I absolutely love reading the DI Ridpath Series. Especially as the stories are all based in my local area. One of my favourite authors and another fantastic book. Already looking forward to the next one.

I always enjoy the DI Ridpath crime thrillers and this one doesn't disappoint. Full of tension and twists and Ridpath is a fascinating character as usual.

I love the DI Ridpath series having read a couple prior to this one.
Good plot of DI Ridpath trying to uncover the truth regarding a death in custody, that no one seems to want him to solve.
Page turner and can't wait for the next one.

I wonder if I came into the series too late but this just did not work for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Another great instalment in this series. Ridpath finds himself up against it again! Complex and intriguing,a great read.

This is the eighth book in the series featuring DI Ridpath and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Ridpath is still working in the coroner’s office and is asked by Mrs Challoner the Coroner, to investigate a case from three years ago as she is presiding over the inquest. The case in question concerned Ben Holdsworth, who had been arrested for drug dealing, but was found dead in a cell at Redbury Police Station. The case appears to have been accidental death but as Ridpath starts to dig deeper into the case it becomes clear that there are a number of discrepancies, questions and oddities about the case. None of the police officers are happy with his involvement, especially DI Turnbull who has a long standing grudge against him. Ridpath becomes convinced that Ben was murdered but can he prove it with the life and career in danger. He is also struggling with his life as a single parent to his teenage daughter following the tragic death of his wife and is in remission from cancer but is determined to solve the case. A fantastic series that has had me hooked from the first book and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book,

A man dies in police custody and the official line is that no-one was to blame so the coroners hearing should be a formality. The family aren't happy and DI Ridpath is asked to look into the case in advance. He discovers that there are some discrepancies in witness statements and investigates further however this brings him into direct conflict with his colleagues in the Police Force.
Another solid outing for DI Ridpath, again crossing the boundaries between the Coroners Court and the Major Investigation Team. Here Ridpath's loyalties are put to the test as he seeks justice. Lee knows how to write a gritty and engaging tale which is strongly set in a recognisable modern Manchester. It's not the most innovation writing or plotting but it's formula that works incredibly well.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
When the Night Ends by M J Lee is book 8 in the series. This is my first read of the series. I was able to follow the storyline with no trouble/standalone. Well developed characters just not page turning events for me. I read 5 other books from the time I started this one 🤷🏻‍♀️

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
I got about 65% into the book before my time with it expired. This story centers around Ben Holdsworth an accused drug dealer who died in a holding cell at a police station. A first look at his death was carded as accidental. Detective Inspector Ridpath was brought in to take a second look at Holdworth’s death and that is where the investigation got complicated.

This book is the eighth one in this series and it could be read as a standalone. The book goes into all the details of police procedurals because that is probably where the mystery of this death lies. Even with all the details you still don’t understand what is happening or where exactly the story is taking you which I think is indicative of a good crime story. The book could benefit from faster pacing to give the story more life. I recommend this book to those who enjoy reading about the justice system and police investigations.

Another extremely difficult and complex case for Detective Inspector Thomas Ridpath to solve, this time the death in custody of Ben Holdsworth who was arrested with drugs on his person, some hours later he was found dead in his cell. A full investigation was carried out exonerating the police at the time but looking at the notes Ridpath could see it was full of holes with other witnesses in adjoining cells not interviewed and other anomalies. On commencing his investigation he is hampered from the start by Detective Chief Inspector Turnbull who also refuses access to police databases. Another excellent novel by MJ Lee which is part of a series but can be read on its own. My thanks to Canelo for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book.
I always love a Ridpath novel, in fact I have to save them for when I want to read a book that gives me everything I am looking for - entertainment, a baddy or two, a bit of gore, a rollicking UK location and individuals who have real issues.
This did not disappoint and for those who have not read any of the previous offerings in this series - what are you waiting for !!!

I was not aware this was #8 in a series! This book was a page turner but I feel like I missed some things with jumping in without reading the previous stories! I am going back and starting from book 1 because I need to know how it all began! The main character, Ridpath, is fantastic and I need to know more!

Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Love this series, and this book is no disappointment. All the elements that the reader wants and expects. Well written good plot and cast of characters, can’t wait for the next one

I absolutely love the Ridpath books, they are fast paced, full of action and always a great story line. This book in the series, for me, wasnt the best. It was still a great read however slower paced to the other books. Ridpath investigates a death in custody, which ruffle feathers but true Ridpath style he doesn't let anything get it his way. It can be read as a stand alone and you wouldn't miss out on the back story of Ridpath.

My thanks to Canelo for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘When the Night Ends’ by M.J. Lee.

This is Book 8 in Lee’s DI Ridpath series of gritty police procedurals set in Manchester. I have read five of the previous books in this series and rated them all highly. Like the majority of crime fiction series background is provided for new readers.

