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.

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.