Black Water Rising

by Sean Watkin

A city gripped by fear. Two detectives at odds with each other. An escalating killer, searching for somebody from his past. Teenage girls are going missing across Liverpool and the police are no closer to identifying the killer. When the third victim, Kelly Stack, is discovered on the banks of the Mersey, the police have no alternative but to call for help.

DCI de Silva hasn’t been to work in months. Reeling from the suicide of her husband and dragged down by the undertow of PTSD, she's been living in self-imposed exile.

This case should have been DS Barclay's opportunity to finally show himself to be more than what everybody assumes - an exercise in diversity, being a gay man in the police, but instead he's floundering.

De Silva and Barclay must exorcise their own demons to stop more victims suffering, all while dealing with a traumatised and escalating killer, who is hellbent on finding somebody from his past.

A tense and gripping crime thriller set in Liverpool. Perfect for fans of M. W. Craven and Russ Thomas.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

362 pages, Paperback

Published April 10, 2025

Reviews

[Jo Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Publication day 🎧🥳🎉

This was absolutely excellent. However I have to be really honest and say that while it may seem obvious. It’s graphic, and really quite unsettling. I’d caution triggers warnings for graphic suicide references, Sexual violence, rape, brutality and murder. We also get insight into the killers thoughts which made me want to crawl out of my own skin.

The storyline is fabulous. The writing is excellent and I loved the scouse accent throughout. I’d be really keen to read further instalments in the series.

Distressing. Disturbing but fantastic. An amazing debut.

The narration was brilliant.

Huge thanks to Bolinda Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

[Mike Shackle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't stop reading this book. It's brilliantly written and a great, if very dark, police procedural. However, it's as much a study in grief and guilt as it is a work of crime fiction so it's not easy going. But the author has an incredible voice, full of humanity, that carries you through the darkness. The best book I've read this year

[Judefire33 · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review –

Thanks go to Kate at Canelo Crime for so kindly sending me a proof copy of Black Water Rising.

I had a really good feeling about Sean Watkin’s debut novel, Black Water Rising, and as soon as I started reading I just knew I’d found another excellent author of crime fiction to follow.

in the opening chapter, we meet the wonderful DCI Winnifred de Silva, shes attending a crime scene in the Liverpool docks, right from the off her character bristles with anger, guilt and pain and I instantly loved her! Her depth of character is written so well in Black Water Rising, she’s utterly lost after the loss, by the suicide of her husband. She has shut herself off from everyone for three months, but Liverpool needs her expertise as a teenage murder victim has just been found, the third and her Boss knows that Win can help catch the perpetrator, and he also hopes he can save de Silva from herself.

One of those she shut out was Ds Benjamin Barclay, who thought she was his friend and colleague and was hurt that she didn’t reach out to him. His complex feelings for Win mean that when they are both told to work on the case together, with Barclay taking the lead for the first time in his career, underlying tensions and feelings will impact the investigation. The dynamic between these two is brilliantly written, and their simmering tensions really add to the storyline.

The plot is a slickly written crime novel as much police procedural as a story of relationships, and let me tell you the twists and turns are bloody gasp-inducing! The attention to detail with the Policing side of Black Water Rising is brilliant and obviously very well-researched, add to this a gripping plot and storyline and you’ve got a real bookbanger! I just couldn’t put it down and read it over a couple of days, I was upset when it ended!

For a crime fiction debut novel, this is superb and a worthy 5-star read. I am looking forward to DCI de Silva’s next investigation, so I hope there will be a book 2! 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.

[Lauren Swan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a unique book in that it was set in Liverpool! No books (that I’ve found) in my chosen genre are ever set in the North of England, with the exception of some of Daniel Hurst’s books. So being from Liverpool I could picture the streets and places described which made the book all the more serious and thrilling. I’d say this definitely aired on the more graphic side when it came to some injuries of young girls so I would recommend checking your trigger warnings before reading. I would also try to get hold of a ‘scouse dictionary’ because I’m not sure some of the words and phrases translate easy outside of Liverpool. For example ‘the baggy’, ‘birds’ (not the animal) and ‘you’ll look sound’, I could be wrong- but either way I loved it! The book was a combination of a crime thriller and a police procedural read. The ending left me wanting some more closure but equally this means there could be more in the series? I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Chelsea Reylo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep saying that this isn’t my usual read—but maybe after all, I am someone who reads crime/detective novels 😂

If every book of this genre was as gripping, twisted and well written as Black Water Rising I would 100% be a devout crime fan!

I went to a Waterstones event to hear a few local, crime writers speak about their latest novels and picked up @seanwatkinauthor Black Water Rising because even from the blurb, the premise sounded right up my street—think Silence of the Lambs meets Broadchurch (two other morally grey partner detectives I can’t help but love). Upon hearing Sean speaking about his character inspiration, his writing process and of course his absolute love for our city, Liverpool—I bumped this one right up my TBR list!

And boy am I glad that I did!! I always avoid a detective crime book because I often find that they are predictable for me—quite often with too few subplots to keep me fully engaged. But I think what works incredibly well in Black Water Rising is the real mix of the main plot, subplot (which spans over time) and three really strong narratives that all manage to be complex, human, and emotionally engaging.

I loved the darker, grittier tone of the novel. The Liverpool setting felt so vivid and atmospheric, and wasn’t just used as a backdrop—it was completely entwined through the story. There’s something about crime fiction rooted in a real place, especially one with so much heart and history and of course familiarity, that just elevates the whole reading experience.

There were some genuinely shocking moments, and while the crime itself had the makings of a great thriller, it was the emotional depth and the messiness of each characters’ personal lives and histories that really made this book stand out. No character felt one-dimensional, and I loved how Watkins weaved in themes of loss, addiction, prejudice, power and justice without ever making it feel heavy-handed.

5 stars for me, easily. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m already anticipating the next two (please tell me there will be more after these too…)!

If more books in this genre were like this, I’d never say “this isn’t my usual read” again. 🖤

[Kim Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, Black Water Rising was one of those books I really wanted to love. It’s Sean Watkin’s debut novel, and honestly, it’s not a bad story—especially for a first-time author. The premise seemed promising, and the cover/blurb totally pulled me in. I went in with pretty high hopes.

But… I really struggled with this one.

I listened to the audiobook version, which was narrated by Jane Hamlet, and I think that was a big part of the problem for me. The narration was painfully slow, and at times, it kind of sounded like even the narrator wasn’t enjoying herself. It made it super hard to stay engaged, especially since the story itself already has a pretty slow pace.

The book focuses a lot on the characters and their personal struggles, which can definitely work in some stories—but here, it came at the expense of the mystery/thriller elements. When I pick up something labeled as a mystery thriller, I’m expecting some sense of urgency or suspense. Unfortunately, the actual murder case felt more like a side plot, and I just couldn’t stay invested in what was happening.

That said, I did appreciate the Liverpool accent in the narration—it added a nice sense of place and helped me picture the characters more vividly. I love when audiobooks do that; it makes the story feel a bit more grounded and real.

Overall, I don’t think it was a bad book, and there’s definitely an audience for slower, more character-driven mysteries. But it just wasn’t what I was looking for, and the audiobook didn’t help. Maybe with a different narrator or format, I’d have felt differently. Still, I’ll be keeping an eye on what Sean Watkin does next—there’s definitely potential here.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[Tim Beaumont · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delighted to find this book - a creatively written, well plotted police procedural/thriller full of local landmarks. This is a new writer and a new series worth following.

[Adam Sayward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, no spoilers but these are the things I enjoyed the most:
Dynamic between Barclay and De Silva
The cat and mouse situation between murderer and the investigation.
The detail of Liverpool, having never been - I found I could actually picture these places.

Bravo Sean, what a fantastic debut.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earlier this month, I attended the Newcastle Noir Crime Fiction Festival, it's one of my favourite festivals of the year, and we always make sure that we have tickets. One of my favourite panels during the two days that we were there was Trevor Wood, Daniel Aubrey and Sean Watkins, moderated by Michael Wood. It was fascinating and at times hilarious. I have already read, or own books by all of the authors except for Sean Watkins, so I happily bought a copy of Black Water Rising and had it signed by the man himself.

Well, what to say? What indeed? I've had a difficult reading year in 2025, ill health and various life events have really challenged my ability to concentrate, for the first time in my life. I think Sean Watkin has cured me. This is a precise and thrilling police procedural with a difference. His Liverpool setting takes the reader right into the heart of that wonderful city; and whilst the plot is tense and often dark and chilling, it is the incredible character creation that really won me over.

In DCI Winifred de Silva and DS Ben Barclay are a pair of colleagues whose relationship has been shattered by the past. De Silva is still traumatised by her husband's recent suicide, and will be for a long time, she cannot shake the memory of finding him, ever. Barclay is distressed by how de Silva has treated him since this happened. He thought they were friends. He also struggles with the thoughts taht he only has a job because, being gay, he ticked the boxes. His esteem is pretty low. He doesn't realise the levels of de Silva's feelings of guilt and when she is brought in from sick leave to work with him on the investigation that has rocked the city, he's wary.

Teenage girls are going missing in Liverpool. When the latest body is found by the Mersey, the team know that they have to find this killer. De Silva and Barclay really have to bury their demons, at least for a while, in order to ensure that no other girl dies.

Sean Watkin not only allows his readers into the minds of the investigating officers, we are also privy to the workings of the murderer's brain, how he works, what he does. This is NOT COSY CRIME! It is dark, violent, chilling and deals with the effects of horrific historical abuse and also how this is played out and hurts others.

I am impressed. I am impressed by the detailed storyline, by the sympathetic handling of the detective's own issues and the deep look into how the brain can be altered by what is done to the person. It's clever, dramatic, traumatic and tense. Written with authority and knowledge, I am eager to read book two in the series. Highly recommended.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Water Rising is a dark gritty crime thriller set in Liverpool. When teenage girls start disappearing and a third body is found on the banks of the Mersey, DCI Winifred de Silva is called back from leave to help lead the investigation. Haunted by her husband’s suicide and struggling with PTSD, she teams up with Barclay - a gifted DS whose diffidence belies his considerable ability.
As they hunt a brutal serial killer, mounting pressure and emotional strain turn the case into a race against time to stop further deaths.

I’ve been meaning to write this review for days but didn’t know where to start. It is everything I want in a psychological thriller with all the tropes I am obsessed with- haunted and troubled protagonist/investigator, police procedural, serial killer vibes with all the grit and atmosphere needed to keep me hooked from the first until the last page.

The use of Liverpool as a backdrop rather than a more overused crime-fiction setting gives the story a distinctive voice. Its reputation for resilience, loyalty, and blunt honesty feeds into the characterisation of the police team, particularly de Silva and Barclay, grounding them in a place that values toughness but often discourages vulnerability. That tension reinforces the novel’s exploration of grief, trauma, and emotional repression.

When a book is so good I don’t want it to end, I know I’m onto a winner. Thankfully we only have a few weeks until the release of the second book in the DCI De Silva series ‘Better Off Dead’. I’m genuinely excited to see where de Silva’s journey leads next. I’m hoping to see her begin to heal from the trauma and grief she endures in ‘Black Water Rising’ - or at least use it to fuel her resolve and kick some butt as the exceptionally sharp and badass DCI she is.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What have I just read!! Wow... I cannot believe this is Sean's debut novel. Absolutely incredible and I read this so fast, I could not put it down.

Here's the blurb first....

Teenage girls are going missing across Liverpool. When the body of the third victim is discovered on the banks of the Mersey, the search for the culprit intensifies, and DCI de Silva is called back to work.
Still reeling from the recent suicide of her husband and dragged down by the undertow of PTSD, de Silva has been struggling in self-imposed exile. In her fragile state, is she ready to win in a race against the clock?

This case should have been DS Barclay's opportunity to finally show himself to be more than what everybody assumes an exercise in diversity, a gay man employed to tick boxes.
De Silva and Barclay must exorcise their own demons to stop more victims suffering, all while dealing with a traumatised and escalating killer, who is hellbent on finding somebody from their past.

This book is fast paced and grim in parts, the serial killer is one sick individual and my heart was racing reading about his crimes which made my skin crawl! It's full of twists and turns and I literally gasped out loud in parts.

Reading about places I walk or run most days only built the anticipation as I read this!!
Any book about serial killers and detectives is always a winner for me and Sean has done a fantastic job with this.

I cannot wait for book 2 which is out in January! Go check this one out.

[TheLisaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sean Watkins’ Black Water Rising delivers a gripping narrative that skillfully blends crime, suspense, and psychological tension. At its core, the novel explores the dark underbelly of human nature, a theme underscored by vivid, sometimes unsettling depictions of violence and death. Some of the more gruesome scenes—particularly those involving the discovery of dead bodies—are haunting and visceral, adding to the chilling atmosphere that pervades the story.

Despite the graphic content, Watkins handles the material with purpose. The gruesomeness never feels gratuitous; instead, it serves to heighten the stakes and deepen the emotional impact of the unfolding mystery. The story is tightly woven and well-paced, drawing readers into a world where moral ambiguity reigns and danger lurks in unexpected places.

Character development is another strength of the novel. The protagonist is complex and relatable, shaped by a past that continues to echo through present events. Watkins excels at building tension and maintaining narrative momentum, guiding the reader through twists and revelations with a sure hand.

Black Water Rising is not for the faint of heart, but for those who can handle its darker moments, it offers a richly developed story that lingers long after the final page. A must-read for fans of gritty thrillers with psychological depth.

[Crooked Eye · Rating 2 out of 5]

Black Water Rising by Sean Watkin
Narrated by Jane Hamlet
Provided by NetGalley
Overall, this was an okay story. I liked the plot and the twists (although somewhat predictable, they were neatly done). However, the story was very slow, bogged down by extraneous information (detailed trips to the station, home, crimes scenes, etc that added absolutely nothing to the story—nor to the characters). The self-flagellation of both the main characters became almost unbearable. There was no light relief, not even for the reader. We just went from one characters failings to the others.

Oddly, the tone of the narrator seemed to almost echo my sentiments. I did wonder whether it was the cause of it but decided not. At times, it sounded as though the narrator was as bored as I was with the belabouring of the characters shortcomings. But then an ‘action’ (more an active than action) scene would come and the narrator would brighten up and give a dazzling performance.
I understand this was a debut, so there is time for this writer to mature and tighten up their stories. Although I give only two stars, this could be a writer to watch in the future.

[Gordon Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Water Rising is a good debut novel set in Liverpool. The case at its centre sees a number of teenage girls taken, killed and their bodies dumped on the banks of the Mersey. The main characters are the "by the book" DS Barclay and DCI Win de Sliva.

Win is on leave when the novel begins following the suicide of her husband. Racked with guilt because she was having an affair with a colleague at the time, Win is in a bad way. But she is persuaded to give a few hours to the case, inevitably becoming pulled in.

The first part of the novel is slow paced as the setting and characters are established. There are a lot of references to the back stories of both main characters, and it feels like a great deal has been missed - almost as of this was the second in the series rather than the first. But in the second section the pace heats up as the case progresses. There are twists but it's ultimately a fairly straightforward narrative. Overall, Black Water Rising is well written and engaging.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

DCI Winifred de Silva is on leave and suffering survivor's guilt since the recent suicide of her husband.
DS Barclay has his own demons of the past and present and has been working on getting de Silva's approval even now that she has been asked to return to duty in an unofficial capacity for this case.
The killer is more than just messed up and simply keeps on murdering teenaged girls and avoiding capture by the police.
The author takes us into the minds of these important characters as the coppers work hard to sort out the evidence and nuances that make up this truly challenging investigation. Riveting.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected e-galley from Canelo Crime via NetGalley.
#BlackWaterRising by @seanwatkinauthor #DCIdeSilvaCrimeThrillersBk1 @canelo_co
#NetGalley @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble #nonagenarian ***** #Review @booksamillion @bookshop_org @bookshop_org_uk #survivorsguilt #ptsd #grief #crimethriller #triggers #teenvictims #Liverpool #procedural #multiplemurder #merseyside

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first psychological thriller I've read / listened to recently ot maybe even at all that gives more than a plot and storyline from the pov of the detectives or victims. The Black Water Rising gives a lot of detail to the killer and allows you to see from this perspective. Although this at times was most definitely extremely detailed and disturbing, it most definitely adds a different dynamic to this genre, making it stand out from others. Id go as far as to say moments of this book were horror. However, it all fits for the plot and storyline.

This was fantasticly narrated and outwith the monstrous details it was an easy listen. All characters were interesting in their own way and brought something different to this audiobook. The fact that it impacted me as it did shows bot only fantastic writing by the author but also well narrated in that I was invested.

With thanks to Netgalley & Bolinda Audio for this ARC in return for an honest review. Best wishes for publication in April 📚🎧🙏🏼❤️

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

With many thanks to Netgalley for this free arc and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily

An engaging debut from Sean Watkin in this police procedural set in Liverpool. The two main characters are strong with interesting back stories that take up most of the first half as the author lays his foundations. This almost reads like the second in the series as it does feel like there has been a book before that you haven’t read and should have, to know what has gone on before. Well written and with a touch of originality in the way Di Silva uses her psychological assessment as she tries to solve the case. The second half of the book is where the pace really starts to ramp up as the chase is on to find the killer. There is no definitive ending to this although there is a great twist, which paves the way, hopefully for a second book. A very good read and a promising start from Sean Watkin

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous debut, introducing some complex and fascinating characters in DCI Da Silva and DS Barclay.

Three teenage girls are murdered and dumped on the banks of the River Mersey, There are some very gruesome descriptions, brilliantly written but also very disturbing. The perp is revealed relatively early, but don't be fooled, there is plenty more to come and some shocking twists that I really wasn't expecting.

I thought the split between the murder investigation and the introduction of new characters, their relationships and their personal lives was really well balanced and with some unresolved matters, I am very much looking forward to book 2 in this series.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator, Jane Hamlet, did an excellent job of voicing so many different characters effectively and bringing them to life.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Sean Watkin and Bolinda for an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Raymond Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need a new crime series to obsess over, stop scrolling! We were kindly gifted Black Water Rising in this first installment in the DCI De Silva crime thriller series by @seanwatkinauthor and it is gripping from the first page to the last!

It’s a police procedural that will seriously appeal to fans of Michael Wood - so obviously I LOVED IT. The city is gripped by fear and the killer is hunting for revenge, but the heart of this book is the fantastic partnership at its core.
DCI Winifred de Silva: a brilliant detective battling personal tragedy as she returns to work and DS Ben Barclay—who is juggling a chaotic personal life while desperate to prove himself. Although initially there was some resentment between the two characters - they bounce off each other perfectly.

I can’t wait for book two to come out and hope this is a series that will continue for ages. Definitely a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Sandra Leivesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of the book is fairly slow paced. The focus is more on the development of the two main characters rather than the crimes they are trying to solve. DCI de Silva and DS Barclay are both interesting with great back stories and I'm sure we'll hear more in future books.. The pace picks up considerably in the second half of the book and I really started to enjoy it. I love the setting of Liverpool, which I know a little having lived there for 6 months a few years ago, and the author described the area well. The book is a little gruesome in places which was right up my street, and the identity of the killer came as a surprise to me. I look forward to the next in the series.

I wasn't sure about the narrator at first, but she grew on me. I think I'd have liked someone with a broader Scouse accent.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some real potential here. It might not be a new idea but it's a cliche for a reason - the interplay of institutional abuse, patriarchy and powerful institutions in the UK. Here Watkin asks if the same institutions that abuse young boys are the ones churning men out into the protecting forces then how can they protect the victims of the cycle? And how many women will be collateral damage while they try and work it out. It's gruesome and hopeless and everyone has trauma, denial and dangerous coping strategies.

Some of the emotional language falls flat, the ptsd coming across more as numbness, and we are given a few too many clues for my taste. DI silva is annoyingly stupid, but i can blame that on the booze. However, the biggest flaw is the pacing which jumps between too slow and too fast without setting down enough to allow for suspense. Never the less I will look out for the sequel.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good police procedural/thriller. The first few chapters, I was wondering who Win De Silva is and what happened to make her that way, but her story and that of the other main detective, Barclay, is revealed. I liked this because it gave me a lot of information about these people and the way they act and why. The crimes are horrific and fairly graphically described. Teenage schoolgirls are going missing and then being found dead, having sustained horrific abuse. There are not many clues about the murderer but the clues are gradually pieced together . The pace picks up towards the end, but is at times quite slow. I didn't have a problem with this because the plot kept me interested and engaged.
Glad to discover another author and look forward to reading more about this team . Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book

[Kena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really excited to listen to Black Water Rising by Sean Watkin, which was expertly narrated by Jane Hamlet.

This is the first in DCI de Silva series of books set in Liverpool. I don’t live too far from Liverpool, so whilst reading I could visualise the landmarks and neighbourhoods. I found the protagonists, de Silva and Barclay, really complex and interesting characters - both facing their challenges and losses in their lives. I also found their dynamic and professional relationship interesting.

The story moves along at a good pace and is a gripping thriller with de Silva and Barclay racing to stop a serial killer.

This is Sean Watkin’s debut and I can’t wait to read the next instalment.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bolinda Audio, for making the e-audiobook available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Nav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Water Rising by Sean Watkin delivers a strong debut, a dark, crime thriller filled with emotions, layered characters, and a richly textured setting. This is so satisfying and engrossing if you love crime thrillers!

Set in Liverpool, the novel follows two main DCI de Silva, haunted by PTSD after her husband’s suicide, reluctantly returning to work and DS Barclay, navigating expectations put on him as a gay officer, teams up with de Silva.

Together they race to stop a serial killer targeting teenage girls, with the third victim found by the Mersey River.

Themes of PTSD, suicide, violence and gritty crime scenes. There is a strong appreciation of location which is Liverpool!

If you're into to series with atmospheric detail and character development, then this could be a powerful new addition to your TBR.
Rating 4/5 star💫💫💫💫

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m still sat here, jaw on the floor.

This debut had me completely hooked from the very first page – dark, grim, twisted and utterly suspenseful. The pacing is flawless, the plot is perfectly executed and the characters? Exquisite. Honestly, I had to remind myself that this was a debut because it reads like the work of a seasoned crime writer with decades of novels behind them. I am in awe.

Watkin has delivered a perfectly paced, shocking and suspenseful debut that I literally could not put down. That ending? Whaaaaat!?

Black Water Rising has left me with more questions that I need answering, and I need book 2 immediately. Thankfully, DCI De Silva will be back and I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for her next case.

Crime fans, you NEED to prioritise this and read it immediately!

[Tami Wylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an absolutely fantastic debut from Sean Watkins. When three teenage girls are found murdered in Liverpool, Detective Winifred de Silva is called upon to cast her intuitive eye over the cases. Dealing with her own personal tragedy, she is reluctant to get involved. Detective Barclay has his own reasons for not wanting her involved. Will they be able to put their differences aside to find a killer before the death toll rises? This book is packed with excitement and twists. It’s fast paced and the main characters of de Silva and Barclay are very well written. They are exceptionally human and emotive. This one had me guessing right up to the very end. I can’t wait for more from DeSilva and Barclay. A great read from cover to cover.

[John Mccormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
An excellent debut, well written with superb characterisation throughout especially the two lead detectives. Grabbed your attention from first to last page, with plenty of surprises and twists for good measure. Clever descriptive intelligent storytelling with some seriously tense scenes that had me holding my breath. Some readers may feel there is a lot of the book unnecessarily involving the main characters home lives but I thought this background information necessary to the development of the series future stories, which I look forward to immensely.
Completely and utterly recommended.

[Jo McEldowney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.

The story was centred around the hunt for a serial killer who preys on young girls.

I enjoyed the two main characters and felt there was lots of depth into which the series will probably further delve as it continues.

I felt the book paced well, however it was the age old tale of abused becomes the abuser, with an extra twist thrown in at the end.

A bit predictable, but well written and really enjoyable.

I listened to the audio book and thought the narration was spot on, including the scouse accent.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for the arc.

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

We begin with DCI Win de Silva suffering in her personal life with the loss of her husband Ritchie. She isn't coping but she is called into work by her boss, DSI O'Brien to help her partner DS Benjamin Barclay on a case of a murdered girl. Is she a lone victim or part of a string of killings in Liverpool? How are they connected? Who is doing the killing? Why are they being killed? Win and Benjamin discover a few unsettling truths when they investigate the cases. I found the book to be well written with a taut and terrifying storyline. I loved the team dynamic between Win, Benjamin and their boss and they worked well together. All the sub plots came together with dramatic ending.

[CJ Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black water rising is the debut novel by Sean Watkin and introduces us to DCI De Silva, who is drafted in to help support find a killer of teenage girls, having spent time in self enforced isolation after the suicide of her husband sees her suffering survivors guilt and PTSD, she must battle her own demons as well as keep level headed during the investigation.

Set in the city of Liverpool the setting and dialogue added to the story, De Silva is a complex character with many layers I enjoyed the descriptive detailed writing it was intense and dark. and look forward to seeing were this series develops.