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DI Ruth Hunter #12
The Chirk Castle Killings
A fatal shooting. A vulnerable eyewitness. DI Ruth Hunter and her partner, DS Nick Evans, must track down the killers before they find a key witness - a ten-year-old boy, Daniel.
Ruth and Nick are called to a fatal shooting at Chirk Castle, a well-known tourist spot in North Wales. The only witness to the murder is Daniel, the ten-year-old son of the victim. Ruth discovers that the victim was a small-time drug dealer and it seems that his killing might be linked to stolen drugs. However, when a local girl is also brutally murdered, Ruth has to change the focus of the investigation as it is clear that the murderers will go to any lengths to cover their tracks.
With the case now faltering, Ruth begins to suspect that the key to solving the murders actually lies in Daniel’s early childhood. Can she unlock the dark secrets of Daniel’s past before the killers catch up with him?
The Chirk Castle Killings is the twelfth book in the DI Ruth Hunter Murder Case Snowdonia series. If you like chilling police procedurals, true-to-life characters, and psychological twists, then you’ll love Simon McCleave’s page-turning thrill ride.
Ruth and Nick are called to a fatal shooting at Chirk Castle, a well-known tourist spot in North Wales. The only witness to the murder is Daniel, the ten-year-old son of the victim. Ruth discovers that the victim was a small-time drug dealer and it seems that his killing might be linked to stolen drugs. However, when a local girl is also brutally murdered, Ruth has to change the focus of the investigation as it is clear that the murderers will go to any lengths to cover their tracks.
With the case now faltering, Ruth begins to suspect that the key to solving the murders actually lies in Daniel’s early childhood. Can she unlock the dark secrets of Daniel’s past before the killers catch up with him?
The Chirk Castle Killings is the twelfth book in the DI Ruth Hunter Murder Case Snowdonia series. If you like chilling police procedurals, true-to-life characters, and psychological twists, then you’ll love Simon McCleave’s page-turning thrill ride.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2022
833 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
November 9, 2022
A good book but I considered the ending strange.
July 10, 2022
Well, that's one way to end a book!
Well, I must say Simon McCleave has done it again! With an original concept, a bunch of twist and turns, I would even say a 360 or 2, he has written an amazing book! Ruth looks to have a very different but wonderful future ahead, and Nick? Well I guess we just have to wait until September 1'st. And trust me, after this ending I will be waiting for that day to arrive!
Well, I must say Simon McCleave has done it again! With an original concept, a bunch of twist and turns, I would even say a 360 or 2, he has written an amazing book! Ruth looks to have a very different but wonderful future ahead, and Nick? Well I guess we just have to wait until September 1'st. And trust me, after this ending I will be waiting for that day to arrive!
August 29, 2024
Ruth and Nick are at it again!
The side of a dark road, A Man and his son are being chased! They get run off the road, the man gets out to confront these people, the boy stays behind only to witness his father's murder.
Nick, Ruth and the CID team are on the hunt for the killer, and to find the only eye witness!
The son, Daniel is located and taken to safety. As the investigation unfolds, they find drugs, money and a lot of hidden family secrets. So many secrets in the book, as the story grows, so does the past secrets and mysteries.
Will Ruth and Nick find the killer or killers? The Chirk Castle Killings is another 5 ***** in the DI Ruth Hunter series.
The end also spins a new dilemma that Nick has gotten himself into!
The side of a dark road, A Man and his son are being chased! They get run off the road, the man gets out to confront these people, the boy stays behind only to witness his father's murder.
Nick, Ruth and the CID team are on the hunt for the killer, and to find the only eye witness!
The son, Daniel is located and taken to safety. As the investigation unfolds, they find drugs, money and a lot of hidden family secrets. So many secrets in the book, as the story grows, so does the past secrets and mysteries.
Will Ruth and Nick find the killer or killers? The Chirk Castle Killings is another 5 ***** in the DI Ruth Hunter series.
The end also spins a new dilemma that Nick has gotten himself into!
July 27, 2022
I am a huge fan of Simon McCleave since day one. I've read all his book in this series, plus the two free books (prequels) and now, I am also hooked on his new (The) Anglesey series, Book #1 and am awaiting Book #2. Love pre-ordering!
This book did not disappoint! So many happenings and twists and secrets.....I couldn't put it down and the ending: wow! I am (im)patiently waiting Book #13. He is a brilliant story teller!
This book did not disappoint! So many happenings and twists and secrets.....I couldn't put it down and the ending: wow! I am (im)patiently waiting Book #13. He is a brilliant story teller!
August 7, 2024
Gee another great storyline
The saga of Ruth and nick and the rest of the crew goes on. Never a dull moment, always on the move even when things,are looking precarious. Can't wait to read the next segment of this ongoing drama. I do like the added characters to the storyline , their addition makes the jobs of the two main characters much more complicated.
The saga of Ruth and nick and the rest of the crew goes on. Never a dull moment, always on the move even when things,are looking precarious. Can't wait to read the next segment of this ongoing drama. I do like the added characters to the storyline , their addition makes the jobs of the two main characters much more complicated.
September 14, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
April 5, 2024
another easy read crime yarn
keeps me coming back for the next story. you'll feel like you're reading the script for a two hour TV drama.
keeps me coming back for the next story. you'll feel like you're reading the script for a two hour TV drama.
June 29, 2025
These books just keep getting better! What a cliffhanger in this one! This book had a really well woven plot with all threads coming together, compulsive reading. The Sarah plot continued in the background and I’m sure that will come to a conclusion at some point soon
August 4, 2022
Author and brilliant marketer--His $3.00+ books on Amazon seem like a real bargain until you realize it's like buying cheap street drugs--He does a quick page-turner with a cliffhanger at the end and you're already signing up for the next book, due out in a couple of months--It becomes an expensive addiction--Always great descriptions of the north Wales landscape and some Wikipaedia history thrown in--and plots that are usually finely crafted--although in this one, a detail escaped him--spoiler alert--Daniel was undoubtedly kidnapped to provide his sister Daisy with a matching kidney--that Daniel would become collateral damage didn't matter. And what happens to young Daisy when Ruth brings Daniel home? Maybe the next chapter in the saga of Nick and D.I. Ruth will clarify it along with some grisly murders, at least one high-speed car chase, English procedural interviews with the typical "no comment" and the internal political intrigues of the small police department. Okay, so I'm a McCleave addict waiting for my next fix!
July 6, 2022
DI Ruth Hunter and her partner, DS Nick Evans are called to the scene where a man is found shot dead in the road. They discover the man's ten year old son Daniel is missing and they hunt for him first. After finding Daniel Ruth wonders if he knows something that he doesn't know he knows. While searching for the killer a local girl is murdered and she knew the first victim. Are the cases related....
July 2, 2022
what comes next !
A jolly good read , as we get to know the team better, with every outing it appears there are still some skeletons in the cupboard, as well as deeper feelings to be revealed on all aspects of life
We are in fact part of the family , involved at every turn , this is a mark of of a great author, who knows his audience and feeds their addiction! let them keep coming I say
A jolly good read , as we get to know the team better, with every outing it appears there are still some skeletons in the cupboard, as well as deeper feelings to be revealed on all aspects of life
We are in fact part of the family , involved at every turn , this is a mark of of a great author, who knows his audience and feeds their addiction! let them keep coming I say
August 27, 2022
Another cracker of a read. There's more focus on the investigation in this one, with less emphasis on the personal life of Ruth and Sarah, although I am enjoying Sarah's mother Doreen who is a scream and provides some good humour.
Without rehashing the blurb, we initially begin with the murder of a man leaving his son to run off and escape, and later a young woman who has connections to the father and son is also found dead. There are plenty of twists and turns and I was taken by surprise at the outcome which pleased me no end! Also, talk about a cliffhanger... I can't wait for the next book. Thankfully there's not long to wait.
Without rehashing the blurb, we initially begin with the murder of a man leaving his son to run off and escape, and later a young woman who has connections to the father and son is also found dead. There are plenty of twists and turns and I was taken by surprise at the outcome which pleased me no end! Also, talk about a cliffhanger... I can't wait for the next book. Thankfully there's not long to wait.
December 22, 2022
So I finished this and as usual, went to download the next book. 2 chapters in and I realized I just don't care anymore. Not a bad series but not great either - there are so many books I want to read, I don't have to settle for just so-so.
August 3, 2022
Book twelve in the Detective Inspector Ruth Hunter series, set in North Wales, is “The Chirk Castle Killings”. Written by Amazon No.1 bestselling author Simon McCleave, his talent for publishing all of these entertaining and often chilling police procedurals in just three years, shows his passion for writing, combined with a clever, never ending imagination.
- A fatal shooting. A vulnerable eyewitness. DI Ruth Hunter and her partner, DS Nick Evans, must track down the killers before they find a key witness, a ten-year-old boy, Daniel. —
I’m going to start with the ending and state for the record - you cannot leave me hanging like that!!! Although I fear this may well be a trait of this author with his teasing endings! Having read only the previous book (The Lake Vynwy Killings) in this series, I am already hooked and I am following the characters with vested interest. The author has created a set of characters you can’t help but endear to and their personal lives intertwine with the thriller plot lines seamlessly and perfectly in tune. DI Hunter cares about her team, won’t stop until she finds the perpetrator/s involved in the crimes and has a genuinely warm heart.
The story starts with how the previous book ended, involving Ruth’s partner Sarah and her forthcoming participation as a witness in a prosecution case, before diving straight into the fatal shooting leaving a ten year old boy homeless. With twists and turns aplenty and Ruth and her Detective Sergeant’s private lives running parallel to the main plot, it’s inevitable that you’ll become engrossed and will want to read this in one sitting. I will, without a doubt, continue to follow this series and hope to catch up on the previous books soon.
The Chirk Castle Killings is the twelfth book in the million-copy bestselling DI Ruth Hunter ‘Snowdonia’ series. With enough back story in each book to cover any missed or forgotten details, these books can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. A major new TV series based on the books will begin shooting in North Wales in 2023.
#TheChirkCastleKillings - 4.5 stars
Thank you to Courtney Jefferies for inviting me on the tour and to edpr.co.uk for my copy of the book in return for an honest review.
- A fatal shooting. A vulnerable eyewitness. DI Ruth Hunter and her partner, DS Nick Evans, must track down the killers before they find a key witness, a ten-year-old boy, Daniel. —
I’m going to start with the ending and state for the record - you cannot leave me hanging like that!!! Although I fear this may well be a trait of this author with his teasing endings! Having read only the previous book (The Lake Vynwy Killings) in this series, I am already hooked and I am following the characters with vested interest. The author has created a set of characters you can’t help but endear to and their personal lives intertwine with the thriller plot lines seamlessly and perfectly in tune. DI Hunter cares about her team, won’t stop until she finds the perpetrator/s involved in the crimes and has a genuinely warm heart.
The story starts with how the previous book ended, involving Ruth’s partner Sarah and her forthcoming participation as a witness in a prosecution case, before diving straight into the fatal shooting leaving a ten year old boy homeless. With twists and turns aplenty and Ruth and her Detective Sergeant’s private lives running parallel to the main plot, it’s inevitable that you’ll become engrossed and will want to read this in one sitting. I will, without a doubt, continue to follow this series and hope to catch up on the previous books soon.
The Chirk Castle Killings is the twelfth book in the million-copy bestselling DI Ruth Hunter ‘Snowdonia’ series. With enough back story in each book to cover any missed or forgotten details, these books can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. A major new TV series based on the books will begin shooting in North Wales in 2023.
#TheChirkCastleKillings - 4.5 stars
Thank you to Courtney Jefferies for inviting me on the tour and to edpr.co.uk for my copy of the book in return for an honest review.
July 7, 2023
A Family Affair.
Vince & Daniel Thompson were moving on, once again. They rarely stayed in one place for long. At ten years old, Daniel didn't know just how many schools he had been enrolled in.
Vince was a drug dealer and travelled across North Wales selling his wares. Staying ahead of the law and anyone who objected to his business ventures.
When he was shot, it was a mystery as to why. Forced off the road, he got out and a shotgun killed him instantly.
The killers thought he was alone, until they saw Daniel running away into the direction of Chirk Castle.
The perfect book for anyone who likes to think as well as read or listen.
Almost an excess of suspects, changing daily sometimes more than that. Nothing is obvious, just the way I like it.
Even when all leads seem to point in one direction, there is always a 'But' or 'What if' . Very clever author, definitely in my top ten.
Vince & Daniel Thompson were moving on, once again. They rarely stayed in one place for long. At ten years old, Daniel didn't know just how many schools he had been enrolled in.
Vince was a drug dealer and travelled across North Wales selling his wares. Staying ahead of the law and anyone who objected to his business ventures.
When he was shot, it was a mystery as to why. Forced off the road, he got out and a shotgun killed him instantly.
The killers thought he was alone, until they saw Daniel running away into the direction of Chirk Castle.
The perfect book for anyone who likes to think as well as read or listen.
Almost an excess of suspects, changing daily sometimes more than that. Nothing is obvious, just the way I like it.
Even when all leads seem to point in one direction, there is always a 'But' or 'What if' . Very clever author, definitely in my top ten.
December 3, 2022
Another outing for Ruth and the gang brings another murder mystery, only this time, the killer has left a witness.
Yes, DI Hunter is back on the trail in North Wales, showcasing her skills and experience assisted by her now favourite colleague, Nick.
There’s twists and turns, suspense and intrigue. All very cleverly put together by Simon McCleave in this now developed series.
A few repetitive words such as “joked” and “enquired”, but otherwise ok. Dialogue felt to be stumbling along on occasion and the main sticking point for me is the American way of “reading your rights”.
If this was to achieve a five star rating then I’d want things like that worked on.
Otherwise, it’s an enjoyable story and keeps you guessing. Four out of five.
Yes, DI Hunter is back on the trail in North Wales, showcasing her skills and experience assisted by her now favourite colleague, Nick.
There’s twists and turns, suspense and intrigue. All very cleverly put together by Simon McCleave in this now developed series.
A few repetitive words such as “joked” and “enquired”, but otherwise ok. Dialogue felt to be stumbling along on occasion and the main sticking point for me is the American way of “reading your rights”.
If this was to achieve a five star rating then I’d want things like that worked on.
Otherwise, it’s an enjoyable story and keeps you guessing. Four out of five.
September 21, 2022
A fatal shooting. A vulnerable eyewitness. DI Ruth Hunter and her partner, DS Nick Evans, must track down the killers before they find a key witness - a ten-year-old boy, Daniel.
This is the 12th book in the DI Ruth Hunter series. It is a dramatic, tense and gripping read. Many twists and turns with a surprise ending. The comfortable characters are like old friends. I love following the character's family alongside the main storyline. The story has great pace with an unexpected final result and cliffhanger. I can't wait to read the next installment. If you like chilling police procedurals, true-to-life characters, and psychological twists, then you'll love this book.
This is the 12th book in the DI Ruth Hunter series. It is a dramatic, tense and gripping read. Many twists and turns with a surprise ending. The comfortable characters are like old friends. I love following the character's family alongside the main storyline. The story has great pace with an unexpected final result and cliffhanger. I can't wait to read the next installment. If you like chilling police procedurals, true-to-life characters, and psychological twists, then you'll love this book.
July 25, 2024
When a single father is gunned down near a road, his young son witnesses the crime and runs off to hide near Chirk Castle. Ruth and Nick are called into investigate, and after locating the boy start to try understand why his dad was murdered.
With quite a few people including locals and aspiring MP’s in the frame with apparent motive, the team must dig deeper to find the evidence.
There’s quite a red herring’s, and twists in the book, not least quite a significant one very near the end of book.
Alongside this Nick finds himself in a bit of trouble, and with the book ending on somewhat on a cliff hanger, it remains to be seen if he can clear his name.
4 stars.
With quite a few people including locals and aspiring MP’s in the frame with apparent motive, the team must dig deeper to find the evidence.
There’s quite a red herring’s, and twists in the book, not least quite a significant one very near the end of book.
Alongside this Nick finds himself in a bit of trouble, and with the book ending on somewhat on a cliff hanger, it remains to be seen if he can clear his name.
4 stars.
September 30, 2022
Yet another good read from Simon.
I'm actually from North Wales and it's good to be able to recognise some of the place names and some location descriptions/scenery etc, obviously artistic licence is involved but not enough to make the brilliant storyline unrealistic. Yet another great addition to the Ruth, Sarah, Nick saga, and it's nice to have their families dipping in and out too. Can't wait for more...
I'm actually from North Wales and it's good to be able to recognise some of the place names and some location descriptions/scenery etc, obviously artistic licence is involved but not enough to make the brilliant storyline unrealistic. Yet another great addition to the Ruth, Sarah, Nick saga, and it's nice to have their families dipping in and out too. Can't wait for more...
June 9, 2023
This book was one of the better ones in the series. I was a bit mystified about what we call witness protection. Usually, you have to move away and have no contact with friends or loved ones. Here, they just carry on as usual. I though that we were done with that Blake character but he, evidently, has reared his ugly head again. Well, Nick seems to have really pi**ed somone off. Will Daniel find a forever home?
June 8, 2024
Great Ending!
A great convoluted plot, perfect teamwork and voila, the solution. The only distraction was stupid old Sarah, the thorn in Ruth's side. FYI, an American peanut butter and jelly sandwich is not made with jam. Jelly is a strained fruit spread similar to jam but doesn't have inclusions. Jelly in Britspeak is what Americans know as Jello, a gelatin dessert. A few editorial errors, but overall a good read.
A great convoluted plot, perfect teamwork and voila, the solution. The only distraction was stupid old Sarah, the thorn in Ruth's side. FYI, an American peanut butter and jelly sandwich is not made with jam. Jelly is a strained fruit spread similar to jam but doesn't have inclusions. Jelly in Britspeak is what Americans know as Jello, a gelatin dessert. A few editorial errors, but overall a good read.
November 4, 2025
Another great installment from the Ruth Hunter series, I only discovered Simon McCleave a year or so ago, so I am slowly working my way through this series before I go onto the others. I read a lot of other books too, but I always feel a bit like coming home reading these, that might be because I live near where they are set, but also because I an invested in the main characters and want to know more and more about them.
June 29, 2022
Twists and turns
Once again Simon has managed to produced an exciting book following DI Ruth Hunter. There were so many suspects that I had to keep turning pages till the end. I like the continuity from previous books and the interaction between the team bringing humour at times. The final twist was unexpected and the ending left me wanting the next book now!
Once again Simon has managed to produced an exciting book following DI Ruth Hunter. There were so many suspects that I had to keep turning pages till the end. I like the continuity from previous books and the interaction between the team bringing humour at times. The final twist was unexpected and the ending left me wanting the next book now!
July 2, 2022
Another brilliant Ruth Hunter story.
Simon McCleave has done it again. There are a number of disparate threads that somehow must be linked, but it proves hard to find those links. There's a completely unexpected event at the end that may well be an intro to go next in the series. Thank you Simon.
Simon McCleave has done it again. There are a number of disparate threads that somehow must be linked, but it proves hard to find those links. There's a completely unexpected event at the end that may well be an intro to go next in the series. Thank you Simon.
July 2, 2022
Another superb thriller for Ruth Hunter
Brilliant read, love this series of books. Always well written , intriguing plots and interesting characters, just what you want in a good crime thriller. Love hearing about North Wales as well, as my ancestors and I guess a lot of Liverpools ancestors, hailed from that area. Can’t wait for the next one.
Brilliant read, love this series of books. Always well written , intriguing plots and interesting characters, just what you want in a good crime thriller. Love hearing about North Wales as well, as my ancestors and I guess a lot of Liverpools ancestors, hailed from that area. Can’t wait for the next one.
July 5, 2022
Too good!
Well you've done it again, Simon! I just could not put this down and managed to finish it in 2 days. Great beginning ,good middle and an ending that leaves you wanting more. I'm not going to spoil your pleasure by giving you the storyline. I suggest that you read it yourself!
Well you've done it again, Simon! I just could not put this down and managed to finish it in 2 days. Great beginning ,good middle and an ending that leaves you wanting more. I'm not going to spoil your pleasure by giving you the storyline. I suggest that you read it yourself!
August 16, 2022
Another Excellent Book
Another excellent story in the Snowdonia Murder Mystery series featuring Ruth and Nick.Lots of good strong characters and a great story line. Having read all the books I did have a suspicion about half way through regarding the daughter. And a really unexpected ending. Looking forward to reading in both series.
Another excellent story in the Snowdonia Murder Mystery series featuring Ruth and Nick.Lots of good strong characters and a great story line. Having read all the books I did have a suspicion about half way through regarding the daughter. And a really unexpected ending. Looking forward to reading in both series.
May 9, 2023
I enjoyed this title a lot. Apart from that crime that Ruth Hunter has to solve, there are some sub plots going on, and I like every bit about Sarah and Ruth, and I hope that this part will become more important. The ending of the story is pretty nasty, and a cliff hanger that hopefully gets full attention in book 13. 5 out of 5 stars
February 18, 2025
Fast paced read as usual. This is definitely one of my favourites in the series as the plot felt more rounded and complete with some interesting twists along the way. I do love this series with lots of familiar places and the incredible scenery of North Wales. In a weird way, it is like being wrapped in a cozy blanket. Really looking forward to the next in the series.
March 7, 2025
Excellent stotytelling
The complex plot is once again one to keep you turning the pages. But tbh I'm fed up with the whole Sarah story now, it's been dragging on through so many of the books now and I have lost patience with it. But it won't stop me continuing with the rest of the books
The complex plot is once again one to keep you turning the pages. But tbh I'm fed up with the whole Sarah story now, it's been dragging on through so many of the books now and I have lost patience with it. But it won't stop me continuing with the rest of the books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews