Better Off Dead

DCI de Silva #2

by Sean Watkin

Some secrets are best left buried.

The emotional fallout from their last case has left DCI de Silva and DS Barclay’s lives in tatters. Barclay’s marriage has failed and de Silva is still haunted by the loss of her husband and wondering whether she ever really knew him.

When the National Crime Agency takes over their investigation, the duo are reassigned to a cold case. A dismembered body found in Formby woods. Hidden for decades. And then, another body is discovered.

As they dig deeper into the identities of the victims, they uncover a tangled web of awful crimes. And they learn that they can’t trust anyone – even those closest to them.

A dark and gritty crime thriller set in Liverpool, perfect for fans of Luca Veste, M. W. Craven and Russ Thomas.

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 22, 2026

Reviews

[Lady MacDeath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a crime thriller, especially one set in the UK, I think that’s because I’m more familiar with places in my own country. I’ve never been to Liverpool, though I’ve always wanted to visit.

This is the first book which I’m reading from Sean Watkin, and it’s Book 2 in the “DCI de Silva” series. Although I found it didn’t make any difference, not reading Book 1, as I think it could be read as a stand-alone…saying this, I definitely want to read Book 1, and the rest of the series.

A dismembered body has been found buried in the woods, which looks to have been there for the past 20 years. Along with her partner DS Barclay, they investigate this case, which is full of lies, deceit, and many terrible crimes.
This had me gripped from beginning to end, I must admit that I did have my suspicions, which proved right at the end, but I’m an “armchair sleuth” 😁
I highly recommend this great book, with its police procedurals (which I love), the suspense, mystery, and edge of your seat feeling, you get from a really good crime thriller.

5 ⭐️

Thanks to the author Sean Watkin, Canelo, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I give a voluntary review.

Available: 22nd January 2026

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some secrets are best left buried.

The emotional fallout from their last case has left DCI de Silva and DS Barclay’s lives in tatters. Barclay’s marriage is failing and de Silva is still haunted by the loss of her husband, and wondering if she ever really knew him. When the National Crime Agency takes over the reins, the duo are reassigned to a cold case. A dismembered body found in Formby woods. Hidden for decades. Then, another body is discovered. As they dig deeper into the identities of the victims, they uncover a tangled web of awful crimes. They quickly learn they can’t trust anyone….even those closest to them….

You. Must. Read. This. Book.

If all you take from my review is the five words above, then I’ll be happy. This is book 2 in the DCI de Silva series, following on from the standout debut, Black Water Rising. To say I had high hopes for this book would be an understatement. A crime series based in my own city and written by a local author. No pressure, Mr Watkin! I’ve never been more delighted to have my high hopes exceeded!

Liverpool is brought to life in Sean’s work. Local landmarks, local slang, favoured haunts and institutions are given their moment in the sun. DCI de Silva and DS Barclay are like chalk and cheese, yet they work so well together. Secondary plot lines do not distract from the main plot, and are vital in understanding the inner workings of each character. It has everything you want in a good crime book: solid police procedural, gritty, real-life action, emotional scenes and some much needed humour to temper the serious themes.

I strongly suggest you get up to speed with this juggernaut of a series!

[Lorraine Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I loved how dark and gritty it feels, both books are, but this one delves deeper and feels like it really found it's footing. The plot is brutal and unforgiving, and I really appreciate when storylines are carried between books in one way or another, the intricacies really make this a stand out series.

Secondly, De Silva and Barclay are a great duo, I'm completely invested, they're complex and realistic and I'm just as invested in their lives as I am in the cold case.

Thirdly, I was gripped from the get go and totally consumed. In my humble opinion, British police procedural are up there with Scandi ones, there's a rawness to them that I can't get enough of and this series is one I wholeheartedly recommend, it checks that box.

I also really think Sean is an author to watch, his writing is fantastic and I'm predicting great things!

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first discovered Black Water Rising earlier in the year, I was astounded to learn that it was the work of a debut author. It’s beautifully written, atmospheric, and you can really feel the love that Sean has for his hometown. The fact that it was the first in a series made me a little nervous, because you never really know if the first can be topped… I needn’t have worried, because the second novel in the DCI De Silva series has been absolutely knocked out of the park. Better Off Dead is nothing short of brilliant. I devoured it in a matter of days and simply could not put it down.

If the series so far were a menu, Black Water Rising would be the starter and, for now at least, Better Off Dead serves as the main course. I say “for now” because I have a feeling that book three is the main course, and the fact we now have to wait for it is killing me.

Better Off Dead is bleak; it’s dark; there is no mercy, and it’s so cleverly and intricately plotted that I didn’t know which way was up and which was down. What I love about this series is how real it is, and Sean doesn’t play into the “happy ending” trope, which makes the stakes even higher, because nobody is safe and you can really feel the tension building as you turn the pages. I can’t say too much, other than THAT ENDING blew my mind, and I can’t wait for it to be out in the world next month. Sean is definitely an author to watch, and I certainly predict big things in his future if these two books are anything to go by. I cannot WAIT for No Place Left.

[Chelsea Reylo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better Off Dead ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s hardly a secret that Black Water Rising was one of my top reads of the year, so having the absolute privilege of joining De Silva and Barclay on another case has been a dream. Thank you @seanwatkinauthor @canelo_co for having me along for the ride! 🖤

@seanwatkinauthor is such a masterful scene-setter, and these books are the first time I’ve ever read about Liverpool and genuinely felt an author’s pride for the city — the quirks, the grit, the little details only locals know. I loved feeling like I was right there alongside them. With mentions of roads I drive every day, locations I know like the back of my hand, and even one of my fave lunch spots (and yes, I’m delighted to confirm that De Silva also gets the mega chicken… the woman clearly has taste!!), the world feels so real. You don’t need to know Liverpool to feel its soul in these pages.

I loved the direction this narrative took — I genuinely thought the twists in book one couldn’t be topped… but I was wrong. Think Line of Duty, but better: police corruption, long-buried secrets, and probably my favourite police duo of all time. I’m obsessed with De Silva and Barclay. I loved the premise of this one and the way a cold case becomes so much more, and essentially unravels throughout the book…

This one deals with some heavy, upsetting topics, but the way these two characters process information in the first person makes you feel supported as a reader. I love the duel narrative — it feels like you’re navigating the darkness with two people who can hold it. Sean has clearly done his homework, because the plot, the forensics, the procedural details… all immaculate. I’ve never read another crime series that manages to be so gritty and gruesome while simultaneously making me feel like I’ve worked in CSI for 20 years and can just take it all in my stride.

I absolutely loved this second instalment. Sean, you’ve done it again — and that ending makes me SO excited for book three already.

You can get your hands on Better Off Dead on January 22nd! 🔥📚🖤

[Raymond Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

We were so excited to join the read-along and when Sean kindly sent us an ARC of book two, we may have screamed just a little.

And honestly? It. Is. Incredible.
The first book was already a standout read, but this one… this one absolutely blew it out of the water. Without question, it’s my favourite read of the year so far.

I devoured it in just a couple of sittings. One minute it was daylight, the next I was sitting in the dark, completely glued to the pages and genuinely perched on the edge of my seat. The way the story picks up threads from book one is so clever — everything clicks into place with these perfect ‘lightbulb moment’ reveals that made me want to go back and reread scenes from the first book.

And the dynamic between de Silva and Barclay?
Off. The. Charts.
You can feel their partnership deepen and intensify in a way that adds so much emotion and tension to the plot. Their interactions had me grinning one minute and holding my breath the next.

Without giving anything away, there are certain twists and… goings on… early in the book that tug at your heartstrings and make you gay gasp. (I may have stolen that directly from Sean’s mouth.)

The pacing is relentless (in the best way) — fast, sharp, gripping from page one. There were moments I genuinely realised I’d been biting a nail or holding my breath because the tension was that good. Seans writing style puts me in mind of my favourite Author Michael Wood. And the ending? Did. Not. See. It. Coming.

This brilliant follow-up is released on January 22nd, and trust me… you’ll want to pre-order it now. Don’t pre-order this book and your TBR pile will start whispering, ‘amateur’ every time you walk past

I absolutely NEED the paperback to sit proudly alongside my de Silva (and Barclay 💙) collection. This series just keeps getting better and better — crime thriller fans, add this to your TBR immediately.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a quiet intensity to Sean Watkin’s writing—like a storm gathering just beyond the horizon. In Better Off Dead, the second installment of the DCI de Silva Crime Thrillers, that storm breaks wide open.

Still reeling from personal loss and professional upheaval, DCI de Silva and DS Barclay are reassigned to a cold case that’s anything but dormant. A dismembered body in Formby woods. Another victim. And a trail of secrets that refuses to stay buried. The emotional fallout is palpable, and Watkin doesn’t shy away from the psychological toll—his lived experience with PTSD adds a raw, authentic edge to the narrative.

Liverpool is rendered in rich, shadowed tones, and the pacing is taut without sacrificing depth. This isn’t just a whodunnit—it’s a meditation on grief, trust, and the fragile threads that bind us to one another.

If you’re drawn to crime fiction that’s gritty but grounded, emotionally layered and quietly devastating, Better Off Dead is well worth your time. Just be prepared to lose sleep.

With thanks to Sean Watkin, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

With thanks to Sean Watkin, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

[Susie Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better Off Dead by Sean Watkin is the second book in a brilliant new police procedural series, but it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted! The villains here are genuinely disturbing, making for an unsettling but compelling read.

DCI de Silva and DS Barclay return, now working together on a cold case involving a dismembered body discovered in woodland. At the same time, the National Crime Agency has taken control of the investigation that dominated the first book, leaving both detectives dealing with unfinished business as well as a new, deeply troubling case.

The emotional fallout from the previous novel hangs heavily over the story, and I really appreciated how much space is given to exploring grief, guilt and loss. This series excels at showing the personal cost of policing - the way trauma bleeds into every part of life, and how this is a job you can never truly switch off from.

As the investigation unfolds, the book becomes increasingly unsettling, shifting its focus away from a simple whodunnit towards something far more disturbing - the long-term consequences of silence, complicity and people choosing to look the other way. Dark, bleak and morally complex, this is a powerful continuation of the series that lingers long after the final page and I cannot wait to find out what happens in book 3!

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

The much anticipated follow up to Black Water Rising delivers another dark, gritty and immersive police procedural, featuring DCI Da Silva and DS Barclay. BWR left us with some unresolved details, particularly relating to the suicide of Da Silva's husband and so I was eager to get into this instalment straight away. It didn't let me down, with sharp, witty and emotional writing and a plot that had me gripped.

As well as not holding back on the horrific elements of the cold case that Da Silva and Barclay are landed with, that very quickly hots up, I enjoyed getting to know DS Barclay better, although my heart was torn in two for him as he tried to salvage his failing marriage to Nick, be a good dad to Sarah and be the committed detective that his job demanded. Is it possible to be simultaneously successful at all three?

Sean Watkin is a superbly talented author; if you enjoy a police procedural with heart, you will LOVE this book.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Sean Watkin and Canelo for an ARC of this book.

[Kristie Kieffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better Off Dead by Sean Watkin is a darkly gripping, twist-filled thriller that kept me on edge from start to finish. The story dives straight into the tension — no slow build, just a steady stream of secrets, danger, and moral gray areas that make it impossible to stop reading.

Watkin has a sharp, cinematic writing style that pulls you right into the scene. The pacing is tight, the dialogue snappy, and the suspense relentless. I loved how each twist felt earned — nothing was predictable, and just when I thought I had it figured out, another layer peeled back to reveal something darker.

The main character’s inner conflict adds real depth to the story, making it more than just a fast-paced thriller — it’s also about survival, guilt, and the blurry line between right and wrong.

Smart, tense, and full of surprises, Better Off Dead is the kind of thriller that grabs you and doesn’t let go until the very end.

[Gordon Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better Off Dead is the follow up to debut Black Water Rising. The novel features Liverpool detectives DS Barclay and DCI Win de Sliva, both experienced officers but both scarred in different ways from the events of the past.

With elements of the previous case unresolved, the National Crim Agency takes over. They find themselves investigating a newly discovered body, which links to a number of other crimes - and back to their initial case. The plot becomes complex, and the detectives have to face both tales of horrific child abuse and personal connections to police officers involved in the crimes.

Better Off Dead is dark and chilling, with some awful characters involved. The personal toll the case takes on those investigating is a large part of the narrative, although Barclay's marital breakdown takes up a little too much space. But overall this is a very good, if at times disturbing, read.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sean Watkin is an author to watch out for! If you haven't discovered his books yet, you are in for a treat when you read them. Book 2 in the DCI De Silva series starts at a relentless, fast pace and continues throughout. At times, I found myself holding my breath as De Silva pursues a killer who may have links to her past. The characterisation is so good and I found Barclay to be such a complex character, with his troubled personal life, and I just wanted to give him a hug. This is such an emotional, suspense filled thriller which kept me reading into the early hours, only to find I was then unable to sleep as my brain whirled in so many directions. A definite must read for fans of crime fiction. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Melanie Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was eagerly awaiting the follow up to Black water rising but also nervous that it couldn’t be as good but I was wrong. Better off dead is as good as, if not better than the first book in the series and this makes me even more excited for the next one!

DCI De Silva and DS Barclay are back. Events from the previous book are still haunting the pair (I would deffo recommend reading it first to give concept). With the NCA taking over their active investigation they reopen a cold case, a body buried in Formby woods decades earlier. When links between the two cases start to emerge they start to unbury secrets from the past that could have massive repercussions.

All of the characters are brilliantly written and well developed. The plot is intricate but seems effortless when reading. I love the setting and being able to recognise places that I know.

A well written and thrilling police procedural. I can’t wait for the next one!

Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo crime for the advanced copy.

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

​Dangerously dark and deeply disturbing, this brilliant, gritty atmospheric second instalment in the DCI de Silva and DS Barclay series is a visceral experience not for the faint-hearted.
The writing is so evocative it brings Liverpool to life and I could almost feel the chill of the city streets. As the case is snatched away by the NCA, watching our determined duo refuse to back down is riveting.
We delve much deeper into their personal lives this time, adding layers of rich character development to an already high-stakes plot.
A brilliant, expertly paced tale that will stay with me for a long time. I can't wait for the next one!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

With many thanks to Netgalley for providing this free advance copy and I am writing this unbiased review voluntarily.
Following on from the very good debut Black Water Rising, Better off Dead sees us reunited with the formidable Merseyside detectives. The bleak but sharp and intense plot is well thought out and very well written. It's tense with plenty of good twists and the ending - well talk about leaving you wanting more. Sean Watkin is going to be an author firmly on my radar and hoping we do not have to wait too long for book three. 4.5⭐️

[Sandy Marczewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better Off Dead by Sean Watkins is a fast-paced, gritty crime thriller led by the compelling duo of DCI de Silva and DS Barclay. When a disturbing case lands on their desks, the investigation quickly spirals into something darker, forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths and high-stakes decisions.

Fast paced with twists and turns.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review.

[Barbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok mystery, the 2nd in a series. I hadn't read the first one, but I don't think that made a difference. The story has a past murder and current murder coming together in the end. It was the long in between that got me.

Thanks for the ARC Netgalley.