The Burning Tide

by William Shaw

A desperate plea for help leads to a sinister mystery in this gripping new crime novel set in Devon. 'Crime fiction at its very best, a knotty mystery' Elly Griffiths

'Terrific … Perhaps his best yet' Ann Cleeves

A scorching summer

Down in the seaside town of Teignmouth, ex-Met detective Eden Driscoll grows restless after a long summer caring for his nine-year-old nephew.

A desperate plea

When a man knocks at Eden’s door desperate for help, claiming someone is trying to kill him, Eden jumps at the chance to solve a mystery. But before he can ask more questions, the stranger disappears.

A deadly fire

His cry for help came too late – that same night a house along the coast is burnt to the ground and a man’s remains are discovered among the rubble. Eden soon he finds himself digging into the case, only to uncover a web of deception, jealousy, and corruption.

Genres: Crime, Fiction

Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 16, 2026

About the author

I'm a crime writer and write the Eden Driscoll series set in South Devon, the Alex Cupidi series set in Dungeness, Kent and the Breen & Tozer series set in London in 1968-9.

My most recent book is The Red Shore, the first I the Eden Driscoll series, set in Teignmouth, Devon.

My non-fiction books include Westsiders , an account of several young would-be rappers struggling to establish themselves against a backdrop of poverty and violence in South Central Los Angeles, Superhero For Hire , a compilation and of the Small Ads columns I wrote for the Observer Magazine, and Spying In Guru Land , in which I joined several British religious cults to write about them.

A Song From Dead Lips was the first in a trilogy of books set in London in 1968, featuring DS Cathal Breen and WPC Helen Tozer. It was followed by A House of Knives and A Book of Scars .

I live in Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry.

Reviews

[Ceecee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up
Metropolitan police officer Eden Driscoll is currently living in Devon, on the red shore, looking after his nine year-old nephew Finn after the death of his mother, Eden‘s sister. One evening Richard Morrison knocks on their cottage door and asks for Eden‘s help as someone is trying to kill him. It seems he’s right …. as shortly after a house further along the coast burns to the ground and a man’s body is discovered in the remains. Of course, Eden being Eden, once an officer and all that, he can’t help getting involved and what he discovers is a very complex web.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first Eden Driscoll novel (The Red Shore) but I think this is even better as Eden, Finn and another lead character in Molly, just seem to become more fascinating and I become totally caught up in it. Eden is a superb lead character, he’s got an interesting past, which perhaps creates a different perspective for him; he’s conflicted between his desire to return to London and his duty alongside his growing love for Finn. What a delightful boy he is, my heart breaks for his situation with his mother but he’s wormed his lovely ways into Eden‘s heart. As for Molly, I’d love her for a friend!

The storyline is very compelling, I find aspects of it particularly engrossing (there’s an ecological angle) and I feel I learn something into the bargain – that’s a win, win! I enjoy the pace which is spot-on for the plot line, there are numerous good twists and I think the ending is unexpected which is the way I like them. I like how it ends – I can’t wait for the next instalment.

Finally, one of the strongest elements of the novel is the atmosphere created in this part of Devon, not only the beachfront but the areas behind it. The descriptions are excellent and make it so easy to visualise. London or the Devon Coast, Eden? I know which I choose much as I love our capital city!

Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins/ HarperFiction for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having enjoyed the opening book to this series, "The Red Shore", I think the simplest way I can describe this is having built upon that. Which is odd in books really. We're inclined to assume sequels will be a drop in some regard, but I don't feel that here. This feels more like a lot of TV shows where the first episode can expend so much effort on setting up the characters and relationships that you end up getting a better feel from the second episode. That's this.

Here we see Eden and Finn more established, both as a family unit and as individuals. Finn in particular feels more alive in this book. Molly seems to have more to her too. I like this a lot, and enjoyed the characters. Here's the weird thing though, the whole mystery plotline feels secondary. Now, the first book had a mystery that hid that fact a little, but it's more glaring here. It's not a bad thing I should say, I think there's a good balance between the main plot and the stories of the characters, but I really feel the covers and titles imply a darker story than is delivered. I'm lucky, I enjoy mysteries across a broad range, from the cheesiest of cosy mystery to the darkest of noir, but if you're picking this up on the firs impression and not after something cosier you're in for a disappointment. And I think a lot of people who would really enjoy these books could get put off. For me, these books have a similar vibe to Stig Abell's Little Sky series. Maybe that's why I'm enjoy Eden's adventures too.

Anyway, yes, there's a creepy little intro of a scared man and a big fire. Then lots of twists and turns as we uncover a whole bunch of secrets and clues. It's a decent mystery with some kick yourself moments and surprises right to the end. Enjoyed it a lot. If you want the mystery, it's here and it's good. It's just not as good as the characters. It took a few chapters for them to snap into place for me, small details from the first book slowly coming back and slowly building up my connection once more. And once they did, I was back rooting for... well, Finn. Yes, I know the series is about Eden and he's fine and dandy but Finn gets more and more engaging and I'm going to think of these as his books I suspect.

You can easily jump in here and I think you'll still be sucked into their lives. The mystery itself works alone too. But it's book two, treat yourself to both, you'll like them.

[Alyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the follow on novel from William Shaw's The Red Shore, but the background is clear enough for it to be read as a stand alone mystery. Eden Driscoll, late of the metropolitan police is still in Teignmouth, looking after his sister's son, Finn. It is summer and the place is busy. A strange man knock's on Eden's door and tells him he thinks someone is trying to kill him. Eden takes him away from the house to talk so that Finn doesn't overhear but before the man can explain he disappears. That night however a man is found dead in burned down holiday home and initial thoughts are that it is the man who spoke to Eden. Eden is pulled into the police investigation, helping out the local detectives when he goes to London to sort out his flat and put it on the rental market.
It is the characters and their growing relationships that work really well in this and the previous novel. Eden had never intended to have children but has suddenly been put in the position of carer to nine year old Finn. Finn is working through his trauma at losing his mother so there is a lot of getting to know each other. They are helped by Bisi, a social worker, and Molly, a good friend of Finn's mother, both of whom have their say in how Eden handles things.
The other aspect of the novel which works very well is the setting - both Teignmouth itself and the surrounding area of Dartmoor and in particular Wistman's Wood which is very import in the understanding of the mystery. The descriptions of the places were excellent and well worked into the plot and I enjoyed the environmental aspect of the crime and mystery.
I very much enjoyed The Red Shore, which I thought was slightly better than this, but this is also an excellent read and I was happy that it appears to have set up the situation for a least one more in the series if not many more.
With thanks to the author, Netgalley and Harper Fiction for an early copy in return for an honest review.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series featuring Met detective Eden Driscoll, who we first met in The Red Shore. Obviously I am going to recommend you start with that book as it will better explain why he is currently on hiatus, living in Devon, responsible for his nine year old nephew Finn.
We start with Richard Morrison knocking at Eden's door asking for help. It appears he is in fear of his life. Eden arranges to meet him away from his home - for obvious reasons - but during their meeting, before he could get anything credible from him, Richard disappears. That night, there is a fire and a body is found. It appears that Richard's fears might have been founded...
Obviously Eden being on hiatus does nothing to kerb his appetite for investigating this case but he will need all his wits about him to get to the bottom of things without upsetting the local police too much...
I love Eden as a character. I am a big fan of this author, having devoured his Cupidi and Breen & Tozer series and one of the things I absolutely love about him is his ability to created wonderful characters that you can well easily connect to. As well as Eden, we also have Finn, and don't forget the wonderful Molly. But outwith the major players, each of the other characters are just as well crafted. He also sets his books in the best places, so much so that they can almost be considered as characters in their own rights, so integral they become to the story. To complete my trifecta of needs, he also matches pacing to narrative and without any superfluous waffle or padding, said narrative gets on with itself very well indeed.
And with an ending which, when it arrived, it did so with complete satisfaction, leaving me to hanker for the next in series all the more...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Nigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe not quite as good as the 1st book but a solid 4 star read and I did like the ending.

In full
This is the second book in the Eden Driscoll series and follows on from the first nicely. I guess it could be read as a standalone book however the first book was excellent and sets the scene for this one. Eden is still in Teignmouth living at his sister's house and taking care of Finn, his nephew. It's summer and there are plenty of people about. A man knocks on Eden's door. He is trying to get Eden's help as he says that he thinks someone is trying to kill him. Eden is less than sure and then the man disappears. That night a body is found in a burnt out house further down the coast.

This sets the scene for another Eden Driscoll investigation. As an ex Met police officer he understands how the police work and may possibly be helpful to their investigations (and he could do with a job!). However as an independent investigator he might cause them some issues. The book follows the police and Eden's investigations. His entertaining "friend" from the last book, Mollie, is around again as is Bisi. Indeed his ongoing characters are all likable and decent for me. There are one or two new ones in this too.

Enough happens in this to make it interesting and there are decent twists and turns. Shaw makes good use of The landscape of the Westcountry again. I did enjoy the Wistmans Wood section. The crime/detection aspect of this book is good for me. I guess I wasn't as convinced about the winding up of the case this time. However the last chapter was very good with some interesting news which bodes well for the future. As with other books this author has written, it is the characters and their development that really makes me want to read on. I actually think that the previous book was the best of this author's work for me however this one was still pretty good. I really like the way that his relationship with his nephew develops to the surprise of both of them in many ways. I definitely want to read the next book.

My thanks to the author and the publisher for an advance copy of this book

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. My first novel from this author and I will certainly read more of his books.

It is very much a crime novel but more character driven than most detective stories and I loved the characters. Eden Driscoll, Detective in London but living in Devon on compassionate leave to look after his young orphaned nephew Finn. He is hoping to return to London to take up his job again and struggles with his role as carer for his nephew, not because he doesn’t care but because he isn’t used to kids. There is a lot of kindness and compassion in the story. Then there’s Molly. Friend to Eden and Finn and a force of nature. I loved Molly. There are more well-drawn characters, a lot of crime and the plot twists and turns most satisfactorily until a twisty ending which draws all the loose ends together.

A bonus for readers is the author’s ability to describe quite poetically, the landscape and give us a real sense of place. There is a lot of eco info, especially about trees which enhanced my enjoyment for sure.. I think the author is on a bit of a crusade but is in no way preachy.

I think readers familiar with this author will thoroughly enjoy this book as did I and if it’s the first book you read of his, you are in for a great treat of excellent plotting, real believable characters and a deceptively simple style of writing which carries the reader along. I look forward to reading more from him. I feel I don’t need to say more apart from…enjoy!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for my kindle in exchange for an honest review.

[Pauline Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having previously read The Red Shore I was delighted to be offered this book, the second featuring detective Eden Driscoll. Eden had moved to Devon to care for his nephew, Finn whose mother had died. With no other relatives, Eden felt he had no choice but to support the young boy. In this book, they are still working out their relationship and Eden is missing his old life in London. When a man arrives at his door and states someone is trying to kill him, Eden’s curiosity gets the better of him and although he is no longing working for the police due to his situation, he begins to investigate. His instinct for wrongdoing is about to lead him into a dangerous situation and he doesn’t know when to stop much to the consternation of DI Hannah Wood who while appreciating his excellent detective skills, would prefer him to leave things to the police. The story weaves its sad, devious and complex tale with underlying fear throughout that has the reader suspicious of many of the characters. Warmth comes across too in the shape of friendly locals who have accepted Eden, even if he is still insure of them. There are some brilliant characters that I feel sure we will meet again in a future book. A good mix of evil criminals and kind hearted souls with a backdrop of the beautiful Devonshire coast and countryside makes for a really enjoyable and excellent series.

