Step into the shadowy streets of 1990s London with the DC Ruth Hunter Murder File series, where gritty crime thrillers meet complex characters and jaw-dropping twists! Written by bestselling author Simon McCleave, this prequel to the DI Ruth Hunter Crime series follows Detective Constable Ruth Hunter as she unravels murders laced with political corruption, historical secrets, and psychological depth. Perfect for fans of dark police procedurals, this series hooks you with its raw authenticity and relentless suspense.
With over 1.5 million books sold since 2020 and a television adaptation in the works, DC Ruth Hunter Murder File has carved a niche in the crime thriller genre. Whether you’re a longtime McCleave fan or new to Ruth’s world, this series promises a thrilling ride through London’s underbelly.
How DC Ruth Hunter Murder File Began
Simon McCleave, a former scriptwriter for TV hits like Silent Witness and EastEnders, turned his storytelling talents to novels with The Snowdonia Killings in 2020. The success of his DI Ruth Hunter series, set in North Wales, inspired a prequel exploring Ruth’s earlier career in London. Drawing on his South London roots and experience in gritty crime dramas, McCleave crafted the DC Ruth Hunter Murder File series to delve into Ruth’s formative years as a detective in the 1990s, blending real-world issues like corruption with fictional murder mysteries.
The series reflects McCleave’s love for noir and crime authors like Graham Greene, infused with his knack for creating flawed, relatable characters. Launched in 2021 with Diary of a War Crime, the series quickly gained traction for its fast-paced plots and vivid settings, cementing McCleave’s status as a crime fiction powerhouse.
The Heart of DC Ruth Hunter Murder File
The series kicks off with Diary of a War Crime (2021), where DC Ruth Hunter tackles a string of baffling murders in 1997 London, suspecting a Serbian war criminal—except he died five years earlier. The Razor Gang Murder (2021) follows Ruth and her impulsive partner, DC Lucy Henry, as they uncover a 40-year-old murder tied to South London’s gang wars. An Imitation of Darkness (2021) dives into the sleazy entertainment world, with Ruth investigating a young actress’s murder linked to a cover-up of sexual misconduct. London, SE15 (2021) rounds out the series, exposing an army cover-up behind a brutal killing.
Themes of corruption, loyalty, and personal struggle weave through the series, set against the gritty backdrop of 1990s London. McCleave’s style is marked by psychological twists, realistic police procedurals, and morally complex characters—Ruth, a lesbian detective navigating a misogynistic world, shines as a fierce yet vulnerable protagonist. The vivid settings, from Peckham’s bustling streets to seedy clubs, ground the stories in a tangible sense of place, while cliffhangers and unexpected turns keep readers glued to the page.
Fans praise the series for its blend of historical crime—like 1950s gang feuds—and contemporary issues, such as police corruption and societal prejudice. McCleave’s ability to balance action with character depth makes each book a standalone thrill and a piece of Ruth’s evolving journey.
Why DC Ruth Hunter Murder File Resonates
The DC Ruth Hunter Murder File series has captivated crime thriller fans with its authentic portrayal of police work and its fearless exploration of social issues. Ruth’s identity as a lesbian detective adds a fresh perspective to the genre, resonating with readers seeking diverse, multidimensional characters. The series’ upcoming television adaptation, set to film in North Wales in 2025, underscores its growing cultural impact, promising to bring Ruth’s gritty world to a wider audience.
McCleave’s knack for crafting page-turners has earned him a loyal following, with readers hooked on the series’ blend of suspense, heart, and moral ambiguity. As a prequel, it enriches the DI Ruth Hunter series, offering insight into Ruth’s resilience and making her later Snowdonia adventures even more compelling.
- First book published: 2021
- Number of books: 4
- Setting: 1990s London
- Author: Simon McCleave
- Television adaptation: In development, filming in 2025
Grab Diary of a War Crime and dive into the pulse-pounding world of DC Ruth Hunter Murder File—where every case is a puzzle, and every twist keeps you guessing!