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DI Marjory Fleming #2
The Darkness and the Deep
A chilling and suspenseful tale, perfect for fans of Susan Hill and Elizabeth George.
A lifeboat crashes on the shore of a small fishing village, leaving all three of its passengers dead. A tragic accident—perhaps—but Detective Marjory Fleming is not so sure …
The steep decline of the fishing industry has brought a new and bustling drug trade to town. Were the victims in over their heads? Or was this the work of a person so determined to kill one of the crew that he took two innocent lives?
The depressed, impoverished community is clamoring for justice, and Fleming is determined to unravel the mystery before the body count rises.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2006
53 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Aline Templeton
32 books121 followersAline Templeton grew up in the East Neuk of Fife and was educated at St Leonards School, St Andrews and Cambridge University. She has worked in education and broadcasting and has written numerous stories and articles for national newspapers and magazines. Templeton was a bench Justice of the Peace for ten years and is a former Chair of the Society of Authors in Scotland, now living in Edinburgh. She is married with a grown up family.
She has written nine crime novels, published by Hodder & Stoughton in Britain, and has also been published in the United States and several European countries. After writing seven stand-alone books, she started a series set in Galloway and featuring DI Marjory Fleming, the first of which – Cold In The Earth – was an Ottakar's Crime Novel of the Month and an Independent Best Summer Read. The second, The Darkness and the Deep, was published in July 2006, and there are now six books in the DI Fleming series.
She has written nine crime novels, published by Hodder & Stoughton in Britain, and has also been published in the United States and several European countries. After writing seven stand-alone books, she started a series set in Galloway and featuring DI Marjory Fleming, the first of which – Cold In The Earth – was an Ottakar's Crime Novel of the Month and an Independent Best Summer Read. The second, The Darkness and the Deep, was published in July 2006, and there are now six books in the DI Fleming series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 4, 2015
What a delightful mystery. Appealing, fast-paced, with many (almost too many!) characters and lots of action. One of the minor characters, Muriel Henderson, is so appalling that I may make "Muriel Henderson!" my go-to epithet when I stub my toe or smack my thumb with a hammer.
August 13, 2007
THE DARKNESS AND THE DEEP (Police Procedural-Scotland-Cont) – VG+
Templeton, Aline – 2nd in series
Hodder & Stoughton, 2006- UK Hardcover
*** Marjory Fleming is a farmer’s wife, mother of two and the DI in a small coastal town in Scotland that has a volunteer lifeboat rescue crew. On return from a nighttime rescue with a replacement coxswain, the boat mistakenly enters a rocky inlet and all are killed. Thoughts of it being a tragic accident are quickly removed when lights are found which mimic the lights indicating entry to the harbor. It’s up to Marjory and her team to determine which member of the team was the target, the motive for the deception and the killer.
*** Templeton has, once again, given us a very well written, traditional police procedural. She introduced each of a realistic company of the characters establishing their relationships. Marjory is a fully-developed character with all the elements of her life clearly outlined. The crime is suspenseful and terrifying but there is also humor in Marjory’s dealing with her DS, whom she fines every time he quotes Robert Burns and her dealing with the new officer from England. The story moves quickly with excellent dialogue, not even the Scottish slang slowed me down and I could figure out their meaning from the context. The unveiling of the murderer is one where I felt I should have seen it but it was so subtle, I didn’t, which I loved. I have become a huge fan of Ms. Templeton and strongly recommend you give her books a try.
Templeton, Aline – 2nd in series
Hodder & Stoughton, 2006- UK Hardcover
*** Marjory Fleming is a farmer’s wife, mother of two and the DI in a small coastal town in Scotland that has a volunteer lifeboat rescue crew. On return from a nighttime rescue with a replacement coxswain, the boat mistakenly enters a rocky inlet and all are killed. Thoughts of it being a tragic accident are quickly removed when lights are found which mimic the lights indicating entry to the harbor. It’s up to Marjory and her team to determine which member of the team was the target, the motive for the deception and the killer.
*** Templeton has, once again, given us a very well written, traditional police procedural. She introduced each of a realistic company of the characters establishing their relationships. Marjory is a fully-developed character with all the elements of her life clearly outlined. The crime is suspenseful and terrifying but there is also humor in Marjory’s dealing with her DS, whom she fines every time he quotes Robert Burns and her dealing with the new officer from England. The story moves quickly with excellent dialogue, not even the Scottish slang slowed me down and I could figure out their meaning from the context. The unveiling of the murderer is one where I felt I should have seen it but it was so subtle, I didn’t, which I loved. I have become a huge fan of Ms. Templeton and strongly recommend you give her books a try.
January 31, 2016
As with the previous Aline Templeton I read, this was a well-plotted and complex police procedural murder mystery with a very strong sense of place and people. Alas though, like my previous experience I did find it all a bit of a slog. This tale examines the death of three volunteers in a lifeboat accident, and the local cast of characters trying to piece together the crime associated with this, and the fallout resulting. It took a long time to get going, I felt there were too many characters who were difficult to keep track of, and though the writing was appealing and witty.. I thought the pace too slow and the whole thing a little 'cosy' and quiet, not really taking the reader on an exciting or immersive ride.
March 26, 2023
Another excellently plotted mystery with very well-drawn characters. Templeton writes so smoothly that just reading her prose is a genuine pleasure. But the Scottish speech patterns are a great delight as well. For example, following a lifeboat rescue, one of the team remarks: "Just a wee fella who'd bought himself a boat and didn't know his anchor from his engine. His wife was giving him laldie when I left and if you ask me he'll be lucky to get a shottie playing with boats in his bath from now on."
DI Fleming keeps a jar on her desk and collects fines from anyone quoting Robert Burns!
DI Fleming keeps a jar on her desk and collects fines from anyone quoting Robert Burns!
September 17, 2014
Original review posted at Layers of Thought.
The second in an atmospheric murder mystery set on the coast of rural Scotland. It has a strong female lead and can be read as a standalone. I would, however, recommend reading the first in the series- Cold in the Earth, - since it adds character depth.
Shellie’s description: Set in a farming and seaside community in Scotland, Detective Inspector Marjory Fleming and her family have almost overcome the devastating foot and mouth incident which occurred in the first and previous novel of this series, Cold in the Earth. When the community's local rescue boat with its three volunteers crashes on the rocks during a messy storm, it takes all the lives on board. The community is once again devastated. Things become more complicated when another detective determines that the boat was perhaps led into the wrong harbor (a rocky and dangerous bay that is off limits to boats) determining that it may have been planned. It turns what was thought to be a horrible accident into a murder investigation.
Then another life is taken and it becomes apparent that a serial murderer is on the loose. With a variety of suspects it takes the entire local police team to figure out who the unlikely killer is.
Shellie’s thoughts: After reading this second in the series, I’ve decided that I liked this novel enough that I will attempt to read the other 5 books in the series. It has a variety of great elements that I think are entertaining - a strong female lead, excellent setting, a variety of interesting supporting characters, psychological insight into a criminal mind, a twisty plot, and intelligent writing that flows - excepting the Scottish colloquialisms, which can be interesting, charming, or impossible to understand for an American (not necessarily a bad thing!)
And even though the first book in the series was somewhat predictable, The Darkness and the Deep is not, which is important in a mystery. It does have the psychological profiling which was used in the first book, as well as its in-depth character development. My favorite part is it’s such a great setting for a vicarious trip to rural Scotland.
Like the first novel in the series, I dug right in and kept on reading until I was finished, which says a lot. Since this second book is an enjoyable page turner too, I will now consider the series a go-to book when looking for a guaranteed pleasurable read. And what a great deal. Witness Impulse is re-publishing this mystery series in ebook format for an amazing price of $2.99 - otherwise this series would not be available in the US. If you enjoy international crime fiction this is an excellent option. I’m rating the book 4 stars.
The second in an atmospheric murder mystery set on the coast of rural Scotland. It has a strong female lead and can be read as a standalone. I would, however, recommend reading the first in the series- Cold in the Earth, - since it adds character depth.
Shellie’s description: Set in a farming and seaside community in Scotland, Detective Inspector Marjory Fleming and her family have almost overcome the devastating foot and mouth incident which occurred in the first and previous novel of this series, Cold in the Earth. When the community's local rescue boat with its three volunteers crashes on the rocks during a messy storm, it takes all the lives on board. The community is once again devastated. Things become more complicated when another detective determines that the boat was perhaps led into the wrong harbor (a rocky and dangerous bay that is off limits to boats) determining that it may have been planned. It turns what was thought to be a horrible accident into a murder investigation.
Then another life is taken and it becomes apparent that a serial murderer is on the loose. With a variety of suspects it takes the entire local police team to figure out who the unlikely killer is.
Shellie’s thoughts: After reading this second in the series, I’ve decided that I liked this novel enough that I will attempt to read the other 5 books in the series. It has a variety of great elements that I think are entertaining - a strong female lead, excellent setting, a variety of interesting supporting characters, psychological insight into a criminal mind, a twisty plot, and intelligent writing that flows - excepting the Scottish colloquialisms, which can be interesting, charming, or impossible to understand for an American (not necessarily a bad thing!)
And even though the first book in the series was somewhat predictable, The Darkness and the Deep is not, which is important in a mystery. It does have the psychological profiling which was used in the first book, as well as its in-depth character development. My favorite part is it’s such a great setting for a vicarious trip to rural Scotland.
Like the first novel in the series, I dug right in and kept on reading until I was finished, which says a lot. Since this second book is an enjoyable page turner too, I will now consider the series a go-to book when looking for a guaranteed pleasurable read. And what a great deal. Witness Impulse is re-publishing this mystery series in ebook format for an amazing price of $2.99 - otherwise this series would not be available in the US. If you enjoy international crime fiction this is an excellent option. I’m rating the book 4 stars.
June 13, 2016
Second in the DI Fleming Series and my second Aline Templeton book. I love her books. They always keep me interested and thinking about the book when I'm not reading. I like the re-occurring characters and their families. These books are set in Galloway, Scotland. A wonderful setting!
In this one We have three deaths in a lifeboat wreck. The lifeboat cox turned into the wrong inlet in a storm and the boat was wrecked on the rocks. A tragic accident. One of the detectives with a keen eye notices that there were two lights on the hill that shouldn't have been there. They were the signal for the correct inlet. Was someone luring them into the dangerous inlet with intent to murder? Not knowing which of the three people on the boat were the intended victim makes it very hard to determine a motive and a suspect. And there are lots of suspects! Sure one minute I knew who it was and then not sure. A good who dunnit that kept me pulled in and loving every minute of it!
In this one We have three deaths in a lifeboat wreck. The lifeboat cox turned into the wrong inlet in a storm and the boat was wrecked on the rocks. A tragic accident. One of the detectives with a keen eye notices that there were two lights on the hill that shouldn't have been there. They were the signal for the correct inlet. Was someone luring them into the dangerous inlet with intent to murder? Not knowing which of the three people on the boat were the intended victim makes it very hard to determine a motive and a suspect. And there are lots of suspects! Sure one minute I knew who it was and then not sure. A good who dunnit that kept me pulled in and loving every minute of it!
August 6, 2011
Aline Templeton's crime series set in Dumfries is a superb example of the police procedural. DI Marjory Fleming is a good, strong, believable character who is neither a ball-breaker nor one of those women who can run a murder enquiry but not care for her family .
It is well worth reading the series in order as this is one of those few series where characters *do* grow and develop, and there *are* consequences of people's action.
If you enjoy reading Peter Robinson and Stuart Pawson I think you should give your self a treat and try Aline Templeton.
It is well worth reading the series in order as this is one of those few series where characters *do* grow and develop, and there *are* consequences of people's action.
If you enjoy reading Peter Robinson and Stuart Pawson I think you should give your self a treat and try Aline Templeton.
August 16, 2014
SET in the southwest of Scotland, The Darkness and the Deep centers on the wreck of a lifeboat and the death of three of its crew. When D.I. Fleming and her team discover the wreck was orchestrated,not merely a tragic accident, they have to delve through loads of possible connections, multiple people with possible motives, and even more dead ends. Templeton does a laudable job creating the setting and developing both major and minor characters, as well as crafting a suspenseful, believable plot. Very engrossing and highly recommended for fans of tightly plotted police procedurals. I'm looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
July 30, 2016
This is my second book in this series, really impressive. Reminds me of the Vera Stanhope series by Ann Cleeves which I also hugely enjoyed. The Darkness & the Deep has a great plot, really interesting characters and lots of suspense, everything really to make a great murder mystery. Lots of emotional depth to the characters, no stereotypes here although some predictable attitudes to a woman in a senior police role. Will definitely read more in this series. I love British writers generally, especially Ruth Rendell, Robert Goddard and Andrew Taylor. Aline Templeton deserves to be better known if the first two of this series is anything to go by.
August 5, 2016
This was a great book. I love the mystery and the humor to balance out some of the tragedy of this story. this is well written and easy to connect to.
Marjory is a great character . I love that she is a mom and a farmer's daughter. I was able to relate to her character better than most in other crime novels I have read. I loved this book and it's plot. The ending was perfect and I can't wait to read more of Templeton's work!
http://twinopinionsreview.blogspot.co...
Marjory is a great character . I love that she is a mom and a farmer's daughter. I was able to relate to her character better than most in other crime novels I have read. I loved this book and it's plot. The ending was perfect and I can't wait to read more of Templeton's work!
http://twinopinionsreview.blogspot.co...
May 24, 2018
I thought this was an improvement on the first book in this series but not yet good enough for 4 stars. It has pace and a wonderful setting; the characters are interesting and well written and the plot is well constructed and suitability perplexing. However, even with police procedural 'whodunits' I like to feel I am given a fair chance to solve the mystery, which was not the case here.(Also I was not totally convinced by the actions of the murderer.)
Nevertheless I will seek out further books in the series.
Nevertheless I will seek out further books in the series.
July 24, 2019
Difficult start because there are a lot of characters to take in. But that’s ok as it gets going.
Long sections of the book in which nothing happens.
The feel of setting up of franchise is distracting
- daughters anorexia sub plot was weak
- psychologist best mate was weird
By the time the killer was revealed, I was surprised. I hadn’t guessed but I also didn’t care so much.
Long sections of the book in which nothing happens.
The feel of setting up of franchise is distracting
- daughters anorexia sub plot was weak
- psychologist best mate was weird
By the time the killer was revealed, I was surprised. I hadn’t guessed but I also didn’t care so much.
October 9, 2013
Good read but a slow pace
May 17, 2014
I'm very much enjoying getting to know Templeton's characters, who are created with affection and humor. The mystery is top-notch and the atmosphere so richly drawn you can smell the sea.
January 2, 2018
I enjoyed this book even more than I was expecting to. I loved the first book in this series, but for some reason the description of #2 didn't grab me so I hesitated to read it for quite a while. I'm sorry I waited that long, because now I'm excited to keep going on this series.
The publisher's description focuses heavily on a lifeboat crash, which is the main crime of the book, but it's so much more interesting than that. Yes the crash is the catalyst that sets the action of the book in motion, however this is more of a classic whodunit than a nautical tale (which is what I was expecting).
With almost no evidence, DI Marjory Fleming and her team are left with few other options than to begin their investigation by looking into the lives of the victims. The story is told in a sort of round robin fashion, with Fleming and the three detectives she has assigned to the case each chasing down the meager leads that they have.
There is also a heavy helping of Marjory's home life, including some appearances from Lauren (one of the featured characters in the first book). We get to know the three detectives working the case a bit, as well as the bereaved and a handful of suspects.
So far I would not characterize this series as fast paced or thrilling by any means, but if a languid journey to rural Scotland and an intriguing mystery with lots of twists and turns appeals to you, you will enjoy this entry in the Marjory Fleming series.
I was excited to see that there are many more entries in this series as well!
The publisher's description focuses heavily on a lifeboat crash, which is the main crime of the book, but it's so much more interesting than that. Yes the crash is the catalyst that sets the action of the book in motion, however this is more of a classic whodunit than a nautical tale (which is what I was expecting).
With almost no evidence, DI Marjory Fleming and her team are left with few other options than to begin their investigation by looking into the lives of the victims. The story is told in a sort of round robin fashion, with Fleming and the three detectives she has assigned to the case each chasing down the meager leads that they have.
There is also a heavy helping of Marjory's home life, including some appearances from Lauren (one of the featured characters in the first book). We get to know the three detectives working the case a bit, as well as the bereaved and a handful of suspects.
So far I would not characterize this series as fast paced or thrilling by any means, but if a languid journey to rural Scotland and an intriguing mystery with lots of twists and turns appeals to you, you will enjoy this entry in the Marjory Fleming series.
I was excited to see that there are many more entries in this series as well!
November 21, 2025
In Knockhaven, a lifeboat is wrecked during a rescue call-out, & all three crew members were killed in what first appeared to be a terrible accident. On discovering that the wrecking was intentional sabotage, the police swing into action, focussing their search on the occupants of the small town.
A well-written police procedural set in a Scottish coastal town. Oh, boy! There are some rather unlikeable townsfolk here: it's a pity the police finally stopped the murderer before Muriel was put away, but I suppose you can't have everything. I found the solipsistic sociopath approach very interesting &, except for some bad luck, the person might well have got away with it.
DI Marjory Fleming & DS Tam MacNee are interesting, intelligent, amusing characters who would be worth following up on. The DI, in particular, seems very human & relatable. I found the diversion into Cat Fleming's difficulties a bit of a distraction, but I suppose it gave Laura Harvey, Marjory's psychologist friend, a bit more to do in the tale. The epilogue is poignant & provides more personal insight into Marjory's character, a harbinger of sadness to come.
A little slow at times but very entertaining. I'll keep an eye out for others in this series. 3.5★
A well-written police procedural set in a Scottish coastal town. Oh, boy! There are some rather unlikeable townsfolk here: it's a pity the police finally stopped the murderer before Muriel was put away, but I suppose you can't have everything. I found the solipsistic sociopath approach very interesting &, except for some bad luck, the person might well have got away with it.
DI Marjory Fleming & DS Tam MacNee are interesting, intelligent, amusing characters who would be worth following up on. The DI, in particular, seems very human & relatable. I found the diversion into Cat Fleming's difficulties a bit of a distraction, but I suppose it gave Laura Harvey, Marjory's psychologist friend, a bit more to do in the tale. The epilogue is poignant & provides more personal insight into Marjory's character, a harbinger of sadness to come.
A little slow at times but very entertaining. I'll keep an eye out for others in this series. 3.5★
April 12, 2020
Another great read. How have I missed this author? I love the setting and the main character, Marjorie Fleming who lives on a farm with her husband and two children and keeps chickens even though she is also a police inspector. This book featured the life boats that are manned by trained volunteers all along the coasts. I have seen them in many towns in England and Wales. In this case a lifeboat crashes and kills the three volunteers aboard. It is discovered that the crash was caused by a deliberate set up of lights in a dangerous cove. This causes the captain to pull in toward shore and crash on the rocks. Complicated, interesting and atmospheric.
May 6, 2018
The Darkness & the Deep is the second in the DI Margery Fleming series. Margery is really appealing and engaging detective character. She is more than a DI, she has a family life, she is a member of her community, even when the community doesn’t like what she is doing. The mystery here surrounds deaths of a lifeboat rescue crew and the indications that they weren’t the result of human error or accident. As Margery delves into the case, the reader have lots of suspects, motives and red herrings to sort through. I really enjoyed this one in the series and will continue to read more.
December 20, 2024
Templeton captures Scottish rural and coastal life with a deft hand to expertly situate a series of crimes starting with the wreck of the lifeboat in its return from a rescue mission. This second book in the series continues to explore family challenges and those of managing a team of detectives DI Marjory Fleming juggles different personalities with moments of self-doubt. Very enjoyable and engaging read.
June 4, 2019
It's the second Aline Templeton book I've read, both have been DI Marjory Fleming novels. They are character based crime stories. They are well written, great plots and thoroughly enjoyable. When I've finished her first book, I rushed to start the second and I'm now going to move on to her third without delay.
July 18, 2019
Really enjoyed this book although I had a sneaky feeling that it was Enid from the medical centre but didn’t know why it was her. I enjoyed the family changes around “Big Marge” as in her husband has recovered from the impact of foot and mouth on the farm and how her daughter Cat had grown up as she’s now 12.
September 5, 2017
I enjoyed this more than book 1 in the series as the plot was more believable.
July 2, 2018
I am so glad I finally got started on this series! Ms Templeton writes rich, character driven mysteries with a wonderful sense of place.
July 8, 2018
3.5 stars
Second in this good series.
Drugs, revenge, aduktery and good police work.
Second in this good series.
Drugs, revenge, aduktery and good police work.
July 24, 2018
DI Marjory Fleming is a character not everyone can love, but you can't but admire her intelligence.
January 1, 2019
It was a lovely read, but far to easy to work out who the murderer is.
January 4, 2019
The second DI Marjoy Fleming police procedural is another well plotted and paced murder mystery with just enough domestic detail to effectively counterpoint the violence.
May 17, 2019
a good read. i had no idea who had 'done it' until i was told!
November 3, 2019
Love DI Marjory Fleming. Set in and around Galloway Aline Thomson manages to make her characters realistic. Twist and turns enjoyable book
December 11, 2019
Much better than the first one and glad I decided to try her again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews