Wirral Libraries Bookbuzz discussion

Number 3 in the DI Ruth Hunter series returns to form. Those who read my review of Book 2, The Harlech Beach Killings, will know that although I enjoyed it, I thought the author had a “second book dip”. I am glad to see that it was only a very slight wobble, that might have possibly been caused by many factors, including my own state of mind at the time, and Simon McCleave has presented us with another great read.

It is populated with complicated, flawed characters, yet they are enjoyable and likeable, and you can’t help rooting for them.

Yes, there were some “come off it....” moments such as (SPOILER) a murderer escaping from ten police officers on top of a mountain, and would everyone have turned a blind eye to an alcoholic, drunk driving policeman? But for all that it is a darned good read. The story pulls you in, and holds you right to the end.
This is perhaps one of the strangest murderers that I have come across. Despite all of the snippets about his past I had no sympathy for him whatsoever, and found him totally unlikeable. I became quite frustrated that he was allowed to rampage around Wales unhindered by the police.

The revelation concerning the side story of the other murder blindsided me, I won’t spoil it by giving anything away but I thought that story was going in a completely different direction. Plenty of red herrings and twists, but I suppose that is detective work for you, cleverly done.

A definite and strong recommendation should anyone be looking for a crime packed holiday read.