A case from the past has come back to haunt D I Ridpath. With his time at the coroner's office seemingly coming to an end, his previous work on the Beast of Manchester case once again rears its head. The police are being targeted and even those already dead are not being spared. Is this some sort of warning and who is behind it? Ridpath must try to uncover the truth to prevent his own life from being put in danger.

I love a book that grabs you straight from the off and When the Past Kills definitely does this! From the moment we see Ridpath's boss, Mrs Challinor watching a video of something truly horrific, we know that this is not going to be an easy case for the coroner's officer, especially when links begin to be made to a case that he previously worked on. This was a good move by the author to start the plot part-way through the investigation before taking you back to how the case started as I could not wait to revisit this moment to see the repercussions.

The case is a particularly horrific one, and one that is very personal to Ridpath. He also has the additional dilemma of whether he should return to work for MIT or whether to remain at the coroner's office. I feel that Ridpath is well-suited to his role with the coroner and although he does have the skills that make him a great detective, he is certainly a good fit in his present role and Mrs Challinor is definitely reluctant to see him go. It is his job as coroner's officer that sets him apart from protagonists in other books of this genre, as it is something that I have not seen in any other books.

There is a lot going on in When the Past Kills and, just when you think the story has ended, the author hits us with the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers! I actually gasped out loud when I reached this moment and can't believe I have to wait until the next book to find out what happens next! Hopefully, book 6 won't be long in the making as I'm desperate to know the outcome!

As the title suggests, the focus of the plot links to a case in one of the previous books, and while you do not need to have read about what has gone before, there are spoilers aplenty should you wish to go back and read this series from the start. This is a really engaging series with a likable protagonist and I would definitely recommend reading them all.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot (plenty of other reviews out there that do just that, if that's what you are looking for...), apart from to comment that the past comes back to haunt Ridpath and others in this compelling read.

This is the fifth book in the Ridpath series. I have been looking forward to this one since finishing "Where the Innocent Die" (in February), so was delighted that I didn't have to wait too long.

The plot is very well thought out, and keeps you turning the pages in anticipation. As with the previous books in the DI Ridpath series, this one kept me up late to finish it!

I liked the element of suspense that ran through the plot. We are given hints as to who might be behind the series of (somewhat grisly) deaths, but are kept guessing until fairly near the end - just as it should be in my humble opinion!

Good to see a mix of old and new characters, and to see more of Ridpath's "family man" side too.

We're left on a cliffhanger of a situation - so I hope M J Lee is not going to keep us waiting for too long until we find out what happens next!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC - and to M J Lee for writing this series!

I recently was struggling to get into books and finally last night I decided to start reading again. I spent an hour trying to decide which book to read to get back into the groove and finally decided to read this one. And boy was it a good decision as as usual, this book by M.J. Lee was as brilliant as it's explosive. I love DI Ridpath and in this book he was brilliant as usual, And Mr Lee's character creations are absolutely brilliant as is his ability to tell a story, I absolutely detested DCI Turnbull and his constantly poking and baiting Ridpath. And I hated how Mr Lee ended the book, even though it was brilliant. I finished the book in a single sitting and enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you M.J. Lee for helping me get my mojo back. And now to the most annoying part, waiting for the next book even though technically this book isn't even out!!!! 5 stars all the way, And a big thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for giving me this brilliant book in exchange of my honest review.

having never read anything by m j .lee before i will certainly be reading others especially in the DI Ridpath series. Ridpath is a bit of a maverick and likes to do things his own way. Is this time a step to far?????????

I wasn't that enamored with the title, even though it does reflect the goings-on in the book. That said, the synopsis was intriguing, and although I'd not read any of the previous DI Ridpath books, I was hopeful that the character and the writing was fairly mature.By that, I don't mean in age, but in development. There have been some series I've read where the author still doesn't really know what they're doing with their main character until they're ten books in, and it makes reading the books a bit of a chore.

Not so with When the Past Kills: DI Ridpath, recently diagnosed as being free of the cancer that forced him to take time off, is working as an investigator in the Coroner's Office before he can return to the major incident team (MIT). Throughout the book, he's just a guy - albeit a good investigator - trying to balance his work and personal life. Fortunately, he wasn't constantly moping or preoccupied with how his work life interferes with his personal life. When I see that in books, I have to roll my eyes, and I want to yell at the character that they chose this career, and if they wanted one where they could spend more time with their family, they could do that. Otherwise, man up and let's get the story rolling.

Ridpath's old team is now being led by DCI Paul Turnbull, who is exactly like That Guy all of us know: convinced of his own superiority in every aspect, who is in a rush to close out an investigation or case or issue orders without much contemplation about what resources should be set where, kissing the boss' ass, and in general, being an all around terrible person. Turnbull is not pleased that Ridpath is on loan to MIT due to a series of events related to an innocent man being sent to prison before the real killer - who Ridpath helped catch - was caught and sentenced.

The book opens with the coroner being sent a video of the previous coroner being hung. We then backtrack to the desecration of a grave - that of an investigator who was lead on the case that jailed the innocent man. Others are picked off (warning - if you can't abide animals being harmed, do not read this book) one by one as Ridpath and MIT desperately attempt to get one step ahead of the killer, who they are sure is the once-innocent man who is not so innocent any longer.

There are loads of twists and turns, and the only item that really bothered me is something I can't list here without it being a spoiler. Suffice to say that we directly meet a lot of people along the way in this book except one that matters quite a bit. The very end bothered me just a tad, as I'm not a fan of cliffhangers, but I'm more forgiving of those in an established series.

That said, it was an enjoyable read. A solid four out of five stars.

Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the review copy.

Terrific read!! Revenge at its' best. Wrong man convicted for a crime, spending ten years in jail then released on a miscarriage of justice. Suspenseful, great plot & well written. First time reading this author, won't be my last. Recommend!! Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for a copy of this book.

The Beast of Manchester has haunted DI Ridpath's entire career but just as he sees the chance to move from the coroner's office back to his real job at MIT in Manchester it raises its head once again.

It appears that officers involved in the original case are being targeted and the confrontations broadcast on the dark web. Ridpath is the first to spot the link but his new DCI is less than convinced. Nothing is as it seems however, and actual clues are hard to find. A list of those involved with the case over the past decade is produced and there is only one name deserving of the top spot - DI Thomas Ridpath.

This is a first class murder/mystery/police procedural novel which is outstanding in every way. Without any spoilers in the last few chapters the author somehow raises the tension and action to an even higher level and left me open mouthed in both amazementand admirationof a job very well done. There is nothing to fault here except I can't open book six and continue reading. Without a doubt this will feature very high up on my list of favourite books of 2020.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys taut thriller writing or the previous Ridpath books. In both cases disappointment won't be an issue.

Oh my god! This was a thrilling book with so many twists and turns and such a massive cliffhanger, I can’t wait for the next instalment. #WhenthePastKills #NetGalley

This is book 5 in a brilliant crime thriller series. DI Ridpath is a great character that is not your usual detective. Recovering from Cancer he is struggling to re-establish himself into Greater Manchester Police MIT via a stint working as the Coroner Officer. This story sees a team that previously incarcerated an innocent man for murder being hunted down and revenge taken. Ridpath was part of that team, but he was also part of the team that got the innocent man released by catching the real killer, so is he in danger.

The next instalment of DI Redpath series. He is attached to the coroner's office and also still works for MIT. He has a new boss who takes an instant dislike to Redpath and treats him as such by giving him of a case of two dead dogs. Not being put off he takes on this menial case and soon finds out he has more than he or the force bargained for. The deeper he delves he finds the owners of the dogs had something to do with an old case. 10 years ago a miscarriage of justice and little does Redpath realise he is now in the crosshairs of a very sadistic killer. I read this book in one sitting unable to put it down. I had to know the truth!!!! The ending blew me away, shocked and completely stunned. I want the next in this gripping and very addictive series now PLEASE!!!!!
Thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley I have read most of the DI Ridpath novels and they are all great. The story moves on at a good pace and the characters are people you would meet in everyday lives. There are no overinflated characters in MJ Lee's writing. I am always left eagerly awaiting the next instalment and I hope there will be many more !

I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for an advance copy of When the Past Kills, the fifth novel to feature East Manchester Coroner’s Investigator, DI Ridpath.

A series of incidents leads Ridpath to suspect that someone is targeting the people involved in an old case referred to as the Beast of Manchester. The problem is that there two cases because the GMP got it wrong the first time and Ridpath was involved in both of them.

I thoroughly enjoyed When the Past Kills which is an event filled read with plenty of twists and turns that I found hard to put down. For the purists the second Beast of Manchester investigation is covered in the first novel in the series, Where the Truth Lies, but it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read it as all the salient points are explained and linked to the current case.

The novel is told mostly from Ridpath’s point of view but there are a few chapters where the unnamed killer emphasises the need to stick to “the plan” but otherwise gives nothing away. Usually I have no interest in this approach but this is handled skilfully and only adds to the intrigue, raising questions about “the plan”, motive and perpetrator. The plot, of course, is highly improbable with a killer who has an array of equipment almost impossible to get hold of in the UK and a fiendish plot so well planned they can kill with impunity but I found it unputdownable, engrossing and highly entertaining. It ends in a cliffhanger for Ridpath, which had me in tears, and I can’t wait for the next instalment.

I wasn’t sure about Ridpath early in the series but I’ve come to love him as a decent man who has a great home life and investigative smarts. In this novel he is transitioning from the Coroner’s Office back to MIT but it’s a bumpy ride as DCI Turnbull doesn’t like him. I was very disappointed that this pedestrian man didn’t get his comeuppance. What? It’s fiction so I can wish for any result I want.

When the Past Kills is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Splitting his time between the coroners office and MIT, Di Thomas Ridpath is tasked by his new DCI who has take an instant dislike to him to investigate the killing of two dogs owned by a former chief superintendent

Also investigating the desecration of a former police officers grave Ridpath is soon to realise that this is all connected to a miscarriage of justice case from 10 years ago

As usual this is a highly addictive read from start to finish

This is the latest instalment in what is, in my opinion, a very strong series. With Ridpath attached to the coroner’s office but still linked to MIT his loyalties always seem a bit divided. Not helped by the pressure from his wife Polly and daughter Eve who want him to take things a bit easier. This is fast paced and there are some scenes you’ll be trying your best not to visualise. I don’t want to reference the ending too much but let’s just say I’m in need of book 6 ASAP

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.
Excellent book and good story line.

Would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this amazing book

Ridpath ridpath ridpath has to make a decision ....does he continue working for the coroner or does he go back to his old job and is he actually up to it....

But before the crucial decision he has a case to look into .... a couple of dogs have gone missing and were found in the most gruesome of circumstances... and though it’s not actually the right department for investigating these sorts of crimes the victim is an old chief making a lot of noise...

But as his work also entails working for the coroner his time is still split between departments and whilst there the coroner receives a link to a live broadcast ....


Can ridpath help or hinder the investigation ....

What a cliff hanger of a book .
Brilliantly written as always can’t wait for the next one in this series

I have had the pleasure of reading part 2-4 of M J Lee's DI Ridpath series, having first encountered him via NetGalley at the end of 2018. Oddly this is a series I now look forward to with relish, when I heard that Part 5 WHEN THE PAST KILLS was available I downloaded as soon as possible. The relish was savoured as this book was digested in just under 4 days, Lee writes a plot that is so twisty and turny but with amazing character development as well as touching upon office politics, police culture and in Ridpath an effective everyman who is doing all he can in sometimes unbelievable circumstances.

A joy of a book to read that is the definition of a page-turner in no uncertain times. In these uncertain times, sometimes that is all you need in ways of reassurance.

The latest in the D I Ridpath stories. DI Ridpath is caught up in the latest serial killing which stems from his past. In the first novel featuring DI Ridpath, the wrong man was imprisoned for the murder of Alice Seagram. Ridpath was instrumental in getting the correct killer imprisoned. But someone is not happy, hence the latest serial killings. A brilliant novel and I love the character of Ridpath who is still battling cancer. The usual characters are back, Mrs Challinor at the Coroner’s Office and DCI Turnbull, Ridpath’s senior at MIT where Ridpath is expected to return after his time is up at the Coroner’s Office. Very gripping and a very shocking ending, I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. If you haven’t read any of the books in this series, I cannot urge you enough. A must read.

Love the Ridpath novels. Great writing and premise. Amazing characters. Page turner. Plenty of suspense to keep me guessing..Definitely looking forward to the next offering. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it s

I always enjoy a DI Ridpath book and this one is no different. It keeps you gripped from the outset and you are constantly trying to work out what is going on! SLightly more predictable then usual on the suspect but very enjoyable anyway!