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The Drowning Place
Brought to you by Penguin.Every place has its ghosts. Edenscar, a town in the Peak District, has more than most.
17 years ago, its inhabitants were hit by tragedy when a school bus veered off the road and everyone on board drowned. Everyone, that is, except Joseph Ashe. His miraculous survival has haunted him and the town ever since.
Now a Detective Sergeant in the local police, Joe is called to the scene of a brutal and apparently inexplicable crime. The whole town is spooked, but Joe’s new boss, DI Laurie Bower, more used to inner-city police work, has no time for superstition. She just wants to find the very real killer who has left no trace and apparently had no motive.
Joining forces, Joe and Laurie work to uncover the secrets of Edenscar, both past and present.
But when you dig up the dead, expect to get your hands dirty…
17 years ago, its inhabitants were hit by tragedy when a school bus veered off the road and everyone on board drowned. Everyone, that is, except Joseph Ashe. His miraculous survival has haunted him and the town ever since.
Now a Detective Sergeant in the local police, Joe is called to the scene of a brutal and apparently inexplicable crime. The whole town is spooked, but Joe’s new boss, DI Laurie Bower, more used to inner-city police work, has no time for superstition. She just wants to find the very real killer who has left no trace and apparently had no motive.
Joining forces, Joe and Laurie work to uncover the secrets of Edenscar, both past and present.
But when you dig up the dead, expect to get your hands dirty…
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Published April 16, 2026
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About the author
Sarah Hilary
42 books591 followersSarah’s debut, Someone Else's Skin, won Theakstons Crime Novel of the Year and was a World Book Night selection. The Observer's Book of the Month ("superbly disturbing”) and a Richard & Judy Book Club bestseller, it was a Silver Falchion and Macavity Award finalist in the US. No Other Darkness, the second in the series was shortlisted for a Barry Award. Her DI Marnie Rome series continued with Tastes Like Fear (longlisted for Theakstons Crime Novel of the Year 2017) and Quieter Than Killing (Observer’s Thriller of the Month). Come and Find Me was published in 2018, with Never Be Broken to come in 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
August 29, 2025
4+
DI Laurie Bower and DS Joe Ashe #1
Nine children and three adults drown in the Ladybower reservoir in Derbyshire whilst on a school bus - Paige, Zoe, Ellie, Hayley, Molly, Tyler, Seth, Devin and Sammi. Joe Ashe’s survival is miraculous and he’s the only one to do so and it has haunted him ever since. Now he’s a grown man, a police officer and Sammi grows with Joe and he still sees him, his company almost a constant. DI Laurie Bower is a newcomer to the area, formerly with Salford police, she is reluctantly here for family reasons for the next six months. What has Laurie stepped into because something, a hidden danger is out there waiting, Joe just knows it and his intuition is proved right and how.
I love a setting in an area that I know and the Peak
District National Park of Derbyshire and its surroundings is one I visit growing up in the neighbouring county of Nottinghamshire. Although it centres around the fictional Edenscar (pronounced Enscar) many other places are genuine. This novel is beautifully written, as are all of Sarah Hilary‘s books and it’s absolutely full of atmosphere. The landscape of the Peaks, the moors, the forest crowding the cottages, the night time dark with the lack of light pollution and the weather, all evoke a changing backdrop to the plot which ranges from eerie and ghostly to secretive, dangerous and evil. The plot is as gritty as the Dark Peaks, it’s full of mystery and brooding with the dramatic events in and around Edenscar being a stark contrast to the formerly peaceful rural spot.
The central characters of the police team are well depicted with fluctuating dynamics and camaraderie, although the clever nickname of Lady Bower understandably rankles with Laurie. She is a tough cookie, strong, intuitive, a good leader, prickly at times but she has her fair share of struggles, not at least her current domestic situation. I like that she’s not too proud to apologise from time to time if she thinks she’s got it wrong. As for enigmatic Joe, he’s particularly fascinating as he puts a brave, bland, agreeable face on his past and his haunting guilt and how this deeply affects him day-to-day and in his interactions. I particularly enjoy his relationship with his grandmother who seems to completely understand and get him. Although they aren’t always on the same page there’s a good growing partnership between Joe and Laurie and I’m looking forward to seeing how this develops.
The plot builds slowly but carefully, it’s well paced, with tension and suspense and with the inevitable twists and turns. The different strands connect well and the ending is unexpected but not left field.
I’m glad this is to be a series as these characters are far too good to be one offs. It gets off to a cracking start and I can’t wait for number two.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to. Random House UK, Vintage for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Publishing date - 16/4/26.
DI Laurie Bower and DS Joe Ashe #1
Nine children and three adults drown in the Ladybower reservoir in Derbyshire whilst on a school bus - Paige, Zoe, Ellie, Hayley, Molly, Tyler, Seth, Devin and Sammi. Joe Ashe’s survival is miraculous and he’s the only one to do so and it has haunted him ever since. Now he’s a grown man, a police officer and Sammi grows with Joe and he still sees him, his company almost a constant. DI Laurie Bower is a newcomer to the area, formerly with Salford police, she is reluctantly here for family reasons for the next six months. What has Laurie stepped into because something, a hidden danger is out there waiting, Joe just knows it and his intuition is proved right and how.
I love a setting in an area that I know and the Peak
District National Park of Derbyshire and its surroundings is one I visit growing up in the neighbouring county of Nottinghamshire. Although it centres around the fictional Edenscar (pronounced Enscar) many other places are genuine. This novel is beautifully written, as are all of Sarah Hilary‘s books and it’s absolutely full of atmosphere. The landscape of the Peaks, the moors, the forest crowding the cottages, the night time dark with the lack of light pollution and the weather, all evoke a changing backdrop to the plot which ranges from eerie and ghostly to secretive, dangerous and evil. The plot is as gritty as the Dark Peaks, it’s full of mystery and brooding with the dramatic events in and around Edenscar being a stark contrast to the formerly peaceful rural spot.
The central characters of the police team are well depicted with fluctuating dynamics and camaraderie, although the clever nickname of Lady Bower understandably rankles with Laurie. She is a tough cookie, strong, intuitive, a good leader, prickly at times but she has her fair share of struggles, not at least her current domestic situation. I like that she’s not too proud to apologise from time to time if she thinks she’s got it wrong. As for enigmatic Joe, he’s particularly fascinating as he puts a brave, bland, agreeable face on his past and his haunting guilt and how this deeply affects him day-to-day and in his interactions. I particularly enjoy his relationship with his grandmother who seems to completely understand and get him. Although they aren’t always on the same page there’s a good growing partnership between Joe and Laurie and I’m looking forward to seeing how this develops.
The plot builds slowly but carefully, it’s well paced, with tension and suspense and with the inevitable twists and turns. The different strands connect well and the ending is unexpected but not left field.
I’m glad this is to be a series as these characters are far too good to be one offs. It gets off to a cracking start and I can’t wait for number two.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to. Random House UK, Vintage for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Publishing date - 16/4/26.
December 8, 2025
With many thanks to Netgalley for this free arc and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily
The wonderful Sarah Hilary is back with a new police procedural series and what a cracker it is!
The writing is sublime, the descriptive narrative enticing with an eerie feel and the highly original storyline is perfectly paced. Ashe and Bower steal the show as the mismatched police officers, one a formidable senior detective the other living with childhood ghosts. The plot is expertly constructed and the culprit a real surprise. This one had it all, the twists, the characters, the emotions and an excellent concept of combining the mystery with the supernatural. One of her best to date - kudos Ms Hilary and a massive 5⭐️
October 13, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC of Sarah Hilary’s forthcoming novel. The plot immediately captured my attention with its teasing hint of supernatural activity. A family murder forces the local police to work alongside DI Laurie, seconded to the case, and DS Ashe, creating a bittersweet partnership as they navigate the impact of the three linked deaths on the inhabitants of a Peak District village and the constabulary. Ashe, the sole survivor of a coach crash that killed many of his friends, is haunted—quite literally—by the ghosts of that event, which adds an unsettling layer to the investigation. If you enjoy crime fiction with supernatural elements, this quirky and original take on the genre is worth reading; it has a touch of the Randall and Hopkirk flavour. At times the narrative can be confusing, with three-way conversations crossing between the living and the dead, so it’s worth slowing down and re-reading a few paragraphs to follow the flow. Fast-paced and gripping, there’s no room to dawdle.
April 18, 2026
Edenscar may be fictional, but the Dark Peak setting is perfect for this book. Vividly described and its hints of menace and claustrophobia lend another dimension to the story.
The book is - in some ways - a fairly standard thriller, with local police investigating the brutal murder of a young couple and their child. However, the book also forces a relative outsider (she’s been working in Salford) into the mix and she also has to uncover the secrets of those she’s working with. This is focused on DS Ashe, the sole survivor of a crash seventeen years earlier that devastated the village. He is, literally, haunted by his experience and his attempts to live with survivor guilt introduce a supernatural element to proceedings.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this.
The book is - in some ways - a fairly standard thriller, with local police investigating the brutal murder of a young couple and their child. However, the book also forces a relative outsider (she’s been working in Salford) into the mix and she also has to uncover the secrets of those she’s working with. This is focused on DS Ashe, the sole survivor of a crash seventeen years earlier that devastated the village. He is, literally, haunted by his experience and his attempts to live with survivor guilt introduce a supernatural element to proceedings.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this.
August 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC!
This was a little weird for me. The writing was good, and the actual police mystery felt pretty tight and interesting. I can safely say I didn't see the villain coming, so it was nice to be constantly surprised about what's happening. Unfortunately, I felt unfulfilled regarding where the story went and the characters themselves.
This is the start of a series, and I wouldn't mind, but it felt like I was missing half a book. The characters all felt like they hadn't been fully fleshed out, and the mystery itself felt like it had been half uncovered. Without spoiling anything (obviously), I got to the end and was like '...how is it over?'. We never really get a solid conclusion about what's happening with a big part of the mystery, and I felt like I was missing an extra quarter of the book. Nothing was properly explained to me, and I feel like I got to touch the answer, but nothing more.
In terms of the characters themselves, Joe was the most interesting. He was in a severe accident as a child, which resulted in him being the only survivor with some unusual aftereffects. Given that he lives in a small town, everyone knows his background, and plenty of people are not entirely happy with his presence. Despite that, he's a sturdy figure who doesn't let things get to him, something he's embraced after years of being bullied and ostracised by others. I liked Joe, even if I didn't understand why his backstory was important or his whole 'thing' was happening.
Laurie...I didn't care for her. She's moved to Edenscar from Salford for six months with her husband to help take care of her father-in-law, who has dementia. She's got a lot of negative stereotypes and notions about the place she's moving to, and she lets it show. It makes her a hard character to enjoy, as she seems snobby. Not only that, but her relationship with her husband was poor, and there were repeated mentions of her dead sister. I didn't particularly understand why any of this existed, as none proved important or interesting.
Overall, it was fine, and I'm sure the author can work on something more solid in the future books. But for a first book, this didn't really entice me into wanting to read more. For now, I was just left wondering what the point of most things was.
This was a little weird for me. The writing was good, and the actual police mystery felt pretty tight and interesting. I can safely say I didn't see the villain coming, so it was nice to be constantly surprised about what's happening. Unfortunately, I felt unfulfilled regarding where the story went and the characters themselves.
This is the start of a series, and I wouldn't mind, but it felt like I was missing half a book. The characters all felt like they hadn't been fully fleshed out, and the mystery itself felt like it had been half uncovered. Without spoiling anything (obviously), I got to the end and was like '...how is it over?'. We never really get a solid conclusion about what's happening with a big part of the mystery, and I felt like I was missing an extra quarter of the book. Nothing was properly explained to me, and I feel like I got to touch the answer, but nothing more.
In terms of the characters themselves, Joe was the most interesting. He was in a severe accident as a child, which resulted in him being the only survivor with some unusual aftereffects. Given that he lives in a small town, everyone knows his background, and plenty of people are not entirely happy with his presence. Despite that, he's a sturdy figure who doesn't let things get to him, something he's embraced after years of being bullied and ostracised by others. I liked Joe, even if I didn't understand why his backstory was important or his whole 'thing' was happening.
Laurie...I didn't care for her. She's moved to Edenscar from Salford for six months with her husband to help take care of her father-in-law, who has dementia. She's got a lot of negative stereotypes and notions about the place she's moving to, and she lets it show. It makes her a hard character to enjoy, as she seems snobby. Not only that, but her relationship with her husband was poor, and there were repeated mentions of her dead sister. I didn't particularly understand why any of this existed, as none proved important or interesting.
Overall, it was fine, and I'm sure the author can work on something more solid in the future books. But for a first book, this didn't really entice me into wanting to read more. For now, I was just left wondering what the point of most things was.
November 25, 2025
The Drowning Place promises a moody Peak District mystery, but unfortunately it delivers very little of the atmosphere or tension the blurb suggests. Nothing in the description hinted that the story would lean into the paranormal, and had I known ghosts would play a central role, I’d have given it a miss from the start.
The book actually begins strong: a house littered with vicious traps sets the expectation of a dark, unsettling crime thriller. I thought we were heading into something sharp and sinister. Instead, the pacing quickly unravels. The narrative moves sluggishly, never gaining the momentum or edge needed to sustain suspense. For a story involving multiple crimes and long-buried secrets, it’s surprisingly bland.
Character connection is another major weakness. I didn’t find myself caring about any of them. Even Joseph “I see dead people” Ashe, whose traumatic past should have made him compelling, left me completely unmoved. His survivor’s guilt felt more like a plot device than anything emotionally resonant.
As for the plot, I often found myself wondering whether the author had a full grasp on where it was headed. Three crimes, presumably interconnected, should offer a complex, immersive mystery. Instead, everything feels oddly brushed over, as if the story can’t quite commit to digging into its own darkness. Opportunities for tension, horror, or even just solid investigative intrigue are left hanging.
Since this is the first in a planned series, I suspect some threads were intentionally left loose. But as an opener, it simply doesn’t do enough. The slow pacing, lack of character depth, and unexpected paranormal direction make it a disappointing read. I won’t be continuing with the series.
The book actually begins strong: a house littered with vicious traps sets the expectation of a dark, unsettling crime thriller. I thought we were heading into something sharp and sinister. Instead, the pacing quickly unravels. The narrative moves sluggishly, never gaining the momentum or edge needed to sustain suspense. For a story involving multiple crimes and long-buried secrets, it’s surprisingly bland.
Character connection is another major weakness. I didn’t find myself caring about any of them. Even Joseph “I see dead people” Ashe, whose traumatic past should have made him compelling, left me completely unmoved. His survivor’s guilt felt more like a plot device than anything emotionally resonant.
As for the plot, I often found myself wondering whether the author had a full grasp on where it was headed. Three crimes, presumably interconnected, should offer a complex, immersive mystery. Instead, everything feels oddly brushed over, as if the story can’t quite commit to digging into its own darkness. Opportunities for tension, horror, or even just solid investigative intrigue are left hanging.
Since this is the first in a planned series, I suspect some threads were intentionally left loose. But as an opener, it simply doesn’t do enough. The slow pacing, lack of character depth, and unexpected paranormal direction make it a disappointing read. I won’t be continuing with the series.
November 3, 2025
Joe is a policeman in a quiet Peak District town. He has a troubled past. Seventeen years ago he was the sole survivor of a bus crash in which his classmates were killed. Guilt follows him like a shadow, as does his old school friend, Sammi, who was one of the victims of the crash. Sprinkle in a new boss (a city girl with family connections to the town) low life crooks and death and you have the makings of a Happy Valley-type story, as one of the previews suggested.
Sadly, though, I really struggled with this novel. It takes a long time to get going, the characters aren't very interesting or layered. Most of all though, the ghost of Sammi constantly interjecting is very distracting and disconcerting. It didn't work for me, sorry.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Sadly, though, I really struggled with this novel. It takes a long time to get going, the characters aren't very interesting or layered. Most of all though, the ghost of Sammi constantly interjecting is very distracting and disconcerting. It didn't work for me, sorry.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
April 11, 2026
Every place has its ghosts. Edenscar, a town in the Peak District, has more than most. 17 years ago, its inhabitants were hit by tragedy when a school bus veered off the road and everyone on board drowned. Everyone, that is, except Joseph Ashe. His miraculous survival has haunted him and the town ever since. Now a Detective Sergeant in the local police, Joe is called to the scene of a brutal and apparently inexplicable crime. The whole town is spooked, but Joe’s new boss, DI Laurie Bower, more used to inner-city police work, has no time for superstition. She just wants to find the very real killer who has left no trace and apparently had no motive. Joining forces, Joe and Laurie work to uncover the secrets of Edenscar, both past and present. But when you dig up the dead, expect to get your hands dirty…
This is the first in a new crime series, introducing us to the policing world of Edenscar when a triple murder has been committed,
With it being the first title in a series there is a lot of character background information to set the scene, this aligned seamlessly with the murder mystery storyline that is also taking place. The character relationships are definitely something that are likely to develop as the series continues, especially Laurie & Joe, and the supernatural theme too - although that was a little confusing at times and think this will also be explored further in a future title.
There were a lot of characters and it did take a while to get to grips with who’s who, the writing style does a brilliant job of bringing all the descriptive prose together, making this an easier task to absorb the events that take place.
The pace definitely picks up in the last quarter, where all the pieces come together to provide an unexpected conclusion. I must admit I didn’t expect it to go in the direction it did, meaning there were some great red herrings thrown in to perplex the reader. The ending did seem to leave a few questions unanswered but assuming this is intentional for the series continuation.
My first read from this author and I would definitely read more and also look forward to continue this series in the future.
This is the first in a new crime series, introducing us to the policing world of Edenscar when a triple murder has been committed,
With it being the first title in a series there is a lot of character background information to set the scene, this aligned seamlessly with the murder mystery storyline that is also taking place. The character relationships are definitely something that are likely to develop as the series continues, especially Laurie & Joe, and the supernatural theme too - although that was a little confusing at times and think this will also be explored further in a future title.
There were a lot of characters and it did take a while to get to grips with who’s who, the writing style does a brilliant job of bringing all the descriptive prose together, making this an easier task to absorb the events that take place.
The pace definitely picks up in the last quarter, where all the pieces come together to provide an unexpected conclusion. I must admit I didn’t expect it to go in the direction it did, meaning there were some great red herrings thrown in to perplex the reader. The ending did seem to leave a few questions unanswered but assuming this is intentional for the series continuation.
My first read from this author and I would definitely read more and also look forward to continue this series in the future.
April 18, 2026
I was immediately drawn to this book because of its Peak District setting, and was even more pleased to see Salford, Manchester, and Sheffield woven into the story.
This is unlike any crime thriller I’ve read before. When people say the ghosts of your past linger, Sarah Hilary takes that idea quite literally, but grounds it in a compelling and serious narrative. DC Joseph Ashe, who works for Derbyshire Constabulary, has lived in the town his whole life yet he’s still haunted by a tragedy from his childhood. At just 11 years old, he was the sole survivor of a devastating school bus crash in which everyone else drowned.
Seventeen years later, he’s partnered with DI Laurie Bower from Greater Manchester Police, who has temporarily relocated to be closer to her father-in-law. When a brutal crime shakes the small community, the two must work together to uncover the truth.
I loved the rural, close-knit setting, where relationships run deeper than they first appear. Ashe and Bower make an unlikely but compelling detective duo, their dynamic really stood out and I’m excited to see how it develops in future books.
As the start of a new series, this has definitely hooked me. I’m particularly intrigued by Joe’s ‘ghosts’ and how that thread will continue, as well as how Laurie’s home life might evolve as her father-in-law’s condition worsens.
The twist was brilliantly handled. I thought I had it figured out, but the final 10% completely threw me.
This is unlike any crime thriller I’ve read before. When people say the ghosts of your past linger, Sarah Hilary takes that idea quite literally, but grounds it in a compelling and serious narrative. DC Joseph Ashe, who works for Derbyshire Constabulary, has lived in the town his whole life yet he’s still haunted by a tragedy from his childhood. At just 11 years old, he was the sole survivor of a devastating school bus crash in which everyone else drowned.
Seventeen years later, he’s partnered with DI Laurie Bower from Greater Manchester Police, who has temporarily relocated to be closer to her father-in-law. When a brutal crime shakes the small community, the two must work together to uncover the truth.
I loved the rural, close-knit setting, where relationships run deeper than they first appear. Ashe and Bower make an unlikely but compelling detective duo, their dynamic really stood out and I’m excited to see how it develops in future books.
As the start of a new series, this has definitely hooked me. I’m particularly intrigued by Joe’s ‘ghosts’ and how that thread will continue, as well as how Laurie’s home life might evolve as her father-in-law’s condition worsens.
The twist was brilliantly handled. I thought I had it figured out, but the final 10% completely threw me.
April 21, 2026
this is the fist 5 star crime read of the year! I absolutely loved this book.
It’s atmospheric, extremely well written and completely immersive. It’s a very intriguing storyline given that one of the main characters communicates with his dead friend from when he was eleven who died in a tragic accident. I don’t want to say much more about this as I don’t want to take away from the reading experience.
Anyway, this is how I like my crime novels best. Sharply observed, with messy but likeable characters, depth and wit. There was so much here to love, I’d say it’s almost literary crime fiction with the beautiful and eerie written. The setting of the book almost becoming a character itself.
That ending had me gasping! I really enjoyed reading this and absolutely loved everything about it. I’ve seen that this is the first in a series and I am more than excited to read more about these characters. I’m also away to look up all the books Sarah Hilary has previously written and may just order the whole back catalogue. As you do.
My advice? Read this book! I highly recommend!
It’s atmospheric, extremely well written and completely immersive. It’s a very intriguing storyline given that one of the main characters communicates with his dead friend from when he was eleven who died in a tragic accident. I don’t want to say much more about this as I don’t want to take away from the reading experience.
Anyway, this is how I like my crime novels best. Sharply observed, with messy but likeable characters, depth and wit. There was so much here to love, I’d say it’s almost literary crime fiction with the beautiful and eerie written. The setting of the book almost becoming a character itself.
That ending had me gasping! I really enjoyed reading this and absolutely loved everything about it. I’ve seen that this is the first in a series and I am more than excited to read more about these characters. I’m also away to look up all the books Sarah Hilary has previously written and may just order the whole back catalogue. As you do.
My advice? Read this book! I highly recommend!
July 29, 2025
Review of ‘The Drowning Place’ by Sarah Hilary, due to be published on 16 April 2026 by Random House UK, Vintage.
Joe Ashe, sole survivor of a bus crash 17 years ago that killed his school friends, now a DS for the Edenscar Police, trying to make a difference and ease his guilt that he did not drown with his friends.
DI Laurie Bower, on a six month secondment to Edenscar to help her husband with his ailing father.
When the village is rocked by a triple murder, Ashe and Bower must work together to find the culprit, the motive and face a race against time before someone else is fatally injured.
This is a fast paced, gripping thriller, that sets up many possible suspects. It has twists you don’t see coming, touches of humour in the darkest of times and emotional reflections of the past and present. A highly recommended read, heres hoping for more DS Ashe and DI Bower in the future!
Joe Ashe, sole survivor of a bus crash 17 years ago that killed his school friends, now a DS for the Edenscar Police, trying to make a difference and ease his guilt that he did not drown with his friends.
DI Laurie Bower, on a six month secondment to Edenscar to help her husband with his ailing father.
When the village is rocked by a triple murder, Ashe and Bower must work together to find the culprit, the motive and face a race against time before someone else is fatally injured.
This is a fast paced, gripping thriller, that sets up many possible suspects. It has twists you don’t see coming, touches of humour in the darkest of times and emotional reflections of the past and present. A highly recommended read, heres hoping for more DS Ashe and DI Bower in the future!
April 20, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.
DI Laurie Bower has moved to Edenscar, Peak District, from Salford, so she and her husband can help with the care of his dad.
DS Joe Ashe is a bit of an enigma to the locals. Being the only survivor of a horrific bus crash as a child, they are wary of him, especially as he sees ghosts.
Whilst investigating why a crossbow was left set up ready to injure/kill someone, Ashe then looks into why a local electrician and his family have been murdered.
I did struggle a bit with the amount of characters in the story, it slowed me down a bit trying to remember who was who.
I liked DI Joe Ashe, very much a haunted character due to the childhood accident, I found him quite endearing.
A good start to a new series.
DI Laurie Bower has moved to Edenscar, Peak District, from Salford, so she and her husband can help with the care of his dad.
DS Joe Ashe is a bit of an enigma to the locals. Being the only survivor of a horrific bus crash as a child, they are wary of him, especially as he sees ghosts.
Whilst investigating why a crossbow was left set up ready to injure/kill someone, Ashe then looks into why a local electrician and his family have been murdered.
I did struggle a bit with the amount of characters in the story, it slowed me down a bit trying to remember who was who.
I liked DI Joe Ashe, very much a haunted character due to the childhood accident, I found him quite endearing.
A good start to a new series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars
Thanks to Harvill for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review. I was lucky enough to receive a proof of this at the Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Festival 2025.
I initially thought this was Sarah's debut but I've now found out she's got plenty of other books for me to get my teeth into, and I will.
It's multi-layered and everything has such depth. So much is spot on, the plot, characters, setting, themes, twists.
I love a short chapter, and to begin with, this had quite long chapters, but I think this story suited long chapters as there was a lot of relevant information to get in. And overall, the book uses both long and short snappy chapters so it's a nice balance.
There is a lot going on, I tell you that. Too much? I don't think so. I think she's found the right side of overwhelming. You have to keep up, but it adds to the tension and makes the book just zoom by because there is so much to get your teeth into. There's no time for being bored with this book.
Joseph and Laurie are fantastic protagonists, a perfect, dysfunctional professional relationship. They were funny, whether intentionally or not, and their completely...mismatched-ness made for interesting reading. There are many other characters in it, some with more airtime than others, but they all have their own stories and also work well off the back of Joseph's story.
I read sooooo may thrillers, so it was nice to find one that still felt familiar, but had enough twists in it to make it feel new and fresh. It has a supernatural element to it, which isn't something I thought would fit into a thrillery crime police drama. I thought maybe it would feel shoved in. But it fits in seamlessly and it became one of my favourite aspects.
I mean, I am notoriously awful at predicting whodunnits (although I did figure one out recently which I was very proud of), and so it shouldn't be a surprise that I didn't see this one coming, but it's very well done. I wonder if I reread it, whether I'd see any clues.
I do wish the big thing happened a smidge earlier. I loved it from page one, don't get me wrong, but I was itching to get really stuck into it. That's not necessarily a negative, I still loved it, but yeah, just a smidge earlier would have been the icing on the cake.
I read it in a day, I just couldn't put it down.
I think this is the start of a series which will be interesting to see, because whilst it does conclude, there is definitely scope for further stories.
Thanks to Harvill for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review. I was lucky enough to receive a proof of this at the Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Festival 2025.
I initially thought this was Sarah's debut but I've now found out she's got plenty of other books for me to get my teeth into, and I will.
It's multi-layered and everything has such depth. So much is spot on, the plot, characters, setting, themes, twists.
I love a short chapter, and to begin with, this had quite long chapters, but I think this story suited long chapters as there was a lot of relevant information to get in. And overall, the book uses both long and short snappy chapters so it's a nice balance.
There is a lot going on, I tell you that. Too much? I don't think so. I think she's found the right side of overwhelming. You have to keep up, but it adds to the tension and makes the book just zoom by because there is so much to get your teeth into. There's no time for being bored with this book.
Joseph and Laurie are fantastic protagonists, a perfect, dysfunctional professional relationship. They were funny, whether intentionally or not, and their completely...mismatched-ness made for interesting reading. There are many other characters in it, some with more airtime than others, but they all have their own stories and also work well off the back of Joseph's story.
I read sooooo may thrillers, so it was nice to find one that still felt familiar, but had enough twists in it to make it feel new and fresh. It has a supernatural element to it, which isn't something I thought would fit into a thrillery crime police drama. I thought maybe it would feel shoved in. But it fits in seamlessly and it became one of my favourite aspects.
I mean, I am notoriously awful at predicting whodunnits (although I did figure one out recently which I was very proud of), and so it shouldn't be a surprise that I didn't see this one coming, but it's very well done. I wonder if I reread it, whether I'd see any clues.
I do wish the big thing happened a smidge earlier. I loved it from page one, don't get me wrong, but I was itching to get really stuck into it. That's not necessarily a negative, I still loved it, but yeah, just a smidge earlier would have been the icing on the cake.
I read it in a day, I just couldn't put it down.
I think this is the start of a series which will be interesting to see, because whilst it does conclude, there is definitely scope for further stories.
March 2, 2026
For me, this was a did not finish.
I found it discombobulated and confusing. Across two pages names were mentioned 36 times and I couldn’t keep up with who was who. It got to a stage where I realised I didn’t particularly care who was who either. I owed it to myself to stop reading and find something I was actually enjoying.
The premise sounded really interesting, however the delivery was what let it down. The ghost of Sammi constantly piping up just added more confusion rather than contributing to the plot.
From other reviews I have seen that it gets better as you get further in, however I just couldn’t power through.
I am a fan of police procedurals, but this was not written in a way that I can get along with.
I found it discombobulated and confusing. Across two pages names were mentioned 36 times and I couldn’t keep up with who was who. It got to a stage where I realised I didn’t particularly care who was who either. I owed it to myself to stop reading and find something I was actually enjoying.
The premise sounded really interesting, however the delivery was what let it down. The ghost of Sammi constantly piping up just added more confusion rather than contributing to the plot.
From other reviews I have seen that it gets better as you get further in, however I just couldn’t power through.
I am a fan of police procedurals, but this was not written in a way that I can get along with.
April 20, 2026
This is the start of a new detective series from Sarah Hillary, and I’m already eager to see how these characters develop. There’s clearly a lot more to come, with hints in this first book suggesting deeper storylines that will unfold over time.
The story opens with a tragic event: a school bus carrying eleven-year-old children, along with teachers and a driver, crashes during a school trip. The accident kills everyone except one student, Joe Ashe. Now 28 and working as a DS, Joe still lives in the same area Edenscar (but pronounced Enscar) Derbyshire, where the tragedy occurred. He continues to see his best friend Sammi, who died that day. Many locals who haven’t left the area, also lost loved ones and believe that when they see Joe, they can see their own children or siblings standing beside him. Feelings toward Joe are mixed, some blame him for the accident, while others are drawn to him for that very reason. But is this simply survivor’s guilt, or something more? Joe keeps his visions of Sammi a secret, knowing it could cost him his job, which he loves.
Early in the book, Joe and DS Ted Vicars respond to a reported break-in. Ted jokingly calls Joe “Britain’s Most Haunted,” reflecting his reputation. The call comes from Hannah Cooper, who has a history of making questionable reports. This time, she claims to have seen someone in a nearby holiday let that should be empty. At first, it seems like a simple case of kids messing around, a broken window but no clear entry. However, Joe discovers a rock with a key underneath, and once inside, things take a darker turn. Upstairs, they find a very expensive bicycle in the bath, and as they approach a bedroom door, Sammi warns Joe just in time. Joe pulls Ted away as a crossbow bolt fires past his neck, a deadly trap set to trigger when the door is opened. The house contains more traps and unsettling discoveries, raising the question: who was the target?
Enter DI Laurie Bower, newly arrived in Derbyshire from Salford for a six-month stay to help care for her husband’s father, who has dementia. Expecting a quieter life compared to Manchester, Laurie quickly realises that Derbyshire has its own dark side. Between the crossbow incident and a brutal family murder, this is far from the peaceful posting she anticipated.
Joe and Laurie don’t immediately get along, they’re very different personalities, but that tension adds an engaging dynamic. It will be interesting to see how their partnership evolves. Laurie also carries secrets from her past, hinted at throughout the story. Notably, she experiences her own strange visions, glimpses of hands she recognises as belonging to her deceased sister.
This is an engrossing and well-plotted read. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching the mystery unfold as the pieces slowly come together. It feels like some threads are intentionally left unresolved, setting the stage for future books in the series. Overall, a strong and compelling start that leaves me looking forward to what comes next.
The story opens with a tragic event: a school bus carrying eleven-year-old children, along with teachers and a driver, crashes during a school trip. The accident kills everyone except one student, Joe Ashe. Now 28 and working as a DS, Joe still lives in the same area Edenscar (but pronounced Enscar) Derbyshire, where the tragedy occurred. He continues to see his best friend Sammi, who died that day. Many locals who haven’t left the area, also lost loved ones and believe that when they see Joe, they can see their own children or siblings standing beside him. Feelings toward Joe are mixed, some blame him for the accident, while others are drawn to him for that very reason. But is this simply survivor’s guilt, or something more? Joe keeps his visions of Sammi a secret, knowing it could cost him his job, which he loves.
Early in the book, Joe and DS Ted Vicars respond to a reported break-in. Ted jokingly calls Joe “Britain’s Most Haunted,” reflecting his reputation. The call comes from Hannah Cooper, who has a history of making questionable reports. This time, she claims to have seen someone in a nearby holiday let that should be empty. At first, it seems like a simple case of kids messing around, a broken window but no clear entry. However, Joe discovers a rock with a key underneath, and once inside, things take a darker turn. Upstairs, they find a very expensive bicycle in the bath, and as they approach a bedroom door, Sammi warns Joe just in time. Joe pulls Ted away as a crossbow bolt fires past his neck, a deadly trap set to trigger when the door is opened. The house contains more traps and unsettling discoveries, raising the question: who was the target?
Enter DI Laurie Bower, newly arrived in Derbyshire from Salford for a six-month stay to help care for her husband’s father, who has dementia. Expecting a quieter life compared to Manchester, Laurie quickly realises that Derbyshire has its own dark side. Between the crossbow incident and a brutal family murder, this is far from the peaceful posting she anticipated.
Joe and Laurie don’t immediately get along, they’re very different personalities, but that tension adds an engaging dynamic. It will be interesting to see how their partnership evolves. Laurie also carries secrets from her past, hinted at throughout the story. Notably, she experiences her own strange visions, glimpses of hands she recognises as belonging to her deceased sister.
This is an engrossing and well-plotted read. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching the mystery unfold as the pieces slowly come together. It feels like some threads are intentionally left unresolved, setting the stage for future books in the series. Overall, a strong and compelling start that leaves me looking forward to what comes next.
April 13, 2026
To say I’ve been eagerly anticipating this book is an understatement. I have loved each of Sarah Hilary’s stand-alone psychological novels, but there’s been a Marnie Rome series-sized hole in my reading since it ended. It was Sarah Hilary’s Someone Else’s Skin, the first Marnie Rome book, that inspired me to start my blog, and I have been a huge fan ever since.
Now Sarah Hilary is back with a cracking new series, and it is a belter! Set in the fictional town of Edenscar in the Peak District, this police procedural is anchored by two compelling characters. 28-year-old D.S. Joseph Ashe was the only survivor of a bus crash that claimed the lives of his classmates, including his best friend Sammi. Riven with survivor’s guilt, he has a unique way of handling his history. Sarah Hilary’s beautiful writing makes Joseph an immensely interesting character.
Some despise Joseph for being the only child to survive; others consider his survival a miracle. For Joseph, though, it is an event that never leaves him and that he takes with him through everything he does. It also means he has a unique position in this place that sets him apart from others in this town, which is haunted by its past.
Barely a few pages into this book, you can already feel the charged atmosphere that permeates the town. Sarah Hilary has made Edenscar a fascinating place. It is ‘brutal, brooding, blighted.’ Surrounded by dark moors, and even darker forests, with that fatal reservoir looming ever large. It is a dark, claustrophobic place with an air of tragedy that forever hangs over it. Edenscar is a place of secrets; a place where Joe is ‘stared at and talked about’.
Joining Joe in Edenscar is D.I. Laurie Bower. She has transferred to Edenscar from Salford, because of her father-in-law’s rapidly accelerating Alzheimer’s. Used to urban policing, she is a smart detective, a no-nonsense cop, whose need to establish herself drives her to get on top of her first criminal case in this town. Her husband, Adam, is a trauma counsellor, which is bound to come in handy in future books!
Laurie has barely had time to get her feet wet before she’s confronted with a disturbing triple murder that takes place on the moors. Tragic and devastating, Laurie and Joe must work together, despite being quite different character types, to solve these challenging murders.
I also loved Joe’s grandmother, Merry. Prone to swearing like a trooper and with an extensive knowledge of everyone in the vicinity, she has a clear insight into what drives Joe and can put his mind at ease when he is troubled.
Verdict: I absolutely loved this book, especially the characters and the setting. Atmospheric, chilling, and sometimes downright eerie, with a tinge of something nicely spine-tingling, The Drowning Place is exquisitely written, beautifully plotted, and emotionally compelling as well as absolutely compulsive reading. Go get it now. You won’t be disappointed.
Now Sarah Hilary is back with a cracking new series, and it is a belter! Set in the fictional town of Edenscar in the Peak District, this police procedural is anchored by two compelling characters. 28-year-old D.S. Joseph Ashe was the only survivor of a bus crash that claimed the lives of his classmates, including his best friend Sammi. Riven with survivor’s guilt, he has a unique way of handling his history. Sarah Hilary’s beautiful writing makes Joseph an immensely interesting character.
Some despise Joseph for being the only child to survive; others consider his survival a miracle. For Joseph, though, it is an event that never leaves him and that he takes with him through everything he does. It also means he has a unique position in this place that sets him apart from others in this town, which is haunted by its past.
Barely a few pages into this book, you can already feel the charged atmosphere that permeates the town. Sarah Hilary has made Edenscar a fascinating place. It is ‘brutal, brooding, blighted.’ Surrounded by dark moors, and even darker forests, with that fatal reservoir looming ever large. It is a dark, claustrophobic place with an air of tragedy that forever hangs over it. Edenscar is a place of secrets; a place where Joe is ‘stared at and talked about’.
Joining Joe in Edenscar is D.I. Laurie Bower. She has transferred to Edenscar from Salford, because of her father-in-law’s rapidly accelerating Alzheimer’s. Used to urban policing, she is a smart detective, a no-nonsense cop, whose need to establish herself drives her to get on top of her first criminal case in this town. Her husband, Adam, is a trauma counsellor, which is bound to come in handy in future books!
Laurie has barely had time to get her feet wet before she’s confronted with a disturbing triple murder that takes place on the moors. Tragic and devastating, Laurie and Joe must work together, despite being quite different character types, to solve these challenging murders.
I also loved Joe’s grandmother, Merry. Prone to swearing like a trooper and with an extensive knowledge of everyone in the vicinity, she has a clear insight into what drives Joe and can put his mind at ease when he is troubled.
Verdict: I absolutely loved this book, especially the characters and the setting. Atmospheric, chilling, and sometimes downright eerie, with a tinge of something nicely spine-tingling, The Drowning Place is exquisitely written, beautifully plotted, and emotionally compelling as well as absolutely compulsive reading. Go get it now. You won’t be disappointed.
September 4, 2025
4* Mismatched cop duo, with a not-likeable female with lots of prejudices - a great quality in a DI, not!! - and a good storyline.
This tale drags quite a bit. I'm not sure I can review without Spoilers, so apologies in advance.
We start off in the past on a school trip, followed by an accident and the drowning of all kids and adults, bar Joe. Who, now aged 28 and a cop, sees, communicates with, and can touch dead people. He's having to keep this a secret from his superiors or he'll have to undergo various assessments and may be deemed unfit for his role. The dead kids he sees are past and present, with all bar Sammi, his BFF and love interest at the time - Joe is bi, calls himself queer - not ageing. Sammi is his eyes, ears and early warning system. But they never address their past or present relationship.
The tale starts with a break-in, then a horrible crime, and things in the village escalate, with unsavoury secrets coming to light. It's hard to know who Joe can trust, but it's all well done and very sadly believable when the killer is revealed. Sins of the father 😪
But, DI Laurie is such an arrogant and unlikeable character. She's wondering if she knew her husband and the man he's becoming, as the poor sod watches his dying dad's dementia deteriorate. She doesn't like her sisters-in-law. She doesn't like her father-in-law - he's unpleasant, yes, his mind is gone, but she doesn't really make allowances. She's a bit of a bully. She expects and demands respect for her position because of the position, but she does nothing to earn it or endear herself to her new team and doesn't attempt to be part of the team. She's clearly of the opinion that being a DI in Salford is more worthy of being a DI in Sleepyville, Peak District. There's mention of her deceased sister, a couple of random sightings of the latter's hands (?), but strangely the partners don't address this.
It was an engrossing tale but it dragged in bits. Too many characters, too many little arcs, too little made of the 'I can see dead people'. I'd still read more of this series but hope that Laurie gets a personality transplant, or that her extended family dumps her.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Harvill Random House Vintage UK, for my reading pleasure.
This tale drags quite a bit. I'm not sure I can review without Spoilers, so apologies in advance.
We start off in the past on a school trip, followed by an accident and the drowning of all kids and adults, bar Joe. Who, now aged 28 and a cop, sees, communicates with, and can touch dead people. He's having to keep this a secret from his superiors or he'll have to undergo various assessments and may be deemed unfit for his role. The dead kids he sees are past and present, with all bar Sammi, his BFF and love interest at the time - Joe is bi, calls himself queer - not ageing. Sammi is his eyes, ears and early warning system. But they never address their past or present relationship.
The tale starts with a break-in, then a horrible crime, and things in the village escalate, with unsavoury secrets coming to light. It's hard to know who Joe can trust, but it's all well done and very sadly believable when the killer is revealed. Sins of the father 😪
But, DI Laurie is such an arrogant and unlikeable character. She's wondering if she knew her husband and the man he's becoming, as the poor sod watches his dying dad's dementia deteriorate. She doesn't like her sisters-in-law. She doesn't like her father-in-law - he's unpleasant, yes, his mind is gone, but she doesn't really make allowances. She's a bit of a bully. She expects and demands respect for her position because of the position, but she does nothing to earn it or endear herself to her new team and doesn't attempt to be part of the team. She's clearly of the opinion that being a DI in Salford is more worthy of being a DI in Sleepyville, Peak District. There's mention of her deceased sister, a couple of random sightings of the latter's hands (?), but strangely the partners don't address this.
It was an engrossing tale but it dragged in bits. Too many characters, too many little arcs, too little made of the 'I can see dead people'. I'd still read more of this series but hope that Laurie gets a personality transplant, or that her extended family dumps her.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Harvill Random House Vintage UK, for my reading pleasure.
August 11, 2025
Sarah Hilary takes an unusual premise in ‘The Drowning Place’ – that of a detective, Joe Ashe, who sees ghosts, in particular, his best friend Sammi who drowned, along with several other class mates, on the day when the school bus plunged into a lake a couple of decades ago. Strangely, Sammi the ghost has aged alongside Joe and so the latter has plenty of conversations with him as the plot develops. It’s a way of the author allowing the reader to understand the inner workings of Joe’s mind as his vulnerabilities and concerns are exposed through these exchanges.
Whilst Joe is Edenscar born and bred, his boss has been drafted in from Salford on a six month secondment so that she can support her husband as he cares for his elderly father who has dementia. DI Laurie Bower is not thrilled to be working in a rural community and, when a triple murder happens on her patch, she can’t help but feel that her talents and experience may come in to play. However, she certainly needs Joe’s local knowledge to fully understand the crime.
I am assuming that ‘The Drowning Place’ has been written as the first of a series. Sarah Hilary gives us plenty of background on both of the central characters, not all of which seems particularly relevant. Possibly this will be developed further in Book 2. Hilary captures both the close-knit community feel and the dull routines and petty grudges arising from a rural life where money is tight and change eyed with suspicion. Whilst I wasn’t wholeheartedly engaged with the characters and the crime to be solved, Hilary’s plot is tight; she builds tension successfully and there are some effective narrative twists. Give it a go if the ghost treatment appeals.
My thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Vintage for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
Whilst Joe is Edenscar born and bred, his boss has been drafted in from Salford on a six month secondment so that she can support her husband as he cares for his elderly father who has dementia. DI Laurie Bower is not thrilled to be working in a rural community and, when a triple murder happens on her patch, she can’t help but feel that her talents and experience may come in to play. However, she certainly needs Joe’s local knowledge to fully understand the crime.
I am assuming that ‘The Drowning Place’ has been written as the first of a series. Sarah Hilary gives us plenty of background on both of the central characters, not all of which seems particularly relevant. Possibly this will be developed further in Book 2. Hilary captures both the close-knit community feel and the dull routines and petty grudges arising from a rural life where money is tight and change eyed with suspicion. Whilst I wasn’t wholeheartedly engaged with the characters and the crime to be solved, Hilary’s plot is tight; she builds tension successfully and there are some effective narrative twists. Give it a go if the ghost treatment appeals.
My thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Vintage for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
October 23, 2025
A mystery thriller with a sprinkling of the supernatural... yes, please!
From the very first paragraph, this had me utterly transfixed and did not release me until the very last word.
DS Joe Ashe was involved in an accident 17 years ago, an accident that killed everyone else on board, the school coach except him. He never got over the guilt, even though he has no guilt to carry around.
One thing he has had to carry is the ghosts of his school friends. They still walk alongside him, and when he’s around their parents, they can see their child’s spirit as well. One ghost he is happy to walk by his side is his best friend (and young love interest) Sammi, who, for some strange circumstance, has grown in age alongside him.
Now a DS in the Endenscar Police Department in the Peak District, he is called to a horrific murder of a local family, including their one year old son.
Meeting him at the scene is DI Laurie Bower, who is on secondment from Salford for 6 months. Her husband is from Endenscar and has had to move home to look after his father, who has dementia. Laurie was thinking she’d be taking it easy in the country, but arriving at her first case is proving otherwise.
A mismatched pair, Ashe, and Bower are now tasked with forming a very fast working relationship if they are going to catch their killer.
This was one hell of a fast paced novel, but not once did I lose track of the who, what, where, and why’s. The writing style was fantastic!
I adored the location. I love the Peak District so could easily visualise the area, which was a huge tick in my eyes.
I truly hope that this is the start of a magnificent series. Ashe & Bower are a brilliant working couple, and I can already see they have so much more to give!
Huge to Netgalley and Random House UK, Vintage for the ARC.
From the very first paragraph, this had me utterly transfixed and did not release me until the very last word.
DS Joe Ashe was involved in an accident 17 years ago, an accident that killed everyone else on board, the school coach except him. He never got over the guilt, even though he has no guilt to carry around.
One thing he has had to carry is the ghosts of his school friends. They still walk alongside him, and when he’s around their parents, they can see their child’s spirit as well. One ghost he is happy to walk by his side is his best friend (and young love interest) Sammi, who, for some strange circumstance, has grown in age alongside him.
Now a DS in the Endenscar Police Department in the Peak District, he is called to a horrific murder of a local family, including their one year old son.
Meeting him at the scene is DI Laurie Bower, who is on secondment from Salford for 6 months. Her husband is from Endenscar and has had to move home to look after his father, who has dementia. Laurie was thinking she’d be taking it easy in the country, but arriving at her first case is proving otherwise.
A mismatched pair, Ashe, and Bower are now tasked with forming a very fast working relationship if they are going to catch their killer.
This was one hell of a fast paced novel, but not once did I lose track of the who, what, where, and why’s. The writing style was fantastic!
I adored the location. I love the Peak District so could easily visualise the area, which was a huge tick in my eyes.
I truly hope that this is the start of a magnificent series. Ashe & Bower are a brilliant working couple, and I can already see they have so much more to give!
Huge to Netgalley and Random House UK, Vintage for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Drowning Place Sarah Hilary
4 stars
The first in an intriguing new series
This is the first book that I have read by this author but it will not be the last as I really enjoyed not only the plot but the burgeoning working relationship between the two main characters, DS Joe Ashe and DI Laurie Bower.
The story is set in the small town in Derbyshire called Edenscar where DI Joe Ashe has lived all his life. At the age of 11 he was the sole survivor of his school bus crashing into the river in the woods and has always, not surprisingly, been haunted by this so much so that he still sees his best friend of the time, Sammi, with him every day giving him advice.
DI Laurie Bower has relocated to Edenscar for six months, with her husband, Adam, to help look after Adam's father, Peter who has been diagnosed with a rapid form of dementia. Laurie is used to the violent crimes in Salford where she originally worked and is expecting a quiet time in her new job.
However when a local electrician, Chris Miles and his wife Odette are murdered and their baby son left to drown in his bath both Laurie and Joe combine their different talents to try and solve this crime.
There were lots of twists and turns and I never suspected the eventual murderer but | enjoyed the descriptions of all the various characters and how they interacted in a small community full of secrets and I can foresee a lot more unravelling of both the main characters back stories as their working relationship blossom,s hopefully in the next book of the series which I will look forward to reading. My only slight criticism was that I got slightly confused by the various potential suspects and their roles in the plot but I suspect that might be because this is the first in a series and it was setting the scene for future books.
.
Karen Deborah
Reviewer for Net Galley
4 stars
The first in an intriguing new series
This is the first book that I have read by this author but it will not be the last as I really enjoyed not only the plot but the burgeoning working relationship between the two main characters, DS Joe Ashe and DI Laurie Bower.
The story is set in the small town in Derbyshire called Edenscar where DI Joe Ashe has lived all his life. At the age of 11 he was the sole survivor of his school bus crashing into the river in the woods and has always, not surprisingly, been haunted by this so much so that he still sees his best friend of the time, Sammi, with him every day giving him advice.
DI Laurie Bower has relocated to Edenscar for six months, with her husband, Adam, to help look after Adam's father, Peter who has been diagnosed with a rapid form of dementia. Laurie is used to the violent crimes in Salford where she originally worked and is expecting a quiet time in her new job.
However when a local electrician, Chris Miles and his wife Odette are murdered and their baby son left to drown in his bath both Laurie and Joe combine their different talents to try and solve this crime.
There were lots of twists and turns and I never suspected the eventual murderer but | enjoyed the descriptions of all the various characters and how they interacted in a small community full of secrets and I can foresee a lot more unravelling of both the main characters back stories as their working relationship blossom,s hopefully in the next book of the series which I will look forward to reading. My only slight criticism was that I got slightly confused by the various potential suspects and their roles in the plot but I suspect that might be because this is the first in a series and it was setting the scene for future books.
.
Karen Deborah
Reviewer for Net Galley
April 18, 2026
Seventeen years ago the small Peak District town of Edenscar was devastated when a school bus veered off the road and plunged into water, killing everyone on board except Joe Ashe. Now a Detective Sergeant, Joe still lives with the weight of that tragedy, using his career as a way to cope with his survivor's guilt. When a brutal and shocking murder rocks the community Joe is pulled into an investigation that feels disturbingly close to home. Working alongside new boss D I Laurie Bower, Joe must unravel a case steeped in secrets. With Joe navigating his own demons and D I Bower trying to come to terms with her own family tragedy they make for an interesting, and sometimes fraught, pairing.
This is the first book in a gripping new police procedural series, with a bit of a difference. The plotting is clever and original, with an eerie and atmospheric setting that feels both haunting and entirely believable. There are plenty of twists, turns and red herrings, keeping the reader guessing throughout and making it a satisfying read for fans of this genre.
The characterisation is a real standout, Joe Ashe and Laurie Bower are brilliantly crafted, each carrying their own baggage, which adds depth to the story. Their personal struggles run alongside the investigation without ever overshadowing it, giving the novel a strong emotional core.
The final reveal is unexpected and cleverly handled. For me, the only slight drawback is the number of characters introduced early on. This felt a little overwhelming at first and initially made it tricky to keep track. However once the story settles it becomes an absorbing and rewarding read, well deserving of a solid four stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK Vintage Books for my draft copy in return for my honest and unbiased review.
This is the first book in a gripping new police procedural series, with a bit of a difference. The plotting is clever and original, with an eerie and atmospheric setting that feels both haunting and entirely believable. There are plenty of twists, turns and red herrings, keeping the reader guessing throughout and making it a satisfying read for fans of this genre.
The characterisation is a real standout, Joe Ashe and Laurie Bower are brilliantly crafted, each carrying their own baggage, which adds depth to the story. Their personal struggles run alongside the investigation without ever overshadowing it, giving the novel a strong emotional core.
The final reveal is unexpected and cleverly handled. For me, the only slight drawback is the number of characters introduced early on. This felt a little overwhelming at first and initially made it tricky to keep track. However once the story settles it becomes an absorbing and rewarding read, well deserving of a solid four stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK Vintage Books for my draft copy in return for my honest and unbiased review.
April 20, 2026
4.5* rounded. up to five
This is the first book that I have read by Sarah Hillary but hopeful it won't be the last
Joseph Ashe is a Detective Sergeant in the small town of Edenscar, set in the rugged Peak District. As a child, Joe had been the sole survivor when the bus, taking him and his friends to school, plummeted into the reservoir, Joe had spent his life battling survivors guilt and trying to compensate, he was kind, considerate and good at his job but he was also a bit of a loner.
When a triple murder occurred in the small town, a town where everyone knew everyone else, Joe was as gutted as the rest of them, especially as a baby was involved.
D I Laurie Bower, Joe's boss, had recently joined the small Edenscar force from the much larger Salford force, she was on a six month transfer in order to help her husband and his disapproving sister, care for their father who was suffering from dementia and couldn't stand the sight of Laurie, home life was fraught and work was her escape. What Laurie didn't expect was a triple murder in the small Derbyshire backwater, a triple murder that turned out to be so much more.
This story has more twists than a corkscrew, Laurie and Joe work well together but both are fighting their own demons. The suspects are many as the worms come out of the woodwork, and I have to admit that the killer took me by complete surprise. The book is well written, the main characters are complex but likeable. I am not sure if this is the start of a series, I hope that it is because I though that there were a few loose ends that needed addressing. All in all an enjoyable read.
Thank you Penguin Publishing and Net Gallery for this Arc, my review is totally voluntary.
This is the first book that I have read by Sarah Hillary but hopeful it won't be the last
Joseph Ashe is a Detective Sergeant in the small town of Edenscar, set in the rugged Peak District. As a child, Joe had been the sole survivor when the bus, taking him and his friends to school, plummeted into the reservoir, Joe had spent his life battling survivors guilt and trying to compensate, he was kind, considerate and good at his job but he was also a bit of a loner.
When a triple murder occurred in the small town, a town where everyone knew everyone else, Joe was as gutted as the rest of them, especially as a baby was involved.
D I Laurie Bower, Joe's boss, had recently joined the small Edenscar force from the much larger Salford force, she was on a six month transfer in order to help her husband and his disapproving sister, care for their father who was suffering from dementia and couldn't stand the sight of Laurie, home life was fraught and work was her escape. What Laurie didn't expect was a triple murder in the small Derbyshire backwater, a triple murder that turned out to be so much more.
This story has more twists than a corkscrew, Laurie and Joe work well together but both are fighting their own demons. The suspects are many as the worms come out of the woodwork, and I have to admit that the killer took me by complete surprise. The book is well written, the main characters are complex but likeable. I am not sure if this is the start of a series, I hope that it is because I though that there were a few loose ends that needed addressing. All in all an enjoyable read.
Thank you Penguin Publishing and Net Gallery for this Arc, my review is totally voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ve read and enjoyed this author’s mystery crime procedural books so was excited to receive this new one which was the start of a series. However despite it being in the same vein I found it confusing and the supernatural ghostly element just left me cold.
Laurie is a DI who moves with her husband from Manchester to a small town near Sheffield to look after his father who is quickly declining , suffering from dementia.
One of her team Joe, is the sole survivor of a bus crash which killed a whole class of children 17 years earlier when he was 11 years old. He tries to assuage his survivor’s guilt by solving crimes, having joined the police. However he is still haunted by the event.
There were many other characters named in the book both suspects in the local area and also members of the police force, in fact so many that I had trouble remembering them all! Joe and Laurie have to investigate the murder of a family including a baby and this is the focus of the investigation in the book. Some of this takes Joe back to his original trauma. All characters suffered from grief and loss which made the novel rather dark in content.
It was one of those books which I had to force myself to pick up which is not a good sign and although I finished it, I will not be rushing to read the next in the series if there is another one. I really don’t like supernatural characters and probably would not have read it had I realised what was in it.
All these opinions are my own and judging by other reviews many people thoroughly enjoyed “ The Drowning Place”
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
Laurie is a DI who moves with her husband from Manchester to a small town near Sheffield to look after his father who is quickly declining , suffering from dementia.
One of her team Joe, is the sole survivor of a bus crash which killed a whole class of children 17 years earlier when he was 11 years old. He tries to assuage his survivor’s guilt by solving crimes, having joined the police. However he is still haunted by the event.
There were many other characters named in the book both suspects in the local area and also members of the police force, in fact so many that I had trouble remembering them all! Joe and Laurie have to investigate the murder of a family including a baby and this is the focus of the investigation in the book. Some of this takes Joe back to his original trauma. All characters suffered from grief and loss which made the novel rather dark in content.
It was one of those books which I had to force myself to pick up which is not a good sign and although I finished it, I will not be rushing to read the next in the series if there is another one. I really don’t like supernatural characters and probably would not have read it had I realised what was in it.
All these opinions are my own and judging by other reviews many people thoroughly enjoyed “ The Drowning Place”
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
April 29, 2026
When he was 11, Joseph Ashe was on a school bus when it veered off the road into a reservoir. Everyone on board drowned apart from Joseph. Why did he survive and no one else did? It’s a mystery, but as Joseph never moved away from his childhood town in the Peak District, he’s treated with either awe or a kind of suspicion. Now a DS in the Edenscar police, he’s joined by DI Laurie Bower, a newcomer to the area with personal reasons for her move, in investigating a terrible local crime.
The Drowning Place is a well-written police procedural with the addition of a number of other interesting aspects to the storyline: there’s the accident that Joe inexplicably survived and the legacy of that, which is his uncanny supernatural ability; there’s Laurie’s home life and her move from an inner-city police force to a more rural one (expecting a slower pace and then being thrust into the heart of a major investigation); and there’s the setting in the Peak District, an area with which I’m reasonably familiar.
The characters are all well-drawn and often flawed. Joe has a massive case of survivors’ guilt but his police work helps a little with that. I found him hugely likeable, if something of a closed book. Laurie is a no-nonsense cop with tons of experience so I’m looking forward to seeing her and Joe work alongside each other in the next book in the series, and I’m also keen to see if more insights about what happened on the day of the crash emerge.
The plot of this book is dark and compelling, although I must admit that at times I found it a little difficult to concentrate on, possibly due to the number of characters or the complex storyline. I’m definitely interested in reading the next Joe and Laurie book – the quirkiness of this one has me curious to know more.
The Drowning Place is a well-written police procedural with the addition of a number of other interesting aspects to the storyline: there’s the accident that Joe inexplicably survived and the legacy of that, which is his uncanny supernatural ability; there’s Laurie’s home life and her move from an inner-city police force to a more rural one (expecting a slower pace and then being thrust into the heart of a major investigation); and there’s the setting in the Peak District, an area with which I’m reasonably familiar.
The characters are all well-drawn and often flawed. Joe has a massive case of survivors’ guilt but his police work helps a little with that. I found him hugely likeable, if something of a closed book. Laurie is a no-nonsense cop with tons of experience so I’m looking forward to seeing her and Joe work alongside each other in the next book in the series, and I’m also keen to see if more insights about what happened on the day of the crash emerge.
The plot of this book is dark and compelling, although I must admit that at times I found it a little difficult to concentrate on, possibly due to the number of characters or the complex storyline. I’m definitely interested in reading the next Joe and Laurie book – the quirkiness of this one has me curious to know more.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
VERY PLACE HAS ITS GHOSTS.
Edenscar, a town in the Peak District, has more than most. 17 years ago, its inhabitants were hit by tragedy when a school bus veered off the road and everyone on board drowned. Everyone, that is, except Joseph Ashe. His miraculous survival has haunted him and the town ever since. Now a Detective Sergeant in the local police, Joe is called to the scene of a brutal and apparently inexplicable crime. The whole town is spooked, but Joe’s new boss, DI Laurie Bower, more used to inner-city police work, has no time for superstition. She just wants to find the very real killer who has left no trace and apparently had no motive. Joining forces, Joe and Laurie work to uncover the secrets of Edenscar, both past and present.
But when you dig up the dead, expect to get your hands dirty…
This isn't your normal crime thriller, this is one with a twist. I didn't expect the mix-genre and thought the different elements of the story elluded to a really eerie, atmospheric feel. All the connotations of a small town crime scene and a past that haunts the people who still live there. Yet meanwhile a sprinkling of romance and an interesting relationship as they work together to figure out who the killer is.
The pacing wasn't the best within this book, I really struggled with it. I think it starts of quite slow, however does eventually pick up. I think that the idea and the story itself is brilliant but the need for more drive and tension was needed to make me want to pick it up a bit more. I wasn't particularly drawn to the characters, but found it interesting meeting everyone in the town.
All in all, this book is what it says it is with connotations of additional genres to make it stand out to your generic crime thriller. I think if you're looking for a crime thriller with a twist and prefer a slow burn, this book is for you. Thankyou for the ARC copy Vintage Books.
Edenscar, a town in the Peak District, has more than most. 17 years ago, its inhabitants were hit by tragedy when a school bus veered off the road and everyone on board drowned. Everyone, that is, except Joseph Ashe. His miraculous survival has haunted him and the town ever since. Now a Detective Sergeant in the local police, Joe is called to the scene of a brutal and apparently inexplicable crime. The whole town is spooked, but Joe’s new boss, DI Laurie Bower, more used to inner-city police work, has no time for superstition. She just wants to find the very real killer who has left no trace and apparently had no motive. Joining forces, Joe and Laurie work to uncover the secrets of Edenscar, both past and present.
But when you dig up the dead, expect to get your hands dirty…
This isn't your normal crime thriller, this is one with a twist. I didn't expect the mix-genre and thought the different elements of the story elluded to a really eerie, atmospheric feel. All the connotations of a small town crime scene and a past that haunts the people who still live there. Yet meanwhile a sprinkling of romance and an interesting relationship as they work together to figure out who the killer is.
The pacing wasn't the best within this book, I really struggled with it. I think it starts of quite slow, however does eventually pick up. I think that the idea and the story itself is brilliant but the need for more drive and tension was needed to make me want to pick it up a bit more. I wasn't particularly drawn to the characters, but found it interesting meeting everyone in the town.
All in all, this book is what it says it is with connotations of additional genres to make it stand out to your generic crime thriller. I think if you're looking for a crime thriller with a twist and prefer a slow burn, this book is for you. Thankyou for the ARC copy Vintage Books.
October 20, 2025
Seventeen years ago a school bus veered off the road killing all those on board except Joe Ashe. His survival has made him something of a celebrity in the tight knit community - some people happy that he survived, but others wondering why he did and not their loved ones.
Fast forward to the present time and Joe is a DS in the local police. A new DI is drafted in at the same time a dreadful murder tak es place and a series of unusual events occur. Joe and DI Bower work well together but Joe is also assisted by the ghost of his dead friend, Sammi.
I enjoyed the interaction between the two main characters and the extra character in the form of Sammi, although at times he felt a bit too real to be true and the benefit of second sight was useful. The plot kept moving and for the most part was solid, although I thought the ending came rather abruptly - perhaps a bit more lead in was warranted.
The setting was great. I had a wonderful impression of the remoteness of the place and the tight knit of the community with everyone knowing everyone else's business. I have to say, given all this I was surprised Joe hadn't moved away at the first chance he had and escaped the memories and the despair. But he didn't so we have a fast paced crime story to read.
With thanks the author, Vintage Books and Netgalley for an arc copy in return for an honest review. I should be happy to read the next in the series and see the characters develop.
Fast forward to the present time and Joe is a DS in the local police. A new DI is drafted in at the same time a dreadful murder tak es place and a series of unusual events occur. Joe and DI Bower work well together but Joe is also assisted by the ghost of his dead friend, Sammi.
I enjoyed the interaction between the two main characters and the extra character in the form of Sammi, although at times he felt a bit too real to be true and the benefit of second sight was useful. The plot kept moving and for the most part was solid, although I thought the ending came rather abruptly - perhaps a bit more lead in was warranted.
The setting was great. I had a wonderful impression of the remoteness of the place and the tight knit of the community with everyone knowing everyone else's business. I have to say, given all this I was surprised Joe hadn't moved away at the first chance he had and escaped the memories and the despair. But he didn't so we have a fast paced crime story to read.
With thanks the author, Vintage Books and Netgalley for an arc copy in return for an honest review. I should be happy to read the next in the series and see the characters develop.
October 22, 2025
This is the second time I have come across a police detective who sees and talks to a ghost. The first occurrence was in the Inspector Rutledge series written by Charles Todd. I do not usually like supernatural themed books but in the Rutledge books and in this book the presence of the ghost being related to severe psychological trauma in the past does not seem unreasonable and does not put me off the books at all.
Joe Ashe was the only survivor of a bus crash and apart from survivor guilt he is also resented and viewed as seriously weird by the locals in his small Peak District Village. So he has something in common with his new boss Laurie Bower who struggles to get over the death of her sister.
The two investigate a particularly brutal murder of a family and although there are no obvious reasons at first I liked the way they gradually come to light. Laurie is wary of Joe and struggles to interact with people probably because of the death of her sister and I felt this an unattractive but likely trait of people with unresolved grief. The book explores how disasters affect small communities for decades and those affected are permanently scarred. I liked the understated sparring between Joe and Laurie.
The suspense builds well towards the end and I did not anticipate the identity of the killer in advance. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Vintage for the ARC
Joe Ashe was the only survivor of a bus crash and apart from survivor guilt he is also resented and viewed as seriously weird by the locals in his small Peak District Village. So he has something in common with his new boss Laurie Bower who struggles to get over the death of her sister.
The two investigate a particularly brutal murder of a family and although there are no obvious reasons at first I liked the way they gradually come to light. Laurie is wary of Joe and struggles to interact with people probably because of the death of her sister and I felt this an unattractive but likely trait of people with unresolved grief. The book explores how disasters affect small communities for decades and those affected are permanently scarred. I liked the understated sparring between Joe and Laurie.
The suspense builds well towards the end and I did not anticipate the identity of the killer in advance. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Vintage for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Drowning Place starts on an ordinary morning, with an excited group of children going on a school trip. In a heartbeat, an average day turns to tragedy.
Fast forward seventeen years, and DI Laurie Bower has moved to Edenscar (pronounced Enscar, if you are not local) for a six month secondment. Her DS, Joseph Ashe, is infamous locally. Joe was the only survivor from that awful day, nearly two decades ago. His PTSD battle is still a daily occurrence.
Laurie not only faces an uphill battle in her professional life, but also her home life too. The recent move has been prompted by her father in law’s decline in to Dementia.
The setting of rural Derbyshire, is both beautiful and unsettling all at once. The open landscape providing peace, but also dangerous isolation. The storyline is atmospheric and tense, I was never entirely sure who I should trust. Having turned the last page, there is still a question mark over a certain character for me.
The Drowning Place, and Edenscar police, have all the ingredients to become the starting point for a fabulous police procedural series. I like the characters, and there is scope to develop them further. The small town claustrophobia produces quirky individuals, who are prone to long held grudges, which begs to be expanded in future books.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Drowning Place, and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Fast forward seventeen years, and DI Laurie Bower has moved to Edenscar (pronounced Enscar, if you are not local) for a six month secondment. Her DS, Joseph Ashe, is infamous locally. Joe was the only survivor from that awful day, nearly two decades ago. His PTSD battle is still a daily occurrence.
Laurie not only faces an uphill battle in her professional life, but also her home life too. The recent move has been prompted by her father in law’s decline in to Dementia.
The setting of rural Derbyshire, is both beautiful and unsettling all at once. The open landscape providing peace, but also dangerous isolation. The storyline is atmospheric and tense, I was never entirely sure who I should trust. Having turned the last page, there is still a question mark over a certain character for me.
The Drowning Place, and Edenscar police, have all the ingredients to become the starting point for a fabulous police procedural series. I like the characters, and there is scope to develop them further. The small town claustrophobia produces quirky individuals, who are prone to long held grudges, which begs to be expanded in future books.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Drowning Place, and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Random House UK, Vintage | Harvill, the author and NetGalley for a DRC in return for an honest review. I will also be listening to the audiobook for comparison, when it is released on 16th April 2026
I enjoyed The Drowning Place, though I did find the beginning quite slow-paced as the characters and their backstories are introduced. I suspect though this is because it’s the start of a planned Peak District-set police procedural series, so there’s a lot of groundwork being laid early on.
What really stood out to me was the atmosphere. Layered with themes of death, secrets and lies, the novel has a distinctly gothic feel, with a supernatural slant - think Broadchurch (ITV) with ghosts, That eerie tone is heightened by the Dark Peak setting itself: a stark, elevated landscape of moorland and peat bog, dominated by heather and vast, treeless expanses. The openness, isolation and long, empty views create a sense of exposure and unease, as though the land itself is holding onto old secrets. As someone who lives in the area, it felt immediately familiar and gave me an instant connection to the story.
This was my first Sarah Hilary book, so I can’t compare it to her previous work, but I’m definitely interested to see where the series goes next. I’m definitely looking forward to the next DS Joseph Ashe instalment.
#TheDrowningPlace #NetGalley
I enjoyed The Drowning Place, though I did find the beginning quite slow-paced as the characters and their backstories are introduced. I suspect though this is because it’s the start of a planned Peak District-set police procedural series, so there’s a lot of groundwork being laid early on.
What really stood out to me was the atmosphere. Layered with themes of death, secrets and lies, the novel has a distinctly gothic feel, with a supernatural slant - think Broadchurch (ITV) with ghosts, That eerie tone is heightened by the Dark Peak setting itself: a stark, elevated landscape of moorland and peat bog, dominated by heather and vast, treeless expanses. The openness, isolation and long, empty views create a sense of exposure and unease, as though the land itself is holding onto old secrets. As someone who lives in the area, it felt immediately familiar and gave me an instant connection to the story.
This was my first Sarah Hilary book, so I can’t compare it to her previous work, but I’m definitely interested to see where the series goes next. I’m definitely looking forward to the next DS Joseph Ashe instalment.
#TheDrowningPlace #NetGalley
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