Simon McCleave Books In Order

Publication Order of Anglesey Books

Publication Order of DI Ruth Hunter Books

Publication Order of DC Ruth Hunter Murder File Books

Simon McCleave is a mystery author best known for his debut novel, The Snowdonia Killings. Born in South London, this talented author worked in television as a Script Editor with BBC and Channel 4 before switching to become a Story Analyst in Los Angeles. Some of McCleave’s outstanding works as a scriptwriter include Murder In Suburbia and Silent Witness series. His Out of the Game film with Channel 4 also earned him some recognition. Currently, McCleave resides in North Wales with his wife and their two children.

The Snowdonia Killings

The Snowdonia Killings comes first in the DI Ruth Hunter series. Detective Inspector Ruth Hunter has just moved from London to Wales, hoping for a quieter life. After dealing with the criminals in the streets for so long, Ruth hopes that rural life will be easier with no serious criminals to deal with. How wrong she is. Before she can settle in her new station, a body shows up. A deputy head in a local school is brutally murdered in the school car park after a meeting with parents. Even more shocking is the strange symbols on the victim’s hand. As soon as Ruth sees the body, she is convinced that she is in for a wild ride.
Fortunately, she has a supportive team of competent staff by her side. The second in command, DS Evans, is knowledgeable on the local landscape, and through his connections, the team is able to launch an investigation. Ruth has a long list of suspects to work through, so she works tirelessly to unravel the mystery. When a second body shows up with the same cryptic markings, Ruth is convinced that she has to rethink her steps to stop the ruthless killer. Can DI Ruth solve this case fast enough to prevent another killing? What is it about this case that has her so unsettled?

This is a well-written police procedural with an amazing lead character. It is refreshing having a team that is working together without jealousy and tension. Ruth is such a lovable character, and it is admirable how well she relates with her partner. Away from the crime, the author lets us on the main characters’ personal lives. We get to hear about Nick’s struggles with alcohol addiction and Ruth’s pain after the mysterious disappearance of her partner. The setting in Wales, close to Mt Snowdon, is pretty much part of this story. You will enjoy seeing this story unfold with the help of well-fleshed characters. The story moves at an exhilarating pace, so you will not have to endure a dull moment.

The Snowdonia Killings is an enjoyable murder mystery. The descriptions of Snowdonia are lovely, and the information on the legends and myths of wales makes the story even more interesting. This story explores more than just the crime. There is the issue of alcoholism and same-sex relationships. The author also incorporates real-life events like Operation Trident, making the story even more believable. There are numerous twists and turns that are sure to keep you on your toes and a hint of romance that signals that better things are on the way. You will also fall in love with Welsh folklore and culture, not to mention the beautiful icy setting.

The Harlech Beach Killings

The Harlech Beach Killings comes second in the DI Ruth Hunter series. DI Ruth Hunter is still under a lot of stress, and the case of the disappearance of her partner has just been reopened. When the body of a rich businessman washes up the North Wales shore, Ruth has to prove that she and her team can handle this case. However, the more she digs into the case, the more details about a link with an infamous drug lord emerge. Is it possible that Ruth had bitten into more than she can swallow? What happens if she discovers that her murder victim was linked to the infamous Liverpudlian drug baron?

Once again, Ruth will be working alongside DS Nick Evans. Nick is going through struggles of his own. After witnessing a man lose his life, he had relapsed and now struggles to maintain a straight face at work while drinking himself to sleep at home. Ruth is also worried that Nick’s vendetta against the drug ring would jeopardize this investigation. Follow DI Ruth and her hotheaded partner as they work to solve this mystery. There will be many botched raids, and the fact that the suspects are not saying much is not helping. Can Ruth and her team catch the mobster before more lives are lost?

This is a page-turning story that will hold your attention to the last page. Like its predecessor, the book is solid and comes with well-thought-out storylines. We continue to see more of the main characters’ lives, and you cannot miss Ruth’s complicated personal life. Her relationship with a coworker is sure to get people talking. Nick cannot say much about his struggles, even though it is easy for the reader to see where he is coming from. After staying sober for close to a year, he is back to abusing alcohol. Despite his weaknesses, Nick remains an outstanding detective, and you can only hope that he will beat his destructive habit.

The Harlech Beach Killings is a great follow-up in the Ruth Hunter Crime Thriller series. It is a perfect choice for readers who like police procedurals with numerous psychological twists and believable characters. Details unfold at a steady pace, and the author keeps you updated on what is going on in the lead characters’ lives. The plot is engrossing and will keep you guessing to the last page, and the unexpected twists are sure to keep you at the edge of your seat. Who killed the businessman, and what was their motivation? Read this engrossing story to the end for answers to this and more. The story ends with a cliffhanger, so you are better off ordering the next installment before you get to this point.

4 Responses to “Simon McCleave”

1. Liz Holland: 6 months ago

   Hi Simon. I have read all your books and particularly enjoy the Ruth and Nick stories. I have told you before how much I like them and it was nice to read about Anglesey too. I hope you write many more as I can’t wait to read them. Best wishes to you and your family. Keep up the good work. Thanks

   Reply
2. Bren: 1 year ago

   I really love the books of the early days of Ruth Hunter. Particularly London SE15. I was actually living in SE15 during the time in which the books are set. I was in my twenties then, and I also happened to date a couple of policemen from Peckham police station at that time too LOL! I used to get the bus to work in the West End of London on Barry Road via Peckham down the high street to Camberwell Green and the Elephant. I was also married at Peckham Register Office :-)(not to one of the policemen though LOL!) So the book and the place were very real to me and I totally loved it. It took me back to a time where I was quite happy with my lot. I’m looking forward to your next book later this Feb, and to another one set in London.
   Thank you 🙂

   Reply
3. Don Taylor: 2 years ago

   I think I have now read all the Ruth Hunter books, that is the North Wales series and I think the London series. Will Ruth appear again or is that the end.

   Loved every page of every book,

   Thank you.

   Reply
4. Maureen Baxter: 2 years ago

   When will the next audio Di Ruth Hunter ( #4) be available. . ? I glad to see there
   a re more books to come, but prefer audio.
   Thanks

   Reply