The Drowned Man

by M K Farrar

The river gives up its secrets, but someone will kill to keep them…

When the headless body of a man is pulled from the Thames at the Royal Docks, East London, no one knows who he is—or why he was murdered. But when his identity is finally revealed, DI Erica Swift’s team is shaken to the core.

With Erica sidelined by her battle with cancer, DS Shawn Turner has been leading the investigation. Yet this discovery pulls Erica back into the fold, giving her a reason she cannot ignore.

Meanwhile, a woman fleeing her violent husband struggles to protect her young son. Alone and desperate, she’s lured into the shadows of London’s criminal underworld—where danger waits at every turn.

As paths converge, secrets unravel, and loyalties are tested, one question how is this woman’s desperate fight for survival connected to the drowned man in the Thames?

Gripping, atmospheric, and deeply human, The Drowned Man is a taut new chapter in the DI Erica Swift series.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2025

Reviews

[Alan Cotterell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed the first 15 books, I was delighted to see another instalment due and especially so to be allowed an ARC of the 16th book in this amazing series

I have loved this series, and the characters have developed and evolved along the way. But personally, I felt as if there was no real mystery. I did enjoy the book, and I am grateful for the Arc from the publishers for the opportunity to give my honest opinion. It was obvious who the victim was and pretty much the whole plot was predictable, very few surprises.
I look forward to book 17, hope this one was a blip. I am rating this as 3.5 stars out of 5 rounded up to 4 for old times’ sake.

[Nicola Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts with a bang as a headless body is found after a music festival! Shawn is relieved that Erica is well enough to return to work especially as they are short staffed, and the team dynamics quickly fall back in to place. Alongside that investigation is the story of Megan and her son Theo, escaping from domestic violence, and the lengths she will go to to protect her son. The investigation starts with one theme in mind but quickly becomes more than that.
Moves quickly, but slows down when needed. It's book 16 so we know a lot of the characters well, and it's good to carry on finding on more of their backstory too.

[Devamaria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very readable - equally predictable.

Huge fan of this series and as such, have read them all. Don’t get me wrong, i enjoyed this book but everything was disappointingly predictable. And I mean everything. Guessed the lot from the very start. Sometimes that doesn’t matter but this time it did. Just too obvious. On a side-note, was a little disappointed that the author didn’t revisit and tie-up the story of Adama from the last book but that’s purely a personal wish as I found his sister a particularly compelling character. Hope that will maybe be explored in future books. Will definitely still look forward to the next and hope this was something of an aberration.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI Erica Swift is back, and in this book, DS Shawn and Erica take on the case when a drowned man is found in the river with missing body parts. From the murder mystery and captivating storyline to the true to life problems Erica deals with daily, this is a page turning addition to the series. The Drowned Man is book sixteen and a suspenseful addition to the DI Erica Swift Thriller series. I recommend this book, this series, and this author to everyone who loves great writing and murder mysteries. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good story. I was sad at first in the beginning because with the two events of a body turning up and a police officer being late to work, I knew who it was. It was a sad point of the book. I kept wondering how Megan tied into everything, and definitely found out after a bit. This was just so good. I can't say anything else because of I'd be giving it away.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[poodlechick17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC

I didn't want to stop reading, I loved the story especially the background story. The characters are brilliant and so realistic .I also like the different stories that run alongside the main story . Highly recommended.

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love this series it is becoming like old friends that I can snuggle down with for the afternoon. Really liked the premise and it was very engaging.

[Gary I. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read all the books in the Erica Swift series and pre-ordered the next one. Well written stories that draw you in from the first page. Hard to put them down without finishing them.

[Holly Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is now the 16th book I’ve read in these series and I just love them. Really easy reads, great plots with decent twists.

[Mr A Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

cracking read

Edge of the seat all the way through. Didn’t want to put the book down or end. Hope the next one is as good.

[Cathy Finnerty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love this series, and Erica. However, felt this one was not one of the best, seemed to end suddenly and felt rushed.

[T.M. Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Drowned Man (A DI Erica Swift Thriller Book 16)
by M K Farrar
My Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Tammy - Book Nook Nuts

REVIEW
While Erica is dealing with health issues, DS Shawn has taken over.
The case is one of a drowned man in a river, missing body parts.
Now to figure out who is he and why he was dead in the river.

Erica is given the green light to go back to work slowly...

One of their own is missing, no one has seen him.
A woman and her son are in grave danger... domestic violence is never pretty.

I love every single book in this series all are stand alone, and well written. And yes Gruesome!