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Anglesey #3
Blood on the Shore
Bestselling phenomenon Simon McCleave is back with a gripping, atmospheric new crime thriller series set on the Isle of Anglesey – pre-order now!
‘Knocked my socks off. McCleave knows how to leave you gasping for air. Absolutely thrilling!’ International million-copy bestseller Helen Fields
The beautiful Isle of Anglesey has been rocked by the brutal murders of three female students at a local college. DI Laura Hart is called in to track down the murderer – who the papers have dubbed the Anglesey Ripper – before he strikes again.
She quickly identifies a suspect but just as she is about to pounce, he slips through her fingers.
Laura and the Beaumaris CID must pursue the serial killer across the island in an increasingly dangerous game of cat and mouse – but he’s always one step ahead of them. And soon, the hunters will become the hunted…
An explosive, edge-of-your-seat read that’s perfect for fans of LJ Ross, Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.
Readers love Simon McCleave’s Angelsey Series!
‘This book was awesome! Suspense, intrigue, action, and great police work!’
‘Another fantastic page-turner… cleverly written and could easily be a TV show!’
‘Twists and turns aplenty within a well-paced, exciting narrative. A superlative and atmospheric thriller’
‘Excellent’
‘A gripping and sublime crime thriller topped with plenty of action and exciting storylines.’
‘This was an excellent read. Thoroughly recommended. It made me want to visit North Wales.’
‘Fantastic. I really enjoyed this book’
‘Do yourself a favour and get a copy of The Dark Tide – you will not be disappointed.’
‘Knocked my socks off. McCleave knows how to leave you gasping for air. Absolutely thrilling!’ International million-copy bestseller Helen Fields
The beautiful Isle of Anglesey has been rocked by the brutal murders of three female students at a local college. DI Laura Hart is called in to track down the murderer – who the papers have dubbed the Anglesey Ripper – before he strikes again.
She quickly identifies a suspect but just as she is about to pounce, he slips through her fingers.
Laura and the Beaumaris CID must pursue the serial killer across the island in an increasingly dangerous game of cat and mouse – but he’s always one step ahead of them. And soon, the hunters will become the hunted…
An explosive, edge-of-your-seat read that’s perfect for fans of LJ Ross, Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.
Readers love Simon McCleave’s Angelsey Series!
‘This book was awesome! Suspense, intrigue, action, and great police work!’
‘Another fantastic page-turner… cleverly written and could easily be a TV show!’
‘Twists and turns aplenty within a well-paced, exciting narrative. A superlative and atmospheric thriller’
‘Excellent’
‘A gripping and sublime crime thriller topped with plenty of action and exciting storylines.’
‘This was an excellent read. Thoroughly recommended. It made me want to visit North Wales.’
‘Fantastic. I really enjoyed this book’
‘Do yourself a favour and get a copy of The Dark Tide – you will not be disappointed.’
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2023
594 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
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June 30, 2023Perhaps it's just a one off, but I can't rate this book. I love Simon McCleave as a writer, I think he's great, but this story was very over the top for me. What could go wrong went wrong and more, annoyingly so. Nevertheless I will read the next one in the series when it comes out because of the background story.
July 2, 2023
The third novel to feature Laura Hart and another breathtaking read in this gripping and very addictive series. Her team are hunting a serial killer dubbed by the media as the Anglsey Ripper and he is trying to escape the island. This book is in two halves. In the first you get to know the killer and the reader is allowed to delve into his psyche. I personally much preferred the second half packed to the rafters with tension and suspense and so much action This book certainly raised my heart rate, a real page turner and so highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc.
Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc.
July 10, 2025
Oh wow! What a ride that book was! Fast paced, thrilling, with so much going on that I was literally barely holding onto me seat! So so good!
Serial killer on the loose, her husband's death and its circumstances still haunting her, her relationship with Gareth evolving,DI Laura Hart has plenty on her plate.
Simon McCleave delivers in Blood On The Shore a brilliantly written story with a great cast of characters and I can't wait to see what's next to happen on the Anglesey.
Serial killer on the loose, her husband's death and its circumstances still haunting her, her relationship with Gareth evolving,DI Laura Hart has plenty on her plate.
Simon McCleave delivers in Blood On The Shore a brilliantly written story with a great cast of characters and I can't wait to see what's next to happen on the Anglesey.
August 22, 2023
This is an amazing police procedural, which is book 3 in the Anglesey series. I have loved all of the books in this series.
DI Laura Hart and DCI Gareth Williams are back and they are looking into a case involving a serial killer who buries bodies in beach sand.
I highly recommend this book, and all of the books in this series. Fantastic author!
DI Laura Hart and DCI Gareth Williams are back and they are looking into a case involving a serial killer who buries bodies in beach sand.
I highly recommend this book, and all of the books in this series. Fantastic author!
April 11, 2023
4.5 stars
Rtc
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May 8, 2023
Blood on the shore is Book Three of the wonderful Anglesey Series. I thoroughly enjoyed the last two and this one surpassed my increasingly high expectations! Once again Simon McCleave has produced an excellently fast paced and thrilling book which kept me engaged throughout.
This series in based on the beautiful Island of Anglesey. I must admit that I'm biased, as the island is my home, but it really is a stunning location and Simon portrays the backdrop beautifully throughout this book, and indeed the series as a whole.
The main focus of this instalment surrounds the emergence of the "Anglesey Ripper" and the events that unfold as a result. We are taken on a thrilling ride with high-speed chases, island-wide searches, and adrenaline-inducing scenarios that left me on the edge of my seat!
I am also fully invested in the storyline of DCI Laura Hart, the ongoing hunt for the truth surrounding her husbands death at the hands of a Manchester Gang, and her flourishing relationship with her DCI Gareth. The characters are well formed and it's easy to feel real emotion for them.
I genuinely could not put this down, I flew through it in under two days. It was genuinely heart stopping and unpredictable. The book is brilliantly executed and a must-read for anyone looking for an exciting and engaging crime thriller.
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and Simon McCleave for an advance copy of the book in return for an honest review.
This series in based on the beautiful Island of Anglesey. I must admit that I'm biased, as the island is my home, but it really is a stunning location and Simon portrays the backdrop beautifully throughout this book, and indeed the series as a whole.
The main focus of this instalment surrounds the emergence of the "Anglesey Ripper" and the events that unfold as a result. We are taken on a thrilling ride with high-speed chases, island-wide searches, and adrenaline-inducing scenarios that left me on the edge of my seat!
I am also fully invested in the storyline of DCI Laura Hart, the ongoing hunt for the truth surrounding her husbands death at the hands of a Manchester Gang, and her flourishing relationship with her DCI Gareth. The characters are well formed and it's easy to feel real emotion for them.
I genuinely could not put this down, I flew through it in under two days. It was genuinely heart stopping and unpredictable. The book is brilliantly executed and a must-read for anyone looking for an exciting and engaging crime thriller.
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and Simon McCleave for an advance copy of the book in return for an honest review.
December 1, 2024
Though part of a series, this works perfectly well as a stand-alone.
The police on Anglesey are having a tough time of it. Two bodies have been discovered on local beaches. Two other women have gone missing recently. Nobody has any clues as to who might be responsible and the national media are starting to ask questions.
Once again Laura and Gareth (now a couple) are at the helm of the investigation. We have a couple of red herrings thrown our way, and the sections from the perspective of the killer suggest we’re dealing with a very dangerous man. It doesn’t take long before their leads start to pan out. There’s the inevitable spanner in the works as plans go awry and this leads to a rather fraught - and, once again, personal involvement.
In the background is the developing story regarding the death of Laura’s husband and it seems that this is a story that is not going to go away.
The police on Anglesey are having a tough time of it. Two bodies have been discovered on local beaches. Two other women have gone missing recently. Nobody has any clues as to who might be responsible and the national media are starting to ask questions.
Once again Laura and Gareth (now a couple) are at the helm of the investigation. We have a couple of red herrings thrown our way, and the sections from the perspective of the killer suggest we’re dealing with a very dangerous man. It doesn’t take long before their leads start to pan out. There’s the inevitable spanner in the works as plans go awry and this leads to a rather fraught - and, once again, personal involvement.
In the background is the developing story regarding the death of Laura’s husband and it seems that this is a story that is not going to go away.
May 19, 2023
Tragedy on Anglesey
Before becoming an author, Simon McCleave worked as a script editor at the BBC and later became a screenwriter in series such as Silent Witness and the Bill.
Simon McCleave's books are quite addictive. The first two in the series - which I devoured - are The Dark Tide, & In Too Deep, now followed by its recent Blood on the Shore, in which the events of the two previous parts in this third part brought on something of a catharsis.
In the prologue of the story we see two characters in front of the scene where the drama will unfold later. The story starts quite 'tame', with a girl going on a date with a man old enough to be her father.
McCleave gives a brief summary of what happened in the two previous parts of this series, making this third part read completely independently for new readers - who will undoubtedly become addicted to his writing, but of course I recommend reading the first two parts, so that as a reader you can empathise with the main characters.
Moreover, the three parts are inextricably linked. When you have read the books and understood the undercurrent of the structure, it all becomes clear. Indeed, the drama on Anglesey does have a very ingenious structure….
McCleave uses his readers as an audience, and pulls you into the story through all the high emotions and the quick action and the many events that follow each other quickly, so that you feel almost being part of the story. I sometimes felt like I had ended up in a Bond story, wanting the villain to end soon, the story is packed with nail biting actions, and blood curdling chases.
As a mum of a 19-year-old daughter, my Kindle became my portal into Anglesey, where I wanted to shake people up, stop them, find them, encourage them, or hope they’d fall down the Menai Bridge. I wanted to hug Laura, feeling her grief, her despair, while the emotions I felt for “ Him ’ were of a completely different order, more of disgust and horror, to then turn into relief when his wrath finally came to an end.
I was quite shocked by the modus operandi too, and despite the brutality of this act, - I cannot even begin to phantom it -, there is evidence that such crimes have actually been committed, and many bestsellers have even been written and made into films and series about such dramas, and those who performed them, giving these perpetrators a worldwide stage of attention ..
The story starts seemingly slowly and unsuspectingly, but every step is one of action, and more action, and before you know it you are on an emotional roller coaster and it seems you are no longer a spectator but a participant. Your heart skips a beat when you hear what happens to Rosie, and you want to rip his head off and scream at your Kindle when Harley misses the bus and gets in anyway. No, you want to scream. Don't. Please!
The story will stay with me for a long time, and if I understood the structure of the story correctly, I fear this will be a farewell to Laura and Gareth. I will miss them terribly. The story may have come to an end for Laura and Gareth for now, I am sure McCleave will not leave us in the dark for long and will soon treat us to a new adventure again.
When I get to the bottom I go back to the top of the slide
Where I stop and I turn and I go for a ride
Till I get to the bottom and I see you again
(The Beatles, Helter Skelter lyrics)
Action-packed, high adrenaline thriller. McCleave goes full throttle and seems only to be getting better. That promises quite a bit for the future! Easiest 5+ star for me, thank you Simon and publisher for this advanced reader’s copy.
** Publication date: June 22, 2023**
Before becoming an author, Simon McCleave worked as a script editor at the BBC and later became a screenwriter in series such as Silent Witness and the Bill.
Simon McCleave's books are quite addictive. The first two in the series - which I devoured - are The Dark Tide, & In Too Deep, now followed by its recent Blood on the Shore, in which the events of the two previous parts in this third part brought on something of a catharsis.
In the prologue of the story we see two characters in front of the scene where the drama will unfold later. The story starts quite 'tame', with a girl going on a date with a man old enough to be her father.
McCleave gives a brief summary of what happened in the two previous parts of this series, making this third part read completely independently for new readers - who will undoubtedly become addicted to his writing, but of course I recommend reading the first two parts, so that as a reader you can empathise with the main characters.
Moreover, the three parts are inextricably linked. When you have read the books and understood the undercurrent of the structure, it all becomes clear. Indeed, the drama on Anglesey does have a very ingenious structure….
McCleave uses his readers as an audience, and pulls you into the story through all the high emotions and the quick action and the many events that follow each other quickly, so that you feel almost being part of the story. I sometimes felt like I had ended up in a Bond story, wanting the villain to end soon, the story is packed with nail biting actions, and blood curdling chases.
As a mum of a 19-year-old daughter, my Kindle became my portal into Anglesey, where I wanted to shake people up, stop them, find them, encourage them, or hope they’d fall down the Menai Bridge. I wanted to hug Laura, feeling her grief, her despair, while the emotions I felt for “ Him ’ were of a completely different order, more of disgust and horror, to then turn into relief when his wrath finally came to an end.
I was quite shocked by the modus operandi too, and despite the brutality of this act, - I cannot even begin to phantom it -, there is evidence that such crimes have actually been committed, and many bestsellers have even been written and made into films and series about such dramas, and those who performed them, giving these perpetrators a worldwide stage of attention ..
The story starts seemingly slowly and unsuspectingly, but every step is one of action, and more action, and before you know it you are on an emotional roller coaster and it seems you are no longer a spectator but a participant. Your heart skips a beat when you hear what happens to Rosie, and you want to rip his head off and scream at your Kindle when Harley misses the bus and gets in anyway. No, you want to scream. Don't. Please!
The story will stay with me for a long time, and if I understood the structure of the story correctly, I fear this will be a farewell to Laura and Gareth. I will miss them terribly. The story may have come to an end for Laura and Gareth for now, I am sure McCleave will not leave us in the dark for long and will soon treat us to a new adventure again.
When I get to the bottom I go back to the top of the slide
Where I stop and I turn and I go for a ride
Till I get to the bottom and I see you again
(The Beatles, Helter Skelter lyrics)
Action-packed, high adrenaline thriller. McCleave goes full throttle and seems only to be getting better. That promises quite a bit for the future! Easiest 5+ star for me, thank you Simon and publisher for this advanced reader’s copy.
** Publication date: June 22, 2023**
March 5, 2025
☆ 4.75 stars ☆ (rounded up)
This was my favorite book in this series so far.
A terrifying serial killer plot with a few twists, one of which starts just after the mid-point of the book.
Disturbing murders. The guessing game of whose the perpetrator. Cat and mouse game playing. Great descriptive writing throughout. More character building with all the main players. This installment in the series was top-notch!
While the last quarter of the book had an action filled intense climax, tied things together, and set things up for the next book ... the reason I deducted a 1/4 star from the rating, is because I felt the wrap up and ending was rushed. After incredible pacing throughout the book and a great build up, the final twist, climax, and tying it all together seemed to just happen too quickly and neatly. A little more time could have been put into the events of the last two or three chapters. I liked the 'how' of how it all worked out; just needed to be expanded on a little more.
Looking forward to the next book in this fun, thrilling series.
This was my favorite book in this series so far.
A terrifying serial killer plot with a few twists, one of which starts just after the mid-point of the book.
Disturbing murders. The guessing game of whose the perpetrator. Cat and mouse game playing. Great descriptive writing throughout. More character building with all the main players. This installment in the series was top-notch!
While the last quarter of the book had an action filled intense climax, tied things together, and set things up for the next book ... the reason I deducted a 1/4 star from the rating, is because I felt the wrap up and ending was rushed. After incredible pacing throughout the book and a great build up, the final twist, climax, and tying it all together seemed to just happen too quickly and neatly. A little more time could have been put into the events of the last two or three chapters. I liked the 'how' of how it all worked out; just needed to be expanded on a little more.
Looking forward to the next book in this fun, thrilling series.
July 30, 2023
Anglesey is rocked by a series of young girls murdered, the murderer sons picks up the nickname of the Anglesey Ripper. As DI Laura Hart and her team track the killer, the tables are turned and it’s a race against time to stop further murders.
A cracking page turner of a novel and the ongoing back story continues to develop.
A cracking page turner of a novel and the ongoing back story continues to develop.
December 3, 2023
I listened to the audiobook. This book was just WAYYY to dark and disturbing, so unnecessarily over the top. I didn’t enjoy listening to this at all, gave up after 60%. Probably the last I read murder mystery crime books
March 1, 2024
A very tense and powerful thriller. Horrifying at times.
January 12, 2024
Audiobook review - Oh please! Must try harder.
I generally loved this book and would have awarded it 4 stars but the unrealistic bits dragged it down. Compared to the first two books in the series this book felt like it was rushed. The story line was sloppy in places- a prisoner escaping from court 🙄. He had 2 prison guards and a policewoman but they seemed to evaporate into thin air. Oh please!! Don’t even get me started on DC Andrea Jones being kidnapped from hospital. Come on, try harder.
Narration- yet again this book is wonderfully narrated and I really loved the different characters coming to life.
Despite the questionable bits the twist at end has left me counting down until book 4 is released.
I generally loved this book and would have awarded it 4 stars but the unrealistic bits dragged it down. Compared to the first two books in the series this book felt like it was rushed. The story line was sloppy in places- a prisoner escaping from court 🙄. He had 2 prison guards and a policewoman but they seemed to evaporate into thin air. Oh please!! Don’t even get me started on DC Andrea Jones being kidnapped from hospital. Come on, try harder.
Narration- yet again this book is wonderfully narrated and I really loved the different characters coming to life.
Despite the questionable bits the twist at end has left me counting down until book 4 is released.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "Blood On The Shore", the latest book in Simon McCleave's "Anglesey" series of thrillers.
This one certainly earned its 5-Star rating (from me, anyway), with non-stop suspense practically from the first page, right to the end.
Just when you thought it was over and done... surprise! Another twist is thrown in.
Someone is brutally killing young women on Anglesey and leaving their bodies buried up to the neck, and the police are stumped; and to add to that, two of them have yet to be found, leaving families constantly wondering what happened to them.
Enter DI Laura Hart and her team, including her new love (and boss) DCI Gareth Williams, who are tasked with finding the culprit and putting a stop to him.
Suspicion is thrown on one man, when a DS sees him acting strangely near the scene of the latest discovery, and the chase is on! It seems as though the crimes have been solved, based on evidence found at the man's house, but when an attempted abduction goes wrong, DI Hart is forced to admit that they have not captured their killer, yet.
I don't want to give away any of what ensues, because it's all a spoiler, but let me just say that this one had me on the edge of my seat, and I actually had to take a couple of breaks from the book as I was seriously worried about what might happen to these characters!
And again, just when we thought it was over, another twist - but a satisfactory ending, finally.
Concurrent with this story is the continuing investigation into what happened to DI Hart's husband all those years ago, and the twists and turns that investigation continues to take. It's not over yet!
Highly recommended as either a standalone read (there's enough backstory review for most readers) or as a worthy entry in the series.
This one certainly earned its 5-Star rating (from me, anyway), with non-stop suspense practically from the first page, right to the end.
Just when you thought it was over and done... surprise! Another twist is thrown in.
Someone is brutally killing young women on Anglesey and leaving their bodies buried up to the neck, and the police are stumped; and to add to that, two of them have yet to be found, leaving families constantly wondering what happened to them.
Enter DI Laura Hart and her team, including her new love (and boss) DCI Gareth Williams, who are tasked with finding the culprit and putting a stop to him.
Suspicion is thrown on one man, when a DS sees him acting strangely near the scene of the latest discovery, and the chase is on! It seems as though the crimes have been solved, based on evidence found at the man's house, but when an attempted abduction goes wrong, DI Hart is forced to admit that they have not captured their killer, yet.
I don't want to give away any of what ensues, because it's all a spoiler, but let me just say that this one had me on the edge of my seat, and I actually had to take a couple of breaks from the book as I was seriously worried about what might happen to these characters!
And again, just when we thought it was over, another twist - but a satisfactory ending, finally.
Concurrent with this story is the continuing investigation into what happened to DI Hart's husband all those years ago, and the twists and turns that investigation continues to take. It's not over yet!
Highly recommended as either a standalone read (there's enough backstory review for most readers) or as a worthy entry in the series.
September 24, 2023
Formula
Predictable and some of the clumsiest writing ever. Even the serial killer, supposedly an academic with a horrific backstory, is unbelievable.
Predictable and some of the clumsiest writing ever. Even the serial killer, supposedly an academic with a horrific backstory, is unbelievable.
June 26, 2023
When it comes to the UK our mass murderers seem to be dour and mundane. We have that here a dull understated murderer, the sort you wouldn’t suspect which makes him all the scarier for it. He does possess some charm, but he’s no Ted Bundy, what he is best at is using an easy going, persuasive manner, the sort that has you thinking no don’t get in the car.
The motivation behind the killing spree is explained, and it’s sickening and downright disturbing. It should prompt a degree of sympathy and understanding for a genuine psychopathy, but there is no attempt at trying to create some antihero element like Hannibal Lecter. This murderer is very self-aware and unabashed, a true sociopath who has moved from killing for the psychological relief to just killing for pleasure. A murderer who now will kill anyone who stands in his way. The murders are graphic but lack the real visceral edge which put some readers off.
The action is well conceived and at times beautifully executed, making it a true thriller. Elements will surprise the reader, and there’s the sense that there’s always a bit more to come, which never allows you to settle. Its real edge of the seat stuff and once the action ramps up many readers will read on until the finish.
Anglesey initially strikes as an odd place to host a crime series, but it is cleverly used in this case, limiting the size of the ‘manhunt’ but also managing to confine the area of the action. It also provides a myriad of opportunities for settings that are not open to more urban settings. Laura may well have moved there for a new start that is a quieter and safer environment for her family, but violence can occur anywhere.
As the main protagonist Laura is engaging and one who will find reader empathy, with her unusual almost tangible tether to the past. The love for her family is clear as is her determination to protect them, which makes her a formidable character. The unresolved question remains, will her determination to unearth the past end up haunting her, some things are best left in the past. This is the hook dangled to convince readers to follow the series, and it is an effective one at that.
The motivation behind the killing spree is explained, and it’s sickening and downright disturbing. It should prompt a degree of sympathy and understanding for a genuine psychopathy, but there is no attempt at trying to create some antihero element like Hannibal Lecter. This murderer is very self-aware and unabashed, a true sociopath who has moved from killing for the psychological relief to just killing for pleasure. A murderer who now will kill anyone who stands in his way. The murders are graphic but lack the real visceral edge which put some readers off.
The action is well conceived and at times beautifully executed, making it a true thriller. Elements will surprise the reader, and there’s the sense that there’s always a bit more to come, which never allows you to settle. Its real edge of the seat stuff and once the action ramps up many readers will read on until the finish.
Anglesey initially strikes as an odd place to host a crime series, but it is cleverly used in this case, limiting the size of the ‘manhunt’ but also managing to confine the area of the action. It also provides a myriad of opportunities for settings that are not open to more urban settings. Laura may well have moved there for a new start that is a quieter and safer environment for her family, but violence can occur anywhere.
As the main protagonist Laura is engaging and one who will find reader empathy, with her unusual almost tangible tether to the past. The love for her family is clear as is her determination to protect them, which makes her a formidable character. The unresolved question remains, will her determination to unearth the past end up haunting her, some things are best left in the past. This is the hook dangled to convince readers to follow the series, and it is an effective one at that.
May 19, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Avon Books for an advance copy of Blood on the Shore, the third novel to feature DI Laura Hart of North Wales Police, based on Anglesey.
Laura and the team are hunting a serial killer, dubbed the Anglesey Ripper by the press. After a couple of missteps on his part they quickly identify him, but catching him is another matter as he tries to escape the island.
I enjoyed Blood on the Shore, which is a novel of two halves with first about identifying the killer and the second about catching him. There is also a distinctly different tone between the two halves with the first being a rather perfunctory investigation that serendipitously leads to the killer, whereas the second is full of tension, uncertainty and affects those closest to the hunt. There are some real shocking events. It makes the plod through the first half worthwhile.
The novel is told from various points of view, chiefly the various detectives and the unnamed killer in the first half, whereas the second half is all about the killer and his thoughts and actions with Laura and the team mostly relegated to a reactive catch-up role. I mostly don’t like hearing from the killer as it tends to be repetitive from novel to novel, but this is handled extremely well, from his self awareness to his reactions to being thwarted at various times. His psychopathy shines through even in the smallest details, but mostly in his callous disregard for others.
Laura is now comfortable in her relationship with her boss, DI Gareth Williams, but is still pursuing an investigation into the death of her husband, Sam, four years ago in Manchester. There are some eye-opening developments in this novel about it, but, somehow, I don’t think they’ll lead to what is being implied and that the bombshell cliffhanger will be another twist in a complicated story.
Blood on the Shore is a good read that I can recommend.
Laura and the team are hunting a serial killer, dubbed the Anglesey Ripper by the press. After a couple of missteps on his part they quickly identify him, but catching him is another matter as he tries to escape the island.
I enjoyed Blood on the Shore, which is a novel of two halves with first about identifying the killer and the second about catching him. There is also a distinctly different tone between the two halves with the first being a rather perfunctory investigation that serendipitously leads to the killer, whereas the second is full of tension, uncertainty and affects those closest to the hunt. There are some real shocking events. It makes the plod through the first half worthwhile.
The novel is told from various points of view, chiefly the various detectives and the unnamed killer in the first half, whereas the second half is all about the killer and his thoughts and actions with Laura and the team mostly relegated to a reactive catch-up role. I mostly don’t like hearing from the killer as it tends to be repetitive from novel to novel, but this is handled extremely well, from his self awareness to his reactions to being thwarted at various times. His psychopathy shines through even in the smallest details, but mostly in his callous disregard for others.
Laura is now comfortable in her relationship with her boss, DI Gareth Williams, but is still pursuing an investigation into the death of her husband, Sam, four years ago in Manchester. There are some eye-opening developments in this novel about it, but, somehow, I don’t think they’ll lead to what is being implied and that the bombshell cliffhanger will be another twist in a complicated story.
Blood on the Shore is a good read that I can recommend.
June 15, 2023
Blood On The Shore is book three in Simon McCleave’s Anglesey series featuring his latest protagonist, DCI Laura Hart. After the first book, I was expecting a fast-paced thriller and indeed I was not disappointed at all.
This series is based on the picturesque Island of Anglesey. The crimes are either on the island or just stray onto the mainland. It’s a brilliant location for the series and one of the things I like is the depth that Simon goes to in his research. Places and roads are all faithfully and accurately represented. Being from North Wales, myself this is a real bonus, as any geographical errors would jar immensely.
In this book, some unexplained deaths of women lead Laura and the rest of the team to believe they have a serial killer at large. Given the dubious nickname of the “Anglesey Ripper”, it is up to Laura and the rest of the Beaumaris CID team to identify and catch him before more deaths occur.
Some of the descriptions of the killer are quite chilling, but soon the team is fully stretched with searches island-wide, high-speed chases, police helicopters, and several twists, turns, and reversals of fortune before they have a chance to apprehend him.
Originally and especially in the first book, I had some doubts about the underlying storyline with Laura and the death of her husband whilst engaged in a covert drugs operation in Manchester. Now that her character is starting to flesh out and come to life, I am definitely becoming more invested and it will be fascinating to see the whole truth come out.
Despite some of it’s wild improbabilities, it really is an entertaining and thrilling read. So much so, that I read it in just one sitting. I would definitely recommend this series.
A big thank you to Netgalley, the publishers, and Simon Mcgleave for letting me have an advance copy of Blood on the Shore in exchange for an open and honest review.
This series is based on the picturesque Island of Anglesey. The crimes are either on the island or just stray onto the mainland. It’s a brilliant location for the series and one of the things I like is the depth that Simon goes to in his research. Places and roads are all faithfully and accurately represented. Being from North Wales, myself this is a real bonus, as any geographical errors would jar immensely.
In this book, some unexplained deaths of women lead Laura and the rest of the team to believe they have a serial killer at large. Given the dubious nickname of the “Anglesey Ripper”, it is up to Laura and the rest of the Beaumaris CID team to identify and catch him before more deaths occur.
Some of the descriptions of the killer are quite chilling, but soon the team is fully stretched with searches island-wide, high-speed chases, police helicopters, and several twists, turns, and reversals of fortune before they have a chance to apprehend him.
Originally and especially in the first book, I had some doubts about the underlying storyline with Laura and the death of her husband whilst engaged in a covert drugs operation in Manchester. Now that her character is starting to flesh out and come to life, I am definitely becoming more invested and it will be fascinating to see the whole truth come out.
Despite some of it’s wild improbabilities, it really is an entertaining and thrilling read. So much so, that I read it in just one sitting. I would definitely recommend this series.
A big thank you to Netgalley, the publishers, and Simon Mcgleave for letting me have an advance copy of Blood on the Shore in exchange for an open and honest review.
July 11, 2023
Prolific crime thriller writer Simon McCleave has established a strong following for his two series, the first set in Snowdonia featuring DI Ruth Hunter and this series set in Anglesey, featuring DI Laura Hart. Having been schooled as a TV script editor and writer working on shows such as Silent Witness and The Bill, it comes as no surprise to discover that his writing is slick and pacey. He has no qualms about leaving the occasional plot hole and his populist approach to his material will attract fans of similar TV and movie fare. Here the plot concerns a manhunt for a serial killer who has taken hostages along the way. References, intended or not, to the Clint Eastwood movies In the Line of Fire and Dirty Harry can be easily spotted. The book is thankfully a relatively quick read in a time when crime novels have been bloated to extreme lengths (notably JK Rowling’s Strike books which now surpass 1,000 pages!). As such it is a throwback to the airport readers that entertained passengers on flights back in the day. The writing is clear, but sometimes contains jarring comic book phrases (CRASH, WHOOSH) and character thought exclamations that seem unnecessary. The book is also very entertaining and proves to be a literal page-turner. Readers should be aware there is an ongoing story arc, which presumably began with book #1 of the series (this is book #3), so it may be worth starting at the beginning although this is not essential.
June 18, 2023
Anglesey Series #3
The beautiful Isle of Anglesey has been rocked by the brutal murders of three female students at a local college. DI Laura Hart is called in to track down the murderer - who the papers have dubbed the Anglesey Ripper - before he strikes again. she quickly identifies the suspect but just as she's about to pounce, he slips through her fingers. Laura and the Beaumaris CID must pursue the serial killer across the island in an increasingly dangerous game of cat and mouse - but he's always one step ahead of them. And son the hunters will become the hunted.
Although these books are part of a series, they do read well as a standalone. The story is action packed and fast paced. It's filled with suspense and the twists kept coming, holding my attention throughout. even the subplots are appropriate. Just when you think it's all over, another twist is thrown in. DI Laura Hart and her new boss - who's also her new boyfriend - DCI Gareth Williams are tasked with solving the case of whoever is brutally killing young women. Laura is also trying to find out the truth surrounding her husband's death. All the loose ends were tied up. This is a quick and easy book to read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #SimonMcCleave for my ARC of #BloodOnTheShore. in exchange for an honest review.
The beautiful Isle of Anglesey has been rocked by the brutal murders of three female students at a local college. DI Laura Hart is called in to track down the murderer - who the papers have dubbed the Anglesey Ripper - before he strikes again. she quickly identifies the suspect but just as she's about to pounce, he slips through her fingers. Laura and the Beaumaris CID must pursue the serial killer across the island in an increasingly dangerous game of cat and mouse - but he's always one step ahead of them. And son the hunters will become the hunted.
Although these books are part of a series, they do read well as a standalone. The story is action packed and fast paced. It's filled with suspense and the twists kept coming, holding my attention throughout. even the subplots are appropriate. Just when you think it's all over, another twist is thrown in. DI Laura Hart and her new boss - who's also her new boyfriend - DCI Gareth Williams are tasked with solving the case of whoever is brutally killing young women. Laura is also trying to find out the truth surrounding her husband's death. All the loose ends were tied up. This is a quick and easy book to read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #SimonMcCleave for my ARC of #BloodOnTheShore. in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2023
Book 3 in The Anglesey Series featuring DI Laura Hart and another cracking read. This really is a great series and although it reads well as a stand-alone do read the others you’ll thank me. As well as searching for a killer Laura finds herself under investigation by Manchester CID following on from the murder of her husband Sam. Told from multiple POV’s this is well written and plotted you won’t want to put it down until you’ve finished.
Briefly there is a serial killer at large on the island and several girls have gone missing and/or been discovered murdered. The killers specialism seems to be burying their victims up to their neck on a beach. Whilst the motives are obscure one suspect is chased down but is shown to have an alibi. However the real killer makes themself known as one girl manages to escape. However despite being arrested and pleading guilty the killer escapes and goes on a murderous run. Hart finds herself in the most chilling chase of her life with both her colleague and daughter facing deadly danger.
Fast paced and exciting this is a police procedural full of thrills and spills. A proper edge of the seat story, easy to read but dark and tense. Keep it coming Simon!
Briefly there is a serial killer at large on the island and several girls have gone missing and/or been discovered murdered. The killers specialism seems to be burying their victims up to their neck on a beach. Whilst the motives are obscure one suspect is chased down but is shown to have an alibi. However the real killer makes themself known as one girl manages to escape. However despite being arrested and pleading guilty the killer escapes and goes on a murderous run. Hart finds herself in the most chilling chase of her life with both her colleague and daughter facing deadly danger.
Fast paced and exciting this is a police procedural full of thrills and spills. A proper edge of the seat story, easy to read but dark and tense. Keep it coming Simon!
June 23, 2023
Well, this was a rollercoaster, and I loved it.
The bodies of young girls are appearing on beaches across the otherwise quiet island of Anglesey. It's clear there's a serial killer on the loose, and DI Laura Hart is set on capturing the monster.
This is the third instalment of the Anglesey Crime series, but the first I have read. Other than the ongoing storyline of DI Laura Hart trying to find the truth around her late husbands death, I had no problem reading this as a standalone. Although I am eager to revisit the previous books to learn more about what happened to Sam.
Laura's character is so authentic and it's really easy to empathise with her, her strength and determination as woman of authority is great, and I enjoyed reading from her perspective in times where her authority was questioned.
The vivid descriptions of Anglesey and the beaches/ places were also beautiful and really added a sense of direction for me, as someone who knows nothing about that area of Wales.
Despite the incredible name dropping of Welsh places that I definitely couldn't pronounce without help, this was a fantastic and fast-paced crime thriller. I'm really looking forward to reading more of Mccleaves blacklist.
The bodies of young girls are appearing on beaches across the otherwise quiet island of Anglesey. It's clear there's a serial killer on the loose, and DI Laura Hart is set on capturing the monster.
This is the third instalment of the Anglesey Crime series, but the first I have read. Other than the ongoing storyline of DI Laura Hart trying to find the truth around her late husbands death, I had no problem reading this as a standalone. Although I am eager to revisit the previous books to learn more about what happened to Sam.
Laura's character is so authentic and it's really easy to empathise with her, her strength and determination as woman of authority is great, and I enjoyed reading from her perspective in times where her authority was questioned.
The vivid descriptions of Anglesey and the beaches/ places were also beautiful and really added a sense of direction for me, as someone who knows nothing about that area of Wales.
Despite the incredible name dropping of Welsh places that I definitely couldn't pronounce without help, this was a fantastic and fast-paced crime thriller. I'm really looking forward to reading more of Mccleaves blacklist.
October 9, 2023
⚠️ CW: murder, child abuse, sexual assault, rape and stalking ⚠️ If you're looking for a dark and incredibly gripping, heart pounding read then this one is for you. The beautiful Isle of Anglesey has been rocked by the brutal murders of three female students from a local college and DI Laura Hart has been called in to track down the murderer, who the papers have dubbed the Anglesey Ripper, before he strikes again. She quickly identifies a suspect but just as she is about to pounce, he slips through her fingers. Laura and the Beaumaris CID must pursue the serial killer across the island in an increasingly dangerous game of cat and mouse, but he's always one step ahead of them. And soon, the hunters will become the hunted. Simon McCleave has once again written an edge of your seat read that had me absolutely hooked and I could not put down! This book is so fast paced and intricately detailed, and weaves such a thrillingly clever storyline that really makes you feel like the clock is ticking. Also it was so great to see the character progression in Laura, her family and the rest of the CID team and it makes me even more excited for the next book. Overall, I loved this one and highly recommend it!
May 30, 2023
In this third novel set on the Welsh island of Anglesey, DI Laura Hart has a serial killer to hunt down. So far he’s known to have killed three young women and is suspected of killing another two missing women. Although, Laura makes connections between his victims and identifies the suspect quite quickly, he manages to slip away, leading her on a thrilling chase around Anglesey as he tries to escape.
As with the previous books in the series, this is a fast paced thriller with plenty of action and suspense as Laura and the suspect play cat and mouse across the island in a desperate game. He proves to be a slippery customer with quite a few twists up his sleeve to keep the police on their toes. Meanwhile Laura is still investigating the death of her detective husband Sam, killed four years ago in the line of duty and there are further developments on that front, which will hopefully feature more in the next episode in the series.
With thanks to Avon Books via Netgalley for a copy to read
As with the previous books in the series, this is a fast paced thriller with plenty of action and suspense as Laura and the suspect play cat and mouse across the island in a desperate game. He proves to be a slippery customer with quite a few twists up his sleeve to keep the police on their toes. Meanwhile Laura is still investigating the death of her detective husband Sam, killed four years ago in the line of duty and there are further developments on that front, which will hopefully feature more in the next episode in the series.
With thanks to Avon Books via Netgalley for a copy to read
June 4, 2023
Blood on the shore is book 3 in the Anglesey series and wow this series just seem to get better and better with each book.
We are back with D.I. Laura Hart and her team and her boss DCI Gareth Williams who is also her partner, on the island of Anglesey investigating a serial killer who leaves his victims’ bodies buried up to there necks in sand on the various island beaches. When they suspect member of the public acting suspiciously near the scene is acting strangely, they think that they have got their man. Can they have found the killer so quickly. When they find more information about him. They realise they have the wrong man. The hunt is on to find the killer before he strikes again.
I thank Avon, for a copy of Blood on the shore. Wow this is another edge of seat thriller, especially the second half of this book. I couldn’t put this down and had to hold my breath in certain parts in anticipation on what happens next. As this is the first series that I have read of this author I am now off to look at the other series he have written. 5 stars from me.
We are back with D.I. Laura Hart and her team and her boss DCI Gareth Williams who is also her partner, on the island of Anglesey investigating a serial killer who leaves his victims’ bodies buried up to there necks in sand on the various island beaches. When they suspect member of the public acting suspiciously near the scene is acting strangely, they think that they have got their man. Can they have found the killer so quickly. When they find more information about him. They realise they have the wrong man. The hunt is on to find the killer before he strikes again.
I thank Avon, for a copy of Blood on the shore. Wow this is another edge of seat thriller, especially the second half of this book. I couldn’t put this down and had to hold my breath in certain parts in anticipation on what happens next. As this is the first series that I have read of this author I am now off to look at the other series he have written. 5 stars from me.
May 15, 2023
This is fast becoming one of my favourite series, gripping story lines, twists aplenty, red herrings to keep you guessing not to mention a strong team lead by DI Laura Hart and her man of the moment DCI Gareth Williams.
Someone is callously killing young women on Anglesey, burying them up to their neck. some of whom have been found easily whilst at least two mores whereabouts have not been discovered.
Laura is tasked with finding a killer and stopping him claiming any more victims.
When a man is spotted acting suspiciously at one such discovery they think they have him.
On searching his house they find evidence to support this idea. Then an attempted abduction goes wrong and they are forced to think again.
A fast paced exciting read with plenty of action and drama to keep the reader turning the pages.
I really enjoyed Blood on the Shore and am eagerly looking forward to DI Harts next outing.
Someone is callously killing young women on Anglesey, burying them up to their neck. some of whom have been found easily whilst at least two mores whereabouts have not been discovered.
Laura is tasked with finding a killer and stopping him claiming any more victims.
When a man is spotted acting suspiciously at one such discovery they think they have him.
On searching his house they find evidence to support this idea. Then an attempted abduction goes wrong and they are forced to think again.
A fast paced exciting read with plenty of action and drama to keep the reader turning the pages.
I really enjoyed Blood on the Shore and am eagerly looking forward to DI Harts next outing.
June 20, 2023
When this author comes out with a new book everything goes out the window, all house cores stopped. I put my kettle on make a cup of coffee and open my kindle! The room comes alive!
WoW.......Blood on the Shore by Simon McCleave is the third book in this brilliant Anglesey Series and it's another brilliant book from start to finish. Simon has a great way of bringing his audience into all his book's; that will have you gripped from the very first few pages till the end! especially as it was full of great twists and turns throughout that will have you gripped. I loved it!
I highly recommend this latest book by Simon. However, it should come with a Big trigger warning, that your house cleaning, Sleep will stop until you finish his books as they are so addictive from start to finish!!! Another 5 star read
Big thank you to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and Simon McCleave the author for my copy of his latest book.
WoW.......Blood on the Shore by Simon McCleave is the third book in this brilliant Anglesey Series and it's another brilliant book from start to finish. Simon has a great way of bringing his audience into all his book's; that will have you gripped from the very first few pages till the end! especially as it was full of great twists and turns throughout that will have you gripped. I loved it!
I highly recommend this latest book by Simon. However, it should come with a Big trigger warning, that your house cleaning, Sleep will stop until you finish his books as they are so addictive from start to finish!!! Another 5 star read
Big thank you to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and Simon McCleave the author for my copy of his latest book.
July 27, 2023
When the bodies of young women keep turning up on the beaches of Anglesey DI Laura Hart is called in to catch the serial killer dubbed by the locals and press as the ‘Anglesey Ripper’. This killer is always one step ahead, and leads the detectives on a manhunt that spans the whole of the island, but when the killer is too close to home Laura knows time is running out.
This is the third twisty thriller from the new DI Laura Hart series and it doesn’t disappoint! As events unfold you actually feel like you’re there with the characters at every turn rooting for them to catch this vile murderer! The plot for this story is brilliant, I really enjoyed it, and now it’s book 3 and we are getting to know the main characters such as Laura and Gareth and the rest of the team as we see strands of their lives come though in the story, brilliant Simon, well written as always, love your books!
This is the third twisty thriller from the new DI Laura Hart series and it doesn’t disappoint! As events unfold you actually feel like you’re there with the characters at every turn rooting for them to catch this vile murderer! The plot for this story is brilliant, I really enjoyed it, and now it’s book 3 and we are getting to know the main characters such as Laura and Gareth and the rest of the team as we see strands of their lives come though in the story, brilliant Simon, well written as always, love your books!
June 19, 2023
A very enjoyable read, fast paced, filled with action and intensity. I see a lot of character development in this book. I have grown to like the team and the rest of the characters in the book. I somehow really liked the pace in this book, and I was wondering where it was going, giving away the culprit fairly early on, but it made totally sense just a bit later.
I appreciated that there was no long beginnings, middles or ends in this book. Sometimes it is needed to have a slow beginning to build up towards the action, but that would have been a wrong move. Straight to the point, and onward we go. Full points for that!
The ending made me immediately wanting to read the next book in the series, so here I am eagerly waiting for it. We want more! We want more! We want more!
I appreciated that there was no long beginnings, middles or ends in this book. Sometimes it is needed to have a slow beginning to build up towards the action, but that would have been a wrong move. Straight to the point, and onward we go. Full points for that!
The ending made me immediately wanting to read the next book in the series, so here I am eagerly waiting for it. We want more! We want more! We want more!
June 21, 2023
Oh this book is absolutely brilliant! I was hooked from start to finish. It's full of drama and tension. It's dark and twisted. It will keep you reading late into the night.
The beautiful Isle of Anglesey has been rocked by the brutal murders of three young women. DI Laura Hart is called in to track down the murderer – who the papers have dubbed the Anglesey Ripper – before he strikes again.
She quickly identifies a suspect but just as she is about to pounce, he slips through her fingers.
Laura and the Beaumaris CID must pursue the serial killer across the island in an increasingly dangerous game of cat and mouse – but he’s always one step ahead of them. And soon, the hunters will become the hunted…
I can't recommend this book highly enough
The beautiful Isle of Anglesey has been rocked by the brutal murders of three young women. DI Laura Hart is called in to track down the murderer – who the papers have dubbed the Anglesey Ripper – before he strikes again.
She quickly identifies a suspect but just as she is about to pounce, he slips through her fingers.
Laura and the Beaumaris CID must pursue the serial killer across the island in an increasingly dangerous game of cat and mouse – but he’s always one step ahead of them. And soon, the hunters will become the hunted…
I can't recommend this book highly enough
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