Forgotten Depths

Whitby's Forgotten Victims #6

by Wes Markin

Coming December...

Genres: Crime

538 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2026

About the author

Be sure to follow Wes on BookBub for the latest on sales: bit.ly/3tFWIHL

Wes Markin lives in Harrogate and is the bestselling author of the DCI Yorke crime novels set in Salisbury. He is also the author of the Jake Pettman series set in New England.

Reviews

[Phil Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book that comes close to the moving journey it took me on? It's beautifully written, but there are so many sad character stories in this book, many of which brought me to tears as Wes Markin has a way to make you emphasise with the characters so deeply. the character development is brilliant, and I love the insights into characters' thoughts. Brilliant book, highly recommended.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerhouse of a book this was. As usual with this series, it is very character driven and the storyline hits hard. I just wasn't expecting it to hit like this.

The title is apt with the discovery of a body in a tunnel but I think it can also be applied to the depth of the feelings and experiences the characters have in their past and now due to the discovery, their current lives. Just as things start tying up, there's time for more tugging at the heartstrings and that's even before we get to Frank's speech at Gerry's wedding! All I can say about the ending is what a way to end and I am both excited and dreading the next book in the series.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgotten Depths is the sixth book in the series Whitby's Forgotten Victims by Wes Markin. He is my favourite author and one of my favourite people too! It is a good job he never writes a bad book!

I have been waiting so impatiently for this book to be finished! I look forward to rejoining Frank, Gerry, and the team over in Whitby every time. As always with this author, the case they have to investigate is not an easy one. A body discovered in the old railway tunnels brings so much mystery and intrigue.

Frank and the team discover the 'victim' was far from innocent, which causes the majority to think it was just desserts. Especially when they begin to speak to people connected to the dead man; two are so ill with cancer that it's palliative care they receive. Frank even starts to think they should drop the case.

Another entirely brilliant chapter in the Whitby series. Wes Markin cannot put a foot wrong! Every book is surprisingly even better than the previous one! I don't know how he does it!

I always feel that I will try not to cry whenever I pick his books up. I always end up crying. Forgotten Depths isn't just a crime story; it's also an emotional and totally honest look into the world of neurodiversity.

We have Gerry, who runs through the full series normally, but in this particular book, Wes Markin has brought it closer to the reader. His inclusion of more neurodiverse characters and those who work in it shows just how intelligent and unique they all are. I was obsessed with all the well-researched details that made every single character come to life.

One thing, a ray of light in a sad, sad story: Gerry and Tom get married!! After many issues and Frank almost having a heart attack over his speech, it happens, and just when I feel this is going to be, for once, a happy ending, Wes Markin comes along and stamps all over my heart!! In Doc Martens, no less!

As always, I ripped through this in no time. Pages flew, and I was seriously angry at some things as I read. My heart went out to the characters involved. I was on tenterhooks at some points, and my heart was breaking at others. If you want to have a series book addiction, you must pick up this series!! Now I am seriously gutted the next book isn't written yet! Not sure I can survive it, to be honest!

[Donna Morfett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think my heart rate has slowed enough and I can now see through the tears to enable me to write a review. Im not exaggerating, another rollercoaster of all sorts of emotions packed between the covers. I shall do my best to do it justice but I dont think I can properly convey the depth of feeling reading this.
It starts with a body discovered in old railway tunnels, but develops into so much more. Especially when its discovered the dead man is about the worst of the worst, a man using young girls to do things they never should.
Frank and Gerry both know they must investigate, but Frank in particular becomes increasingly uncomfortable when 2 of the people he speaks to are dying. Cancer ravaging their frail bodies. It causes him to question if its worth pushing the case for the first time in his career.
Then there is the excellent portrayal of autism and other Neurodiversity. With Rachel and her students, reaching them where no one else was able, Gerry and her ability to see patterns and Jamie, who can map and has a memory better than anyone, but needs his Blessing-from-Lagos to help him day to day. Showing that people that are neurodiverse have a place in this world and are important and feel, as deeply or deeper than neurotypicals. It also shows the difficult challenge presented to parents and carers, navigating life as best they can. Hope is such a huge theme throughout this book, when the majority of the time you'd think there wasn't any.
After the tension and reveals ramp up, and everything is uncovered, Gerry gets married, and the tears flowed freely then.
In typical Wes style that wasnt quite the end and a gut punch leaves me longing for the next book already.

[Helen Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional rollercoaster doesn’t even start to describe the journey I went on with this book, I have shed tears from extreme happiness to sadness and everything inbetween. I knew I’d be in for a treat as I’ve loved the previous books in the series and the characters have become familiar and trusted friends but this really took it to another level.
The main storyline involves a body being found bricked into a disused railway tunnel and the mystery around this deepens and takes many turns and dips its toe into many complex worlds and subject areas. Sensitive areas such as child exploitation and grooming, criminal underworlds, stillbirth, cancer and end of life, neurodivergence oh to name a few. These areas are handled beautifully, with great respect and grace and I felt humbled for the insightfulness of the author and what my eyes were being opened to. The stunning backdrop of Whitby, a town close to my heart, is perfectly portrayed with a knowledge that is spot on and exquisitely researched. I had many a smile at familiar place names and descriptions. I had to remind myself that it was fiction several times, such as I was invested in the characters. The relationships between the detectives, as well as the other main characters and suspects, was astoundingly touching, I’m hyper aware of the close bond that police form working together in difficult and life threatening situations and this was portrayed on another level. The wedding speech practises and build up was stunning, thoughtful, humorous and so full of love.
I’m rambling on and gushing far too much now so I’ll draw to a close, needless to say I thoroughly enjoyed this and it more than deserves five stars. I actually can’t wait for the next book. Thank you so much.

[Joanna Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another case for DCI Frank Black and his team. Human remains are found bricked up in disused railway tunnels triggers another investigation.
Meanwhile, DI Gerry Carver’s wedding is approaching, and Frank is giving her away. At first he thinks his biggest hurdle is ironing out his wedding speech. However when someone from Gerry’s past makes an unwanted appearance it’s clear their arrival is about to make things far worse.
Yet another brilliant story from Wes Markin, the sixth in the Forgotten Victims series. The author weaves several separate stories into the main plot, gradually feeding the reader information from each which finally links into the case.
Frank Black is a larger-than-life character, flawed in many ways, but with a good heart and a determination to solve his cases. His team, while not fitting into the normal mould of policing, have their own individual expertise. Sometimes it is not perfect, but they do get results. This is a particularly brutal case with quite an emotional conclusion.
The final chapter, on Gerry’s wedding day, it sees the return of someone keen to cause trouble; something that will no doubt raise issues in the next book in the series. Can’t wait!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolutely brilliant book in the series. I loved it and could not put it down. Every book just seems to get better and better.

What I love most about Wes Markin’s books is how invested you become in the characters over time, so I always look forward to each new instalment just to spend more time with them. I absolutely love the relationship between Frank and Gerry, and Frank’s speech at her wedding genuinely had me welling up. Moments like that are what make this series so special.

The more sensitive themes in this book are handled with real care and thoughtfulness, adding depth to the story without ever feeling uncomfortable or gratuitous.

The ending though. My God. It has left me desperate for the next book!!!

A full five stars from me and a reminder of why I love this series so much

[Mrs Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this thought provoking tense book! The many threads that Frank, Gerry and the team follow after the discovery of a decades old body inside part of a disused railway tunnel, allow us to see into the complex and sometimes fragile lives of people with ADHD and autism, how everyday things can affect them, and the carers and families that are intertwined in the solving of the case. As Frank and Gerry plus the rest look into the disreptable life of the murdered man, there's the thought that because of the way he acted using underage girls to make movies using threats towards their families and friends 'let sleeping dogs lie' and leave it unsolved,
As well as this, Gerry and Tom's upcoming wedding is playing on Frank's mind.. having to give a speech being the weight on his mind! And the appearance of Uncle Dennis who seems to want to disrupt Gerry's life ... Wes Markin has once again written a brilliant heart searching book that has kept me enthralled from the first to last page, with hints to the next one
Well worth every one of the 5🌟 given 👌

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in this, most excellent, series featuring DCI Frank Black, DI Gerry Carver, her support dog Rylan, and the other misfits that make up his team in Whitby. The latter adding some rather interesting comedy moments.
We start with a mummified body found deep in the abandoned railway tunnels. It is swiftly ruled foul play and, when they get an ID, they find that it is that of Kristian Kellerman, a nasty piece of work who hasn't been seen since 2003. To say no one was too upset that he vanished would be an understatement, as is my description of a nasty piece of work! In fact, the more they learn about him and his shenanigans, the longer the list of suspects gets.
As the investigation ticks along, with varying degrees of success and dead ends, we also follow a few other characters, quite how they all come together, if indeed they do, I'll be leaving for you to discover. Suffice to say they had me wondering pretty much all the way through...
And then there's Gerry's looming wedding and all the plane that go with, especially Frank's speech. And finally, to top all that, there's a rather unwelcome blast from the past...
Have I whetted your appetite? Well, if you have read and enjoyed the previous books then there's really no need for me to do anything more. You'll know what you are in for and you will definitely get more of the same quality herein. If you haven't already read the series, you'd do well going back to book one and reading in order. Then, when you are all caught up with this series, and you haven't already, please also check out the author's back catalogue and have a go at one of his other series. They are mostly interconnected so I'd go by publication date.
Back to this book, which I am supposed to be reviewing. Well... I don't have much more to say apart from it delivered everything I need for a book to be a great read that hits the ground running, held me captive throughout, and spat me out at the end wholly satisfied. Characters are top notch. Storyline is compelling, well plotted and ably executed. Pacing matching narrative all the way through, and the whole shebang delivered in a no nonsense, no waffle or padding, way. Any description is included to complement or progress the narrative rather than just add extra words.
All in all, another cracking winner from another one of my favourite authors. Roll on next time...

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book six in the series about Whitby's Forgotten Victims, which are set in and around Whitby in North Yorkshire.
Great to catch up with familiar characters from earlier books in this series and in this book I found myself hooked from the very beginning as we find a group of people who are doing some testing in old railway tunnels to find out if this particular tunnel is suitable for use as part of a new cycle route, then suddenly finding more than they realised in a void that has been covered in. The chamber was from the wartime but it's obvious the body is more recent. As you read on there are lots of secrets appearing giving Frank and his team a few headaches along the way that need sorting before the killer can be caught.

I really enjoyed meeting all the characters again, especially with the upcoming wedding of Gerry and Tom, with Frank busy preparing for his all important speech, it makes you realise that life goes on even though horrible things happen and the force has to work out who is to blame.

I loved the setting for this series, it's actually one of my favourite places to visit. I can really visualise the places when they appear in the text of the book. It's a spellbinding read set in a lovely and mysterious location. Although part of a series, it could be read as a stand-alone but if you read through the series from the beginning you can appreciate the background stories of the characters. A great five-star read from me.

[PJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been hooked from the start with Wes Markin’s Whitby’s Forgotten Victims series, there was no doubt that my reading priority was going to be to absorb myself when book 6, Forgotten Depths, was released. And, as always, the ever-reliable Wes Markin delivered a masterclass in crime thriller fiction enhanced with such real-life character portrayals and superbly pitched ironic humour.

Like putting on a comfortable glove, I reacquainted myself with the public and private lives of DCI Frank Black and his deputy DI Gerry Carver. These two characters would both be wonderful companions for an evening. Frank, a resolute DCI which at times makes him unrelenting in his pursuit of justice yet at the same time he can be the gentlest of giant. And then there is the intense focused Gerry. Who largely sees the world as black or white.

In Forgotten Depths their friendship is severely tested when they investigate the murder of a victim who they uncover was a predator of young women and had been missing since 2003. Could his death be justified given his crimes when alive. For Gerry, murder, no matter the potential justification, needs to be vindicated. But whilst Frank is not in full disagreement, he also struggles with his more sensitive self and the question as to whether the crime could be justified.

This is a series that just gets better and better. Highly recommend.

[Karen Cuddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book six in the series and honestly one of the strongest yet. It’s always a pleasure to return to DCI Frank Black and his wonderfully unconventional team — especially DI Gerry Carver and her assistance dog, Rylan, who once again steals the show.

This time the investigation begins with the discovery of a mummified body hidden deep within disused railway tunnels. The victim, Kristian Kellerman, dates back to 2003, and as the layers are peeled back it becomes clear he was far from innocent. What unfolds is not just a murder investigation but a deeply emotional exploration of damage carried from childhood into adulthood. The novel shows both the worst and the best of humanity, and some of the stories woven throughout are genuinely heartbreaking.

Frank remains gruff on the surface but, as always, there are glimpses of the softer man beneath. Alongside the case, we also have Gerry’s upcoming wedding — complicated by an unwelcome figure from her past — which adds an extra layer of tension and personal stakes.

This has to be one of my favourites in the series so far. I’m still hoping for resolution in the Maddie storyline and, selfishly, I’d love to see Frank finally get some happiness. A powerful and compelling read.

[Angie Petty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been looking forward to reading this book the 6th in the series. DCI Frank Black (my favourited police office he's such a safe pair of hands) and his neurodivergent sidekick Gerry Carver with her support dog Rylan. A body has been discovered in an unused railway tunnel by surveyors. As it has been discovered that the body has a bullet hole in the back the case has been passed to DCi Black and his team as a cold case. The story brings in members of the public in a random way but the link between these random people becomes clear as the investigation progresses.
Great characters, some of whom you want to help Jamie Corrigan and Blessing were my favourites and I hope they live a long life looking after each other in their own way.
Throughout the story Franks has been worrying about Gerry's forthcoming wedding to Tom as he has to give the bride away and give a speech. I was delighted when it was finally done in the epilogue but won't reveal anything so as not to spoil it for future readers.
Great book and I'm already anticipating number 7.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fab book in this series. It was great to be back with DCI Frank Black and his team.

A body is found in an old disused railway tunnel and it’s thought to have been there for over 20 years. Frank and his team are called in to investigate and to identify the body. Frank notices that his sergeant Gerry isn’t herself but can’t work out what is troubling her and she doesn’t give anything away.

During their investigation the team find out who the murder victim is and establish that he was someone who manipulated and exploited young girls in the worst possible way. While they have a duty to find out who committed the crime, the team also have the feeling that the murderer had acted out of despair.

A great read and one that I will definitely recommend. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Christina Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better and better. This one is the best yet. Wes weaves his web all through the book, with various characters and stories who all come together in an explosive ending.
Kristian Kellerman vanished in 2003, and no one cared, he was a horrible man but now his body has been found and it's up to Frank and his team to find the person who killed him.
The interactions between Frank and his team give the human touch and you are rooting for all of them, all different but gel together so well. This is a very emotional read, with a sensitive subject matter, but there is no gratuitous scenes, the scenes are set and then it is up to your imagination. I have shed more tears through this book than any soppy love story.
Congratulations Wes Markin, this is a corker of a book.

#WesMarkin WFMPublishingLTD #ForgottenDepths #Whitby'sForgottenVictims #DCIFrankBlack

[Connie Pursell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book, after reading all 6. I am an avid mystery, crime and legal thriller reader, have been since I was young and I'm a senior now. This was soooo good. I give it 5 stars. The character development, especially with Jami and Gerry - absolutely fantastic. You make neurodivergent characters sparkle like stars. And the minor characters are really coming to the forefront as well - Frank's police team. The ending was beyond touching - I was a wreck reading it and I was duly surprised once again by a surprise ending, at the very end. I'm happy it ended like it did. I won't include any spoilers, but to anyone who has just started the series, keep going. It only gets better. I can't wait for book #7.

C. Pursell

[Arkgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book in this excellent series; again Frank and Gerry bring us a wonderful partnership that brings an emotional heart to these books which sometimes lightens the difficult stories of the cold cases that they investigate but this times things in their lives are even more challenging.
The blending of different stories that are interlinked is a key element of these books and how the threads are woven together is deftly done. I will definitely want to see how Wes Markin moves the story on after this ending.
Thanks to the TBC Facebook group for the opportunity to read this book I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[mary schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best One Yet !!

I can't understand why this author is not on the best seller lists everywhere and every day. The way he introduces multiple storylines and develops the characters in each and then brings it all together is amazing. The writing is superb (this from an old English major), the plot is complicated enough to keep interest up but yet believable, and the emotion in some scenes so intense that you can trust that the author is totally invested in thus tale. Read this book...but start with the first in the series. You will not be sorry.

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously the depths in the title refer to the abandoned railway tunnel where a body has been found, bricked up for over twenty years. Less obviously, until we read on, we come across the hidden depths in people. Several characters appear, grab our attention, then finally we understand their place in the truth of the story. This book tackles several deep, underlying themes and meets them head on. It's a story that's thoughtful, emotional, entertaining and unforgettable. And then Gerry gets married!
I think it's his best yet, and that's some competition.

[julie young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series from Wes Markin and this, the sixth in the series does not disappoint. What an emotional rollercoaster of a read this was, heart breaking, shocking, and takes the reader through every emotion. Frank is trying to improve his health but is driven and by his smartwatch. His friend and colleague Gerry is getting married but as very unwelcome visitor threatens her happiness. The team are also involved in a case that is traumatic for everyone, it is a case with many victims that causes Frank and his team to question how they do their job. Another brilliant read.

[Sue Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I don't think I can do this book the justice it deserves Wes Markin just gets better with this series,
I've been on a rollercoaster of a ride it took me a few hours to read the epilogue due to the tears what a fantastic read. The characters were all brilliant lots going on but I do love the relationship between Frank and Gerry and I'm hoping the series carries on for a while yet, I'd like Frank to find Maddie and get to know his grandson looking forward to book number seven. Highly recommend.

[angela holdcroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

The body of a depraved criminal is discovered in an abandoned tunnel. This case will pull Frank and his team in every direction. To do what is legally right, or morally just? This is the best book in this unforgettable series, so far. I could barely see the words on the page through my tears of sorrow and of joy. This book made my heart ache and filled it with happiness. Bittersweet and poignant writing amidst the backdrop of heinous crimes against the most vulnerable in society. Highly recommend this series, and this author.

[Janet Wolstenholme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book from Wes Markin

I love this series for many reasons.
The characters are very relatable, with their various personalities and different lives. The settings are familiar to me as we have holidayed in the Whitby/Scarborough area for most of my younger years.
The stories always have several different threads and you never know how they will link together but when they do…..Wow it’s worth the wait!! No spoilers from me, just give them a read. They are superb.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a disappointment

This series has been one of my favorites. I was really looking forward to this release of this book. It started out great. The characterizations well written and the mystery intriguing. Unfortunately the story devolves into an unpleasant and melodramatic ending.

[Kamini Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Heartbreaking and beautiful. I love Frank and Gerry and this book certainly does not disappoint!. I read it straight through and was shattered when it ended. The typical police procedural doesn't do this, this is something special. A neurodivergent young man at the heart of a mystery and so many lives secretly tied together.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This series just gets better and better. I love Wes’s style of writing and it is set in a lovely part of the country Whitby.
It was great to meet up with the team again as this is book 6 in the series. Why is it that when I read this series I always end up crying at part of it.
Great characters and storyline . I would say this is a must read Series.

[Celia Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgotten Depths
Wes Markin
Another fabulous read from a favourite author. This book held my attention from the start. I kept thinking that I’d worked out the plot, but no…. got it wrong every time. It was a holiday read for me but I drove my husband mad reading it on the balcony, in the bar etc etc. I could not put it down. Very highly recommended.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection

This series is unbelievably good. So well written. Hard to believe that an author who can write unspeakable horrors has such a talent to write about good people with such tenderness. And respect. You will not regret knowing Frank and Gerry.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as a e book from a face book page that I am a member of for my i pad. I enjoyed reading this book. It had a good story to it. It took me a while to read because I was only reading a bit per day. I have read other books by this author and liked them too.

[Clare Brack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant read featuring Frank Gerry and the team bot forgetting Rylan ! a body is found buried in a tunnel and the race is ok to find the killer/s. This was one of the most emotional I've read of Wes books showcasing loss abuse and the struggles of the young adults and teenagers featured.