What do you think?
Rate this book
DI Ben Kitto #9
The Mermaid's Cry
Not yet published
Expected 10 Nov 26During Cornwall's Dark Sky Festival, children begin to disappear, with mermaid charms left behind. Grieving DI Ben Kitto desperately races to stop a killer before his own young son is next. The bestselling, critically acclaimed Isle of Scilly series continues…
'A classy, edge-of-the-seat thriller which will keep you guessing throughout!' B.A. PARIS
'An absolute master of pace, plotting and character' ELLY GRIFFITHS
'Rhodes does a superb job of balancing a portrayal of a tiny community oppressed by secrets' Sunday Express
'No one produces more elegantly written work than Rhodes' Financial Times
_______
DI BEN KITTO RETURNS…
A COAST IN CELEBRATION
When DI Ben Kitto sees a baby thrown into Penzance harbour, he prays it's a trick of the light. But the threat is real. The child survives – barely – and soon a chilling pattern emerges. As the Dark Sky Festival brings dancers, dreamers and stargazers to Cornwall's coast, children begin to vanish.
A KILLER IN THE CROWD
A small mermaid figurine is found beside each scene, echoing the legend of the Mermaid of Zennor, who lured a man to his death beneath the waves. Still reeling from a devastating bereavement and determined to protect his young son, Ben is pulled back into the field and into a deadly investigation. When the killer's messages begin arriving at his home, the threat becomes terrifyingly personal.
A FINAL RECKONING
Suspicions fall on familiar faces. When the summer solstice approaches, Ben must confront the boundaries of love, loss and obsession. In a final, desperate chase along the headland, only his bond with Noah – and the loyalty of his dog, Shadow – can prevent tragedy from repeating itself.
––––––––––––––––––
Praise for Kate Rhodes
'Dark, intense, and expertly crafted' RACHEL ABBOTT
'An atmospheric and moving depiction of a tightly knit community in a rugged and often dangerous landscape … tense and deftly plotted' Guardian
'[A] superb series' Daily Mail
'A truly absorbing, chilling story' People's Friend
'Kate Rhodes directs her cast of suspects with consummate skill, keeping us guessing right to the heartbreaking end' LOUISE CANDLISH
'A vividly realised protagonist whose complex and harrowing history rivals the central crime storyline' SOPHIE HANNAH
'Expertly weaves a sense of place and character into a tense and intriguing story' METRO
'The whole book tingles with tension. I hope it does for the Scilly Isles what Ann Cleeves did for Shetland' MEL MCGRATH
'Evocative, immersive, twisty' SARAH VAUGHAN
'Gripping, clever and impossible to put down' ERIN KELLY
'A classy, edge-of-the-seat thriller which will keep you guessing throughout!' B.A. PARIS
'An absolute master of pace, plotting and character' ELLY GRIFFITHS
'Rhodes does a superb job of balancing a portrayal of a tiny community oppressed by secrets' Sunday Express
'No one produces more elegantly written work than Rhodes' Financial Times
_______
DI BEN KITTO RETURNS…
A COAST IN CELEBRATION
When DI Ben Kitto sees a baby thrown into Penzance harbour, he prays it's a trick of the light. But the threat is real. The child survives – barely – and soon a chilling pattern emerges. As the Dark Sky Festival brings dancers, dreamers and stargazers to Cornwall's coast, children begin to vanish.
A KILLER IN THE CROWD
A small mermaid figurine is found beside each scene, echoing the legend of the Mermaid of Zennor, who lured a man to his death beneath the waves. Still reeling from a devastating bereavement and determined to protect his young son, Ben is pulled back into the field and into a deadly investigation. When the killer's messages begin arriving at his home, the threat becomes terrifyingly personal.
A FINAL RECKONING
Suspicions fall on familiar faces. When the summer solstice approaches, Ben must confront the boundaries of love, loss and obsession. In a final, desperate chase along the headland, only his bond with Noah – and the loyalty of his dog, Shadow – can prevent tragedy from repeating itself.
––––––––––––––––––
Praise for Kate Rhodes
'Dark, intense, and expertly crafted' RACHEL ABBOTT
'An atmospheric and moving depiction of a tightly knit community in a rugged and often dangerous landscape … tense and deftly plotted' Guardian
'[A] superb series' Daily Mail
'A truly absorbing, chilling story' People's Friend
'Kate Rhodes directs her cast of suspects with consummate skill, keeping us guessing right to the heartbreaking end' LOUISE CANDLISH
'A vividly realised protagonist whose complex and harrowing history rivals the central crime storyline' SOPHIE HANNAH
'Expertly weaves a sense of place and character into a tense and intriguing story' METRO
'The whole book tingles with tension. I hope it does for the Scilly Isles what Ann Cleeves did for Shetland' MEL MCGRATH
'Evocative, immersive, twisty' SARAH VAUGHAN
'Gripping, clever and impossible to put down' ERIN KELLY
300 pages, Paperback
Expected publication November 10, 2026
About the author
Kate Rhodes
36 books368 followersKate Rhodes is a bestselling UK crime writer. Her latest books are the acclaimed ISLES OF SCILLY MYSTERIES, which have been optioned for TV. Kate has been nominated for the Crime Novel of the Year award and a Library Dagger.
Kate did many different jobs including working as a theatre usherette, a cocktail waitress, and an English tutor at a liberal arts college in Florida. She was born in London but now lives in Cambridge with her husband Dave, and works part-time at Cambridge University, as a creative writing fellow.
.
Kate did many different jobs including working as a theatre usherette, a cocktail waitress, and an English tutor at a liberal arts college in Florida. She was born in London but now lives in Cambridge with her husband Dave, and works part-time at Cambridge University, as a creative writing fellow.
.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 28, 2026
This is the ninth book in the DI Ben Kitto series but it can be read as a standalone.
This book is set in Penzance, Cornwall – not on the Isles of Scilly like the previous ones in the series.
DI Ben Kitto is on a sabbatical leave from work after the tragic death of his wife, Nina. He takes their three-year-old son, Noah, and dog Shadow, and temporarily move to Penzance where he finds work as a carpenter.
One night, he is walking Noah to try and get him to sleep, when he spots someone throwing a baby into the sea. Without thinking, he saves the baby and is labelled a hero by the local press (much to his dismay).
Soon, it appears that no child is safe. The killer starts leaving mermaid figurines and sending letters to parents saying they don’t deserve their child.
Ben also receives such messages… Is Noah safe?
I loved this book from start to finish.
I have a lot of time for Ben as he’s such a great character. He is full of grief, but he still wants to help others. He is also trying his best for his son.
I liked how some chapters were written from the killer’s point of view. We could get a glimpse of their warped way of thinking. I was quite angry on how quickly they made judgements about which child didn’t deserve their parents.
This book raises some difficult themes of children going missing, being kidnapped and killed. It also raises an issue of child neglect.
I found the setting alluring and the storyline extremely captivating.
I cannot wait for the author’s next book.
This book is set in Penzance, Cornwall – not on the Isles of Scilly like the previous ones in the series.
DI Ben Kitto is on a sabbatical leave from work after the tragic death of his wife, Nina. He takes their three-year-old son, Noah, and dog Shadow, and temporarily move to Penzance where he finds work as a carpenter.
One night, he is walking Noah to try and get him to sleep, when he spots someone throwing a baby into the sea. Without thinking, he saves the baby and is labelled a hero by the local press (much to his dismay).
Soon, it appears that no child is safe. The killer starts leaving mermaid figurines and sending letters to parents saying they don’t deserve their child.
Ben also receives such messages… Is Noah safe?
I loved this book from start to finish.
I have a lot of time for Ben as he’s such a great character. He is full of grief, but he still wants to help others. He is also trying his best for his son.
I liked how some chapters were written from the killer’s point of view. We could get a glimpse of their warped way of thinking. I was quite angry on how quickly they made judgements about which child didn’t deserve their parents.
This book raises some difficult themes of children going missing, being kidnapped and killed. It also raises an issue of child neglect.
I found the setting alluring and the storyline extremely captivating.
I cannot wait for the author’s next book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Mermaid's Cry' by Kate Rhodes
This may be the first book I have read by this absolutely AMAZING AUTHOR but it most certainly will not be my last!! It is also the ninth book in Kate's 'DI Ben Kitto' / 'The Isles Of Scilly Mysteries' series but can be read as a standalone with no problems at all!
WOW!!!! Just flipping WOW!!!! What an absolutely SPECTACULAR page turner!!! Well done Kate!!! HOW on Earth have I never read any of your books before? Absolutely smashed it!!!!!!!
YOU LADY HAD ME HOOK, LINE AND SINKER FAIRPLAY!!! BOOM!
SERIOUSLY PEOPLE IF YOU LOVE SUSPENSE, THRILLERS OR JUST LOOKING FOR AN UNPUTDOWNABLE PAGE TURNER THEN YOU NEED TO RUN AND GRAB YOUR COPY OF THIS BOOK TODAY!!
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions creating the perfect atmosphere for the storyline. The book cover and synopsis works perfectly with the book plot and I am most definitely looking forward to reading more books by this extremely talented author!! Wow!!!! Just flipping wow!!!! What an absolutely fantastic page turner!!! Well done Kate!! How on Earth have I never read any of your books before? You have well and truly absolutely smashed it!!!!!!! I I have absolutely no idea how this is the first time I have read one of this incredible authors' books but I am so glad I have rectified that problem and I cannot wait to get hooked into more books by this extremely talented author, just WOW!! WOW!!!! What can I say?!?! I would always recommend reading books in a series in order but if you have decide to read this book before reading the previous books in this series, and nobody would blame you with its absolutely STUNNING and mysterious cover and intriguing synopsis, then have no fear! Not only can this beauty be read as a standalone but there is also a silver lining of reading later books in a series first. That is that after you have finished this brilliant page turner you can go back and read the first eight books in this series while eagerly and impatiently waiting for her to write another one. That is EXACTLY what I will be doing!! I just hope she is busy writing her next one! Considering how quickly I blew through this book it wont be long before I read the previous eight even if they are just half as addictive as this one!! While you are grabbing your copy of this page turner you may as well as just get the whole collection while you are there!! It will save you going back to do it later, which you will after finishing this!! You wont regret it and you can thank me later when you have met and fallen in love with the storylines and characters. I am not going to go into details about the actual storyline as the publishers have done an amazing job of telling you what you need to know in the fantastic synopsis so if you want to more then you will just have to grab your copy of this book today and you will not regret it. You need to seriously clear your schedules as once you start this book you will not be able to put it down! This book is fantastically written with vivid descriptions setting the picture perfectly in the readers mind. I absolutely loved the unique storyline and I will tell you now you may as well stop wasting your time reading this and grab your copy of this book now! I will not say anything about the storyline as the publisher has done a fantastic job of this in the synopsis and I do not want to run the risk of giving anything away but if you want to know more then grab your copy of this addictive action packed thriller today and I can GUARANTEE you will not regret it!!! With a storyline absolutely RAM PACKED with heartache, family, community, beautiful settings, emotions, betrayal, twists, drama, suspense, festivals, tension, danger, secrets, Cornwall, local legends, atmosphere, multiple layers, intrigue, realistic and complex characters and SO, so so much more. I mean, seriously, What are you waiting for?! I absolutely LOVE Cornwall and books set in Cornwall so much!! We go to Cornwall yearly, St Ives to be specific, for two weeks April/May time and came back this May. While we were there we visited Penzance and I loved it there! I always miss Cornwall before I even leave but Kate's stunning, vivid and emotive descriptions definitely transported me back there. Every year I say I need to visit the Isles Of Scilly but unfortunately the cost to take us over there puts me off but Kate has really made me want to go visit even more when we return next year! Kate's absolutely incredible and masterful evocative writing skills sucks the reader straight into the storyline, into Penzance and with DI Ben Kitto, his son Noah and his gorgeous wolf dog Shadow at the turn of a page!!! This book really is an absolutely addictive, explosive, page turning, action packed and compelling storyline!! It has so many layers of mysteries and secrets for the reader to be kept guessing throughout. It is absolutely ram packed with twists, turns and red herrings throughout. Kate really had me with the twists! I have read hundreds and hundreds of crime books so it is getting more and more difficult to shock me. I must admit by the time I hit 75% I was actually gutted thinking I had it all worked out from a few chapters in, in regards to who the killer was. I was genuinely gutted thinking I was right as the book was just epic I thought I had been let down by working it out!! Like heck I was!! Kate well and truly hooked and trapped me with THAT SHOCKER!! I would NEVER have worked that out, no where NEAR who I was thinking!! A MASSIVE WELL DONE KATE!! I love being shocked in books and my jaw literally dropped when all was revealed!! I am so sorry for doubting you, you completely fooled me and proved me wrong!! Do NOT tell my partner that as I am NEVER wrong (of course!)!! The storyline is so compelling and immersive it had me hooked throughout so make sure you clear your schedules before stepping into the world of Ben, Penzance and 'The Mermaid's Cry'!! GET YOUR COPY NOW!!! If you want to know more well you will just have to grab your copy of this gripping page turner today and I promise that you will not regret it!! Whatever you like to read just give this a go and you will NOT regret it!!! As you can tell I absolutely LOVED this addictive and explosive page turner!!! I honestly loved absolutely everything about it from the start to the end. It was just one heck of an amazing read!!! I absolutely love, love, LOVED the unique storyline!! I have read so many books that it is getting harder and harder for me to find a truly unique plot but Kate absolutely smashes it out of the park with this one!! There was no way I could put this book down until I had finished it. I picked it up and even though I kept telling myself just one more chapter I just could not put it down as every time I went to something happened which meant I had to read just one more again until I ended up reading it in one sitting having been glued to the book for a few hours!! I just genuinely love, love, LOVED IT!!
Do not start this book until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!! The characters were all realistic and strong and I was completely invested in them throughout. Kate's evocative descriptions really makes them jump out of the book and come to life in front of the readers eyes. I was completely invested in each and every one of the characters regardless of how I felt about them. Kate does an absolutely wonderful job of weaving the perspectives of multiple protagonists together perfectly to give the reader a bigger picture of the storyline while only drip feeding the readers what she wants them to know. I absolutely loved Ben who my heart went out to and how difficult and different his life has become since becoming a single father and moving away from his home. However, I am a HUGE animal lover and even run my own rescue called Golden Oldies Cat Rescue And Hospice (you can find me on FB if you wish). Therefore, any animals are a HUMUNGOUS bonus in books for me so I have got to admit my absolute favourite was the gorgeous Shadow!!!! Absolutely LOVE him! Each of the characters all played their own roles perfectly and they all had their own unique and individual personalities with their own flaws, strengths and weaknesses. All of the characters were multi layered with complex personalities which definitely made them all the more interesting to read about!!! Unfortunately, I really can not say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. Regardless of what I thought about who, each character worked perfectly to make this page turning book exactly how epic it is!!! I just cannot wait to see what characters this amazing author come up with next!!! I genuinely loved getting to know all the characters and was completely invested throughout!! It just goes to show how fantastic her writing skills are as they completely brought them all to life for me. An absolutely fantastic selection of unique characters that all worked together perfectly to create an absolutely action packed, gripping and addictive page turner!!! This book really is a truly unique page turner that I picked up this morning and had completely devoured it in a few hours!!!
Congratulations Kate on an absolutely masterful and unforgettable success. Here's to your next addictive and unique book!!! Welcome to my favourite author club and I can see this becoming a top 5 series for me!!
Overall an absolute MUST READ for all fans of crime, stunning settings and mind blowing twists!
#TheMermaidsCry #DIBenKitto #TheIslesOfScillyMysteries #KateRhodes #OrendaBooks #RandomThingsTours #RandomTTours #Cornwall #CrimeFiction #Series
@KateRhodes @KateRhodesWriter @K_RhodesWriter @OrendaBooks @RandomThingsTours @RandomTTours
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
https://www.facebook.com/GoldenOldies...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile/a...
Review for 'The Mermaid's Cry' by Kate Rhodes
This may be the first book I have read by this absolutely AMAZING AUTHOR but it most certainly will not be my last!! It is also the ninth book in Kate's 'DI Ben Kitto' / 'The Isles Of Scilly Mysteries' series but can be read as a standalone with no problems at all!
WOW!!!! Just flipping WOW!!!! What an absolutely SPECTACULAR page turner!!! Well done Kate!!! HOW on Earth have I never read any of your books before? Absolutely smashed it!!!!!!!
YOU LADY HAD ME HOOK, LINE AND SINKER FAIRPLAY!!! BOOM!
SERIOUSLY PEOPLE IF YOU LOVE SUSPENSE, THRILLERS OR JUST LOOKING FOR AN UNPUTDOWNABLE PAGE TURNER THEN YOU NEED TO RUN AND GRAB YOUR COPY OF THIS BOOK TODAY!!
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions creating the perfect atmosphere for the storyline. The book cover and synopsis works perfectly with the book plot and I am most definitely looking forward to reading more books by this extremely talented author!! Wow!!!! Just flipping wow!!!! What an absolutely fantastic page turner!!! Well done Kate!! How on Earth have I never read any of your books before? You have well and truly absolutely smashed it!!!!!!! I I have absolutely no idea how this is the first time I have read one of this incredible authors' books but I am so glad I have rectified that problem and I cannot wait to get hooked into more books by this extremely talented author, just WOW!! WOW!!!! What can I say?!?! I would always recommend reading books in a series in order but if you have decide to read this book before reading the previous books in this series, and nobody would blame you with its absolutely STUNNING and mysterious cover and intriguing synopsis, then have no fear! Not only can this beauty be read as a standalone but there is also a silver lining of reading later books in a series first. That is that after you have finished this brilliant page turner you can go back and read the first eight books in this series while eagerly and impatiently waiting for her to write another one. That is EXACTLY what I will be doing!! I just hope she is busy writing her next one! Considering how quickly I blew through this book it wont be long before I read the previous eight even if they are just half as addictive as this one!! While you are grabbing your copy of this page turner you may as well as just get the whole collection while you are there!! It will save you going back to do it later, which you will after finishing this!! You wont regret it and you can thank me later when you have met and fallen in love with the storylines and characters. I am not going to go into details about the actual storyline as the publishers have done an amazing job of telling you what you need to know in the fantastic synopsis so if you want to more then you will just have to grab your copy of this book today and you will not regret it. You need to seriously clear your schedules as once you start this book you will not be able to put it down! This book is fantastically written with vivid descriptions setting the picture perfectly in the readers mind. I absolutely loved the unique storyline and I will tell you now you may as well stop wasting your time reading this and grab your copy of this book now! I will not say anything about the storyline as the publisher has done a fantastic job of this in the synopsis and I do not want to run the risk of giving anything away but if you want to know more then grab your copy of this addictive action packed thriller today and I can GUARANTEE you will not regret it!!! With a storyline absolutely RAM PACKED with heartache, family, community, beautiful settings, emotions, betrayal, twists, drama, suspense, festivals, tension, danger, secrets, Cornwall, local legends, atmosphere, multiple layers, intrigue, realistic and complex characters and SO, so so much more. I mean, seriously, What are you waiting for?! I absolutely LOVE Cornwall and books set in Cornwall so much!! We go to Cornwall yearly, St Ives to be specific, for two weeks April/May time and came back this May. While we were there we visited Penzance and I loved it there! I always miss Cornwall before I even leave but Kate's stunning, vivid and emotive descriptions definitely transported me back there. Every year I say I need to visit the Isles Of Scilly but unfortunately the cost to take us over there puts me off but Kate has really made me want to go visit even more when we return next year! Kate's absolutely incredible and masterful evocative writing skills sucks the reader straight into the storyline, into Penzance and with DI Ben Kitto, his son Noah and his gorgeous wolf dog Shadow at the turn of a page!!! This book really is an absolutely addictive, explosive, page turning, action packed and compelling storyline!! It has so many layers of mysteries and secrets for the reader to be kept guessing throughout. It is absolutely ram packed with twists, turns and red herrings throughout. Kate really had me with the twists! I have read hundreds and hundreds of crime books so it is getting more and more difficult to shock me. I must admit by the time I hit 75% I was actually gutted thinking I had it all worked out from a few chapters in, in regards to who the killer was. I was genuinely gutted thinking I was right as the book was just epic I thought I had been let down by working it out!! Like heck I was!! Kate well and truly hooked and trapped me with THAT SHOCKER!! I would NEVER have worked that out, no where NEAR who I was thinking!! A MASSIVE WELL DONE KATE!! I love being shocked in books and my jaw literally dropped when all was revealed!! I am so sorry for doubting you, you completely fooled me and proved me wrong!! Do NOT tell my partner that as I am NEVER wrong (of course!)!! The storyline is so compelling and immersive it had me hooked throughout so make sure you clear your schedules before stepping into the world of Ben, Penzance and 'The Mermaid's Cry'!! GET YOUR COPY NOW!!! If you want to know more well you will just have to grab your copy of this gripping page turner today and I promise that you will not regret it!! Whatever you like to read just give this a go and you will NOT regret it!!! As you can tell I absolutely LOVED this addictive and explosive page turner!!! I honestly loved absolutely everything about it from the start to the end. It was just one heck of an amazing read!!! I absolutely love, love, LOVED the unique storyline!! I have read so many books that it is getting harder and harder for me to find a truly unique plot but Kate absolutely smashes it out of the park with this one!! There was no way I could put this book down until I had finished it. I picked it up and even though I kept telling myself just one more chapter I just could not put it down as every time I went to something happened which meant I had to read just one more again until I ended up reading it in one sitting having been glued to the book for a few hours!! I just genuinely love, love, LOVED IT!!
Do not start this book until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!! The characters were all realistic and strong and I was completely invested in them throughout. Kate's evocative descriptions really makes them jump out of the book and come to life in front of the readers eyes. I was completely invested in each and every one of the characters regardless of how I felt about them. Kate does an absolutely wonderful job of weaving the perspectives of multiple protagonists together perfectly to give the reader a bigger picture of the storyline while only drip feeding the readers what she wants them to know. I absolutely loved Ben who my heart went out to and how difficult and different his life has become since becoming a single father and moving away from his home. However, I am a HUGE animal lover and even run my own rescue called Golden Oldies Cat Rescue And Hospice (you can find me on FB if you wish). Therefore, any animals are a HUMUNGOUS bonus in books for me so I have got to admit my absolute favourite was the gorgeous Shadow!!!! Absolutely LOVE him! Each of the characters all played their own roles perfectly and they all had their own unique and individual personalities with their own flaws, strengths and weaknesses. All of the characters were multi layered with complex personalities which definitely made them all the more interesting to read about!!! Unfortunately, I really can not say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. Regardless of what I thought about who, each character worked perfectly to make this page turning book exactly how epic it is!!! I just cannot wait to see what characters this amazing author come up with next!!! I genuinely loved getting to know all the characters and was completely invested throughout!! It just goes to show how fantastic her writing skills are as they completely brought them all to life for me. An absolutely fantastic selection of unique characters that all worked together perfectly to create an absolutely action packed, gripping and addictive page turner!!! This book really is a truly unique page turner that I picked up this morning and had completely devoured it in a few hours!!!
Congratulations Kate on an absolutely masterful and unforgettable success. Here's to your next addictive and unique book!!! Welcome to my favourite author club and I can see this becoming a top 5 series for me!!
Overall an absolute MUST READ for all fans of crime, stunning settings and mind blowing twists!
#TheMermaidsCry #DIBenKitto #TheIslesOfScillyMysteries #KateRhodes #OrendaBooks #RandomThingsTours #RandomTTours #Cornwall #CrimeFiction #Series
@KateRhodes @KateRhodesWriter @K_RhodesWriter @OrendaBooks @RandomThingsTours @RandomTTours
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
https://www.facebook.com/GoldenOldies...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile/a...
August 4, 2026
Oh, my goodness! Kate Rhodes’s The Mermaid’s Cry, is such a haunting, emotionally charged episode of the fabulous DI Ben Kitto series. It is a deeply unsettling investigation that, this time, moves away from the Scilly Isles and onto the mainland Cornish coast.
The novel opens with a shocking incident that establishes the plot and immediately throws us into the emotional intensity of the story. The Mermaid’s Cry is an investigation into a series of crimes linked to the ancient Cornish legend of the Mermaid of Zennor. Rhodes uses local folklore to create an atmosphere of unease, weaving myth and reality together without ever losing sight of the procedural elements of the mystery.
At the heart of this book is Ben Kitto. Empathetic and believable, he faces some of his greatest personal challenges in this novel. Ben is struggling with a devastating bereavement and attempting to find a new life while caring for his young son, Noah. Rhodes explores his grief with sensitivity and authenticity, ensuring it shapes every decision he makes. Ben is on long term leave from the Police force and temporarily working in a boatshed as he attempts to function as a dad to Noah while suffering his deep personal loss.
The Cornish setting is fabulously rendered. The Cornish coastline, harbours, cliffs and ancient legends are integral to this story. The Dark Sky Festival, summer solstice celebrations and the unruly sea create a powerful sense of place. Penzance feels beautiful, mysterious and occasionally threatening. This atmosphere is so immersive.
Who could have thrown a baby into the cold sea, and why? Rhodes carefully layers clues, red herrings and suspect motivations. The tension intensifies as the investigation becomes increasingly personal for Ben. Told from a dual perspective; that of Ben and the unnamed perpetrator, the novel offers glimpses into the perpetrator’s mindset, which adds another layer of suspense, creating the feeling that danger is always one step ahead. Kate Rhodes adroitly misdirects as we try to guess who this perpetrator might be.
However long the waters roll
Longer my love shall be,
Nor shall you leave my burning soul
Torn by the moving sea,
Though all the bells of Zennor toll
And say you died for me
Vernon Watkins:The Ballad of the Mermaid of Zennor
Ben, despite being on leave, finally realises he will get no peace of mind until he identifies the suspect and reluctantly accepts a temporary secondment for this dark case. It is personal for Ben and his need to ensure Noah is safe drives his decision making.
Fortunately for Ben, who has been pushing everyone away, his bond with his uncle Ray remains a strong anchor. Their relationship gives him warmth, wisdom and a sense of continuity amid the darkness of the investigation. Equally important is Shadow, Ben’s loyal dog, who once again proves his mettle as companion and guard. Shadow brings moments of comfort and humanity, reminding us of the life Ben is fighting to preserve. Shadow is so true and loyal that he is, I think, my second favourite character.
Verdict: The Mermaid’s Cry is a special book because of its combination of heart and menace. I really cared about Ben and Noah. Kate Rhodes balances emotional depth, rich characterisation, folklore, atmosphere and suspense with skill and compassion. The result is a novel that works both as a gripping thriller and a heart-breaking exploration of grief, family and resilience. Dark, atmospheric and deeply affecting, The Mermaid’s Cry is a really strong contribution to the D.I. Ben Kitto series. I can’t help but wonder where he will go from here?
The novel opens with a shocking incident that establishes the plot and immediately throws us into the emotional intensity of the story. The Mermaid’s Cry is an investigation into a series of crimes linked to the ancient Cornish legend of the Mermaid of Zennor. Rhodes uses local folklore to create an atmosphere of unease, weaving myth and reality together without ever losing sight of the procedural elements of the mystery.
At the heart of this book is Ben Kitto. Empathetic and believable, he faces some of his greatest personal challenges in this novel. Ben is struggling with a devastating bereavement and attempting to find a new life while caring for his young son, Noah. Rhodes explores his grief with sensitivity and authenticity, ensuring it shapes every decision he makes. Ben is on long term leave from the Police force and temporarily working in a boatshed as he attempts to function as a dad to Noah while suffering his deep personal loss.
The Cornish setting is fabulously rendered. The Cornish coastline, harbours, cliffs and ancient legends are integral to this story. The Dark Sky Festival, summer solstice celebrations and the unruly sea create a powerful sense of place. Penzance feels beautiful, mysterious and occasionally threatening. This atmosphere is so immersive.
Who could have thrown a baby into the cold sea, and why? Rhodes carefully layers clues, red herrings and suspect motivations. The tension intensifies as the investigation becomes increasingly personal for Ben. Told from a dual perspective; that of Ben and the unnamed perpetrator, the novel offers glimpses into the perpetrator’s mindset, which adds another layer of suspense, creating the feeling that danger is always one step ahead. Kate Rhodes adroitly misdirects as we try to guess who this perpetrator might be.
However long the waters roll
Longer my love shall be,
Nor shall you leave my burning soul
Torn by the moving sea,
Though all the bells of Zennor toll
And say you died for me
Vernon Watkins:The Ballad of the Mermaid of Zennor
Ben, despite being on leave, finally realises he will get no peace of mind until he identifies the suspect and reluctantly accepts a temporary secondment for this dark case. It is personal for Ben and his need to ensure Noah is safe drives his decision making.
Fortunately for Ben, who has been pushing everyone away, his bond with his uncle Ray remains a strong anchor. Their relationship gives him warmth, wisdom and a sense of continuity amid the darkness of the investigation. Equally important is Shadow, Ben’s loyal dog, who once again proves his mettle as companion and guard. Shadow brings moments of comfort and humanity, reminding us of the life Ben is fighting to preserve. Shadow is so true and loyal that he is, I think, my second favourite character.
Verdict: The Mermaid’s Cry is a special book because of its combination of heart and menace. I really cared about Ben and Noah. Kate Rhodes balances emotional depth, rich characterisation, folklore, atmosphere and suspense with skill and compassion. The result is a novel that works both as a gripping thriller and a heart-breaking exploration of grief, family and resilience. Dark, atmospheric and deeply affecting, The Mermaid’s Cry is a really strong contribution to the D.I. Ben Kitto series. I can’t help but wonder where he will go from here?
August 5, 2026
Inspector Ben Kitto of the Scilly Islands police force is in mourning for his wife, who died in a tragic accident a few months before this book begins. He has tried to escape painful memories by taking a year's leave from the police and moving to Penzance on the mainland with his small son Noah and his faithful wolfhound Shadow.
But crime dogs Ben's footsteps. Taking a sleepless Noah for a walk one night, he sees a figure snatch a baby from its stroller and throw it into the sea. He dives in and rescues the infant, who has a narrow escape but survives. He finds himself acclaimed as a hero, much against his will, and is invited by Penzance's head of detectives DCI Lynne Farraday to become SIO of the investigation. After another child is thrown into water and is put on life support, he reluctantly gives up his carpentry job and accepts.
There's a clear connection with an old Cornish myth, the Mermaid of Zennor; small plaster mermaids and charms keep appearing, near where the children were snatched and in other locations. The investigation becomes entangled with the Burning Sky Festival, a major tourist attraction which has events taking place a few miles away in Zennor. Ben's first task as SIO is to narrow down the list of suspects, who all appear to be connected in some way with the festival.
As devotees of this highly visual series have come to expect, there are plenty of well-realized characters to enjoy, some familiar, most new. From the Scillies, Ben Kitto's childhood friend and confidante Zoe is headlining the Burning Sky Festival and arrives a few days in advance; and his taciturn uncle Ray, who taught him the carpentry skills he is using, comes for a visit.
Ben has made friends in Penzance: motherly Caitlin Freer and her more intense daughter Ruth, who run the day nursery Noah attends when Ben is working; his obliging and good-natured neighbour Jim Kernow; amiable Denny, his boss at the carpentry shop, and his generous wife Sarah; Mick, his songwriter colleague; and DCI Farraday, who has hidden depths. There's mysterious Arthur Goss, who makes musical boxes; Shannon, the almost-drowned baby's mother, and her own mother, well-organized Pauline. Less friendly are unscrupulous Luke Pascoe, local reporter who doesn't care who he tramples on to get a story, and resentful DS Carnforth, who dislikes his boss's people-friendly approach. Flamboyant and persistent Freya Lennox is a leading light in the festival.
The locations in Penzance come to almost cinematic life too: Ben's shabby rented house which Ray takes in hand; the Freers' nursery, filled with colour and enthusiasm; the carpentry workshop, and Arthur Goss's cluttered but well organised shed; the down-at-heel estate where Shannon lives with her baby. And of course, Penzance itself, bursting with noisy summer holidaymakers.
Regular readers may be glad to see Ben Kitto return home to his comfort zone, as it's hinted, he will, but a brief foray into previously uncharted territory is no bad thing, especially in Kate Rhodes's more than capable hands. The Mermaid's Cry will certainly gain her new readers alongside the many, like me, who are already hooked on the series.
--------
Reviewer: Lynne Patrick
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
But crime dogs Ben's footsteps. Taking a sleepless Noah for a walk one night, he sees a figure snatch a baby from its stroller and throw it into the sea. He dives in and rescues the infant, who has a narrow escape but survives. He finds himself acclaimed as a hero, much against his will, and is invited by Penzance's head of detectives DCI Lynne Farraday to become SIO of the investigation. After another child is thrown into water and is put on life support, he reluctantly gives up his carpentry job and accepts.
There's a clear connection with an old Cornish myth, the Mermaid of Zennor; small plaster mermaids and charms keep appearing, near where the children were snatched and in other locations. The investigation becomes entangled with the Burning Sky Festival, a major tourist attraction which has events taking place a few miles away in Zennor. Ben's first task as SIO is to narrow down the list of suspects, who all appear to be connected in some way with the festival.
As devotees of this highly visual series have come to expect, there are plenty of well-realized characters to enjoy, some familiar, most new. From the Scillies, Ben Kitto's childhood friend and confidante Zoe is headlining the Burning Sky Festival and arrives a few days in advance; and his taciturn uncle Ray, who taught him the carpentry skills he is using, comes for a visit.
Ben has made friends in Penzance: motherly Caitlin Freer and her more intense daughter Ruth, who run the day nursery Noah attends when Ben is working; his obliging and good-natured neighbour Jim Kernow; amiable Denny, his boss at the carpentry shop, and his generous wife Sarah; Mick, his songwriter colleague; and DCI Farraday, who has hidden depths. There's mysterious Arthur Goss, who makes musical boxes; Shannon, the almost-drowned baby's mother, and her own mother, well-organized Pauline. Less friendly are unscrupulous Luke Pascoe, local reporter who doesn't care who he tramples on to get a story, and resentful DS Carnforth, who dislikes his boss's people-friendly approach. Flamboyant and persistent Freya Lennox is a leading light in the festival.
The locations in Penzance come to almost cinematic life too: Ben's shabby rented house which Ray takes in hand; the Freers' nursery, filled with colour and enthusiasm; the carpentry workshop, and Arthur Goss's cluttered but well organised shed; the down-at-heel estate where Shannon lives with her baby. And of course, Penzance itself, bursting with noisy summer holidaymakers.
Regular readers may be glad to see Ben Kitto return home to his comfort zone, as it's hinted, he will, but a brief foray into previously uncharted territory is no bad thing, especially in Kate Rhodes's more than capable hands. The Mermaid's Cry will certainly gain her new readers alongside the many, like me, who are already hooked on the series.
--------
Reviewer: Lynne Patrick
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
August 5, 2026
Personal tragedy brings DI Ben Kitto to Penzance. Having taken leave of absence from his job as a police detective in the isles of Scilly, he is trying to keep things together for the sake of his young son, Noah, but heartache makes the long nights difficult for them both - despite the protective presence of faithful canine companion, Shadow.
One night, Ben takes Noah out in his stroller, hoping to lull him back to sleep. The peace is suddenly shattered when a shadowy figure snatches a baby from a young mother also out for a walk, and throws it into the harbour. Ben reacts on instinct, and saves the baby from drowning. Later a small figure of a mermaid is found at the scene, reminiscent of the legendary Mermaid of Zennor. Ben is certain this is an important clue...
Ben Kitto is back! Having relocated from the Isles of Scilly to Cornwall, and temporarily taken a job as a carpenter, he finds himself on the track of a killer once again - even though his current job involves making furniture rather than arrests.
After his selfless act of bravery, Penzance's Chief of Police, DCI Lynne Farraday, asks Ben to help search for the mystery assailant. Already up to her neck in the messy politics of removing corrupt colleagues from the local police force, Farraday needs someone she can rely on. Ben is reluctant to get involved, but when another child is targeted, and more mermaid figures are found, he is persuaded to lead the investigation.
The story flips between Ben's perspective, and that of the unknown person obsessed with honouring the Mermaid of Zennor with child sacrifices. Nicely wielded threads about loss, family, mental health, the innocence of children, and closely-guarded secrets weave cleverly through the whole book, packing a punch on the emotional front - keep the tissues handy - and the timely modern themes of social problems clash like waves against the rocks of deep-seated dysfunction. Rhodes uses local folklore about the mermaid to unsettling perfection, and makes the most of a small community setting where dark undercurrents are at play too.
Once the slow-burn beginning builds pace, the personal lives of Ben and DCI Farraday get dragged dangerously into the investigation, and the guilty-party becomes increasingly unhinged. There are twists and turns galore, and a bevy of creditable suspects to consider - something Rhodes does so well - on the way to an epic climax set against the high summer crowds of Dark Sky Festival. I do not think I paused for breath during the final scenes when Ben and Shadow do their thing. So good!
This is my second Ben Kitto thriller post Kate Rhodes' move to Orenda Books, following Deadman's Pool, and I am rapidly seeing why her books are so well received. I absolutely inhaled this one, consuming it in a single sitting, and cannot wait for more!
One night, Ben takes Noah out in his stroller, hoping to lull him back to sleep. The peace is suddenly shattered when a shadowy figure snatches a baby from a young mother also out for a walk, and throws it into the harbour. Ben reacts on instinct, and saves the baby from drowning. Later a small figure of a mermaid is found at the scene, reminiscent of the legendary Mermaid of Zennor. Ben is certain this is an important clue...
Ben Kitto is back! Having relocated from the Isles of Scilly to Cornwall, and temporarily taken a job as a carpenter, he finds himself on the track of a killer once again - even though his current job involves making furniture rather than arrests.
After his selfless act of bravery, Penzance's Chief of Police, DCI Lynne Farraday, asks Ben to help search for the mystery assailant. Already up to her neck in the messy politics of removing corrupt colleagues from the local police force, Farraday needs someone she can rely on. Ben is reluctant to get involved, but when another child is targeted, and more mermaid figures are found, he is persuaded to lead the investigation.
The story flips between Ben's perspective, and that of the unknown person obsessed with honouring the Mermaid of Zennor with child sacrifices. Nicely wielded threads about loss, family, mental health, the innocence of children, and closely-guarded secrets weave cleverly through the whole book, packing a punch on the emotional front - keep the tissues handy - and the timely modern themes of social problems clash like waves against the rocks of deep-seated dysfunction. Rhodes uses local folklore about the mermaid to unsettling perfection, and makes the most of a small community setting where dark undercurrents are at play too.
Once the slow-burn beginning builds pace, the personal lives of Ben and DCI Farraday get dragged dangerously into the investigation, and the guilty-party becomes increasingly unhinged. There are twists and turns galore, and a bevy of creditable suspects to consider - something Rhodes does so well - on the way to an epic climax set against the high summer crowds of Dark Sky Festival. I do not think I paused for breath during the final scenes when Ben and Shadow do their thing. So good!
This is my second Ben Kitto thriller post Kate Rhodes' move to Orenda Books, following Deadman's Pool, and I am rapidly seeing why her books are so well received. I absolutely inhaled this one, consuming it in a single sitting, and cannot wait for more!
August 13, 2026
A complete change of scene, the rugged beauty of the Isles of Scilly being swapped for Cornwall, as we find Ben and son Noah in Penzance. Ben has taken a sabbatical from the police force on Scilly and is working as a cabinet maker, losing himself in skilled work with his hands, producing things of beauty and quietening his overactive brain. Getting through the day but avoiding the figurative ‘elephant in the room’, which must be confronted one day.
The story revolves around an obsession with an old legend, that of the Mermaid of Zennor who charmed a man who sang beautifully to his death. This is a land where superstition and folklore run deep and some will wait for something that is unattainable. Ben saves a baby thrown into the sea, though the leaving of a mermaid charm nearby suggests that this is merely a first attempt. The protector within Ben naturally wants to keep Noah safe; a policeman at heart, his public conscience means he must keep the other children safe too. The best way to do that is to find the suspect. The local DCI knows this too and she tries to charm him back at least on a temporary basis, he refuses but what will it take for him to change his mind.
Beneath the story is an examination and reflection on the nature of grief, that is so considered and well written, it’s the finest I’ve read within crime fiction. Grief can’t be forced, it comes when it is ready, as we wait for Ben Kitto to go through it. There are series regulars on hand to support Ben, though they recognise the need for space. The man mountain Ben is eventually broken down with the grief he needs to express before he can move on, but he is not the only one. Even Shadow the wolfdog, his companion and protector (of Ben and increasingly Noah) feels it, as Ben finds a garment tucked under his bed. By now the emotions of the most hardened reader have been battered.
The investigation part is steady and always engaging, with no shortage of suspects to contend with. There is a local Burning Sky festival which naturally provides the focal point, the nearer it comes the greater urgency in the narrative with chapters shortening. The reader knows it is coming but that takes nothing away from the big set piece which involves a race against time and plenty of jeopardy. This aspect of the story telling is getting stronger as the series progresses with some real heart in mouth moments.
The mystery and rugged beauty of Cornwall as a backdrop to a magnificent crime thriller packed with emotion.
The story revolves around an obsession with an old legend, that of the Mermaid of Zennor who charmed a man who sang beautifully to his death. This is a land where superstition and folklore run deep and some will wait for something that is unattainable. Ben saves a baby thrown into the sea, though the leaving of a mermaid charm nearby suggests that this is merely a first attempt. The protector within Ben naturally wants to keep Noah safe; a policeman at heart, his public conscience means he must keep the other children safe too. The best way to do that is to find the suspect. The local DCI knows this too and she tries to charm him back at least on a temporary basis, he refuses but what will it take for him to change his mind.
Beneath the story is an examination and reflection on the nature of grief, that is so considered and well written, it’s the finest I’ve read within crime fiction. Grief can’t be forced, it comes when it is ready, as we wait for Ben Kitto to go through it. There are series regulars on hand to support Ben, though they recognise the need for space. The man mountain Ben is eventually broken down with the grief he needs to express before he can move on, but he is not the only one. Even Shadow the wolfdog, his companion and protector (of Ben and increasingly Noah) feels it, as Ben finds a garment tucked under his bed. By now the emotions of the most hardened reader have been battered.
The investigation part is steady and always engaging, with no shortage of suspects to contend with. There is a local Burning Sky festival which naturally provides the focal point, the nearer it comes the greater urgency in the narrative with chapters shortening. The reader knows it is coming but that takes nothing away from the big set piece which involves a race against time and plenty of jeopardy. This aspect of the story telling is getting stronger as the series progresses with some real heart in mouth moments.
The mystery and rugged beauty of Cornwall as a backdrop to a magnificent crime thriller packed with emotion.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was lucky enough to pick the proof of The Mermaid’s Cry up at the Orenda Books proof party at Capital Crime.
It was my first novel by Kate Rhodes, who came highly recommended by my friend Penny (whose taste in crime fiction is very similar to my own and so I trust it).
I don’t think it mattered that I haven’t read the earlier books in the Ben Kitto series - he and the other return characters were introduced well and I felt I had a handle on their relationships. I also gathered that Kitto normally works for the police on the Scilly Isles but has taken extended leave after his wife died in a freak accident and has moved across the water to Penzance with his 3-year-old son Noah.
At Capital Crime, Kate Rhodes said she specifically wanted to write about investigating a crime while in the midst of deep grief, and she certainly succeeded in doing that! Ben had real depth and the other officers around him in Penzance were really interesting. I found it odd that he took so long to accept the invitation to work for the police in Penzance on the investigation. I understand why he has chosen to work for a local carpenter during his planned year out from the Scilly Islands police, but as soon as he realised he was getting involved with the case, I’d have thought he would have accepted the temporary contract in Penzance.
However, maybe this just reflects the sometimes slow and sometimes odd way we all act when we are in deep grief. Maybe to start with he felt more confident in his amateur detective status than he would as SIO.
The case itself is pretty horrible: someone has started throwing small children into the sea / swimming pool in the belief that the Mermaid of Zennor wants them. The Mermaid is a local legend who lured a man to live with her forever. The killer has twisted this somehow to believe that the children they take will be better with the Mermaid.
Thankfully, Ben and his colleagues get to the bottom of it, but at least one little boy is killed by the perpetrator first.
Despite the heinous crimes at its heart, this novel was full of community and family spirit and I definitely want to read the earlier books in the series.
Capital Crime is always brilliant for finding new-to-me crime writers, and I’m glad Kate Rhodes was one this year.
In three words: race against time
It was my first novel by Kate Rhodes, who came highly recommended by my friend Penny (whose taste in crime fiction is very similar to my own and so I trust it).
I don’t think it mattered that I haven’t read the earlier books in the Ben Kitto series - he and the other return characters were introduced well and I felt I had a handle on their relationships. I also gathered that Kitto normally works for the police on the Scilly Isles but has taken extended leave after his wife died in a freak accident and has moved across the water to Penzance with his 3-year-old son Noah.
At Capital Crime, Kate Rhodes said she specifically wanted to write about investigating a crime while in the midst of deep grief, and she certainly succeeded in doing that! Ben had real depth and the other officers around him in Penzance were really interesting. I found it odd that he took so long to accept the invitation to work for the police in Penzance on the investigation. I understand why he has chosen to work for a local carpenter during his planned year out from the Scilly Islands police, but as soon as he realised he was getting involved with the case, I’d have thought he would have accepted the temporary contract in Penzance.
However, maybe this just reflects the sometimes slow and sometimes odd way we all act when we are in deep grief. Maybe to start with he felt more confident in his amateur detective status than he would as SIO.
The case itself is pretty horrible: someone has started throwing small children into the sea / swimming pool in the belief that the Mermaid of Zennor wants them. The Mermaid is a local legend who lured a man to live with her forever. The killer has twisted this somehow to believe that the children they take will be better with the Mermaid.
Thankfully, Ben and his colleagues get to the bottom of it, but at least one little boy is killed by the perpetrator first.
Despite the heinous crimes at its heart, this novel was full of community and family spirit and I definitely want to read the earlier books in the series.
Capital Crime is always brilliant for finding new-to-me crime writers, and I’m glad Kate Rhodes was one this year.
In three words: race against time
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
DI Ben Kitto is back! Whilst I would always advise reading from the beginning in any crime series, The Mermaid's Cry can easily be read as a stand alone story. So if you are not familiar with Kitto, you will be fine to read this one.
I always think that Kate Rhodes has such a wonderful ability to combine crime and setting and The Mermaids Cry is another wonderful addition to the Ben Kitto series. Although this story takes us and Ben away from the familiar Isles of Scilly and onto the Cornish mainland, it still has that rich atmosphere and real emotional depth that we readers have come to expect.
Set against the backdrop of Cornwall's Dark Sky Festival, the novel opens with a shocking incident, and then the disappearance of local children which sends fear through the community. The discovery of small mermaid charms at each scene links the investigation to the haunting legend of the Mermaid of Zennor, and this adds such an eerie layer to the story. The folklore is woven naturally into the plot, and creates an unsettling feeling that the past is never too far away.
Ben Kitto is dealing with immense personal loss, and this adds another dimension to the story without ever overshadowing the investigation. His fierce determination to keep his young son safe makes every development of the novel feel really urgent, while the search for the truth keeps the tension building from beginning to end. Kate Rhodes expertly balances the emotional moments with a cleverly constructed plot that had me questioning everything.
The Cornish setting is a real highlight. From the dramatic coastline and changing skies to the bustling festival atmosphere, every scene is vividly described. The landscape becomes an integral part of the story, and whilst beautiful, it also has an underlying sense of menace. It is impossible not to become completely immersed in the sights, sounds and legends of Cornwall.
This is a beautifully paced and structured crime novel with memorable characters, a compelling mystery and a fabulous, vivid sense of place. It's is a captivating read, recommended.
I always think that Kate Rhodes has such a wonderful ability to combine crime and setting and The Mermaids Cry is another wonderful addition to the Ben Kitto series. Although this story takes us and Ben away from the familiar Isles of Scilly and onto the Cornish mainland, it still has that rich atmosphere and real emotional depth that we readers have come to expect.
Set against the backdrop of Cornwall's Dark Sky Festival, the novel opens with a shocking incident, and then the disappearance of local children which sends fear through the community. The discovery of small mermaid charms at each scene links the investigation to the haunting legend of the Mermaid of Zennor, and this adds such an eerie layer to the story. The folklore is woven naturally into the plot, and creates an unsettling feeling that the past is never too far away.
Ben Kitto is dealing with immense personal loss, and this adds another dimension to the story without ever overshadowing the investigation. His fierce determination to keep his young son safe makes every development of the novel feel really urgent, while the search for the truth keeps the tension building from beginning to end. Kate Rhodes expertly balances the emotional moments with a cleverly constructed plot that had me questioning everything.
The Cornish setting is a real highlight. From the dramatic coastline and changing skies to the bustling festival atmosphere, every scene is vividly described. The landscape becomes an integral part of the story, and whilst beautiful, it also has an underlying sense of menace. It is impossible not to become completely immersed in the sights, sounds and legends of Cornwall.
This is a beautifully paced and structured crime novel with memorable characters, a compelling mystery and a fabulous, vivid sense of place. It's is a captivating read, recommended.
July 22, 2026
I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
The Mermaid’s Cry is an emotional journey, especially if - like me - you have read other books in the DI Kitto series. I can confirm they work well as stand-alones. In each of them, Ben Kitto’s personal life moves into a new phase after he returns to his birthplace on the Scilly Isles. In the ninth episode, Kitto is a recent widower who lost his wife and unborn child in a freak accident. To escape constant reminders of his loss, he moves from the island of Bryher to Penzance with his three year old son Noah and loyal dog Shadow. Having taken a year’s compassionate leave from policing, Kitto is working as a carpenter to fit in with Noah’s play school routine.
When Kitto takes Noah for a late night walk to soothe him to sleep, he witnesses a baby being stolen from her mother and flung into the sea. Kitto succeeds in rescuing the child, but this turns out to be the first in a series of terrifying attempts to drown small children. Sadly, one little boy dies in hospital after being attacked. Mermaid tokens left at the scene of each crime link them to a troubling Cornish folk tale. Kitto’s own grief becomes a backdrop to the terror of parents trying to protect their infants from a maniac’s obsession. A crisis looms as the summer eclipse approaches, bringing with it the annual Dark Skies festival of folklore.
Kate Rhodes writes poetically, which makes it less painful for the reader to engage with dark topics. As well as being an exciting, twisty crime story, The Mermaid’s Cry shows how individuals in the throes of deep grief can be supported by family, friends and a warm, inclusive community.
The Mermaid’s Cry is an emotional journey, especially if - like me - you have read other books in the DI Kitto series. I can confirm they work well as stand-alones. In each of them, Ben Kitto’s personal life moves into a new phase after he returns to his birthplace on the Scilly Isles. In the ninth episode, Kitto is a recent widower who lost his wife and unborn child in a freak accident. To escape constant reminders of his loss, he moves from the island of Bryher to Penzance with his three year old son Noah and loyal dog Shadow. Having taken a year’s compassionate leave from policing, Kitto is working as a carpenter to fit in with Noah’s play school routine.
When Kitto takes Noah for a late night walk to soothe him to sleep, he witnesses a baby being stolen from her mother and flung into the sea. Kitto succeeds in rescuing the child, but this turns out to be the first in a series of terrifying attempts to drown small children. Sadly, one little boy dies in hospital after being attacked. Mermaid tokens left at the scene of each crime link them to a troubling Cornish folk tale. Kitto’s own grief becomes a backdrop to the terror of parents trying to protect their infants from a maniac’s obsession. A crisis looms as the summer eclipse approaches, bringing with it the annual Dark Skies festival of folklore.
Kate Rhodes writes poetically, which makes it less painful for the reader to engage with dark topics. As well as being an exciting, twisty crime story, The Mermaid’s Cry shows how individuals in the throes of deep grief can be supported by family, friends and a warm, inclusive community.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I don’t think the opening of a book has left me as devastated as The Mermaid’s Cry did when we reconnect once more with Kate Rhodes character, DI Ben Kitto. It is very difficult to talk about this section of the book without giving away spoilers, but I couldn’t not talk about how shocked it left me.
There is a supernatural edge to this book that Kate Rhodes brings to life, particularly through the legend of the mermaid. In the opening, a baby is thrown into the sea, and Ben dives in to rescue the baby. He soon finds himself becoming a major part of the investigation, despite having recently given up his job as a police officer. The crime is horrific, and it definitely gets the local residents talking and demanding action to catch the person who did this. Ben’s actions make him a hero to the locals, even though he certainly doesn’t want any praise or attention. This adds to the already dark tone, and the crime gives the sense that the police are up against someone whose moves could be very unpredictable. The police are definitely in a race against time to stop the crime from happening again. It was really intriguing hearing from the perpetrator’s perspective. Kate Rhodes did a brilliant job of putting a spotlight on their motives and revealing what sort of person they are.
Kate Rhodes continues to develop Ben’s character in this book. I definitely thought, at the end of the last book, that I had a clear idea of where his journey was going to take him next, but now I am not so sure. It certainly does put a fresh spin on this series, but it is one, I think, that will divide long-time fans.
The Mermaid’s Cry has shifted this series in a new direction, and I, for one, am definitely intrigued to find out what becomes of Ben next. It is a haunting, atmospheric read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
There is a supernatural edge to this book that Kate Rhodes brings to life, particularly through the legend of the mermaid. In the opening, a baby is thrown into the sea, and Ben dives in to rescue the baby. He soon finds himself becoming a major part of the investigation, despite having recently given up his job as a police officer. The crime is horrific, and it definitely gets the local residents talking and demanding action to catch the person who did this. Ben’s actions make him a hero to the locals, even though he certainly doesn’t want any praise or attention. This adds to the already dark tone, and the crime gives the sense that the police are up against someone whose moves could be very unpredictable. The police are definitely in a race against time to stop the crime from happening again. It was really intriguing hearing from the perpetrator’s perspective. Kate Rhodes did a brilliant job of putting a spotlight on their motives and revealing what sort of person they are.
Kate Rhodes continues to develop Ben’s character in this book. I definitely thought, at the end of the last book, that I had a clear idea of where his journey was going to take him next, but now I am not so sure. It certainly does put a fresh spin on this series, but it is one, I think, that will divide long-time fans.
The Mermaid’s Cry has shifted this series in a new direction, and I, for one, am definitely intrigued to find out what becomes of Ben next. It is a haunting, atmospheric read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
July 28, 2026
This is the 9th book in the DI Ben Kitto, The Isles Of Scilly Mysteries and would read well as a stand-alone. Strangely, saying that, having read the previous book I felt I had missed something from it. I even went back and checked. But don’t let that put you off what is a really good read. Ben is on a sabbatical from the police force and has moved to Penzance with his son Noah and Shadow, their dog. Told from the POVs of Ben and the unnamed perpetrator this is a fast paced and exciting read.
Briefly, it is the Dark Sky Festival in Cornwall when Ben sees a baby being thrown into the sea and rushes to save it. But that’s not the end as more children go missing and a small mermaid statue is found where they were last seen. Despite his reluctance Ben is drawn into helping the police; then this becomes personal when Ben receives a threat at his home.
I enjoyed reading this new reincarnation of Ben following his recent tragic loss. It’s a very dark and disturbing read with some excellent red herrings that had me fooled. There is a bit of a supernatural element, around the legend of the Mermaid of Zennor, but would class this as a psychological thriller/crime drama, and a very good one. Anyone who knows me will have guessed straight away that my favourite character was Shadow, four legs does it for me every time! An entertaining well written read and I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
Briefly, it is the Dark Sky Festival in Cornwall when Ben sees a baby being thrown into the sea and rushes to save it. But that’s not the end as more children go missing and a small mermaid statue is found where they were last seen. Despite his reluctance Ben is drawn into helping the police; then this becomes personal when Ben receives a threat at his home.
I enjoyed reading this new reincarnation of Ben following his recent tragic loss. It’s a very dark and disturbing read with some excellent red herrings that had me fooled. There is a bit of a supernatural element, around the legend of the Mermaid of Zennor, but would class this as a psychological thriller/crime drama, and a very good one. Anyone who knows me will have guessed straight away that my favourite character was Shadow, four legs does it for me every time! An entertaining well written read and I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
August 9, 2026
When a baby is thrown into Penzance Harbour and is rescued by DI Ben Kitto, Ben realises quickly that something strange is happening. As the children of Penzance are targeted can Ben crack the case before tragedy strikes again.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I now realise I have been missing out on a fantastic thriller and crime series. This book is part of The Isles of Scilly Mysteries series but can be read as a standalone. This was a brilliant introduction to not only the series but the authors writing style. The storyline had many twists and turns and was intense. At times I felt like I was in a race against time alongside Ben to crack the case. After reading I did find myself falling down a rabbit hole and reading more about Mermaid of Zennor.
DI Ben Kitto is currently on a sabbatical from work. Having recently lost his wife and unborn child his main priority is taking care of his three-year-old son Noah. Policing is far from his mind until he witnesses a child being thrown into the sea. He immediately takes action and saves the child but can’t get the shadowy figure he witnessed throw the child out of his mind. It transpires that this isn’t an isolated incident when another child is thrown into a Lido. Someone is targeting children and leaving behind a small mermaid figurine linking the crimes to the local legend of the Mermaid of Zennor. The figures aren’t only left at the crime scene but the homes of local children including at Ben’s home.
The story is narrated by Ben and an unknown person. It was interesting to see the story unfold through their eyes. Initially Ben doesn’t want to be involved in the investigation despite being asked. But his policing instinct kicks in and he can’t help but want to assist especially when the lives of children including his sons are at risk. It was interesting to see how Ben was portrayed. Some saw him as a hero and some start to view him with suspicion. I found the narrative of the unknown person fascinating. They seem to be obsessed with the Mermaid of Zennor but it wasn’t clear who this person was. It was clear that they were part of the community because they walked among them unnoticed. As Ben starts to investigate, he becomes hyper alert and as matters snowball he starts to view everyone with suspicion even those close to him. I had no idea who the culprit was. I had a few characters on my radar but when all was revealed I couldn’t have been more wrong.
A brilliant read.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I now realise I have been missing out on a fantastic thriller and crime series. This book is part of The Isles of Scilly Mysteries series but can be read as a standalone. This was a brilliant introduction to not only the series but the authors writing style. The storyline had many twists and turns and was intense. At times I felt like I was in a race against time alongside Ben to crack the case. After reading I did find myself falling down a rabbit hole and reading more about Mermaid of Zennor.
DI Ben Kitto is currently on a sabbatical from work. Having recently lost his wife and unborn child his main priority is taking care of his three-year-old son Noah. Policing is far from his mind until he witnesses a child being thrown into the sea. He immediately takes action and saves the child but can’t get the shadowy figure he witnessed throw the child out of his mind. It transpires that this isn’t an isolated incident when another child is thrown into a Lido. Someone is targeting children and leaving behind a small mermaid figurine linking the crimes to the local legend of the Mermaid of Zennor. The figures aren’t only left at the crime scene but the homes of local children including at Ben’s home.
The story is narrated by Ben and an unknown person. It was interesting to see the story unfold through their eyes. Initially Ben doesn’t want to be involved in the investigation despite being asked. But his policing instinct kicks in and he can’t help but want to assist especially when the lives of children including his sons are at risk. It was interesting to see how Ben was portrayed. Some saw him as a hero and some start to view him with suspicion. I found the narrative of the unknown person fascinating. They seem to be obsessed with the Mermaid of Zennor but it wasn’t clear who this person was. It was clear that they were part of the community because they walked among them unnoticed. As Ben starts to investigate, he becomes hyper alert and as matters snowball he starts to view everyone with suspicion even those close to him. I had no idea who the culprit was. I had a few characters on my radar but when all was revealed I couldn’t have been more wrong.
A brilliant read.
July 23, 2026
Cornwall is one of my favourite places to visit, after spending msny summer holiday there over the years, so I have lots of good memories of the area, and was able to picture the locations clearly in my head. Particularly the Penzance area which that holds lots of special memories for me.
So I couldn't wait to get into this read, and it certainly lived up to my high expectations.
This is my first read by this author, and the ninth in the
Series, but for me, this works perfectly well as a standalone.
The phrase is used far too often and has become somewhat of a cliché, but this certainly is a page turner.
It's a classic murder mystery, set in an absolutely stunning location, with all the great twists and turns you'd expect and an enthralling storyline that held my attention from start to finish.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
So I couldn't wait to get into this read, and it certainly lived up to my high expectations.
This is my first read by this author, and the ninth in the
Series, but for me, this works perfectly well as a standalone.
The phrase is used far too often and has become somewhat of a cliché, but this certainly is a page turner.
It's a classic murder mystery, set in an absolutely stunning location, with all the great twists and turns you'd expect and an enthralling storyline that held my attention from start to finish.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
August 5, 2026
My thoughts
I haven’t read the whole series and I was immersed from the start.
This was a book full of immersion in one way or another. Grief, fear, landscape and characters all were deep and pulled you in to the world Kate Rhodes so expertly weaved. The realities of what happens when we’re grieving, how we react and who we feel is right to be around can all become different or skewed and this is shown expertly.
Don’t think this is all about grief, because it’s not but it does ask questions of how grief and other emotions affect our thoughts, judgments and actions.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it. As I said I’ve not read the whole series. I love Cornwall and like other places it is a character on its own.
With thanks to Anne Cater, the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.
I haven’t read the whole series and I was immersed from the start.
This was a book full of immersion in one way or another. Grief, fear, landscape and characters all were deep and pulled you in to the world Kate Rhodes so expertly weaved. The realities of what happens when we’re grieving, how we react and who we feel is right to be around can all become different or skewed and this is shown expertly.
Don’t think this is all about grief, because it’s not but it does ask questions of how grief and other emotions affect our thoughts, judgments and actions.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it. As I said I’ve not read the whole series. I love Cornwall and like other places it is a character on its own.
With thanks to Anne Cater, the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.
August 6, 2026
This is book #9 in the Ben Kitto series but can absolutely be read as a standalone. It's my first book by Kate Rhodes and I really enjoyed it. Ben is on a sabbatical following the untimely death of his pregnant wife and moves from his hometown on the Isle Of Scilly to Penzance. Ben is grieving and devoting all of his time to his young son, Noah. The opening chapter of this book is really shocking, Ben witnessing a stranger throw a baby into the sea which he subsequently rescues and then becomes something of a local hero. The antagonist in this book is obsessed with local mermaid folklore, which compells them to sacrifice a child to the sea. The author does a great job of bringing an atmospheric ambience to the story. When it came to suspects there were so many red herrings and I genuinely didn't know until the final reveal. This is a well written and emotional read.
August 26, 2026
This is another exceptional piece of storytelling from Kate Rhodes, it is set in a beautiful part of the world and that place is vividly brought to life by the author, some of the characters are familiar and we are immersed in their story too, other characters are new yet feel real and this is the skill of the writer who has a wonderful sense for description that brings not only the place, the characters but also the story to life.
I cannot recommend The Mermaid’s Cry highly enough this book takes those of us who know the series well quite a bit out of our comfort zone yet keeps it very much a Ben Kitto mystery. I haven’t said a lot about Ben’s personal story which threads through the book as I didn’t want to give away any spoilers but it is very well written and so touching.
What a story! I can’t wait for the next.
Full thoughts on blog.
I cannot recommend The Mermaid’s Cry highly enough this book takes those of us who know the series well quite a bit out of our comfort zone yet keeps it very much a Ben Kitto mystery. I haven’t said a lot about Ben’s personal story which threads through the book as I didn’t want to give away any spoilers but it is very well written and so touching.
What a story! I can’t wait for the next.
Full thoughts on blog.
July 31, 2026
Well, this book came as a bit of a surprise. There are several reasons for that, one of which it wouldn’t be appropriate to talk about for fear of spoilers, but it certainly changed the tone of the book compared to its predecessors. Not in a bad way, but perhaps in a way that meant it hit harder emotionally. The other surprise is that the books action takes place not on the various islands that make up Scilly, but rather on the mainland. Penzance to be exact.
Now, again, careful of spoilers, this is a book which focuses on family, mourning and a more than healthy dose of the kinds of folklore which is rife down in Cornwall. In this case it is the local legend of the Mermaid of Zennor, on whom the evil doer in this case is completely fixated. They are certain that the Mermaid is calling them, asking for a sacrifice. They are certain price to be paid - the life of a young child. Unsurprisingly this causes great concern amongst the local population, especially when it seems that the Mermaid might be set to get her wish.
I did like what Kate Rhodes has done with this story. Yes, the tone and feel of the book is different, and it did take a while to settle into the flow of the narrative as not only is Ben taken out of his natural home, but also the very essence of who he is, having taken a sabbatical from the Police. Of course, a sabbatical for Ben Kitto means only that he doesn’t carry a badge with him everywhere he goes, and it is not long before he is caught in the midst of the case, hunting down the mystery assailant who seems hellbent on taking a child. The author plays with Ben’s emotions here, his concern for all the children he sees around him heightened by his own fears for the potential risk to his son, Noah. The amplification of emotions driven but his, and other elements of the story, were explored carefully and give a really authentic feel to the story.
The use of Cornish folklore, and the impending Dark Skies festival really add to the tension and atmosphere of the novel. There are many familiar faces in the mix who move in and out of Ben’s story quite naturally, as well as a whole host of new faces who I found it easy to both like, and in some cases, hate. With regard to the potential suspects in the case, there are many, Kate Rhodes switching our attention and thoughts from one to the other with ease. Ben being out of Scilly means that his knowledge of the locals is limited, and it feels as though everyone, even his temporary bosses, face suspicion at some point.
This is a very different book, and yet strangely familiar. If you have read any of the previous books in the series, then the opening chapters may confuse you, but if you say with the story, all will become a lot clearer. I do think Kate Rhodes is brave taking this path and it will inevitably change any story that may follow, but this is inherently a Ben Kitto story with all the passion, compassion and action you might expect, and a strong does of emotion too.
July 29, 2026
This book is simply superb. I've never read one of Kate's books before but I need to read them all now this book was so good.
I absolutely loved Ben Kitto as the main detective and loved seeing the insight of his personal life alongside his professional especially with his son Noah,
The book had an absolutely excellent plot and is a great combination of police procedural and thriller. The chapters from the killers point of view are absolutely fantastic.
It's such an addictive book, you won't be able to put it down (I certainly couldn't ) and read it in a day. I loved all the suspense and twists especially the end one.
An absolutely brilliant read and very highly recommended.
I absolutely loved Ben Kitto as the main detective and loved seeing the insight of his personal life alongside his professional especially with his son Noah,
The book had an absolutely excellent plot and is a great combination of police procedural and thriller. The chapters from the killers point of view are absolutely fantastic.
It's such an addictive book, you won't be able to put it down (I certainly couldn't ) and read it in a day. I loved all the suspense and twists especially the end one.
An absolutely brilliant read and very highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Ive enjoyed the Ben Kitto series immensely but The Mermaids Cry made me think id missed something in the previous book?? I cant give any spoilers but let's just say it was a weird storyline involving Ben!
The setting as always was written with attention to detail , the cast of chrachters some new some old were well written and warming especially Shadow who I love as Ben's sidekick! The plots was twisty and kept me guessing til the end.
A good read but I just felt like id missed something with the back story! Because of that 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read only.
The setting as always was written with attention to detail , the cast of chrachters some new some old were well written and warming especially Shadow who I love as Ben's sidekick! The plots was twisty and kept me guessing til the end.
A good read but I just felt like id missed something with the back story! Because of that 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read only.
July 27, 2026
I so very much enjoyed this read, the blurb was good the book was even better.
Full of suspense and fast paced action, a race against time ending, oh yes I was all in and couldn’t put it down.
Great characters and a community feel amongst them, plus there is Shadow, this is book 9 in the series but my first one and I will definitely be getting the rest on my kindle to catch up with Ben Kitto’s story.
Full of suspense and fast paced action, a race against time ending, oh yes I was all in and couldn’t put it down.
Great characters and a community feel amongst them, plus there is Shadow, this is book 9 in the series but my first one and I will definitely be getting the rest on my kindle to catch up with Ben Kitto’s story.
July 14, 2026
I’ve not read any of this series before, but that doesn’t take anything away from the story. Everything you need to know is given, background on the main character, Ben, and his friends & family.
Ben has moved to Penzance after losing his wife and is hoping for a quiet year to grieve, taking time away from his job with the police. Unfortunately, this doesn’t quite go to plan when he ends up being the hero rescuing a baby that some lunatic has thrown into the sea! Not what you expect when taking a late cooling walk hoping to get your own child to sleep.
The story moves at an alarming pace after this, we have chapters in between Ben’s recollections from the perpetrator, someone I changed my mind about 4 times during the book. There are so many red herrings (well played Kate) that you can’t help but keep switching who you think it is. I’m not sure if I actually suspected the person it was, I could have but now I’m not sure!
I think I may add the rest of the series to my tbr, well written and some great characters. I have a feeling there will be more favourites back in Ben’s hometown.
Ben has moved to Penzance after losing his wife and is hoping for a quiet year to grieve, taking time away from his job with the police. Unfortunately, this doesn’t quite go to plan when he ends up being the hero rescuing a baby that some lunatic has thrown into the sea! Not what you expect when taking a late cooling walk hoping to get your own child to sleep.
The story moves at an alarming pace after this, we have chapters in between Ben’s recollections from the perpetrator, someone I changed my mind about 4 times during the book. There are so many red herrings (well played Kate) that you can’t help but keep switching who you think it is. I’m not sure if I actually suspected the person it was, I could have but now I’m not sure!
I think I may add the rest of the series to my tbr, well written and some great characters. I have a feeling there will be more favourites back in Ben’s hometown.
August 6, 2026
Interesting with lots of possible perpetrators included in this story set off the Isles of Scilly. It did start strangely with mention of Ben's wife Nina being dead and that's why they were in Penzance. I felt like I had missed a book but checked the order and there wasn't one in between so it felt like a strange jump.
July 25, 2026
What have you done to Ben? He was never mr happy, but something happened to him between books and it is a trope I detest in books and films used to either motivate or beat the main character.
3 stars because the case is still interesting and moving to the mainland for a bit was a nice change.
3 stars because the case is still interesting and moving to the mainland for a bit was a nice change.
July 18, 2026
I like Ben and his people and their story just as much as in the earlier books. But I did not enjoy the crime story, it was far fetched and a bit silly. Though well executed.
August 10, 2026
Book 9 and I preordered ready for holiday! The twists in this plot had me hooked. Did not see the ending coming at all. Brilliant roll on no 10!
August 29, 2026
Not the best one in this series . Very strange at times.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Kate Rhodes’ award-winning Isles of Scilly series returns with another gripping instalment, picking up after a heartbreaking tragedy in DI Ben Kitto’s personal life. I’ve always loved how real and well-drawn the characters feel and that really shines through here alongside a believable and compelling crime. The Cornish setting is brought to life so vividly, with its rich history, folklore and stunning coastal landscape adding the classic atmospheric ambience the author is so well known for. It’s all tied together with real emotional depth and thoughtful psychological insight, compassionately handled given the tragic theme of the case. This makes the story even more engaging and it’s easy to see why this series is now being brought to the screen.
This time, we have a deviation from the usual style of the series. “The Mermaid’s Cry” is set inland in Penzance, rather than the traditional Isles of Scilly setting. Ben Kitto and his son, Noah, are now living there following a change in lifestyle and environment. Although he is still prominently involved in the case he becomes embroiled in, it’s no longer in a professional capacity but more as a consultant. Shadow, Ben’s loving and devoted dog is, as always, a key presence and I’m pleased to see he’s still doing his protective job over Noah.
I have read every one of the books in the Isles of Scilly Mysteries series and although I would recommend reading them all in order for character development and continuity, each one can still be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.
My only small criticism is that, as a seasoned reader and huge fan of the series, there seemed to be a sudden jump between books. A major event between the two novels significantly changes Ben’s personal life and considering how closely we’ve followed his relationship struggles from the beginning, I was a little disappointed not to experience this as it happened. However, it still plays a huge part in the story, more ‘after the fact’ and clearly impacts Ben’s reluctance to become professionally involved in the case.
#TheMermaidsCry - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This time, we have a deviation from the usual style of the series. “The Mermaid’s Cry” is set inland in Penzance, rather than the traditional Isles of Scilly setting. Ben Kitto and his son, Noah, are now living there following a change in lifestyle and environment. Although he is still prominently involved in the case he becomes embroiled in, it’s no longer in a professional capacity but more as a consultant. Shadow, Ben’s loving and devoted dog is, as always, a key presence and I’m pleased to see he’s still doing his protective job over Noah.
I have read every one of the books in the Isles of Scilly Mysteries series and although I would recommend reading them all in order for character development and continuity, each one can still be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.
My only small criticism is that, as a seasoned reader and huge fan of the series, there seemed to be a sudden jump between books. A major event between the two novels significantly changes Ben’s personal life and considering how closely we’ve followed his relationship struggles from the beginning, I was a little disappointed not to experience this as it happened. However, it still plays a huge part in the story, more ‘after the fact’ and clearly impacts Ben’s reluctance to become professionally involved in the case.
#TheMermaidsCry - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 17, 2026
I really enjoyed this read. It’s the second boom in the Ben Kitto series that I have read, the first one being the book before this one. I did however, feel like I had missed something from it?! But the book was still an enjoyable read.
We see Ben away from his home after something has happened, having a break from the police and doing woodwork which seems to soothe and relax him whilst he’s looking after his son Noah. But of course things are not that simple, after Ben reacts when something happens he ends up right in the middle of something which involves the local mermaid legend and it’s an interesting story with twists and turns.
I liked the characters, we had some of the same ones from the previous book and some new ones but my favourite is Shadow and he is such a brilliant sidekick to Ben! I also liked reading about Ben’s relationship with his uncle. I thought it was brilliantly written and it flowed well.
We see Ben away from his home after something has happened, having a break from the police and doing woodwork which seems to soothe and relax him whilst he’s looking after his son Noah. But of course things are not that simple, after Ben reacts when something happens he ends up right in the middle of something which involves the local mermaid legend and it’s an interesting story with twists and turns.
I liked the characters, we had some of the same ones from the previous book and some new ones but my favourite is Shadow and he is such a brilliant sidekick to Ben! I also liked reading about Ben’s relationship with his uncle. I thought it was brilliantly written and it flowed well.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews