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DI Ridpath #9
What the Shadows Hide
Who killed Romeo and Juliet?
Two desiccated bodies are found in each other's arms in the bricked up room of a derelict Victorian warehouse. After six months of work, the police have nothing and Ridpath is finally called in to investigate. Dubbed the Romeo and Juliet murders by the press, so many questions remain unanswered.
Who are they? Why were they there? Who killed them? And why was the coroner so keen for him to work on this particular case?
Ridpath is plunged into his most difficult investigation yet, in a race against time to discover the truth. Has an unknown serial killer been operating in Manchester for the last twenty years?
Fast-paced, vicious and utterly compelling, the latest Ridpath novel is perfect for fans of Mark Billingham and Damien Boyd.
Two desiccated bodies are found in each other's arms in the bricked up room of a derelict Victorian warehouse. After six months of work, the police have nothing and Ridpath is finally called in to investigate. Dubbed the Romeo and Juliet murders by the press, so many questions remain unanswered.
Who are they? Why were they there? Who killed them? And why was the coroner so keen for him to work on this particular case?
Ridpath is plunged into his most difficult investigation yet, in a race against time to discover the truth. Has an unknown serial killer been operating in Manchester for the last twenty years?
Fast-paced, vicious and utterly compelling, the latest Ridpath novel is perfect for fans of Mark Billingham and Damien Boyd.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2023
127 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Lee
44 books442 followersMartin has spent most of his adult life writing in one form or another.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
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February 11, 2023
DI Ridpath #9
Years ago a young man and woman are entombed and left to die, their desiccated bodies found years later. The pair are christened Romeo and Juliet and despite extensive police investigation and pressure from the press, their identities and murderer remain elusive. Mrs Challinor, the coroner, is unusually distracted but is keen for DI Thomas Ridpath to work on the case as per Detective Superintendent Claire Trents request at Greater Manchester MIT. Trent gives Ridpath eight days to make headway with the help of Chrissy Wright and DS Emily Parkinson. The case is one of the most difficult Ridpath has ever undertaken and takes on a personal angle. The race against time is on.
I really like this series especially the character of intuitive, rule bender Ridpath and especially how he rubs people up the wrong way leading to some very entertaining scenes. The relationship between widower Ridpath and his daughter Eve is excellent and I love the dialogue between them with pops of humour to break the tension of the case. The police team are good, there are some good interactions between officers especially when Trent is berating Thomas! I like the addition of Scot DCI Steve Carruthers a welcome replacement for the odious Paul Turnbull. Not so welcome is the new arrival at the coroners office of Clarence Montague whose love of correct procedure makes your eyes roll!
The case is an interesting one, it’s a puzzle tied up with a riddle or two and the dots are elusive in connecting up. There’s an very interesting DNA angle I really enjoy. The plot is well thought out, the pace isn’t exceptionally fast but it suits the difficulty of the case and you certainly feel the frustration of Ridpath and his team.
However, I’m not entirely convinced by how it plays out but I’m very keen to read number 10 because of the ultimate end. I don’t especially like hearing perpetrators voices in my mystery thrillers but that’s just a personal preference and so it’s unfair to deduct stars and it does add to the tension.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Canelo for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Years ago a young man and woman are entombed and left to die, their desiccated bodies found years later. The pair are christened Romeo and Juliet and despite extensive police investigation and pressure from the press, their identities and murderer remain elusive. Mrs Challinor, the coroner, is unusually distracted but is keen for DI Thomas Ridpath to work on the case as per Detective Superintendent Claire Trents request at Greater Manchester MIT. Trent gives Ridpath eight days to make headway with the help of Chrissy Wright and DS Emily Parkinson. The case is one of the most difficult Ridpath has ever undertaken and takes on a personal angle. The race against time is on.
I really like this series especially the character of intuitive, rule bender Ridpath and especially how he rubs people up the wrong way leading to some very entertaining scenes. The relationship between widower Ridpath and his daughter Eve is excellent and I love the dialogue between them with pops of humour to break the tension of the case. The police team are good, there are some good interactions between officers especially when Trent is berating Thomas! I like the addition of Scot DCI Steve Carruthers a welcome replacement for the odious Paul Turnbull. Not so welcome is the new arrival at the coroners office of Clarence Montague whose love of correct procedure makes your eyes roll!
The case is an interesting one, it’s a puzzle tied up with a riddle or two and the dots are elusive in connecting up. There’s an very interesting DNA angle I really enjoy. The plot is well thought out, the pace isn’t exceptionally fast but it suits the difficulty of the case and you certainly feel the frustration of Ridpath and his team.
However, I’m not entirely convinced by how it plays out but I’m very keen to read number 10 because of the ultimate end. I don’t especially like hearing perpetrators voices in my mystery thrillers but that’s just a personal preference and so it’s unfair to deduct stars and it does add to the tension.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Canelo for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
March 16, 2023
I read Where the Truth Lies, the first book in the Ridpath series, in February 2021, a mere two years ago. It was first published in 2018. A big compliment to M J Lee for giving his readers the ninth book in just five years. A ninth book that is among the very best in this series.
Tom Ridpath is still struggling with the death of his wife and his fight with myeloma, but also with being a single parent of a thirteen year old daughter. He is trying to be the best version of himself he can, with juggling two jobs too. His boss at MIT, Claire Trent, is caught between the wishes of hér bosses to solve the case of the dead teenagers asap, and the fact that Manchester police is understaffed. His boss at the Coroners’ Office, Margaret Challinor, has every bit of faith in Ridpath. Maybe a little too much faith because she always gives him the most difficult cases to work on. Without the help of his trusted assistants at the two offices Ridpath wouldn’t be able to work everything out and it’s great he expresses this often – Ridpath is no superhero, just very determined (and sometimes he likes to do things his own way).
Of course, when he gets the case of the two murdered teenagers, the people who worked on this case before him are not happy because they’re afraid it will seem like they didn’t put enough effort in it. Which is not true, but Ridpath is someone who’s able to think out of the box. In this case, he’s so far out of the box that almost no one believes him. Until he solves the case, of course. But with Mrs Challinor not being able to support him, because she’s in hospital in an induced coma, what will become of him now?
Only a few days before I started reading this book, there was a news item on tv regarding the fact that Dutch police is going to go and work together with American private DNA banks, to try and solve more cold cases. Interesting! What’s even more interesting is that exactly this is what happening in the book, with a detailed explanation that said way more than just that short news item. I just loved the combination of very detailed technical stuff with the complicated plot and the interaction between Ridpath and the other characters.
Thanks to Netgally and Canelo for this review copy.
Tom Ridpath is still struggling with the death of his wife and his fight with myeloma, but also with being a single parent of a thirteen year old daughter. He is trying to be the best version of himself he can, with juggling two jobs too. His boss at MIT, Claire Trent, is caught between the wishes of hér bosses to solve the case of the dead teenagers asap, and the fact that Manchester police is understaffed. His boss at the Coroners’ Office, Margaret Challinor, has every bit of faith in Ridpath. Maybe a little too much faith because she always gives him the most difficult cases to work on. Without the help of his trusted assistants at the two offices Ridpath wouldn’t be able to work everything out and it’s great he expresses this often – Ridpath is no superhero, just very determined (and sometimes he likes to do things his own way).
Of course, when he gets the case of the two murdered teenagers, the people who worked on this case before him are not happy because they’re afraid it will seem like they didn’t put enough effort in it. Which is not true, but Ridpath is someone who’s able to think out of the box. In this case, he’s so far out of the box that almost no one believes him. Until he solves the case, of course. But with Mrs Challinor not being able to support him, because she’s in hospital in an induced coma, what will become of him now?
Only a few days before I started reading this book, there was a news item on tv regarding the fact that Dutch police is going to go and work together with American private DNA banks, to try and solve more cold cases. Interesting! What’s even more interesting is that exactly this is what happening in the book, with a detailed explanation that said way more than just that short news item. I just loved the combination of very detailed technical stuff with the complicated plot and the interaction between Ridpath and the other characters.
Thanks to Netgally and Canelo for this review copy.
February 19, 2023
What the Shadows Hide was a fun book to read. it is the ninth in the series of DI Ridpath. The book opens with a court scene of a coroner request with the coroner, Mrs. Margaret Challinor telling the jury about the death of Owen Davis. He was unemployed at the time. Had been recently marketing director for a for Scientific Instrumental Company, He hung himself. Inspector Thomas Ridpath was a coroner officer on call for the coroner He also worked for. Claire Trent head of Major Investigation Team of Greater Manchester Police.
Mrs. Challinor was doing some investigation on her own and set up a meeting with the party she was investigating. While walking her dog she is attacked by the person she is investigating and ends up unconscious in the hospital. Ridpath is called at home by her daughter Sarah. He goes to the hospital. He not only works for Margot but are good friends.
Ridpath is called into Claire's office and meets Steve Carruthers from Police Scotland who is his new DCI boss. He is given a folder marked Executive Summery. The folder pertains to the Romeo and Juliet Murders. Two bodies were found in a secret room in a warehouse that is being torn down. It is a young woman and a young man arm in arm. They were found entombed for 15 years. . It has been 6 months and the police have not found out who they are. They want Ridpath to take over the investigation giving him 8 days to get results. Claire wants him to also find out what Margaret was investigating. Two police woman, Chrissy Wright and DS Emily Parkinson are going to work with him.
There are two parts to this story. One is who are the two who were locked in the room and the other is who attacked Margaret and why. This is where the story takes off taking the reader on an adventure which I will leave to the reader to enjoy. There is so much going on that it is hard to put all on paper. The story takes the reader to an exciting climax of both stories.
Thank you NetGalley and Canelo Crime for this ARC,
Mrs. Challinor was doing some investigation on her own and set up a meeting with the party she was investigating. While walking her dog she is attacked by the person she is investigating and ends up unconscious in the hospital. Ridpath is called at home by her daughter Sarah. He goes to the hospital. He not only works for Margot but are good friends.
Ridpath is called into Claire's office and meets Steve Carruthers from Police Scotland who is his new DCI boss. He is given a folder marked Executive Summery. The folder pertains to the Romeo and Juliet Murders. Two bodies were found in a secret room in a warehouse that is being torn down. It is a young woman and a young man arm in arm. They were found entombed for 15 years. . It has been 6 months and the police have not found out who they are. They want Ridpath to take over the investigation giving him 8 days to get results. Claire wants him to also find out what Margaret was investigating. Two police woman, Chrissy Wright and DS Emily Parkinson are going to work with him.
There are two parts to this story. One is who are the two who were locked in the room and the other is who attacked Margaret and why. This is where the story takes off taking the reader on an adventure which I will leave to the reader to enjoy. There is so much going on that it is hard to put all on paper. The story takes the reader to an exciting climax of both stories.
Thank you NetGalley and Canelo Crime for this ARC,
March 18, 2023
DI Ridpath #9
Two desiccated bodies are found in each other's arms in the bricked-up room of a derelict Victorian warehouse. After six months of work, the police have nothing and Ridpath is finally called in to investigate. Dubbed the Romes and Juliet murders by the press, so many questions remain unanswered. Who are they? Why were they there? Who killed them? And why was the coroner so keen for him to work on this particular case.
This story is told from multiple points of view. The pace is fast, the plotline gripping, and I was hooked straight away. This series gets better with each new book. Ridpath is investigating the cold case of two bodies that were found in a derelict Victorian warehouse. The author has been diligent in the details surrounding the storyline. Its action packed, filled with twists, and I love the authors writing style. Ridpath always has a lot on his plate to deal with, but he somehow always manages to solve the cases. This time, he only has ten days to solve this case. This is my favourite book in the series so far.
I would like to thank #NetaGalley #Canelo and the author #MJLee for my ARC of #WhatTheShadowsHide in exchange for an honest review.
Two desiccated bodies are found in each other's arms in the bricked-up room of a derelict Victorian warehouse. After six months of work, the police have nothing and Ridpath is finally called in to investigate. Dubbed the Romes and Juliet murders by the press, so many questions remain unanswered. Who are they? Why were they there? Who killed them? And why was the coroner so keen for him to work on this particular case.
This story is told from multiple points of view. The pace is fast, the plotline gripping, and I was hooked straight away. This series gets better with each new book. Ridpath is investigating the cold case of two bodies that were found in a derelict Victorian warehouse. The author has been diligent in the details surrounding the storyline. Its action packed, filled with twists, and I love the authors writing style. Ridpath always has a lot on his plate to deal with, but he somehow always manages to solve the cases. This time, he only has ten days to solve this case. This is my favourite book in the series so far.
I would like to thank #NetaGalley #Canelo and the author #MJLee for my ARC of #WhatTheShadowsHide in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2023
Big thanks to both Canelo Crime and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of What the Shadows Hide.
Expected publication March 23, 2023
To love and to cherish, till death did them part... Dubbed the Romeo and Juliet murders by the press, so many questions remain unanswered!
What the Shadows Hide is the 9th book in the series, and the first one I've read. That led to my being a bit confused at the beginning of the book but before long I was totally enthralled!
There is nothing like getting a cold case file that has been worked on for six months, and being told that Ridpath and his team have a week to see if they can solve it! The story is told in the voice of the killer and also in Ridpath's voice. I really liked how genetic genealogy was thrown into the mix, as well.
I would have probably rated What the Shadows Hide 5 stars, except for one thing. What was with that cliffhanger??? Arrgh! I wonder if this author ends all of his books that way? Anyway, great book! Just prepare yourself for a cliffhanger.
Expected publication March 23, 2023
To love and to cherish, till death did them part... Dubbed the Romeo and Juliet murders by the press, so many questions remain unanswered!
What the Shadows Hide is the 9th book in the series, and the first one I've read. That led to my being a bit confused at the beginning of the book but before long I was totally enthralled!
There is nothing like getting a cold case file that has been worked on for six months, and being told that Ridpath and his team have a week to see if they can solve it! The story is told in the voice of the killer and also in Ridpath's voice. I really liked how genetic genealogy was thrown into the mix, as well.
I would have probably rated What the Shadows Hide 5 stars, except for one thing. What was with that cliffhanger??? Arrgh! I wonder if this author ends all of his books that way? Anyway, great book! Just prepare yourself for a cliffhanger.
March 12, 2023
Another brilliant book in the DI Ridpath series.
This one gets off to an action packed start with the Coroner being attacked and left for dead.
Ridpath tries to get involved in the investigation but is soon told to stay away.
He does however, have his hands full investigating the death of two young people who were found sealed in a building.
The Coroner wanted him to help with this case and it soon becomes clear she had also been looking into it.
This book has lots of threads and it’s great how it all comes together at the end.
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This one gets off to an action packed start with the Coroner being attacked and left for dead.
Ridpath tries to get involved in the investigation but is soon told to stay away.
He does however, have his hands full investigating the death of two young people who were found sealed in a building.
The Coroner wanted him to help with this case and it soon becomes clear she had also been looking into it.
This book has lots of threads and it’s great how it all comes together at the end.
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
March 6, 2025
I absolutely love DI Ridpath books and What The Shadows Hide is no exception. It's book nine in the series and it doesn't show any signs of 'wear and tear' you sometimes get with a long running series.
There is a lovely quality of writing to the story, well realised characters and gripping case that kept me turning pages till the very last sentence.
if you enjoy reading good character driven crime stories and haven't read any of DI Ridpath books yet, do yourself a favour and put them on your tbr, they're well worth reading.
There is a lovely quality of writing to the story, well realised characters and gripping case that kept me turning pages till the very last sentence.
if you enjoy reading good character driven crime stories and haven't read any of DI Ridpath books yet, do yourself a favour and put them on your tbr, they're well worth reading.
March 23, 2023
When the remains of two bodies are found in a bricked up room of a Victorian building destined for demolition, the initial investigation goes nowhere. The case is dubbed the 'Romeo & Juliet murders' as the remains are of a teenage boy & girl, but no clues, no identifying marks, & no DNA from their killer means that it looks destined to be a cold case. Six months later, Ridpath is asked to take over the case & look at it with fresh eyes. Meanwhile Margaret Challinor, the Coroner, has been conducting an investigation of her own. She thinks that the time is almost right to bring in Ridpath but before she can, she is attacked whilst walking her dog, & ends up in a coma. She may still be in danger - can Ridpath discover why she was attacked & by whom?
We're now on the ninth book of the series, & it shows no sign of flagging. As usual, the case is told from Ridpath's point of view with an occasional short chapter from the view of the Coroner's attacker. The cases themselves are well thought out &, as an amateur genealogist, it was nice to see this used to help crack the R&J case. The usual familiar faces were back, alongside a few new ones -
Turnbull may be gone, but Ridpath has a new antagonist in the form of the temporary Coroner, Clarence Montague, a pedant if ever there was one. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this one, even if it did take Ridpath a bit too long to twig what was going on. 4.5 stars (rounded up)
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Canelo, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
We're now on the ninth book of the series, & it shows no sign of flagging. As usual, the case is told from Ridpath's point of view with an occasional short chapter from the view of the Coroner's attacker. The cases themselves are well thought out &, as an amateur genealogist, it was nice to see this used to help crack the R&J case. The usual familiar faces were back, alongside a few new ones -
Turnbull may be gone, but Ridpath has a new antagonist in the form of the temporary Coroner, Clarence Montague, a pedant if ever there was one. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this one, even if it did take Ridpath a bit too long to twig what was going on. 4.5 stars (rounded up)
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Canelo, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
March 19, 2023
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this brilliant book in a fabulous series
ridpath at his best when he is racing against time to find out the cause from a cold case and he only has a week to find anything out... and with the antagonism he faces from yet another force, he certainly knows how to make friends ...
but this case hits closer to home as someone close to ridpath is attacked
can ridpath uncover the truth behind the cold case and also find out the identity of the attacker
one of the best books yet but also ending on a cliff hanger...
brilliant cant rate this author high enough...and its a fitting day to read it on mothers day as this author was one of my moms favourite, she would have loved this one
ridpath at his best when he is racing against time to find out the cause from a cold case and he only has a week to find anything out... and with the antagonism he faces from yet another force, he certainly knows how to make friends ...
but this case hits closer to home as someone close to ridpath is attacked
can ridpath uncover the truth behind the cold case and also find out the identity of the attacker
one of the best books yet but also ending on a cliff hanger...
brilliant cant rate this author high enough...and its a fitting day to read it on mothers day as this author was one of my moms favourite, she would have loved this one
February 11, 2023
Oh my what a book , what an ending and what an amazing read that I just devoured !! Well I must confess from the very first book in the series I have always been a little bit in love with Ridpath and with each and every book that love grew as did my love for the fabulous writing and plots that just got better and better.
So in this latest instalment DI Ridpath is tasked by Detective Superintendent Claire Trent of the Manchester police to help in a case that has been unsolved for six months dubbed the Romeo and Juliet murders this is just the start of what begins to look as if a serial killer has been on the loose for years and Ridpath finds himself plunged into his most challenging case so far.
Well my goodness this is a stunning read and one not to be missed I just couldn’t put it down there was so much going on keeping me on the edge of my seat and as always the writing was sheer perfection.
Mr Lee I have just one complaint and that is I now have to wait for some time to read the next book and I am desperate to know stuff, please write quickly !
So a 5 star book I can’t fault I loved everything about it it’s the best yet and I say that every time I read a new instalment it’s such a superb series.
My thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
So in this latest instalment DI Ridpath is tasked by Detective Superintendent Claire Trent of the Manchester police to help in a case that has been unsolved for six months dubbed the Romeo and Juliet murders this is just the start of what begins to look as if a serial killer has been on the loose for years and Ridpath finds himself plunged into his most challenging case so far.
Well my goodness this is a stunning read and one not to be missed I just couldn’t put it down there was so much going on keeping me on the edge of my seat and as always the writing was sheer perfection.
Mr Lee I have just one complaint and that is I now have to wait for some time to read the next book and I am desperate to know stuff, please write quickly !
So a 5 star book I can’t fault I loved everything about it it’s the best yet and I say that every time I read a new instalment it’s such a superb series.
My thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 4, 2023
It’s such a tonic to read how D.I. Ridpath my favourite detective and his daughter are getting on.
In this book he finds himself investigating an old case where they found two young people whom they named Romeo and Juliet dead in a blocked room,, after further investigation it appears they could have a serial killer on their hands who could have been killing for years.
I just loved it his stories are getting better with every book it keeps you on the edge of your seat so many twists and turns can’t praise it enough and can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for ARC
In this book he finds himself investigating an old case where they found two young people whom they named Romeo and Juliet dead in a blocked room,, after further investigation it appears they could have a serial killer on their hands who could have been killing for years.
I just loved it his stories are getting better with every book it keeps you on the edge of your seat so many twists and turns can’t praise it enough and can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for ARC
February 26, 2023
Sometimes, a new look at an old case can reveal things which have been missed. At least, that's what Coroner's Officer Detective Inspector Ridpath is hoping. Tasked by one of his bosses with going over the files of an investigation known in the press as the Romeo and Juliet murders he has been given just a week to trawl through six months worth of paperwork for hidden clues. With no idea who the victims are, why they were killed, or who was responsible, Ridpath knows he's up against it, but that's never stopped him before, so he should be fine, shouldn't it?
This is the ninth novel in the first class Ridpath series, and there is tension from the first page to the last. With apparently nothing to go on the author gradually adds clues as he leads the reader through the twists and turns of an investigation which is destined to have shocking consequences for this book and on into an uncertain future. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent book and recommend it highly.
This is the ninth novel in the first class Ridpath series, and there is tension from the first page to the last. With apparently nothing to go on the author gradually adds clues as he leads the reader through the twists and turns of an investigation which is destined to have shocking consequences for this book and on into an uncertain future. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent book and recommend it highly.
February 22, 2023
4.25/5 stars! This is the 9th book in the DI Ridpath series by author M.J. Lee. This is a thriller and the premise sounded great. This book kept me engaged from the very first page and was fast-paced without losing the story. This is your typical crime novel, but it's done to perfection. Ridpath is sharp and witty and even when he's butting heads with the other police or the coroner, you're rooting for him. An enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
April 21, 2025
Who killed Romeo and Juliet?
I felt like I was solving a murder myself trying to piece together finding the clues as to what happened
Di Ridpath had his struggles but he had to do what was best but what do you do when you have a family that you need to be there for and a job that is high demand?
Very gripping book loved every minute I was getting angry I wanted to shake Ridpath and ask him what he's playing at 😂 really enjoyed it
Not good at written reviews but if you see this please give this book a go it can be read as a stand alone or as a series you can follow Di Ridpath in other books
I felt like I was solving a murder myself trying to piece together finding the clues as to what happened
Di Ridpath had his struggles but he had to do what was best but what do you do when you have a family that you need to be there for and a job that is high demand?
Very gripping book loved every minute I was getting angry I wanted to shake Ridpath and ask him what he's playing at 😂 really enjoyed it
Not good at written reviews but if you see this please give this book a go it can be read as a stand alone or as a series you can follow Di Ridpath in other books
November 6, 2023
Gets better with every book
November 7, 2023
Another absolute page-swiper! I’ve been addicted to this series since #1.
February 22, 2024
Another great book from this series. Wonder if I can expect more?
March 23, 2024
Didn't realise it was the last one when I got it from the library, it didn't take away from the story, got into it easily. Great story line, bit of humour, liked the characters.
June 11, 2024
I have now read them all, and eagerly awaiting the new one at the end of this month.
September 6, 2024
Only one book left in the series, gonna be absolutely devastating seeing the last of Ridpath!
December 19, 2024
Another wonderful instalment in this terrific series based in Manchester with great characters and storylines.
4.5-5*
4.5-5*
January 1, 2025
Jayne AND Ridpath
Having read all of the Jayne Sinclair series, I was thrilled in this book she was helping Ridpath. Genius Mr Lee!!
Having read all of the Jayne Sinclair series, I was thrilled in this book she was helping Ridpath. Genius Mr Lee!!
January 20, 2025
Another winner from M J Lee
A great read in the Rifpatj series. Lee is very good ataking the reader feel what the main characters are feeling & draws you into the plot. Excellent.
A great read in the Rifpatj series. Lee is very good ataking the reader feel what the main characters are feeling & draws you into the plot. Excellent.
February 15, 2025
Excellent
Such a great writer, always keeps you turning the page right to the end. Couldn’t put it down, the DI Ridpath books are highly recommended.
Such a great writer, always keeps you turning the page right to the end. Couldn’t put it down, the DI Ridpath books are highly recommended.
March 23, 2023
Is it really possible that this is the ninth book in the DI Ridpath series already? Time really does fly. After finishing What the Shadows Hide, all I know is that I have my fingers and toes crossed that the author will write at least one more book.
Ridpath has his hands full as usual. He is tasked with solving a crime that happened many years ago. DS Trent gives him eight days to figure out who killed two young people and why their bodies were found walled up in a building. That’s right, they were walled up and left to die and I have to say this particular make-believe crime was kind of one that gave me shivers. What a horrible way to die!
While Ridpath is trying to solve this cold case in record time, he also notices that the corner, Mrs. Challinor, seems preoccupied.. Before she can explain what she suspects, something terrible happens, and Ridpath, as usual is juggling quite a full plate.
The mystery and the murders had my little grace cells working overtime, trying to figure out whodunnit and why. Alas, I was only a page or two ahead of Ridpath before I had the aha moment and finally, I guessed the killer’s identity, but not the why.
I really enjoy this series as well as the relationship that Ridpath has with his teenage daughter and also the people he works with. Until we meet again, I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it’s early in 2024 if not sooner.
Ridpath has his hands full as usual. He is tasked with solving a crime that happened many years ago. DS Trent gives him eight days to figure out who killed two young people and why their bodies were found walled up in a building. That’s right, they were walled up and left to die and I have to say this particular make-believe crime was kind of one that gave me shivers. What a horrible way to die!
While Ridpath is trying to solve this cold case in record time, he also notices that the corner, Mrs. Challinor, seems preoccupied.. Before she can explain what she suspects, something terrible happens, and Ridpath, as usual is juggling quite a full plate.
The mystery and the murders had my little grace cells working overtime, trying to figure out whodunnit and why. Alas, I was only a page or two ahead of Ridpath before I had the aha moment and finally, I guessed the killer’s identity, but not the why.
I really enjoy this series as well as the relationship that Ridpath has with his teenage daughter and also the people he works with. Until we meet again, I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it’s early in 2024 if not sooner.
March 24, 2023
Where the Shadows Hide is book 9 in the DI Ridpath series by M J Lee. I love this series and always eagerly await each new book. They never disappoint and this one was no exception. Loved it. The Coroner asks Ridpath, through his boss, to investigate a cold case. 2 bodies were found 6 months previously in a blocked off room having been there for about 15 years. They were called the Romeo and Juliet murders. Ridpath calls on Jayne Sinclair, a Genealogical Investigator, for her assistance. The author has another series featuring Jayne, and I am now keen to read this series as well.
March 24, 2023
DI Thomas Ridpath is a busy copper. On top of working as coroner's officer he's called in to do a rush job on a high-profile cold case ahead of a police review.
Two shrivelled bodies were found in each other's arms, bricked up in a derelict Victorian warehouse. A six-month investigation into the 'Romeo and Juliet murders' turned up nothing.
With the clock ticking, he must use unconventional means to hunt a suspected serial killer.
This ninth Ridpath is a brilliant crime thriller but only suitable for readers able to hold their breath long enough for the epic climax.
Two shrivelled bodies were found in each other's arms, bricked up in a derelict Victorian warehouse. A six-month investigation into the 'Romeo and Juliet murders' turned up nothing.
With the clock ticking, he must use unconventional means to hunt a suspected serial killer.
This ninth Ridpath is a brilliant crime thriller but only suitable for readers able to hold their breath long enough for the epic climax.
March 31, 2023
excellent read
I love a good mystery integrated with a police procedural. I think I have fallen for DI Ridpath. Hey I am single! The reflective interactions as a widower raising his 13 year old daughter are a window into his character. This book kept me on edge until the end. I really enjoyed the author’s use of putting Jayne Sinclair (from another series by MJ Lee) into this book with DI Ridpath working together. She’s a genealogist/former cop and he an active DI-great teamwork. Can’t wait for the next book in both series, please don’t make us wait too long MJ…
I love a good mystery integrated with a police procedural. I think I have fallen for DI Ridpath. Hey I am single! The reflective interactions as a widower raising his 13 year old daughter are a window into his character. This book kept me on edge until the end. I really enjoyed the author’s use of putting Jayne Sinclair (from another series by MJ Lee) into this book with DI Ridpath working together. She’s a genealogist/former cop and he an active DI-great teamwork. Can’t wait for the next book in both series, please don’t make us wait too long MJ…
March 17, 2023
I have read more of this series and enjoyed the books. Ridpath (the detective) does not disappoint as he works out the twisty plot in this book. Plenty of action, well thought out crimes and investigations and a great read . Ridpath can rub people up the wrong way but he does get the job done. I like the writing , we also hear the murderers point of view , which sounds contrived, but it is not overdone and adds to the tension in the story. There were some unexpected turns in the plot.
The book is fine as a stand alone, though it is better to read the books in order so that you understand Ridpath's personal situation and the relationship he has with collegues in the police and at the coroners office. I am looking forward to the next episode
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review .
The book is fine as a stand alone, though it is better to read the books in order so that you understand Ridpath's personal situation and the relationship he has with collegues in the police and at the coroners office. I am looking forward to the next episode
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review .
April 1, 2023
Almost gave it only 4 stars due to the annoying ending - we will have to wait ages to find out what happens. I did enjoy the "crossover" with the genealogical sections - more of these please!
As I was born in Urmston I do enjoy the books set around Manchester. I haven't got into the Inspector Danilov books yet, but I will give them another try.
As I was born in Urmston I do enjoy the books set around Manchester. I haven't got into the Inspector Danilov books yet, but I will give them another try.
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