The Two Deaths of Ruth Lyle

DI Jan Talantire, Book 1

By: Nick Louth

Narrated by: Mandy Weston

Fifty years. Two deaths. One detective to solve an impossible case...

DI Jan Talantire is called to a cottage in Ilfracombe, where the female occupant is found dead, impaled with a crucifix. The woman, who had been renting the house for a few months, is well known locally, but the documents at the house indicate her real name is Ruth Lyle. The name means nothing to the young PC who found her, DI Talantire knows this cannot be the body of Ruth Lyle.

Because fifty years earlier, sixteen-year-old Ruth Lyle was murdered—stabbed by a crucifix, in exactly the same location. It is impossible for this to be the same Ruth Lyle, and yet the records are a match. DI Talantire must solve the ultimate riddle: how can a woman die twice?

A twisty and binge-worthy crime thriller. Perfect for fans of Elly Griffiths and Kate Ellis.

©2023 Nick Louth (P)2024 W.F. Howes Ltd

Great narrator

I enjoyed the voice of the narrator. I thought there was too much detail in the confession.

Very disappointed

The mystery's being solved by the killer's lengthy explanation is not what I expect from Louth.
Craig Gillard was a much more interesting lead.

A complex plot... but not overwrought!

A fine work by Louth (the 7th I have "read") and clearly reflects a lot of effort. There are many twists and turns, but not too many. Talantire is a great character leading a team that doesn't come off as stereotypes. She is well represented by narrator Mandy Weston. Looking forward to the next in the series.

England is full of incompetent male police and detectives

The overpowering message that males are sexist incompetent police detectives took away from the story. You can have strong women characters because they perform well, not because the men are incompetent. It was an insult to men and women alike.

Mixed feelings, but good story.

A good quick read that was very intersting but I never fully got into the characters. I hate when writers like to have a mysterious background about a character but feel no need to reveal. Just annoying. Also did not like the way things ended with potential love interest. I am not very picky about performers but I think they could have chosen better. Will go on in series.