I will try not to be too biased with my review of the latest DI Ridpath thriller, When The Guilty Cry by the superbly talented MJ Lee, but I LOVE this book series! 

From the opening chapter I just knew I was hooked, I’m trying to pinpoint why I love these books so much….I think it’s in the way MJ writes, every time I pick up one of the DI Ridpath books, it’s like 8m being given a virtual hug, being wrapped in a warm blanket….I just know what to expect and I love it! 

As with ever story and plot, this one is twisty and engaging, I personally I’ve the Police procedural side and also the Coroner’s Office side…I’m thinking because I’m a frustrated Cop, anything that details the procedures ticks my boxes! And I think learning about the Coroner’s office is really useful, I would love to have worked in a Coroner’s office, it’s seems so interesting and to be able to give the dead a voice is so powerful! The writing from both these points of view is really sublime, and with each Ridpath book it just gets better and better! 

I’m not going to give anything away, but I will say this is a superb book and I also love the personal story that carries thru the books with Ridpath and his Daughter….as always I read this book in 2 days, now I will have to wait another year before I get a another fix of DI Thomas Ridpath! 

DI Thomas Ridpath is back with two cases; first, a teenage girl reported missing eleven years ago & never heard from again, and second, three severed hands found in a backpack hidden in an abandoned childrens' home which was called Daisy Nook. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the two cases are connected, & Ridpath is put under pressure from both the Coroner's Office & MIT to solve the cases in less than a week.

Although the pace of this book is slower than the previous books, it in no way detracts from the plot. The two cases slowly dovetail together, & Ridpath has to use all his experience to fend off the machinations of DCI Turnbull. There's also time to see the ups & downs in Ridpath's relationship with his daughter which, following his wife's death, has become a little fractious at times. Nods to recent events are also included without them becoming tiresome. I really enjoyed reading it.

Thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Canelo, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.