Better Off Dead: An unmissable Liverpool-set police procedural novel from a rising star in crime thriller fiction

by Sean Watkin

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

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

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

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

Praise for Sean Watkin'Sean Watkin brings Liverpool to life in all its rich dark colours' Val McDermid

'Fascinating characters and shocking crimes... Unmissable!' Heather Critchlow

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2026

Reviews

[Jay Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words…
Well, I do..
This book was relentless in its chilling delivery, thrilling, terrifying and heart-poundingly tense.
It takes hold of you, reels you in and catches you, yet you don’t struggle to let go as your ONLY thought is to keep reading!
You can’t put it down. It is an exceptional sequel to the brilliant debut novel by Sean Watkin entitled ‘Black Water Rising’, (If you haven’t read it yet, it’s a must) which was an amazing read and it’s extremely unusual for the follow-up to be as good or, I daresay, nerve shredding and perfection.
It has everything that fans of the mystery/ thriller genre want and need.
As taut as a tightrope crossing between two high mountains, it is simply terrifying and breathtaking. The subject matter is not for the faint of heart and riveting in its prose.
I cannot recommend this book and its author highly enough.
10/10 without hesitation.
I can’t wait for the next one.
Do yourself a favour, DONT MISS OUT.

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the DCI Winifred Da Silva series set in Liverpool. DCI Win Da Silva and DS Ben Barclay are going through problems in their personal lives but try hard for that not to affect them in their working life. They have been working an open case, which is handed off to the National Crime Agency and they are tasked with re-investigating a cold case. They aren't happy but soon, it is revealed that these cases may be linked. This is a well written police procedural and brilliant characters (a true partnership) that kept me glued to my seat till I reached the end. It was engrossing, full of twists and turns, gripping, gritty and suspenseful. I certainly didn't see how all the subplots would come together to that surprising ending!!!

[Liz Mistry · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's not to love in the second in the De Silva series? Diverse characters telling real life stories plus a far reaching conspiracy of abuse that still resonates today.
With some real surprises along the way I was engrossed in this from start to finish and can't wait for book 3.