Step into the shadowy, pulse-pounding world of the DI Ruth Hunter series, where a battle-hardened London detective trades city chaos for the eerie beauty of North Wales—only to find murder lurking in the mountains! Written by Simon McCleave, this British crime fiction saga blends gritty police procedurals with rich character drama, set against the haunting backdrop of Snowdonia’s myths and rugged landscapes. If you love twisty mysteries and flawed yet fierce protagonists, Ruth Hunter’s investigations will keep you hooked.
From its debut in 2020, this series has carved a niche in the crime thriller genre, offering readers a fresh take on detective stories. With over two million copies sold and a TV adaptation in the works, DI Ruth Hunter is fast becoming a must-read for fans of dark, atmospheric whodunits.
How DI Ruth Hunter Began
Simon McCleave, a former TV scriptwriter for shows like Silent Witness and The Bill, crafted the DI Ruth Hunter series after moving to North Wales. Inspired by the region’s stark beauty and rich folklore, he envisioned a detective series that paired intricate mysteries with the cultural tapestry of Snowdonia. McCleave’s debut novel, The Snowdonia Killings, released in January 2020, introduced Ruth Hunter—a seasoned cop seeking solace after personal tragedy, only to confront brutal crimes in her new rural post. His background in scripting taut crime dramas shaped the series’ cinematic pacing and layered characters, making it a hit with readers and critics alike.
The Heart of DI Ruth Hunter
The series kicks off with The Snowdonia Killings, where Ruth, nearing 50, investigates a teacher’s murder marked by cryptic symbols, unraveling a web of local secrets. The Harlech Beach Killings follows, plunging Ruth into a case involving a murdered millionaire and a dangerous drug lord, testing her resolve and team dynamics. The Dee Valley Killings ups the ante with a serial killer’s deadly game, while The Conway Harbour Killings explores a rugby coach’s murder tied to community deception. Each book weaves standalone cases with Ruth’s ongoing search for her missing partner, blending personal stakes with professional grit.
Themes of resilience, identity, and redemption run deep. Ruth, a lesbian detective navigating sexism and loss, is refreshingly complex—her struggles with smoking and stress humanize her without cliché. McCleave’s vivid depiction of North Wales, from misty peaks to tight-knit villages, grounds the series in a sense of place, while nods to Arthurian legends and Welsh culture add mystique. The prose is unpretentious, prioritizing plot twists and psychological depth over florid description, perfect for fans of LJ Ross or Rachel McLean.
Why DI Ruth Hunter Resonates
The DI Ruth Hunter series stands out for its authentic portrayal of a diverse, flawed heroine and its evocative setting. Fans praise its balance of procedural rigor and emotional depth, with over 800 Goodreads reviews lauding The Snowdonia Killings for its gripping pace and Welsh flavor. The series’ exploration of social issues—like addiction through DS Nick Evans or corruption in small towns—adds relevance, while its growing fanbase has sparked a TV deal set to film in North Wales in 2025. For crime fiction lovers, Ruth Hunter offers a compelling blend of heart and suspense.
- First Book: The Snowdonia Killings (2020)
- Total Books: 21 (as of 2025)
- Setting: North Wales, primarily Snowdonia
- Author: Simon McCleave
Grab The Snowdonia Killings and dive into DI Ruth Hunter’s thrilling world of murder, myth, and mystery today!