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The Darkest Tide
What happens when you can no longer keep a secret?
When Arthur Cotton sees a body washed up on the beach, difficult memories come flooding back. He kept the books for the Brighton mob back in the day and got out on friendly terms. But retirement came with conditions - mainly to keep his mouth shut. Fifty years on, it's trickier. Dementia is taking hold and he's getting leaky. His former bosses are worried. Arthur didn't just keep their accounts, he also kept their secrets. Now there's going to be a reckoning.
It's up to Arthur's daughter, Susan, a carer for the elderly, to find out what her father knows. What he's been saying and to whom. There are dangerous people around, and they're beginning to lose their patience. She'll have to turn detective to encounter a Brighton she barely knew existed, and to turn up parts of her father's past that are just as dark.
Peter Hanington delves into Brighton's shadowy corners in this gripping new series starring the brilliant Susan Cotton.
When Arthur Cotton sees a body washed up on the beach, difficult memories come flooding back. He kept the books for the Brighton mob back in the day and got out on friendly terms. But retirement came with conditions - mainly to keep his mouth shut. Fifty years on, it's trickier. Dementia is taking hold and he's getting leaky. His former bosses are worried. Arthur didn't just keep their accounts, he also kept their secrets. Now there's going to be a reckoning.
It's up to Arthur's daughter, Susan, a carer for the elderly, to find out what her father knows. What he's been saying and to whom. There are dangerous people around, and they're beginning to lose their patience. She'll have to turn detective to encounter a Brighton she barely knew existed, and to turn up parts of her father's past that are just as dark.
Peter Hanington delves into Brighton's shadowy corners in this gripping new series starring the brilliant Susan Cotton.
- GenresThriller
449 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2026
About the author
Peter Hanington
5 books36 followersPeter Hanington is a writer and journalist. His critically acclaimed William Carver thrillers begin with A Dying Breed and star the eponymous old-school radio journalist against a backdrop of high-stakes international espionage. He is also the author of the Susan Cotton series of crime novels, which are set in Brighton and begin with The Darkest Tide
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 16, 2026
Thank you so much to Laura at Baskerville for sending me a GIFTED proof of The Darkest Tide by Peter Hanington, which comes out on 7th May.
At the centre of the novel is Arthur Cotton who kept the books for the Brighton mob back in the day, and got out on friendly terms. But retirement came with conditions – mainly to keep his mouth shut. Fifty years on, it’s trickier. Dementia is taking hold and he’s getting leaky. His former bosses are worried. Arthur didn’t just keep their accounts, he also kept their secrets. Now there’s going to be a reckoning.
It’s up to Arthur’s daughter, Susan, a carer for the elderly, to find out what her father knows. What he’s been saying and to whom. There are dangerous people around, and they’re beginning to lose their patience. She’ll have to turn detective to encounter a Brighton she barely knew existed, and to turn up parts of her father’s past that are just as dark...
"Revenge is a dish best served cold", the proverb advises, and in The Darkest Tide we are presented with a story of delayed revenge, and of redemption, as Peter Hanington delves into Brighton’s shadowy corners in this gripping crime thriller
Really well written with a multilayered, dual timeline plot, it is laced with lots of tension, menace and suspense; some excellent misdirection, and a really unexpected twist at the end.
I really enjoyed the way Peter Hanington has created his characters in this novel, and how some of them have, without doubt, commited terrible, violent, criminal acts in the past, yet now we root for them, and want them to prevail. The way he attracts the reader's sympathy for them, and carries them along, is extremely well done indeed.
The novel also has an incredible sense of place, thanks to the author's skill in vividly evoking Brighton's sights, sounds, smells and cityscape.
As someone with personal experience of dementia affecting a family member, the author deserves praise for the extent of his research and the sensitive way he portrays it.
I very much enjoyed this crime thriller, and it has whetted my appetite for book two in the series. It would also make a brilliant TV mini series or film!
Recommended.
At the centre of the novel is Arthur Cotton who kept the books for the Brighton mob back in the day, and got out on friendly terms. But retirement came with conditions – mainly to keep his mouth shut. Fifty years on, it’s trickier. Dementia is taking hold and he’s getting leaky. His former bosses are worried. Arthur didn’t just keep their accounts, he also kept their secrets. Now there’s going to be a reckoning.
It’s up to Arthur’s daughter, Susan, a carer for the elderly, to find out what her father knows. What he’s been saying and to whom. There are dangerous people around, and they’re beginning to lose their patience. She’ll have to turn detective to encounter a Brighton she barely knew existed, and to turn up parts of her father’s past that are just as dark...
"Revenge is a dish best served cold", the proverb advises, and in The Darkest Tide we are presented with a story of delayed revenge, and of redemption, as Peter Hanington delves into Brighton’s shadowy corners in this gripping crime thriller
Really well written with a multilayered, dual timeline plot, it is laced with lots of tension, menace and suspense; some excellent misdirection, and a really unexpected twist at the end.
I really enjoyed the way Peter Hanington has created his characters in this novel, and how some of them have, without doubt, commited terrible, violent, criminal acts in the past, yet now we root for them, and want them to prevail. The way he attracts the reader's sympathy for them, and carries them along, is extremely well done indeed.
The novel also has an incredible sense of place, thanks to the author's skill in vividly evoking Brighton's sights, sounds, smells and cityscape.
As someone with personal experience of dementia affecting a family member, the author deserves praise for the extent of his research and the sensitive way he portrays it.
I very much enjoyed this crime thriller, and it has whetted my appetite for book two in the series. It would also make a brilliant TV mini series or film!
Recommended.
June 29, 2026
An outstanding crime novel. One of the best I have ever read.
May 28, 2026
Superbly plotted, evenly paced, very intriguing - this was just an all-round great read. I really enjoyed it!
Arthur Cotton has early stages of dementia and starting to lose his memories. When a body is washed up on the beach in Brighton however he wants to remember some of his darker past before it’s too late. But the past threatens to catch up with him and his family…
A dual timeline and multiple POV’s keeps this story really interesting. It’s a great atmospheric setting with an intricate story line. I really enjoyed uncovering the truth of the story and piece things together.
I did a mixture of audiobook and physical copy and enjoyed both very much.
I highly recommend!
Arthur Cotton has early stages of dementia and starting to lose his memories. When a body is washed up on the beach in Brighton however he wants to remember some of his darker past before it’s too late. But the past threatens to catch up with him and his family…
A dual timeline and multiple POV’s keeps this story really interesting. It’s a great atmospheric setting with an intricate story line. I really enjoyed uncovering the truth of the story and piece things together.
I did a mixture of audiobook and physical copy and enjoyed both very much.
I highly recommend!
December 23, 2025
A fast paced read. Focuses on Arthur a man with dementia and the circle of people connected to him. An enjoyable read with action in every chapter. I didn’t see the twist at the end.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy
April 2, 2026
This was a real gem of a thriller full of the unexpected with so many twists and turns I was barely able to keep up. Even the last line of the book was a real twisty cliffhanger and made me wonder if there will be a book 2.
Set in Brighton, with shades of “Brighton Rock” this book plumbs the depth of the city’s murky underworld. Set in 1969 and the present day the story revolves round Arthur and his daughter Susan.
Arthur is suffering early dementia and is trying to get his affairs in order. His mind returns to 1969 when he was working for some very unsavoury characters along with his best friend, Robert. Wandering the streets of Brighton, he writes down his memories in a number of notebooks.
Robert now owns an antique shop and has left his old life behind. When Arthur is mugged after seeing a corpse washed up on the beach it becomes clear that their past is catching up on them.
Susan knows nothing of her Dad”s earlier life but is worried about him. Arthur has brought her up alone after her late mother’s death and apart from her daughter, Ruby, he is her only relative.
Susan has to use all her skills to work out why her father is being targeted and try and find out what he knows before he gets himself into very deep water whilst trying to hold on to her job as a nurse care assistant visiting old people in their homes.
The author treats Arthur’s dementia in a sympathetic manner. The criminal underworld are well described, both the present day Albanians and the old men who used to be the enforcers in the 1960s.
Robert was an interesting character- I wanted to dislike him for his past behaviour but I was strangely drawn to him as he endeavours to protect his best friend and save Susan and Ruby.
This was definitely a five star read for me and I’m secretly hoping I will be able to read more about Susan, Robert and Arthur.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
Set in Brighton, with shades of “Brighton Rock” this book plumbs the depth of the city’s murky underworld. Set in 1969 and the present day the story revolves round Arthur and his daughter Susan.
Arthur is suffering early dementia and is trying to get his affairs in order. His mind returns to 1969 when he was working for some very unsavoury characters along with his best friend, Robert. Wandering the streets of Brighton, he writes down his memories in a number of notebooks.
Robert now owns an antique shop and has left his old life behind. When Arthur is mugged after seeing a corpse washed up on the beach it becomes clear that their past is catching up on them.
Susan knows nothing of her Dad”s earlier life but is worried about him. Arthur has brought her up alone after her late mother’s death and apart from her daughter, Ruby, he is her only relative.
Susan has to use all her skills to work out why her father is being targeted and try and find out what he knows before he gets himself into very deep water whilst trying to hold on to her job as a nurse care assistant visiting old people in their homes.
The author treats Arthur’s dementia in a sympathetic manner. The criminal underworld are well described, both the present day Albanians and the old men who used to be the enforcers in the 1960s.
Robert was an interesting character- I wanted to dislike him for his past behaviour but I was strangely drawn to him as he endeavours to protect his best friend and save Susan and Ruby.
This was definitely a five star read for me and I’m secretly hoping I will be able to read more about Susan, Robert and Arthur.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
June 12, 2026
If you enjoyed or liked the concept of ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ series but thought it a little TOO cosy, ‘The Darkest Tide’ is for you.
It centres around Arthur, a retired ex-Brighton-mob-member, who is now facing the early stages of dementia, which adds a whole extra level of trouble when the crimes he and his (now elderly) associates were involved in 40-50 years ago appear to be coming back to haunt them…
It’s gritty and it’s graphic. That side of things intertwined with the lives, trials and tribulations of a group of now OAPs made for some good laughs! There’s a perfect balance between the crime and the everyday in this book, told through dual timelines and third person POV. Even when it dealt with heavy themes, including Arthur’s dementia and how it not only affects him but the people around him, Hanington always brought us back to a happier place with a laugh, or a touching moment between the wonderfully human characters.
I was totally gripped for the first 60% -ish, it started dragging just a little bit then but I knew it was setting up for the big finale, then from 75% onwards I couldn’t put it down again. The big reveal totally floored me and the ending scenes played out like a great British gangster movie and I could not turn the pages fast enough! the ending scenes played out like a great British gangster movie and I could not turn the pages fast enough!
It centres around Arthur, a retired ex-Brighton-mob-member, who is now facing the early stages of dementia, which adds a whole extra level of trouble when the crimes he and his (now elderly) associates were involved in 40-50 years ago appear to be coming back to haunt them…
It’s gritty and it’s graphic. That side of things intertwined with the lives, trials and tribulations of a group of now OAPs made for some good laughs! There’s a perfect balance between the crime and the everyday in this book, told through dual timelines and third person POV. Even when it dealt with heavy themes, including Arthur’s dementia and how it not only affects him but the people around him, Hanington always brought us back to a happier place with a laugh, or a touching moment between the wonderfully human characters.
I was totally gripped for the first 60% -ish, it started dragging just a little bit then but I knew it was setting up for the big finale, then from 75% onwards I couldn’t put it down again. The big reveal totally floored me and the ending scenes played out like a great British gangster movie and I could not turn the pages fast enough! the ending scenes played out like a great British gangster movie and I could not turn the pages fast enough!
January 20, 2026
This was a pretty grim read at times, populated as it is by numerous nasty (well defined) characters, and numerous nasty (well described) murders, but I was eventually drawn in and enjoyed the story. Arthur Cotton was once the accountant for the criminal gang ruling the roost in Brighton in the 70s. His best friend, Robert was their hit man, a thoroughly nasty piece of work. Although Arthur just ‘did the books’, he knew very well what was going on and what his friend was capable of.
The story unfolds on two different timelines: the present and the 70s. Arthur is now living in a home having been diagnosed with dementia and this disease and its accompanying loss of memory has motivated Arthur to dig up old memories and old scores to settle. But doing this he puts his daughter, Susan, and his young grandaughter Ruby, in danger. Susan is a kind and caring district nurse who looks after the people in the area, many of whom seem to be former hoodlums! She has been protected, by all concerned, from the truth about Arthur and Robert’s past, but gradually is drawn in to investigating what is going on after blackmailing letters come to light which involve Robert’s former boss, and suspicion falls on Arthur.
The truth is revealed slowly and skilfully and despite deeply disliking Robert at first, I found myself not liking him exactly, but hoping he survives to achieve his goals in the story! There is a definite sense of menace and danger throughout and I was worried for Susan and especially Ruby. There are a couple of twists at the end that are excellent (maybe one is predictable) and an unanswered question. There is a hint that Susan might appear in another novel so maybe all will be revealed but the ending is quite satisfactory for all that.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy crime/mystery stories and skilful plotting.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for my kindle. This is my honest review after a full read of the novel.
The story unfolds on two different timelines: the present and the 70s. Arthur is now living in a home having been diagnosed with dementia and this disease and its accompanying loss of memory has motivated Arthur to dig up old memories and old scores to settle. But doing this he puts his daughter, Susan, and his young grandaughter Ruby, in danger. Susan is a kind and caring district nurse who looks after the people in the area, many of whom seem to be former hoodlums! She has been protected, by all concerned, from the truth about Arthur and Robert’s past, but gradually is drawn in to investigating what is going on after blackmailing letters come to light which involve Robert’s former boss, and suspicion falls on Arthur.
The truth is revealed slowly and skilfully and despite deeply disliking Robert at first, I found myself not liking him exactly, but hoping he survives to achieve his goals in the story! There is a definite sense of menace and danger throughout and I was worried for Susan and especially Ruby. There are a couple of twists at the end that are excellent (maybe one is predictable) and an unanswered question. There is a hint that Susan might appear in another novel so maybe all will be revealed but the ending is quite satisfactory for all that.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy crime/mystery stories and skilful plotting.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for my kindle. This is my honest review after a full read of the novel.
June 8, 2026
Well that was a bit of a rollercoaster. So many different moving parts all coming together. I most definitely did not see that twist coming!! Still trying to pick my jaw up off the ground. Can’t wait to see what else this author has to offer!
May 11, 2026
Anyone who has read Graham Greene will not be surprised that Brighton is a violent place, and will not therefore be surprised when a headless and armless body washes up on the beach. From there you will find yourself on a road full of twists through the crime world of Brighton. Read and enjoy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A gripping tale of guilt and redemption!
This visceral thriller dives deep into Brighton’s criminal underbelly, led by Arthur, a man haunted by his history as a "fixer" accountant for a local firm. Now suffering from vascular dementia, Arthur is racing against his own fading mind to right past wrongs, but his old employers, and a lethal new wave of Albanian gangsters aren't ready to let the secrets die.
The heart of the book lies in its messy, complex loyalties. From Arthur’s bond with his morally compromised lifelong friend and ex colleague Robert, to his nurse daughter Susan’s fierce, protective drive, the characters are etched with startling depth.
It’s a multiple layered, gritty exploration of atonement and the heavy price of family protection.
With a shock ending I could never have predicted executed as meticulously as Arthur’s notebooks, this is a masterclass in suspense that leaves you rooting for the sinners. An outstanding read perfect for fans of gritty thrillers!
This visceral thriller dives deep into Brighton’s criminal underbelly, led by Arthur, a man haunted by his history as a "fixer" accountant for a local firm. Now suffering from vascular dementia, Arthur is racing against his own fading mind to right past wrongs, but his old employers, and a lethal new wave of Albanian gangsters aren't ready to let the secrets die.
The heart of the book lies in its messy, complex loyalties. From Arthur’s bond with his morally compromised lifelong friend and ex colleague Robert, to his nurse daughter Susan’s fierce, protective drive, the characters are etched with startling depth.
It’s a multiple layered, gritty exploration of atonement and the heavy price of family protection.
With a shock ending I could never have predicted executed as meticulously as Arthur’s notebooks, this is a masterclass in suspense that leaves you rooting for the sinners. An outstanding read perfect for fans of gritty thrillers!
April 22, 2026
A tale of long term revenge.
As a young man Arthur became the book keeper for a vicious organised crime gang based in 1960s Brighton. Now in the 2020s and with the beginnings of dimentia, he is looking back on his life. Crime in Brighton is being run by an even more vicious Albania family. A mutilated body that is washed up on the beach reminds Arthur of an event from the past, and havoc soon follows.
Peter Hannington has created some really strong characters in this book, some unsavoury and some otherwise. This is a fast paced really gripping story with many twists and turns and a very surprising ending.
There are some very gory, graphically described scenes that some may find distressing, but all are key to the unfolding of the plot.
As a young man Arthur became the book keeper for a vicious organised crime gang based in 1960s Brighton. Now in the 2020s and with the beginnings of dimentia, he is looking back on his life. Crime in Brighton is being run by an even more vicious Albania family. A mutilated body that is washed up on the beach reminds Arthur of an event from the past, and havoc soon follows.
Peter Hannington has created some really strong characters in this book, some unsavoury and some otherwise. This is a fast paced really gripping story with many twists and turns and a very surprising ending.
There are some very gory, graphically described scenes that some may find distressing, but all are key to the unfolding of the plot.
May 3, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this. Susan is a nurse, her patients are several of the elderly residents of Brighton, she spends most of her time worrying about her father, Arthur, who has dementia.
Arthur has been trying to capture what happened when he was young, to write everything down before he can no longer remember. Arthur was an accountant, his main client and employer was a criminal, it was his friend Robert who got him the job.
The story is dual timeline from the present to 40 years before, telling the story and the consequences of what happened. A well written book that keeps you guessing right to the end.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc
Arthur has been trying to capture what happened when he was young, to write everything down before he can no longer remember. Arthur was an accountant, his main client and employer was a criminal, it was his friend Robert who got him the job.
The story is dual timeline from the present to 40 years before, telling the story and the consequences of what happened. A well written book that keeps you guessing right to the end.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc
May 27, 2026
I lived just along the coast from Brighton in the 60s and Brighton mobs were real and nasty. This is a clever cross generation piece involving Arthur and Robert two old hoodlums who come up against the Alabanian modern day mobs.
Arthur is suffering from dementia and his daughter and granddaughter are drawn into a complex conspiracy
Great location and characters.
Arthur is suffering from dementia and his daughter and granddaughter are drawn into a complex conspiracy
Great location and characters.
April 23, 2026
Arthur Cotton was always good at keeping his mouth shut … until he got older and Dementia changed things for him.
Fifty years ago, he was part of a Brighton mob, and now that a body has been washed up on Brighton beach, he’s trying to remember his time back then.
Arthur’s daughter, Susan, doesn’t know exactly what her dad used to do, but she’s now concerned for her and her daughter, Ruby.
Arthur’s oldest friend, Robert, is trying to keep everyone safe.
This is a fantastic book with intriguing characters. It is fast paced, edgy and dark.
This is the first book in the Brighton series and a great start. I enjoyed this story from start to finish, it had an exceptional build up and some amazing twists along the way.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
Fifty years ago, he was part of a Brighton mob, and now that a body has been washed up on Brighton beach, he’s trying to remember his time back then.
Arthur’s daughter, Susan, doesn’t know exactly what her dad used to do, but she’s now concerned for her and her daughter, Ruby.
Arthur’s oldest friend, Robert, is trying to keep everyone safe.
This is a fantastic book with intriguing characters. It is fast paced, edgy and dark.
This is the first book in the Brighton series and a great start. I enjoyed this story from start to finish, it had an exceptional build up and some amazing twists along the way.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Briefly - A really good read, dark and pacey.
In full
Arthur Cotton sees a body washed up on Brighton beach and it brings back memories. That's something that is less easy for Arthur these days. He was an accountant however the accounts he kept were for the Brighton criminal fraternity back in the day. Now he's in a residential home with dementia. He was almost never (!) involved in the dark deeds at the sharp end however his peaceful retirement was on the condition of secrecy. His old bosses are concerned that the secrets he keeps may be leaking and, as far as they are concerned, there is only one solution. Arthur's daughter Susan, a nurse, becomes involved to try and help him.
While Arthur walks around places he once knew a lot about and makes some notes, Susan and some of the old "coffin dodgers" are involved in piecing together the old stories. In particular Robert, now an antiques dealer, is the man who tried to protect Arthur as far as he could. He is a man who does know many dark secrets but has always looked out for Arthur, Susan and her daughter. Back in the day a knock on the door from Robert did not bode well.
The story is told in a then and now format with stories from the late 1960s generally involving Arthur and Robert paired with current events in 2019. These involve the older generation but also Susan and her daughter. As a nurse she calls on some people who may have some knowledge of what happened in the old days.
The more I read of this book the more it drew me in. The latter part of the book was very hard to put down. This is really quite a dark read in places with a well worked sense of foreboding. The pace was very good to me. There's violence here and some may not like that. Certainly some of the coffin dodgers stop dodging and bystanders are affected too. If the secrets do come out what will the impact be on those who are still around to hear them? I really did find this very readable and didn't get all the twists! I'd happily read another set in Brighton and I will look at the author's earlier books. A very good 4 star read.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the author and publisher in exchange for a fair review
In full
Arthur Cotton sees a body washed up on Brighton beach and it brings back memories. That's something that is less easy for Arthur these days. He was an accountant however the accounts he kept were for the Brighton criminal fraternity back in the day. Now he's in a residential home with dementia. He was almost never (!) involved in the dark deeds at the sharp end however his peaceful retirement was on the condition of secrecy. His old bosses are concerned that the secrets he keeps may be leaking and, as far as they are concerned, there is only one solution. Arthur's daughter Susan, a nurse, becomes involved to try and help him.
While Arthur walks around places he once knew a lot about and makes some notes, Susan and some of the old "coffin dodgers" are involved in piecing together the old stories. In particular Robert, now an antiques dealer, is the man who tried to protect Arthur as far as he could. He is a man who does know many dark secrets but has always looked out for Arthur, Susan and her daughter. Back in the day a knock on the door from Robert did not bode well.
The story is told in a then and now format with stories from the late 1960s generally involving Arthur and Robert paired with current events in 2019. These involve the older generation but also Susan and her daughter. As a nurse she calls on some people who may have some knowledge of what happened in the old days.
The more I read of this book the more it drew me in. The latter part of the book was very hard to put down. This is really quite a dark read in places with a well worked sense of foreboding. The pace was very good to me. There's violence here and some may not like that. Certainly some of the coffin dodgers stop dodging and bystanders are affected too. If the secrets do come out what will the impact be on those who are still around to hear them? I really did find this very readable and didn't get all the twists! I'd happily read another set in Brighton and I will look at the author's earlier books. A very good 4 star read.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the author and publisher in exchange for a fair review
May 26, 2026
A mutilated body washes up at the beach in Brighton and stirs memories for an elderly gentleman who is in the early stages of dementia. So the first mystery is who the body belongs to and second, who committed this awful crime and why.
The prologue shows what type of book this is by depicting a brutal tortuous murder, indicating criminal gang activities. However, it happened in the past and the present seems a much calmer place. All the gangsters from that time are dead or aging, and an Albanian family now runs the organised crime in the town. But the secrets of the past face being unearthed, especially now that at least one of the old order has a memory problem.
The story covers two timelines and it is told from many perspectives, one being the daughter of the man with dementia. She is a nurse who visits care homes and is innocently caught up in the aggro without knowing why. There are many colourful characters and while I didn't always keep up with who was who from the old guard, the story doesn't suffer too much. The central characters are rounded and credible. It is good to see older adults taking centre stage as well.
This is an atmospheric, evocative and compelling story with a pacy, engaging and well crafted plot that covers themes of memory, loyalty, friendship and revenge as well as the underbelly of society. The final twist at the end I didn't care for much, it seems a bit of a stretch in credulity. But that is a tiny blip in an otherwise great read with a real threat of danger throughout.
The prologue shows what type of book this is by depicting a brutal tortuous murder, indicating criminal gang activities. However, it happened in the past and the present seems a much calmer place. All the gangsters from that time are dead or aging, and an Albanian family now runs the organised crime in the town. But the secrets of the past face being unearthed, especially now that at least one of the old order has a memory problem.
The story covers two timelines and it is told from many perspectives, one being the daughter of the man with dementia. She is a nurse who visits care homes and is innocently caught up in the aggro without knowing why. There are many colourful characters and while I didn't always keep up with who was who from the old guard, the story doesn't suffer too much. The central characters are rounded and credible. It is good to see older adults taking centre stage as well.
This is an atmospheric, evocative and compelling story with a pacy, engaging and well crafted plot that covers themes of memory, loyalty, friendship and revenge as well as the underbelly of society. The final twist at the end I didn't care for much, it seems a bit of a stretch in credulity. But that is a tiny blip in an otherwise great read with a real threat of danger throughout.
June 15, 2026
3.75-4⭐️
My first book by this author with this recently released crime thriller set in Brighton. The time frame is split between 1969 and present day with both ‘old school’ mobsters and modern Albanian organised grime gangs.
I don’t read much crime suspense these days, definitely not about modern organised crime gangs, they don’t hold appeal for me. What drew me to this book is the use of dementia and an amateur sleuth as plot drivers. The bigger element is the old school mobster gang which I find easier to read about, there’s not so much about the modern OCG.
I had the audiobook read by Nathalie Buscombe who is good, easy to listen to.
Our main characters are Arthur who is suffering from dementia, he has a shady past, he is desperate to write down memories before they are forever lost. The way that the past is told via Arthur’s memories where he uses strategies to jog his memory is refreshingly different, effective, and feels very real, as does the portrayal of a person living with dementia.
The other is his daughter Susan, a nurse who gets drawn in as people are making an appearance wanting to keep Arthur quiet. Using her nursing as a way to approach those she wanted information from was another effective plot device.
I found both the main characters likeable, I was rooting for them as well as a side character Robert.
The story telling is on the slower side with gradual reveals. There’s enough revelations and twists to hold my attention. It ended strongly.
I’d check out more from this author.
My first book by this author with this recently released crime thriller set in Brighton. The time frame is split between 1969 and present day with both ‘old school’ mobsters and modern Albanian organised grime gangs.
I don’t read much crime suspense these days, definitely not about modern organised crime gangs, they don’t hold appeal for me. What drew me to this book is the use of dementia and an amateur sleuth as plot drivers. The bigger element is the old school mobster gang which I find easier to read about, there’s not so much about the modern OCG.
I had the audiobook read by Nathalie Buscombe who is good, easy to listen to.
Our main characters are Arthur who is suffering from dementia, he has a shady past, he is desperate to write down memories before they are forever lost. The way that the past is told via Arthur’s memories where he uses strategies to jog his memory is refreshingly different, effective, and feels very real, as does the portrayal of a person living with dementia.
The other is his daughter Susan, a nurse who gets drawn in as people are making an appearance wanting to keep Arthur quiet. Using her nursing as a way to approach those she wanted information from was another effective plot device.
I found both the main characters likeable, I was rooting for them as well as a side character Robert.
The story telling is on the slower side with gradual reveals. There’s enough revelations and twists to hold my attention. It ended strongly.
I’d check out more from this author.
February 13, 2026
Having read The Darkest Tide after the excellent Carver series, it took quite a change of focus to switch from international politics and journalism to downtown Brighton where the main characters are local criminals and inhabitants of a retirement home. I admit it took a bit of getting used to, perhaps also because elderly people, in some cases suffering from dementia, seem to have become a popular cast in crime novels (see The Thursday Murder Club as prime example).
But anyway.
In this case the story unfolds around Arthur Cotton, who is trying to catch up with his past, when he worked for a gangleader as an accountant. His memories however are fading and he tries to secure them by writing everything he remembers in multiple notebooks.
Some chapters go back to 1969, when Arthur started his work in the crime business and is protected by his friend Robert. Their friendship has endured and plays an important role in the present day.
Telling more about the plot would be giving away too much.
In the end I got drawn into the story despite my initial doubts about the setting and tore through the book in a couple of days. The build-up was great and a surprising twist took me quite unawares. This of course is thanks to the great authorship of Peter Hanington, who as it turns out can weave a story around shady characters from Brighton as easily as describing a wary old journalist caught up in global turmoil.
If you might have misgivings about his new topic, rest assured. The Darkest Tide is a very good read.
But anyway.
In this case the story unfolds around Arthur Cotton, who is trying to catch up with his past, when he worked for a gangleader as an accountant. His memories however are fading and he tries to secure them by writing everything he remembers in multiple notebooks.
Some chapters go back to 1969, when Arthur started his work in the crime business and is protected by his friend Robert. Their friendship has endured and plays an important role in the present day.
Telling more about the plot would be giving away too much.
In the end I got drawn into the story despite my initial doubts about the setting and tore through the book in a couple of days. The build-up was great and a surprising twist took me quite unawares. This of course is thanks to the great authorship of Peter Hanington, who as it turns out can weave a story around shady characters from Brighton as easily as describing a wary old journalist caught up in global turmoil.
If you might have misgivings about his new topic, rest assured. The Darkest Tide is a very good read.
April 15, 2026
This is a really good read; it is about Arthur Cotton and his daughter, Susan. Arthur is getting on in years, and he has signs of dementia. Susan works as a community care worker and is often busy.
When a body gets washed up on a beach in Brighton, this triggers some memories for Arthur. Susan is unaware of her father's past, but she is gradually discovering he has some secrets. It is one of her father's friends that start to fill in the gaps. Filling in the gaps is something that Arthur himself is doing, visiting the old haunts. This is causing concern, especially when there is blackmail being committed as well. This doesn't sit well with the locals. Not everything is as it seems, though.
This is the story of the past, present, and future. Lives change and adapt, things happen, and some things are kept hidden. Arthur is looking back, trying to remember things for his notes. It is one of his coping mechanisms to help him remember things by writing them down. Susan worries about her Dad; it has just been the two of them for several years after the death of her mother.
The story flits back and forth between the past and the present, with glimpses into the world of Arthur and his friend Robert as they work for the local mob. It is a mix of secrets, blackmail, murder, and a whole lot of unknowns for Susan.
A mix of crime, murder, mystery and thriller with a well laid out story. I really enjoyed this and would be happy to recommend it.
When a body gets washed up on a beach in Brighton, this triggers some memories for Arthur. Susan is unaware of her father's past, but she is gradually discovering he has some secrets. It is one of her father's friends that start to fill in the gaps. Filling in the gaps is something that Arthur himself is doing, visiting the old haunts. This is causing concern, especially when there is blackmail being committed as well. This doesn't sit well with the locals. Not everything is as it seems, though.
This is the story of the past, present, and future. Lives change and adapt, things happen, and some things are kept hidden. Arthur is looking back, trying to remember things for his notes. It is one of his coping mechanisms to help him remember things by writing them down. Susan worries about her Dad; it has just been the two of them for several years after the death of her mother.
The story flits back and forth between the past and the present, with glimpses into the world of Arthur and his friend Robert as they work for the local mob. It is a mix of secrets, blackmail, murder, and a whole lot of unknowns for Susan.
A mix of crime, murder, mystery and thriller with a well laid out story. I really enjoyed this and would be happy to recommend it.
February 6, 2026
Like the Carver novels which I have also read this book isn’t short of a splattering of violence - it is about mobsters afterall and the blurred lines between good and bad.
Coming from Brighton there were plenty of pleasing Easter eggs for me to enjoy as we are lead around the city by the sea by Arthur and Susan Cotton. Arthur is losing his memory to dementia whilst Susan is a strong female protagonist whose wit is as sharp as her hypodermic syringe (she’s a nurse, not an addict…).
The novel paints a seedy underbelly to the city which I can only hope to be largely fictional and you can almost smell the sea and the vinegar on the chips as you read.
The flashbacks to the gang’s heyday are very evocative (the book would make a great TV or film adaptation for these passages alone). Every character (the good, bad and even worse) is fully fleshed out, helping to draw you fully into the story. The whole book is laden with dramatic tension that someone is around the corner who you’d really rather not bump into, making it hard to put it down.
The author is excellent at weaving a complex story together, paints characters and imagery that stay with you and serves up a satisfying ending.
Looking forward to catching up with some of these characters again and seeing what else may get dredged up!
Coming from Brighton there were plenty of pleasing Easter eggs for me to enjoy as we are lead around the city by the sea by Arthur and Susan Cotton. Arthur is losing his memory to dementia whilst Susan is a strong female protagonist whose wit is as sharp as her hypodermic syringe (she’s a nurse, not an addict…).
The novel paints a seedy underbelly to the city which I can only hope to be largely fictional and you can almost smell the sea and the vinegar on the chips as you read.
The flashbacks to the gang’s heyday are very evocative (the book would make a great TV or film adaptation for these passages alone). Every character (the good, bad and even worse) is fully fleshed out, helping to draw you fully into the story. The whole book is laden with dramatic tension that someone is around the corner who you’d really rather not bump into, making it hard to put it down.
The author is excellent at weaving a complex story together, paints characters and imagery that stay with you and serves up a satisfying ending.
Looking forward to catching up with some of these characters again and seeing what else may get dredged up!
May 24, 2026
A brilliant opener to the new Brighton Series starring Susan Cotton. Susan is a district nurse who looks after a lot of elderly patients and has no idea about her father’s colourful past. Told in dual timelines we are taken back to the dark days of 1969 and the even darker present in a town controlled by Organised Crime groups.
Briefly, Arthur Cotton was an accountant working for the mob for 40 years but is now suffering from Vascular Dementia and living out his time in a care home. His best friend, Robert was the mobs hit man and a pretty nasty piece of work, and now he is running an antiques shop. When Arthur sees a dismembered body washed up on the beach he begins to remember many things from those days and starts putting his memories down in notebooks. Unfortunately for him both the current Albanian gangsters and the residue of the old mob feel threatened about him potentially revealing all.
I loved how Susan was determined to look after her father and keep her daughter Ruby safe despite the danger to herself from her detective work. Arthur’s dementia is dealt with sympathetically and appropriately and you can’t help but root for him despite his history. A gritty thriller; violence, blackmail and murder, with a shocking conclusion I never saw coming. This is quite a read!
Briefly, Arthur Cotton was an accountant working for the mob for 40 years but is now suffering from Vascular Dementia and living out his time in a care home. His best friend, Robert was the mobs hit man and a pretty nasty piece of work, and now he is running an antiques shop. When Arthur sees a dismembered body washed up on the beach he begins to remember many things from those days and starts putting his memories down in notebooks. Unfortunately for him both the current Albanian gangsters and the residue of the old mob feel threatened about him potentially revealing all.
I loved how Susan was determined to look after her father and keep her daughter Ruby safe despite the danger to herself from her detective work. Arthur’s dementia is dealt with sympathetically and appropriately and you can’t help but root for him despite his history. A gritty thriller; violence, blackmail and murder, with a shocking conclusion I never saw coming. This is quite a read!
June 5, 2026
The Darkest Tide by Peter Hanington was an author I have never heard of and even read any of his books and WoW this book was excellent and so addictive. Once I started to read it I was hooked and could not turn my pages over on my kindle quick enough to find out what and who the mutilated body that washes up on the beach in Brighton. This only stirs difficult memories that come flooding back for an elderly gentleman called Arthur Cotton he has always kept quiet about his past and fifty years ago, he was part of a Brighton mob, Until he was diagnosed with early stages of dementia, his past is confusing his present day life. With so many secrets of his past life and not even his daughter Susan knows his shady life. . . .But, we all know, Secrets have a way of coming out and it does not matter how hard you try and hide or try and forget them they have a way of coming out!!!
But, who is this person found mutilated washed on the beach?
Does Arthur Cotton know him from his shady past?
WoW. . .. I loved the way the author Peter Hanington wrote and especially as it was set in dual timeline which I enjoyed.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and John Murray Press | Baskerville for my ARC.
But, who is this person found mutilated washed on the beach?
Does Arthur Cotton know him from his shady past?
WoW. . .. I loved the way the author Peter Hanington wrote and especially as it was set in dual timeline which I enjoyed.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and John Murray Press | Baskerville for my ARC.
November 14, 2025
I loved the William Carver series but the curmudgeonly reporter had perhaps come to the end of the road but Peter Hanington has more than come up trumps with this wonderful evocative thriller that introduces Arthur Cotton the ex Brighton mob accountant from the late 1960’s and his resilient daughter Sarah - a carer for the elderly but in reality far far more.
The other hero in the book is Brighton itself with its dark nooks and crannies both today and 50 years ago brilliantly exposed.
Arthur is in the first throes of dementia and is caught up in a blackmail plot involving the former Mr Big of the Brighton crime scene. The story rotates from the past to the present as we are introduced to a series of grotesque characters who ran the town way back when but despite their age are as dangerous now as they ever were.
The denouement is shocking and surprising with a totally unexpected twist and the book entertains all the way through and is a triumph of good writing, excellent plotting and the depiction of unforgettable characters.
A fantastic start to what surely will be a wonderful new series.
Highly recommended.
The other hero in the book is Brighton itself with its dark nooks and crannies both today and 50 years ago brilliantly exposed.
Arthur is in the first throes of dementia and is caught up in a blackmail plot involving the former Mr Big of the Brighton crime scene. The story rotates from the past to the present as we are introduced to a series of grotesque characters who ran the town way back when but despite their age are as dangerous now as they ever were.
The denouement is shocking and surprising with a totally unexpected twist and the book entertains all the way through and is a triumph of good writing, excellent plotting and the depiction of unforgettable characters.
A fantastic start to what surely will be a wonderful new series.
Highly recommended.
April 30, 2026
The Darkest Tide by Peter Hanington
“I’m just sorry you had to watch me getting up. It’s like raising the bleedin’ Titanic”
I very nearly gave up on this book, it was a little slow paced for me personally…..however I connected with Arthur due to my own personal issues with memory loss. He was aware that his memory was failing him, constantly writing notes to ensure he was on track, delivering ‘secrets’ from the past when needed.
Arthur is very much protected by his best mate Rob. They go back along way….members of their gang start to disappear? Rob is so protective over Arthur but why when he could loose so much….even his life.
While the story is based around gang life back in the day and the secrets from then coming through to the present day. It also revolves around Arthur’s close friendship with Robert, his daughter Susan and her mum Mary, Arthur’s true love who ‘died’ when Susan was a child…..secrets.
Thank you to NetGalley #Netgalley John Murray Press @johnmurrays #johnmurrays and Peter Hanington #PeterHanington for giving me the opportunity to read a copy of the novel #TheDarkestTide due for release 7th May 2026
“I’m just sorry you had to watch me getting up. It’s like raising the bleedin’ Titanic”
I very nearly gave up on this book, it was a little slow paced for me personally…..however I connected with Arthur due to my own personal issues with memory loss. He was aware that his memory was failing him, constantly writing notes to ensure he was on track, delivering ‘secrets’ from the past when needed.
Arthur is very much protected by his best mate Rob. They go back along way….members of their gang start to disappear? Rob is so protective over Arthur but why when he could loose so much….even his life.
While the story is based around gang life back in the day and the secrets from then coming through to the present day. It also revolves around Arthur’s close friendship with Robert, his daughter Susan and her mum Mary, Arthur’s true love who ‘died’ when Susan was a child…..secrets.
Thank you to NetGalley #Netgalley John Murray Press @johnmurrays #johnmurrays and Peter Hanington #PeterHanington for giving me the opportunity to read a copy of the novel #TheDarkestTide due for release 7th May 2026
March 5, 2026
This is the first novel by Peter Hanington that I've read, and I loved it. It's rather hard to categorise. The writing style is lightly ironic for most of the novel, alleviating what would be a gritty, violent setting - gang violence, gruesome murders etc. Most of this violence takes place off-stage. we learn of it through the main characters reactions and rueful reflections on it. Great plotting and a great start to a new series.
I would widely recommend this, even to people hesitating because of reviews mentioning how gritty it is. It's not really - think Mark Billingham's Blackpool crime novels, or the narrative style of the Stranger Times series. Now I'm off to look at his earlier books...
I would widely recommend this, even to people hesitating because of reviews mentioning how gritty it is. It's not really - think Mark Billingham's Blackpool crime novels, or the narrative style of the Stranger Times series. Now I'm off to look at his earlier books...
May 23, 2026
A very good novel hopefully the start of a new series. Set in modern day Brighton with flashbacks to 1969 the major the changes in the cities underworld are explored . Arthur was the accountant for the earlier crime gang and is now in a care home with the early stages of dementia and wants to atone in some way for his past . His daughter Susan is a community nurse and when Arthur is attacked becomes involved in trying to find the reason and the culprit with the help of her father’s friend and previous associate.
Without being too graphic the plot is laced with menace throughout and definitely held my interest.there are are twists and turns and several red herrings before the final reveal.
A book which will be enjoyed by readers of British Crime.
Without being too graphic the plot is laced with menace throughout and definitely held my interest.there are are twists and turns and several red herrings before the final reveal.
A book which will be enjoyed by readers of British Crime.
June 20, 2026
What happens when a member of the 1960s Brighton mob gets dementia in later life? Do all the secrets get revealed?
This is a character driven novel that explores the theme.
I went into this book expecting something entirely different from what I got. That isn't always a bad thing, but I did find the story a bit slow at times. If you love character driven books, then I would recommend you pick this one up.
It was clever how the mystery was unravelled. The secrecy and the unreliable characters added to that mystery.
This is a character driven novel that explores the theme.
I went into this book expecting something entirely different from what I got. That isn't always a bad thing, but I did find the story a bit slow at times. If you love character driven books, then I would recommend you pick this one up.
It was clever how the mystery was unravelled. The secrecy and the unreliable characters added to that mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a definite 5 star read for me.
Arthur was an accountant working for the mob in Brighton - he has seen and heard things best left alone. BUT Arthur is suffering from vascular dementia and wants to set things straight in his head so is visiting old haunts and writing notes.
At the same time Mr Jones is receiving blackmail notes from a member of the old crew he suspects and he is determined to find out who. Arthur is his prime suspect - his daughter, Susan and old friend, Robert need to save him and find the real culprit before Arthur or his family are dealt with.
Dark and pacy - violent at times but it quickly drew me in. I did not expect the twist at the end.
I hope more in the series will follow.
Arthur was an accountant working for the mob in Brighton - he has seen and heard things best left alone. BUT Arthur is suffering from vascular dementia and wants to set things straight in his head so is visiting old haunts and writing notes.
At the same time Mr Jones is receiving blackmail notes from a member of the old crew he suspects and he is determined to find out who. Arthur is his prime suspect - his daughter, Susan and old friend, Robert need to save him and find the real culprit before Arthur or his family are dealt with.
Dark and pacy - violent at times but it quickly drew me in. I did not expect the twist at the end.
I hope more in the series will follow.
June 13, 2026
The story is told between two different time lines the present and the seventies and follows the story of Arthur who is living with his recent diagnosis of dementia but is determined to right the wrongs of the past before it's too late.
The story unfolds at a good pace, the detailed writing of the scenes bring the pages to life, the characters are wonderfully written and portrayed and the mystery and intrigue is held throughout a engaging read.
The story unfolds at a good pace, the detailed writing of the scenes bring the pages to life, the characters are wonderfully written and portrayed and the mystery and intrigue is held throughout a engaging read.
July 15, 2026
This is class. Leaning on Graham Greene Brighton Rock era Brighton, it has an excellent cast of characters and a clever plot, all delivered in really great prose. At its heart is a dark, dark mystery whose shape only reveals itself in the closing chapters – with a lovely twist that makes sense of so much that has happened in the book. Highly recommended.
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