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Cullen & Bain #5
Dead in the Water: Police Scotland Crime Series, Book 1
A missing witness. A hidden conspiracy. One hell of a case.
As Acting DC Scott Cullen works with DC Craig Hunter to track down a witness who didn’t show during a court case, they stumble upon another crime–two homeless women, dying of a suspected heroin overdose.
As they investigate, they uncover a far-reaching criminal empire, dealing death and misery to Edinburgh’s underclass. And come across another investigative team who may not be exactly on the same side.
As the case brings two cops together and drives a wedge between another pair, can Cullen and Hunter rescue the witness and bring her assailant to justice?
Dead in the Water is the first book in the Police Scotland crime thriller series of bestselling Scottish crime novels, which will all be released in Audio in 2025.
As Acting DC Scott Cullen works with DC Craig Hunter to track down a witness who didn’t show during a court case, they stumble upon another crime–two homeless women, dying of a suspected heroin overdose.
As they investigate, they uncover a far-reaching criminal empire, dealing death and misery to Edinburgh’s underclass. And come across another investigative team who may not be exactly on the same side.
As the case brings two cops together and drives a wedge between another pair, can Cullen and Hunter rescue the witness and bring her assailant to justice?
Dead in the Water is the first book in the Police Scotland crime thriller series of bestselling Scottish crime novels, which will all be released in Audio in 2025.
Audible Audio
Published June 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 29, 2021
While I've enjoyed previous books in this series, this one did not grab my attention. There's such a nonsensical way in which this one was written. Lot's of irrelevant page filler dribble that I couldn't even finish the book. I forced myself to read half and just got so bored I stopped.
August 13, 2023
Wonderful Dialogue.
I found this a good read, with great characters, a storyline with wonderful dialogue, thanks to Ed James. I had some great laughs at the police force, where drugs were involved, that turned into a bigger problem than it should have. It does continue in the next book.
A recommend read.
I found this a good read, with great characters, a storyline with wonderful dialogue, thanks to Ed James. I had some great laughs at the police force, where drugs were involved, that turned into a bigger problem than it should have. It does continue in the next book.
A recommend read.
May 28, 2024
not for me
Sadly, the swearing has already began right at the start of the novel. I’m wondering if it would’ve been a good read as it seemed to be moving forward in the right direction. However, I’ll never know now due to the use of bad language 😔
Sadly, the swearing has already began right at the start of the novel. I’m wondering if it would’ve been a good read as it seemed to be moving forward in the right direction. However, I’ll never know now due to the use of bad language 😔
nope
May 28, 2024Tried it, started several times but it didn't work for me.
September 26, 2024
dead in the water. police Scotland book 1.
Fast, and slow, good read, looks like it will get better. Great teams, of Police, two different stations working together.
Fast, and slow, good read, looks like it will get better. Great teams, of Police, two different stations working together.
April 21, 2023
2.5 stars. Boring.
November 29, 2025
Dead in the Water, is the fifth book in the Cullen and Bain series by Ed James. I enjoy the Scottish crime thrillers by this author, and particularly like the banter between the characters. This novel is set a decade before the main series timeline, and works as a standalone novel.
Acting DC Scott Cullen is thrown together with DC Craig Hunter when they’re tasked with tracking down a witness who has failed to appear in court. What seems like a relatively straightforward assignment takes a chilling turn when the pair stumble upon two homeless women dying from what appears to be a heroin overdose. Their deaths, however, are only the tip of a rapidly darkening iceberg.
As Cullen and Hunter start digging, they uncover the workings of a sprawling criminal network preying on Edinburgh’s most vulnerable, a ruthless empire profiting from addiction, exploitation, and despair. But the threat isn’t only external. Another investigative team appears to be walking a dangerous line between policing and corruption, and the boundaries of trust begin to erode fast.
I enjoy the characters in these books and this was another quick decent read.
Acting DC Scott Cullen is thrown together with DC Craig Hunter when they’re tasked with tracking down a witness who has failed to appear in court. What seems like a relatively straightforward assignment takes a chilling turn when the pair stumble upon two homeless women dying from what appears to be a heroin overdose. Their deaths, however, are only the tip of a rapidly darkening iceberg.
As Cullen and Hunter start digging, they uncover the workings of a sprawling criminal network preying on Edinburgh’s most vulnerable, a ruthless empire profiting from addiction, exploitation, and despair. But the threat isn’t only external. Another investigative team appears to be walking a dangerous line between policing and corruption, and the boundaries of trust begin to erode fast.
I enjoy the characters in these books and this was another quick decent read.
November 1, 2023
I read the first 7 Cullen books then pretty much 5 years without going back so her I am now and with the way Ed James has reorganised the series I’ve started with book 1.
Easily picking up on where I left off, years ago albeit a young Cullen, it was familiar feel from what I remembered.
It’s not a long book so plot wise it’s not to complex. It’s a nice start to show why many characters turn out how they are in later books.
It’s a decent read
Easily picking up on where I left off, years ago albeit a young Cullen, it was familiar feel from what I remembered.
It’s not a long book so plot wise it’s not to complex. It’s a nice start to show why many characters turn out how they are in later books.
It’s a decent read
September 24, 2025
This is a good introduction to the series and the dynamics between various characters that will appear in the books to come. We meet the ambitious young detectives and major criminal elements of Edinburgh in a rain-sodden city where the Christmas atmosphere is marred by a missing victim and a drug-related death. The main characters are presented as complex individuals, each with their own history, demons and merits. Solid start to the series.
July 16, 2021
Really great to get the background on Cullen, Hunter and Bain, and how they all started out, and the reasons for the conflict between Cullen and Hunter which is only vaguely touched upon later in the other books.
Also, as usual, the storyline was gripping and entertaining. I love all the banter and the way Ed writes the chapters from the characters' point of view. All in all, another great read.
Also, as usual, the storyline was gripping and entertaining. I love all the banter and the way Ed writes the chapters from the characters' point of view. All in all, another great read.
July 21, 2021
Excellent!
Another fascinating instalment in this intriguing series, detailing the beginning of the relationships between Bain, Cullen, Hunter and more. Excited for the final instalment, but equally a little sad there'll be no further ones after it. Please continue the Cullen and Hunter series if there is to be more Bain and Cullen novels.
Another fascinating instalment in this intriguing series, detailing the beginning of the relationships between Bain, Cullen, Hunter and more. Excited for the final instalment, but equally a little sad there'll be no further ones after it. Please continue the Cullen and Hunter series if there is to be more Bain and Cullen novels.
November 20, 2021
If you’re a fan of Cullen/Bain you’ll love this one, and it opens the lid on a few of the things that happen in the past.
Lovely little nods to the future, Bane looking at Hunter and thinking ‘he’s the type of guy who’s so you in a phone box’!
Loved the whole series, time to reluctantly start the last one.
Lovely little nods to the future, Bane looking at Hunter and thinking ‘he’s the type of guy who’s so you in a phone box’!
Loved the whole series, time to reluctantly start the last one.
July 22, 2025
2.5/5. Supposedly this is a prequel, but what a bummer. Bad guy gets away. Left hanging with Hunter. Cullen has a woman hit on him and the bad guy gets away. Talk about being left hanging and not in a good way. I am not sure if I will read the next one even though they gave me a giant sample at the end!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2025
I read the 2024 re-write of this book as it now in a new series known as Police Scotland Book 1. I really enjoyed this re-write. Ending not what I expected! Looking forward to Ghost in the Machine! If you love gritty thrillers you will love Ed James!
July 15, 2021
Cracking read
Ed up to his usual high standard. Great read with lots of twists and turns.Thoroughly enjoyed it,can't wait for the next episode
Ed up to his usual high standard. Great read with lots of twists and turns.Thoroughly enjoyed it,can't wait for the next episode
August 27, 2021
Really good novels
Love reading all of the Cullen, Hunter, and Cullen and Bain books. All different, and all gripping reads. Great characters and easy to follow but not simple.
Love reading all of the Cullen, Hunter, and Cullen and Bain books. All different, and all gripping reads. Great characters and easy to follow but not simple.
September 5, 2021
A story set 10 years in the past, when Scott Cullen first becomes a DC in Edinburgh, featuring many characters from the later Cullen books.
December 26, 2021
For fun & frolics.
September 15, 2023
Enjoyed this book. I haven't read any of the others which may have helped understand the characters a little more. But a good read,
April 20, 2024
Only the second book I have not been able to finish.....
May 27, 2024
A fast paced read with plenty of believable, well developed, characters and an interesting story.
August 13, 2024
KINDLE
May 27, 2025
DNF 35%
I tried I really did but after chapter 16 I was done.
I tried I really did but after chapter 16 I was done.
August 27, 2025
I liked this. It’s a bit different as it covers a young DC as opposed to the boss. It’s witty charming and a good story
November 3, 2025
Not my favourite Ed James book.
December 18, 2025
Gripping read
As with all Ed James books I've read i found this one enjoyable and hard to put down. Worth buying.
As with all Ed James books I've read i found this one enjoyable and hard to put down. Worth buying.
November 1, 2021
This series cannot end
I feel I've devoted a significant amount of time getting to know every single detective in every single book, and I've found them all interesting. But Bain is hilarious. I REALLY REALLY hate to see that the next book is the last. Great author. Under appreciated.
I feel I've devoted a significant amount of time getting to know every single detective in every single book, and I've found them all interesting. But Bain is hilarious. I REALLY REALLY hate to see that the next book is the last. Great author. Under appreciated.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews