‘The Abersoch Killings’ by Simon McCleave

Published by Canelo,
19 June 2025.
ISBN: 978-1-83598282-2 (PB)

The plot of the 21^st novel in McCleave’s D I Ruth Hunter series revolves around the investigation of the death of Jack Rush, a prominent, wealthy film producer, in his luxurious beach-side mansion in Abersoch, Snowdonia. His body is discovered in the study immediately after the wedding of his much-loved stepdaughter, Sofia. His face is covered in blood. Jack Rush used recreational drugs, but the evidence suggests his cocaine had been substituted with cyanide.

D I Ruth Hunter and her deputy DS Nick Evans quickly determine that the culprit has to be one of the family because none of the wedding guests had access to the house. Apart from Sofia, none of his family appear distressed by his death and they all have a strong motive for wanting him dead. His wife Lottie claims they had an open marriage and that she tolerated her husband’s affairs, however, evidence suggests that Jack was unwilling to fund her luxurious lifestyle for much longer. His identical twin sons showed none of their father’s business acumen and Jack constantly belittled Edward for his failures and refused to fund James through a further three years at a music school in Paris. Even Jack’s new son-in-law had vented his fury when Jack had insisted on him signing a prenup agreement.

As more evidence comes to light, the picture becomes more complicated with plenty of red herrings to fox the readers as well as the detectives. As the story unfolds, the pace hots up and rushes to a satisfying unpredictable ending.

McCleave’s characters are well drawn. The closeness of the investigating team is evident, and it is easy to empathise with their concern for the heavily pregnant Georgie. Each of the main suspects have few redeeming characters which no doubt explains why, growing up in a household of totally self-obsessed individuals, Jack’s precocious youngest child, twelve-year-old Jasmine appears cooly detached from her family. Jasmine, one of the most fascinating characters in the novel, misses nothing and her keen observations shows a prescience beyond her years.

A compulsive read.
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Reviewer: Judith Cranswick

Simon McCleave is a million selling crime novelist who lives in North Wales with his wife and two children. His first book, The Snowdonia Killings, was released in January 2020 reached #1 in the UK Chart, selling 250,000 copies. His nine subsequent novels in the DI Ruth Hunter Snowdonia series have all been top 20 bestsellers. Simon is about to launch a new crime series based in Anglesey in May 2022 for Harper Collins. The Dark Tide is Published 12 may 2022. 

www.simonmccleave.com  

Judith Cranswick was born and brought up in Norwich. Apart from writing, Judith’s great passions are travel and history. Both have influenced her two series of mystery novels. Tour Manager, Fiona Mason takes coach parties throughout Europe, and historian Aunt Jessica is the guest lecturer accompanying tour groups visiting more exotic destinations aided by her nephew Harry. Her published novels also include several award-winning standalone psychological thrillers. She wrote her first novel (now languishing in the back of a drawer somewhere) when her two children were toddlers, but there was little time for writing when she returned to her teaching career. Now retired, she is able to indulge her love of writing and has begun a life of crime! ‘Writers are told to write what they know about, but I can assure you, I've never committed a murder. I'm an ex-convent school headmistress for goodness sake!’

http://judithcranswick.co.uk/