Upon Dark Waters

The Chichester Crime Mysteries #2

by Matthew J. Evans

"There’s a curse upon those dark waters. They never forget a thing. Just as you think the sun is rising on you, a shadow falls. They remember everything."

When the body of a respected local artist is discovered in the waters of Fishbourne Marshes, DCI Beniamin Dinescu and DS Emily Summers of the Chichester Major Crimes Team are thrust into a complex murder inquiry. The case takes a chilling turn when they uncover a connection to the murder of a police officer two decades ago.

Meanwhile, Dinescu must decide whether to accept a promotion that risks breaking up his loyal team. Is this offer all it seems, or is there something more insidious at work trying to undermine him?

For fans of crime fiction and British police procedurals, “Upon Dark Waters” is a gripping tale of family, intrigue, and the relentless pursuit of justice, set against the evocative backdrop of Fishbourne Marshes.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2024

About the author

I’m a crime author living near Chichester, West Sussex. My novels are usually set in locations close to my home, an area of Sussex I love and know well. I’ve served many years here as a police officer and now use this experience to help me write crime fiction.

To date, I have published four crime novels. I published my first, Chasing Shadows, in September 2021. Drawing from my firsthand policing experience, I strive to infuse my work with authentic police procedures while maintaining a fast-paced fictional narrative.

My first crime series had a cross-genre supernatural edge. My latest series is purely police procedural crime fiction.

I’m married, have three children (all now adults), and two grandchildren. My background is in electronics and software engineering. However, soon after my son was born with Down syndrome, I made a radical career move and halved my salary—I joined the police in Hampshire, wanting to give something back to society. I have served both in Hampshire and Sussex as a regular police constable and special constable.

In addition to being a Sussex crime author, I’m also a folk musician, playing a mix of Irish, Scottish, and English traditional tunes. I also compose music. I play Irish whistles, the melodeon, the recorder, the ukulele, and the EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument). Therefore, I’m a big fan of folk musicians like Cara Dillon and Sam Lakeman, Capercaillie, Kate Rusby, and Solas. Also, I love the American gospel group Casting Crowns.

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like these books, they have an authenticity about them. The team works well together and are not just focused on one case even though the book is. I like these interactions betweeen the team and their cohesiveness. The cases are not labyrinthine in their complexity but are also not immediately obvious.
The only less that fully positive point that I would make is that, having come to the UK as a child, gone through school here and worked as a police officer for long enough to make it to DCI, I simply cannot believe that Beniamin would be unfamiliar with so many British idioms. It doesn’t spoil the stories however and occasionally adds a little humour to the mix.

I am now going to download the next book in the series.

[Fiona Forsyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much more than a police procedural

This is a tightly-plotted and thoughtful book, with a mystery beautifully woven into the landscape of the Fishbourne marshes. It’s a police procedural with real heart and a cast of well-drawn and believable characters. As the mystery unfolds, it becomes a tragedy, arising out of a series of wrong turns and building up into catastrophe. The police characters are sympathetic and relatable and there’s not a whisky or classic car to be seen. A refreshing and well-written addition to the world of police procedurals.

[Mr A Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chichester and surrounding area. A brilliant read.

So many places I know so well mentioned a real page turner for me. Micks Monster Burgers and Brandy Hole Lane where my Aunt and Uncle lived.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

2n novel of a well crafted Mystery

So many twists and turns and red herrings abound but never did I expect the outcome. Well done with interesting and believable characters.

[Mrs Linda A Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Really enjoyed this second book by Matthew J Evan’s. Love the characters and the pace of the books. Looking forward to reading more.

[Stephen Levesque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable - the characters are developed in book 2 and the plot is solid - I dd guess the outcome but no enjoyment spoiled.