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DS Sue Willmott #3
Against the Tide
Not yet published
Expected 18 Jun 26PRAISE FOR G. D. WRIGHT
'So compelling and tightly plotted I couldn't put it down' CLAIRE DOUGLAS
'Tense and emotional… A dark beating heart of a novel' GILLIAN McALLISTER
‘One of the most tense and gripping thrillers I've read in ages’ LISA JEWELL
If the truth could destroy you, would you choose to know it?DC Vinny Robson has spent his career seeking justice for others, but when an elderly couple are violently murdered in his hometown of Beachbrook, the investigation takes a devastating turn – one that cuts straight through his own family.
With the help of DS Sue Wilmott, Vinny discovers his ailing mother’s forgotten diaries, and with them the secrets she fought to keep hidden her entire life.
As Vinny dives deeper, the case becomes more than a pursuit of a killer – it’s a fight against the undertow of his own past. But in chasing the truth, will he finally find justice, or will he drown in the wreckage of everything he thought he knew?
Some truths should stay submerged. But once the tide turns, there’s no stopping what comes to light.
An emotional crime drama novel set on the south coast of England, perfect for for fans of Karin Slaughter, Gillian McAllister and Ann Cleeves.
'So compelling and tightly plotted I couldn't put it down' CLAIRE DOUGLAS
'Tense and emotional… A dark beating heart of a novel' GILLIAN McALLISTER
‘One of the most tense and gripping thrillers I've read in ages’ LISA JEWELL
If the truth could destroy you, would you choose to know it?DC Vinny Robson has spent his career seeking justice for others, but when an elderly couple are violently murdered in his hometown of Beachbrook, the investigation takes a devastating turn – one that cuts straight through his own family.
With the help of DS Sue Wilmott, Vinny discovers his ailing mother’s forgotten diaries, and with them the secrets she fought to keep hidden her entire life.
As Vinny dives deeper, the case becomes more than a pursuit of a killer – it’s a fight against the undertow of his own past. But in chasing the truth, will he finally find justice, or will he drown in the wreckage of everything he thought he knew?
Some truths should stay submerged. But once the tide turns, there’s no stopping what comes to light.
An emotional crime drama novel set on the south coast of England, perfect for for fans of Karin Slaughter, Gillian McAllister and Ann Cleeves.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 18, 2026
About the author
G.D. Wright
4 books73 followersMy name is Gary (pen name G.D. Wright) and I live in Kent with my wife and two young children.
I joined Kent Police at the age of 18, working on the front line in a variety of uniformed roles until the age of 29 when, completely out of the blue, I suffered two cardiac ‘events’, and was subsequently diagnosed with a hereditary and incurable disease of the heart (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy if you’re being fussy!). As a result, I had an internal defibrillator implanted in me, and I had to retire from the police aged 30.
One door closed, but another opened, and my wife and I bought a coffee shop in Ramsgate Harbour. We spent eight of the happiest years of our lives there but, when the kiddies came along, it just wasn’t sustainable. Family comes first, every single time (a theme in my books…), and the simple fact was that we knew our summers should be spent with the kids, not working seven days a week. In 2022, we sold the coffee shop, and I took to writing full time.
I signed a two book deal with Avon UK (part of the Harper Collins family), and my debut was released in August 2024. It’s called AFTER THE STORM, and it’s a police procedural with a twisty, emotional hook. Next up was INTO THE FIRE, released in June 2025. I've signed another two books with Avon, set for release in 2026 and 2027.
I’m always up for chatting, so find me on my socials and I’ll happily answer any questions you might have!
I joined Kent Police at the age of 18, working on the front line in a variety of uniformed roles until the age of 29 when, completely out of the blue, I suffered two cardiac ‘events’, and was subsequently diagnosed with a hereditary and incurable disease of the heart (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy if you’re being fussy!). As a result, I had an internal defibrillator implanted in me, and I had to retire from the police aged 30.
One door closed, but another opened, and my wife and I bought a coffee shop in Ramsgate Harbour. We spent eight of the happiest years of our lives there but, when the kiddies came along, it just wasn’t sustainable. Family comes first, every single time (a theme in my books…), and the simple fact was that we knew our summers should be spent with the kids, not working seven days a week. In 2022, we sold the coffee shop, and I took to writing full time.
I signed a two book deal with Avon UK (part of the Harper Collins family), and my debut was released in August 2024. It’s called AFTER THE STORM, and it’s a police procedural with a twisty, emotional hook. Next up was INTO THE FIRE, released in June 2025. I've signed another two books with Avon, set for release in 2026 and 2027.
I’m always up for chatting, so find me on my socials and I’ll happily answer any questions you might have!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 10, 2026
I really enjoyed this one, G.D Wright managed to get me emotionally wrecked with a perfectly crafted storyline and layered characters. I absolutely would recommend.
So grateful I got an ARC copy! Brilliant.
So grateful I got an ARC copy! Brilliant.
May 25, 2026
If the truth could destroy you, would you choose to know it? DC Vinny Robson has spent his career seeking justice for others, but when an elderly couple are violently murdered in his hometown of Beachbrook, the investigation takes a devastating turn – one that cuts straight through his own family. As Vinny dives deeper, the case becomes more than a pursuit of a killer – it’s a fight against the undertow of his own past. But in chasing the truth, will he finally find justice, or will he drown in the wreckage of everything he thought he knew? Some truths should stay submerged. But once the tide turns, there’s no stopping what comes to light.
Without any doubt I cannot fault Gary’s writing, his ability to completely captivate the reader throughout is just utter perfection. The combination of a police procedural with all the twists and turns of a thriller ensures your attention is gripped from the very first page. I purposely dedicated time over the last Bank Holiday weekend to ensure I could absorb every detail and I devoured in less than 24 hours, the pure definition of a book you literally can’t put down.
I think this is a series that just keeps getting better and better, and whilst all three books can be read as standalones, reading them together definitely gives further background to the characters, I specifically enjoyed learning more about DS Sue Willmott in this title and the reader connection is maintained with the steady pace. DC Robson’s journey of dealing with the dementia diagnosis of his mother was also really beautifully described, highlighting the emotional side of our much-loved characters even more.
I loved the direction this book took and, the serious issues raised and discussed, were all handled with the sensitivity they deserve, clearly demonstrating the author’s background research and knowledge to ensure this was portrayed as it should. And as for that final chapter? Bravo Gary, this was executed perfectly and I literally gasped out loud as I read those concluding lines. So now my only question is, when is the next one coming?😉
I laughed, I cried, my heart rate raced, and I adored every single word of this emotional rollercoaster of a book. A big fat yes in recommending this one, so grab your copy today (as well as After The Storm and Into The Fire!, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Without any doubt I cannot fault Gary’s writing, his ability to completely captivate the reader throughout is just utter perfection. The combination of a police procedural with all the twists and turns of a thriller ensures your attention is gripped from the very first page. I purposely dedicated time over the last Bank Holiday weekend to ensure I could absorb every detail and I devoured in less than 24 hours, the pure definition of a book you literally can’t put down.
I think this is a series that just keeps getting better and better, and whilst all three books can be read as standalones, reading them together definitely gives further background to the characters, I specifically enjoyed learning more about DS Sue Willmott in this title and the reader connection is maintained with the steady pace. DC Robson’s journey of dealing with the dementia diagnosis of his mother was also really beautifully described, highlighting the emotional side of our much-loved characters even more.
I loved the direction this book took and, the serious issues raised and discussed, were all handled with the sensitivity they deserve, clearly demonstrating the author’s background research and knowledge to ensure this was portrayed as it should. And as for that final chapter? Bravo Gary, this was executed perfectly and I literally gasped out loud as I read those concluding lines. So now my only question is, when is the next one coming?😉
I laughed, I cried, my heart rate raced, and I adored every single word of this emotional rollercoaster of a book. A big fat yes in recommending this one, so grab your copy today (as well as After The Storm and Into The Fire!, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
May 1, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me this free advance copy, and I’m writing this review honestly and without bias.
Well it's a hat trick of 5 star reads from GD Wright as he has whacked the third instalment of his DS Willmot books right out of the park. This is a hard hitting and compelling story which centres around a brutal double murder running alongside a haunting plot of long ago secrets. DC Vinny Robson takes centre stage in this one as he finds his past turned on its head. The writing is sublime, the plot perfectly executed and the heartbreak and emotion is delivered in Gary's trademark way. When you think it's all over the author throws in one massive curveball - what an ending, left me breathless. An outstanding read
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When an elderly couple is found murdered at their home, DC Vinny Robinson's life as he knows it will come to a screeching halt. He just doesn't know it yet. Somehow, these victims are connected to his own family. The story alternates via chapters from the points-of-view from Vinny to Natalie, the daughter of the murder victims, and DS Wilmott.
Vinny's family is a closet full of skeletons. He really does end up facing the tide, fighting the undertow and trying not to drown from everything that's coming his way. There is absolutely no way you won't feel for this character. Especially if you have experience with people with dementia. The moments Vinny shares with his mother, Mary, hit hard sometimes.
Despite what the book description says, Vinny and his boss do not discover his mother's diaries until the latter part of the book, and it's entirely coincidental. But the reader does get glimpses into Mary's thoughts over the years, allowing us to try and piece together the puzzle of this mystery. I was on the right track for most of it but there were still a few reveals that felt like a punch to the stomach.
'Against The Tide' isn't always an easy story to read. Wright tackles a few difficult topics and I often found myself struggling with a lump in my throat. Some things are truly heartbreaking, but Wright never overdramatised or underplayed any of it. It all came across as realistic and believable. If I could have hugged Vinny and Natalie, I totally would have done so.
That said, I did have some niggles. Personally, I feel the story could have been a little shorter. There are parts towards the end that dragged a bit for me. I also thought that DS Wilmott's chapters were unnecessary and brought little, if anything, to the story. She seemed to just lament the fact that her job kept her away from her daughter, and functioned as some sort of emotional support for Vinny. Apart from that, I'm also stuck with the idea that one or two things - in hindsight - just didn't quite make sense to me.
'Against The Tide' shows, once again, that you just never know what goes on behind closed doors. And that, as children, we might have a skewed perspective of our parents, or their marriage, or even our own childhood. Both Natalie and Vinny are dealing with the loss of their parents, who were taken from them in very different ways.
I always say I don't appreciate it when my crime fiction is on the verge of making me shed a tear or two. But the truth is, I absolutely appreciate the depth, the insight, and the emotional impact authors like Wright can achieve. It's not just about solving a crime. It's about characters navigating a new reality and about living through the aftermath of something truly horrific. It undoubtedly makes for a compelling and absorbing read as it's near impossible not to become invested.
This was my first introduction to G.D Wright, even though I've had his previous book on my shelves for ages. It's a tad odd to use the word "enjoyed" considering the heavy topics, but I liked this one and this will definitely not be the last time I pick up a book by this author.
Vinny's family is a closet full of skeletons. He really does end up facing the tide, fighting the undertow and trying not to drown from everything that's coming his way. There is absolutely no way you won't feel for this character. Especially if you have experience with people with dementia. The moments Vinny shares with his mother, Mary, hit hard sometimes.
Despite what the book description says, Vinny and his boss do not discover his mother's diaries until the latter part of the book, and it's entirely coincidental. But the reader does get glimpses into Mary's thoughts over the years, allowing us to try and piece together the puzzle of this mystery. I was on the right track for most of it but there were still a few reveals that felt like a punch to the stomach.
'Against The Tide' isn't always an easy story to read. Wright tackles a few difficult topics and I often found myself struggling with a lump in my throat. Some things are truly heartbreaking, but Wright never overdramatised or underplayed any of it. It all came across as realistic and believable. If I could have hugged Vinny and Natalie, I totally would have done so.
That said, I did have some niggles. Personally, I feel the story could have been a little shorter. There are parts towards the end that dragged a bit for me. I also thought that DS Wilmott's chapters were unnecessary and brought little, if anything, to the story. She seemed to just lament the fact that her job kept her away from her daughter, and functioned as some sort of emotional support for Vinny. Apart from that, I'm also stuck with the idea that one or two things - in hindsight - just didn't quite make sense to me.
'Against The Tide' shows, once again, that you just never know what goes on behind closed doors. And that, as children, we might have a skewed perspective of our parents, or their marriage, or even our own childhood. Both Natalie and Vinny are dealing with the loss of their parents, who were taken from them in very different ways.
I always say I don't appreciate it when my crime fiction is on the verge of making me shed a tear or two. But the truth is, I absolutely appreciate the depth, the insight, and the emotional impact authors like Wright can achieve. It's not just about solving a crime. It's about characters navigating a new reality and about living through the aftermath of something truly horrific. It undoubtedly makes for a compelling and absorbing read as it's near impossible not to become invested.
This was my first introduction to G.D Wright, even though I've had his previous book on my shelves for ages. It's a tad odd to use the word "enjoyed" considering the heavy topics, but I liked this one and this will definitely not be the last time I pick up a book by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I cannot explain just how much I adore G.D Wright and his books. Even when he was going through a difficult time, he was still kind enough to contact me when I was having a bad mental health episode and I can't begin to say how much that meant to be. So I was thrilled to get to read an early copy of his new book.
This is book three in this, unofficial trilogy I suppose, starting with After the Storm and then Into the Fire.
We've got the same characters from the previous two which helps add a sense of familiarity, but we've also got new ones which makes it fresh and exciting. They are all written very well. Not all likeable, and no-one is 100% hero or villain, they're all a bit morally grey which makes them more human. The characters are the best they've ever been; these three books have really given him the time to develop them.
At first, I thought it wasn't going to be as heart-wrenching as the previous two, because they tended to focus on children and this one didn't. And I was happy about that at first because the other two destroyed me. But no. I spoke too soon. I was wrong. It's just as bad (and I mean that in the best, positive way possible).
I managed to get to about 55% before I cried though, which is progress!
This one looks more at the police, the humans behind the force, rather than the crimes themselves - that's what I got out of it anyway.
We've got the main story, yes, but we also have this story concerning Vinny. It's got so many layers to it, that handled by someone not as adept as Wright, might have been too much. But everything is balanced so well here, the stories, characters, memories, emotions, and just everything about it is so wonderful. His ability to write grief is second to none, and I saw myself in the bereaved and it really touched me.
His books are thrillers yes, there's deaths, crimes, detectives, horror, and violence and whatnot. But for me, the thriller elements almost take a back seat, so important are the relationships and emotions he's developed in these characters.
And the ending - obviously I'm not going to spoil it but I did not see it coming one bit (then again I am notoriously terrible at working out the endings of whodunnits and whatnot).
Whilst it's not a conventional trilogy as such, the main characters do hold a story thread across the three, and I did wonder if this would be the end of it, but after finishing it, I'm really hoping that's a big fat NO, because I'd read about these characters forever if I could.
It's not an easy book to read, let's be honest here, there are some very difficult topics. But it's handled so well. I just absorbed it and read it in one day because I HAD to know what happened.
That's three books he's published, three books I've read, and three books I've given five stars too. At this rate, he's on to a career chock-a-block of five-star reviews and I for one cannot wait to collect them all (I think that makes him a Pokémon).
I cannot explain just how much I adore G.D Wright and his books. Even when he was going through a difficult time, he was still kind enough to contact me when I was having a bad mental health episode and I can't begin to say how much that meant to be. So I was thrilled to get to read an early copy of his new book.
This is book three in this, unofficial trilogy I suppose, starting with After the Storm and then Into the Fire.
We've got the same characters from the previous two which helps add a sense of familiarity, but we've also got new ones which makes it fresh and exciting. They are all written very well. Not all likeable, and no-one is 100% hero or villain, they're all a bit morally grey which makes them more human. The characters are the best they've ever been; these three books have really given him the time to develop them.
At first, I thought it wasn't going to be as heart-wrenching as the previous two, because they tended to focus on children and this one didn't. And I was happy about that at first because the other two destroyed me. But no. I spoke too soon. I was wrong. It's just as bad (and I mean that in the best, positive way possible).
I managed to get to about 55% before I cried though, which is progress!
This one looks more at the police, the humans behind the force, rather than the crimes themselves - that's what I got out of it anyway.
We've got the main story, yes, but we also have this story concerning Vinny. It's got so many layers to it, that handled by someone not as adept as Wright, might have been too much. But everything is balanced so well here, the stories, characters, memories, emotions, and just everything about it is so wonderful. His ability to write grief is second to none, and I saw myself in the bereaved and it really touched me.
His books are thrillers yes, there's deaths, crimes, detectives, horror, and violence and whatnot. But for me, the thriller elements almost take a back seat, so important are the relationships and emotions he's developed in these characters.
And the ending - obviously I'm not going to spoil it but I did not see it coming one bit (then again I am notoriously terrible at working out the endings of whodunnits and whatnot).
Whilst it's not a conventional trilogy as such, the main characters do hold a story thread across the three, and I did wonder if this would be the end of it, but after finishing it, I'm really hoping that's a big fat NO, because I'd read about these characters forever if I could.
It's not an easy book to read, let's be honest here, there are some very difficult topics. But it's handled so well. I just absorbed it and read it in one day because I HAD to know what happened.
That's three books he's published, three books I've read, and three books I've given five stars too. At this rate, he's on to a career chock-a-block of five-star reviews and I for one cannot wait to collect them all (I think that makes him a Pokémon).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Against the Tide by G. D. Wright is a very highly recommended, heartbreaking, investigative thriller/domestic drama. This is the third book in the series featuring DS Sue Willmott but it can be read as a standalone novel.
DC Vinny Robson already has his hands full between work and his mother Mary's dementia so when an elderly couple are violently murdered in Beachbrook, it adds even more stress as the police investigate. The police are already busy with a series of home burglaries plaguing the town. Working along with DS Sue Wilmott and the team, everyone is now seeking clues concerning the murder victims and potential suspects. In this case Vinny acts as the Family Liaison Officer to Natalie, the daughter of two murder victims and a therapist, while also seeking any information from their past that might point to the perpetrators. As Vinny's mom worsens she says something that shakes him to the core and has him looking into his own past while still investigating the murders.
The well-written, complicated, compelling, and emotionally charged narrative alternates between the points-of-view of Vinny, Sue, some chapters from Natalie, and excerpts from a dairy. Vinny doesn't discover the dairy until later in the plot but readers will know his mother wrote it, which make the plot even more complex and intense. The narrative is well-plotted and full of new discoveries, twists and devastating revelations. There is a whole lot going on in this plot and you will be glued to the pages, reading as fast as you can to see what happens or is revealed next, even as it all breaks your heart for those involved.
Along with an excellent mystery and investigation, all the characters are portrayed as emotionally realistic, fully realized individuals with strengths and weaknesses. The characters come to life as realistic individuals, dealing with doubts and personal struggles, all presented along with plenty of emotionally charged situations. The facts and details of the investigation are dark and difficult, but the raw emotional turmoil of those experiencing the events in the novel is captured realistically.
While reading you will be able to try and piece together clues and many of the twists at the end will shock and surprise many readers. I was able to predict parts of the final denouement and piece together many of the clues but that didn't lessened the impact of the ending. I haven't read the previous two novel by G.D. Ward, (After the Storm and Into the Fire) but based on the quality of the writing and impact of Against the Tide, they are going on my TBR list asap.
Against the Tide is an excellent choice for everyone who enjoys complex, detailed investigative thrillers/domestic dramas. Thanks to Avon Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
DC Vinny Robson already has his hands full between work and his mother Mary's dementia so when an elderly couple are violently murdered in Beachbrook, it adds even more stress as the police investigate. The police are already busy with a series of home burglaries plaguing the town. Working along with DS Sue Wilmott and the team, everyone is now seeking clues concerning the murder victims and potential suspects. In this case Vinny acts as the Family Liaison Officer to Natalie, the daughter of two murder victims and a therapist, while also seeking any information from their past that might point to the perpetrators. As Vinny's mom worsens she says something that shakes him to the core and has him looking into his own past while still investigating the murders.
The well-written, complicated, compelling, and emotionally charged narrative alternates between the points-of-view of Vinny, Sue, some chapters from Natalie, and excerpts from a dairy. Vinny doesn't discover the dairy until later in the plot but readers will know his mother wrote it, which make the plot even more complex and intense. The narrative is well-plotted and full of new discoveries, twists and devastating revelations. There is a whole lot going on in this plot and you will be glued to the pages, reading as fast as you can to see what happens or is revealed next, even as it all breaks your heart for those involved.
Along with an excellent mystery and investigation, all the characters are portrayed as emotionally realistic, fully realized individuals with strengths and weaknesses. The characters come to life as realistic individuals, dealing with doubts and personal struggles, all presented along with plenty of emotionally charged situations. The facts and details of the investigation are dark and difficult, but the raw emotional turmoil of those experiencing the events in the novel is captured realistically.
While reading you will be able to try and piece together clues and many of the twists at the end will shock and surprise many readers. I was able to predict parts of the final denouement and piece together many of the clues but that didn't lessened the impact of the ending. I haven't read the previous two novel by G.D. Ward, (After the Storm and Into the Fire) but based on the quality of the writing and impact of Against the Tide, they are going on my TBR list asap.
Against the Tide is an excellent choice for everyone who enjoys complex, detailed investigative thrillers/domestic dramas. Thanks to Avon Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I am a real fan of G.D. Wright's books. Yes, if you look on a basic level, these are stories rooted in crimes, where the police are engaged in the progression of the story to more or less extent in each of the books. There are characters, particularly DS Sue Willmott, who link the novels as a series, but whilst Sue is key to the progres of each investigation, and we do get to know her on a personal as well as professional level, it is not a series about here. This time around though, there is a much higher level of involvement from the police and the book feels a touch more like your traditional police investigation based thriller. And yet, as will its predecessors, it is also so much more.
This time around the attention is focused on one of the police officers, DC Vinny Robson, who works alongside DS Willmott in Beachbrook, and who is going through a bit of a rough time on a personal level. His mother is succumbing to the latter stages of dementia, and balancing this against its work responsibilities is taking its toll. But that is only the start and when tasked with acting as the Family Liaison Officer to the daughter of two murder victims, no-one can realise how quickly this case is going to turn attention very close to home.
I like the way in which G.D. Wright has shaped this story, allowing us to follow the investigation into two very brutal murders, but also interjecting the action with snippets from a diary, the author of which is initially unclear but is soon revealed. As much as the murders and the daughter's reaction add that personal touch of emotion to the story, it is through the diary chapters and the realisation of what we are reading that the deep emotional core of the book develops. As readers we have far greater knowledge than the police as to the nature of what has happened, and some of the key scenes in the book come with a stark and hard hitting sense of realisation about what we are privy to. This is not played for shocks in any way, and whilst the darkest portions of what happens are kept off the page, the author elicited such deep emotions from what I was reading it was impossible not to be moved by all that came to pass.
The central case here is about the murders, utterly vicious and believed to be an escalation following a series of robberies. But there is always that sense that something is not quite right, and the suspense is there, building, from that very first scene, waiting for us, and the police, to make all the necessary links. the book is steeped in mystery and emotion, and some of the scenes in wich the key characters are consumed by grief and heart-wrenching realisations almost feel visceral at times, as does the empathy towards Willmott who navigates the difficult waters of being a single mother, dedicated to her job but also missing the most important moments of her child's life for the sake of the case. It gives the whole story a real sense of authetincity, as well as endearing the characters to me all the more.
I think that is what I like best about these books. They really are rooted in the everyday. Entirely plausible situations with characters who feel real. Feel like they could be someone you know and in whose success, or at the very least their futures, you are utterly invested in. And despite the heightened emotions at times in this book, there is also a whisper of romance and kinship that feeds from the start to end of the book, and the acknowledgment that family are more than those who connect to you through flesh and blood. A hard hitting, heartbreaking story at times, but one I was completely focused upon from the very first chapter. Definitely recommended.
This time around the attention is focused on one of the police officers, DC Vinny Robson, who works alongside DS Willmott in Beachbrook, and who is going through a bit of a rough time on a personal level. His mother is succumbing to the latter stages of dementia, and balancing this against its work responsibilities is taking its toll. But that is only the start and when tasked with acting as the Family Liaison Officer to the daughter of two murder victims, no-one can realise how quickly this case is going to turn attention very close to home.
I like the way in which G.D. Wright has shaped this story, allowing us to follow the investigation into two very brutal murders, but also interjecting the action with snippets from a diary, the author of which is initially unclear but is soon revealed. As much as the murders and the daughter's reaction add that personal touch of emotion to the story, it is through the diary chapters and the realisation of what we are reading that the deep emotional core of the book develops. As readers we have far greater knowledge than the police as to the nature of what has happened, and some of the key scenes in the book come with a stark and hard hitting sense of realisation about what we are privy to. This is not played for shocks in any way, and whilst the darkest portions of what happens are kept off the page, the author elicited such deep emotions from what I was reading it was impossible not to be moved by all that came to pass.
The central case here is about the murders, utterly vicious and believed to be an escalation following a series of robberies. But there is always that sense that something is not quite right, and the suspense is there, building, from that very first scene, waiting for us, and the police, to make all the necessary links. the book is steeped in mystery and emotion, and some of the scenes in wich the key characters are consumed by grief and heart-wrenching realisations almost feel visceral at times, as does the empathy towards Willmott who navigates the difficult waters of being a single mother, dedicated to her job but also missing the most important moments of her child's life for the sake of the case. It gives the whole story a real sense of authetincity, as well as endearing the characters to me all the more.
I think that is what I like best about these books. They really are rooted in the everyday. Entirely plausible situations with characters who feel real. Feel like they could be someone you know and in whose success, or at the very least their futures, you are utterly invested in. And despite the heightened emotions at times in this book, there is also a whisper of romance and kinship that feeds from the start to end of the book, and the acknowledgment that family are more than those who connect to you through flesh and blood. A hard hitting, heartbreaking story at times, but one I was completely focused upon from the very first chapter. Definitely recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
He’s only gone and done it again, hasn’t he?! But, if you’re already a massive fan of Gaz’s books like I am, you probably already know it’s going to be another corker before you’ve even picked it up (and without me even telling you!) I love Gaz’s books. I adore them. But this one… it hit different. Yes, I inhaled it. Yes, it made me cry. And yes, I think this is his best book yet.
Against the Tide is an exceptional crime drama, a real masterclass in emotional depth with relatable characters and heart-pounding scenarios that command every bit of your attention. The third book from G.D. Wright focuses on DC Vinny Robson who is acting as Family Liaison Officer in a new case, with our favourite DS Sue Willmott; there are burglars terrorising Beachbrook, and an elderly couple are found brutally murdered in their home. But alongside this horrific investigation, Vinny also has to navigate his way through the most testing of times as his mother battles dementia. He discovers her lost diaries from years gone by and uncovers painful truths that would change his entire life. His personal and professional lives collide in the most unimaginable of ways and let me tell you – it’s an absolutely phenomenal read.
I was once again completely absorbed in this author’s writing. It’s so easy to read and so incredibly engrossing that before you know it, the sun’s gone down and you’ve missed a meal. But let’s face it, those are the kind of books you want in your life. The pacing was perfectly balanced, the shocking discoveries (and there are loads) punch you in the gut and have you thinking about what you’d do in a situation, how you’d cope, how you’d heal and move on. The delicate attention given to grief and people affected by dementia had me in tears. I felt everything so deeply and I was so moved by it.
On one hand, it’s a story of strength, of community, of family and friendship. But on the other, it’s about dark, buried secrets, a haunting, unthinkable past, and a mother’s desire to protect. And that ending? Oooooff!! It’s already effortlessly slipped into my top reads of the year, no question! Book four, where are you?!
Against the Tide is an exceptional crime drama, a real masterclass in emotional depth with relatable characters and heart-pounding scenarios that command every bit of your attention. The third book from G.D. Wright focuses on DC Vinny Robson who is acting as Family Liaison Officer in a new case, with our favourite DS Sue Willmott; there are burglars terrorising Beachbrook, and an elderly couple are found brutally murdered in their home. But alongside this horrific investigation, Vinny also has to navigate his way through the most testing of times as his mother battles dementia. He discovers her lost diaries from years gone by and uncovers painful truths that would change his entire life. His personal and professional lives collide in the most unimaginable of ways and let me tell you – it’s an absolutely phenomenal read.
I was once again completely absorbed in this author’s writing. It’s so easy to read and so incredibly engrossing that before you know it, the sun’s gone down and you’ve missed a meal. But let’s face it, those are the kind of books you want in your life. The pacing was perfectly balanced, the shocking discoveries (and there are loads) punch you in the gut and have you thinking about what you’d do in a situation, how you’d cope, how you’d heal and move on. The delicate attention given to grief and people affected by dementia had me in tears. I felt everything so deeply and I was so moved by it.
On one hand, it’s a story of strength, of community, of family and friendship. But on the other, it’s about dark, buried secrets, a haunting, unthinkable past, and a mother’s desire to protect. And that ending? Oooooff!! It’s already effortlessly slipped into my top reads of the year, no question! Book four, where are you?!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Against the Tide is one of those crime novels that pulls you in with its mystery but keeps you there for its emotional weight. What begins as a brutal double murder in the quiet coastal town of Beachbrook quickly becomes something far more personal for DC Vinny Robson—a man who has spent his life seeking justice for others, only to find himself dragged into the darkest corners of his own history.
The setting is beautifully rendered: the south coast with its shifting tides, its salt‑stung air, and its sense that the sea is always hiding something beneath the surface. That atmosphere mirrors Vinny’s journey perfectly. As he and DS Sue Wilmott dig into the case, the discovery of his mother’s old diaries cracks open a lifetime of secrets she fought fiercely to bury. The emotional punch of those entries—fragmented memories, quiet confessions, the things she couldn’t say aloud—gives the novel a haunting intimacy.
The investigation itself is tense and layered, but it’s the personal stakes that make it compelling. Vinny’s struggle is not just about catching a killer; it’s about confronting the version of his past he’s always believed in and the version that might destroy him. The more he uncovers, the more the line blurs between truth and protection, justice and survival. The metaphor of the tide is woven through the narrative with subtle elegance—some truths stay submerged for decades, but once they begin to rise, they’re impossible to stop.
The pacing is steady and immersive, building toward revelations that feel both shocking and inevitable. Fans of Karin Slaughter, Gillian McAllister, and Ann Cleeves will appreciate the blend of emotional depth, atmospheric tension, and character‑driven suspense.
A moving, quietly devastating crime drama about family, memory, and the dangerous pull of long‑buried truths. It lingers like sea mist long after the final page.
With thanks to GD Wright, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The setting is beautifully rendered: the south coast with its shifting tides, its salt‑stung air, and its sense that the sea is always hiding something beneath the surface. That atmosphere mirrors Vinny’s journey perfectly. As he and DS Sue Wilmott dig into the case, the discovery of his mother’s old diaries cracks open a lifetime of secrets she fought fiercely to bury. The emotional punch of those entries—fragmented memories, quiet confessions, the things she couldn’t say aloud—gives the novel a haunting intimacy.
The investigation itself is tense and layered, but it’s the personal stakes that make it compelling. Vinny’s struggle is not just about catching a killer; it’s about confronting the version of his past he’s always believed in and the version that might destroy him. The more he uncovers, the more the line blurs between truth and protection, justice and survival. The metaphor of the tide is woven through the narrative with subtle elegance—some truths stay submerged for decades, but once they begin to rise, they’re impossible to stop.
The pacing is steady and immersive, building toward revelations that feel both shocking and inevitable. Fans of Karin Slaughter, Gillian McAllister, and Ann Cleeves will appreciate the blend of emotional depth, atmospheric tension, and character‑driven suspense.
A moving, quietly devastating crime drama about family, memory, and the dangerous pull of long‑buried truths. It lingers like sea mist long after the final page.
With thanks to GD Wright, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A series of violent robberies has been plaguing Beachbrook for months, with no suspects or leads. Now, DS Sue Wilmott and DC Vinny Robson are called in to investigate a brutal attack on an elderly couple in their own home.
But as the investigation unravels, and Vinny discovers his mum’s old diaries, he begins to uncover some very uncomfortable secrets that may connect to the crime he’s investigating..
Wow! By now, I know to prepare myself when starting a G.D. Wright book. From the very beginning chapter, I was immediately pulled into the shocking story and reminded that we’re back in Beachbrook!
Gary’s style is what I’d call police procedural with heart, and a decent dose of emotional devastation!
The story is expertly plotted, full of twists and surprises, scary and macabre at times. It’s also about real people and their relationships. The friendships, support and understanding between the colleagues at the police station feel very real and heartwarming in contrast to what they’re investigating. They look after each other, and the authenticity of Gary’s writing based on his own former police career really shine through.
And amongst the long-held secrets, questions around morality, and at times, pure evil, we also see humanity, empathy, and hope.
I enjoyed seeing DS Wilmott’s character developed even further from the previous books, and loved Vinny. I’m looking forward to reading more from them both in book 4!
But as the investigation unravels, and Vinny discovers his mum’s old diaries, he begins to uncover some very uncomfortable secrets that may connect to the crime he’s investigating..
Wow! By now, I know to prepare myself when starting a G.D. Wright book. From the very beginning chapter, I was immediately pulled into the shocking story and reminded that we’re back in Beachbrook!
Gary’s style is what I’d call police procedural with heart, and a decent dose of emotional devastation!
The story is expertly plotted, full of twists and surprises, scary and macabre at times. It’s also about real people and their relationships. The friendships, support and understanding between the colleagues at the police station feel very real and heartwarming in contrast to what they’re investigating. They look after each other, and the authenticity of Gary’s writing based on his own former police career really shine through.
And amongst the long-held secrets, questions around morality, and at times, pure evil, we also see humanity, empathy, and hope.
I enjoyed seeing DS Wilmott’s character developed even further from the previous books, and loved Vinny. I’m looking forward to reading more from them both in book 4!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Against the Tide is a very, VERY good read. I felt it started very slowly though so it took a while for me to get fully into the story and its characters. I have always liked DS Wilmott from the authors previous books and here DC Vinny Robson is introduced. The police at Beachbrook investigate two violent murders alongside a series of burglaries with Wilmott and Robson on the cases. I like Vinny, he is believable, very relatable and I loved his work relationship and friendship with Wilmott. The authors writing is very engaging and lured me in right away, and after the slow start the story quickly gains pace. The author writes of difficult and emotive subjects with sensitivity and care and describes his characters thoughts and feelings so eloquently I had so much empathy for them. I thoroughly enjoyed following the police investigation, the plot is well thought out which goes off in an unexpected direction a few times that had me rethinking all I'd read before. The story is told through different characters which works well here and the plot moves from past to present times seamlessly. The ending I hope sets up the next book nicely and I will definitely want to read it.
I have enjoyed previous books by this author and Against the Tide is no different. It is a beautifully written book with characters that you will take to heart and root for, and I would recommend this.
4 stars
I have enjoyed previous books by this author and Against the Tide is no different. It is a beautifully written book with characters that you will take to heart and root for, and I would recommend this.
4 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
How do you know that you are reading a good book? You are so emersed in it that you blend your real life with what you are reading. I got so involved in this book. It was raining outside at my house and in the book the investigators are going in to a crime scene and I got mad at them because they were going to contaminate the crime scene by tracking mud in the house. Oh, yeah. IT WASN’T RAINING IN THE BOOK! THERE WAS NO MUD!!!
Sorry for yelling.
Now, you are going to think to yourself, “Well, if it is that good, I need to go out and buy this book and read it immediately.” Yes and no. Only if you have a good therapist on speed dial. I remember a time my mom said that she was going to stop reading John Grisham’s books because he couldn’t let the main characters truly be happy at the end of his books. Well, Mom, G. D. Wright says, “Hold my beer.” to Mr. Grisham. When I read the last couple of chapters of this book, I felt like Mr. Wright punched me in the gut. To be blunt, after reading the last page of the book, I felt like he had kicked me in the nether region. Multiple times. While wearing steel-toed boots. Double reinforced steel toes. With a bionic leg.
The mystery is seriously so good. The characters are written better than anyone else can write characters. You will feel their emotions. And there are a lot of emotions in this novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Sorry for yelling.
Now, you are going to think to yourself, “Well, if it is that good, I need to go out and buy this book and read it immediately.” Yes and no. Only if you have a good therapist on speed dial. I remember a time my mom said that she was going to stop reading John Grisham’s books because he couldn’t let the main characters truly be happy at the end of his books. Well, Mom, G. D. Wright says, “Hold my beer.” to Mr. Grisham. When I read the last couple of chapters of this book, I felt like Mr. Wright punched me in the gut. To be blunt, after reading the last page of the book, I felt like he had kicked me in the nether region. Multiple times. While wearing steel-toed boots. Double reinforced steel toes. With a bionic leg.
The mystery is seriously so good. The characters are written better than anyone else can write characters. You will feel their emotions. And there are a lot of emotions in this novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Having read both of Gaz’s two other books, it was great to be back in Beachbrook and this is another great pageturner!
This time round, it is the brutal murder of an elderly couple the team is trying solve. Was it a burglary gone wrong or is there more to the case? As DC Vinny Robson and his colleagues try and put the pieces together, it becomes apparent that this could become more than personal. And once the truth is out, it could change everything. The question is would you always want to know the truth? And can murder ever be justified?
I really enjoy Gaz’s writing. Not only does he manage to keep you hooked throughout, I love how the fact that he is an ex police officer shines through the pages. The risks police officers take each day, the traumas they carry within their hearts and that special bond with their colleagues only they can truly understand, it all forms part of the story and it just adds another layer of depth and authenticity for me. The emotional side of this book is also one of its true strength for me: the characters are so well developed and so very human. We touch on so many aspects of life with true understanding and empathy. Another excellent book Gaz and out of the three probably my favourite even though I really liked the first two books as well.
(A small trigger warning to anyone this may affect: the book contains reference to rape and also dementia.)
This time round, it is the brutal murder of an elderly couple the team is trying solve. Was it a burglary gone wrong or is there more to the case? As DC Vinny Robson and his colleagues try and put the pieces together, it becomes apparent that this could become more than personal. And once the truth is out, it could change everything. The question is would you always want to know the truth? And can murder ever be justified?
I really enjoy Gaz’s writing. Not only does he manage to keep you hooked throughout, I love how the fact that he is an ex police officer shines through the pages. The risks police officers take each day, the traumas they carry within their hearts and that special bond with their colleagues only they can truly understand, it all forms part of the story and it just adds another layer of depth and authenticity for me. The emotional side of this book is also one of its true strength for me: the characters are so well developed and so very human. We touch on so many aspects of life with true understanding and empathy. Another excellent book Gaz and out of the three probably my favourite even though I really liked the first two books as well.
(A small trigger warning to anyone this may affect: the book contains reference to rape and also dementia.)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a WILD RIDE.
If you've read G.D Wright's previous books, you'll be familiar with the character DS Sue Wilmott. And like his others, this one is written from multiple POVs - including new protagonist Vinny. We follow Vinny's story as a FLO (Family Liaison Officer) on a case where an elderly couple is brutally murdered in their own home, as he offers support to their surviving daughter, Natalie. Vinny is also struggling with some pretty big issues in his personal life and we get a very raw look at how he handles his day job and his responsibility outside of work.
The story tackles some difficult topics but it's done really well. You can absolutely tell that the author worked in this field before, the realness makes it even more tense.
I'm never very good at weaving together clues and figuring out the plot, but I really thought I had it with this one. HOWEVER. Just as I thought I was onto something, I was slapped in the face by a twist, and again, and again and then once more for good measure.
If you're into thrillers with domestic crime plot lines then this is a must read for you.
This is an emotional story of how one crime can unravel years of buried secrets. It is gritty, raw and will keep you guessing until the end! I know I'm going to be thinking about this one for a while.
If you've read G.D Wright's previous books, you'll be familiar with the character DS Sue Wilmott. And like his others, this one is written from multiple POVs - including new protagonist Vinny. We follow Vinny's story as a FLO (Family Liaison Officer) on a case where an elderly couple is brutally murdered in their own home, as he offers support to their surviving daughter, Natalie. Vinny is also struggling with some pretty big issues in his personal life and we get a very raw look at how he handles his day job and his responsibility outside of work.
The story tackles some difficult topics but it's done really well. You can absolutely tell that the author worked in this field before, the realness makes it even more tense.
I'm never very good at weaving together clues and figuring out the plot, but I really thought I had it with this one. HOWEVER. Just as I thought I was onto something, I was slapped in the face by a twist, and again, and again and then once more for good measure.
If you're into thrillers with domestic crime plot lines then this is a must read for you.
This is an emotional story of how one crime can unravel years of buried secrets. It is gritty, raw and will keep you guessing until the end! I know I'm going to be thinking about this one for a while.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Against the Tide was a dark and deliciously twisty thriller, perfect for fans of Gillian McAllister and the like. Set in a small coastal town in the south of the UK rocked by the brutal murder of an elderly couple. The investigation brings nothing but questions, and strains the police involved professionally, and personally.
It took me a while to get invested into this story, as the author has a distinct voice and pattern of thinking that just didn't jive with me at first, but the first twist pulled me right back in. Without spoiling anything it's hard to describe how gripping the story is, but what really captured my attention was the blurring of lines between the professional and personal lives of the people involved. The characters felt raw and real in a way most authors have trouble capturing on page.
I also appreciated that while I had some strong suspicion of the ending about 20% in- it did not end up being quite so simple in the end. The plot was exquisitely messy and I loved that the drama and suspense of it lasted right up until the epilogue.
Thank you to the AVON for the Advance Reader Copy I received for review through NetGalley!
It took me a while to get invested into this story, as the author has a distinct voice and pattern of thinking that just didn't jive with me at first, but the first twist pulled me right back in. Without spoiling anything it's hard to describe how gripping the story is, but what really captured my attention was the blurring of lines between the professional and personal lives of the people involved. The characters felt raw and real in a way most authors have trouble capturing on page.
I also appreciated that while I had some strong suspicion of the ending about 20% in- it did not end up being quite so simple in the end. The plot was exquisitely messy and I loved that the drama and suspense of it lasted right up until the epilogue.
Thank you to the AVON for the Advance Reader Copy I received for review through NetGalley!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The third in the DS Sue Willmott Series set in the idyllic seaside town of Beachbrooke this is another classic thriller both extremely tense and highly emotional. Vinny Robson is a DC in the police. His father committed suicide years earlier and his mother Mary is in a care home living with dementia. Told from the POVs of Sue Willmott, Vinny and Natalie together with passages from Mary’s diary.
Briefly, Vinny is called out by his boss DS Sue Willmott to a murder scene where a retired couple have been brutally murdered. He is appointed as FLO to work with their daughter Natalie and to try and discover more about her parents and why they were targeted. Meanwhile, his mother has been keeping a diary and in this she talks about a terrible secret that will devastate Vinny if he reads it.
A gritty story that opens with a brutal act and with violence throughout. My mother lived with dementia and this aspects of the book was dealt with realistically and sympathetically, it really brought back memories, sadly not always good ones. A book full of twists and turns and a shocking legacy of secrets. This really did bring out all the emotions, a brilliant read.
Briefly, Vinny is called out by his boss DS Sue Willmott to a murder scene where a retired couple have been brutally murdered. He is appointed as FLO to work with their daughter Natalie and to try and discover more about her parents and why they were targeted. Meanwhile, his mother has been keeping a diary and in this she talks about a terrible secret that will devastate Vinny if he reads it.
A gritty story that opens with a brutal act and with violence throughout. My mother lived with dementia and this aspects of the book was dealt with realistically and sympathetically, it really brought back memories, sadly not always good ones. A book full of twists and turns and a shocking legacy of secrets. This really did bring out all the emotions, a brilliant read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was not sure at first, it took me a couple of chapters to get into the book. But OMG what a book once I did get into it. Told from multiple points of view and in different time periods, a couple are found in their home. He has been beaten to death, she is alive, just ... but not for much longer. Vinny is the FLO for their daughter and is juggling work with the care of his mother, now in a home with dementia. I loved the team, working and looking out for each other . DS Willmott's care of her daughter and those under her and thinking about dating again. Lots of twists and turns in the plot, most of which I did not see coming.
The writing takes you though the investigation so that you are involved with what is happening, I cried at some of the revelations which were revealed and at some of the tragic events which were described realistically and also the ongoing effects they had on the characters in the book. The investigation is thorough and well documented. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Thanks to Net Galley for a fantastic read
The writing takes you though the investigation so that you are involved with what is happening, I cried at some of the revelations which were revealed and at some of the tragic events which were described realistically and also the ongoing effects they had on the characters in the book. The investigation is thorough and well documented. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Thanks to Net Galley for a fantastic read
May 12, 2026
Against the tide G D Wright Is book 3 D S Sue Wilmot series and it is the authors best one yet.
In the small town of BeechBrook there has been a series of home invasions where an elderly couple has been brutally murdered. DS Vinny Robson is investigating the deaths in the town which is also his hometown. But when he digs deeper, he finds that there is something more sinister at play that links to his own family which leaves him horrified.
Once again, GD Wright has written another blinder of a read. It’s emotional read and drew me in from the first page. The storyline was gripping and the characters were well developed, and I liked the work relationship between them DS Wilmot and Vinny. This was quite shocking in parts but that didn’t deter me and read it in nearly one sitting. Like the predecessor of books in the series, This I another fantastic read and can’t ait to see what happens next. 5 stars from me.
In the small town of BeechBrook there has been a series of home invasions where an elderly couple has been brutally murdered. DS Vinny Robson is investigating the deaths in the town which is also his hometown. But when he digs deeper, he finds that there is something more sinister at play that links to his own family which leaves him horrified.
Once again, GD Wright has written another blinder of a read. It’s emotional read and drew me in from the first page. The storyline was gripping and the characters were well developed, and I liked the work relationship between them DS Wilmot and Vinny. This was quite shocking in parts but that didn’t deter me and read it in nearly one sitting. Like the predecessor of books in the series, This I another fantastic read and can’t ait to see what happens next. 5 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5⭐️
Against the Tide is another emotional knockout from G.D. Wright. Our third trip to Beachbrook starts with a series of violent burglaries in Beachbrook and quickly turns even darker when an elderly couple are murdered.
I loved being back in DS Wilmot’s world, but especially loved getting more of DC Vinny Robson this time. Vinny’s relationship with his mum added so much emotion to the story, alongside Natalie trying to cope after tragedy and DS Wilmot attempting to move forward after loss. Gaz really knows how to write crime thrillers that are tense, pacey but emotionally destroy you at the same with some brilliant characters with loads of depth.
The multiple POVs worked so well, and I loved the diary entries woven through the story. There were twists right up until the epilogue, and every time I thought I’d worked things out, bam, he got me again.
It deals with some tough subject matter throughout, but it’s handled really sensitively. Brilliantly done. Loved it. Really hope we get more Beachbrook books! Take a bow, Mr Wright.
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for the ARC
Against the Tide is another emotional knockout from G.D. Wright. Our third trip to Beachbrook starts with a series of violent burglaries in Beachbrook and quickly turns even darker when an elderly couple are murdered.
I loved being back in DS Wilmot’s world, but especially loved getting more of DC Vinny Robson this time. Vinny’s relationship with his mum added so much emotion to the story, alongside Natalie trying to cope after tragedy and DS Wilmot attempting to move forward after loss. Gaz really knows how to write crime thrillers that are tense, pacey but emotionally destroy you at the same with some brilliant characters with loads of depth.
The multiple POVs worked so well, and I loved the diary entries woven through the story. There were twists right up until the epilogue, and every time I thought I’d worked things out, bam, he got me again.
It deals with some tough subject matter throughout, but it’s handled really sensitively. Brilliantly done. Loved it. Really hope we get more Beachbrook books! Take a bow, Mr Wright.
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 ⭐️
I really wanted to like this on more, but unfortunately it just didn’t hit the same or have the same impact as his previous book for me. The writing and character development was good, but I struggled to connect emotionally to the characters and storyline, and had trouble visualising what was going on. I did end up skim reading large chunks of some chapters too. 🙈
I’ll still be reading his debut After The Storm sometime, and I’ll be looking out for his future releases, as I do enjoy his writing. Into The Fire was my top book of last year, so I’m 100% interested in reading more from this author. This one was just a bit of a miss for me sadly, however I still recommend if you’re a fan of his previous books, as you may enjoy this one more than I did.
A huge thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
I really wanted to like this on more, but unfortunately it just didn’t hit the same or have the same impact as his previous book for me. The writing and character development was good, but I struggled to connect emotionally to the characters and storyline, and had trouble visualising what was going on. I did end up skim reading large chunks of some chapters too. 🙈
I’ll still be reading his debut After The Storm sometime, and I’ll be looking out for his future releases, as I do enjoy his writing. Into The Fire was my top book of last year, so I’m 100% interested in reading more from this author. This one was just a bit of a miss for me sadly, however I still recommend if you’re a fan of his previous books, as you may enjoy this one more than I did.
A huge thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
May 25, 2026
DC Vinny Robson is working on a double homicide, an older couple killed in their home but he has no idea how close this investigation is going to come to his own life.
An emotional rollercoaster that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
It is such a joy to pick up a book that you just can’t put down and G. D. Wright nails this once again. My only critique is that the title and cover don’t quite capture the story inside and I kept waiting for the sea to be part of the story.
Multiple POVs and timelines give the story great pacing and maintain the intrigue. Just when you think you’ve figured out the plot twists they change direction. The characters are well written, the relationships are tender and meaningful and the mystery is engaging.
A brilliant police procedural with stunning depictions of love, family and grief. Emotional and powerful.
An emotional rollercoaster that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
It is such a joy to pick up a book that you just can’t put down and G. D. Wright nails this once again. My only critique is that the title and cover don’t quite capture the story inside and I kept waiting for the sea to be part of the story.
Multiple POVs and timelines give the story great pacing and maintain the intrigue. Just when you think you’ve figured out the plot twists they change direction. The characters are well written, the relationships are tender and meaningful and the mystery is engaging.
A brilliant police procedural with stunning depictions of love, family and grief. Emotional and powerful.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The author just knows how to write about family bonds and tragedy in the perfect way. I can only imagine how hard it is to slowly lose the most important person in your life before your eyes while they are still physically there.
The slow loss of his mother and the fast pace of a murder investigation case are well encompassed and the formatting is great, with the use of the diary entries from Vinny’s mother and the POVs of Vinny, Natalie and DC Wilmott.
I liked the insight from the diaries before they were discovered by the police, to understand his mother’s perspective before everything was unravelled.
I did guess the main twist very early on, however I didn’t want to put the book down and it left me with questions right until the end.
The slow loss of his mother and the fast pace of a murder investigation case are well encompassed and the formatting is great, with the use of the diary entries from Vinny’s mother and the POVs of Vinny, Natalie and DC Wilmott.
I liked the insight from the diaries before they were discovered by the police, to understand his mother’s perspective before everything was unravelled.
I did guess the main twist very early on, however I didn’t want to put the book down and it left me with questions right until the end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ve read so many thrillers that I’m hard to please - they can become predictable fast. Not this.
I LOVED it.
It's told from multiple perspectives, mainly that of DC Vinny Robson, who is investigating a double murder. The case takes a devastating turn that cuts straight through his own family.
The interwoven storylines unravel brilliantly with twists and gut punches right until the very end. Absolutely gripping!
But what really set this apart for me was the characters. There was so much emotional depth and so many layers. I genuinely can’t believe how much I cared about Vinny. So, so well written.
The relationships are so complex and enduring - beautifully done.
I cried twice! I don't know that a thriller has ever emotionally wrecked me until now!
I LOVED it.
It's told from multiple perspectives, mainly that of DC Vinny Robson, who is investigating a double murder. The case takes a devastating turn that cuts straight through his own family.
The interwoven storylines unravel brilliantly with twists and gut punches right until the very end. Absolutely gripping!
But what really set this apart for me was the characters. There was so much emotional depth and so many layers. I genuinely can’t believe how much I cared about Vinny. So, so well written.
The relationships are so complex and enduring - beautifully done.
I cried twice! I don't know that a thriller has ever emotionally wrecked me until now!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Against the tide throws you straight into the action and the story that unfolds between the pages is harrowing, heartbreaking and utterly gripping.
If you’ve never read anything by G D Wright before you're seriously missing out. I have read all of his novels now and they are all superb.
It was great to rejoin with old characters and to meet brand new ones. The author writes each character with care and really made me engage with their stories.
The book was full of twists and turns and kept me hooked. There are no slow parts, it was all action and drama.
Against the tide is worth every one of the 5 stars that I've given it and so many more. It will definitely be one of the best books I read this year.
If you’ve never read anything by G D Wright before you're seriously missing out. I have read all of his novels now and they are all superb.
It was great to rejoin with old characters and to meet brand new ones. The author writes each character with care and really made me engage with their stories.
The book was full of twists and turns and kept me hooked. There are no slow parts, it was all action and drama.
Against the tide is worth every one of the 5 stars that I've given it and so many more. It will definitely be one of the best books I read this year.
April 23, 2026
Holy moly! This book!!! I seen this on NetGalley and snapped the chance up to review before release and boy was I not disappointed. This book was incredible!!!! LOVED Vinny and DC Willmott. Felt so sorry for Vinny, the amount of heartache and bad news he had was unbelievable but it was well written and there was a bit of a silver lining, without revealing too much haha. It was suspenseful, thrilling and kept me wanting more. I demolished this in two sitting as I just couldn’t put it down and just wanted to keep turning the page to find out what is going on/happening. Thank you so much to NetGalley for approving my request to read this. It was a brilliant book😍
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A spate of armed burglaries has taken place in Beachbrook, and the police are no closer to apprehending the culprits. Their investigation is taken up a notch when the most recent burglary leaves one person dead and another badly injured.
If you are about to start reading Against The Tide by G. D. Wright, I'd suggest you lock all the doors, draw the curtains and put your phone on silent, because once you start reading, you won't want to put this brilliant book down.
From the opening pages, the story packs an emotional punch and keeps you in its grip throughout. The book covers some hard-hitting themes, with one thought-provoking one in particular. These themes are handled in an extremely sympathetic manner, thanks to the empathetic writing of the author.
The book alternates between three main characters. Natalie Knight is the adult daughter of the couple involved in the most recent burglary. DC Vinny Robson is the police officer assigned as Natalie's FLO, and DS Sue Willmott is his boss. Alternating between three different characters keeps the pace flowing and results in some breath-catching cliffhanger moments.
Guilt is a big theme throughout the story. Natalie is wracked with guilt after finding a scene of utter devastation when she visits her parents; she keeps wondering if events would have been different if she'd visited earlier. Vinny is dealing with his own issues; his widowed mother is in a care home, suffering from dementia. Despite regular visits, he still feels that he needs to do more. DS Willmott is trying to balance family and work; not only does she feel guilty that she isn't always there for her young daughter, she is also struggling with moving on to a new relationship.
Throughout the story, I found my emotions bubbling to the surface on a regular basis. Anger flared following the opening scenes, and the historical events; however, sadness was the most prevalent emotion. Natalie receiving news of her mother in the hospital was heartbreaking, and one scene between Vinny and his mother was so reminiscent of what happened to my own mother that I felt tears welling.
As the conclusion neared, I could feel my anxiety rising, wondering how everything slotted together and how much more the lives of some of the characters would be impacted. The multiple twists at the end left me shocked, as the truth was finally revealed.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
If you are about to start reading Against The Tide by G. D. Wright, I'd suggest you lock all the doors, draw the curtains and put your phone on silent, because once you start reading, you won't want to put this brilliant book down.
From the opening pages, the story packs an emotional punch and keeps you in its grip throughout. The book covers some hard-hitting themes, with one thought-provoking one in particular. These themes are handled in an extremely sympathetic manner, thanks to the empathetic writing of the author.
The book alternates between three main characters. Natalie Knight is the adult daughter of the couple involved in the most recent burglary. DC Vinny Robson is the police officer assigned as Natalie's FLO, and DS Sue Willmott is his boss. Alternating between three different characters keeps the pace flowing and results in some breath-catching cliffhanger moments.
Guilt is a big theme throughout the story. Natalie is wracked with guilt after finding a scene of utter devastation when she visits her parents; she keeps wondering if events would have been different if she'd visited earlier. Vinny is dealing with his own issues; his widowed mother is in a care home, suffering from dementia. Despite regular visits, he still feels that he needs to do more. DS Willmott is trying to balance family and work; not only does she feel guilty that she isn't always there for her young daughter, she is also struggling with moving on to a new relationship.
Throughout the story, I found my emotions bubbling to the surface on a regular basis. Anger flared following the opening scenes, and the historical events; however, sadness was the most prevalent emotion. Natalie receiving news of her mother in the hospital was heartbreaking, and one scene between Vinny and his mother was so reminiscent of what happened to my own mother that I felt tears welling.
As the conclusion neared, I could feel my anxiety rising, wondering how everything slotted together and how much more the lives of some of the characters would be impacted. The multiple twists at the end left me shocked, as the truth was finally revealed.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thought this book was great. DC Vinnie Robson is given the role of family liason officer when an elderly couple are murdered. As the investigation progresses it takes him much closer to home. This book is a real mix of well written police procedural and a family drama/thriller. I thought it was really well done. Fast paced and gripping but emotional too. I really liked the characters and their interactions with each other. I will definitely look to read the authors other books. I do like a police procedural but this one has stood out and I’d definitely recommend it. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Outstandingly good!
The third book in the series featuring DS Sue Willmott, but it can be read as a standalone novel. In fact the two previous books were more people/victim focused but this really shines a light on the police side of things and it's all the more fascinating because of it.
Told from multiple points of view, one posthumously through diaries, this is a gripping tale with plot twists that will have your head spinning!
Vinny a DC is thrown into a case that becomes so close to home it's claustrophobic! His whole world is thrown upside down.
Another great read from this oh so talented author
The third book in the series featuring DS Sue Willmott, but it can be read as a standalone novel. In fact the two previous books were more people/victim focused but this really shines a light on the police side of things and it's all the more fascinating because of it.
Told from multiple points of view, one posthumously through diaries, this is a gripping tale with plot twists that will have your head spinning!
Vinny a DC is thrown into a case that becomes so close to home it's claustrophobic! His whole world is thrown upside down.
Another great read from this oh so talented author
May 29, 2026
Against the Tide by G D Wright is his third book and sees the return of D S Sue Willmott.
This book is very much in the style of his two previous book, pacy, emotional, tense and a definite page turner.
Vinny works in D S Willmotts's team and finds himself as a Family Liaison Officer (FLO) to Natalie the daughter of an elderly couple who were brutally murdered in their own home. Vinny is very much a devoted son and visits his Mum every day in her care home as she has advanced dementia. What follows has twists and turns galore almost right up to the final page, I loved it, one of the best books I've read this year. I can't recommend this and G D Wright's previous two books highly enough.
This book is very much in the style of his two previous book, pacy, emotional, tense and a definite page turner.
Vinny works in D S Willmotts's team and finds himself as a Family Liaison Officer (FLO) to Natalie the daughter of an elderly couple who were brutally murdered in their own home. Vinny is very much a devoted son and visits his Mum every day in her care home as she has advanced dementia. What follows has twists and turns galore almost right up to the final page, I loved it, one of the best books I've read this year. I can't recommend this and G D Wright's previous two books highly enough.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. Having read the previous two books by this author I was looking forward to this one and I wasn't disappointed, it grabs you from the first page and the story and characters keep you gripped to the end. The twists and turns are brilliant and each time you think the reveal has come you then realise it hasn't and there are more surprises, and the ending is one I will remember for a long time as I didn't see that coming. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.
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