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DCI Tom Raven #3
The Dying of the Year
A hit and run. A suspicious death. A vendetta.
Sam Earnshaw’s recovery from a year-long coma should be an occasion for celebration. Instead, he reveals that the hit and run incident that left him close to death was no accident. Someone deliberately pushed him into the path of a speeding vehicle.
As DCI Tom Raven leads the investigation into the attempted murder, he soon uncovers a web of dark secrets and lies. The attempt on Sam’s life is not the first time a killer has struck.
And it won’t be the last.
As the bodies mount up, Raven is forced into a race against time, whilst facing serious questions about his own life and future.
Sam Earnshaw’s recovery from a year-long coma should be an occasion for celebration. Instead, he reveals that the hit and run incident that left him close to death was no accident. Someone deliberately pushed him into the path of a speeding vehicle.
As DCI Tom Raven leads the investigation into the attempted murder, he soon uncovers a web of dark secrets and lies. The attempt on Sam’s life is not the first time a killer has struck.
And it won’t be the last.
As the bodies mount up, Raven is forced into a race against time, whilst facing serious questions about his own life and future.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2023
1673 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
M.S. Morris
22 books224 followersM S Morris is the pseudonym for the writing partnership of Margarita and Steve Morris. Together they write psychological thrillers and crime novels. The couple are married and live in Oxfordshire. They have two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
April 11, 2023
2 stars
The investigation team was so bad and weak that the killer was about to come out and draw it out for them. The whole family was being killed one by one and these people were still completely clueless.
The investigation team was so bad and weak that the killer was about to come out and draw it out for them. The whole family was being killed one by one and these people were still completely clueless.
April 11, 2023
The mystery part of these books is quite good. The long drawn out list of suspects is a tad silly, police are generally not as clueless as these ones.
But what made me dislike the book.
My husband ended up in a coma. For 6 days. For the first 3 his EMV score was 3 - a deep coma, with no response from eyes (E) movement (M) verbal (V) on day 4 his score was 5, on day 5 it was 7 and when he woke up, a12, working up to a 15 within 72 hours. ( also called the Glasgow Coma Scale but reported as M, V , E)
It is clinically impossible to “wake up” suddenly and be fully responsive.
Although there are cases of people waking up from comas after months and years of coma and fully recovering. Never has anyone in a coma for over a month moved from 3 to 15 upon awakening
But what made me dislike the book.
My husband ended up in a coma. For 6 days. For the first 3 his EMV score was 3 - a deep coma, with no response from eyes (E) movement (M) verbal (V) on day 4 his score was 5, on day 5 it was 7 and when he woke up, a12, working up to a 15 within 72 hours. ( also called the Glasgow Coma Scale but reported as M, V , E)
It is clinically impossible to “wake up” suddenly and be fully responsive.
Although there are cases of people waking up from comas after months and years of coma and fully recovering. Never has anyone in a coma for over a month moved from 3 to 15 upon awakening
September 20, 2024
Book 3 in this series sees Raven and his team solve an old attempted murder and subsequent current murders that are close to home for one of the detectives.
An okay read but I must say that some of the story line felt a little bit of a stretch.
An okay read but I must say that some of the story line felt a little bit of a stretch.
May 7, 2024
I love these books about DCI Raven, written by M S Morris. They are murder mystery novels, set in Scarborough, with brilliant descriptions of the rugged landscape surrounding them. Well written, likeable main characters, full of twists and turns in the plots. I recommend them to anyone who enjoys murder mysteries!
July 4, 2024
3.5 Stars. As much as i enjoyed most of this book, there were a few parts that just did not flow with the overall context of the story. I find it quite hard to believe that a homicidal maniac can totally cover his impulses at all times before finally showing his true colors at the end. Any reasonably aware Friend or family member would have noticed some semblance of this issue well before it came to a head. Even the greatest actors in the world would slip up on occasion, providing some clues to family and friends about the deterioration of his mental state. Also, Raven's flip from being happy to be reunited with Lisa to then immdiately deciding to not even give her a second chance was too quick and poorly thought out. If he was so convinced that he could no longer trust her, why go to bed with her, and then agree to a Christnas get together in the first place? He's not 17 - maybe an adult of almost 50 years needs to think more appropriately before his inital actions! Finally, Raven needs to grow a set to better deal with Gillian - her constant patronizing attitude is unacceptable - even from a superior!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2024
Much better than expected after contrived close to Book 2
Book 2 was good but let down somewhat with a contrived closing scene; a vehicle for Book 3. I confess that I wasn’t immediately looking forward to reading “Dying of the Year.” However, once I started reading I soon forgot the miraculous events of the end of Book 2. “Dying of the Year” was a family business murder mystery. Given the relative paucity of possible suspects the murderer was well camouflaged for most of the book. Raven’s character has developed across the series, as has his team, Becca in particular. Becca is less visible in the story due to conflicts of interest but she inserts herself and is the character that has grown the most over the first 3 books.
I am looking forward to Book 4, and frankly could well do without a little hook to carry on investing in Raven and team’s characters.
I live in the US, but I am a Yorkshireman. And, even though I who know this area very well I often use Google Maps to virtually re-visit the amazing locations referred to in the story. A minor but irritating error in the otherwise wonderful desciption of the intoxicating landscape of North (and East) Yorkshire occurred towards the end of the book when it was stated that the distance between Scarborough and Flamborough Head Lighthouse was 40 miles. In reality it is only 20 miles (and approximately 40 minutes drive for most mortals, but just 20 minutes for Raven).
Book 2 was good but let down somewhat with a contrived closing scene; a vehicle for Book 3. I confess that I wasn’t immediately looking forward to reading “Dying of the Year.” However, once I started reading I soon forgot the miraculous events of the end of Book 2. “Dying of the Year” was a family business murder mystery. Given the relative paucity of possible suspects the murderer was well camouflaged for most of the book. Raven’s character has developed across the series, as has his team, Becca in particular. Becca is less visible in the story due to conflicts of interest but she inserts herself and is the character that has grown the most over the first 3 books.
I am looking forward to Book 4, and frankly could well do without a little hook to carry on investing in Raven and team’s characters.
I live in the US, but I am a Yorkshireman. And, even though I who know this area very well I often use Google Maps to virtually re-visit the amazing locations referred to in the story. A minor but irritating error in the otherwise wonderful desciption of the intoxicating landscape of North (and East) Yorkshire occurred towards the end of the book when it was stated that the distance between Scarborough and Flamborough Head Lighthouse was 40 miles. In reality it is only 20 miles (and approximately 40 minutes drive for most mortals, but just 20 minutes for Raven).
May 22, 2023
As there only 3 published books in the DCI Raven series I thought I'd tackle those and be caught up. I can then keep up with current books featuring Tom Raven as they are published.
There is a possibilty a hit and run accident was actually a murder attempt. While investigating it appears there is a connection with a suspicious death from years back with links to a family brewery. And then a murder occurs with seals the connections, too many coincidences.
The pros: descriptive character development, the Yorkshire setting and two cases worked by the squad. I like the detectives and am enjoying the mix of professional and personal developments. I would like to learn more about Constable Tony as he's a go-to guy for research and we don't know much about his personal side. The female detectives have had bigger roles with investigation and just enough (but about to border on overshare) about their romantic interests.
The cons, so far: is the rehashing of Tom Raven's war injury and the reasons he left Yorkshire 31 years ago. Same with DS Becca Shawcross' fiance's situation regarding his accident. If you read a series, most people start at the beginning and this has all been explained so...wasted paragraphs rehashing in my opinion. Yes, Raven has a fast BMW and his early life was complete crap with an abusive father.
I have already preordered book 4.
There is a possibilty a hit and run accident was actually a murder attempt. While investigating it appears there is a connection with a suspicious death from years back with links to a family brewery. And then a murder occurs with seals the connections, too many coincidences.
The pros: descriptive character development, the Yorkshire setting and two cases worked by the squad. I like the detectives and am enjoying the mix of professional and personal developments. I would like to learn more about Constable Tony as he's a go-to guy for research and we don't know much about his personal side. The female detectives have had bigger roles with investigation and just enough (but about to border on overshare) about their romantic interests.
The cons, so far: is the rehashing of Tom Raven's war injury and the reasons he left Yorkshire 31 years ago. Same with DS Becca Shawcross' fiance's situation regarding his accident. If you read a series, most people start at the beginning and this has all been explained so...wasted paragraphs rehashing in my opinion. Yes, Raven has a fast BMW and his early life was complete crap with an abusive father.
I have already preordered book 4.
May 18, 2023
The latest of the series and, to my mind, the best yet.
In such a short time we have come to know all of the police team and followed their personal ups and downs, and so the story starts where the last left off with Becca's boyfriend. He wakes up from his year long coma with the news that it wasnt an accident that had caused his hospitalization but attempted murder.
Raven agrees to investigate the year old 'accident' after a works party at the family owned Brewery.
Family intrigue and arguments are uncovered and much more in a story that keeps the readers on their toes. You could say that there are Red Herrings aplenty , but I would call it skillful gentle misdirection by the authors. I was sure that I had it worked out about halfway through , only to amend slightly at about 80% when another twist changed my mind . Of course all totally wrong.
I think a story's success isnt just about the crime and its solving but about the police involved. Here we have a group who we have come to know and like. With the final little section cliff hanger , it seems that there is more to come.
In such a short time we have come to know all of the police team and followed their personal ups and downs, and so the story starts where the last left off with Becca's boyfriend. He wakes up from his year long coma with the news that it wasnt an accident that had caused his hospitalization but attempted murder.
Raven agrees to investigate the year old 'accident' after a works party at the family owned Brewery.
Family intrigue and arguments are uncovered and much more in a story that keeps the readers on their toes. You could say that there are Red Herrings aplenty , but I would call it skillful gentle misdirection by the authors. I was sure that I had it worked out about halfway through , only to amend slightly at about 80% when another twist changed my mind . Of course all totally wrong.
I think a story's success isnt just about the crime and its solving but about the police involved. Here we have a group who we have come to know and like. With the final little section cliff hanger , it seems that there is more to come.
April 8, 2023
more of the same
One of the problems with setting -police stories in a small town is inevitably that the body count starts to get unrealistically high. Another is that when the books form a series, there understandably has to be a degree of revisiting back stories for new readers. This tends to mean that interpersonal relationships need to be plated up in order to beef up the plot.I’ve read 3 of the series now, and it’s starting to get a bit annoying. I know gulls are noisy, I know Raven’s BMW M6 is a powerful car, unlike the the Honda Jazz that gets frequent mentions. Over-long descriptions of what people are wearing and the landscape just come across as padding. The introduction of a hook on the final page to draw readers to the next in the series is a bit like the last. It of “The Archers” or “Eastenders”. Having said that the plot moves along and the ability to recognise actual places if you are familiar with the area is quite good for getting you into the feel of what’s happening.
One of the problems with setting -police stories in a small town is inevitably that the body count starts to get unrealistically high. Another is that when the books form a series, there understandably has to be a degree of revisiting back stories for new readers. This tends to mean that interpersonal relationships need to be plated up in order to beef up the plot.I’ve read 3 of the series now, and it’s starting to get a bit annoying. I know gulls are noisy, I know Raven’s BMW M6 is a powerful car, unlike the the Honda Jazz that gets frequent mentions. Over-long descriptions of what people are wearing and the landscape just come across as padding. The introduction of a hook on the final page to draw readers to the next in the series is a bit like the last. It of “The Archers” or “Eastenders”. Having said that the plot moves along and the ability to recognise actual places if you are familiar with the area is quite good for getting you into the feel of what’s happening.
June 1, 2023
Good in places
I have read all three of the books in this series, it took time the get into the first and then I wanted to see if I would enjoy them more as I became familiar the team, but I did not.
The plots had the potential to be interesting but the characterisations of the main players was puzzling, I felt they were not fully formed and they had little real personality. For the most part, they are professional police officers etc., yet they appear to be almost adolescent in their thoughts and behaviours. Even Raven, an experienced police officer and former soldier, makes impulsive decisions, whether in his personal or his professional life, he doesn’t seem to consider options before jumping in, yet he sees his death looming in the not too distant future. The dialogue seemed a bit clichéd and unnecessarily flowery, better suited to a 1970s story rather than 2020s.
Overall I felt frustrated with the characters and storyline, when the initial crime was resolved fairly abruptly with the next one hinted at before the the book ended.
I have read all three of the books in this series, it took time the get into the first and then I wanted to see if I would enjoy them more as I became familiar the team, but I did not.
The plots had the potential to be interesting but the characterisations of the main players was puzzling, I felt they were not fully formed and they had little real personality. For the most part, they are professional police officers etc., yet they appear to be almost adolescent in their thoughts and behaviours. Even Raven, an experienced police officer and former soldier, makes impulsive decisions, whether in his personal or his professional life, he doesn’t seem to consider options before jumping in, yet he sees his death looming in the not too distant future. The dialogue seemed a bit clichéd and unnecessarily flowery, better suited to a 1970s story rather than 2020s.
Overall I felt frustrated with the characters and storyline, when the initial crime was resolved fairly abruptly with the next one hinted at before the the book ended.
Read
September 17, 2024A hit and run. A suspicious death. A vendetta.
Sam Earnshaw’s recovery from a year-long coma should be an occasion for celebration. Instead, he reveals that the hit and run incident that left him close to death was no accident. Someone deliberately pushed him into the path of a speeding vehicle.
As DCI Tom Raven leads the investigation into the attempted murder, he soon uncovers a web of dark secrets and lies. The attempt on Sam’s life is not the first time a killer has struck.
And it won’t be the last.
As the bodies mount up, Raven is forced into a race against time, whilst facing serious questions about his own life and future.
Set on the North Yorkshire coast, the Tom Raven series is perfect for fans of LJ Ross, JD Kirk, Simon McCleave, and British crime fiction.
Very good series.
Sam Earnshaw’s recovery from a year-long coma should be an occasion for celebration. Instead, he reveals that the hit and run incident that left him close to death was no accident. Someone deliberately pushed him into the path of a speeding vehicle.
As DCI Tom Raven leads the investigation into the attempted murder, he soon uncovers a web of dark secrets and lies. The attempt on Sam’s life is not the first time a killer has struck.
And it won’t be the last.
As the bodies mount up, Raven is forced into a race against time, whilst facing serious questions about his own life and future.
Set on the North Yorkshire coast, the Tom Raven series is perfect for fans of LJ Ross, JD Kirk, Simon McCleave, and British crime fiction.
Very good series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2023
WHY did I let this drag on. I should have known better after the Oxford series, which turned out to be equal parts soap opera and murder mystery. I REALLY should have known better after the [SPOILER] boyfriend of one of the detectives in this series...WOKE UP after a yearlong coma, with no consequences other than a hoarse voice. The characters are all the same. There's the odd young go-getter woman; there's the dumpy but clever middle-aged woman; there's the newly separated, mysterious, quiet Man With A Past. The writing is okay to pretty good; too bad the characters can't be more interesting. Tired of formulaic mysteries with one- or two-dimensional people, so I'll pass on the rest of this Tom Raven series.
May 7, 2023
So much happened in this book. The story of Salt Castle Brewery and the murders was really good - did not see the final resolution coming - I was looking at so many of the other characters. But it made so much sense So that was well done. Oh Sam - a will see what further books bring as he still has rehabilitation to do before he can follow through on his plans. I liked that Becca followed what is important for her - all was handled in a way that makes sense. As does Raven and the resolution of his family. I really hope someone has some plans on getting his house done.
August 1, 2024
Complex Mystery
This is a complex story which revolves around XXX and her boyfriend who is involved in a hit and run accident that leaves him unconscious for an extended time and has his doctors questioning whether he'll ever recover. It grows from that to multiple murders with little evidence of why. The mystery is solved but there's many strings hanging for Raven and his work crew in terms of their private lifes. So Book 2 builds on Book 1's findings and leaves strings happening after Book 2 ends to be continued in Book 3.
This is a complex story which revolves around XXX and her boyfriend who is involved in a hit and run accident that leaves him unconscious for an extended time and has his doctors questioning whether he'll ever recover. It grows from that to multiple murders with little evidence of why. The mystery is solved but there's many strings hanging for Raven and his work crew in terms of their private lifes. So Book 2 builds on Book 1's findings and leaves strings happening after Book 2 ends to be continued in Book 3.
April 8, 2023
4.5 Absorbing story and good continuing development of Raven and other characters
Atmospheric and geographic context v good
I did begin to suspect the outcome but this in no way detracted from the reading
Just a little over explained at times but not enough to spoil
The books can stand alone but I like the teaser endings which ensure I look out for next one ..
.. didn’t think I’d enjoy as much as Bridget in Oxford but Raven has me in
Atmospheric and geographic context v good
I did begin to suspect the outcome but this in no way detracted from the reading
Just a little over explained at times but not enough to spoil
The books can stand alone but I like the teaser endings which ensure I look out for next one ..
.. didn’t think I’d enjoy as much as Bridget in Oxford but Raven has me in
May 3, 2023
This book seemed to be padded/repeated: the sound of gulls, Raven or Becca's cars, long drawn out descriptions or Raven's military service as well as his leg injury. At least with this book the characters where better developed and the whodunnit was a surprise. This book also seemed to be about letting go of the past. Overall this was (in my opinion) the best book so far in this series and I'm looking forward to the next one.
August 15, 2023
Good story
The mystery gets personal when Becca's boyfriend wakes from a year long coma to reveal attempted murder. The mayhem doesn't stop with him and soon his whole family is involved. Becca, of course, can't be directly involved, but she does her best to help. Raven tries to figure it all out while his house is being systematically dismantled around his ears buy the builder he hired to remove renovate.
The mystery gets personal when Becca's boyfriend wakes from a year long coma to reveal attempted murder. The mayhem doesn't stop with him and soon his whole family is involved. Becca, of course, can't be directly involved, but she does her best to help. Raven tries to figure it all out while his house is being systematically dismantled around his ears buy the builder he hired to remove renovate.
August 8, 2025
Another excellent story combining Raven's personal life and a trying and difficult case. Fully exploits the risks associated with family-run businesses. The story regarding Sam picks up from the previous
books and leaves us with more intriguing storylines. If you haven't read any of these go back to No. 1 and follow the story through - it will be worth your while.
Julian Tremayne, Cromer, Norfolk
books and leaves us with more intriguing storylines. If you haven't read any of these go back to No. 1 and follow the story through - it will be worth your while.
Julian Tremayne, Cromer, Norfolk
April 6, 2023
Finished in one sitting
Don't start this book unless you have the day off. I literally could not put this book down... did not even get dressed today! It has interesting characters, many twists and turns and great pacing. An enjoyable (if nail-biting) read. Looking forward to the next book.
Don't start this book unless you have the day off. I literally could not put this book down... did not even get dressed today! It has interesting characters, many twists and turns and great pacing. An enjoyable (if nail-biting) read. Looking forward to the next book.
April 13, 2023
Great Plot, A Few Far Fetched Bits
The timings of the murders confused me logically. Why take so long and what finally set him/her off? Glad the romances are getting sorted and unsorted. That Lisa is a piece of work! Sometimes the writing is great and sometimes it becomes quite formulaic and maudlin. Love all the good guys. A few iffy ones get their just desserts. In the ending is the start if the next one. I shall read on...
The timings of the murders confused me logically. Why take so long and what finally set him/her off? Glad the romances are getting sorted and unsorted. That Lisa is a piece of work! Sometimes the writing is great and sometimes it becomes quite formulaic and maudlin. Love all the good guys. A few iffy ones get their just desserts. In the ending is the start if the next one. I shall read on...
April 14, 2023
Tom Raven#3
A good read, I have taken a liking to Raven.
A!so enjoy the descriptive narrative of Yorkshire, one can feel it's grey , and dark mood.
The writing on this series seems to improve with each addition,
Becca and her family lighten the mood.
I look forward to book #4
M.Montgomery
A good read, I have taken a liking to Raven.
A!so enjoy the descriptive narrative of Yorkshire, one can feel it's grey , and dark mood.
The writing on this series seems to improve with each addition,
Becca and her family lighten the mood.
I look forward to book #4
M.Montgomery
September 3, 2024
Twists and turns
Always enjoy these books and this is no exception. Typical British thriller - you have no idea who the killer is until the end of the book, but by then it makes perfect sense and you wonder why you didn't tweak to it sooner. Definitely hard to put down, and very easy to read in one sitting. It's going to be hard not to rip through the next books.
Always enjoy these books and this is no exception. Typical British thriller - you have no idea who the killer is until the end of the book, but by then it makes perfect sense and you wonder why you didn't tweak to it sooner. Definitely hard to put down, and very easy to read in one sitting. It's going to be hard not to rip through the next books.
March 1, 2025
Three time’s a charm, and this third Tom Raven book has a perfect pace. There never was a red herring to consider, and the guilty parties looked suitably, well, guilty. Ultimately, the ending was packed with surprises and full of Yorkshire mystery and weather. I truly have no criticisms this time.
March 3, 2025
another excellent story
Well its lovely to read the stories of each member of Ravens team and how one thing leads to another story which I am off to read. This was a complete twister I considered all but the actual killer. Great read and twist -well worth it and because of a great story didn’t take long to finish. No housework find though!!!!
Well its lovely to read the stories of each member of Ravens team and how one thing leads to another story which I am off to read. This was a complete twister I considered all but the actual killer. Great read and twist -well worth it and because of a great story didn’t take long to finish. No housework find though!!!!
May 18, 2025
I'm hooked on another amazing series! DCI Tom Raven is such a well-developed character. Since I'm planning a binge-read to catch up, I figured now's the time to say the author created a fantastic series with really deep characters. It was also cool to find out they like Wensleydale cheese with cake.
August 17, 2025
Oooh, this was great!
Well, this was more like it. The plot was easy to follow with multiple possibilities for the whodunit including my own incorrect version. Raven never let me down and made a strong decision about his future. I'm hoping that he will have a functional kitchen in the next book!
Well, this was more like it. The plot was easy to follow with multiple possibilities for the whodunit including my own incorrect version. Raven never let me down and made a strong decision about his future. I'm hoping that he will have a functional kitchen in the next book!
December 2, 2025
Another very good Tom Raven book. Murders, adultery and a young man waking from a yer long coma. Nice police procedures and believable characters. Nice tidy ending with the culprit getting their deserved comeuppance. I ususally can figure out "who done it" but this time I was completely fooled by the culprit and the reason.
April 5, 2023
I love this series, the plots keep you wondering right until the end. Also enjoy it as we live in York and visit Scarborough frequently. I hope there will be many more in this series and Tom's house finally gets finished!!
April 8, 2023
This series gets better. Great characters. Lots of intrigue and twists and turns. Especially love these books as all written around my town and Raven a near neighbour! Sad I'll have to wait till June for next book.
April 23, 2023
Another great story
Another great story in the Tom Raven series with most of the usual characters. A well written story line with plenty of twists and turns and an exciting ending. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
Another great story in the Tom Raven series with most of the usual characters. A well written story line with plenty of twists and turns and an exciting ending. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews