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Martha's Vineyard Murders #5
Deadly Tides
His buried past is the key to finding a killer, but it may destroy them first…
Kyra Gibson, former London lawyer turned columnist, is having a tough summer. Her partner, forensic profiler Tarek Collins, barely survived his last case. He’s home and healing but is a ghost of the man he was.
When the mutilated body of a local hero is discovered in a Martha’s Vineyard lighthouse, the island turns to Tarek and Kyra for help. With Tarek pulling back, Kyra attempts to assist in the investigation without him, working instead with a local police officer, but nothing goes right. Evidence is lost. Witnesses disappear. An arsonist sets a fire. Without Tar, Kyra’s over her head but too stubborn to quit.
Everywhere she turns, she’s ensnared by corruption, lies, and secrets—even Tarek is hiding something. Then Kyra is attacked and taken, forcing Tarek to confront his dark past and worst fear.
In this gripping fifth installment of the Martha’s Vineyard Murders series, Tarek’s demons could make Kyra pay the ultimate price.
Kyra Gibson, former London lawyer turned columnist, is having a tough summer. Her partner, forensic profiler Tarek Collins, barely survived his last case. He’s home and healing but is a ghost of the man he was.
When the mutilated body of a local hero is discovered in a Martha’s Vineyard lighthouse, the island turns to Tarek and Kyra for help. With Tarek pulling back, Kyra attempts to assist in the investigation without him, working instead with a local police officer, but nothing goes right. Evidence is lost. Witnesses disappear. An arsonist sets a fire. Without Tar, Kyra’s over her head but too stubborn to quit.
Everywhere she turns, she’s ensnared by corruption, lies, and secrets—even Tarek is hiding something. Then Kyra is attacked and taken, forcing Tarek to confront his dark past and worst fear.
In this gripping fifth installment of the Martha’s Vineyard Murders series, Tarek’s demons could make Kyra pay the ultimate price.
- GenresMystery
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2026
About the author
Raemi A. Ray
8 books103 followersRaemi A. Ray is the author of the Martha’s Vineyard Murders series, a collection of atmospheric, character-driven mysteries set against the deceptively tranquil backdrop of coastal New England.
Drawing on her background as a lawyer and her extensive research into real-world crimes, Ray crafts intricate whodunits that invite readers to do more than observe—they’re challenged to follow the clues, question every motive, and uncover the truth alongside her protagonist. Her stories are known for their layered plotting, morally complex characters, and the way they peel back the polished veneer of privilege to expose what lies beneath.
Her work is also shaped by travel. Time spent on Martha’s Vineyard and in places around the world informs the sense of place that defines the series—where landscape, history, and community are never just setting, but active forces in the story.
Ray lives in Boston, where she balances writing with her legal career and continues to develop mysteries rooted in the idea that the most dangerous secrets are the ones people work hardest to protect.
Keep up with the adventures at https://www.instagram.com/miss_raemi/
Drawing on her background as a lawyer and her extensive research into real-world crimes, Ray crafts intricate whodunits that invite readers to do more than observe—they’re challenged to follow the clues, question every motive, and uncover the truth alongside her protagonist. Her stories are known for their layered plotting, morally complex characters, and the way they peel back the polished veneer of privilege to expose what lies beneath.
Her work is also shaped by travel. Time spent on Martha’s Vineyard and in places around the world informs the sense of place that defines the series—where landscape, history, and community are never just setting, but active forces in the story.
Ray lives in Boston, where she balances writing with her legal career and continues to develop mysteries rooted in the idea that the most dangerous secrets are the ones people work hardest to protect.
Keep up with the adventures at https://www.instagram.com/miss_raemi/
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 9, 2026
Deadly Tides is a terrific addition to Raemi A. Ray’s Martha’s Vineyard Murders series. As with all Raemi’s books, it is well written and the storyline is very compelling. The book features Kyra Gibson, Tarek Collins and Chase Hawthorn from the prior books and continues shortly after the last one. Tar had been badly injured in an attack and he is still recovering and is depressed and not engaging with Kyra. She is very worried about him. He has not gone back to work with the security company yet. As the book opens, Kyra is passing the lighthouse and sees a heavy police presence. She stops and uses her journalist credentials to find out what happened. There was a gruesome scene inside the lighthouse where a man was murdered. The police are asking for Tar and Kyra’s help so she steps up to be involved in the case.
Tar is upset when he learns Kyra is working on the case with the police and his coworkers at the security company. She discusses things with Chase and his friend Gerry who is a physician. Odd things begin to happen. The case is initially labeled an heart attack and accident and then considered a homicide. The autopsy report is revived from the file and it disappears. The body is cremated right away. Then the scheduling report for the first responders disappears and there’s other computer glitches. Tar finally shows interest in the case and he discusses it with Kyra and Chase. A woman is arrested for the murder and it all looks very fishy. The police seem to be unreliable and possibly corrupt. Then someone starts a suspicious fire as a warning to Kyra. Additional deaths are discovered. There are lots of twists and surprises in the book. While trying to solve the murder, I kept guessing who was the killer and I was consistently wrong. Tar is fighting his own demons so Kyra is left to try and solve the case on her own. In addition to the mystery, Kyra and Tar’s relationship problems cause lots of angst and drama. It was great reading about their efforts to return to the relationship they had before the attack in the prior book.
I have read all the books in this series and they are fantastic. The setting adds a lot of ambiance. I’ve never been to Martha’s Vineyard but the author’s description gives me a clear picture of what life is like on the island. I have it on my list of places to visit. The book has lots of suspenseful moments and clues to follow. The friendship between Chase and Kyra provides some heartfelt storylines. The main characters are included in many of the scenes and all are well developed by Raemi. This is another five star book that I am happy to recommend.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing Company in exchange for my honest review.
Tar is upset when he learns Kyra is working on the case with the police and his coworkers at the security company. She discusses things with Chase and his friend Gerry who is a physician. Odd things begin to happen. The case is initially labeled an heart attack and accident and then considered a homicide. The autopsy report is revived from the file and it disappears. The body is cremated right away. Then the scheduling report for the first responders disappears and there’s other computer glitches. Tar finally shows interest in the case and he discusses it with Kyra and Chase. A woman is arrested for the murder and it all looks very fishy. The police seem to be unreliable and possibly corrupt. Then someone starts a suspicious fire as a warning to Kyra. Additional deaths are discovered. There are lots of twists and surprises in the book. While trying to solve the murder, I kept guessing who was the killer and I was consistently wrong. Tar is fighting his own demons so Kyra is left to try and solve the case on her own. In addition to the mystery, Kyra and Tar’s relationship problems cause lots of angst and drama. It was great reading about their efforts to return to the relationship they had before the attack in the prior book.
I have read all the books in this series and they are fantastic. The setting adds a lot of ambiance. I’ve never been to Martha’s Vineyard but the author’s description gives me a clear picture of what life is like on the island. I have it on my list of places to visit. The book has lots of suspenseful moments and clues to follow. The friendship between Chase and Kyra provides some heartfelt storylines. The main characters are included in many of the scenes and all are well developed by Raemi. This is another five star book that I am happy to recommend.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing Company in exchange for my honest review.
June 8, 2026
Raemi Ray has matured as a writer with every installment of the Martha’s Vineyard Murders series. In Deadly Tides, the fifth installment in the series, Ms. Ray’s development as a writer jumps off every page. While in early books, I was largely turning the pages because I had to know more about the characters, Deadly Tides is all about the story, and some really dark places that the story takes the reader.
Anyone reading Deadly Tides likely knows Kyra and Tarek and Chase, and the familiar characters from the literary universe that populate the MVM series. (If you have not read any of the series before, please start with A Chain of Pearls, the first book in the series. Books are published in an order for a reason!) Without giving away any of the story, or anything from prior books, in Deadly Tides, Ms. Ray explores concepts of trauma and depression, and the effect that trauma and depression have not only on those who experience it directly, but also those who experience through the people they love. Of course, there are also murders, betrayals, twists and turns.
Also, people die. That does not give away anything, as the series has “murder” in its title. The deaths are very real, and captured with an awareness of what it is like to be killed by people who know how to kill. It’s not pretty, but it is brilliantly captured in Ms. Ray’s telling of it.
The heavy topics make the book emotionally heavy. That is fitting, even in works of fiction, we should not always feel lighthearted at the end of the story. Indeed, I think that Deadly Tides left me feeling as close to what Tarek and Kyra and Chase are feeling at the end of the story, rather than just understanding what they were feeling. That is powerful and, while books 1 through 4 left me wanting more, Book 5 left me NEEDING more.
Ms. Ray is a fine novelist. I can’t wait for the next installment, and I have to hope that someone will bring these characters to the small screen.
Anyone reading Deadly Tides likely knows Kyra and Tarek and Chase, and the familiar characters from the literary universe that populate the MVM series. (If you have not read any of the series before, please start with A Chain of Pearls, the first book in the series. Books are published in an order for a reason!) Without giving away any of the story, or anything from prior books, in Deadly Tides, Ms. Ray explores concepts of trauma and depression, and the effect that trauma and depression have not only on those who experience it directly, but also those who experience through the people they love. Of course, there are also murders, betrayals, twists and turns.
Also, people die. That does not give away anything, as the series has “murder” in its title. The deaths are very real, and captured with an awareness of what it is like to be killed by people who know how to kill. It’s not pretty, but it is brilliantly captured in Ms. Ray’s telling of it.
The heavy topics make the book emotionally heavy. That is fitting, even in works of fiction, we should not always feel lighthearted at the end of the story. Indeed, I think that Deadly Tides left me feeling as close to what Tarek and Kyra and Chase are feeling at the end of the story, rather than just understanding what they were feeling. That is powerful and, while books 1 through 4 left me wanting more, Book 5 left me NEEDING more.
Ms. Ray is a fine novelist. I can’t wait for the next installment, and I have to hope that someone will bring these characters to the small screen.
June 15, 2026
Kyra Gibson is having a difficult time. Her partner, Tarek, is recovering from his injuries and dealing with the aftereffects of what he went through. They’re like two ships passing in the night. He keeps pushing her away and she’s not sure what to do. When a mutilated body is discovered in the lighthouse, Martha’s Vineyard asks for Tarek and Kyra’s help. Kyra agrees to investigate without Tarek, but it’s a disaster from the start. The more she uncovers, the deeper she gets in over her head. Everyone is hiding secrets and corruption. The final straw is Kyra being attacked and kidnapped. Will Tarek have the strength to confront his worst fear and save Kyra before it’s too late or will Kyra pay the price of Tarek’s sinister past with her life?
Deadly Tides is book five in this series and one that chilled me to the bone while reading. Raemi A. Ray has penned her best-written mystery, a dark tale which deals with many issues including how almost dying sends one detective reeling, small-town corruption, and coming to terms with your past. Deadly Tides is a compelling mystery I couldn’t put down. In fact, when I read it late one night, I had horrific dreams. Raemi A. Ray is a genius when it comes to writing suspenseful mysteries. The narration is descriptive while also flowing between the storylines. The relationship tension and strain between Kyra and Tarek brought tears to my eyes. Both characters are suffering in so many ways but don’t know how to fix things. Nothing like a murder and abduction to snap a funk. If you’re a fan of intense mysteries set in a small town, Deadly Tides is your next unputdownable read.
My Rating: 5++ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
Deadly Tides is book five in this series and one that chilled me to the bone while reading. Raemi A. Ray has penned her best-written mystery, a dark tale which deals with many issues including how almost dying sends one detective reeling, small-town corruption, and coming to terms with your past. Deadly Tides is a compelling mystery I couldn’t put down. In fact, when I read it late one night, I had horrific dreams. Raemi A. Ray is a genius when it comes to writing suspenseful mysteries. The narration is descriptive while also flowing between the storylines. The relationship tension and strain between Kyra and Tarek brought tears to my eyes. Both characters are suffering in so many ways but don’t know how to fix things. Nothing like a murder and abduction to snap a funk. If you’re a fan of intense mysteries set in a small town, Deadly Tides is your next unputdownable read.
My Rating: 5++ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
June 12, 2026
This was rotten from the start but the rot was hidden well.
Picking up shortly after events from the prior book (which to understand some tensions here you really should read before this one) Kyra was very excited to celebrate her first Fourth of July except all the plans she made were with Tarek and he’s having a rough go is the nicest way I can put it. Kyra gets caught up in an investigation and things are odd from the start. Missing reports, systems failing, unusual pressures and suspicious behavior make Kyra sure this is murder but every lead she follows turns up something else fishy. Between that and Tarek’s recovery she’s also having a rough go. That’s when things really get interesting. I’m trying so hard to let you know how absolutely enthralling this book is without actually ruining it with spoilers. I will say this I thought there was absolutely something wrong with one of the people Kyra was trusting but I wasn’t sure which. Secondly the twists are fabulous and jaw dropping. Third just when you think you’ve got it figured here comes another. I was hooked from page one and absolutely loved every minute reading this book! Great addition to a fantastic series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Picking up shortly after events from the prior book (which to understand some tensions here you really should read before this one) Kyra was very excited to celebrate her first Fourth of July except all the plans she made were with Tarek and he’s having a rough go is the nicest way I can put it. Kyra gets caught up in an investigation and things are odd from the start. Missing reports, systems failing, unusual pressures and suspicious behavior make Kyra sure this is murder but every lead she follows turns up something else fishy. Between that and Tarek’s recovery she’s also having a rough go. That’s when things really get interesting. I’m trying so hard to let you know how absolutely enthralling this book is without actually ruining it with spoilers. I will say this I thought there was absolutely something wrong with one of the people Kyra was trusting but I wasn’t sure which. Secondly the twists are fabulous and jaw dropping. Third just when you think you’ve got it figured here comes another. I was hooked from page one and absolutely loved every minute reading this book! Great addition to a fantastic series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2026
Deadly Tides ~ Martha's Vineyard Murders #5 by Raemi A. Ray
Deadly Tides is a truly wonderful murder mystery that is exceptionally well written. We return to Martha's Vineyard for another suspenseful and gripping case, featuring characters who feel authentic and realistic.
The story takes place five months after the events of the previous book. Kyra and Tarek find themselves drawn into another intriguing investigation when a dead body is discovered in the lighthouse. Can they solve the murder before the killer strikes again, or will they become caught in the murderer's web themselves?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was engaged from beginning to end. The mystery is cleverly plotted, the suspense is well maintained, and the setting enhances the story's atmosphere. I highly recommend this book to fans of mystery and suspense, especially those who have enjoyed the earlier books in the series.
I am already looking forward to reading the next instalment in the Martha's Vineyard Murders series.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed, Easy-to-read, Informative, Original, Page-turner, Realistic, Wonderful characters
Deadly Tides is a truly wonderful murder mystery that is exceptionally well written. We return to Martha's Vineyard for another suspenseful and gripping case, featuring characters who feel authentic and realistic.
The story takes place five months after the events of the previous book. Kyra and Tarek find themselves drawn into another intriguing investigation when a dead body is discovered in the lighthouse. Can they solve the murder before the killer strikes again, or will they become caught in the murderer's web themselves?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was engaged from beginning to end. The mystery is cleverly plotted, the suspense is well maintained, and the setting enhances the story's atmosphere. I highly recommend this book to fans of mystery and suspense, especially those who have enjoyed the earlier books in the series.
I am already looking forward to reading the next instalment in the Martha's Vineyard Murders series.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed, Easy-to-read, Informative, Original, Page-turner, Realistic, Wonderful characters
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another Martha's Vineyard mystery is wrapped up! I love this series so much! Kyra, Tarek and Chase have had a spot in my heart since the first book and here we are at book five and still love them!
When a body was found in the lighthouse, I, as the locals, was intrigued to see who it was. Not a nice way to be found. Tarek and Kyra are on the case to uncover clues and try and piece any information together.
Gully isn't really in this one as much as I feel this is more Tarek and Kyra's story, but that's ok! Maybe in the next one?
Tarek is still healing from his injuries so he's on light work rather than the field but he still manages to keep up to date with the happenings. Although he goes against his boss at times when needs must.
I like Chase, a cheeky chappy, down to earth and would have your back if needed. Great company for Kyra.
Another good read, I didn't see the boat bit coming and I was on tenterhooks to see how it would play out. That private boathouse and dock isn't a nice place nor its users it seems!
When a body was found in the lighthouse, I, as the locals, was intrigued to see who it was. Not a nice way to be found. Tarek and Kyra are on the case to uncover clues and try and piece any information together.
Gully isn't really in this one as much as I feel this is more Tarek and Kyra's story, but that's ok! Maybe in the next one?
Tarek is still healing from his injuries so he's on light work rather than the field but he still manages to keep up to date with the happenings. Although he goes against his boss at times when needs must.
I like Chase, a cheeky chappy, down to earth and would have your back if needed. Great company for Kyra.
Another good read, I didn't see the boat bit coming and I was on tenterhooks to see how it would play out. That private boathouse and dock isn't a nice place nor its users it seems!
June 9, 2026
Deadly Tides written by Raemi A. Ray is the fifth book in Martha’s Vineyard Murders Series. This is a series that keeps getting better and better. A local hero is found dead in the lighthouse, the island wants Tarek and Kyra to investigate. Tarek is recovering from injuries in book four so Kyra looks to help the police. From there everything becomes a case of corruption, secrets, and crime. For Kyra and Tarek and Chase there is no stopping the, even though there are many twisty turns. How far these three have come since the first book. Get to know the characters in the first books you will understand their growth as investigators, especially with Tarek healing from injuries so he is not in the field as much as in past stories. A bit darker plot so this is more thriller crime not at all cozy mystery.
June 7, 2026
DEADLY TIDES by Raemi A. Ray
June 8, 2026
This is the fifth installment of the Martha’s Vineyard Murders series!
Can definitely be read as a standalone.
I love this line so I’m gonna add it to my review:
HIS BURIED PAST IS THE KEY TO FINDING A KILLER, BUT IT MAY DESTROY THEM FIRST….
A mutilated body is found at the lighthouse! They don’t know who it is or how long it’s been there because of the destruction of the body and the evidence .
This one that will definitely keep you thinking to the very end! I loved Kyra and Tarek’s relationship. Definitely shows you how not to give up when the chips are definitely down.
June 8, 2026
This is the fifth installment of the Martha’s Vineyard Murders series!
Can definitely be read as a standalone.
I love this line so I’m gonna add it to my review:
HIS BURIED PAST IS THE KEY TO FINDING A KILLER, BUT IT MAY DESTROY THEM FIRST….
A mutilated body is found at the lighthouse! They don’t know who it is or how long it’s been there because of the destruction of the body and the evidence .
This one that will definitely keep you thinking to the very end! I loved Kyra and Tarek’s relationship. Definitely shows you how not to give up when the chips are definitely down.
June 16, 2026
There are so many secrets and twists and turns in this story that will keep you turning the page until the end. The lead characters are interesting to follow along because one of them has an issue that may cause a problem with the investigations and with the relationship possibly. There are so many uncertainties that it is very entertaining and you are hooked from the start. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2026
This was a very intense read. It had a lot of twist and turns, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved all the characters and how they interacted with each other. I do hope there is going to be more to this series. I would recommend this series to anyone who is interested in mysteries, suspense, and a lot of drama.
I received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review.
I received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review.
June 7, 2026
despite all the crime, this book series makes me want to visit Martha’s Vineyard!
I enjoyed the most recent installment, especially the relationship between Kyra & Tarek as he navigates recovery and depression after being injured. The murder mystery in Deadly Tides was unique and kept me guessing who to trust.
Thanks to the author & publisher for an advanced copy!
I enjoyed the most recent installment, especially the relationship between Kyra & Tarek as he navigates recovery and depression after being injured. The murder mystery in Deadly Tides was unique and kept me guessing who to trust.
Thanks to the author & publisher for an advanced copy!
June 10, 2026
Keeps getting better!
I really enjoyed this latest murder mystery. The actual murder was unique and brought me in right away. What I absolutely lived about this book was the look into Tarek and Kyra’s relationship and how they were each coping. It added a lot of depth and authenticity.
Really excited for the next one!
I really enjoyed this latest murder mystery. The actual murder was unique and brought me in right away. What I absolutely lived about this book was the look into Tarek and Kyra’s relationship and how they were each coping. It added a lot of depth and authenticity.
Really excited for the next one!
June 9, 2026
This was such a roller coaster of emotions. So many twists and turns. I could not turn those pages fast enough. What an emotional journey. Can’t wait for book six. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
June 12, 2026
I was hooked from the start and couldn't stop reading. Interesting characters with gripping twists and turns. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Deadly Tides Book 5 of Martha's Vineyard Murders by Raemi A. Ray
This story starts out with Kyra and she is taking care of Tarek at their house on Martha's vineyard. He even has a male nurse helping him with his workouts to get his strength back after all of his surgeries and getting wounded in the line of service. He is a forensic investigator. She is a reporter that sometimes helps out the police cause she sees things that others don't. She talks to a lot of people and she gets a lot of hints from them. This one is very involved, one of the most involved ones I've read. There's so much going on so many twists and turns. It is a really good story. It kept me on the edge of my chair the whole time. I love the atmosphere and I am familiar with island living especially during the summer. We know you can't drive your car you need to ride a bike. You can get from point A to point B a lot faster. I like how she gets others to help with Tar's mental health during the book. I like when she goes out into the island local places and she enlists the help of others. Very colorful characters. It all started with the death in the lighthouse. She collects clues along with the police chief and others that contribute. Really good story. I love the romance the travel the mysteries and the twists and turns and island life. Can't wait for the next one already.
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.
This story starts out with Kyra and she is taking care of Tarek at their house on Martha's vineyard. He even has a male nurse helping him with his workouts to get his strength back after all of his surgeries and getting wounded in the line of service. He is a forensic investigator. She is a reporter that sometimes helps out the police cause she sees things that others don't. She talks to a lot of people and she gets a lot of hints from them. This one is very involved, one of the most involved ones I've read. There's so much going on so many twists and turns. It is a really good story. It kept me on the edge of my chair the whole time. I love the atmosphere and I am familiar with island living especially during the summer. We know you can't drive your car you need to ride a bike. You can get from point A to point B a lot faster. I like how she gets others to help with Tar's mental health during the book. I like when she goes out into the island local places and she enlists the help of others. Very colorful characters. It all started with the death in the lighthouse. She collects clues along with the police chief and others that contribute. Really good story. I love the romance the travel the mysteries and the twists and turns and island life. Can't wait for the next one already.
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews