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Dark Tides: A Devon Murder Mystery
DI Knox is back...
When the body of a local vicar is pulled from the waters of Exmouth Marina, DI Knox is drawn into a case that quickly spirals beyond the expected. The death bears all the hallmarks of an ritualistic, deliberate, and staged for a message no one yet understands.
As more victims are discovered, each with ties to a shadowy web of drugs, money laundering, and long-buried secrets, Knox becomes convinced the killer is driven by something deeply personal. But the evidence is fragmented and the pressure to follow the obvious leads is relentless.
With rival detectives pushing competing theories, Knox and DS Ava Carter must navigate lies, fractured families, and dangerous alliances. Each step brings them closer to the truth, and closer to a killer who knows the tides as well as they know their rage.
Dark Tides is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that plunges into the depths of obsession, justice, and the price of secrets. Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, LJ Ross, and Peter James.
When the body of a local vicar is pulled from the waters of Exmouth Marina, DI Knox is drawn into a case that quickly spirals beyond the expected. The death bears all the hallmarks of an ritualistic, deliberate, and staged for a message no one yet understands.
As more victims are discovered, each with ties to a shadowy web of drugs, money laundering, and long-buried secrets, Knox becomes convinced the killer is driven by something deeply personal. But the evidence is fragmented and the pressure to follow the obvious leads is relentless.
With rival detectives pushing competing theories, Knox and DS Ava Carter must navigate lies, fractured families, and dangerous alliances. Each step brings them closer to the truth, and closer to a killer who knows the tides as well as they know their rage.
Dark Tides is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that plunges into the depths of obsession, justice, and the price of secrets. Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, LJ Ross, and Peter James.
Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 26, 2025
A 5* follow-up to the 4* first book in the series, although Knox's shying away from anything personal frustrated me. Again.
I finished this book between dinner, doing a night shift, getting a bit of shut eye, even setting aside the latest adventures of Robert Langdon for it. Why? Mostly because it's a British-set book without anything faux or sensationalist, and because I'd connect to it more than RL's symbolism modus operandi. But, I digress.
The writing is as strong as in the first book, and Knox remains someone I wanted to sit down and have a 'pull your head out of your arse before you lose Lucy' chat with. I mean, even his dog, the lovely Dylan, spent more time with her than he did. That Lucy didn't give ultimatums didn't feel true at times - until the last 2 pages of the book. I wondered why she bothered with him, tbh. There's more to her than meets the eye, and she may well be the one who brings Knox back to life. But, guy, wake up before it's too late. Talk to her. Text her. Don't expect her to read your mind. She's your gf, not just Dylan's sitter. And if you're not careful you'll lose him to her!! And maybe get some therapy, instead of seeking it in the bottom of a bottle.
As to the storyline? It's well orchestrated and well done. I was sad for the people left behind, mostly, especially the vicar's wife and the fractured bereaved family that ended up with guilt on top, which Knox was responsible for. Did he jump the gun? I think so. Should he have known better? Yes, as Ava was trying to rein him in, and at the end of the book, this thread remained open. Could it have had consequences? Yep. Absolutely. I couldn't get a read on this latecomer of a character and that not everything got tied up meant that lives could potentially have been ruined for no reason. But, the author seems to write fairly quickly and there's enough of the previous book in this one to make me think that perhaps things will out in book 3. Just perhaps by way of a phone call from someone Knox reached out to. Or a hidden letter that comes to light. I'd like to know if his instincts were right, or if he ends up wondering if he's lost something vital. At the end of this book he's taking time away from work, which felt like it should have been made mandatory by his bosses, because logic deserted him when emotions took over, which was quite ironic, as only the job was allowed to let him have feelings.
This series would work well without the Lucy aspect, as the police procedural side of it is believable, with realistic dialogue, with proper investigations, with rules mainly being followed. Knox isn't some maverick US 'cop' (there are too many types, so I'm using this descriptor loosely) without restraint and trigger, well, taser, happy. Although a taser could've been handy in the big scene at the end. There's realism, it's low key and there's a familiarity to things. I'm up for more.
ARC courtesy of the author for my reading pleasure.
I finished this book between dinner, doing a night shift, getting a bit of shut eye, even setting aside the latest adventures of Robert Langdon for it. Why? Mostly because it's a British-set book without anything faux or sensationalist, and because I'd connect to it more than RL's symbolism modus operandi. But, I digress.
The writing is as strong as in the first book, and Knox remains someone I wanted to sit down and have a 'pull your head out of your arse before you lose Lucy' chat with. I mean, even his dog, the lovely Dylan, spent more time with her than he did. That Lucy didn't give ultimatums didn't feel true at times - until the last 2 pages of the book. I wondered why she bothered with him, tbh. There's more to her than meets the eye, and she may well be the one who brings Knox back to life. But, guy, wake up before it's too late. Talk to her. Text her. Don't expect her to read your mind. She's your gf, not just Dylan's sitter. And if you're not careful you'll lose him to her!! And maybe get some therapy, instead of seeking it in the bottom of a bottle.
As to the storyline? It's well orchestrated and well done. I was sad for the people left behind, mostly, especially the vicar's wife and the fractured bereaved family that ended up with guilt on top, which Knox was responsible for. Did he jump the gun? I think so. Should he have known better? Yes, as Ava was trying to rein him in, and at the end of the book, this thread remained open. Could it have had consequences? Yep. Absolutely. I couldn't get a read on this latecomer of a character and that not everything got tied up meant that lives could potentially have been ruined for no reason. But, the author seems to write fairly quickly and there's enough of the previous book in this one to make me think that perhaps things will out in book 3. Just perhaps by way of a phone call from someone Knox reached out to. Or a hidden letter that comes to light. I'd like to know if his instincts were right, or if he ends up wondering if he's lost something vital. At the end of this book he's taking time away from work, which felt like it should have been made mandatory by his bosses, because logic deserted him when emotions took over, which was quite ironic, as only the job was allowed to let him have feelings.
This series would work well without the Lucy aspect, as the police procedural side of it is believable, with realistic dialogue, with proper investigations, with rules mainly being followed. Knox isn't some maverick US 'cop' (there are too many types, so I'm using this descriptor loosely) without restraint and trigger, well, taser, happy. Although a taser could've been handy in the big scene at the end. There's realism, it's low key and there's a familiarity to things. I'm up for more.
ARC courtesy of the author for my reading pleasure.
December 19, 2025
A strong and atmospheric follow-up in a grounded British crime series
Dark Tides is a confident and compelling second instalment in Freya Wallace’s Detective Jacob Knox thriller series, and a strong follow-up to Hollow Ground. The move from the bleak openness of Dartmoor to the coastal setting of Exmouth is an effective shift, giving this book a noticeably different atmosphere while still feeling firmly anchored within the same world.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is how grounded the investigation feels. This is British crime fiction that respects the genre - realistic dialogue, believable police procedure, and an investigation that unfolds methodically rather than relying on shortcuts or dramatic leaps. There’s a steady sense of pressure throughout, driven not just by the case itself but by internal tensions and competing theories. The characterisation is thoughtfully done, adding subtle complexity and tension without pulling focus away from the case itself.
I also really appreciated how the author handles continuity from book one. Enough detail is carried over to orient new readers, but it’s woven in subtly, avoiding repetition or disruption to the pace for those already familiar with the series.
The plot itself is layered and steadily builds momentum, weaving together fractured families, long-buried secrets, and darker criminal threads in a way that feels earned rather than contrived. The tension develops naturally, leading to a satisfying and well-constructed payoff.
Overall, Dark Tides deepens the series and it left me genuinely keen to see where Detective Knox’s story goes next when book three is released.
Dark Tides is a confident and compelling second instalment in Freya Wallace’s Detective Jacob Knox thriller series, and a strong follow-up to Hollow Ground. The move from the bleak openness of Dartmoor to the coastal setting of Exmouth is an effective shift, giving this book a noticeably different atmosphere while still feeling firmly anchored within the same world.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is how grounded the investigation feels. This is British crime fiction that respects the genre - realistic dialogue, believable police procedure, and an investigation that unfolds methodically rather than relying on shortcuts or dramatic leaps. There’s a steady sense of pressure throughout, driven not just by the case itself but by internal tensions and competing theories. The characterisation is thoughtfully done, adding subtle complexity and tension without pulling focus away from the case itself.
I also really appreciated how the author handles continuity from book one. Enough detail is carried over to orient new readers, but it’s woven in subtly, avoiding repetition or disruption to the pace for those already familiar with the series.
The plot itself is layered and steadily builds momentum, weaving together fractured families, long-buried secrets, and darker criminal threads in a way that feels earned rather than contrived. The tension develops naturally, leading to a satisfying and well-constructed payoff.
Overall, Dark Tides deepens the series and it left me genuinely keen to see where Detective Knox’s story goes next when book three is released.
September 27, 2025
Dark Tides features a prominent and precise crime that I feel was messed up by Knox but he does slightly redeem himself. The mystery had me second guessing and obsessed with solving. On a personal note Knox needs to wake up and smell the roses before he loses a wonderful girl Lucy. While Lucy looks after his gorgeous dog Dylan she is also his girlfriend and not a mind reader. While I felt sorry for Knox in the first book in this one he just irritated me so I am hoping for a redemption in the next book. The crime is what had me eagerly interested in this book and it lives up to my expectations.
January 26, 2026
A great sequel from Freya Wallace in her Jacob Knox series. Strong solid writing, a complicated and complex detective and a superb plot make this an addictive and gripping read. The police procedural parts in this are on point and give the story a realistic feel. The chapters are short, as is the book which I could have easily read an extra 100 pages or so. Lots of suspense with a good pace and a solid ending. Yes this is certainly a series I will be continuing with. 4.5⭐️
September 29, 2025
I would like to thank the author and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book, it is the second book in the series and is just as gripping as the first, a great story and a real roller coaster ride I look forward to the next one.
June 5, 2026
Really enjoyed this thrilling read. The second in the Knox series. A interesting case that always kept the reader gripped. More complex case this time. What an ending! I highly recommend this series despite shorter books.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews