Gillian Reads: The Magdalene Stones Murders by J M Simpson – Crime Thriller Book Review
- gillianyoung
- 6 minutes ago
- 5 min read
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As both a writer and a reader, I’m always drawn to stories that stay with me long after I’ve turned the final page—and The Magdalene Stones Murders by J M Simpson is one of those books.
This gripping crime thriller weaves tension, mystery, and emotional depth into a memorable read. I was kindly invited by the author to review this latest instalment in the Whistler’s Peak series and as a huge fan of crime fiction—particularly Jo’s work—I was delighted to accept.
If you enjoy stories with strong characters, a dramatic landscape, and plenty of twists and turns, then this might just be the book for you.
AUTHOR BIO (Taken from the author's website https://jmsimpsonauthor.co.uk/
J.M. Simpson was born in Essex, but was raised primarily in the West Country, never far from a rugged coastline, a sandy beach, or harbour. With a degree and PhD, much of Jo’s working career has been spent undertaking research in a variety of subjects; most notably in construction and development where her expertise lies.
Staying in the Welsh town of Tenby some years ago and watching the local lifeboat launch one stormy winter night, gave Jo the beginnings of an idea for a book. She was fascinated with the idea of the crew risking everything they know and love to plunge into a stormy sea to rescue a stranger. She wondered who these people were and what their lives were like. And so, the Castleby series was born.
Jo’s Castleby series; Sea State, Sea Change Sea Shaken, Sea Haven and Sea Rift are suspense thrillers set against the backdrop of the lifeboat crew in a coastal town. There is a Christmas Special due in November and there are further books in the series to come.
Jo lives in Kent, with her two (occasionally stroppy) teenage daughters, her extremely long-suffering husband and her rescue Border Collie Merlin. She also runs a successful research consultancy, but dreams of becoming a full-time writer. In early 2025, Jo will release the first in a new series based in the Scottish Highlands called The Ophelia Murders – First in The Whistlers Peak Series.
In what little spare time Jo has, she spends writing, walking the dogs, seeking out live music (except difficult jazz), being an armchair movie critic, dreaming of Scotland or the Pembrokeshire coast; drinking endless coffee’s in various local café’s (on the pretence of writing) or drinking copious amounts of wine in her most favourite pub with friends, (where no writing occurs whatsoever).
BOOK BLURB
Murder in a sacred place.
When Joe Ripley, the local fire chief, attends a house fire, he finds his friend Gina Murray has been burnt alive in a clear case of murder. DS Scott Hansen, still new to the area, is called in to investigate. Returning from a call out, the local mountain rescue team discover a body laid out in a sacred stone ring. The body has been placed reverently. Local legend holds the stones holy as the ghost of Mary Magdalene has been rumoured to have appeared by them. Folklore says she is protecting something sacrosanct.
Alastair Brown is reported missing by his sister after she finds blood and signs of a struggle at his property. Puzzled, Scott looks for clues as to why he would suddenly disappear while he investigates the other two deaths. Clues lead him to Cameron Hunter, the owner of the largest resort in the area who has plans to expand his empire further. When Alastair is found dead on the standing stones by the stone ring, Scott realises there may be a link between all three killings and discovers that two very different obsessions have led to three murders.
Murder, suspense, mystery and a hint of romance continue in the second of the Whistlers Peak series.
MY REVIEW
This is the second instalment in a fantastic new crime series by J M Simpson. As a huge fan of TV dramas such as Broadchurch, Sherwood, Unforgotten and Thorne, I can honestly say this series would sit comfortably alongside them.
Having previously read her Castleby series — a gripping collection of murder mysteries set in a small fishing village, filled with diverse, compelling characters and plots as unpredictable and fast-flowing as the sea that borders the fictional town — I did wonder how J M Simpson could possibly match it. But she has.
The Whistler’s Peak series is set in Scotland, amidst a rugged mountain landscape where nature can turn from friend to foe in a heartbeat. It is a place where murders are committed and nothing is quite as it seems — the culprits are never who the reader expects. This is a series brimming with twists and turns and — one of J M Simpson’s greatest strengths — a cast of characters you will either love or hate, but never forget.
In The Magdalene Stones Murders, we are reunited with Detective Scott Hansen, Jack Mackay, leader of the mountain rescue team, and other brilliant characters from the previous book, The Ophelia Murders. When a house fire leads to the discovery of a suspicious death, and a body is found deliberately positioned within a circle of moss-covered stones — known as the Magdalene Stones, a place steeped in legend and mystery — Detective Hansen and his team set to work. Yet these murders are not the only mystery. In Whistler’s Peak, there is more than one villain.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a pleasure to be reunited with familiar characters, while also being introduced to new ones — watching how they react, interact, and evolve as the investigation unfolds. And most importantly, seeing how these chilling murders are uncovered and solved.
I can’t wait to read the next instalment in the series.
Thank you so much, J M Simpson, for sending me a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
COMING UP NEXT...
My next review is of My Lucky Star by Cheryl Olsten. I am lucky to be a part of the online book review tour, hosted by LiterallyPR. Don't forget to check in on April 27th when it is my spot on the book review tour. In the meantime, here is the blurb.
"My Lucky Star is a heartfelt tale that celebrates the unbreakable bond between a young girl and her little horse as they set out on an extraordinary adventure. With courage in their hearts and stardust in their wake, they take to the skies, soaring into the wild blue yonder where imagination and wonder know no bounds.
Guided by the shimmering constellation Pegasus, the pair travels through a celestial landscape filled with magic and possibility. Along the way, they discover that dreams can carry you farther than you ever imagined—and that true friendship can light the way to the stars."
MY WRITING JOURNEY [WORK IN PROGRESS]
Now that the first draft of my supernatural thriller is finished, I am letting it settle for a while before working on the editing. In the meantime, I am planning the plotline for the latest Poppy and Devon's Crazy Cream Adventure. This will be the fourth in the series. So far, it is taking shape really well, but then it's always fun writing about these two gorgeous golden retriever girls!
Thank you for reading!
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