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Who by Water
After barely surviving her last case, Dame Polara trades her part-time detective gig for the safer — though no less chaotic — life of a single, working mother, picking up toys instead of picking locks, chasing after her two-year-old instead of chasing crooks.
But when her ex-husband inexplicably drowns, and Dame becomes the prime suspect in his murder investigation, she must work alongside the woman who ruined her marriage to unravel the mystery of the man they both loved.
Dame’s sleuthing takes her to dive bars, industrial ports, and eventually, Toronto Island, where her ex spent his final days with a community of secretive and temperamental artists.
As she comes closer to the complicated truth, Dame realizes that in order to clear her name and protect her family, she’ll have to re-examine everything she thought she knew about the people she loved and left behind.
But when her ex-husband inexplicably drowns, and Dame becomes the prime suspect in his murder investigation, she must work alongside the woman who ruined her marriage to unravel the mystery of the man they both loved.
Dame’s sleuthing takes her to dive bars, industrial ports, and eventually, Toronto Island, where her ex spent his final days with a community of secretive and temperamental artists.
As she comes closer to the complicated truth, Dame realizes that in order to clear her name and protect her family, she’ll have to re-examine everything she thought she knew about the people she loved and left behind.
288 pages, Paperback
Published May 10, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 19, 2026
New favourite series. It’s funny because when I described who by fire to friends I said it was like if Veronica mars was middle aged, tired of the bullshit, and lived in Toronto, but in the best way. And then I read book 2 and there’s a reference to Dame as VM. Does everyone evaluate the friend potential of characters? Because I do and Dame and I would be friends IRL.
May 19, 2025
This was such a fun, gripping read - I finished it in a day. Dame is a badass protagonist - and I loved her relationship with her daughter Rosie. The mystery kept me guessing til the very end. I love all the Toronto neighbourhood and establishment references too. Can’t wait for the next book in this series.
April 22, 2025
We fans of detective fiction tune in for the mystery, the battle of wits between the protagonists and the nefarious figure lurking in the shadows. Primal needs, to root out the threat to our status quo, for good to triumph over evil, keep us reading until the last page, when all is revealed, and the ne’er-do-well gets their comeuppance. It is rare, then, that a mystery novel lures the reader in with something other than the mystery. Such is the case with Who By Water, the second installment in Greg Rhyno’s Dame Polara series.
The book takes place three years after Who By Fire, and we see Dame adjusting to motherhood, balancing it with her work and with tending to her father, Dodge, the famous athlete and detective now coping with aphasia. Although Rhyno honours the unwritten rule of detective fiction, providing us with a corpse within the first fifty pages, he hooks us with so much more. Although thoroughly intrigued by the setup of the novel, it was the characterization that grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. That the mystery itself, the disappearance and subsequent death of Dame’s ex-husband, is wrapped up in who she is, only makes us care more about where our protagonist is in her life.
The side of Dame Polara that is her father’s protégé is almost a secret identity. It would be, if Dame had her way, and if the media hadn’t covered the events of the first novel. Were it up to Dame, she’d be an employee of the City of Toronto, helping to protect heritage buildings from greedy developers, the mother of toddler Rosie and dutiful daughter of Dodge. But fate has other plans.
The second book in a detective series, especially when the detective is not a professional, can be tricky. Often the reader tries to avoid the question “what are the odds this same, random person will just stumble onto another murder?” Rhyno avoids that completely, rooting the crime firmly within Dame’s well-established backstory. As with the more recent Mission Impossible movies, Who By Water, though self-contained and satisfying, feels like a continuation of the first story, therefore avoiding the series sophomore slump. I was so engaged, so intrigued with Dame’s life, following the course set in the first book, that the mystery sprung up around me like a net trap.
What really sets this book apart, is how the investigation of the mystery really turns into a litigation of who Dame is as a person. Who she was as a wife, and who she is as a mother, come under scrutiny. She is forced to reckon with her past and wrestle with her self-doubt in a way that not only makes the reader consider gender roles in the genre, but take the story deeper. Rhyno excels in writing a simultaneously fast-paced story, while diving deep into the main character’s psyche.
Rhyno’s love of music, both mainstream and indie, which was a prominent feature of both Who By Fire and his first novel, To Me You Seem Giant, is woven through this book. There’s also a sense of humour that balances the tension, and a real affection for these characters and between them. The “Polara-verse” is built upon relationships, her friends and family, and that is the source of both the protagonist’s strength and the series’ strength. Although the spotlight has shifted a few degrees from the first book, highlighting peripheral characters and giving less attention to those featured the first time out, I’ve no doubt that the supporting cast of Dame Polara’s life will be back in a big way for her next outing.
Who By Water, as the second book in the series, sets the bar high. Book three has big shoes to fill. But if anyone is up to the task, it’s Greg Rhyno, and Dame Polara herself. The pulse-pounding ending of Who By Water will leave readers clamoring for the next installment.
This review was originally published in The Miramichi Reader.
The book takes place three years after Who By Fire, and we see Dame adjusting to motherhood, balancing it with her work and with tending to her father, Dodge, the famous athlete and detective now coping with aphasia. Although Rhyno honours the unwritten rule of detective fiction, providing us with a corpse within the first fifty pages, he hooks us with so much more. Although thoroughly intrigued by the setup of the novel, it was the characterization that grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. That the mystery itself, the disappearance and subsequent death of Dame’s ex-husband, is wrapped up in who she is, only makes us care more about where our protagonist is in her life.
The side of Dame Polara that is her father’s protégé is almost a secret identity. It would be, if Dame had her way, and if the media hadn’t covered the events of the first novel. Were it up to Dame, she’d be an employee of the City of Toronto, helping to protect heritage buildings from greedy developers, the mother of toddler Rosie and dutiful daughter of Dodge. But fate has other plans.
The second book in a detective series, especially when the detective is not a professional, can be tricky. Often the reader tries to avoid the question “what are the odds this same, random person will just stumble onto another murder?” Rhyno avoids that completely, rooting the crime firmly within Dame’s well-established backstory. As with the more recent Mission Impossible movies, Who By Water, though self-contained and satisfying, feels like a continuation of the first story, therefore avoiding the series sophomore slump. I was so engaged, so intrigued with Dame’s life, following the course set in the first book, that the mystery sprung up around me like a net trap.
What really sets this book apart, is how the investigation of the mystery really turns into a litigation of who Dame is as a person. Who she was as a wife, and who she is as a mother, come under scrutiny. She is forced to reckon with her past and wrestle with her self-doubt in a way that not only makes the reader consider gender roles in the genre, but take the story deeper. Rhyno excels in writing a simultaneously fast-paced story, while diving deep into the main character’s psyche.
Rhyno’s love of music, both mainstream and indie, which was a prominent feature of both Who By Fire and his first novel, To Me You Seem Giant, is woven through this book. There’s also a sense of humour that balances the tension, and a real affection for these characters and between them. The “Polara-verse” is built upon relationships, her friends and family, and that is the source of both the protagonist’s strength and the series’ strength. Although the spotlight has shifted a few degrees from the first book, highlighting peripheral characters and giving less attention to those featured the first time out, I’ve no doubt that the supporting cast of Dame Polara’s life will be back in a big way for her next outing.
Who By Water, as the second book in the series, sets the bar high. Book three has big shoes to fill. But if anyone is up to the task, it’s Greg Rhyno, and Dame Polara herself. The pulse-pounding ending of Who By Water will leave readers clamoring for the next installment.
This review was originally published in The Miramichi Reader.
February 3, 2026
الرواية: من قتل بالماء؟ : لغز ديم بولدرا.
الكاتب: جريج راينو.
المترجمة: هبة الله الجماع.
دار النشر: الكنزي.
عدد الصفحات: 419 على أبجد.
التقييم: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
في استكمال لسلسلة لغز ديم بولدرا، نستكمل الأحداث بعد مرور ثلاث سنوات، حيث حصلت ديم على ابنتها روزي، والتي بلغت سنتين، مع معاناتها كأم عزباء في التوفيق بين عملها في المباني الأثرية والعناية بروزي، لتقوم راشيل بالتواصل معها طالبة منها البحث عن آدم كونها كانت تعمل كمحققة، إلا أنها رفضت لانشغالها بأمر طفلتها، لكن وصل لها بعد عدة أيام خبر العثور على جثة آدم هوفمان الذي مات غرقاً، لتشك الشرطة بها بسبب العلاقة المعقدة التي كانت تجمعها بآدم، لتقوم هي بالتحقيق في حقيقة وفاته خاصة مع استحالة وفاته غرقاً لإنه بارع، تزامناً مع عرض إحدى القضايا المعقدة التي تشارك كل من دودج وديم حلها، والتي كانت نتيجتها مبهرة، مع تورطها في جريمة قتل المحققة المسؤولة عن قضية آدم، وعودة الماضي ليلاحقها.
على عكس الجزء الأول، تميز هذا الجزء بتنسيق في الترجمة مع بيان لمن يتحدث، فكانت القراءة سلسة، وانسجمت في الأحداث، مع بقاء حماسي حتى النهاية التي كانت غير متوقعة.
أتطلع لقراءة الجزء التالي بفارغ الصبر.
الكاتب: جريج راينو.
المترجمة: هبة الله الجماع.
دار النشر: الكنزي.
عدد الصفحات: 419 على أبجد.
التقييم: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
في استكمال لسلسلة لغز ديم بولدرا، نستكمل الأحداث بعد مرور ثلاث سنوات، حيث حصلت ديم على ابنتها روزي، والتي بلغت سنتين، مع معاناتها كأم عزباء في التوفيق بين عملها في المباني الأثرية والعناية بروزي، لتقوم راشيل بالتواصل معها طالبة منها البحث عن آدم كونها كانت تعمل كمحققة، إلا أنها رفضت لانشغالها بأمر طفلتها، لكن وصل لها بعد عدة أيام خبر العثور على جثة آدم هوفمان الذي مات غرقاً، لتشك الشرطة بها بسبب العلاقة المعقدة التي كانت تجمعها بآدم، لتقوم هي بالتحقيق في حقيقة وفاته خاصة مع استحالة وفاته غرقاً لإنه بارع، تزامناً مع عرض إحدى القضايا المعقدة التي تشارك كل من دودج وديم حلها، والتي كانت نتيجتها مبهرة، مع تورطها في جريمة قتل المحققة المسؤولة عن قضية آدم، وعودة الماضي ليلاحقها.
على عكس الجزء الأول، تميز هذا الجزء بتنسيق في الترجمة مع بيان لمن يتحدث، فكانت القراءة سلسة، وانسجمت في الأحداث، مع بقاء حماسي حتى النهاية التي كانت غير متوقعة.
أتطلع لقراءة الجزء التالي بفارغ الصبر.
July 11, 2026
The second plot in the Dame Polara detective series. Another good read set in Toronto. Again, I appreciated the familiarity with the landmarks and streets. Enough action throughout to sustain my attention. I also liked how there’s a separate, unrelated mystery from Dame’s childhood weaved inside this current mystery. It is giving Dodge a bit more substance as a character. The women are the heroes in this series. Looking forward to book 3 especially after the abrupt and suspenseful ending. I’m rating this one a 3.5.
May 5, 2025
Dame Polara is an interesting character- single, working mother who resorts to part-time crime solving to save her own skin. Though not necessary I'd read the first in the series to get more background on Dame, her ex-detective father etc. Well written, fun read, detested the ending, lol
June 6, 2025
So happy to get my hands on another fine Dame Polara mystery! Just as relatable and gripping as Who By Fire. Can’t wait for the next one!
August 24, 2025
Fanatastic series! Extremely well written with a great setting and page turning plot. I hope there's more books about Dame.
September 13, 2025
when a murder mystery becomes an investigation of self.......who's next??????
December 31, 2025
Full body goosebumps reading that ending!
April 10, 2026
AMAZING! I could not put this book down, and I am already excited for the next one.
As a social work grad I figured whodunit very quickly, but it was still fun to see how it played out exactly. I actually was a bit uncertain about the flashback killer so that was fun. As always it was incredibly descriptive and well written, it certainly feels like Mr. Rhyno has visited the places he writes about. The ending took me by surprise -- A CLIFFHANGER? How can you do this to us? 😭
I LOVED the introduction of Grace. Absolutely how characters should be introduced -- I am happy to see some more 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion. I also adore Rosie and it is clear that Mr. Rhyno has experience with kids. I was taught that it is good to write what you know and I appreciate that Mr. Rhyno practices what he teaches.
Also, I am happy Gus was finally acknowledged. 🙌
5/5 ⭐️
As a social work grad I figured whodunit very quickly, but it was still fun to see how it played out exactly. I actually was a bit uncertain about the flashback killer so that was fun. As always it was incredibly descriptive and well written, it certainly feels like Mr. Rhyno has visited the places he writes about. The ending took me by surprise -- A CLIFFHANGER? How can you do this to us? 😭
I LOVED the introduction of Grace. Absolutely how characters should be introduced -- I am happy to see some more 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion. I also adore Rosie and it is clear that Mr. Rhyno has experience with kids. I was taught that it is good to write what you know and I appreciate that Mr. Rhyno practices what he teaches.
Also, I am happy Gus was finally acknowledged. 🙌
5/5 ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews