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Tide of Bone

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The gripping first book in the Mara Ellison Series.

A body buried beneath the cliffs.
A disappearance no one properly investigated.
And a detective about to uncover secrets someone believed were lost to the sea.

Book 2 - The Quiet Harbour - coming soon

Six years ago, Laura Whitmore vanished.

She had checked into a private rehabilitation facility on the Kent coast.

Days later the clinic claimed she walked away.

No witnesses.
No investigation.
No one looking for answers.

Until the sea gives her back.

After a violent winter storm exposes a shallow grave beneath the cliffs outside Broadstairs, Detective Inspector Mara Ellison is called to the scene.

The remains belong to Laura Whitmore.

Reopening the case leads Mara and her partner DS Finn Rourke into the secretive world of the rehabilitation facility where Laura was last seen alive — a place where records have disappeared, staff stories don’t match, and former residents speak of control, silence, and fear.

Someone inside the building knows what happened the night Laura died.

But as Mara pushes closer to the truth, the investigation begins to echo something from her own past — a name connected to the mysterious death of her husband three years earlier.

Some secrets refuse to stay buried.

Perfect for fans Angela MarsonsCara HunterLJ RossMichael ConnellyAnn Cleeves
Tide of Bone is the first novel in the gripping Thanet Crime Series.

536 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 8, 2026

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About the author

E.S. Meyer

18 books1 follower
Grab your free prequel Novella, Before the Tide Turns and exclusive case files from the Mara Ellison Series over on my website.

https://esmeyer.author-pages.com

E.S Meyer has always had a passion for writing, as a dad of 4, time can often be a bit of a myth. Writing is an escape, an outlet for creativity, saved for downtime in the evenings which birthed the crime thriller writers first series. Balancing this with working full time has proven difficult, but we don't let creativity sit unexplored.

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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
12 reviews
May 17, 2026
This is one of those books that I could not just put down,which says alot.
It is a fantastic read and it pulls you into the story arc effortlessly,the atmosphere the author creates is outstanding.
The main character is beautifully written,you can sense her struggles in everything she has to accomplish to get the result that is needed.
It is obvious from the first few pages you read that the author has researched how police, forensics team work,the evidence needed to finalise a case,and the determination needed,the passion that comes across is infectious and I personally just had to read more to find out what happened next.
I loved this book,and thoroughly enjoyed reading this to its end conclusion.
63 reviews4 followers
April 17, 2026
Okay, so the fact that I devoured this book in under 12 hours says a lot about the way it is written. It is gripping, disturbing, eerie, and a real page turner. The attention to detail is clear throughout. Even the smallest elements are carefully handled, such as the repeated examination of each line of evidence until it is legally sound, rather than relying on the emotions of those involved.

I really enjoyed the narrative, as well as the character development. From beginning to end, you do not fully trust anyone. Even when something is presented as fact, I found myself questioning it and forming my own opinions, which is something I have never really done with thriller novels before. That made the reading experience feel far more engaging and interactive.

In my opinion, it feels less like a traditional thriller and more like a procedural. Thrillers often rely on a faster pace and shorter structure, whereas this takes its time. That said, it is still thrilling in the way it creates tension and pulls you into the emotional experiences of the characters. It just does so in a less conventional way, which I actually preferred because it shifts the narrative style.

It was a very immersive experience. It did not feel like reading a book so much as watching something unfold. At times, it felt more like a screenplay or a television series, particularly something like Line of Duty or Adolescence. The level of detail makes scenes feel vivid and almost visual, which is not something I usually experience when reading.

I would not be surprised if this is adapted for television in the future. The structure and attention to detail lend themselves perfectly to that format.
9 reviews
March 29, 2026
From the opening pages, this book captivated me completely. The author masterfully weaves in subtle hints that build the mystery into a deeply rewarding puzzle. What truly elevated it was the vivid sensory descriptions—I felt immersed in the scenes, practically inhaling the aroma of coffee, bracing against the wind, and shivering with the characters in the chill.

Initially daunted by its 40 chapters, I soon found the pacing so seamless that the story raced along effortlessly. The length melted away amid my total absorption. The resolution ties up the intrigue neatly while teasing an irresistible setup for the sequel—I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Profile Image for Prateek Mehta.
Author 13 books7 followers
March 25, 2026
This is an impressive debut for the Mara Ellison series, offering a masterclass in building tension and mystery. The plot is relentless, following an investigation that feels both professionally sharp and deeply personal as secrets from the past begin to resurface. The atmospheric writing, from the steady rain to the weight of recovered files, perfectly sets the tone for a story where every detail matters. The connection between Mara and her team adds a grounded layer to the high-stakes case, making the resolution feel both earned and intriguing. It is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers who appreciate a strong lead and a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end.
54 reviews4 followers
March 13, 2026
Tide of Bones completely drew me in from the first page! The story is gripping, with vivid world-building and well-developed characters that feel real and relatable. I especially loved the suspense and how the plot kept me guessing until the very end. The author’s writing style is immersive and easy to follow, making it a true page-turner. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys thrilling, character-driven fantasy!
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
5,069 reviews123 followers
April 16, 2026
This was an amazing read that grabbed me from the first chapter and kept me interested and reading until the end. This book moves along at a pace that is perfect for the flow of the story which made for an easy read. It has characters that no matter what happens you want to know and no matter what happens you want to be there for them. This book is a must read, it needs to be on you TBR list.
95 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2026
What a hard hitting detective story, well here you have it.
Gripping & exciting.
How far does deceipt reach.
This was an ARC copy.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews