My thoughts about M J Lee’s What The Shadows Hide hats off to the writer M J Lee for coming up with another murder mystery thriller which stitched so well as the other books in the series with Unexpected twists, the complete build up of suspense & thrill keeping you at the edge of your seat, and fear ye might, as Book number 9 in the DI Thomas Ridpath series proves to be as rewarding as the first eight books with a twisted, gnarled and wickedly warped plot that’s unique, imaginative and insane. M J Lee’s What The Shadows Hide has the suspense element packed with a nail biting story telling. Writer M J Lee has again proved why he’s master writing police procedural thrillers. The best thing of this book is it’s strong story and great climax. The story of M J Lee’s What The Shadows Hide begins with 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. If you love crime thrillers, then M J Lee’s‘s book is a truly wholesome experience that takes you on a thrilling ride and also makes your jaws drop with its brilliant climax, leaving you clapping and cheering for this outstanding thriller. I would like to say a big thank you to author M J Lee and publishers Canelo crime books, for kindly letting me read and review this fantastic book on NetGalley. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💥💥💥💥💥

I am a huge fan of this series and this one did not disappoint in any way. I love Ridpath’s relationship with his daughter, it feels so real. Fabulous plot here too, I can’t wait for the next book. Living in greater Manchester, I also really enjoy the references to real life places, such as Rudy’s pizzas.

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.

Another excellent read from the author in the DI Ridpath series. Two bodies are found entombed in a derelict building due for demolition. Margaret Challinor, the Coroner, is severely assaulted and Ridpath is looking for answers. I love the developing characterisation and the clever plotting, especially Emily, the fast pace and the setting. The book kept me interested and struggling to find the answers to both investigations. I do hope we have a follow up soon! Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC. I recommend reading the series from the start.

crime-thriller, Manchester, law-enforcement, series, cold-case, serial-murder, serial-killer, parenting, investigations, investigators, cancer-survivor, widower, teamwork, procedural, genetic-genealogy, unputdownable, sly-humor, teenager, family-dynamics, family, dual-narrators, unconventional*****

The backstory of both narrators gets covered well enough that there is no real problem hopping in on book #9 (except that I want to read MORE).
DI Ridpath is a coroner officer on call for the coroner of Manchester (who's also a friend), so when she was found beaten nearly to death (hammer to the head) it was not just academic. He is shut out of that investigation but has been added to the Major Investigation Team of Greater Manchester Police and given ten days to work with new superiors to solve an old case.
I do find it helpful to get inside the head of the investigator, but I really hate getting inside the head of a serial murderer.
This is really an excellent read and I will read more in series!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Canelo via NetGalley. Thank you!

A Complex Case..
The ninth in the DI Ridpath series arrives with fanfare and finds Ridpath immersed in, perhaps, his most deadly and most complex case. The so called Romeo and Juliet murders leave everyone baffled and Ridpath in the middle - but with his multi faceted approach and experience Ridpath certainly seems to have everyone’s confidence. Gritty, fast paced with a thread of wry humour and a taut and well constructed plot populated with a cast of deftly drawn characters.

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

Another brilliant instalment in the Ridpath series
Lee has created a unique Police Officer in Ridpath. A member of Greater Manchesters MIT he was seconded to the Coroner as her Investigation Officer following a successful battle against cancer.
Working for the Coroner brings its own challenges but with Greater Manchester Police in Special Needs, and with increasing staffing issues Ridpath is called back to help with investigations
Another team have been investigating the death of two young people who had been bricked into a room in a disused office block for six months, and they’ve got nowhere
Ridpath has a week.
What he discovers is frightening

The DI Ridpath series is consistently excellent and the latest book, What the Shadows Hide, is a worthy addition.

Both the main and supporting stories are well written and move along at a good pace with an ending that leaves many options for future books in this series. The final twist or reveal was excellent.

All the main characters contribute to the story without any of it feeling forced which isn’t always the case in other series.

A definite recommendation.

Another blisteringly fast-paced novel in the DI Ridpath series. It’s the ninth one and probably the best so far. If you haven’t read all of them I would advise you to start at the beginning and read them in turn although this can be read as a standalone.

Ridpath has a dual role, as a detective inspector with MIT and as an assistant in the coroner’s office. Sometimes this creates conflict. He is a single parent to a teenage daughter and this relationship is portrayed with understanding and humour.

Ridpath is tasked with investigating a case known as Romeo and Juliet , where a young couple were killed by being left in a sealed room without food and water to die. Then, Mrs Challinor, the coroner begins looking into a few other cases and is attacked.

Once again, the author has in-depth knowledge and hits the reader with twists and turns throughout.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Canelo and MJ Lee for my ARC in return for an honest review.

Another must read.

What The Shadows Hide is yet another superbly well constructed crime thriller in the DI Ridpath series.
As usual Ridpath is dividing his time working for the coroners office with coroner Mrs Challinor and also with the MIT with Greater Manchester police. He is summoned by his boss DS Claire Trent to re investigate a double murder. He is given a week to solve a crime where in the demolition of an old warehouse two bodies were found bricked in behind a wall and left to die. This has already been investigated by another force with hours upon hours of work but no conclusion, no identification of the bodies or suspects. With the inquest due DS Trent wants answers. A seemingly impossible task particularly as suddenly Mrs Challinor has been attacked receiving severe head injuries which leave her in a coma.
With Ridpath having no help whatsoever from the previous police investigators, a new obnoxious coroner making everyone’s life a misery and as a single parent with 13 year old daughter Eve, a wonderful character, it’s fair to say Ridpath has rather a lot on his plate.
But as usual with this authors work all these strands are pulled together beautifully and we have a compelling fast paced thriller with a murderer that I wasn’t expecting so was rather blind sided!
Again, even though this case is satisfactorily solved MJ Lee leaves his readers hanging with an ending that leaves you wanting the next book as quickly as possible
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

DI Thomas Ridpath is busy with his work at the Coroners office when he is called to a meeting with his boss at MIT. Claire Trent introduces Ridpath to his new DCI Steve Carruthers and then tells him they want him to investigate a case dubbed the Romeo and Juliet murders. The police force tasked with investigating have spent 6 months on the case and got nowhere, Ridpath will be given just 8 days. Seconding 2 of the MIT team, Chrissy and Emily to help him, Ridpath sets to work. It quickly becomes clear that with no forensics and no identity of the victims the three of them are really up against it. As they dig deeper they discover other deaths that could possibly be linked to Romeo and Juliet but the link is tenuous at best.
Could a serial killer have been at large for years and no one has noticed?
This is brilliant, compelling and fast paced. It will have you hooked from the first page to the last.

382 pages

5 stars

M. J. Lee is a very talented writer. I love both the Inspector Danilov series as well as the DI Ridpath series. The variety of plots are simply great. Mr. Lee creates interesting characters. Even the “bad guys” have color and personality. I liked the banter between Emily and Ridpath. The chuckles I uttered only added to their attractiveness.

DI Thomas Ridpath and DS Emily Parkinson and their small team have been assigned (only eight days, mind you), to look into a cold case called “Romeo and Juliet.” Two young people have been found walled up in an old warehouse. Left to die of hunger and thirst.

Investigating the case turns out to be more difficult than it would seem at the outset. It turns into a bigger case than Ridpath and Emily imagined.

There are many surprises in this case, including a huge one at the denouement. I was lost trying to figure out how my main suspect committed the crimes. Was I on the wrong track, or what?

I want to thank NetGalley and Canelo for forwarding to me a copy of this remarkable book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

I feel so lucky to be one of the first to read the new DI Ridpath #WhatTheShadowsHide by #MJLee
And it doesn’t disappoint. I tried to take it slow, but I couldn’t. It is every bit as good as the others building to a terrific ending.
Ridpath is tasked with solving a murder of two young people who were found in a walled up room.
The book is out on 23rd March so if you haven’t read the earlier ones start now. You won’t regret it.
Thank you to #Netgalley and #CanelloCrime for my copy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What an excellent read. Great story line and leading character. Another ‘must read’ author to and to the list.
Highly recommended.

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,

Great book! What a nail biter!! Right till the end! I was screaming at my Kindle! Lol wow! I can finally take a breath! This book had high suspense, intrigue, action, murder, mystery, serial killer, and great detective work! The storyline was very interesting and definitely a heart pounding nail biter! It kept me glued to my Kindle! I read this book in one sitting! I highly recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading! I truly enjoyed reading this book! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Two 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.

Ridpath is plunged into his most challenging investigation yet. What the Shadows Hide is another gripping Ridpath mystery. His dry demeanor shines through. I still love Chrissy and Emily and how they all work so well together even when a few hiccups occur.

M J Lee is a smart storyteller that crafts a solid mystery. But, oh no, a cliffhanger! Overall, a very good and a bit creepy story.

I cannot wait for the next installment. I give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars (rounded to 5).

#WhattheShadowsHide #NetGalley @canelo_co

This is the ninth book in the DI Ridpath series by author Martin Lee. I came across this author almost by accident as I was searching for a new book to read, very soon I was hooked and eight books later I am still really enjoying this series. Good police procedurals and fascinating characters who offer something a little different from some of the other series. The main character is DI Ridpath who had a very promising career brought to a sudden halt when he was diagnosed with cancer. After a leave of absence of 9 months he returned back to work and was seconded to the Coroner’s office where he has remained ever since. Ridpath is very conscientious, takes his job very serious which often results in him upsetting his superiors.

When two desiccated bodies are found in each other’s arms in the bricked up room of a derelict Victorian warehouse they are quickly dubbed Romeo and Juliet. Since the discovery of the bodies six months ago very little progress has been made so Ridpath is asked to investigate. Six months of investigations by the police have failed to identify the couple, why they were killed and by who.

Another excellent addition to this exciting series they remains as fresh as the very first book. I always eagerly anticipate reading this series and I am already looking forward to book ten.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

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.