Beneath Blue Waves

by D.M. West

There are more than sharks lurking in the depths.

After a research dive searching for sharks goes horribly wrong, Doctor Marnie Williams expects her recovery in Townsville to be uneventful.

When Detective Daniel Miller is called out to a potential missing person, he expects it to be a simple enough case. But then more bodies start showing up and he never expected all the carnage to lead to a reunion with Marnie.

There is something in the water. It’s hungry and doesn’t care about their tumultuous past. People are dying and Marnie and Dan will have to learn how to work together if they’re going to have any chance of finding out what lurks beneath blue waves…

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2026

About the author

D.M. West considers herself a multi-genre author. She writes in all genres because the more adventures to be had, the better. Besides, there’s so many fun genres out there how does someone limit themselves to just one?
She currently lives in sunny North Queensland, Australia, because cold weather is the worst.
When not writing she can be found reading all the genres (of course), gaming (both console and PC), or riding horses.
D.M. West can be found on all the socials where she enjoys connecting with her readers as she shares her writing, what she’s reading and animal antics.

Reviews

[Naomi Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a strong debut, especially for a genre I don’t usually gravitate toward.

Thrillers aren’t typically my go-to. I tend to lean more toward romance and fantasy, but once I got into this, I absolutely flew through it. The pacing was one of the standout elements and it kept me engaged the entire way through.

The concept felt really fresh, and I especially appreciated how grounded everything was. It’s very clear the author has a strong understanding of the subject matter. The marine life, diving, and technical elements all felt well thought out and added a lot of authenticity to the story.

It was also really fun seeing it set locally around Townsville and Magnetic Island in settings I could picture perfectly.

The main character was solid and consistent throughout, and I liked that she was competent from the beginning and stayed that way as the stakes increased. There was also a moment that genuinely caught me off guard and raised the emotional stakes in a way I wasn’t expecting and also had me crying a bit.

The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 stars for me comes down to personal preference, as this isn’t a genre I usually read.

Overall though, this was a really solid, well-paced mystery with a unique concept, and I’d definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy mystery stories with a bit of suspense.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger lurks beneath the waves in this action-packed romantic thriller. Marnie's injured while shark-diving during her research as a marine biologist and returns to her home of Townsville for some RnR and to take a short-term teaching job. When she's called in on an investigation to identify bite marks on a body pulled from the water, the last thing she's expecting is to find the mangled partial body was NOT the result of a shark attack. Or to come face to face with Dan, the police officer who once arrested her. Her brother's best friend. The man who walked away from her after her brother died.

But something is killing people in the water off Townsville, and as a detective, it's Dan's job to figure out what is going on. A billionaire's kid is missing and he'll stop at nothing to discover his son's body, even if that means going against police orders. When Marnie joins in on the unauthorised search, the dive once again ends in disaster and one thing is made clear - there is a killer monster in the water.

I loved the banter, mystery, and slow burn romance in this book. The sci-fi elements that creates the monster adds a touch of reality-bending that's believable to make this book a tense and interesting thriller. Add in a blast from the past in the form of a brother's best friend she is at odds with, and it's so my type of story. I can never resist a bro's BF or a protective hero. I'm looking forward to more Dan and Marnie mysteries.

ARC from author but all my own and honest thoughts :D

[Makayla Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start this off by saying I am already biased because it doesn’t matter the genre, I’m obsessed with ocean/body of water/rain/Literally any form of water. If that’s there, I’m in.

So beyond that, I did like this book. I found the FMC to be a tad unlikable, but that’s not a deal breaker. There were also a couple of nit picky things that I won’t mention in detail because it just doesn’t matter except to mention it swayed my rating a small bit.

The characters I think were well written with their own issues/depth and growth.

The story itself was interesting and mixed with the pace, it was *chefs kiss*.

That’s why this gets a four. Despite not having much wrong with it (in my opinion) it also didn’t stun me. My five star reads have to meet some criteria. While I rate ARC’s based on the CAWPILE method, I also have different stepping stones for the rating if it averages at a five star.

Do I want a physical copy for my bookshelf?

Will I want to read it again?

Did this wreck me emotionally? (cathartic or depressing are both accepted)

If one or more of those are a no, then it gets knocked down a peg to a four star, which is still good.

Anyways, I do recommend this book, especially for those who are tired of cut and dry crime novels and want something more unique with the same vibe.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cass Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the Underwater Investigation Unit series by Andrew Mayne; this sounded similar enough (female diver/scientist working with police) to give a try.

I was ready to enjoy the ride when Marnie shimmied into her wetsuit - okay, perhaps Australians find it easier to pull on a wetsuit. Blaming the ship captain for equipment failure when the sharks were just violent and smashing at the cage and tether did set the stage for her emotionally immature character. Chapter one, maybe it will get better. It mostly did and Marnie grew on me somewhat. The character evolved as her high risk activities took tolls on people around her.

The pace of the story was good and I really liked there was an explanation for the killer sea creature so a human villian could be held accountable. I suspect it's barely plausible because writing that antibotics don't work most of the time doesn't show a respect for science that I had expected when the main character is a PhD candidate.

The plot and pacing were good. It has something for everyone, trauma, romance, dodgy business practices. I went in with high expectations.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachael Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is pacy and grounded with lots of relevant info to diving and sharks, etc., which I loved. It packs a punch with both tension and emotion at several key times throughout the book, and let me tell you, the underwater action scenes had me uneasy in the best ways. This story definitely pulled me along for the boat ride and wouldn't let me stop reading at times.

The main characters slow burn romance was a nice touch, as I appreciate a good romantic interlude, but their lack of mature communication at times did frustrate me a bit, as did Marnie's devil may care ways. But she seems to learn and grow and that's nice to see in a main character. I found myself rooting for her and Dan, and the whole team involved. Oh, and the villain POV is very unique in the mix, too. All in all it was a solid read that I quite enjoyed. I do love me a thrilling creature feature! It had me on the edge of my seat at times.
4.5 stars, rounded up.

I received a free copy and this review is voluntarily.

[Brittini Ramsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg, I just binged this in a few hours.

This was actually a really great story. Think Jaws, meets The Meg; but here's the kicker..... the big bad isn't a shark 👀😱

I love how it integrated so well into everyday life, and the fact that it's set in my hometown, made it feel all the more real.

The relationships are believable, and you can relate to some of them as they are exactly the types of relationships one would have.
The back-story linking characters is detailed and you can feel the depth of care between characters.
I still can't believe they killed her off 😭, that was heartbreaking and I cried.

We actually get a short perspective for 'it' as well. I'd love to see what other killer marine animals future stories have (if they have killer marine life).

Overall, it was an excellent, short, easy read and I can't wait to read more when they are released.

Storyline - 4/5
Spice - more yearning / unrequited feelings (covered by animosity and guilt)
Characters - 3.5/5
Would I recommend - 100%

Overall Rating - 4⭐️

[Kelly Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Beneath Blue Waves. Having it set right here in Towsville was super cool and made the whole story feel personal with every location being familiar. I loved how authentically Aussie the dialogue was too. The casual laid-back North Queensland chat was spot‑on and completly natural.

The book opens with real impact, and that sense of danger and suspense carries through multiple scenes. The pacing never slows. There’s always something happening, which kept me hooked from start to finish.
I also appreciated how well reasearched the medical and marine biology details were.

The main characater was a standout for me. She was incredibly brave, and I admired her passion and respect for marine animals and her courage throughout the story. The romance was super cute and added a lovely softness to balance the danger.

A fast, atmospheric, authentically Aussie thriller with heart and tension. Hoping there is a sequel. Great read!!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC from the team at book sirens! This was a first from this author and not in my typical genre. The first couple of chapters were an unexpected surprise! I was roped right into the plot and curious as to where the story was headed. Even once some of my questions were answered in the first half of text, the author did a great job of leaving you wanting to read more and discover where you may be headed next. I rated 3 stars because the explanation was too practical and straightforward. We got one small chapter from the “villain” perspective but honestly, I would have loved a couple more glimpses into their mind. The ending lacked the same excitement that the beginning of the text had. Overall I really did enjoy it and look forward to checking out where the characters may go in the future with more development!

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3½ stars for me.
I enjoyed this book overall. The writing style was easy to read, and the storyline kept my interest throughout. I especially enjoy stories set on or around the water, particularly in places I’ve visited myself, so that added an extra layer of enjoyment for me.
Most of the characters were easy to like, and I liked that there were hints of romance without it taking over the story.
The main reason I didn’t rate it higher was that it really needed another round of editing. There were quite a few spelling and grammar mistakes, and after a while they became a little distracting.
That said, I still enjoyed the book and would definitely read more from the author in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pete Arcane Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too cringy to say it had me hook line and sinker!? Too bad.
Mild spoiler*

How could it not with action starting on the first page? I was genuinely engaged throughout the book, from the characters back story to the present day action, I personally am not a fan of the ocean.. this book did not help.. it wasn’t a shark people! It was a slow burn thriller for sure.

This is an instant Aussie classic, with its Tropical North Locations and its strong main female character brought into a mystery due to her expertise, as to why people are disappearing off the coast. I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense and mystery trying to guess what it was… and if this is going to be a series, I hope it brings new interesting creatures & characters, around Australia.

[Bama Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced thriller that will make you think twice before stepping into the ocean. Something is hunting in the waters off Australia—and this time, it isn’t a great white.

As the body count rises, marine biologist Marnie uncovers evidence of a creature that shouldn’t exist. To stop the killings, she’s forced to work with Dan, a police detective—and the man who once caused her deep pain. Close proximity will either draw them together or push them further apart.

Reminiscent of the shark-driven disaster movies I loved as a young adult, I found this book gripping, tense, and hard to put down.

[Karlynn Sievers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a fun and thrilling read!

I do enjoy a good creature feature, and this one does not disappoint! And of course, any creature in the water amps up the stakes - there were several points in the book where I was trying to read between my fingers because I had them over my eyes! It made me squeamish in the best, most suspenseful way!

In addition to the creature action, there's an interesting mystery that takes an unexpected turn, and a slow-burn romance to keep you engaged when the creature isn't wreaking mayhem.

This book is lots of fun, and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone that likes a good thriller with a side of romance and a dash of mystery!

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gripping and riveting read filled with drama, danger, intensity, and a twist of romance long denied. Marnie and Dan have a history of rivalry and electricity, and things finally boil over. Marnie is so invested in her job and the animals, sometimes to her own peril. This is so fast paced with characters and storyline that quickly pulled ne in and kept me raptly devouring this epic read. Can't wait for more. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Eileen Murphy-Schmehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is SOMETHING in the waters of Australia, and marine biologist Marnie is brought in to investigate. Marnie knows sharks, but whatever this thing is, it’s big and it’s killing people.

Marnie and Dan must work together again after a painful past. Can they forget the pain they caused each other and catch this ocean beast before it kills again?

A fast paced thriller- a must read that will make you think twice about scuba diving.

I received an advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the book.

I didn't think I was afraid of the ocean until reading this book. I've seen Jaws and this book gave me the same anxiety as the iconic Jaws theme song. You could feel the stakes raise every time there was a new eel attack and more people had died. Unfortunately, the ending seemed a bit rushed and anticlimactic. I had to reread a the last couple of pages because I was thought I had missed what happened.

Overall, I thought this was a pretty good read and would read more books in the series.

[KerryO · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love ocean mysteries and Beneath Blue Waves delivered with great characters, Marnie and Dan in particular, an absolutely thrilling story and great scuba action. I am hooked and cannot wait for the next book with another adventure for Marnie and Dan. I received an ARC from Book Sirens and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Bri May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried when this book ended. What a great story and I loved the characters. I didn't expect this book to grab me as much as it did because I don't know very much about the ocean. D.M. West transported me straight there - and I loved every second of it.

[Margot Templeton · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing debut! This book was delightfully Aussie. I enjoyed the pace of the ry. There was time to learn about the history of the characters, but the present story kept moving. There was a love of the ocean that came through and it has been researched well. It hooks you in and does not let go. This book will go international - bringing it as a present for mum in the Netherlands ;)

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

BENEATH BLUE WAVES - A well written, enjoyable read with interesting story lines, good characters and dialog, and a monster that evokes fear and pity. Source: BookSirens. 4*