Let me start by saying, if you love crime thrillers with a strong sense of place, this book is for you. 'The Snowdonia Killings' isn't just a murder mystery—it's a deep dive into Welsh culture, mythology, and breathtaking landscapes. I could almost feel the misty air of Snowdonia while reading!

The protagonist, DI Ruth Hunter, is refreshingly real. She's flawed, vulnerable, and carries emotional baggage (her missing lover adds great depth). Her dynamic with Nick, the alcoholic detective, feels authentic—though I'll admit his alcohol-measuring habit seemed odd at first. The author spends a lot of time on this subplot; some might find it repetitive, but it does add grit.

Plot-wise? Twists galore! Just when I thought I'd figured it out (around 60% in), McCleave threw another curveball. The pacing is excellent—forensic details balance well with character-driven moments. That said, the sheer number of red herrings had me rolling my eyes by the third 'definitely the killer' suspect.

Now for the Welsh immersion: LOVE IT. The mythology woven into the crimes? Brilliant. The unpronounceable town names? Charming (though I made up my own pronunciations). But be warned—non-Welsh readers might skim some overly detailed locale descriptions.

Small gripes: A few plot holes (that underage sex scene legality... huh?), occasional clunky prose ('she did this, she did that'), and yes—several grammatical errors that made me pause. Still, I finished it in two sittings and immediately bought Book 2. Solid 4/5 stars for atmosphere alone.