[Jessica Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much as I miss Shaw's previous Romney Marsh series (only partly because I used to live there and Shaw does such a great job with settings), I am really enjoying this series set in gorgeous Teignmouth. Shaw set up the recurring characters perfectly in The Red Shore and this second book picks up just a couple of months later. Eden Driscoll has reluctantly stepped away from his much-loved job in the Met to take care of his traumatised and orphaned nephew Finn, although he has hopes of persuading Finn to move to London in time. But for now he is living in his sister's tiny beach side house in Devon and getting through his savings at an alarming rate. So when a local businessman turns up asking if he will help investigate a series of near death experiences Driscoll is interested - only for the businessman to disappear and just days later a horrific murder backs up his claims.
The Burning Tide isn't just a good, twisty, murder mystery but it also does a great job of making the reader even more invested in the characters as we watch Eden start to care about his nephew Finn and spend more time with feisty neighbour Molly and Finn's pragmatic social worker and her warm family. Kept me turning the page long after the light should have gone out. Recommended.

[Mrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely read from Netgalley. I had read the first book so familiar with the characters but I do not necessarily think that matters. The story is set in Teignmouth. Eden Driscoll was a Met Detective but moved to look after his nephew whose mother had passed away. Eden misses his job and the frantic nature and is struggling with the slowness of the area compared to London. He also is struggling to take on a parent role. Eden and Finn are rubbing along together but it is not easy. Eden’s compassionate leave is coming to an end and decisions have to be made for the future. While out and about a businessman approaches Eden with a job for him. Richard Morrison thinks he is being targeted and he is fearful of being murdered. Eden asks for more information. They decide to have a drink to discuss this but Richard Morrison does not come out of the pub. Here is where the story really begins. Eden cannot get this out of his head and decides to investigate. The story dips in and out of police procedure, parenthood and relationships. Eventually all the investigating comes to an end and I think ties up really well. Maybe Eden will stay in Devon permanently. There is a little twist and I am sure this will come into the next book - hopefully

[Saffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Burning Tide is the second in the series featuring ex Met Detective Eden Driscoll, now relocated to Teignmouth. I loved the Red Shore, the first in the series and The Burning Tide was an equally enjoyable and engaging read.
Living in Teignmouth following the death of his sister, Eden is now the guardian for his nine year old nephew Finn and missing his life in London. Eden is approached by an eco entrepreneur Richard Morrison, who believes someone is trying to kill him and Eden soon becomes caught up in a case of multiple murders.
I loved the Devon setting, an area that I am familiar with and the author creates a hugely atmospheric coastal setting. Eden is a likeable and interesting character and I really enjoyed reading more about his back story and found his developing relationship with Finn believable and moving.
The plot moves at a good pace and alongside the writing and characterisation it makes this a compelling read. I’d recommend this and would suggest starting with book 1 in the series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed catching up with up with ex police detective Eden Driscoll. In this, the 2nd book in the series, Eden is struggling to look after Finn, his late sister’s child. He has the help of Bisi, Finn’s social worker and his sister’s friend, Maggie, who is a great character! Full of life but struggling with her own grief.
Living in his sister’s beach house, having quit his job in London in order to parent Finn, Eden is intrigued when a man appears at his door, claiming that someone has tried to kill him and asking Eden to investigate.
Before he has time to start, the man disappears and it is not known whether he is dead or responsible for the murder of someone else!
The plot is complicated but very compelling and as well as trying to work out the mystery I enjoyed getting to know more about Eden’s background. I also found his burgeoning relationship with his young nephew very poignant.
As a single man, thrust into a parental role, Eden is struggling but he doesn’t give up.
This book left me wanting to know more , the last page was really unexpected and I can’t wait to read the next onein the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Down in the seaside town of Teignmouth, ex-Met detective Eden Driscoll grows restless after a long summer caring for his nine-year-old nephew Finn. When a man knocks at Eden’s door desperate for help, claiming someone is trying to kill him, Eden jumps at the chance to solve a mystery. But before he can ask more questions, the stranger disappears. His cry for help came too late – that same night a house along the coast is burnt to the ground and a man’s remains are discovered among the rubble. Eden soon he finds himself digging into the case, only to uncover a web of deception, jealousy, and corruption.
The second book in the series & another well written murder mystery, which kept me guessing. I feel as though I got to know Eden more in this story & look forward to getting to know her even more. The mystery has twists & turns & there are a number of suspects. The descriptions of this lovely part of England are great I felt I could be there. The only slight downside was Molly who I’m having difficulty connecting with, she’s an original & I hope she grows on me
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A scorching summer mystery that weaves a gripping investigation with an inspiring, quiet lesson in ecology.

​The Burning Tide by William Shaw is the spectacular second instalment in the Eden Driscoll series that works perfectly as a standalone.
Struggling with a slower pace of life in Devon while caring for his nephew Finn, former Met detective Eden is drawn into a complex, multi-layered investigation when a stranger claims someone is trying to kill him.

​Shaw excels at atmospheric construction, contrasting a beautiful estuary backdrop with a blistering summer heatwave. Beyond the brilliant, fast-paced storyline, this is a deeply inspiring read. Watching Eden adapt to his new life and bond with Finn is genuinely uplifting, while the book's quiet education on ecology adds a thought-provoking layer to the mystery. Together with a support network featuring the hilarious Molly, the characters are a joy to read and get to know better.

​It all races toward a fantastic ending with a massive surprise. I can't wait for the next adventure.

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC. This is my own opinion.

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eden Driscoll is back in the second of William Shaw's Devon based crime series and it's another winner.

The south west of England is obviously the current crime hotspot in detective fiction - Anne Cleeve's Matthew Venn series, Rachel McLean's Dorset murder series and Chris Chibnall's Death at The White Hart and William Shaw's addition to this group is worth reading.

Former detective Eden Driscoll returns and in this new book he is continuing to navigate his way through the child care of his nephew, Finn but when approached by a man claiming that his life is in danger after two attempts to kill him, Eden's curiosity and need for an income is piqued.

When a body is found after a fire at the house where the threatened man was living, the need to investigate takes over and Eden finds himself entering the world of rewilding and carbon offsetting- a world - in this case-that seems to be full of deceit and corruption ( The world of Biodiversity Net Gain and potential exploitation was fascinating to learn about). Having recently read Suzanne Simard's When the Forest Breathes, much of the knowledge about trees and the deeper understanding of the natural world , diversity and mycology was brilliantly utilised in this crime read- which is unique in itself -but eco-crimes are probably going to be a strong theme in many future novels .

As the story progresses, past events collide with more dangers and Eden is soon supporting DI Hannah Wood finding himself being pulled deeper into the investigation and the realisation as to who can he actually trust?

Fast paced, tautly plotted and a great read, this second book in the series is a worthy sequel to The Red Shore. Familiar characters from the first book - Molly and Bisi - are back which build the continuity but the growing bond between Eden and Finn is the winner ... mind you, young Finn must be bewildered about the world he has entered. It was also good to learn about Eden's own backstory as a teenager.

William Shaw is a great writer and this is another excellent read - personally, I'd recommend reading The Red Shore first for maximum enjoyment of this new book.

Highly recommended summer crime read for 2026

Thank you to Hemlock Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.

[Zandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Burning Tide is the second book in the series, but can easily be read as a stand alone novel. It is an exciting mystery with Detective Eden Driscoll, formerly with the Met in London, now living in Teignmouth to look after his nephew after his sister died in an “accident”. The story starts with a man called Richard Montgomery arriving at his door and asking for his help in finding out who was trying to kill him. Then this mysterious man disappears without trace. When a house is burnt and they find out it was where Richard was living, they all assume the body inside was Richard, only to discover it wasn’t him. So where was he? The story has some twists, murders and suspects. Will they find who was behind the murders? As well as the main storyline, there is a thread of ecology running throughout, vivid descriptions of the countryside, learning to sail and all the dangers of the sea. I found it a very enjoyable book. My thanks go to NetGalley, William Shaw and the publishers, Harper Collins.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Often with a new series, the first book will be great, but the second fails to hit the mark. Not so The Burning Tide. If anything, this is better than its predecessor, The Red Shore. Any book that begins with a man seeking help because he believes someone is trying to kill him, and then follows with an actual murder 😱, well, it can only get better, right? It can, and it does. 🌊
Eden Driscoll is still living in Teignmouth, Devon, with his young nephew Finn. He misses his job, and his life in London, but Finn needs him, and now he's caught up in a murder investigation. Who said life in Devon was dull? 🌊
A little more of Eden's backstory is uncovered, and the relationship between uncle and nephew is slowly evolving. Thanks to a surprise at the end, I'm eager for the next book in the series to make an appearance. 🌊
The Burning Tide was well paced and, as parts of it were set in Dartmoor, it had a sinister feel to it. The description of the ancient woodland felt otherworldly. 🌳
This is one series I definitely want more of. 🌊
Thanks to HarperCollins UK and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. Second in the new Eden Driscoll series. I enjoyed this entry more than the first, but there is something still missing. More on that later. Eden is still in Teignmouth, raising his nephew, Finn, with little chance of returning to his old life in London and at the Met. He is approached by a man named Richard Morrison who enlists his help in finding out who has been trying to kill him. Morrison then disappears. As Eden begins to look into Morrison's story, the people around Morrison begin to die.

My only real problem with this series is that even after two books, I still have no sense at all of who Eden Driscoll is. Although he is supposedly on the young side, he comes across as middle aged and beige. So very, very beige. We do get some more of his backstory in this one, but still, there is no 'there' there. He doesn't have hobbies, or like, or dislikes for that matter. In the end, it is a good storyline weakened by two dimensional characters.

[Neil M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the DS Cupidi series set in Dungeness that William Shaw also wrote, so I was keen to read the first two novels of the new series set in Teignmouth, but worried that it would lose a little something with it not being set in such a unique and atmospheric place as Dungeness. I needn't have worried - the case that Eden Driscoll needs to try and solve was just as intriguing, and Shaw manages to weave the struggles of Eden's personal life (learning about becoming a surrogate parent to his nephew Finn, navigating friendships and relationships, and deciding if he wants to settle in Devon) around the case really well whilst still leaving very real and well rounded characters.

I think The Burning Tide is a little better than The Red Shore (which I also enjoyed a lot), the characters have grown into it, and the mystery of the case was interesting right from the start.

Looking forward to the next one!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an engaging read. Eden Driscoll is finding it difficult at times looking after his nephew, Finn. It is all very strange for him and he is missing his life in London, his job in the Met, his friends and city life. Eden does care for Finn, he just hasn’t had any experience with children. There is a murder case to investigate and Eden has been dragged into helping solve it. I did like that the reader got to know a bit more about Eden’s background. Unfortunately, there is one character that I find very irritating and that’s Molly. She was a friend of Finn’s mum, but she has no filter, can be rude and treats other people’s home as her own. Her only good point is that she does care about Finn. The murder is quite complex and a number of different people, it and me guessing until the end. I love the area it’s set in, a good bonus. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Burning Tide was another strong addition to William Shaw’s Eden Driscoll series. It works well as a stand alone.

Eden is a likeable lead and the character development was top notch. Still adjusting to life in Devon with his young nephew, Finn, he’s an engaging and thoughtful character. Their relationship, as he navigates parental responsibility, adds real warmth to this complex murder investigation.
When a man turns up claiming someone is trying to kill him before mysteriously disappearing, Eden is drawn into a case involving murder, corruption and environmental crime. The mystery kept me guessing, and I loved the atmospheric Devon setting, which almost became a character in its own right.
A well plotted crime novel with believable characters, a great sense of place and an ending that has left me looking forward to the next book.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

[Peter Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eden Driscoll is no longer a detective for the Met, he is a reluctant carer for his nine year old nephew in the seaside town of Teignmouth.
So when he gets approached one day by a man who says someone is trying to kill him, Eden can’t help himself but to go into detective mode.
Around the same time along the coast, a fire breaks out and a body is found.
Could both incidents be linked? Eden can’t help his detective instincts taking over, and it’s not long before he is embroiled in a case of corruption, deceit and jealousy.
One that will have devastating consequences.
This is the second book in the series about Eden Driscoll, and I have to say I’m a fan.
William Shaw is a fine storyteller, he always has a great location for his books, and his characters are always on point.
This is a story the reader can devour in one sitting, it’s that good. Maybe his best book to date.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues the story of ex-Met policeman Eden Driscoll, who has ended up living in Teignmouth, as guardian to his young nephew Finn.
He is drawn into a mystery when he is approached by a man who says that someone wants to kill him, and then disappears.
Eden negotiates parenthood, an investigation, and his friend trying to resurrect his love life, not always succeeding, but with good nature, and is aided by a group of personable and interesting characters.
There are plenty of plot twists, some jeopardy and a satisfying ending.
Along the way I was fascinated to learn a lot about the commercial realities of rewilding, and the history of forests.
I look forward to the next instalment.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hemlock Press for the opportunity to read this book.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man contacts Eden Driscoll, a former Met officer turned independent investigator, claiming someone is trying to kill him, only to disappear before a body is later found in a burnt-out house nearby. As Eden pursues the case alongside the police, he sometimes helps and sometimes hinders their efforts.

The setting in and around Teignmouth and on Dartmoor, which I know from my childhood holidays, is good. The book offered an intriguing investigation with plenty of twists, though the finale was a little unconvincing. However, the ending sets up intriguing possibilities for future instalments.
This was an enjoyable read and a well-crafted story with lots of believable elements, including the environmental background.

I found it a worthwhile read and liked the setting and plot.

[Cathy Beyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new crime novel from a writer I like and the second in a series that I hope will continue for a while. William Shaw has been writing crime fiction for a while now and he knows how a good novel in this genre works. Like the last one this one is et in Devon and at the heart of it are the environment and money. The protagonist Eden is coming to terms with having to move from busy and exciting London to Teignmouth to take care of his orphaned nephew. He becomes involved in a case that is more complex than it seems at first sight. The novel is well structured and has an interesting plot, but it's best to read the first one in the series before you read this one because it adds a dimension to the characters. It's a good read, but that's expected from an experienced crime writer like Shaw.

[Chrissie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the series of Eden Driscoll an Ex Met Detective who is now living in Devon looking after his nephew after his sisters death the Mother of his Nephew .I read the first book and loved it an this book is even better .Lots of great characters beautiful descriptions of the area .Eden is getting used to being a parent but he misses his job and can't help investigating if he gets a chance especially when there is a murder or two. A good ending which hopefully implies there will be another book .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.

[julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested this book, unaware that there was a previous book introducing the reader to Eden Driscoll, a Met Detective, called The Red Shore. So, I am reviewing this book, The Burning Tide, as a new reader to this series, and as a new reader of the author, William Shaw. This is a solid enjoyable thriller. Liked the seaside village setting and the characters. Good plot line and the ending skilfully set up for another in the series. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the review copy.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the first book and loving it, when I got offered to read this one in advance I had to snatch it up and I wasn’t disappointed.

I loved this book as much as the first book. I really like Eden and I definitely feel his character development has improved a hell of a lot since book 1 (I liked him in book 1) especially when it came to taking care of Finn.

This book pulled me in from the very beginning and I felt like it inhaled it. It was so hard to put down. This book was so atmospheric and wonderfully written that it was such an easy page turner for me.

[Sarah Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A police procedural that provided an entertaining read. This is the second book in the series that sees Eden Driscoll, ex met policeman taking care of his nephew Finn in Teignmouth. Confronted by a man who claimed that somebody was trying to kill him Eden is drawn into another mystery. There are the usual twists and turns as the novel progresses. The conclusion of the novel was well hidden and provided an enjoyable read.

[Jackthedad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.

I enjoyed the first book in this series and I was keen to read this one. It didn't disappoint. The main character is still struggling to cope with his new responsibilities but in the meantime he helps the local police to crack crime. It's a novel approach and I like the way that the characters all have to adapt to what life throws at them. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in this fabulous series set in South Devon featuring Eden Driscoll. I really enjoyed the first book and this second one is even better. The characters are developing nicely and there was plenty of action. The setting is an added bonus. This was a fast-paced read and very enjoyable. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.