Three years ago Ben Holdsworth died while held overnight in a police cell. There was a public outcry though his death was declared an accident with no one to blame. Yet the law decrees that any death in police custody is subject to a public inquest overseen by the Coroner.

In his role for the Coroner’s Office DI Thomas Ridpath is tasked with investigating the case before the formal inquest begins. He immediately uncovers some discrepancies in the witness statements that opens up the proverbial can of worms. Meanwhile Ridpath’s ongoing adversary, DCI Paul Turnbull, is currently the acting head of MIT (Greater Manchester Major Incident Team) and is determined to end Ridpath’s career by any means.

This was brilliant. If there had been an audiobook available (as there is with others in the series) I would have been glued to it without a break. Still, I found it completely gripping and a series that continues to go from strength to strength.

While eagerly waiting for the next in this outstanding series of police procedurals, I plan to catch up with the two books that I had missed.

Slower moving than others in this series, Ridpath is investigating a case for the coroner. Pretty soon, he realizes that there is more to the case than meets the eye. Witnesses are untraceable or dead and there are threats to him and his daughter. The first part of the book took some getting into, though it picked up klater on and the plot was well thought out on the whole.
MJ Lee excells in police procedurals and this one is no exception,
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for anhonest review

As always Ridpath his awesome usual self and this was definitely one of the best stories so far. M.J. Lee has done another great job, I just hope he and Ridpath can keep on going!

When the Night Ends is the Eighth book in the DI Ridpath series by author M J Lee. I have read all the previous books and loved them all, rushing through them normally within a day or two.

However, I found it hard to get into this one, in fact, it took me over three weeks to finish it as I just couldn’t connect with it like I did the others.

On reflection, I believe it is down to the storyline, as rather than there being the usual murder/victim, with the murderer on the lose and DI Ridpath working two angles, the murder with MIT and the death with the Coroner’s Office, this time it was more one-sided as the death happens in custody and DI Ridpath is looking into fellow officers. We also don’t get to hear as much from the murderer as in previous books which left the book feeling less tense and edgy.

Don’t get me wrong I still enjoyed the story and I love spending time with DI Ridpath. I also love Eve, his daughter, who is certainly growing up and it was nice for an author to include things like starting her period, I mean these things happen to girls.

Here’s hoping that book nine hits the mark, despite this minor setback, as I am really looking forward to it.

When a man dies in a police cell, the post mortem provides the evidence that is needed to declare that no one was to blame for his death. Now, as part of his coroners officer duties, DI Ridpath is investigating prior to an inquest and immediately notices some discrepancies. The victim appeared to be known to the custody sergeant but this was not recorded in any of the case notes and the CCTV was conveniently not working at the time of the death. It is down to Ridpath to discover exactly what happened that night.

In the eighth in the Ridpath series, we see the detective once again providing a voice for the victims, giving an alternative perspective from the standard police procedural. As in previous books, Ridpath’s work for the coroner, while also still being a serving member of the police, does not sit well with his colleagues. Investigating a potential police cover up is certainly not going to win him any friends and he finds himself becoming increasingly isolated, relying upon his closest allies to help him uncover the truth.

It is no spoiler to say that we realise quite early on in the book that Ridpath is correct in his assumption that something is awry, but the real mystery is why. My attention was held right until the very end as we see the detective’s tenacity in trying to bring justice for the victim and his family, the author’s skilled writing providing intrigue and well-developed characters.

This is definitely one of my favourite series and When the Night Ends is one of the best so far. If you are a fan of TV shows such as Line of Duty, then this book will be right up your street. Hopefully there are many more to come.

DI Ridpath is assigned to investigate another case for the Coroner, but this one involves a death in custody which means investigating fellow police officers. The death of small time drug dealer Ben Holdsworth has been investigated by the authorities & deemed an accidental death due to tripping & hitting his head on the wall of the cell (caught on CCTV), but his elderly mother is not convinced.

When Ridpath starts to ask questions, he's met with hostility from those supposedly on the same side, & he starts to uncover discrepancies in the witness statements. Missing CCTV footage & witnesses who were not questioned in the previous investigation add to the suspicion in Ridpath's mind that this is a cover-up. Meanwhile, Turnbull is acting head of MIT whilst the boss, Clare Trent, is away & he sees this case as the perfect chance to turn everyone against Ridpath & get rid of him once & for all.

Some series lose steam but this one just keeps on getting better. The plot itself is tightly written, if rather simplistic, & unfolds organically. The main character & his team in the Coroner's Office are steadfastly likeable. Ridpath not only has professional issues but his relationship with his teenage daughter, Eve, is starting to become a little rocky at times. Ah, the trials of a single parent! Turnbull is his usual reptilian self & it was rather satisfying how things turn out, although I would have liked it to have not happened off-page at the end. Overall I feel this is one of the best books of the series so far, & I rate it 4.5 stars (rounded up on sites which do not allow half star ratings).

My thanks to NetGalley & publisher, Canelo, for the opportunity to read an ARC.