Returned by the Tide: A DI Rowan Penhallow Mystery

by Wendy Cartmell

He vanished to protect his daughter. He returned to clear his name. He died for the truth.

Fifteen years ago, Adrian Cooper vanished from Plymouth, branded a thief who had stolen from the charity he loved. He left behind a shattered reputation, a wife who would die under the weight of shame, and a daughter who never stopped believing in his innocence.

Now Adrian has come home. But someone made sure he arrived as a corpse.

Devon keeps its secrets. DI Penhallow uncovers them.

Perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, LJ Ross, Richard Osman and Midsummer Murders, Returned by the Tide is a richly atmospheric mystery that explores how historical wrongs echo across the years. And how far people will go to claim what they believe is theirs.

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2026

About the author

I was a Primary School Teacher before leaving England to settle in Spain nearly five years ago. I previously worked in Sales, Marketing and Public Relations for large and small companies. I now write crime novels featuring Sgt Major Crane a detective in the Special Investigations Branch of the British Army, based on Aldershot Garrison. My inspiration for Sergeant Major Crane was my love of crime writing and my husband’s 22 years service in the British Army.

I attend a lively Writing Group who unashamedly meet at beautiful beach side cafes on the Costa del Sol.