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One Last Prayer for the Rays: A DCI Michael Yorke Crime Thriller (A DCI Yorke Thriller) Paperback – January 29, 2019
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"An explosive and visceral debut with the most terrifying of killers. Wes Markin is a new name to watch out for in crime fiction, and I can't wait to see more of DCI Yorke." – Bestselling Crime Author Stephen Booth
“A pool of blood, an abduction, swirling blizzards, a haunting mystery, yes, Wes Markin’s One Last Prayer for the Rayshas all the makings of an absorbing thriller. I recommend that you give it a go.”– Bestselling Author Alan Gibbons
School should be the safest place in the world. Not this winter.
DCI Michael Yorke faces his most harrowing case yet.
When 12-year-old Paul disappears from school, Yorke’s only clue is a pool of animal blood. Fearing the worst, he turns toward the most obvious suspect, recently released local murderer, Thomas Ray.
But as the snow in Salisbury worsens, Ray’s mutilated body is discovered, and Yorke is left with no choice but to journey into the sinister heart of a demented family that has plagued the community for generations. Can he save the boy? Or will the evil he discovers change him forever?
The shocking and exhilarating new crime thriller will have you turning the pages late into the night.
Read what everyone is saying about One Last Prayer for the Rays:
‘Wes Markin has created a really high energy novel that I just want to rave about everywhere.’ Jessica Rachow, 5 stars
‘It’s a stunning book, and a true testament to wonderful crime writing.’ Radzy Writes, 5 stars
‘Bam it’s go go go and it feels like you are on a rollercoaster that you don’t know if it is ever going to end.’ Zoe-Lee O’Farrell, Zooloo’s book diary, 5 stars.
‘Having just finished this book my head is still reeling, and my heart is still thumping,’ Goodreads Reviewer,5 stars
‘Jeez Louise, the opener hit bull’s eye straight away and nothing could stop me from being dragged into the story,’ Els, B for Bookreview, 5 stars
‘A WOW evoking opening and keeps the wows coming throughout. Shocking and at times disturbing, this is an intense, disconcerting and gripping tale.’ Bookworms Corner Blog Spot, 5 stars
‘One Last Prayer For The Rays is a dark and chilling read. There were lots of parts that are left to the imagination that shocked and horrified me but I so enjoyed them all.’ Sarah Hardy, By the letter book reviews.
‘An incredibly strong debut… I actually mistook it for one that an author with more published stories behind them would write. There was a moment when I thought wow, I’d so love to read everything this author has written – and I went on Goodreads to see what else is out there. That’s how good it is.’ Dora, Swift Coffee Blog, 5 stars.
‘It’s twisty, dark, gritty, gripping and exciting, the characters are eclectic, complex, sinister, deeply flawed but wow do they get under your skin,’ Dash Fan Book Reviews, 5 stars.
- Print length324 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateJanuary 29, 2019
- Dimensions5.06 x 0.81 x 7.81 inches
- ISBN-10179539966X
- ISBN-13978-1795399661
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Frequently bought together

Frequently purchased items with fast delivery
- THOMAS RAY SCRAPED a chunk of sleep from the corner of his eye, uncurled and flattened his back against the arrow-shaped spindles of his rocking chair, yawned, and scooped his sawn-off shotgun from the floor.Highlighted by 42 Kindle readers
- Martin Price was the senior Wiltshire County police public relations officer.Highlighted by 37 Kindle readers
- Paul Ray, he thought, missing the gum already. Danielle’s killer Thomas Ray is a distant relative; is this more than just a coincidence?Highlighted by 31 Kindle readers
- Yorke waited for Gardner at the door to the classroom; he’d not seen her in a while due to her maternity leave.Highlighted by 29 Kindle readers
Editorial Reviews
Review
'Wes Markin has created a really high energy novel that I just want to rave about everywhere.' Jessica Rachow, 5 stars-'It's a stunning book, and a true testament to wonderful crime writing.' Radzy Writes, 5 stars-'Bam it's go go go and it feels like you are on a rollercoaster that you don't know if it is ever going to end.' Zoe-Lee O'Farrell, Zooloo's book diary, 5 stars.-'Having just finished this book my head is still reeling, and my heart is still thumping,' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars-'Jeez Louise, the opener hit bull's eye straight away and nothing could stop me from being dragged into the story,' Els, B for Bookreview, 5 stars-'A WOW evoking opening and keeps the wows coming throughout. Shocking and at times disturbing, this is an intense, disconcerting and gripping tale.' Bookworms Corner Blog Spot, 5 stars-'One Last Prayer For The Rays is a dark and chilling read. There were lots of parts that are left to the imagination that shocked and horrified me but I so enjoyed them all.' Sarah Hardy, By the letter book reviews.-'An incredibly strong debut... I actually mistook it for one that an author with more published stories behind them would write. There was a moment when I thought wow, I'd so love to read everything this author has written - and I went on Goodreads to see what else is out there. That's how good it is.' Dora, Swift Coffee Blog, 5 stars.-
'It's twisty, dark, gritty, gripping and exciting, the characters are eclectic, complex, sinister, deeply flawed but wow do they get under your skin,' Dash Fan Book Reviews, 5 stars.
Product details
- Publisher : Independently published
- Publication date : January 29, 2019
- Language : English
- Print length : 324 pages
- ISBN-10 : 179539966X
- ISBN-13 : 978-1795399661
- Item Weight : 13.4 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.06 x 0.81 x 7.81 inches
- Book 1 of 9 : DCI Michael Yorke Crime Thriller
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,484 in Kidnapping Thrillers
- #14,138 in Murder Thrillers
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Wes Markin lives in Harrogate and is the bestselling author of the DCI Yorke crime novels set in Salisbury. He is also the author of the Jake Pettman series set in New England. You can find out more at facebook.com/wesmarkinauthor
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book's story thrilling with lots of twists and turns, and appreciate its fast-paced narrative. The writing quality receives mixed reviews, with some finding it well-written while others consider it average. Customers praise the character development, particularly the fascinating police officers, and one customer mentions being able to connect with the main character. While many find it a fantastic read, one customer mentions struggling to finish the book.
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Customers find the book readable, with one mentioning it keeps them enthralled from start to finish.
"Great read, that definitely kept me guessing. The characters were relatable, and well developed. I found the story line quite intriguing!" Read more
"...Good read, police mystery fans!" Read more
"What a great book. I read a lot of crime books and this one ranks as a top one...." Read more
"...Well written, page turner, great characters, twists and turns. Good job. I’m looking forward to read more books from this author." Read more
Customers appreciate the fascinating characters in the book, with one customer particularly noting the realistic portrayal of interactions between police and criminals.
"...but HaymArket really excels at is depicting believable a nd interesting characters, especially among the police. A great rest." Read more
"Great characters, true to life police work and some times too vivid true to life violence makes this book a page turner that is hard to put down...." Read more
"...Murder follows. The major characters are well drawn out, but there are so many minor characters its easy to get lost...." Read more
"...Wes Markin has really nailed it here with this book. The characters are so believable, so frighteningly evil and yet they totally "grabbed" me and..." Read more
Customers appreciate the pacing of the book.
"...This book kept me on the edge of my seat with such fast paced, well developed action...." Read more
"Fast paced with lots of twists and turns! A good read, with interesting characters!" Read more
"Fast paced book with a great plot never slows down. I will recommend to friends and family...." Read more
"Really fast paced. Was hard to get into at the beginning, but later I couldn't put it down." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the writing quality of the book, with some finding it well written and believable, while others report it being hard to read at times.
"Wow. This book get a hold on you. Well written, page turner, great characters, twists and turns. Good job...." Read more
"...n't have a solid point of comparison, but I would say that the writing was average...." Read more
"...I loved how well every frightening detail was so well written and so realistic that it almost took my breath away throughout this entire book, right..." Read more
"...The writing was sharp, the suspense was palpable, the characters were interesting, and I pretty much devoured this first book in a couple of days...." Read more
Customers find the book's reading pace unsatisfactory.
"This is not my normal reading material. But I must say that it was written with the intent to keep turning the page's." Read more
"...The descriptions were extremely gory. It was an exhausting book." Read more
"Extreme violence. And not enjoyable. At all." Read more
"It was boring and I couldn't get through it" Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2025Format: KindleVerified PurchaseSincerely … I don’t waste my time reading anything but British mysteries … this promises to be a great series
- Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2020Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThe Rays are a truly psychotic family, or maybe they are just evil. Something you will have to determine for yourself.
When a 12 year old Ray is kidnapped, DCI Michael Yorke must find him. In the meantime, we are introduced to other Ray’s (spoiler: they are not nice people). Murder follows.
The major characters are well drawn out, but there are so many minor characters its easy to get lost. Mr. Markin does spin a good tale, though. It is full of suspense and keeps your heart racing. Some reviewers mentioned being turned off by the foul language. I must have been too engrossed in the story to notice it, therefore, there must not have been much because a lot of foul language is a turn off for me as well.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2023Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThere is a serious amount of violence and gore in this book, along with several police procedural tropes: a wife who resents her husband being a police officer, a cop gone bad, some mysterious person in the protagonist’s past who is referred to but their significance isn’t explained. I’ll give the next book in this series a try but I’m not expecting much.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2019Format: KindleVerified PurchaseOnce I started reading One Last Prayer for the Rays, I could not put this book down until I got to the breathtaking end of this Chilling Thriller!!!!! This book kept me on the edge of my seat with such fast paced, well developed action. It had lots of great "twists" in the plot to keep me quessing and that is exactly what I am looking for in a good crime thriller. Wes Markin has really nailed it here with this book. The characters are so believable, so frighteningly evil and yet they totally "grabbed" me and DCI Yorke is a fabulous believable crime fifgter. I know that I will read more books from this author and I hope to see more of DCI Yorke!!! I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a fast paced "scary" thrill ride of a book that keeps the reader guessing and holding their breath until the very end. I loved how well every frightening detail was so well written and so realistic that it almost took my breath away throughout this entire book, right up to the very end scene. Great job Mr. Weskin!!!!!! I am looking forward to reading many more books by you very soon!!!!!
- Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2021Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this. But it actually drew me in, and it was quite good. I felt the emotion of the characters to a degree, and that is important to me in a series. If I see none, I quit reading. I'm betting as time goes on there will be more depth to the characters, and the emotional will really come out. Will be reading the next one too!
- Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI was very lucky to take a chance on this series after it was suggested by Amazon. The writing was sharp, the suspense was palpable, the characters were interesting, and I pretty much devoured this first book in a couple of days. I alternate between the Kindle version and the Audible version, and can say that the recorded version is well done, too. I’ll definitely read (and listen to) more in this series.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2019Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI'm not usually drawn to crime thrillers, but once I started this book I didn't want to put it down! Wes Markin has woven a thrilling tail of intrigue and terror, complete with evil villains and a likable hero. I was so surprised at the various twists and turns the story took. It definitely kept my interest from the first to the last pages!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2024Format: KindleVerified PurchaseSpooky but not in a supernatural sense. I know that the term, “this book has lots of twists and turns,”gets bandied about frequently with mysteries and thrillers. But in this book each twist and turn will leave you gasping as does the finale. Enjoy!
Top reviews from other countries
- SuzanneReviewed in Australia on July 29, 2019
4.0 out of 5 stars Great storyline
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThe beginning was amazing, I was hooked.
Then it got better and better and I had to keep reading to find out what would happen in the end. The only thing I found hard was getting to know all the characters but that would be because it's the first in a series. Some gruesome bits so not for the faint hearted.
- peggyReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 26, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseLoved this book,it kept me on the edge of my seat,there's so many twists and turns,it was exciting to read
- David Alexander FordeReviewed in Germany on September 10, 2019
4.0 out of 5 stars Gruesome but enjoyable
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI feel that there were perhaps a few too many coincidences in this story.
However, the overall story is exciting, adventurous and at times, scary.
- RAMASWAMY KRISHNAMURTHYReviewed in India on October 25, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseA gripping novel with unexpected twists and turns. The ending is unexpectadly surprising.