Between the Waves

by Hilary Tailor

From the bestselling author of The Vanishing Tide comes a haunting novel about the secrets we keep to protect ourselves—and those we love.

Twenty years ago, during a family holiday on the savage and remote island of Little Auger, eleven-year-old Hazel left her bed and was never seen again. The unanswered questions surrounding Hazel’s disappearance tore three families apart and the girls left behind all experience their own terrible guilt. Roz, because she broke a promise; Catrin, because it was her idea; and Nina, who slept through it all. Their friendship never recovers and all three women go on to lead vastly different lives.

Twenty years later, they each receive a phone call from Stella Cox, a true-crime podcaster, who has unearthed new evidence about Hazel’s disappearance. There is no doubt Stella has found something important but the question is, how can the women—once best friends, now strangers—trust her, or each other?

Will their return to the island finally reveal the truth, and if it does, is it something any of them are prepared to learn?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook

Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

Hilary Tailor is a design consultant, and has worked with clients including adidas and Puma as a colour and trend forecaster. She was raised on the Wirral Peninsula and graduated from the Royal College of Art. The Vanishing Tide is her first novel.

Reviews

[Wendy Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is a mystery about the disappearance of the protagonist's sister & delves into emotional issues such as heartbreak, grief and silence. I quite enjoyed it, but couldn't rank it as earth-shattering.

[Ahmed Ismail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Between the Waves by Hilary Tailor is an emotional, atmospheric mystery that I found enjoyable overall, though it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. The story does eventually reveal why Hazel disappeared twenty years ago, but the resolution felt predictable and a bit underwhelming. It just didn’t deliver the impact I was hoping for. I’d recommend picking up the print version rather than the audiobook, as I think the narration would’ve been stronger with multiple voices to represent different characters.
That said, it’s still a solid read, especially for fans of In The Middle of the Night by Riley Sager.
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing for gifting me this ALC via Netgalley.

[Kate Dash · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Between the Waves blends slow-burning mystery with deep emotional undercurrents as three estranged women reunite on a remote island to uncover the truth behind a childhood tragedy. The setting is eerie and evocative, and I loved how the story explored guilt, fractured friendships, and long-buried secrets. While the resolution felt a bit predictable, the emotional unraveling of each character kept me engaged.
We have such tropes as island, estranged best friends, true crime style, all about secrets and obviously some old traumas aka guilt.
The novel’s strength lies in its raw portrayal of how one night can ripple through decades of someone’s life. A few pacing issues aside, this was a compelling and satisfying read. Great for fans of atmospheric mysteries and introspective character work
Thank you netGalley for opportunity to read that ACR

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Between the Waves is a novel that begins as a mystery but evolves into something much deeper—a poignant exploration of grief, secrets, and the long-lasting impact of silence. This is not just a story about a tragedy; it’s about how loss lingers, shaping people and relationships long after the initial heartbreak.

The three main characters are deeply flawed yet profoundly human, each carrying the weight of their past as they struggle to rebuild themselves. The author masterfully layers their emotional journeys, allowing readers to witness their fragility and resilience in equal measure. While the story moves at a slower pace, this deliberate rhythm enhances the book’s reflective and atmospheric nature rather than detracting from it.

What truly sets Between the Waves apart is its setting—a quiet Welsh seaside town where time feels fluid, seamlessly blending the past and present. The disappearance of a child is not just a mystery to be solved; it is interwoven with local folklore, creating a haunting and almost dreamlike quality to the narrative. The author’s prose brings this world to life, making it as much a character as the people within it.

Though it may not be a fast-paced mystery, Between the Waves is an immersive and beautifully written novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page. It is a book for those who appreciate deep character studies, atmospheric settings, and stories that explore the raw complexities of human emotion. A highly recommended read. Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Bre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing and Hilary Taylor for this ARC audiobook. I will be giving my honest review.
Between the Waves is a story of three women (former bffs turned strangers) who return to an island where a traumatic event happened 20 years prior. Meeting them there is a true crime podcaster working to unravel the mystery that’s followed each of their vastly different lives.
While I found it a struggle to root for some of the characters I did find listening to their recollections and memories, secrets and silences fascinating. The twists themselves felt unexpected and the forced confrontation of their collective past held my attention even when I paused the book.
I do think the audiobook would’ve benefitted from having more narrators. Different voices for the three women would’ve helped me better keep straight which is which. While we do get answers in some ways I found the overall resolution slightly dissatisfying.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thank you to NetGalley, Hilary Tailor and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this unique mystery. The author did an incredible job of weaving the story and perspective between three friends who become estranged for two decades over tragedy. Each of the characters developed throughout the story and experienced growth and a new approach to life as the mystery unfolds. This is my first novel by Hilary Tailor and I would definitely read more. Highly recommend.

[Jaden Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

All three fmcs were a little whiny and just had messed up families. And the mystery felt underdeveloped and very anticlimactic. Not my fav

[Haley Melching · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you enjoy slight mystery with no sharp twists/turns or zero build, this is for you. This book had a decent plot but dragged on in numerous places as well as topics. Without audible, I would have probably stopped reading but the performance was melodious by the actor

[Becky Lyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another "wow" book by Hilary Tailor. I love her way of writing, of drawing you in to the grit and beauty of the lives and surroundings of the characters. This again is one of those books that is likely to stay in my mind long after I have read it.

[Maddie Ascioti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly didn’t love this book. Was a slow burner and the plot twist could have been juicier.

[Emma McAra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not a who dunnit.
This is a simpler story, completely spiralling out with a lot of unnecessary detail.
A good third of this could have been edited out and I don’t think you’d have lost anything.
I don’t mind that the reveal wasn’t something big and shocking, as long as it’s done well.
The end result was predictable if very drawn out.
I really did not like Roz. Just… such a drip!
The other two female characters were okay but again, I’m not sure if you were meant to like any of them.

[Nicky Bale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book after it came up on recommended for you. I really enjoyed it. I gave it four as there was a bit that I felt could have been developed better and wasn’t resolved properly. However it was a good read, good plot and lovely atmospheric setting.

[Karen McNamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Hilary Tailor, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of Between the Waves. When I started this book, I expected a mystery/thriller revealing what had happened 20 years earlier when 11 year old Hazel disappeared in the middle of the night while visiting a Welsh Island with her family and friends. This book did deliver on that but it also went deeper and exposed how the tragedy impacted and stunted the growth of Hazel’s family and friends. Although the mystery is solved about 3/4 of the way through the novel, the final quarter of the book was my favorite. Having the truth about Hazel’s disappearance finally revealed, allowed the other characters to gain closure and really move on with their lives.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Between the Waves was my first read by Hilary Tailor. It tells the story of Roz, and her two friends, Catrin and Nina, centering around the disappearance of Roz’s sister Hazel. It’s been 20 years since Hazel went missing and Roz is still shattered. After a well-known podcaster contacts the women with alleged new evidence surrounding the case, the 3 women find themselves facing each other, and any secrets that happened that day.

While I think that Hilary Tailor is an amazing writer, and I did really enjoy the Welsh setting of the story, it was very much a slow-burn. I don’t always mind this, and it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, I just found the story a little underwhelming overall. I thought the character development of the three women was very good, and I appreciated that Hazel’s fate is revealed, I just found myself wanting a bit more.

I don’t think this was a bad novel by any means, it just wasn’t a book I see myself thinking about or remembering for long.

Thank you to NetGalley & Lake Union Publishing for gifting me an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Jayda Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read if you like general fiction with a mystery element! About half of this book surrounds figuring out what happened to a missing child, and the rest further develops the characters and where this resolved mystery leads them. There’s so many relationships being explored here — childhood and adulthood friendships, siblings, parent-child, mother-child — and with each of these relationships I took something valuable away. I love how multifaceted the characters are. Just as I was starting to dislike someone, it’s like the author was saying “just kidding” and dove deeper into why they acted the way they did, which made me sympathetic for their situation. The mystery hooked me, but it was moving at the same time.

[Boo Ajun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between the Waves is less about the mystery and more about the emotional wreckage it leaves behind. And it wrecks in the best way. The atmospheric writing pulls you into the eerie beauty of Little Auger Island, while the tangled web of guilt, secrets, and long-lost friendships keeps you hooked.

The big reveal? It comes early. But the real punch is watching these flawed, haunted women unravel and rebuild. Moody, beautifully written, and packed with quiet tension. Perfect for readers who love their mysteries with a side of deep emotional turmoil.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book.

[Emilee Delgado · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟
A little mystery, lessons in grief, growing up & friendship. The characters felt real & relatable.

[Kathy Church · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Reading

I liked this story of three friends and how the disappearance of one of their sisters changed the lives and friendship.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the beginning, what a book! On the island of Little Auger a young girl goes missing, disappearing in the early morning. Her death breaks up the friendship of Caitlin, Roz and Nina and the impact is felt by all their families. Years later they are contacted by a journalist, a podcaster who says she has found something new linked to Hazel’s disappearance. This leads to the once childhood friends meeting again in adulthood on the island.
There are plenty of twists along the way and perhaps a rekindling of past friendships.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was fantastic! The mystery in this book kept me turning the pages. I desperately wanted to know what happened to Hazel.

Not only is this a mystery but you get to see the impact it has on the three friend’s lives. Roz has a daughter, Willow, who looks exactly like Hazel did. She is now the same age as Hazel and Roz is doing everything in her power to keep a tight grip on her.

Nina’s mother moved the to London after Hazel went missing. She is now a popular television host. She has refused to let anyone get close to her except for her mother.

Catrin takes great photos and therefore travels all over. Not one to put down roots, she comes home to do the podcast. Her motive is simple, she is trying to find out what happened and clear her father’s name. Roz’s parents accused him of doing something to Hazel.

Stella, the podcast host, has her own agenda.

I really enjoyed the story continuing after we find out what happened to Hazel and the impact it had on everyone’s lives.


Thank you Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Libby Reidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set on an isolated island off the coast of Wales, the reader meets three women who have returned there after 20 years to hopefully find out what happened to the litte sister of one of them. Weaving back and forth, we meet the three as young teenagers, then to the present where thery have tried to put this tragedy behind them. What happened to the little girl who went missing? Was it murder or an accident that caused her disappearance? A great read, I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Carly Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty years ago, during a family holiday on the remote island of Little Auger, eleven-year-old Hazel vanished without a trace. The unanswered questions surrounding her disappearance shattered the bond between three friends: Roz, who broke a promise; Catrin, whose idea led to that fateful night; and Nina, who slept through it all. Now, two decades later, a true-crime podcaster named Stella reaches out to them, claiming to have unearthed new evidence. As the former friends reunite on the island, they confront buried secrets and the lingering effects of that tragic event.​

“Between the Waves” by Hilary Tailor is a captivating exploration of friendship, guilt, and the enduring impact of unresolved mysteries. From the moment I started reading, I was hooked and found it nearly impossible to put down. The narrative is rich with twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout.​

The story delves deep into the emotional wreckage left behind after Hazel’s disappearance. Tailor’s atmospheric writing immerses readers in the eerie beauty of Little Auger Island, making the setting almost a character in itself. The complex web of guilt, secrets, and fractured friendships is portrayed with depth and authenticity.​

What sets this novel apart is its focus on the emotional journeys of Roz, Catrin, and Nina. While the mystery of Hazel’s disappearance is central, the true essence lies in witnessing these flawed, haunted women confront their past and seek redemption. It’s a moody, beautifully written tale packed with quiet tension that resonates deeply.

I rated this book five stars for its compelling narrative and the way it masterfully intertwines suspense with profound emotional insights. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page, prompting reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the secrets we keep.​ I was given a copy of this book from Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio, and the author. All opinions are my own.

Tropes and Vibes:
🏝️ Remote Island Setting​
👩‍👧‍👧 Complex Female Friendships​
🕵️‍♀️ Unsolved Mystery​
⏳ Dual Timeline​
🎙️ True-Crime Podcast Element​
😨 Atmospheric and Haunting​

The audiobook is narrated by Bronwen Price, whose performance adds depth and nuance to the story. Her ability to convey the emotional complexities of each character enhances the listening experience, making the narrative even more immersive. Price’s narration captures the haunting atmosphere of Little Auger Island and the intricate dynamics between the characters, bringing the story to life in a compelling way.

"Between the Waves” is a must-read for those who appreciate psychological thrillers that delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Hilary Tailor delivers a story that is both suspenseful and deeply moving, leaving readers eagerly anticipating her next work.

[Stephanie Bull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty years ago, three teenage friends holiday on Little Auger, a remote island off the coast of Wales. Cut off from the mainland for most of the day, the island can only be reached during high tide. Even then, the journey can be treacherous to those unfamiliar with the rock formation under the water. During this holiday Hazel, the younger sister of one of the girls, goes missing without trace. Each feeling an element of guilt, with so many accusations and unanswered questions driving a wedge between the friends, as adults their paths never cross. That is until a true crime podcaster contacts each one to say she has discovered something on the island that could solve the mystery of Hazel's disappearance.

Whilst we do finally learn what happened to Hazel on that fateful day, this is as much a story about how tragedy shapes us as people. How that loss always lingers and impacts our future relationships, and the way we go on to live our lives. Hilary Taylor's sensitive and thoughtful writing allows the reader to empathise with each character as their emotions are laid bare. Still vulnerable despite the passing of time, the women find an inner resilience to cope with the fallout as the impact of what really happened hits them.

The author's descriptions of the island, the mainland village and villagers create the perfect atmosphere for this tale, interwoven with legends and folklore about witches marks, feuds and long dead inhabitants of Little Auger. This is not a fast paced thriller, more a resolution of a tragic mystery and the exploration of how the guilt each girl carries shapes their adult lives, and is all the better for it. However that doesn't stop the author throwing in a few curved balls along the way, all adding the the enjoyment of this beautifully crafted plot.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest and unbiased review.

[Mackenzie Busalacchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between the Waves is a beautifully written novel about friendship, loss, and survival. Two decades ago, three young friends are vacationing with their families on the wild island of Little Auger off the coast of Wales. When Roz's sister Hazel goes missing, what had been a fun, adventure-filled holiday turns into a nightmare. None of the girls are able to move past Hazel's disappearance and their friendship is torn apart. Now, twenty years later, a podcaster claims to have discovered new evidence regarding Hazel's disappearance. She asks to meet the three friends back on the island to go over what happened all those years ago and evaluate the new evidence. Each of the friends is hesitant to return and they all are concerned about seeing each other again. Once friends, they're now complete strangers. Is the truth of what happened then worth the difficulty of returning now?

The writing of this book is absolutely gorgeous. From the description of the island to the details of the Old House with the witch's marks to the images of the small, colorful fishing village - I could picture everything. I honestly felt I was there with the characters. While I wouldn't describe this book as a thriller, there is definitely a mystery. And, while the mystery is intriguing, the story is really about the friendship of the three women, their secrets, their lies, and their selfishness. None of these characters are overly likable, and, yet, that did not detract from the story. The wild, dark, and dangerous island was a great parallel to each of the women's lives. This is definitely one of those books that you finish and you want to discuss with friends, family, or a book group. The topics addressed throughout are relevant and thought-provoking. I definitely recommend Between the Waves.

[Erin Willis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Between the Waves- Hilary Tailor
3.5*
- Mystery
- Intrigue
- Disappearance of a child
- Loss
- Grief
- Emotional growth

This novel follows three friends; Ros, Nina and Katherine, who after 20 years of not speaking, are contacted by a true crime podcaster regarding the unexplained disappearance of Ros' younger sister Hazel 20 years prior. According to Stella, the podcaster, there has been new found evidence regarding this case that may lead to the discovery of what truly happened on the day Hazel disappeared and the three friends are invited back to the island where the event occurred.

I enjoyed this audiobook. This is a novel focusing grief and the different ways it can impact a person and family. There is of course mystery- in the unexplained absence of Hazel. I found it quite predictable, however I did still enjoy it. I particularly liked the character growth of the character of Ros. The disappearance and assumed death of her sister Hazel had such a profound impact on her life, which is still evident in the today, by how she mother's her daughter Willow.

I believe perhaps reading this novel may prove better than listening to it, as I found it at times tricky following the different characters during their POVs based on their voices on the audiobook. However the narrator still did a wonderful job- particularly with the Welsh accent. This said, I enjoyed the different POVs of the main characters. I gave them depth in this way.

Thank you Brilliance Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to listen to this ALC.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty years ago, three teen girls spent a family holiday on an isolated island called Little Auger that was only accessible during low tide. The locals had stories about the island being haunted and cursed. Locals avoided the island. A younger sister disappears, and the friends are left to deal with their grief, guilt, and personal fears on their own.
Twenty years later, a journalist contacts them to say she has found evidence that may solve the mystery and wants to interview them for an article. Because at the time of the disappearance, there were accusations that the family who owned the island’s father may have been involved in the disappearance. This caused the girls to have a strained relationship, but because they all are looking for answers they agree to meet.
It is a story of broken families and friendships, loss of trust, and guilt. No one wanted to re-visit the nightmare.
The story unfolds slowly building the tension until the final chapter ends with a satisfying twist.
It was an enjoyable read that kept me coming back for more. This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it won’t be the last. Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union publishing for an advanced reader copy for my honest review.

[B. Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

ACL from NetGalley.

I am torn about this book. The writing style and overall story pretty were good, but I had a couple of issues with it.
The ending was drawn out (I would have expected it to wrap up quicker after we found out the truth).
My biggest issue was Roz. I HATED her and she made it really hard to get through parts of the book. This could be interpreted as a testament to the author’s character creation (creating a character that provoked such strong feelings towards, even if negative feelings). However, with audiobooks, I usually binge them and get through them in 1-2 days and this one took me over a week to finish as I had to keep shutting it off because I couldn’t stand Roz that much. I understand what happened was traumatic but holy cow! Get a grip, Roz! To get through some parts of the book, I had to listen to it sped up so I likely missed/didn’t pick up on some things.
If I had read (instead of listened to) the book, I might’ve been able to tolerate Roz more, but I really can’t say.
The narrator was great but I don’t understand why there weren’t multiple narrators (one for each character POV).

[Angela Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audiobook, and I'm so pleased I did. The narrator beautifully presented the Welsh and Scottish accents for this story set on and around a tiny island called Little Auger.

Twenty years after a group of young girls disbanded their close friendship when little Hazel disappeared, a podcast reporter entices each one of them back to Little Auger to find out the new evidence she's discovered, and finally uncover what happened and put the mystery at rest.

Did Hazel runaway, was she taken by a stranger on the island—or worse still, someone they knew? Or, did she fall of the narrow cliff pathway following her older sister and friends that fateful morning?

Each little girl has grown into a woman, and each has carried the disappearance in their own way, and going back to Little Auger is hard. But one by one, each woman finds the courage she needs to face that day and the ones following, seeing it with the perspective of time, maturity, and compassion—eventually.

A mildly thrilling mystery about childhood, friendship, being held back by your past, and facing unwanted truths.

[Kitty Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this emotional, moving book by Hilary Tailor. At its heart is the mystery of the disappearance of a little girl - Roz's little sister Hazel, on holiday on the island of Auger. What happened that day changes the lives of Roz and her friends Catrin and Nina forever. The three of them have always been close, but their friendship doesn't survive the tragedy of Hazel's disappearance. They are all scarred, their personal lives damaged by the different way each of them copes. Twenty years on, when a podcaster claims to have unearthed new evidence to solve the mystery and the three of them finally meet up again, Roz, Catrin and Nina are all struggling to cope with individual crisies. What is revealed has the potential to allow them all to move on, if they let it.

I found the mystery element intriguing and engaging - Tailor really makes you care about Hazel's fate - but I particularly enjoyed the character development, and the way Tailor allows you to see all sides of her flawed characters. The solution to the mystery and the outcomes for Roz, Catrin and Nina were moving and believable. A real page-turner and highly recommended.

[marlin1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absolutely loved both of Hilary Tailor’s previous novels and this one certainly didn’t disappoint.
Three best friends in their early teens Catrin, Roz and Nina are on a family holiday at Catrin’s Family Holiday house on a small tidal island in Wales, when the unthinkable happens and Roz’s younger sister Hazel disappears without a trace.
This is not so much a mystery, although answers are found in the end but more of a character driven novel. Friendships are fractured, families torn apart, lies, guilt…I find the author’s writing so evocative and emotive.
With a few chapters set in the past, we understand what has happened but most of the novel is in the present 20 years later. Has anyone really moved on from the tragic past?
Such a wonderful sense of time and place, the characters felt real and I just loved it.
A hidden gem.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.