Black Water Rising: DCI de Silva Crime Thrillers, Book 1

DCI de Silva #1

by Sean Watkin

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.

Genres: Crime, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Audiobook

Audible Audio

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

[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.

[Frank BC · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book from Sean Watkin and the first in the series of DCI de Silva. A very well written book with true characterisation and development throughout. Some gripping twists and turns to solve the horrendous crimes all around familiar parts of Liverpool. This made it a cracking book!

[Caitlin Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. I found the flow was fast paced and kept me hooked throughout. I am excited to see DCI De Silva’s character development over the next two books.

[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. 🖤

[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.

[Natalie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perseverance was key in this novel.

I really struggled with the voice in this novel. There was a lot of woe-is-me positioning. The main protagonists were difficult to like and the pacing was slow. But, I am pleased I continued. The pacing improves dramatically (I wish the idea of a second perpetrator happened sooner), and the characters grow.

I’ll definitely give the next instalment a go.

[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 📚🎧🙏🏼❤️

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! This book… WOW! Completely, utterly mind-blowing!! 🤯🔥

DCI Winifred de Silva returned to work after taking a few months off following her husband’s death by suicide. She conducted a thorough investigation into the murder of teenage girls who had been kidnapped, raped, tortured, and murdered before their bodies were found in Liverpool. 👮🏼‍♀️

DCI de Silva teamed up with DS Benjamin Barclay in a race against time to track down the serial killer before he could claim more victims. 😓What they never expected was that the help he was receiving came from someone far closer to home… 😱

It leaves you questioning how well you ever knew someone you’d trusted for years, and what they were hiding behind closed doors. 🤔

Disturbing, gripping, and utterly fantastic - easily one of the best books I’ve read so far this year! 😍 I can’t wait to dive into book two, ‘Better Off Dead’, and continue the series… 📖👀

Thank you to the lovely Laura (@_fantasy_and_thrillers) for gifting me this book 🫶🏼😘 xx

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Sue - Recos and Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ | Buddy Read

Book one of what is currently a three-part series, and definitely not for the faint-hearted. In fact, this may be one of the darkest thrillers I’ve ever read.

I read this as part of a buddy read and, by day two, I was already asking, can this actually get any darker? Because pretty much every character seems to be carrying some seriously heavy baggage.

The story follows two detectives trying to track down a serial killer, but their personal lives are given almost as much attention as the investigation. I actually liked getting the backstory in the first book of a series, as it gives you a good understanding of the characters and plenty of groundwork for what’s to come.

That said, at times it felt like the book was trying a little too hard to shock and unsettle the reader. Personally, I would have liked at least a couple of characters who weren't dealing with one devastating thing after another. The addition of the romance also felt unnecessary to me and didn’t really add anything to the story.

There are going to be a very long list of trigger warnings for this one, and even if you’re usually okay with dark subject matter, be prepared. There are some scenes that are clearly designed to make the reader uncomfortable, and the escalating desperation surrounding the serial killer becomes increasingly disturbing as the story progresses.

Set in Liverpool, the location adds another layer to the story, and I did enjoy seeing the city used as the backdrop for the investigation.

I was honestly a little on the fence throughout much of the book. The darkness made it difficult for me to fully settle into the story, but then came that ending. It completely changed how I felt about the book and, more importantly, set things up brilliantly for book two. After spending much of the story wondering whether the darkness was going to work for me, that ending definitely pulled me back in. So yes, I’ll be continuing with the series. I need to know what happens next!

[Maria · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Overall this was a good story, although some of the scenes were hard to get through with graphic content making my toes curl. I liked the backstory for the 2 detectives working on the case but at times the characters lacked nuanced emotional depth. After the build up, the ending felt a bit rushed. Does this leave the door open for a sequel? I believe this is the first of a trilogy and I will be on the look out for these on my library app!

[JAYNE ROSCAMP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhh I may have just discovered another UK based police procedural that I like ..

[Sam Versluijs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, kept me intrigued at all times. Very interesting characters, making rational choices.

[Rustic_Reads_ 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.

[books_by_vickib · 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.

[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!

[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.

[Graeme Cumming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Water Rising is the first of the DCI de Silva series. I was a little hesitant about the book going in because it's a police procedural. In fairness, I don't have a massive issue with police procedurals per se, it's just that there are a lot of them out there and they can be a bit samey. On the plus side, this was set in Liverpool. I'm not particularly familiar with the city, but it has been good to see the trend for books set in the north of England.

If I'm brutally honest, the opening didn't fill me with optimism. A body's been found, a copper's been called to the scene, it's the second one they've found so it might be serial killer... So far, so same. Admittedly, there was something odd about this de Silva woman. She didn't want to be there, something traumatic had happened in the not too distant past (okay, maybe that felt a bit samey as well), and she wasn't enthusiastic about the job.

It turned out, though, that, although it's billed as a de Silva book, there's another main character as well: Ben Barclay. As a DS working with de Silva, you'd instinctively think that he's her sidekick. In practice, their relationship is a lot more complicated than that. And maybe that's where I started to sway away from my preconceived ideas. Unfortunately, that's as much as I can say on that front. No spoilers. But the nature of their relationship alone raises this a notch above the standard police procedural.

Then, of course, there is the crime itself. Inevitably, things are not straightforward. It wouldn't be much of a read if they were. But, again, there are some extra layers in there that lift things up at least another couple of notches.

With a strong sense of place, and the stakes rising in ways I didn't expect, Watkin converted me. I have a few other books in front of it, but I will be picking up book two in the series, Better off Dead, before too long. It'll be good to see what's in store for de Silva and Barclay, especially after that ending.

[Shona · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

Wow, what an utterly intense and intriguing read right from the very beginning! This was very much a book that I’d seen pop up on Bookstagram a lot lately and I’m so glad I picked it up!

Set in the gritty streets of Liverpool this police detective series really doesn’t hide the dark side of policing in any way. Living just along the way from Liverpool in North Wales, it was interesting to recognise some of the locations mentioned, and definitely engages me even more as a reader.

Even without the location familiarity I would still have been utterly engrossed, I was totally invested in De Silva and Barclay solving the crime. Both of these characters had their own personal matters to deal with but the case was always first and foremost, a very believable aspect when considering the police profession.

I was kept guessing constantly throughout and although I had my suspicions, the final twist is one that totally blew everything out of the water, so clever! An astounding debut and needless to say I’ve already moved on to the next book in the series!

[David Vassou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gift from my mum and definitely not my usual kind of read, but wow... I absolutely loved it.

As a Scouser, I was so excited to see so many recognisable places, genuinely accurate descriptions of Liverpool, and dialogue that actually sounds like the way people here speak. It instantly pulled me in and made the whole story feel even more immersive.

The book follows Detectives De Silva and Barclay as they investigate the murders of young women whose bodies are found in the docks and across the city. They are such a great pairing. De Silva is returning to work after a personal tragedy, while Barclay is ambitious and trying to balance the demands of the job with his husband and young daughter. I also really appreciated the queer representation, which felt like such a refreshing change for this genre.

This book completely hooked me from the first few chapters. It honestly felt like reading a really good late night ITV crime drama that you tell yourself you'll watch one episode of and suddenly it's 1am. The murders are dark and gruesome, so definitely not one for the faint hearted, but nothing ever felt over the top. Sean Watkin does a brilliant job of building tension, writing believable dialogue, and delivering some genuinely edge of your seat moments.

And that ending... I genuinely did not see that twist coming.

It wraps everything up in a really satisfying way while still leaving enough unanswered that I would happily pick up a sequel tomorrow.

I went into this with no expectations and came away completely blown away.

A very easy 5 stars from me.

[Well of Lost Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trauma, murder, messy feelings, and detectives who actually talk about their emotions—who gave this book permission to be this good? 😮🖤

Black Water Rising grabbed me by the collar and did not let go. I read it in one sitting. At its heart are two beautifully written, broken in the most human way detectives whose past traumas quietly shape every decision they make. What I loved most was the restraint: not everything is spelled out, but instead hinted at, trusted to linger, and clearly set up to be explored further (please let this be a long-running series).

Their painful histories are handled with real compassion and dignity, and the internal landscapes: guilt, shame and unworthiness, feel painfully authentic. The coping mechanisms aren’t glamorised either: crying, long showers, alcohol, avoidance… and, crucially, the slow, difficult effort to do better. Honest conversations. Boundaries. Choosing growth over self-destruction. It’s rare and refreshing to see this kind of emotional accountability woven so seamlessly into crime fiction.

And the crime plot? Absolutely cracking. A serial killer, bodies piling up, leaks within the department, relentless journalists, and mounting pressure create a perfectly escalating police procedural that’s tense, sharp, and impossible to put down. By the final pages I was already counting down to the next instalment—and the fact that it’s coming soon is a genuine gift. 🖤🌊📖

[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

[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