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The Dark Water Series #1
Undercurrents
How many lives will be lost before something is done?
The River Alder bodes a notorious threat. The local police are over-stretched and under-resourced.
With each life that is pulled into the river’s depths, journalist Lauren Holmes becomes more suspicious and more determined to bring the truth to the surface.
Her police sergeant fiancé is well-placed to help her. Yet he is committed to maintaining police reputation and is happy to accept each death recorded as ‘drunken misadventure.’
Can Lauren get to the bottom of the deaths without risking her own ‘accident?’
The River Alder bodes a notorious threat. The local police are over-stretched and under-resourced.
With each life that is pulled into the river’s depths, journalist Lauren Holmes becomes more suspicious and more determined to bring the truth to the surface.
Her police sergeant fiancé is well-placed to help her. Yet he is committed to maintaining police reputation and is happy to accept each death recorded as ‘drunken misadventure.’
Can Lauren get to the bottom of the deaths without risking her own ‘accident?’
- GenresPsychological Thriller
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2023
133 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Maria Frankland
99 books553 followersMaria Frankland has a dubious internet search history and a very worried mother-in-law. However, neither of these things can stop her writing gripping psychological thrillers in which you’ll never find a happy-ever-after.
Her novels are mostly set in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.
Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…
Find out more about Maria at https://www.mariafrankland.co.uk. Whilst you’re there, you can download your free novella – The Brother-in-Law.
Her novels are mostly set in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.
Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…
Find out more about Maria at https://www.mariafrankland.co.uk. Whilst you’re there, you can download your free novella – The Brother-in-Law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 8, 2021
Wow, wow, wow. I am obsessed with Maria's work, this is now the second book I have had the privilege to review.
This book had me hooked from page 1. I absolutely didnt see the twist which took the book in a different direction and left me shocked and eager to know what happened.
I had the killer sussed about 70% through but Maria had a way of making me doubt myself on a number of occasions.
Completely brilliant - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book had me hooked from page 1. I absolutely didnt see the twist which took the book in a different direction and left me shocked and eager to know what happened.
I had the killer sussed about 70% through but Maria had a way of making me doubt myself on a number of occasions.
Completely brilliant - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this. I loved the way different bits were told by different characters. I have to admit I guessed who the perpetrators were just into part two but it didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book. A highly recommended thriller.
May 30, 2021
Another excellent read, I can't wait to read the sequel to this book. Maria Frankland is a brilliant author
September 5, 2021
Wow
This was so good! The ending spun me and I honestly cannot wait for the next book. I had my suspicions about the two people involved in the crimes but I never would've guessed why and how they got away with it. Amazing read!!
This was so good! The ending spun me and I honestly cannot wait for the next book. I had my suspicions about the two people involved in the crimes but I never would've guessed why and how they got away with it. Amazing read!!
February 6, 2021
I'm a huge fan of Maria Frankland having read two of her previous books last year and loved them. So when the opportunity arose to be part of this blog tour I knew I didn't want to miss out as the book was bound to be a belter!
Wow! I wasn't disappointed. The storyline grabbed me from the first paragraph and held my attention right to the very end. The chapters are short, each told from a different character point of view, along with that of main character Lauren and her fiancé Mark.
In these short chapters we meet each of the women on a night out, until they walk out of the door of The Yorkshire Arms, and become the next victim.
I found this a pacy, engrossing and addictive read. I loved Lauren's character and just how determined she is. The story is full of suspense , twists and turns - everything I love in a crime thriller!
I can't recommend reading this book enough.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 from me. You won't be disappointed.
Wow! I wasn't disappointed. The storyline grabbed me from the first paragraph and held my attention right to the very end. The chapters are short, each told from a different character point of view, along with that of main character Lauren and her fiancé Mark.
In these short chapters we meet each of the women on a night out, until they walk out of the door of The Yorkshire Arms, and become the next victim.
I found this a pacy, engrossing and addictive read. I loved Lauren's character and just how determined she is. The story is full of suspense , twists and turns - everything I love in a crime thriller!
I can't recommend reading this book enough.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 from me. You won't be disappointed.
October 11, 2023
This is the first book in the Dark Waters trilogy, and you must read them in order. I was happily reading along when early in the book, something shocking happens! I’ve now read all three and I’m still not over it! This book pulls you along as you root for Lauren to convince the police that these drownings are certainly foul play. It ends with a cliffhanger!
November 26, 2021
Journalist Lauren and police officer Mark engaged to be married so when they both start working different angles on the same case - a spate of seemingly accidental drownings - they do their utmost to ensure that their private and personal lives don't cross. Eventually the inevitable happens as Lauren feels there is more to the case than meets the eye! This is a book of contrast as we combine the police investigation, the journalist looking for a story and the often heart breaking interviews of the family members affected by the drownings and more than once I had to pause between chapters to dry my eyes. As it's most basic, it's a whodunnit but that would be doing it an injustice. It's a look into how ordinary people are affected by the very worst you can imagine happening to you and that will be my long lasting memory of yet another great read from this author.
January 25, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Random T Tours for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was something else. This story is set in Yorkshire where women seem to be drowning in a river after being drunk on a night out. Lauren the reporter isn’t convinced that it’s all accidental. Whilst her fiancé Mark is a police sergeant, she is on his case to look into these accidents as murders. The book goes from the narrative of the victim, back to the main characters Lauren’s. I’ve never read a crime book where the narrative is of the victims, I really thought that was so clever. Having an insight into what the victim thought that night. It seemed so real and heartbreaking. The book has some unbelievably chilling twists! The first book I’ve read by the author, but it won’t be the last. Amazing!
Thanks to Random T Tours for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was something else. This story is set in Yorkshire where women seem to be drowning in a river after being drunk on a night out. Lauren the reporter isn’t convinced that it’s all accidental. Whilst her fiancé Mark is a police sergeant, she is on his case to look into these accidents as murders. The book goes from the narrative of the victim, back to the main characters Lauren’s. I’ve never read a crime book where the narrative is of the victims, I really thought that was so clever. Having an insight into what the victim thought that night. It seemed so real and heartbreaking. The book has some unbelievably chilling twists! The first book I’ve read by the author, but it won’t be the last. Amazing!
April 4, 2022
Great read
Although this book is slightly different from other books by this author I can thoroughly recommend that you read it.
It has the same great story telling that all other Maria Frankland books have and kept me thoroughly gripped. Despite guessing 'who one it' this did not spoil my enjoyment in any way. On to book number two!!!!
Although this book is slightly different from other books by this author I can thoroughly recommend that you read it.
It has the same great story telling that all other Maria Frankland books have and kept me thoroughly gripped. Despite guessing 'who one it' this did not spoil my enjoyment in any way. On to book number two!!!!
June 15, 2021
From time to time one discover a less known author and wonder … why isn't this writer all over the NY best list ?
Maria Frankland is such a writer and i can bet she will soon become the famous one … I told you so !
Her writing is fabulously engaging, her characters are extremely well developed and her story is well rounded.
’The Yorkshire Dipper’ is a classic whodunnit story. Women drown after a night of partying and drinking and at first everyone think that their demise is just due to the alcohol abuse. But the sheer number of them becomes too much to stay believable.
The authors leads you to guesses the culpit roughly around the 75% mark, but … off course it would just be too simple ! You get hints that maybe you’re on the wrong suspect … but you really need to wait for the last two chapters to get full closure.
Woaw. I loved it !
As i caught myself few time thinking … I already know that … i would say that some details were a little redundant ( like the circumstances of Will’s brother death, DC Ingham’s back story, or Mark’s pain ), but not enough for infringing on my liking the story.
I would highly recommend this book. The narration was great with voice variation for each character, well paced.
I was fortunate to receive this free audiobook and leave this review voluntarily.
Maria Frankland is such a writer and i can bet she will soon become the famous one … I told you so !
Her writing is fabulously engaging, her characters are extremely well developed and her story is well rounded.
’The Yorkshire Dipper’ is a classic whodunnit story. Women drown after a night of partying and drinking and at first everyone think that their demise is just due to the alcohol abuse. But the sheer number of them becomes too much to stay believable.
The authors leads you to guesses the culpit roughly around the 75% mark, but … off course it would just be too simple ! You get hints that maybe you’re on the wrong suspect … but you really need to wait for the last two chapters to get full closure.
Woaw. I loved it !
As i caught myself few time thinking … I already know that … i would say that some details were a little redundant ( like the circumstances of Will’s brother death, DC Ingham’s back story, or Mark’s pain ), but not enough for infringing on my liking the story.
I would highly recommend this book. The narration was great with voice variation for each character, well paced.
I was fortunate to receive this free audiobook and leave this review voluntarily.
August 10, 2021
audible:Good story,though I knew 'whodunnit' right off.Women go from a bar into the river and the police don';t seem to care.Naomi Rose-Mock was a very good narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
March 22, 2022
Brilliant
Oh,my what a tangled storey brilliant characters first-class plot believable people,keeping you turning the pages and desperate to read the next book in the trilogy
Oh,my what a tangled storey brilliant characters first-class plot believable people,keeping you turning the pages and desperate to read the next book in the trilogy
November 15, 2021
Accident or Murder, the police seem to believe it's always an accident, women coming from the public house that have had too much to drink and slipped to their death on the grassy bank into the freezing cold river, however, journalist Lauren Holmes thinks differently but she has to convince her police Sargeant fiance Mark.
I like the way the author tells the circumstances of each victim so you understand what has happened to them.
I believe that by halfway through the book two clear people could be the murderer but you won't know who or why till the last pages of the story.
I like the style and flow of the writing but for me maybe a little less of the family mourning.
I found the narrator too be a ok.
I received this audiobook for free from the author and wanted to give an honest opinion.
I like the way the author tells the circumstances of each victim so you understand what has happened to them.
I believe that by halfway through the book two clear people could be the murderer but you won't know who or why till the last pages of the story.
I like the style and flow of the writing but for me maybe a little less of the family mourning.
I found the narrator too be a ok.
I received this audiobook for free from the author and wanted to give an honest opinion.
November 22, 2021
Another was for an author.
Don't buy this. Don't read it. It has a cliffhanger "end" which forces you to buy the next book for a conclusion. These books should not be published.
Don't buy this. Don't read it. It has a cliffhanger "end" which forces you to buy the next book for a conclusion. These books should not be published.
April 15, 2022
Fantastic read I couldn’t put it down. Brutal writer though
July 14, 2023
4.5 stars
A number of women have turned up dead having been found drowned in the River Alder, they are always found to have large quantities of alcohol in their systems but no injuries to suggest violence so is it simply that they are slipping and falling into the water or is there something more sinister going on?
When a young journalist decides that she needs to investigate as she believes the signs point to foul play but with her partner (soon to be husband) Mark working in the police and part of the team investigating, can Lauren find out what is going on before more women are found drowned?
Maria Frankland is an author who I've read a couple of works by already and I enjoyed both of them but this time I decided to go for a series of hers and was delighted to find that she remains true to her style of writing rather than trying to drag things out, over-simplify or try to be too far out there with the story. This is a great read which I really loved and the small markdown is simply for a couple of edits.
A number of women have turned up dead having been found drowned in the River Alder, they are always found to have large quantities of alcohol in their systems but no injuries to suggest violence so is it simply that they are slipping and falling into the water or is there something more sinister going on?
When a young journalist decides that she needs to investigate as she believes the signs point to foul play but with her partner (soon to be husband) Mark working in the police and part of the team investigating, can Lauren find out what is going on before more women are found drowned?
Maria Frankland is an author who I've read a couple of works by already and I enjoyed both of them but this time I decided to go for a series of hers and was delighted to find that she remains true to her style of writing rather than trying to drag things out, over-simplify or try to be too far out there with the story. This is a great read which I really loved and the small markdown is simply for a couple of edits.
March 23, 2025
Intense, heart breaking with a stunning twist
What starts as a engaging and entertaining serial killer police procedural is turned on its head by the shocking twist at half way, becoming an intense heart breaking story. The story is superbly written with strong characters and a great mystery. When women begin to be found drowned In the river and the police dismiss them as drink curled accidents, Lauren begins to suspect a more sinister reason. I liked that some of the chapters are told from different characters perspectives. And the sheer intensity of the emotion in the second half. , I thought I had it all figured out until the final chapter which opened everything up again for book 2. Narration by Naomi Rose-Mock is excellent who despite being American manages a decent British accent. I received a complimentary copy of the audio from the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review
What starts as a engaging and entertaining serial killer police procedural is turned on its head by the shocking twist at half way, becoming an intense heart breaking story. The story is superbly written with strong characters and a great mystery. When women begin to be found drowned In the river and the police dismiss them as drink curled accidents, Lauren begins to suspect a more sinister reason. I liked that some of the chapters are told from different characters perspectives. And the sheer intensity of the emotion in the second half. , I thought I had it all figured out until the final chapter which opened everything up again for book 2. Narration by Naomi Rose-Mock is excellent who despite being American manages a decent British accent. I received a complimentary copy of the audio from the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review
August 13, 2024
WOW I really enjoyed Under Currents the Dark Water series by Maria Frankland a a 'Whodunnit' and a 'Whydunnit' crime mystery novel AKA The Yorkshire Dipper book 1 of 3.
Lauren is ajournalist for a local newspaper and is engaged to Mark a police sergeant and they have a young daughter Alyshia and are making wedding plans for next year.
Eight women have fallen to their deaths into the river Alder assumed to have all been accidental due to alcohol consumption. Lauren is not convinced that these deaths are accidental and sets out to prove that they were murdered.
The police are hampering her endeavour in trying to catch the perpetrator and Lauren is becoming totally obsessed to the point of risking her own life.
I loved how Maria describes emotions, angst, heartache and loss. This crime mystery novel will be a fantastic book club discussion/debate.
Lauren is ajournalist for a local newspaper and is engaged to Mark a police sergeant and they have a young daughter Alyshia and are making wedding plans for next year.
Eight women have fallen to their deaths into the river Alder assumed to have all been accidental due to alcohol consumption. Lauren is not convinced that these deaths are accidental and sets out to prove that they were murdered.
The police are hampering her endeavour in trying to catch the perpetrator and Lauren is becoming totally obsessed to the point of risking her own life.
I loved how Maria describes emotions, angst, heartache and loss. This crime mystery novel will be a fantastic book club discussion/debate.
March 23, 2025
An excellent read that gripped me from the first page. The chapters are short and quick and are told from the points of view of the main characters as well as some of the murder victims before their demise. Mark and his fiancée Lauren, a policeman and reporter are both trying to solve a series of murders/ accidents of drunken women who fell into the river.
The story is fast paced and thrilling with lots of twists and despite having a feeling of who the culprit was, I was still highly shocked. I absolutely loved Lauren and I also really liked Brenda, her mother. The author does a great job of describing the characters and really making the reader feel for them. I couldn’t put this book down and when I was done with the last page, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the book was part of a trilogy and I still had 2 books to go!! What a fantastic feeling!
A 5 star read for me and I highly recommend reading this!
The story is fast paced and thrilling with lots of twists and despite having a feeling of who the culprit was, I was still highly shocked. I absolutely loved Lauren and I also really liked Brenda, her mother. The author does a great job of describing the characters and really making the reader feel for them. I couldn’t put this book down and when I was done with the last page, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the book was part of a trilogy and I still had 2 books to go!! What a fantastic feeling!
A 5 star read for me and I highly recommend reading this!
August 13, 2022
SPOILER REVIEW
This book doesn’t have an ending! A so called ‘cliff hanger’ is acceptable in a daily soap on TV but to have waded through a whole book to what is NOT any sort of ending, is infuriating.
The plot is decent and even a surprising deaths was acceptable but the awful ending has robbed what little pleasure I found. To make matters worse, this book would have been really good with a third less pages and a proper ending…… Oh, I’d guessed the villains early on correctly too. My trust in this author is irreparably broken.
This book doesn’t have an ending! A so called ‘cliff hanger’ is acceptable in a daily soap on TV but to have waded through a whole book to what is NOT any sort of ending, is infuriating.
The plot is decent and even a surprising deaths was acceptable but the awful ending has robbed what little pleasure I found. To make matters worse, this book would have been really good with a third less pages and a proper ending…… Oh, I’d guessed the villains early on correctly too. My trust in this author is irreparably broken.
February 11, 2024
Undercurrents
This was’nt my fave read of this authors infact i nearly gave up during the first half. It felt a frustrating read for me and the police force read as the most incompetent ever! The ending was no surprise and was so long drawn out, i hate it when a conclusion is coming up then intercepted by someone saying now now time to rest, i find that such a cop-out on a story. Lauren was the best character. I felt the author captured shock and grief well and i did sympathise with Mark. Ive given it 4 stars.
This was’nt my fave read of this authors infact i nearly gave up during the first half. It felt a frustrating read for me and the police force read as the most incompetent ever! The ending was no surprise and was so long drawn out, i hate it when a conclusion is coming up then intercepted by someone saying now now time to rest, i find that such a cop-out on a story. Lauren was the best character. I felt the author captured shock and grief well and i did sympathise with Mark. Ive given it 4 stars.
November 24, 2021
A little bit disappointed. It started reasonable, but only really got my interest about half way through. Even then I thought that there was a little bit too much padding out... The outcome predictable, but I was hoping a twist would prove me wrong. It didn't. It was semi-conclusive. Who and why was confirmed, but too many loose ends. Plenty of threads for the next book. Not sure I'm going there.
September 3, 2023
Maria Frankland pulled out all the stops with this psychological crime thriller. Lauren, a journalist becomes more and more involved in the deaths occurring at the Alder River. She steps up interest and concern as the numbers begin to creep towards double digits with no end in sight. Her fiancé’ who is a cop is encouraged to look at these unexplained deaths as more than accidental. This is a sad story that makes you want to cry along with some of the characters. Great read.
August 2, 2022
Yorkshire Dipped
I read the book. About 1/4 of the book repeated the feelings of whichever character was the subject t the time. Then on to the next character with a detailed summary of the previous character s feelings. I already knew who the killer was and then the book ends. Oh, there is no ending. Buy another book.
I read the book. About 1/4 of the book repeated the feelings of whichever character was the subject t the time. Then on to the next character with a detailed summary of the previous character s feelings. I already knew who the killer was and then the book ends. Oh, there is no ending. Buy another book.
January 17, 2025
Another winning, twisty book by Maria Frankland
I am slowly but surely making my way through all of Maria Frankland’s books & loving every minute of it! This was a heart-pounding beginning to the series, and I can’t wait to hit Book 2. Although I sorta guessed whodunnit, the roller coaster ride up to the big reveal kept me glued to it & I couldn’t stop until the last page.
I am slowly but surely making my way through all of Maria Frankland’s books & loving every minute of it! This was a heart-pounding beginning to the series, and I can’t wait to hit Book 2. Although I sorta guessed whodunnit, the roller coaster ride up to the big reveal kept me glued to it & I couldn’t stop until the last page.
May 25, 2025
The Yorkshire Dipper by Maria Frankland is a gripping mystery about a dangerous river and the secrets it hides. People keep dying in the River Alder, but no one seems to care except journalist Lauren Holmes. As she searches for the truth, her fiancé, a police sergeant, doesn’t want trouble. The book is full of suspense and keeps you guessing but a bit too long. A great read though.
August 1, 2025
Great read. Lauren is a journalist and she intended to get to the bottom of a series of local murders. She was shortly due to marry her partner DI Mark Potts who was also involved in a murder investigation.....
I didn't realise when I bought this book it was a part of a linked series, which although I still enjoyed the story.... the end left me a wee bit disappointed.....
I didn't realise when I bought this book it was a part of a linked series, which although I still enjoyed the story.... the end left me a wee bit disappointed.....
August 2, 2022
Amazing read! Had it read through alexa and didn’t want to stop. Gut punch in the middle and I admit I had to convince myself to finish. So thankful I did! If you buy this prepare to read the rest right after.
January 14, 2023
You need to read this book, it is so very good I could not stop reading it. Shocks all the way through, great characters and written really well. You get to the end and you have cliff hangers as it is part one of a trilogy! Why did I not see that, let’s hope Amazon have a deal soon for the next two books. Highly recommended, order it now and you will be up all night. Lol
July 18, 2022
exciting
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Unlike anything I have read before. Serial killer with a twist. Didn’t realize it was a trilogy, but cannot wait to read the rest.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Unlike anything I have read before. Serial killer with a twist. Didn’t realize it was a trilogy, but cannot wait to read the rest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews