to have discovered a new author and I book I definitely would recommend to all the #crime and #thriller fans!
Even if it was book 11 in the DI Hunter series can be read as a stand alone, and I was utterly surprised by the intricacy of the plot and by how everything smoothly came together towards the last chapters..
The lake Vyrnwy presented itself as the perfect setting for a crime murder scene and thanks to the descriptive writing style I could vividly picture the surroundings.
Pleased to have discovered a new author and I book I definitely would recommend to all the #crime and #thriller fans!
June 25, 2024
And the saga goes on
I really liked this book. I have been reading this series and love the on going storyline. This book was cohesive and seem to wrap up the drama of the previous books. The final chapter sets the stage for the future installments. Really like the main characters,and glad to see them finally doing well, but can not help but wonder if their jobs versus their inner demons can endure.
I really liked this book. I have been reading this series and love the on going storyline. This book was cohesive and seem to wrap up the drama of the previous books. The final chapter sets the stage for the future installments. Really like the main characters,and glad to see them finally doing well, but can not help but wonder if their jobs versus their inner demons can endure.
May 6, 2024
Classic stuff from McCleave! I love that this series is a series, storyline flow from previous books yer the explanations arr goodcrnough for those who read it as a stand alone.
Once I start these books, I just keep reading. We'll written, police procedural with an excellent sense of place
Once I start these books, I just keep reading. We'll written, police procedural with an excellent sense of place
December 19, 2022
I really liked the whack wife in this and wish the brother bit had been expanded on.
May 31, 2025
Another brilliant story, fast paced and keeping the ending in question almost to the end. The ongoing Sarah story continues but didn’t overwhelm this book. Looking forward to next book
February 25, 2022
How the author writes three stories in one is pure genius. After reading the series in order, I feel as though Nick and Ruth are close friends of mine as I’ve loved following their complex lives that have continued since book one. So Nick’s story and subsequent new 18 year old step daughter pans out expertly through the book. Meantime, Ruth’s partner Sarah is still all over the place. Hardly surprising as you’ll see if you’ve hallowed her journey through the series. Also: what a cliffhanger. I need episode 12 now! I need to see how her story goes from here. I knew the guy at the train station couldn’t be trusted.
Meanwhile, throughout all of this emotional turmoil between my two friends, a severed foot has turned up in the lake, followed by a wellington boot and the top of the guy’s leg. A murder needs solving and who better to call upon than Ruth and Nick.
I love the series and appreciate that the author thanks his proofreader at the end but there are some simple errors throughout the book. “Him” instead of “her” and “be” in place of “he” are easily missable but I feel the proof reader should’ve picked them up. But the mortal sin for me is Ruth drinking “expresso” instead of “espresso”.
Meanwhile, throughout all of this emotional turmoil between my two friends, a severed foot has turned up in the lake, followed by a wellington boot and the top of the guy’s leg. A murder needs solving and who better to call upon than Ruth and Nick.
I love the series and appreciate that the author thanks his proofreader at the end but there are some simple errors throughout the book. “Him” instead of “her” and “be” in place of “he” are easily missable but I feel the proof reader should’ve picked them up. But the mortal sin for me is Ruth drinking “expresso” instead of “espresso”.
October 23, 2023
Sarah is exhausting
As annoying as I found the first books in the series with Ruth’s obsession over the missing Sarah, it is even worse now that she is back. She is selfish, self-destructive, and thoughtless. The characters of Ruth and Nick have both grown and evolved a lot since the first book, but Sarah is not adding anything positive to their story lines.
As annoying as I found the first books in the series with Ruth’s obsession over the missing Sarah, it is even worse now that she is back. She is selfish, self-destructive, and thoughtless. The characters of Ruth and Nick have both grown and evolved a lot since the first book, but Sarah is not adding anything positive to their story lines.
August 11, 2022
Errors abound
It may just be my nature, but the factual errors in these books really do detract from a decent story. I'd suggest a better proof reader be used.
I am available lol
It may just be my nature, but the factual errors in these books really do detract from a decent story. I'd suggest a better proof reader be used.
I am available lol
November 28, 2022
The 11th DI Hunter series returns with a bang, as Ruth and co are called in to a missing persons case. Naturally, of course, the book takes a drastic turn and we are instead investigating a murder.
Clearly, having been around for eleven books, the series is a popular one with fans and Amazon alike. There’s plenty of action, pace and interactions between characters, as well as interesting subplots.
Whilst I enjoyed this one, the biggest bugbear for me, as mentioned by others, is the clunky dialogue. “Nick joked” and “Ruth quipped” become repetitive and boring and make the said joke or quip irrelevant.
The flashbacks to the past are referred to often enough, so if it’s been a while or indeed your first read, you have an basic understanding as to some of the history.
The descriptions of the Welsh countryside are absolutely magnificent and add to the whole mystery. This is very well done and something to be acclaimed.
And finally, the overall police procedural is good. Some elements to be improved, such as “the PNC”. Trivial, granted, but something that would make the world of difference.
Four out of five.
Clearly, having been around for eleven books, the series is a popular one with fans and Amazon alike. There’s plenty of action, pace and interactions between characters, as well as interesting subplots.
Whilst I enjoyed this one, the biggest bugbear for me, as mentioned by others, is the clunky dialogue. “Nick joked” and “Ruth quipped” become repetitive and boring and make the said joke or quip irrelevant.
The flashbacks to the past are referred to often enough, so if it’s been a while or indeed your first read, you have an basic understanding as to some of the history.
The descriptions of the Welsh countryside are absolutely magnificent and add to the whole mystery. This is very well done and something to be acclaimed.
And finally, the overall police procedural is good. Some elements to be improved, such as “the PNC”. Trivial, granted, but something that would make the world of difference.
Four out of five.
December 31, 2025
Another good read from this author
Excellent story with several plot twists to keep you guessing. I've read the first 11 books in this series so far and plan to read the rest. I enjoy a fast-paced, exciting book with relatable characters that I can finish in a couple of days. Also, the descriptions of the beauty of the mountains and other scenery makes me curious to visit Snowdonia and see it in person.
My continuing quibble is the less than perfect editing. In each book there have been typos, grammatical slips, and other things a good editor ought to catch, IMO. In this book for instance, at one point the narration uses feminine pronouns when discussing a male character. Also, it's well established that the action is taking place in January, but at one point a character gives the current date as September. It's kind of distracting. Subtract one star. Otherwise this book, and the series, is recommended.
Excellent story with several plot twists to keep you guessing. I've read the first 11 books in this series so far and plan to read the rest. I enjoy a fast-paced, exciting book with relatable characters that I can finish in a couple of days. Also, the descriptions of the beauty of the mountains and other scenery makes me curious to visit Snowdonia and see it in person.
My continuing quibble is the less than perfect editing. In each book there have been typos, grammatical slips, and other things a good editor ought to catch, IMO. In this book for instance, at one point the narration uses feminine pronouns when discussing a male character. Also, it's well established that the action is taking place in January, but at one point a character gives the current date as September. It's kind of distracting. Subtract one star. Otherwise this book, and the series, is recommended.
February 24, 2022
As ever, Simon McCleave keeps us guessing to the very end. The story starts with the grisly finding of a human foot in Lake Vyrnwy. We then have the hunt for the identity of the victim as well as the killer.
As well as the main story, we also have the subplots of Nick’s private life, and the long running story of Ruth’s partner Sarah, a victim of sex trafficking. I’m now counting down the days to the release of the next book in the series! The thing I love about this series is the way that the lives of the main characters develop over time. The storyline involving Ruth’s partner has been running in the background for a long time and it seems likely to develop further.
If you read this as an isolated story you will be able to follow it, but it’s so much better as a part of the whole series.
As well as the main story, we also have the subplots of Nick’s private life, and the long running story of Ruth’s partner Sarah, a victim of sex trafficking. I’m now counting down the days to the release of the next book in the series! The thing I love about this series is the way that the lives of the main characters develop over time. The storyline involving Ruth’s partner has been running in the background for a long time and it seems likely to develop further.
If you read this as an isolated story you will be able to follow it, but it’s so much better as a part of the whole series.
July 2, 2022
Another enjoyable read in this excellent series. This time, Ruth and Nick are on the case when some body parts are discovered in a lake. Is it drug-related or a domestic situation which escalated?
At the same time, Sarah is being interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation into her kidnapping and sex-trafficking and she is struggling to keep away when she discovers her mother has cancer. We also see more of Nick's home life and the appearance of someone from Amanda's past which throws a bit of a spanner in the works in their relationship.
I found the story easy to follow although a bit obvious what had happened. I still enjoyed the piecing together of the parts of the puzzle. The ending of the investigation was quite surprising which I loved and the ending of the story is on a cliffhanger leaving me anxious to read the next one as soon as possible.
At the same time, Sarah is being interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation into her kidnapping and sex-trafficking and she is struggling to keep away when she discovers her mother has cancer. We also see more of Nick's home life and the appearance of someone from Amanda's past which throws a bit of a spanner in the works in their relationship.
I found the story easy to follow although a bit obvious what had happened. I still enjoyed the piecing together of the parts of the puzzle. The ending of the investigation was quite surprising which I loved and the ending of the story is on a cliffhanger leaving me anxious to read the next one as soon as possible.
December 23, 2022
After some body parts are found in Lake Vyrnwy, Ruth and Nick are called in to investigate. What initially begins as a missing persons enquiry quickly escalates to murder.
A fast paced, action-packed book as the team race to identify the victim, the motive and eventually deduce who the culprit is. Whilst the reader has an inkling on who committed the crime, there are still various twists as the book reaches its conclusion.
Several sub-plots run alongside the main story making for an interesting read as both Sarah’s re-emergence brings challenges with the dynamics between Nick and Amanda also changing as many surprises are sprung.
Really enjoyable ending with a cliff-hanger meaning the next instalment is a must read.
A fast paced, action-packed book as the team race to identify the victim, the motive and eventually deduce who the culprit is. Whilst the reader has an inkling on who committed the crime, there are still various twists as the book reaches its conclusion.
Several sub-plots run alongside the main story making for an interesting read as both Sarah’s re-emergence brings challenges with the dynamics between Nick and Amanda also changing as many surprises are sprung.
Really enjoyable ending with a cliff-hanger meaning the next instalment is a must read.
February 22, 2022
That ending though!!!
This book is brilliant! So fast paced, all the twists and turns and you're just never sure of the outcome! And the subplots were just as captivating! I have loved all of Simon McCleave's books, and this one just went to the top of that list! If you have been following this series, you can't miss reading this one. Though the ending has my stomach in knots! If you've never read any of this series, I guess you could read this as a stand alone, but I really recommend you start from the beginning, get the understanding behind the subplots, and learn to love all of these characters as much as I do!
This book is brilliant! So fast paced, all the twists and turns and you're just never sure of the outcome! And the subplots were just as captivating! I have loved all of Simon McCleave's books, and this one just went to the top of that list! If you have been following this series, you can't miss reading this one. Though the ending has my stomach in knots! If you've never read any of this series, I guess you could read this as a stand alone, but I really recommend you start from the beginning, get the understanding behind the subplots, and learn to love all of these characters as much as I do!
September 17, 2022
A missing husband, a gruesome discovery. DI Ruth Hunter and her partner, DS Nick Evans, must decide if the two are linked and if a local man is the victim of a Liverpool gangland hit.
The Lake Vyrnwy Killings is the 11th book in the DI Ruth Hunter Murder Case Snowdonia series. The characters were interesting and the plot was one that held my attention until the surprising ending. This book had great twists and turns and made it hard to guess the killer. I’m looking forward to reading the next book. If you like chilling police procedurals, true-to-life characters, and psychological twists, then you’ll love this book
The Lake Vyrnwy Killings is the 11th book in the DI Ruth Hunter Murder Case Snowdonia series. The characters were interesting and the plot was one that held my attention until the surprising ending. This book had great twists and turns and made it hard to guess the killer. I’m looking forward to reading the next book. If you like chilling police procedurals, true-to-life characters, and psychological twists, then you’ll love this book
June 7, 2024
A Return To A Good Old Fashioned Police Procedural
After Book 10's craziness and over the top action, it was nice to come back to normal. Excellent story with no loose ends re the murder. And what a murder it was! I do really appreciate both Ruth and Nick's characters. They seem quite real and human. I don't appreciate Amanda who is abusive and foul-mouthed to Nick at times. What that will do to little Megan in the future is a worry. Enter a new character, Fran. The flakey and feckless Sarah is still around causing mayhem and seems to have a death wish. When is she going to be killed off for good??? A great read with no obvious editorial blunders for a change.
After Book 10's craziness and over the top action, it was nice to come back to normal. Excellent story with no loose ends re the murder. And what a murder it was! I do really appreciate both Ruth and Nick's characters. They seem quite real and human. I don't appreciate Amanda who is abusive and foul-mouthed to Nick at times. What that will do to little Megan in the future is a worry. Enter a new character, Fran. The flakey and feckless Sarah is still around causing mayhem and seems to have a death wish. When is she going to be killed off for good??? A great read with no obvious editorial blunders for a change.
February 24, 2022
Good read
On a whole I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Ruth and Nick back together. A foot was found in a lake, but wheres the rest of the body, who is it and who killed them? Nick, Ruth and the team race against time to identify the body and find the killer.
I wasn't keen however on the side story of the surprise visitor for Amanda which seemed to be irrelevant and the one off comment by Georgie about being adopted which didn't go anywhere at all. Already excited for the next book....
On a whole I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Ruth and Nick back together. A foot was found in a lake, but wheres the rest of the body, who is it and who killed them? Nick, Ruth and the team race against time to identify the body and find the killer.
I wasn't keen however on the side story of the surprise visitor for Amanda which seemed to be irrelevant and the one off comment by Georgie about being adopted which didn't go anywhere at all. Already excited for the next book....
March 4, 2022
Great Read
I do love this series and they are hard to put down! If you have followed this series, it's a bit like a car crash you can see coming but can't stop and can't stop watching it in slow notion right until the last twists bit of a 'boom!'.
Love the characters but find Sarah just an awful, selfish person which is testament I suppose to the author that they can bring believable characters life that invoke such a reaction.
Thank you Simon McCleave for keeping me up reading late into the night !
I do love this series and they are hard to put down! If you have followed this series, it's a bit like a car crash you can see coming but can't stop and can't stop watching it in slow notion right until the last twists bit of a 'boom!'.
Love the characters but find Sarah just an awful, selfish person which is testament I suppose to the author that they can bring believable characters life that invoke such a reaction.
Thank you Simon McCleave for keeping me up reading late into the night !
July 4, 2023
Low profile.
Well, Sarah is now back in Ruth's life, but under strict instructions to contact no one. After she has given evidence about her abductors, she will be given a new identity.
A senior officer's son Mark Freudman is reported missing, no one having seen him since the previous Thursday. His wife, Bella insists he has disappeared before and eventually returns.
Meanwhile Ruth and Nick are called to Lake Vymwy, a couple of paddle boarders have found a severed foot.
Is this connected to the missing man?
Good read, but Ruth seems to have lost her edge.
Well, Sarah is now back in Ruth's life, but under strict instructions to contact no one. After she has given evidence about her abductors, she will be given a new identity.
A senior officer's son Mark Freudman is reported missing, no one having seen him since the previous Thursday. His wife, Bella insists he has disappeared before and eventually returns.
Meanwhile Ruth and Nick are called to Lake Vymwy, a couple of paddle boarders have found a severed foot.
Is this connected to the missing man?
Good read, but Ruth seems to have lost her edge.
February 24, 2022
Wow!! Another fantastic instalment with our favourite detective Ruth. I love Simon’s writing so much. The way the characters develop through the books is great to read, the relationship between them and their own personal back stories really make these books so enjoyable. The many dramas of Sarah continue, keeping me hooked and excited again for the next one. I feel like some police series’s go on too long and I get bored with them but I could read 100 books with these characters. The story lines are fresh and there is always something going on!! Hands down my favourite book series!
March 4, 2022
Another brilliant read!
This is another great DO Ruth Hunter book. With each book we get to know more about all the main characters which become more interesting with each story. The plot for this book was brilliant and the twist at the end was brilliant& unexpected! Highly recommend to Simon McCleave fans and if you haven't read his books before I would recommend reading the whole series.
This is another great DO Ruth Hunter book. With each book we get to know more about all the main characters which become more interesting with each story. The plot for this book was brilliant and the twist at the end was brilliant& unexpected! Highly recommend to Simon McCleave fans and if you haven't read his books before I would recommend reading the whole series.
March 17, 2022
Another excellent book from Simon McCleave
The main characters Ruth and Nick lead the solving of the murder in North Wales with the input from the junior members of their team. It's once again a book that's difficult to put down (so I didn't).
Excellent writing style that logically helps you to appreciate how DI Ruth Hunter and her team established the facts to solve the murder.
The main characters Ruth and Nick lead the solving of the murder in North Wales with the input from the junior members of their team. It's once again a book that's difficult to put down (so I didn't).
Excellent writing style that logically helps you to appreciate how DI Ruth Hunter and her team established the facts to solve the murder.
May 18, 2022
Arghhh this series is infuriating! Mostly they are completely addictive books I can’t put down but what stops it getting 5 stars the the dialogue! A couple of books ago it was ‘quipped’ repeatedly, everyone was quipping all over the place. This book it was ‘explained’. At one point the word explained was used twice in three words. I want to go through with a sharpie and put different words in. Maybe it’s just me though
April 4, 2024
Another predictable but fun yarn
If you've read this far in the series you're also hooked despite its obvious flaws. The formulaic but often erroneous description of places, e.g. Lake Vyrnwy is not in Snowdonia, the repetitive use of sound tracks in the car (better placed on a TV episode), the culprits you see coming. If you want an easy read you can finish in one evening, enjoy.
If you've read this far in the series you're also hooked despite its obvious flaws. The formulaic but often erroneous description of places, e.g. Lake Vyrnwy is not in Snowdonia, the repetitive use of sound tracks in the car (better placed on a TV episode), the culprits you see coming. If you want an easy read you can finish in one evening, enjoy.
October 28, 2025
too bad the title and the book cover dodn't match, but minor confusion.
Good story, interesting ending, and I had no idea of whodunit.
Sarah, our heroine's love, shows back up in this book, I quit #10 to avoid Sarah.
I'm sure the author and many think the Sarah side story adds to our heroine's character, but, it's just a pain in the ass for me. Being petty I guess
And I think I'll put the rest of the series on hold for a bit to delve into some new series.
Good story, interesting ending, and I had no idea of whodunit.
Sarah, our heroine's love, shows back up in this book, I quit #10 to avoid Sarah.
I'm sure the author and many think the Sarah side story adds to our heroine's character, but, it's just a pain in the ass for me. Being petty I guess
And I think I'll put the rest of the series on hold for a bit to delve into some new series.
February 21, 2022
If you have followed all the Snowdonia / Ruth Hunter novels you will really enjoy this, the latest one. The plot is full of twists & turns and it has a great final page that leaves you wanting to know more. I will definitely be pre ordering the next book. The characters are well drawn & the story line well crafted. Congratulations Simon McCleave on producing another page turner!
February 24, 2022
Another success from Simon McCleave. The story line was good and the characters are familiar and realistic. Nice to see relationships moving along and police procedural wise it was interesting to see the frustrations in Ruth and her team at the final outcome which again is very true to life. I am really looking forward to No 12 and to see how things move forward with Ruth and Sarah.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews