Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
The water is rising. Time is running out. And somewhere, a killer waits.

A .22 bullet to the head. The murderer’s calling card, left behind with Kimberly Sheehan’s body on Spartina Island. Her fifteen-year-old daughter Emily? Vanished without a trace.

Retired detective Sean Tanner and Sergeant Charlotte “Charlie” Nash are racing against a merciless countdown. This isn’t the killer’s first victim—fourteen years ago, teenager Ashlee Briggs was abducted and executed with the same weapon. Sean’s cold case team, the Mudflats Murder Club, had long believed a serial predator was hunting on their turf. Now they’re certain.

A third body drops—same .22 signature—and the pattern is undeniable. As a Category 3 hurricane barrels toward the coast and evacuation orders scatter the population, the island empties fast. But is Emily still on it? With official efforts paralyzed by the storm, Sean and Charlie launch a desperate, off-the-books search—cut off from backup, out of time, and heading straight into a deadly trap where the flood hides every trace, the wind drowns every sound, and survival isn't guaranteed…

Brian Thiem, a former detective and cold case investigator, returns with a mystery that’s intricately built, character-rich, and full of quiet menace. A Death in the Deluge is a must-read for fans of The Thursday Murder Club and Only Murders in the Building.

___________________

Praise for Brian

Totally charming and completely relatable…I'm dubbing it Only Murders in the Mudflats! What a winner!" —Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author

A sophisticated, pulsing, persistent police procedural with multiple whodunnits and secrets that come at you from all angles…A highly satisfying read." —Chris Bauer, author of the Maximum Risk series

...I loved the people, the place, the detection process—and the hint of romance!—Jane K. Cleland, Agatha Award-winning author

Sometimes the cop can’t quit the job. Sometimes the job won’t let them…This is a must read series!—Bruce Robert Coffin, bestselling author of Crimson Thaw

“Recommend to fans of Richard Osman and Robert Thorogood.” —Booklist

290 pages, Paperback

Published July 30, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Brian Thiem

8 books122 followers
Brian Thiem is the author of The Mudflats Murder Club, the first book in the Mudflats Murder Club series, as well as the Detective Matt Sinclair Mystery series, which includes Red Line, Thrill Kill, and Shallow Grave.

In his previous life, Brian spent 25 years with the Oakland Police Department, much of it working Homicide, and retired as a lieutenant. He’s also an Iraq War veteran, retiring from the Army as a lieutenant colonel after 28 years of active and reserve service. He holds an MFA in creative writing and is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and the Island Writers Network.

Brian lives with his wife, yellow Lab, and Tonkinese cat in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where he’s also a member of the sheriff department’s Cold Case Team, consisting of retired law enforcement professionals from around the nation who examine unsolved murders.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
171 (52%)
4 stars
121 (36%)
3 stars
31 (9%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for joanne ellis.
39 reviews7 followers
July 28, 2026
Brian Thiem delivers another gripping crime thriller in Death in the Deluge, blending a relentless serial killer investigation with the terrifying force of nature. The result is a tense, fast-paced novel that keeps the pressure on from the opening pages until its dramatic conclusion.

The story begins with a chilling murder: Kimberly Sheehan is found dead on Spartina Island, executed with a single .22 bullet to the head. Her fifteen-year-old daughter, Emily, has disappeared, turning the investigation into a desperate race against time. Retired detective Sean Tanner and Sergeant Charlotte “Charlie” Nash soon realise they are dealing with more than an isolated crime. The murder echoes the cold case of Ashlee Briggs, a teenager abducted and killed fourteen years earlier with the same distinctive method. As another victim falls, it becomes clear they are hunting a serial killer who has returned.

What makes Death in the Deluge particularly compelling is its combination of a classic police procedural with a survival thriller. Sean Tanner is an engaging protagonist whose experience, determination, and personal investment in solving old cases make him easy to root for. Charlie Nash is equally impressive, bringing intelligence, resilience, and strong investigative instincts that create an effective partnership.

The looming Category 3 hurricane is far more than a dramatic backdrop—it becomes an active threat that shapes every decision. Rising floodwaters, hurricane-force winds, and widespread evacuations create a constant sense of urgency while limiting resources and isolating the investigators. The hostile environment heightens the suspense, making every search and confrontation feel even more dangerous.

Thiem’s writing is crisp and cinematic, balancing detailed investigative work with action-packed sequences. The mystery unfolds at a satisfying pace, with enough twists and red herrings to keep readers guessing without becoming overly complicated. The author also succeeds in creating believable emotional stakes, particularly in the desperate search for Emily before both the killer and the storm claim another victim.

If there is a minor criticism, it is that some readers may find the large cast of supporting characters requires close attention early in the novel. However, once the investigation gains momentum, the story becomes increasingly difficult to put down.

Overall, Death in the Deluge is an excellent crime thriller that combines a compelling serial killer mystery with the life-or-death tension of an approaching hurricane. Brian Thiem crafts an exciting, atmospheric novel filled with suspense, memorable characters, and a race against impossible odds. Fans of police procedurals, crime fiction, and high-stakes thrillers will find plenty to enjoy.
Profile Image for Linda Galella.
1,167 reviews122 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
August 1, 2026
Book three in the Mudflats Murder Club series, A DEATH IN THE DELUGE, by Brian Thiem, is an almost cozy murder mystery. Fans of Only Murders in the Building or Thursday Murder Club will enjoy this story.

Sean is a member of the Cold Case team for the Spartina Island police department. He’s one of a few retired cops who volunteer for this job. The guys like him on the team interact socially and decided to call themselves the Mudflats Murder Club. His wife is recently deceased and there’s some stress between him and his son.

Charlie is a Sargent in the homicide division of the Spartina Island PD. She has a new case: a husband comes home to find his wife dead on the kitchen floor and his daughter missing. Charlie asks Sean to consult on the case. He jumps at the opportunity to help. Charlie and Sean have a budding relationship.

As the story develops, Sean and Charlie become partners on the case. The investigation becomes more complex when a link to murders from many years ago is discovered.

Unlike most cozy mysteries, this one reads like a police procedural. All the various special teams make appearances to do the necessary tasks. There’s friction between members of the brass which creates harmony between rank and file. Spartina Island is in low country South Carolina but the technology reads big town. Author, Thiem, and his wife just happen to have moved from Oakland CA to low country SC.; it all rings true on the pages.

Even tho’ this is book three in a series, it was no problem to read as a standalone. This is my first book by Thiem and I’d happily read more. As I turned pages further and further into the story, I had a feeling that this author knew what he was talking about. After a quick look into his bio, I discovered that he is actually the MC, Sean, or vice versa. Brian Thiem is a retired, Army lieutenant colonel and retired lieutenant from the Homicide division of the Oakland PD; definitely an author who knows his stuff.

Thiem also has an MFA in creative writing - it’s obvious. Well written, engaging characters you’ll want to follow up with, good, small town setting that feels real, clean language, nothing overly descriptive concerning violence and just a touch of romance between the two main characters. I was especially impressed by how realistic the family and professional relationships were portrayed.

Recommended for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, clean police procedurals, a touch of southern charm and anyone who loves well written stories, interested teenagers included📚

I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.
Read and Reviewed from a BookFunnel eARC with thanks to the publisher and author.
Profile Image for Denise Zendel.
802 reviews4 followers
July 28, 2026
A Category 3 hurricane headed towards Spartina Island, SC, complicates a murder and possible kidnapping case for retired Oakland, CA, police detective Sean Tanner and Spartina police Sergeant Charlotte “Charlie” Nash. The suspects are many, including some wealthy island residents who think they’re above the law because, well, they are wealthy. Official efforts are paralyzed by the storm, and Sean and Charlie have to take matters into their own hands to save a life.

I love everything about this series – the writing, the location descriptions, the character interactions, the dialogue, and particularly the relationship between Sean and Charlie. They have a low-key, slow burn romance going that doesn’t take away from the actual detective work. The members of the Mudflats Murder Club (retired law enforcement types who have relocated to Spartina Island) add humor and special skills to each case.

The author does a good job of filling in the backstories from previous books, so you could read these out of order, but I have a personal bias for reading in order; I have enjoyed watching the relationships between the murder club members and between Sean and Charlie develop, and seeing how each case is solved. That knowledge makes the next book more fun and like hanging out with friends. I can’t wait for the next story in what I hope is a long-running series.
Profile Image for Ganesh Subramanian.
271 reviews11 followers
August 10, 2026
Death in the Deluge has an appealing idea. A murder, a missing teenager and an approaching hurricane should provide plenty of suspense. The link to an old murder case also gives the investigation an interesting direction.
However, the execution may disappoint some readers. The writing can feel more like a series of lists than a smooth narrative. Some of the dialogue also sounds familiar, with the feel of a television crime drama.
The story has a large cast of characters, but not all of the relationships feel fully developed. The romance between Sean Tanner and Charlie Nash is understated, which may appeal to some readers but leave others wanting more.
The hurricane creates a strong sense of danger, but the crime investigation remains fairly conventional. There are several suspects and twists, yet the mystery may not feel particularly fresh.
The book can be read without knowing the earlier stories, which is useful for new readers. However, readers who expect a tightly written and highly original thriller may find it lacking.
Overall, the concept is promising, but the writing and character development may not satisfy every crime-fiction reader
Thank you, Severn River Publishing, for sharing an advance reader copy for review. The views expressed here are entirely my own
Profile Image for Victoria.
41 reviews
July 8, 2026
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this story because it fell into my lap, or my email inbox, via the publisher, Severn River Publishing.

Set in Spartina Island, South Carolina, the book centers on a police sergeant named Charlie and a group of retired officers and investigators who make up the Mudflats Murder Club. These retirees work on cold cases.

The main male character is Sean, a retired Oakland police officer who moved to Spartina Island in retirement with his now-deceased wife.

The book is centered on Charlie's investigation into a murder and kidnapping. The story branches beyond this one case, pulling in Sean and having him and Charlie partner while also attempting to determine if a cold case and additional murders are linked.

Although this is the 3rd book in the series, it was easy to get into as a standalone.

I’d like to thank Severn River Publishing for the opportunity to read A Death in the Deluge, and I look forward to reading more from the author.

4.25/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ricki.
1,560 reviews16 followers
August 5, 2026
Mudflats Murder club is a group of retired FBI, Detectives, Lawyers & Forensic specialists looking into cold cases on Spartina Island,SC.

When a husband comes home from work, finds his wife shot and teenage daughter missing, the Club gets involved. The priority is finding Emily, the murder secondary. Seems the Club connects this case to a cold case from fourteen years earlier - an abduction turned murder.

There's lots of canvassing, deep dives into old files, a couple of more murders and finally a frantic search for Emily by Det Charlie Nash and retired Oakland Homicide detective Sean Tanner in the midst of a hurricane.

This series is a quick read, a good police procedural and the perp(s) obvious to me about a quarter into the book. About a 3.5 for me.

Profile Image for Raymond Thompson.
Author 11 books5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
February 20, 2026
Book 3 of the Mudflat Murder Mysteries.
With bodies piling up, a link to a murder fourteen years earlier, and a hurricane bearing down upon their coastal community, the situation in this police procedural is growing increasingly tense. Oh, and then there are family difficulties . . ..
The careful attention to detail and the mounting danger as the plot unfolds help to keep readers involved, but the description of the stressful relationships within families, the conflict of loyalties, and the sense of entitlement among the privileged offer insights into problems that remain widespread in society.
Strongly recommended.
Profile Image for Dana Ridenour.
Author 6 books68 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 16, 2026
Brian Thiem has done it again! A Death in the Deluge is another terrific addition to the Mudflats Murder Club series. One of the series' greatest strengths is its cast of characters—they're authentic, engaging, and feel like people you'd actually want to spend time with, even as they're chasing down a killer or killers. Brian masterfully blends a compelling mystery with the unique charm of the Lowcountry, making it easy to get lost in the story.

If you've enjoyed the previous books in the series, this one won't disappoint. I can't wait to see what the Mudflats Murder Club tackles next. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Sandy.
920 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
July 22, 2026
Don’t start reading this book at bedtime, because you won’t be able to put it down! When a Spartina Island resident is murdered and her teenage daughter is missing, the Mudflats Murder Club springs into action. The characters are well developed, the writing is tight, and the plot is absolutely brilliant. This one is so riveting, the pages practically turn themselves. Highly recommended! I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see where the author next takes these characters. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,853 reviews38 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
July 26, 2026
Mudflats Murder Club Mysteries:
Source: Severn River Publishing.
A DEATH IN THE DELUGE, #3 - Wordy by 100 pages, but still interesting story lines and good characters. Not as good as AKITC. 3*

A KILLER IN THE CORDGRASS, #2 - I am assuming by the way the author keeps referring to what happened a month ago that this book is part of a series. This book reads like a Cozy mystery, not my choice of a mystery genre, but I held on and ended up with a good story. Almost clean, which also made me happier. Interesting story lines and good characters. 4*
Profile Image for Bobbie N.
962 reviews3 followers
August 19, 2026
Sean and the Mudflats help Charlie and her team investigate the murder of a new island resident and kidnapping of her teenaged daughter, discovering similarities with the kidnapping and murder of another teenaged girl fourteen years before. Adding to the drama is a hurricane that leaves Charlie and Sean alone as the investigation reaches its climax.
(And, yes, for those who are following this series, the Mudflats continue to look into the decade-old cold case disappearance of Charlie's father.)

A fabulous series that just keeps getting better.
127 reviews
August 1, 2026
The retired law enforcement team that comprises the Mudflats Murder Club achieves their best performance in this third book of the series as they solve several current crimes as well as a cold case. Readers also learn more about the protagonist, Sean Tanner's daughter and son as well as his new partner in the local law enforcement community, Miss Charlotte, as the chief calls her. Brian Thiem has created characters that the reader yearns to know more.
1,066 reviews14 followers
August 2, 2026
Kimberly Sheehan is found dead and her daughter Emily is missing. Charlie and her team are investigating the murder and Sean helps her. Sean and Charlie have to contend not only with finding the missing girl but are in the eye of a hurricane. An edge of the seat police procedural which had me turning the pages. The suspense and danger keep building up with Sean and Charlie risking their lives to save a life. The storm and its aftermath have been depicted well.
Profile Image for Frederick John.
18 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2026
3.5 stars — A pretty good read until the end when the author attempted to wrap things up for the reader. Too many unexplained sutuations in the novel and/or outcomes with no elucidation. The romantic entanglements and family dynamics were glossed-over and not clearly understood from what went before. Sudden, emotional turnarounds are also difficult to understand. But a good beach read and quickly forgotten.
Profile Image for Dana Craig.
336 reviews6 followers
July 3, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and so glad it was won I won. I'll be going back to number one and reading the first two and then continuing on from number three. It's well written, great setting and older characters. Good mystery, although I did have definite thoughts on the kidnapper/killer it was a great ride getting to the end. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Lauren Christopher.
22 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
July 3, 2026
Although the concept is great and a murder mystery plot is enticing as a summer beach read, I wouldn’t waste your time with this book. The writing sounds more like a series of lists rather than a narration, the dialogue is tired and seen already in countless tv crime shows, and the relationships are shallow at best. I thought it was written by AI and honestly, had to check.
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,778 reviews
August 21, 2026
better than book two - most readers will know who the bad guy is right away - but I like the fact that there is procedure/rules to follow so police can't (or shouldn't) take short cuts. The hurricane added an extra interesting element to this story as well. I hope we've seen the last of Sean's son- a man-baby that just drags the story down.
Profile Image for Colleen.
199 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2026
I received an advanced copy of The Death in the Deluge from Severn River Publishing and the author. The Death in the Deluge by Brian Thiem is a gripping mystery with tension and twists. The investigation stays engaging the whole way through and the moody setting adds to the suspense.
84 reviews
July 29, 2026
Worth the wait (but I wish I didn't have to)

This is such a good series. Realistic and entertaining -- office and county politics always at play, while trying to do the right thing. Throw in an approaching hurricane, and you have a really good, exciting book!
3 reviews
August 19, 2026
A most entertaining read. The perfect blend of murder and mayhem with a touch of blossoming romance. Looking forward to learning what’s next in store for the Mudflats Murder Club. And how Charlie and Sean’s relationship progresses.
Author 1 book2 followers
Read
November 22, 2025
Another great lowcountry murder mystery from Brian Thiem. Can’t wait for the next one!
361 reviews8 followers
August 1, 2026
An excellent series; and interesting people. Well worth reading, along with its two previous volumes.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews