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Blackwater
A dark, chilling psychological thriller from the number one bestselling author of the Emperor series. Blackwater was published as part of the Quick Reads initiative on World Book Day 2006.
How do you know when you're in too deep?
Davey has always lived in the shadow of his older brother, a smiling sociopath who will stop at nothing to protect himself and his family. But when the shadowy figure of Denis Tanter comes into Davey's life, how far will the bond of brotherhood reach?
96 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2006
24 people are currently reading
734 people want to read
About the author
Conn Iggulden
144 books6,020 followersAlso publishes under author name C.F. Iggulden.
I was born in the normal way in 1971, and vaguely remember half-pennies and sixpences. I have written for as long as I can remember: poetry, short stories and novels. It’s what I always wanted to do and read English at London University with writing in mind. I taught English for seven years and was Head of English at St. Gregory’s RC High School in London by the end of that period. I have enormous respect for those who still labour at the chalk-face. In truth, I can’t find it in me to miss the grind of paperwork and initiatives. I do miss the camaraderie of the smokers’ room, as well as the lessons where their faces lit up as they understood what I was wittering on about.
My mother is Irish and from an early age she told me history as an exciting series of stories – with dates. My great-grandfather was a Seannachie, so I suppose story-telling is in the genes somewhere. My father flew in Bomber Command in WWII, then taught maths and science. Perhaps crucially, he also loved poetry and cracking good tales. Though it seems a dated idea now, I began teaching when boys were told only girls were good at English, despite the great names that must spring to mind after that statement. My father loved working with wood and equations, but he also recited ‘Vitai Lampada’ with a gleam in his eye and that matters, frankly.
I’ve always loved historical fiction as a genre and cut my teeth on Hornblower and Tai-Pan, Flashman, Sharpe and Jack Aubrey. I still remember the sheer joy of reading my first Patrick O’Brian book and discovering there were nineteen more in the series. I love just about anything by David Gemmell, or Peter F. Hamilton or Wilbur Smith. I suppose the one thing that links all those is the love of a good tale.
That’s about it for the moment. If you’d like to get in touch with me leave a comment in the forum or you can tweet me @Conn_Iggulden. I’ll leave it there for the moment. If you’ve read my books, you know an awful lot about the way I think already. There’s no point overdoing it.
Conn Iggulden
I was born in the normal way in 1971, and vaguely remember half-pennies and sixpences. I have written for as long as I can remember: poetry, short stories and novels. It’s what I always wanted to do and read English at London University with writing in mind. I taught English for seven years and was Head of English at St. Gregory’s RC High School in London by the end of that period. I have enormous respect for those who still labour at the chalk-face. In truth, I can’t find it in me to miss the grind of paperwork and initiatives. I do miss the camaraderie of the smokers’ room, as well as the lessons where their faces lit up as they understood what I was wittering on about.
My mother is Irish and from an early age she told me history as an exciting series of stories – with dates. My great-grandfather was a Seannachie, so I suppose story-telling is in the genes somewhere. My father flew in Bomber Command in WWII, then taught maths and science. Perhaps crucially, he also loved poetry and cracking good tales. Though it seems a dated idea now, I began teaching when boys were told only girls were good at English, despite the great names that must spring to mind after that statement. My father loved working with wood and equations, but he also recited ‘Vitai Lampada’ with a gleam in his eye and that matters, frankly.
I’ve always loved historical fiction as a genre and cut my teeth on Hornblower and Tai-Pan, Flashman, Sharpe and Jack Aubrey. I still remember the sheer joy of reading my first Patrick O’Brian book and discovering there were nineteen more in the series. I love just about anything by David Gemmell, or Peter F. Hamilton or Wilbur Smith. I suppose the one thing that links all those is the love of a good tale.
That’s about it for the moment. If you’d like to get in touch with me leave a comment in the forum or you can tweet me @Conn_Iggulden. I’ll leave it there for the moment. If you’ve read my books, you know an awful lot about the way I think already. There’s no point overdoing it.
Conn Iggulden
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
April 9, 2013
Blackwater by Conn Iggulden is a fast-moving story told by Davey, a man who has lived his life as a tragic victim, often suffering at the hands of those closest to him. The book starts with Davey standing in the cold, calm, dark, nocturnal sea at Brighton beach, wearing his best suit and reflecting on his awful life.
Since childhood, his main tormentor has been his own brother, but things have recently got much worse. His wife treats him very badly, but he can suffer that because of his deep-seated love for her. It is because of her actions that two extremely violent men have joined the long list of people who have made his life a living hell.
Davey's tale is easy to read as it is written in conversational English. It moves at such a pace that the reader is always wondering how it will conclude and that view changes continually throughout the book. Even when the last word has been read, one is left puzzling over what could happen next.
Blackwater has a flavour of Ian McEwan's Saturday about it. I doubt that its pace and tension could be maintained to a lengthier version in a full-blown novel, but as a short story, I would rate it highly and would certainly recommend it to a friend.
Since childhood, his main tormentor has been his own brother, but things have recently got much worse. His wife treats him very badly, but he can suffer that because of his deep-seated love for her. It is because of her actions that two extremely violent men have joined the long list of people who have made his life a living hell.
Davey's tale is easy to read as it is written in conversational English. It moves at such a pace that the reader is always wondering how it will conclude and that view changes continually throughout the book. Even when the last word has been read, one is left puzzling over what could happen next.
Blackwater has a flavour of Ian McEwan's Saturday about it. I doubt that its pace and tension could be maintained to a lengthier version in a full-blown novel, but as a short story, I would rate it highly and would certainly recommend it to a friend.
September 9, 2020
How do you know when you're in too deep?
Davey has always lived in the shadow of his older brother, a smiling sociopath who will stop at nothing to protect himself and his family. But when the shadowy figure of Denis Tanter comes into Davey's life, how far will the bond of brotherhood reach?
Davey has always lived in the shadow of his older brother, a smiling sociopath who will stop at nothing to protect himself and his family. But when the shadowy figure of Denis Tanter comes into Davey's life, how far will the bond of brotherhood reach?
June 17, 2020
I took a while with this though it is a very short book- it seems to be my 'new normal'. I really enjoyed this and I know a few years ago I would have polished this off in a couple of hours and perhaps been left wanting. Maybe savouring every word is a good way to go. That's all about me - the book - it's a great read with some great characters though none are particularly nice people. I feel like I had a good look into the mind of the narrator. But you never really can get into another person's head can you? It's dark and almost depressing but well worth investing just a little time to read and appreciate this author's work. I've never been disappointed. Surprised yes, but not disappointed
January 5, 2025
روايه قصيره تحمل في طياتها الاثاره والتشويق وتصف الأشخاص المضطربين نفسيا واجتماعيا علي اختلاف اشكال ذلك الاضطراب علي جميع اشخاص الروايه.
استمتعت بها علي قصرها ولكنها ما قل ودل
استمتعت بها علي قصرها ولكنها ما قل ودل
November 30, 2025
Crime Noir
Blackwater is a novella by Conn Iggulden published almost twenty years ago. It’s about two brothers and a turbulent marriage. The story is well written and entertaining, but I found the ending to be disappointing.
Also this: «It is easier for men with high levels of testosterone, you know. They enjoy exercise more than other men, right up to the heart attack that kills them.»
What an incredible strange thing to write. What does he mean? That high levels of testosterone gives you a heart attack, or the exercise? Both things are highly beneficial to men. Lack of exercise, and low testosterone, combined with eating junk food, smoking, and drinking alcohol, is the real killer.
Blackwater is a novella by Conn Iggulden published almost twenty years ago. It’s about two brothers and a turbulent marriage. The story is well written and entertaining, but I found the ending to be disappointing.
Also this: «It is easier for men with high levels of testosterone, you know. They enjoy exercise more than other men, right up to the heart attack that kills them.»
What an incredible strange thing to write. What does he mean? That high levels of testosterone gives you a heart attack, or the exercise? Both things are highly beneficial to men. Lack of exercise, and low testosterone, combined with eating junk food, smoking, and drinking alcohol, is the real killer.
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July 14, 2025تمت..
١٩ محرم ١٤٤٧ | ١٤ يوليو ٢٠٢٥ ٤:٣٥ مساءً.
١٩ محرم ١٤٤٧ | ١٤ يوليو ٢٠٢٥ ٤:٣٥ مساءً.
May 10, 2019
Chilling & impressively dark psychological thriller - 80 pages, 7 chapters with a cracking twist!
After reading another Conn Iggulden story in the Quick Reads series and being impressed I decided to try Blackwater and what a brilliant read it turned out to be! At 80 print pages with just seven chapters I have to admit I wasn’t expecting much, but this is a fast-paced, engrossing and highly tense encounter with a well developed protagonist in unassuming narrator, Davey.
For Davey, standing in the sea at Brighton in his best suit and contemplating drowning, the voice of his sadistic and conscience free older brother sends a twinge of fear down his spine. His main protector from childhood bullies, Davey’s eponymous brother thinks nothing of coming to his families aid. When Davey tells him that he’s out of his depth with an enemy baying for blood, his help is immediately forthcoming. Over the course of the following 56 pages Davey tells of his adulterous wife, Carol, and her latest entanglement with a ruthless former boxer, Denis Tanter, with a paid thug to deliver his messages who is not willing to give up on the woman he has set his sights on. Thankfully Davey’s self-assured and cool customer of a brother has a plan which unfolds in a dramatic final 24 pages.
Davey is such an empathetic creation and his humiliation and shame at his wife’s behaviour is evident, making his predicament utterly compelling. Knowing that Denis Tanter is merely one of many in Carol’s long line of men and seeing his brothers shock at his what he has put up with throughout the course of his married life gives the story just enough depth to be meaningful. And yes! The story has a twist that I really did not see coming and a surprise into the close! A real lesson in how to deliver a suspenseful short story. Highly recommended.
After reading another Conn Iggulden story in the Quick Reads series and being impressed I decided to try Blackwater and what a brilliant read it turned out to be! At 80 print pages with just seven chapters I have to admit I wasn’t expecting much, but this is a fast-paced, engrossing and highly tense encounter with a well developed protagonist in unassuming narrator, Davey.
For Davey, standing in the sea at Brighton in his best suit and contemplating drowning, the voice of his sadistic and conscience free older brother sends a twinge of fear down his spine. His main protector from childhood bullies, Davey’s eponymous brother thinks nothing of coming to his families aid. When Davey tells him that he’s out of his depth with an enemy baying for blood, his help is immediately forthcoming. Over the course of the following 56 pages Davey tells of his adulterous wife, Carol, and her latest entanglement with a ruthless former boxer, Denis Tanter, with a paid thug to deliver his messages who is not willing to give up on the woman he has set his sights on. Thankfully Davey’s self-assured and cool customer of a brother has a plan which unfolds in a dramatic final 24 pages.
Davey is such an empathetic creation and his humiliation and shame at his wife’s behaviour is evident, making his predicament utterly compelling. Knowing that Denis Tanter is merely one of many in Carol’s long line of men and seeing his brothers shock at his what he has put up with throughout the course of his married life gives the story just enough depth to be meaningful. And yes! The story has a twist that I really did not see coming and a surprise into the close! A real lesson in how to deliver a suspenseful short story. Highly recommended.
February 1, 2022
[Review 8 of 2022]
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was amazing!! I finished this as an audiobook and the story was so good!
The fact that the story starts with the ending then goes into how he ended up in the water to the arriving back at the scene in the end was so good and well thought out. I really liked it which I’m surprised by
The thing that made this a five star is the fact that that twist at the ending was something I did not expect at all! I couldn’t believe it. I actually gasped out loud when it happened so just could not justify giving it any less than a five star.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was amazing!! I finished this as an audiobook and the story was so good!
The fact that the story starts with the ending then goes into how he ended up in the water to the arriving back at the scene in the end was so good and well thought out. I really liked it which I’m surprised by
The thing that made this a five star is the fact that that twist at the ending was something I did not expect at all! I couldn’t believe it. I actually gasped out loud when it happened so just could not justify giving it any less than a five star.
August 3, 2015
Blackwater is a dark and fast paced, chilling thriller about Davey, an ordinary married man, but whose life doesn't offer him anything but the worst humiliation and terror a man can can possibly endure.
When he can't take it anymore he relies on his older brother for help. Like so many times before, Davey knows that his brother stops at nothing in order to protect his family.
Iggulden made the story so realistic and alive it unnerved me as the story went on. A great short read.
When he can't take it anymore he relies on his older brother for help. Like so many times before, Davey knows that his brother stops at nothing in order to protect his family.
Iggulden made the story so realistic and alive it unnerved me as the story went on. A great short read.
July 22, 2022
This was quite a dark psychological thriller. Good atmosphere and well written.
April 8, 2022
Genre: Fiction – Quick reads – Crime Thriller - Violence
📖 This is such a strange book for me. None of the characters are particularly likeable yet the book was enjoyable.
✍️ Davey is the protagonist of the story. The book opens with him standing in the Sea at Brighton, fully clothed and contemplating his life. Through a series of flashbacks, we are introduced to Davey’s older, slightly bullying brother. Then we are told of Carol, Davey’s wayward straying wife. When Carol captures the eye of Denis, a well-known gangster type, Davey soon finds himself in trouble, and calls on his brother to help.
🗣 I often think it’s useful to see an extract of a book to get an idea of the writing style. Here is a brief extract so that you can see a sample of the writing yourself:
👓 Without giving too much away, one of the greatest things about this book was the twists at the end. I didn’t predict it at all and love it when something like that catches you out. It is dark and probably not what I would normally read but that is one of the great things about the quickreads series is that it encourages you to try something you might not otherwise.
👫 This is such a strange book as Davey who tells the story isn’t the most likeable character. Yet the author does a great job in intriguing the reader enough to make you want to know what happens to Davey and his straying wife.
🗺 I’ve been trying to think of authors that write similarly to this and the only one that comes to mind is Louise Candlish (The Skylight novella particularly springs to mind).
💭 Overall View: Certainly a quirky book. I imagine if you are into dark crimes or unreliable narrators this will be right up your street.
👍 Please leave a like if you think my review/feedback of the item was helpful to you. Alternatively, please contact me if you want me to clarify something in my review.
📖 This is such a strange book for me. None of the characters are particularly likeable yet the book was enjoyable.
✍️ Davey is the protagonist of the story. The book opens with him standing in the Sea at Brighton, fully clothed and contemplating his life. Through a series of flashbacks, we are introduced to Davey’s older, slightly bullying brother. Then we are told of Carol, Davey’s wayward straying wife. When Carol captures the eye of Denis, a well-known gangster type, Davey soon finds himself in trouble, and calls on his brother to help.
🗣 I often think it’s useful to see an extract of a book to get an idea of the writing style. Here is a brief extract so that you can see a sample of the writing yourself:
I think my brother killed him. I’d never had the nerve to ask outright, but our eyes had met as the coffin dropped down into the hole between us. I hadn’t known how to look away, but before I could he’d winked at me and I’d remembered all the secret cruelties of his life.
👓 Without giving too much away, one of the greatest things about this book was the twists at the end. I didn’t predict it at all and love it when something like that catches you out. It is dark and probably not what I would normally read but that is one of the great things about the quickreads series is that it encourages you to try something you might not otherwise.
👫 This is such a strange book as Davey who tells the story isn’t the most likeable character. Yet the author does a great job in intriguing the reader enough to make you want to know what happens to Davey and his straying wife.
🗺 I’ve been trying to think of authors that write similarly to this and the only one that comes to mind is Louise Candlish (The Skylight novella particularly springs to mind).
💭 Overall View: Certainly a quirky book. I imagine if you are into dark crimes or unreliable narrators this will be right up your street.
👍 Please leave a like if you think my review/feedback of the item was helpful to you. Alternatively, please contact me if you want me to clarify something in my review.
April 10, 2020
Blackwater by Conn Iggulden was written as part of the Quick Reads initiative for the 2006 World Book Day
It's a dark, psychological thriller which can be read in under an hour. It was on course for a solid four stars however I found the denouement slightly disappointing.
3/5
It's a dark, psychological thriller which can be read in under an hour. It was on course for a solid four stars however I found the denouement slightly disappointing.
3/5
September 3, 2021
This was a much darker and violent story than I was expecting. I liked the depiction of the brotherly bond between our protagonist Davey and his older brother which was one of protection, intensity and unpredictability.
In this short story, Davey finds himself being threatened by a man who is having an affair with Davey's wife. As soon as this shady character enters his life, there is a tension in the story which builds and builds right up until the dramatic ending.
Davey's passive nature was difficult to comprehend but it worked well in the dynamic between him and his brother and I found this to be a dark but entertaining story.
In this short story, Davey finds himself being threatened by a man who is having an affair with Davey's wife. As soon as this shady character enters his life, there is a tension in the story which builds and builds right up until the dramatic ending.
Davey's passive nature was difficult to comprehend but it worked well in the dynamic between him and his brother and I found this to be a dark but entertaining story.
March 2, 2020
Davey has always lived in the shadow of someone. First it was his older brother, who enjoyed bullying him. Then it was his wife. She thought nothing of sleeping with other men during their marriage. Davey put up with it. He felt he had to, as he loved her. But it all got too much when she slept with the local gangster. Davey was beaten severely by the local gangster’s “man”. Yet another person to bully Davey. This time though Davey decided to let his old bully meet his new bully, with fatal results, but it provides a way for Davey to become free.
June 5, 2024
Thoughts:
Interesting story with a few twists along the way. Davey initially seems like a more weak and vulnerable character but along the way we learn he’s a lot more resilient than he seemed when we first meet him on the beach. Denis and Davey’s brother definitely gave me the creeps. The end is definitely something I didn’t see coming but the twist was really something that made sense as it was outlined.
Favourite Quote:
"Fear shrinks you somehow, and courage swells you up larger than you really are. I've noticed that before."
Interesting story with a few twists along the way. Davey initially seems like a more weak and vulnerable character but along the way we learn he’s a lot more resilient than he seemed when we first meet him on the beach. Denis and Davey’s brother definitely gave me the creeps. The end is definitely something I didn’t see coming but the twist was really something that made sense as it was outlined.
Favourite Quote:
"Fear shrinks you somehow, and courage swells you up larger than you really are. I've noticed that before."
December 3, 2021
4 stars. This 80 page novella was a quick read and it was an interesting one. Iggulden writes brilliant historical fiction novels but in this one, it's a psychological thriller. Davey's wife plays around on him and he's always accepted it. Until Denis Tanter arrives in his house with a henchman-Denis wants Carol all to himself. Davey can't see a way out of it and calls on his big brother to help him. A very interesting read.
February 19, 2018
I love Conn Iggulden and picked this up in our library whilst waiting in a queue. It's different and I wouldn't say it's a lovely book but more disturbing. It follows Davey and his weird relationship with both his brother and his wife. His wife brings into his life Denis Tanter who is determined to have Davey's wife all to himself. I didn't see the ending coming quite as it was written and would love to have known how Davey sorted his wife out!
May 19, 2018
A great little short story from Iggulden which shows the danger of upsetting quiet men. Our hero (anti-hero) tells us his past, his wife (who is cheating on him) and his soon to be future. Very well written, and you end up caring for the main character (although you may end up hating him).
Recommended if you've got a spare 90 minutes!
Recommended if you've got a spare 90 minutes!
May 30, 2018
A wonderful quick read! CHILLING.
A boy who lives in his older brother's shadow soon realises that he may be better off looking out for himself. Their brotherly bond is tested and the trust forever lost.
An impressive short story. I was blown away by the ending and if not for the inherent darkness in their relationship, I quite liked their protective brotherhood.
A boy who lives in his older brother's shadow soon realises that he may be better off looking out for himself. Their brotherly bond is tested and the trust forever lost.
An impressive short story. I was blown away by the ending and if not for the inherent darkness in their relationship, I quite liked their protective brotherhood.
June 19, 2020
My first book by this author and I found the writing promising. A very short story. Cleverly done, the story is compelling enough to follow despite it being narrated by the main character who doesn't appear to be very likeable from the start. I know I'm going to be reading other books by this author in the future.
December 26, 2020
Davey is a mild mannered man who is cheated on constantly by his wife Carol. When his wife starts dating Denis, who wants Carol to himself, he brings terror in the form of his henchman Michael into their lives. Davey knows that the only way to get rid of them is to involve his sociopath brother in his life.
July 27, 2024
Listened (audiobook) to this in under 2 hours because Conn Is one of my favourite authors and I’ve read everything else he has written. Quite different to his usual historical fiction but the excellent writing in the first person puts you right in the middle of this story with an unforgettable twist!
July 21, 2020
A thoroughly enjoyable read and nice to see this author delve into a first person narrative. Iggulden’s ability to place the reader into the emotional of his characters is accessible and relatable, and therefore powerful and engrossing
September 9, 2021
Pretty quick moving, rough little tale about a guy being pushed around and how he enlists others to help. There is a twist so I'll keep it vague. It's short, sweet, to the point and I liked it. I can't say anything else.
August 3, 2017
Short, tightly scripted, developed characters.
Excellent short story from a master story teller.
Excellent short story from a master story teller.
September 26, 2017
A good short story
November 9, 2017
Entertaining shorty
December 4, 2017
Well, this was a quick, depressing, little read and I certainly didn't expect the twist at the end. It shows how far someone will go when they humiliated all their lives.
March 11, 2018
An interesting character study and a cool twist.
March 31, 2019
Enjoyable short story, well written and a good little twist.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews